Modern Health Science

Is Ocular Counter-Roll Otolith-Ocular Reflex?

2025-03-12T10:44:53+08:00

Purpose

Ocular counter-roll has been thought to be an otolith-ocular reflex. However, there is a hypothesis that it is a semicircular canal (SCC) ocular reflex. This study aimed to validate whether ocular counter-roll can be explained by the SCC theory.

Methods

Experiment 1: Two springs with plastic balls (different turning radius) were fixed to a swivel chair and were rotated suddenly. Experiment 2: Subject was seated and the entire upper body was bent forward 60 degrees with the neck fixed. Experiment 3: Subject was seated, the head was twisted 45 degrees to the right and the entire upper body was bent forward 60 degrees with the neck fixed. Experiment 4 (roll rotation): Subject was asked to tilt his upper body 60 degrees to the left. Eye movements in the dark were observed and recorded using an infrared camera. In Experiments 2, 3 and 4, subjects were four healthy humans.

Results

Experiment 1: Immediately after the movement, the two balls moved tangentially. The ball on the outside spring moved more compared to the ball attached to the inside spring. Experiment 2: In all subjects, nystagmus was vertical. The direction was downward. Experiment 3: In all subjects, nystagmus was vertical/torsional. The direction was downward (torsional component was leftward). Experiment 4: In all subjects, nystagmus was torsional, and the direction was leftward.

Conclusion

Since the role of SCCs is to sense angular acceleration in all directions of 360 degrees in a coordinated manner, bilateral vertical SCCs are stimulated in roll rotation. Therefore, SCC theory can explain the generation of ocular counter-roll. We proposed the “difference of inertial forces” theory to explain the mechanism of vestibulo-ocular reflex.

Integrating Acupuncture and Mindfulness for Depression: Clinical Evidence, Mechanistic Understanding, and a Case Study in Adolescent Treatment

2025-04-12T13:12:04+08:00

Depression represents a significant global health challenge, with conventional treatments limited by efficacy gaps, side effects, and accessibility barriers. This paper investigates the integrative application of acupuncture and mindfulness as a novel, non-pharmacological approach to depression management, leveraging their complementary neurobiological and psychological mechanisms. We synthesize contemporary clinical and neuroscientific evidence supporting each modality individually, propose a theoretical framework for their combined application, and present an illustrative case study of a 15-year-old female with moderate depression (baseline PHQ-9: 12; BDI-II: 25). The patient underwent a 12-week program combining electroacupuncture and mindfulness-based interventions, resulting in significant symptom remission (final PHQ-9: 3; BDI-II: 6), alongside improvements in mood, energy, and daily functioning. The treatment integrated acupuncture's modulation of neurotransmitter systems and stress pathways with mindfulness's enhancement of emotional regulation and neuroplasticity, demonstrating potential synergistic effects. This case provides preliminary evidence of efficacy, particularly for adolescents seeking alternatives to pharmacotherapy. These findings underscore the need for rigorous controlled trials to validate this integrative strategy and establish its role in contemporary depression management, offering a translational framework for future research and clinical practice.

Home-based vs. Nursing Home Care: A Comparative Study on the Quality of Life of the Elderly in Nantong

2025-04-23T01:10:45+08:00

Background: China’s aging population underscores urgent challenges in elderly care. In this study, quality of life (QoL) and nutritional status were compared between elderly populations in home-based and nursing home care to inform care strategies. Methods: A stratified random sample of elderly residents in the Chongchuan, Nantong, was assessed using online and offline questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Results: Nursing home residents exhibited significantly lower QoL across all dimensions than home-based elderly. Female elderly exhibited significantly higher mean scores across all QoL dimensions than males. Individuals aged 60–69 years scored higher across all dimensions than the other age groups. Academic qualifications significantly influenced two dimensions, with higher academic qualifications associated with better outcomes. Pre-retirement occupation showed significant effects on four dimensions, although no inter-occupational differences were observed. Income significantly impacted one dimension, with higher income correlating with a better QoL. Significant effects of marital status were observed. Frequency of contact with children only influenced one dimension, with no differences across contact levels. Chronic diseases significantly affected all dimensions. Home-based elderly individuals had higher Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) scores than nursing home residents. MNA-SF scores showed significant positive correlations with all QoL dimensions. Conclusions: The higher QoL and nutritional status of home-based elderly individuals compared to nursing home residents was attributed to stronger family support, greater autonomy, and familiar environments. Care setting selection should consider health status and family support. Interventions targeting mental health, social interactions, and nutrition are essential for improving QoL in nursing homes.