Postgraduate medical journal
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Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), often arising from deep vein thrombosis, remains a high-mortality condition despite diagnostic advancements. Prognostic models like Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) and sPESI identify low-risk groups effectively. The Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) score, reflecting nutritional status and systemic inflammation, shows prognostic value in cancers and cardiovascular diseases. This study examines the relationship between in-hospital mortality HALP score and simplified PESI (sPESI) in PTE patients. ⋯ Our study supports the reliability of sPESI and PESI scores in predicting in-hospital mortality in PTE patients. However, the prognostic value of the HALP score requires further investigation. Our findings highlight the need for developing risk stratification models. Key message What is already known on this topic? The PESI and sPESI scores are established prognostic models that effectively identify low-risk groups in patients with PTE. The HALP score, reflecting nutritional status and systemic inflammation, has shown prognostic value in cancer and cardiovascular diseases. What this study adds? This study demonstrates that while PESI and sPESI scores are significant predictors of in-hospital mortality in PTE patients, the HALP score does not have a significant cut-off value for predicting mortality. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy? The findings support the continued use of PESI and sPESI scores for risk stratification in clinical practice, potentially influencing guidelines and policies on managing PTE. Further research into the HALP score's role in other contexts may refine its prognostic utility.
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This study aims to compare the therapeutic effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) treatment in schizophrenia patients with auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs). ⋯ Our study found that both rTMS and cTBS treatment can exhibit therapeutic effects in the management of AVHs in patients with schizophrenia. However, cTBS treatment generally shows a higher therapeutic effect than rTMS treatment.
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The significance of calcification and microcalcification in diagnosing malignant tumors is well established, but their role in the upper abdomen is less explored in routine radiology. ⋯ Intratumoral calcification in CT imaging is a key marker for distinguishing between benign and malignant epigastric tumors, offering high specificity. Key message • What is already known on this topic - Intratumoral calcification, as a highly sensitive radiological marker, has shown potential in differentiating between benign and malignant tumors in thyroid and breast cancers. However, its discriminatory role in upper abdominal tumors is often overlooked. Therefore, assessing the diagnostic accuracy of intratumoral calcification on CT scans is crucial for improving diagnostic efficiency and avoiding unnecessary examinations. • What this study adds - Intratumoral calcification on CT exhibits high specificity in differentiating between benign and malignant upper abdominal tumors, providing a simple and reliable criterion for improving diagnostic accuracy. • How this study might affect research, practice or policy - This study highlights the significance of intratumoral calcification characteristics observed on CT in determining whether upper abdominal tumors are benign or malignant. The findings could pave the way for the development of a CT-based calcification scoring system, which would facilitate rapid and accurate diagnostics in clinical practice, thereby optimizing treatment strategies and enhancing patient prognosis.