Postgraduate medical journal
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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.
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The Tubridge flow diverter (TFD) was recently developed to treat intracranial aneurysm (IA). In this study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of this novel device. ⋯ This study identified a high rate of IA occlusion in patients who received TFD treatment. These patients also reported a satisfactory quality of life. Further studies in larger prospective cohorts with longer follow-up periods are warranted to verify our findings. Key message What is already known on this topic Flow diverter (FD) devices are an optimal tool to modify hemodynamics and treat intracranial aneurysms (IAs). However, the safety and efficacy of a novel self-expanding FD, namely the Tubridge flow diverter (TFD), remain to be fully established owing to the short-term follow-up periods and limited sample size of existing studies. What this study adds In our cohort of patients who received TFD treatment, 96.6% of patients reported satisfactory quality of life at the last clinical follow-up (mean, 16.9 months); and 84.6% of IAs were successfully occluded at the last angiographic follow-up (mean, 10.4 months). Our comprehensive review and evidence synthesis of existing studies on TFD found high rates of satisfactory quality of life (98.8%; 97.1-99.9%) and IA obliteration (78.5%; 74.0-82.7%). How this study might affect research, practice or policy TFD demonstrated satisfactory performance in the treatment of IAs in our cohort. Studies with larger prospective cohorts and longer follow-up periods are warranted to further investigate this promising novel approach.
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Our aim is to explore the relation between non-neoplastic bladder diseases and bladder cancer (BC) from a genetic level utilizing Mendelian randomization (MR). ⋯ The study presents proof of a genetic-level causal relation between cystitis and increased BC risk, while bladder stones and neuropathic bladder do not show similar associations.
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Physical activity was previously associated with decreased mortality. Current guidelines recommend >150 min/week or >75 min/week of moderate or high-intensity exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle; however, exercise properties most strongly associated with low mortality among the elderly may still be explored. ⋯ The study further supports current exercise guidelines among the elderly. It also underscores the importance of physical activity in older individuals while prioritizing a greater number of sessions/week in addition to the total duration, and highlights specific activity features associated with lower long-term mortality among older adults. Key message • What is already known on this topic - Physical activity was associated with a lower risk for mortality, although the specific properties and the preferred type of exercise among older adults are still debatable. • What this study adds - The study suggests the optimal activity characteristics in older adults while prioritizing activity sessions over time, light-moderate exercise over strenuous activity, diverse activity, and walking and swimming over other activities. • How this study might affect research, practice or policy - Future exercise guidelines should focus on increasing activity sessions throughout the week and not on the cumulative time to maximize the effect on mortality.