BioMed research international
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of Combination Therapies on Neck Pain and Muscle Tenderness in Male Patients with Upper Trapezius Active Myofascial Trigger Points.
Myofascial pain syndrome, thought to be the main cause of neck pain and shoulder muscle tenderness in the working population, is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). This study aimed to examine the immediate and short-term effect of the combination of two therapeutic techniques for improving neck pain and muscle tenderness in male patients with upper trapezius active MTrPs. This study was a pretest-posttest single-blinded randomized controlled trial. ⋯ The intergroup analysis revealed significant differences among groups A, B, and C in VAS and PPT at Po (VAS-Po: F = 13.88, p=0.0001; PPT-Po: F = 17.17, p=0.0001) and even after 2 weeks of follow-up (VAS-Fo: F = 222.35, p=0.0001; PPT-Fo: F = 147.70, p=0.0001). Cohen's d revealed a significant treatment effect size within all groups except group C (only significant for VAS-Po-VAS-Pr: mean difference = 1.33, p < 0.05, d = 1.09); however, it showed a maximum effect size in group A for its variables (VAS-Fo-VAS-Pr: mean difference = 5.27, p=0.01, d = 4.04; PPT-Fo-PPT-Pr: mean difference = 2.14, p < 0.01, d = 3.89). Combination therapies (MET plus ICT) showed immediate and short-term (2-week follow-up) improvements in neck pain and muscle tenderness in male patients with upper trapezius active MTrPs.
-
Comparative Study
Comparison of Cochlear Implant Magnets and Their MRI Artifact Size.
Recent developments regarding cochlear implant magnets (e.g., a bipolar diametral magnet) and refined surgical techniques (e.g., implant positioning) have had a significant impact on the relation between cochlear implants and MRIs, making the reproducible visibility of cochlea and IAC possible. MRI scanning has changed from a contraindication to a diagnostic tool. Magnet artifact size plays a central role in the visual assessment of the cochlea and IAC. ⋯ We observed no major difference between maximum implant magnet artifact sizes of the three implant magnet types.
-
Observational Study
Translation and Validation of the Korean Version of the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Score QoR-15.
Quality of recovery after anesthesia is an important measure of the early postoperative health status of patients. The Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire is a self-rated questionnaire used to assess the quality of postoperative recovery. This study is aimed at translating and validating the Korean version of QoR-15 (QoR-15K). ⋯ The mean ± standard deviation time to complete QoR-15K was 138.1 ± 30.7 s. QoR-15K was rated more than adequate on the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist. In conclusion, QoR-15K shows acceptable validity, reliability, responsiveness, and clinical feasibility and may help evaluate postoperative quality of recovery in Korean populations.
-
To study demographic and clinical characteristics and to give a comparative description of the functional and hemodynamic status, profile of concomitant pathology in patients with various forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) according to the Russian National Registry. ⋯ According to the Russian registry in patients with PAH and IPAH, the diagnosis is established at a younger age in comparison with the European registries. CTEPH patients are characterized by more severe functional status, pronounced signs of right heart failure taking into account the older age and the spectrum of comorbid pathology, which limits the possibility of surgical treatment. An increase in the number of expert centers participating in the registry is the key to improving early diagnosis of PH and optimal follow-up according to common standards in order to timely optimize therapy and reduce mortality of patients.
-
Cardiogenic shock is associated with high mortality, despite new strategies for reperfusion therapy. Short-term circulatory support devices may provide adequate support for appropriate myocardial and organ perfusion. ⋯ The use of V-A ECMO among patients with AMI-induced cardiogenic shock may provide survival benefits. However, V-A ECMO treatment effects are inconclusive because of limitations in cohort design and reporting.