Medicine
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Comparative Study
Dosimetric comparison of organs at risk in 5 different radiotherapy plans in patients with preoperatively irradiated rectal cancer.
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is a widely used irradiation technique in rectal cancer patients. We aimed to compare 4 different IMRT plans with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) considering organs at risk (OARs) in patients with rectal carcinoma. ⋯ IMRT plans reduced almost all the OARs doses compared with the 3D-CRT plan in rectal cancer patients. Furthermore, SIB plans demonstrated lower OAR doses than the phase plans. IMRT techniques, especially SIB plans, reduce OAR doses and provide safer doses for the treatment of rectal carcinoma.
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Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) white matter lesions have been reported in some preoperative cochlear implant children. However, the role of white matter lesions in predicting the hearing outcome is yet unclear. The present study investigated the outcomes of cochlear implantation (CI) in 40 children with white matter lesions. ⋯ Multiple regression established a weak correlation between the degree of white matter lesions on brain MRI and long-term CAP and SIR, while cognitive impairment strongly accounted for long-term CAP and SIR outcome. The majority of the children with brain white matter lesions obtained a satisfactory postoperative effect. The cognitive impairment before CI is a major factor, and such factor should be considered.
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Observational Study
Anterior cruciate ligament injury patterns and their relationship to fatigue and physical fitness levels - a cross-sectional study.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common knee injuries that leads to many consequences such as early osteoarthritis and knee joint instability. To explore the association of the types of ACL tear (complete and partial) and side of injury (dominant vs nondominate) with types of playing surfaces, sports, shoes, and mechanism of injuries as well as to determine whether higher levels of fatigue and physical fitness are risk factors for complete ACL tear. This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire to collect information from young male adults with a confirmed ACL injury who were attending rehabilitation programs. ⋯ For every 1-point increase in the level of fatigue on a 0-10 scale, there was a 25% reduction in complete ACL injury risk (P = .023). The pattern of ACL types of tear and side of injury varies in different playing surfaces and mechanisms of injuries. Higher levels of fatigue seem to be associated with a partial tear of the ACL and reduction of a complete ACL tear risk factor.
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Brochoalvelolar lavages (BALs) from patients suffering from hospitalized infections with SARS-CoV-2, other corona viruses (human coronavirus (HCoV)-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-HKU1), Influenza virus type A and B, Haemophilus influenzae and Pneumocystis jirovecii were compared cytopathologically. The aim of the study was to evaluate if the cellular profile detectable in BAL may be specific for the respective pathogens and could lead to diagnosis of COVID-19 even in the absence of PCR results. ⋯ We observed a significant association between individual cell pattern changes and the causing pathogen, but no general cell distribution pattern. The cytology pattern of the BAL fluid in COVID-19 is not specific enough to use it as a sole diagnostic criterion, although it may support clinical decision making.
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Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is relatively rare after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) can be fatal. Whether routine thromboprophylaxis or thrombolytic treatment is necessary for patients undergoing UKA remains unclear. Here, we present a case of delayed pulmonary embolism after UKA. ⋯ We presented an unusual case of delayed pulmonary embolism after UKA. Despite the low incidence, its life-threatening nature makes it imperative for surgeons to be well-informed about thrombosis and pay more attention to its prevention strategies.