Medicine
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Observational Study
Morphologic analysis of Chinese lumbar endplate by three-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions for helping design lumbar disc prosthesis.
Lumbar disc prostheses have been used increasingly in recent years. The successful design of lumbar disc prostheses depends on accurate morphometric parameters. However, the morphologic dimensions of lumbar endplate area have not been investigated in Chinese population. ⋯ The morphometric parameters of different populations also showed differences. In conclusion, there is a morphologic discrepancy in dimensions of lumbar endplate regarding genders, vertebral segments, and different populations. It is essential to design the lumbar disc prosthesis suited for Chinese patients specially, for which the morphometric parameters in our study can be utilized.
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Observational Study
Association between atrial fibrillation and white blood cell count after the Great East Japan Earthquake: An observational study from the Fukushima Health Management Survey.
We had earlier reported about the increase in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) among residents in the evacuation zone of Fukushima Prefecture after the Great East Japan Earthquake. In the present investigation, we explored the association between the prevalence of AF and white blood cell (WBC) count after the earthquake through an observational cross-sectional study. A total of 14,800 participants (6427 men and 8373 women) were included in the Fukushima Health Management Survey. ⋯ Monocyte count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio exhibited a significant association with the prevalence of AF in the multivariable-adjusted model. The adjusted ORs of monocyte count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio for AF were 1.21 (95% CI, 1.05-1.40, P = .01) and 1.22 (95% CI, 1.01-1.44, P < .05), respectively. The prevalence of AF was associated with increased monocyte count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio among residents in the evacuation zone in Fukushima Prefecture, suggesting that inflammation and psychological stress could be important factors mediating the development of AF after the earthquake.
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Chromosome karyotype analysis and SRY (sex determined region of Y chromosome) gene detection are routines for the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD), but further whole exome gene sequencing occasionally leads to subversive results and unexpected conclusions. ⋯ In summary, whole exome gene sequencing overturned the preliminary diagnosis results of karyotype analysis and SRY gene detection, and found that there may be a certain correlation between testicular DSD and GHD.
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The purpose of the present study was to investigate the accuracy of a screening method using salivary tests to screen for periodontal disease. In total, 1888 individuals older than 30 years in 2017 and 2296 in 2018 who underwent medical check-ups for metabolic syndrome agreed to participate and simultaneously underwent a dental examination by dentists and salivary tests. Salivary occult blood, protein, and ammonia levels and white blood cell counts were evaluated in salivary tests using commercially available kits. ⋯ Questions regarding self-reported gingival bleeding were not sufficient to screen for periodontitis. The present results suggest that screening tests using salivary samples may detect periodontal disease in approximately 70% to 80% of subjects in a large population. Conclusion: Salivary ammonia and hemoglobin have potential as salivary markers in the screening of periodontal disease.
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Pediatric procedural sedation (PPS) is often performed outside of the operating room, and by various sub-specialty providers. There is no consistency in how pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellows are trained in PPS. The objective of this study was to survey PEM program directors (PDs) and PEM fellows about their current sedation teaching practices via a direct survey. ⋯ PPS is a critical skill. However, there is a lack of consistency in both education and evaluation of competency in this area. An organized PPS rotation would improve PPS case exposure and PPS skills.