Medicine
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Observational Study
Effectiveness of electroacupuncture for the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss: A retrospective study.
This retrospective study investigated the use of electroacupuncture (EA) for the treatment of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Between May 2016 and April 2020, 140 patients with SSNHL were retrospectively analyzed. They were allocated to a treatment group (n = 70, received EA) and a control group (n = 70, received acupuncture). ⋯ When it comes to AEs, both modalities had similar safety profile. The findings of this retrospective study indicated that the effectiveness of EA is superior to acupuncture in treating SSNHL. Future high quality studies are needed to warrant the present findings.
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Observational Study
Determinants of first-line biological treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Results from an observational study.
Guidelines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) recommend the use of conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cs-DMARDs) at the onset of the disease and only in the case of therapeutic failure, the addition of a biological drug (b-DMARD) is suggested. The study aimed to evaluate determinants for first-line biological treatment in patients with RA in clinical practice. A cohort of patients with RA, resident in Lazio, a central Italian Region, where Rome is located, and with at least one disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) prescription between 2010 and 2016 was selected using health information systems linkable with each other by an individual unique anonymous identifier. ⋯ In the first year of treatment, we observed a percentage of switch from cs-DMARDs to b-DMARDs of 7.9%. In clinical practice, about 7% of patients with RA are prescribed with a b-DMARD as first-line treatment. This therapeutic option, even if not supported by guide lines, is mostly link to younger age and clinical profile of the patients.
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Observational Study
Survey and enlightenment on the wearing of protective equipment of nurses working on the front line against COVID-19.
At present, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a significant challenge for health workers around the world. This survey aims to highlight the status of the implementation of occupational protection measures for nurses working on the front line against COVID-19, and to analyze the problems in the process of wearing protective equipment. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 165 nurses who worked in COVID-19-stricken areas in China in March 2020. ⋯ More detailed personal protection standards should be developed, and the work load of nurses should be reduced. Actions should be taken to ensure the scientific implementation of personal protective measures. To solve practical clinical problems, future protective equipment may focus on the research and development of protective equipment applicable for different risk levels, as well as the research on integrated design, fabric innovation, and reusability.
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Case Reports
Rescue balloon-assisted remodeling technique for protrusion of coil loop: A case report.
Among the possible complications during endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms, coil protrusion into the parent artery is associated with parent artery occlusion or thromboembolic of the distal arteries. There is no clearly established management strategy for coil protrusion. This report demonstrates our experience with balloon-assisted remodeling to reposition a protruded coil loop. ⋯ The rescue balloon-assisted remodeling technique was useful in the management of protrusion of a small coil loop into the parent artery during endovascular coil embolization of an intracranial aneurysm. The procedure was associated with minimal complications.
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A Monteggia fracture was described initially as a fracture of the proximal third ulna and anterior dislocation of the proximal epiphysis radius.[1] In 1967, Bado discovered "true Monteggia lesions" and classified them into 4 groups.[2] He also used the term "equivalents" or "Monteggia-like-lesions" to describe specific injuries with similar radiographic patterns.[3] This type of fracture is rare and frequently associated with complications, poor functional results, and further operations.[4]. ⋯ Monteggia-like-lesion has many variations in physical and radiograph appearance. Careful evaluation of fracture pattern, identification of injury mechanism, and appropriate treatment planning based on Monteggia fracture treatment principles are mandatory to achieve the patient's best outcome.