Medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of 2940 nm Er: YAG laser treatment in the microlaser peel, fractional ablative laser, or combined modes for the treatment of concave acne scars.
To compare and analyze the effects of Er:YAG laser treatment in the microlaser peeling, fractional ablative laser, or combined modes for the treatment of concave acne scars. ⋯ Three treatment modes are all effective in treating the concavity acne scar. Among the three modes, CM group is best effective, also accompanied with the most severe side effect; FM group achieves the best balance between treatment effect and side effect. The treatment practices indicate that when the Er:YAG laser with a wavelength of 2940 nm is used to treat concavity acne scars, the right treatment mode should be subject to the severity of the scar.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Intervention for stress management among skilled construction workers.
Previous studies have demonstrated the need for a stress management intervention among construction workers. Construction workers, despite their degree of stress, are expected to contribute to the accomplishment of projects on construction sites. This study aimed to ascertain the effect of a group rational emotive behavior therapy (group REBT) on stress management among a select sample of skilled construction workers in construction industry in Nigeria. ⋯ Group REBT was significant in reducing stress and work-related irrational beliefs among the skilled construction workers.
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Nutcracker and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome share the same pathogenesis, but the simultaneous occurrence of both diseases is quite rare. A combination of the nutcracker syndrome and IgA nephropathy has previously been reported. Herein, we report what we believe is the first case of coexisting nutcracker and SMA syndrome in a patient with IgA nephropathy. ⋯ Although the association between vascular compression and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has not been elucidated yet, combination of nutcracker syndrome and SMA syndrome should be considered in patients with IgAN. The combination may increase the complexity of the disease, and renal biopsy should not be hesitated for differential diagnosis.
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The clinical significance of hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width (Hb/RDW) for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) has not been reported yet. This study aimed to evaluate the value of preoperative Hb/RDW, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for the diagnosis of NPC. A total of 180 NPC patients (NPC group) and 149 healthy subjects (control group) were recruited to assess the value of Hb/RDW, NLR, and PLR for the diagnosis of NPC. ⋯ Furthermore, Hb/RDW combined with NLR area under the ROC (AUC), 0.824; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.779-0.864, P = .0080) or PLR (AUC: 0.851, 95% CI: 0.808-0.888, P = .0002) had a greater AUC value for the diagnosis of NPC compared with Hb/RDW alone (AUC: 0.781, 95% CI: 0.732-0.824). Hb/RDW can be used as a valuable indicator for auxiliary diagnosis of NPC. Preoperative Hb/RDW combined with NLR or PLR is of great significance in the auxiliary diagnosis and pathological staging of NPC.
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Concurrent kidney and ureteral stones are always complicated and a clinical challenge. Improvements in endoscopic equipment have led to the widespread adoption of retrograde intrarenal surgery, which has a good stone clearance rate. On the other hand, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LUL) has been reported to be non-inferior to retrograde flexible ureteroscopy in stone-free rate and the need for axillary procedures, and to have a significantly lower rate of post-operative sepsis compared to retrograde flexible ureteroscopy. We describe a case managed with LUL followed by laparoscope-assisted retrograde intrarenal surgery (LA-RIRS) in a single operation for a large upper ureteral stone and small renal stones, which is usually challenging and requires axillary procedures. ⋯ LUL with LA-RIRS with a stone basket for renal stone extraction is a safe and feasible technique, and no step surgery or axillary procedures were needed in our case. If clinical cases with a huge stone burden over the ureter are indicated for LUL with concurrent small renal stones, LUL with LA-RIRS can be an alternative option.