Medicine
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Left ventricular (LV) apical thrombus formation is a well described and clinically important complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI) with a substantial risk of thromboembolism. Alterations in the inflammatory status may contribute to this complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in identifying high risk patients who will develop an apical thrombus formation during the acute phase of anterior transmural infarction. ⋯ Patients with an apical thrombus had lower LV ejection fraction, prolonged time from symptoms to treatment, higher rate of post-percutaneous coronary intervention thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow ≤1 and significantly higher mean high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and SII values and lower lymphocyte than those without an apical thrombus. Admission SII level was found to be a significant predictor for early LV apical thrombus formation complicating a first-ever anterior MI. This simple calculated tool may be used to identify high-risk patients for LV thrombus and individualization of targeted therapy.
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Alzheimer disease (AD) is a common cause of dementia, and there are still a lack of treatment options to reverse or prevent disease progression. Existing evidence shows that acupuncture has advantages in the treatment of AD, but whether the efficacy of acupuncture belongs to the placebo effect remains controversial, and there is no strict systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with Western medicine in the treatment of AD. ⋯ This study will evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture combined with Western medicine in improving cognitive function and activities of daily living in AD patients. The results of this study will verify whether the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of AD belongs to the placebo effect, which will also provide a reference for the clinical use of acupuncture combined with Western medicine in the treatment of AD.
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Zinner syndrome (ZS) is a rare congenital malformation of the urogenital tract that is associated with seminal vesicle cysts, ejaculatory duct obstruction, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. This unique condition was first reported by Zinner (1914). ZS is caused by malformation of the distal mesonephric duct during embryogenesis. To our knowledge, no giant seminal vesicle cysts with hemorrhage in ZS have been reported in the current study. ⋯ Giant seminal vesicle cysts with hemorrhage in ZS are rare. To patients without symptom, regular follow-up can be adopted.
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Bertolotti's syndrome is one of the differential causes of low back pain, especially within young people. The etiopathogenesis of the typical paramedian low back pain, associated with Bertolotti's syndrome remains controversial, and there is no worldwide acceptance of treatment. ⋯ The mini-open tubular microsurgical transverse processectomy seems to be potentially safe and effective for the surgical treatment of selected symptomatic patients with Bertolotti's syndrome.
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Various side effects of interferon alfa-2b (IFN-α2b) have been reported. However, no relevant research has been conducted on the identification and treatment scheme selection for IFN-α2b induced severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). ⋯ Clinical pharmacists collaborated with other members of the health care team to diagnose and treat adverse reactions, resulting in improved patient management.