Medicine
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Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a potentially life-threatening syndrome for which early recognition and treatment are essential for improving outcomes. HLH is characterized by uncontrolled immune activation leading to fever, cytopenias, hepatosplenomegaly, coagulation abnormalities, and elevated typical markers. This condition can be genetic or secondary, with the latter often triggered by infections. Here, we present a unique case of HLH secondary to acute otitis media (AOM), a common ear infection. ⋯ The link between AOM and HLH may be associated with inflammatory responses and immunological mechanisms, highlighting the importance of considering HLH in severe infection cases. This case emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and management, especially in secondary HLH scenarios, to improve patient outcomes. It is imperative to be aware of the potential correlation between these 2 conditions, and healthcare professionals should consider the likelihood of HLH.
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Observational Study
Assessing parental comprehension of online resources on childhood pain.
We aimed to examine the patient education materials (PEMs) on the internet about "Child Pain" in terms of readability, reliability, quality and content. For our observational study, a search was made on February 28, 2024, using the keywords "Child Pain," "Pediatric Pain," and "Children Pain" in the Google search engine. The readability of PEMs was assessed using computer-based readability formulas (Flesch Reading Ease Score [FRES], Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level [FKGL], Automated readability index (ARI), Gunning Fog [GFOG], Coleman-Liau score [CL], Linsear Write [LW], Simple Measure of Gobbledygook [SMOG]). ⋯ On the other hand, the reliability and quality of PEMs were determined as moderate-to-low. The low readability and quality of PEMs could cause an anxious parent and unnecessary hospital admissions. PEMs on issues threatening public health should be prepared with attention to the recommendations on readability.
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Observational Study
Association between obstructive sleep apnea and risk of Benign vocal fold lesions: A nationwide 9-year follow-up cohort study.
Since obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects various parts of the body, there has been little interest about the effect of OSA on voice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of benign vocal fold lesions (BVFL) in OSA patients. This study used data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. ⋯ In the high economic status group, the HR was 1.10 (95%CI, 1.01-1.21). This observational study indicated that OSA is associated with an increased incidence of BVFL. The incidence of BVFL increased with older age, female sex, and high SES.
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Observational Study
Reliability and Validity of the Korean version of the Center for Neurologic Study Bulbar Function Scale (K-CNS-BFS): An observational study.
Bulbar dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) significantly affects daily life, leading to weight loss and reduced survival. Methods for evaluating bulbar dysfunction, including videofluoroscopic swallowing studies and the bulbar component of the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), have been employed; however, Korean-specific tools are lacking. The Center for Neurologic Study Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS) comprehensively evaluates bulbar symptoms. ⋯ This is the first study to investigate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the CNS-BFS, which showed consistent and reliable scores that correlated with tests for bulbar or general dysfunction. The K-CNS-BFS effectively measured bulbar dysfunction similar to the original CNS-BFS. The K-CNS-BFS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing bulbar dysfunction in patients with ALS in South Korea.
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Observational Study
Potential of digital chest radiography-based deep learning in screening and diagnosing pneumoconiosis: An observational study.
The diagnosis of pneumoconiosis is complex and subjective, leading to inevitable variability in readings. This is especially true for inexperienced doctors. To improve accuracy, a computer-assisted diagnosis system is used for more effective pneumoconiosis diagnoses. ⋯ This study develops a deep learning based model for screening and staging of pneumoconiosis is using chest radiographs. The ResNet101 model performed relatively better in classifying pneumoconiosis than radiologists. The dichotomous classification displayed outstanding performance, thereby indicating the feasibility of deep learning techniques in pneumoconiosis screening.