Medicine
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Review Case Reports
Multiple brain abscesses caused by Nocardia farcinica infection after hand injury: A case report and literature review.
Nocardia infection is commonly regarded as an opportunistic pulmonary pathogen affecting debilitated or immunocompromised individuals. Brain abscesses caused by Nocardia farcinica are rare and pose a diagnostic challenge. Traditional diagnostic techniques for identifying Nocardia species, such as blood culture, microscopy, and pathology, have shown inadequate performance. In the reported case, we applied metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to diagnose a case of brain abscess due to N. farcinica. ⋯ Nocardia brain infection is characterized by an insidious onset and lacks distinctive clinical and imaging features. mNGS was advantageous for the timely identification and management of Nocardia-associated brain abscess in the present case and obviated the need for invasive brain surgery. Expeditious and precise diagnosis coupled with prompt antibiotic therapy can significantly reduce the mortality rate associated with this condition.
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Multicenter Study
Relationship of psoriatic arthritis with nail and scalp involvement in Turkish psoriasis patients: Multicentered cross-sectional study.
Psoriasis is a common multisystem inflammatory disease, and arthritis is an essential component of the disorder, requiring early diagnosis and prompt treatment for successful management. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between nail and scalp involvement and other covariates with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This cross-sectional study, conducted from June 2021 through December 2021, included 763 patients from 11 different centers in Turkey. ⋯ Notably, being female is the strongest predictor of increased risk of PsA in our survey. Scalp involvement appears not to be associated with PsA. Also, the presence of PsA seems related to a more severe skin involvement phenotype.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Slow-velocity eccentric-only resistance training improves symptoms of type 2 diabetic mellitus patients by regulating plasma MMP-2 and -9.
This study investigated the intervention effect of slow-velocity eccentric-only resistance training on type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients based on the role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and -9) in regulating extracellular matrix homeostasis. ⋯ Slow-velocity eccentric-only resistance training was beneficial for T2DM, but the potential role of MMP-2 and -9 in regulating extracellular matrix homeostasis is very different in T2DM patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of acupuncture combined with trunk strengthening training on balance and gait abilities in stroke hemiplegic patients.
This study aimed to observe the effects of acupuncture combined with trunk strengthening training on balance and gait abilities in stroke hemiplegic patients. Sixty stroke hemiplegic patients were selected and randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received conventional rehabilitation training and trunk strengthening exercises, while the treatment group received acupuncture in addition to the same interventions. ⋯ Prior to treatment, there were no significant differences in Holden scores, Berg scores, step length, step width, or gait speed between the 2 groups (P > .05). After 8 weeks of treatment, significant improvements were observed in the aforementioned parameters in both groups (P < .05), with the acupuncture group showing significantly greater improvement compared to the control group (P < .05). Acupuncture combined with trunk strengthening training can significantly improve balance and gait impairments in stroke hemiplegic patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Observational Study
Clinical value of ultrasound-guided full-needle path anesthesia in transperineal prostate biopsy: An observational study.
The pain sensation in a transperineal prostate biopsy was obvious. This study explored the clinical value of ultrasound-guided full-needle path anesthesia in transperineal prostate biopsy. ⋯ Ultrasound-guided full needle path anesthesia can alleviate pain sensation in patients undergoing transperineal prostate biopsy and has high clinical value.