Irish journal of medical science
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Oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) devices play a key role in airway clearance, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis. These devices, however, have the potential to become reservoirs for pathogenic organisms and require daily, or even more frequent, cleaning. This places a large burden on patients and their carers. ⋯ The UL-OPEP device is a small, disposable OPEP device, that generates pressure and oscillation amplitudes for clinically effective airway clearance. The device negates the need for cleaning and disinfecting, removing the risk of devices acting as a potential reservoir for pathogenic organisms while maintaining mucus-clearing benefits.
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In this study, cardiac biomarkers, blood parameters, electrocardiography (ECG), and echocardiography were investigated in children with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and the diagnostic value of these parameters was investigated. ⋯ There were 107 children aged 0-18 years (average age, 10.46 ± 5.77 years; 51% female) with CO poisoning. There were 13 patients with troponin-I positive myocardial injury. Troponin-I was positive in 3 patients whose carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level was below 2% at the time of admission. In one patient, troponin-I, which was normal at admission, increased by the 24th hour of hospitalization. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was given due to headache in one patient, although the COHb level of that patient was below 25%. An NT-proBNP level of ≥ 219.5 ng/L predicted the development of troponin-I positivity with a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 86.7% (AUC, 0.967 (0.58-0.994); p = 0.017). White blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), immature granulocyte (IG), and IG% levels were found to be significantly higher in the troponin-positive patient group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP has been shown to be an early diagnostic marker for myocardial dysfunction. Additionally, when cardiac markers are not available, full blood parameters may assist clinicians for patient treatment and referral.
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Kinesiophobia is an important risk factor for functional activities of patients in the early stage following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). ⋯ Increased pain and decreased QF muscle strength and functional level on STS were related with fear of movement in TKA patients. It was concluded that kinesiophobia of older patients with TKA must be considered during the assessment and rehabilitation program in the late stage after TKA.
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Optimal trunk control relies on adequate musculoskeletal, motor, and somatosensory systems that are often affected in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare trunk control between people with AD and healthy older adults, and investigate the relationship between trunk control and balance, gait, functional mobility, and fear of falling in people with AD. ⋯ Trunk control is affected and related with balance, gait, functional mobility, and fear of falling in people with AD. For this reason, we think that trunk control should be evaluated in the early period, and applications for trunk control should be included in rehabilitation approaches in order to improve balance, gait, functional mobility, and reduce fear of falling.
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BACKGROUND AND GOALS: Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) usually occurs at the pylorus or the duodenum through primary gastric, duodenal, or pancreatic tumors. However, metastatic GOO is relatively rare. Although self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement is often performed as an alternative and practical palliative approach for primary GOO, there are few reports of metastatic GOO treatment with SEMS. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy, safety, stent patency, and complications of SEMS for treating primary and metastatic GOO. ⋯ SEMS under fluoroscopic guidance is an effective and safe treatment for primary and metastatic GOO. The etiology of obstruction did not influence stent patency or complications. Therefore, stent implantation is recommended for patients with metastatic GOO caused by multiple peritoneal metastases to improve their quality of life.