Upsala journal of medical sciences
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Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) analysis is a common tool in allergy diagnosis. Suggested reference values for IgE are divergent and sometimes based on outdated assay methods. We aimed to validate the published reference values (geometric mean [GM]: 13.2 kU/L, upper limit of normal [ULN], 114 kU/L) shown in an Uppsala cohort from 1974 using Phadebas IgE PRIST, and the suggested clinical threshold of 100 kU/L (Zetterström and Johansson 1981). ⋯ The calculated ULN values were similar between the cohorts. We conclude that the total IgE reference values shown for Uppsala subjects from 1974 are still valid and suitable also for the ImmunoCAP Total IgE assay. The 100 kU/L threshold for total IgE had a low sensitivity but high specificity for atopy, asthma, and allergy.
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Review Meta Analysis
Stand-alone virtual reality exposure therapy as a treatment for social anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Social anxiety is common and can have far-reaching implications for affected individuals, both on social life and working performance. Usage of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) has gained traction. The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the effect of stand-alone VRET on social anxiety symptoms. ⋯ Stand-alone VRET may reduce social anxiety symptoms. However, despite promising results, there is still uncertainty as the effect estimate is based on few studies with few participants each and a high risk of bias.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
No effects on heart rate variability in depression after treatment with dorsomedial prefrontal intermittent theta burst stimulation.
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether treatment of a depressive episode with intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) over the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) had any effects on heart rate variability (HRV). We also investigated if changes in HRV covaried with symptom change after iTBS and if HRV could predict symptom change. ⋯ Treatment for depression with dorsomedial iTBS had neither negative nor positive effects on the cardiac autonomic nervous system.
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Triplet pregnancies carry a high risk of pregnancy-related complications. The primary aim of this study was to describe maternal, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes in expectantly managed triplet pregnancies in Sweden. The secondary aim was to compare outcomes in expectantly managed triplet pregnancies with triplet pregnancies where fetal reduction had been performed with the only indication to reduce the number of fetuses. ⋯ Overall neonatal survival from 22+0 weeks of gestation in expectantly managed triplet pregnancies in Sweden was high. Nine out of 10 infants did not suffer from severe neonatal morbidity. Fetal reduction was performed in only a very small number of cases and was associated with higher gestational age at birth and higher birth weight.
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Multicenter Study
Vitamin D status in longstanding type 1 diabetes and controls. Association with upper extremity impairments.
Patients with type 1 diabetes have a high prevalence of upper extremity impairments (UEIs), such as frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trigger finger. The UEIs are strongly associated with activity limitations and impaired quality of life. The etiology of the UEI is not clear. Vitamin D deficiency has been considered to play a role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes and in the development of macro- and microvascular complications in diabetes. ⋯ In patients with type 1 diabetes and a duration of 20 years or more, vitamin D level is not lower than in nondiabetic controls and is not associated with UEIs.