Current medical research and opinion
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Timely publication of data is important for the medical community and provides a valuable contribution to data disclosure. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate times to acceptance and publication for peer-reviewed manuscripts, reviews, and letters to the editor. ⋯ Analysis of a single-company publication database showed that the median time for manuscripts to be fully published after initial submission was 36.2 weeks, and time to publication increased accordingly with the number of submissions. Causes for multiple submissions and time from clinical trial completion to first submission were not assessed; these were limitations of the study. Nonetheless, publication planners should consider these results when evaluating timelines and identifying potential journals early in the publication planning process.
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Manifestations of the autosomal recessive disorder lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D) include hepatomegaly, elevated serum liver enzymes, and progressive liver disease. We report an analysis of time to progression from first clinical manifestation to first documentation of hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver transplantation from an observational study of pediatric and adult patients with LAL-D (clinical trial registration: NCT01528917). ⋯ These findings illustrate the progression of liver damage in LAL-D and the elevated risk for liver transplantation among children and adults with LAL-D.
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Chronic low back pain: Chronic pain is the most common cause for people to utilize healthcare resources and has a considerable impact upon patients' lives. The most prevalent chronic pain condition is chronic low back pain (CLBP). ⋯ The presence of a neuropathic component is associated with more intense pain of longer duration, and a higher prevalence of co-morbidities. However, many physicians' knowledge of chronic pain mechanisms is currently limited and there are no universally accepted treatment guidelines, so the condition is not particularly well managed.
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Sunscreen protection in subjects with actinic keratosis (AK) is highly recommended to prevent clinical evolution of this in situ skin cancer condition. Use of topical anti-cyclooxygenase drugs such as diclofenac and piroxicam reduces the number of lesions and improves the cancerization field. A film-forming medical device in a cream formulation containing organic and inorganic sun-filters (50+ SPF) and piroxicam 0.8% (ACTX) has shown in a pilot, single-center, open trial to reduce AK lesions improving the cancerization field. ⋯ In this multicenter, assessor-blinded trial, the use of a film-forming medical device with sun protection and anti-inflammatory actions was effective in reducing AK lesions and improving the dermoscopy aspect of the target lesion in 86% of treated subjects. A head-to-head trial evaluating the efficacy of this medical device in comparison with diclofenac is warranted to establish whether this therapeutic approach could offer additional advantages in term of AK lesion reduction compared to an established topical treatment. (Trial ID: ISRCTN72020277).