Medicina
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Background and objectives: To report the initial response to a single intravitreal brolucizumab (IVI-B) injection in wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) or polypoidal choroidopathy (PCV) complicated with either persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) or pigment epithelial detachment refractory to previous anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. Material and methods: In this retrospective study, all eyes received a single IVI-B (6 mg/0.05 mL) for wAMD or PCV with treatment-resistant SRF or PED. Outcome measures included assessment in central retinal thickness (CRT), visual acuity, and evaluation for changes in the SRF or PED on OCT. ⋯ Limited efficacy was seen for persistent PED. Brolucizumab appears to be a safe and effective option for treatment-resistant SRF. Future multicenter collaborative studies are warranted.
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Background and Objectives: Treatment of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge worldwide. In accordance with the current recommendations for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management during the COVID-19 pandemic, loco-regional therapy such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was proposed with the purpose of achieving local tumor control and improving overall survival. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate the outcomes of TACE treatment in patients with HCC during the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison with the outcomes of patients treated in the pre-pandemic period. ⋯ No significant difference in survival between the groups is noted (log-rank test p = 0.823). In multivariate analysis, the MELD score (HR 1.329, 95% CI 1.140−1.548, p < 0.001) remained a significant predictor of mortality. Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic did not affect the final outcome of TACE treatment.
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Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global public panic, leading to severe mental illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to establish a risk prediction model of PTSD based on a machine learning algorithm to provide a basis for the extensive assessment and prediction of the PTSD risk status in adults during a pandemic. Materials and Methods: Model indexes were screened based on the cognitive-phenomenological-transactional (CPT) theoretical model. ⋯ In addition, depression, anxiety, age, coping style, whether the participants had seen a doctor during the COVID-19 quarantine period, and self-efficacy were important indexes. Conclusions: The high prediction accuracy of the model, constructed based on a machine learning algorithm, indicates its applicability in screening the public mental health status during the COVID-19 pandemic quickly and effectively. This model could also predict and identify high-risk groups early to prevent the worsening of PTSD symptoms.
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Review Meta Analysis
Cross-Sectional Area of the Tibial Nerve in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ultrasonography Studies.
Background: There is a link between diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) progression and the increase in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the tibial nerve at the ankle. Nevertheless, no prior meta-analysis has been conducted to evaluate its usefulness for the diagnosis of DPN. Methods: We searched Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed for potential studies. ⋯ The CSA was 1.93 mm2 (CI: 0.92−2.95, I2 = 98.69%, p < 0.01) larger than DPN-free diabetic patients. The diagnostic criteria of DPN and age were also identified as potential moderators of tibial nerve CSA. Conclusions: Although tibial nerve CSA at the ankle was significantly larger in the DPN patients, its clinical usefulness is limited by the overlap between groups and the inconsistency in the criteria used to diagnose DPN.
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Background and Objectives: Sex and gender-related differences may influence the outcome of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). The present paper aims to depict the importance of sex and gender-related issues in the perioperative management of patients undergoing THA to improve clinical outcomes and prevent postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: From January 2002 to August 2022, OVID-MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPU S, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed were searched to identify relevant studies for further analysis. ⋯ Sex and gender-related differences were analyzed with regard to the following points: (1) surgical approach, robotic surgery, scar cosmesis, and implant choice; (2) postoperative clinical outcome and complications; (3) sexual activity after THA; and (4) psychological status and daily functional requirements. The data analysis showed that female patients need more specific attention in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases to improve clinical and functional outcomes, reduce complications risk, and manage patient satisfaction. Conclusions: THA outcomes may be influenced by sex and gender-related factors which should be carefully assessed and addressed in patients undergoing surgery to improve the postoperative outcomes of patients' satisfaction and reduce postoperative complications that can differ between the two sexes.