Medicina
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Background and Objectives: Dementia affects more than 55 million patients worldwide, with a significant societal, economic, and psychological impact. However, many patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other related dementias have limited access to effective and individualized treatment. Care provision for dementia is often unequal, fragmented, and inefficient. ⋯ However, digital illiteracy, legal and organizational issues, as well as limited awareness, are significant potential barriers. Conclusions: Telemedicine may significantly improve all aspects of the quality of care for patients with dementia. However, future longitudinal studies with control groups including participants of a wide educational level spectrum will aid in our deeper understanding of the real impact of telemedicine in quality care for this population.
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Background and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties and outcomes of osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures treated with two different helical blade systems, the trochanteric fixation nail-advanced (TFNA) and proximal femoral nail antirotation II (PFNA), to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the newly introduced TFNA system. Materials and Methods: A biomechanical comparison of the two helical blades was performed using uniaxial compression tests on polyurethane foam blocks of different densities. The peak resistance (PR) and accumulated resistance (AR) were measured during the 20 mm advancement through the test block. ⋯ Surgical failure occurred in four and two fractures treated with the TFNA and PFNA, respectively. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that the newly introduced TFNA provides clinical outcomes comparable with those of the PFNA. However, inferior resistance to medial migration in the TFNA raises concerns regarding potential fixation failures.
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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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Case Reports
Effectiveness of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for COVID-19-Induced ARDS Patients: A Case Report.
Purpose: This study assessed the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of mesenchymal stem cells for patients diagnosed with COVID (Coronavirus disease 2019-induced ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome)). Materials and Methods: Critically ill adult COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Wonju Severance Christian Hospital were enrolled in this study. One patient received human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hBMSC) transplantation and received a total dose of 9 × 107 allogeneic hBMSCs via intravenous infusion. ⋯ Early adverse events, including allergic reactions, were not observed following MSC transplantation. Subsequently, clinical symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings, including PaO2/FiO2 and O2 saturation, improved. Conclusion: The results of this case report suggest that intravenous injection of MSC derived from the bone marrow is safe and acceptable and can lead to favorable outcomes for critically ill COVID-19 patients.
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Background and objectives: Pregnancies that occur with an intrauterine device (IUD) in situ are at increased risk for developing severe conditions which may affect the fetus and the mother. The incidence of such adverse consequences significantly drops after device removal. A scoping review of the literature was performed to highlight the risks, benefits, and outcomes of hysteroscopic removal of intrauterine devices in early pregnancy. ⋯ Conclusions: This review highlights the safety and efficacy of operative hysteroscopy as a method of IUD removal in early pregnancy. We recommend using a 3 to 5 mm hysteroscope, avoiding cervical dilation, and maintaining low infusion pressure during the procedure to avoid potential damage to the gestational sac and IUD fragment displacement. Heating the distension media to 30 °C should be considered.