Medicina
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effects of Short- and Long-Term Spinal Brace Use with and without Exercise on Spine, Balance, and Gait in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis.
Background and Objectives: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a prevalent spinal disorder in adolescents. Previous studies have shown biomechanical changes of the gait in the lower limb of AIS patients. To minimize the progression of scoliotic curvature, a spinal brace is used, which has been shown to be efficient. ⋯ In addition, short- and long-term brace use with an exercise program showed a significant increase in anteroposterior and mediolateral balance and a reduction in plantar overload on the heel during gait, with an effect size between moderate and high. Conclusions: Intervention via the short- or long-term use of a spinal brace combined with specific exercises in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis proved to be effective for correcting scoliotic curvature. In addition, intervention also showed improvements to the antero-posterior and mediolateral body balance and a reduction in the plantar load on the rearfoot region during gait, demonstrating effective mechanical action on the spine.
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Background and Objectives: The estimation of lung function impairment after pulmonary lobectomy for primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been of great interest since the reduction of respiratory function might severely affect a patient's quality of life. The perioperative factors that may have an influence on widening the gap between the postoperative measured lung function and predicted postoperative lung function were our greatest concern. We aimed to analyze the perioperative patient factors that may influence postoperative lung function in patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy. ⋯ The mean total muscle area in group A was higher than that in group B, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: A greater decrease in postoperative lung function than in ppo FEV1 was associated with BMI and the location of pulmonary resection in patients who underwent lobectomy. Postoperative physiologic changes due to high BMI and the resection of upper lobes need to be discussed to prevent postoperative morbidities.
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Background and objectives: To analyze demographic and clinical features of pattern strabismus patients and assess the relationship among these clinical variables and risk factors. Materials and Methods: Medical records of pattern strabismus patients who had undergone strabismus surgery at our center between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included gender, age at onset, age at surgery, refraction, Cobb angle, pre- and post-operative deviations in the primary position, up- and downgaze, angle of ocular torsion, type/amount of pattern, grade of oblique muscle function and presence/grade of binocular function. ⋯ Pattern strabismus patients showed a high risk for developing scoliosis. Cyclovertical muscle surgery was performed in 724 of these patients (80.0%), and horizontal rectus surgery was effective in correcting relatively small levels of patterns. Binocular function represented an important factor as being involved with affecting the occurrence and development of pattern strabismus.
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Background and Objectives: One of the most debilitating side effects of chemotherapy is oral mucositis (OM). Photobiomodulation (PBM) demonstrates high efficacy in the management of OM. The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of oral mucositis and evaluation of the effectiveness of PBM therapy. ⋯ Laser therapy showed a great reduction regarding pain and a better function of patients even with neutropenia. Conclusions: Oral mucositis represents a significant burden to children. PBM brings positive aspects for patients; however, the optimal treatment parameters require further study.
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Background and Objectives: The recurrence outcome in patients who underwent microwave ablation (MWA) with or without transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within Milan criteria remains unclear. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the predictive factors of recurrence in these patients. Materials and Methods: From May 2018 to April 2021, 66 patients with HCC within Milan criteria were enrolled. ⋯ Conclusions: The LTP and RFS in the MWA group were similar to that in the MWA combined with TACE. For HCC within Milan criteria, both groups preferentially selected MWA. More endeavor and rigorous surveillance should be taken to relapse prevention, in patients who have received previous treatment.