International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2021
ReviewCurrent laboratory tests for diagnosis of hepatitis B virus infection.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has a long history in human infectious diseases. HBV infection can progress chronically, leading to cancer. After introduction of a vaccine, the overall incidence rate of HBV infection has decreased, although it remains a health problem in many countries. ⋯ An effective diagnostic approach and current updated knowledge of treatment response monitoring are important for HBV infection management. Brand new ultrasensitive and accurate immunologic methods may pave the way to manage HBV infection in parallel with immunotherapy era.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of vitamin D and exercise on balance and fall risk in postmenopausal women : a randomized controlled study.
To evaluate the effects of vitamin D and exercise on balance, fall risk and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women. ⋯ Vitamin D replacement therapy has positive effects on balance and QoL. Core strengthening and balance exercises are essential for better balance and fall prevention in postmenopausal women. Any superior effect of vitamin D or exercise on each other was not determined.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2021
Observational StudyRegular At-home Abdominal Paracentesis via Tenckhoff Catheter in Patients with Refractory Congestive Heart Failure.
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is increasingly used for the long-term management of refractory congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients with severe CHF and ascites were treated with regular at-home abdominal paracentesis via Tenckhoff catheter. We investigated the outcome of those patients, aiming to identify potential prognostic factors for longer survival. ⋯ Refractory CHF patients with massive ascites could be successfully treated with regular at-home abdominal paracentesis via Tenckhoff catheter. This treatment provides a useful alternative to periodical percutaneous paracentesis on as-needed basis.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2021
Multicenter StudyThe Impact of J-CTO Score on In-stent Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of J-CTO (Multicenter Chronic Total Occlusion Registry of Japan) score on in-stent chronic total occlusion (IS-CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ⋯ J-CTO score system is not a helpful tool to predict the technical success of difficult IS-CTO PCI via antegrade approach, nor does it correlate with long-term outcomes in patients undergoing IS-CTO PCI. Nevertheless, factors associated with technical failure include proximal bending of ≥30 degrees, under expansion of ≥10 mm, moderate or severe tortuosity (bending) ≥20 and poor distal target. Long-term DAPT therapy contributes significantly to decreased MACE.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialAerosol drug-delivery and short-term clinical outcomes of suboptimal peak inspiratory flow rate in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Suboptimal peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) is highly prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients owing to the mismatch of their own PIFR with the corresponding inhaler-device resistance. This study aimed to evaluate aerosol drug-delivery and short-term clinical outcomes of suboptimal PIFR in COPD subjects. ⋯ Suboptimal PIFR was associated with a significantly lower drug delivery in COPD subjects at hospital discharge, and a slightly lower pulmonary function response 30 min postbronchodilation if compared with optimal PIFR.