Exp Ther Med
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In pre-surgical patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs), positive findings on computed tomography (CT) scans and an exacerbation of symptoms are two possible factors that indicate surgery. However, the relationship between these factors remains unclear. Confirmed CRSwNP patients ready for sinus surgery were consecutively enrolled. ⋯ Nasal symptoms, including olfaction loss, were correlated positively with CT scores, while ocular- and pain-related symptoms showed an opposite pattern. However, this relationship was not confirmed in patients with highly positive CT scores. A subset analysis confirmed, in terms of symptoms, the value of the E/M ratio for indicating eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.
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Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a common complication following thoracic surgery that frequently occurs in patients ≥65 years. PND includes postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and postoperative delirium (POD). To investigate whether intravenous dexmedetomidine (DEX) is able to improve neurocognitive function in elderly male patients following thoracoscopic lobectomy, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was performed at the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University (Hohhot, China). ⋯ In addition, it increased the incidence of bradycardia. The present study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn; registration no. ChiCTR-IPR-17010958).
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Since its introduction in 1959, artificial intelligence technology has evolved rapidly and helped benefit research, industries and medicine. Deep learning, as a process of artificial intelligence (AI) is used in ophthalmology for data analysis, segmentation, automated diagnosis and possible outcome predictions. ⋯ The benefits and limitations of AI in the field of retinal disease medical management were investigated by analyzing the most recent literature data. Furthermore, the future trends of AI involvement in ophthalmology were analyzed, as AI will be part of the decision-making regarding the scientific investigation, diagnosis and therapeutic management.
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The year 2020 is characterized by the COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in more than half a million deaths in recent months. The high mortality is associated with acute severe respiratory failure that results in ICU admission and intubation. ⋯ Potent clinical and laboratory biomarkers should be studied to be able to predict the subgroup of patients that are going to deteriorate or develop lung fibrosis. The opportunity of personalized medicine is a good way to consider for these patients.
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As the focus of the COVID-19 crisis is gradually taken away from emergency healthcare needs, increased attention is warranted on the psychological impact of the pandemic on a global level. Existing guidance on managing the COVID-19 related distress needs to be better informed by upcoming larger-scale research. Applying e-Health can be useful in dealing with the immediate psychological needs, while developing strategies to identify vulnerable populations and shifting the provision of mental health and social care to community services need to be prioritised when looking at the future. Focusing on global mental health during this universal crisis is an opportunity for promoting a more compassionate and less discriminating society.