Neuroendocrinol Lett
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Neuroendocrinol Lett · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial"Mesodiencephalic" modulation in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Aim of the study was to verify the efficacy of "mesodiencephalic" modulation (MDM), as named by the commercial promoters, in reducing symptoms accompanying painful diabetic neuropathy and in improving mental health. ⋯ The study did not demonstrate any positive effect of MDM on painful diabetic neuropathy compared to placebo, relative to pain or mental state evaluations. The study emphasizes the need of using placebo-controlled studies, especially when testing a new analgesic drug or a method for pain modulation.
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Outcome in bipolar patients can be affected by comorbidity of other psychiatric disorders. Comorbid personality disorders are frequent and may complicate the course of bipolar illness. We have much information about treating patients with uncomplicated bipolar disorder (BD) but much less knowledge about possibilities for patients with the comorbidity of BD and personality disorder. ⋯ Comorbidity with personality disorders in BD patients is associated with a more difficult course of illness (such as longer episodes, shorter time euthymic, and earlier age at onset) and an increase in comorbid substance abuse, suicidality and aggression. These problems are particularly pronounced in comorbidity with borderline personality disorder. Comorbidity with antisocial personality disorder elicits a similar spectrum of difficulties; some of the antisocial behavior exhibited by patients with this comorbidity is mediated by increased impulsivity.
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Neuroendocrinol Lett · Jan 2013
Comparative Study Clinical TrialCore needle biopsy of thyroid nodules - evaluation of diagnostic utility and pain experience.
A crucial problem in the non-operative diagnosis of thyroid nodules is the significant amount of non-diagnostic biopsies. This is a challenge for practicing endocrinologists especially when the results of the repeated biopsies remain non-diagnostic. The lack of a concrete preoperative diagnosis may result in unnecessary thyroidectomies in patients. Alternatively, it may also lead to the delayed diagnosis of cancer. One method of biopsy specimen acquisition that could potentially increase the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid biopsies is the application of core-needles. The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic value and patient tolerability of core-needle aspiration biopsies (CNAB) with fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB). ⋯ CNAB did not prove to be superior to FNAB. Despite the larger needle gauge used during core-needle biopsies, the patients' tolerability was comparable to conventional fine-needle biopsies.