Minerva medica
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The aim of this paper was to present the 2013 Italian edition of a new international classification of acute pancreatitis severity. The Atlanta definitions of acute pancreatitis severity are ingrained in the lexicon of pancreatologists but suboptimal because these definitions are based on empiric description of occurrences that are merely associated with severity. ⋯ This classification provides a set of concise up-to-date definitions of all the main entities pertinent to classifying the severity of acute pancreatitis in clinical practice and research.
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The importance of the abdominal musculature in spine stability, has promoted the development of a variety of studies. Ultrasound imaging (UI) is a valuable tool which, when applied appropriately, has the potential to provide significant insight into abdominal muscle contraction. Limited studies have been taken place regarding the relationship between ultrasound measures of muscle thickening and electromyography (EMG) measures of activation. Inconsistent results, however, have been reported. Based on previous studies association between abdominal muscle activation and thickening may be affected by contraction level. The aims of this study were to measure the relationship between abdominal muscle thickness and abdominal muscles amplitude in different levels of abdominal muscles contraction. ⋯ There is not clear relationship between increases in abdominal muscle activation and corresponding measures of thickening during abdominal muscle contraction. Changes in thickness of deep abdominal muscle cannot be used to indicate changes in the electrical activity in this muscle.
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Observational Study
[Experience with 5% lidocaine medicated plaster in the treatment of localized neuropathic pain].
The aim of this paper is to confirm the efficacy and safety in clinical practice of 5% lidocaine medicated plaster (LMP) in the treatment of localized neuropathic pain. ⋯ In our experience, LMP proved to be an effective and well-tolerated drug in the treatment of PHN and other superficial localized neuralgias. This observation is in agreement with the international guidelines, which suggest LMP as first line treatment for the management of localized peripheral neuropathic pain.