Brit J Hosp Med
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Aims/Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is considered a potential therapeutic agent for RA due to strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of NAC as an adjuvant therapy for RA. Methods A systematic search was conducted across five databases from inception to 1 August 2024, including CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science. ⋯ Additionally, NAC reduced inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): MD = 3.00). However, the beneficial effects of NAC on oxidative stress in RA patients were not observed. Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrated the efficacy of NAC in reducing inflammatory markers, improving joint tenderness, and swelling in patients with RA.
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Aims/Background During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the COVID-19 surveillance staff members experienced an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, it is necessary to further investigate the causal factors stemming from COVID-19 surveillance work, especially nucleic acid testing, and establish their relationship with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) by building upon the previous research. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and the major risks faced by the COVID-19 surveillance staff members. ⋯ The top three coping strategies for lowering the risk of WMSDs included adjusting the plinth/bed height (49.6%), utilizing different parts of the body at work (47.3%), and taking short breaks when required (33.6%). Conclusion Prolonged large-scale nucleic acid detection can aggravate the musculoskeletal injuries of the neck, shoulder, upper back, and wrist in COVID-19 surveillance staff members. Prevention measures for musculoskeletal injuries factors must be in place to deter such incidence at work.
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This review describes the evolution and enhanced diagnostic capabilities introduced by four-dimensional (4D) flow cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in cardiovascular imaging. It charts the historical advancements from echocardiography through to two-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (2D-PC MRI), culminating in the adoption of 4D flow MRI. ⋯ The review elaborates on the capacity of 4D flow MRI to offer unparalleled insights into flow dynamics, vessel wall interactions, and cardiac function, thereby enhancing disease detection, risk stratification, and therapeutic evaluations. It accentuates the impact of 4D flow MRI on modern cardiological practices, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing diagnostics and patient management in the context of diverse cardiovascular pathologies.
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This review presents a current perspective on the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis. Many factors contribute to the increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture in RA patients. ⋯ Available anti-osteoporotic treatments, their mechanisms of action, and their potential benefits in managing the interaction between RA and osteoporosis are discussed. We also consider potential advancements, including areas of future development in RA and osteoporosis diagnosis and management.
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Ascites due to liver cirrhosis is a common complication in patients with liver disease, severely affecting their prognosis and quality of life. Traditional treatment methods have significant limitations in managing ascites, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. As an antidiuretic drug, terlipressin has shown good efficacy and potential in treating ascites. ⋯ Additionally, we provide detailed discussions on medication precautions and management strategies for adverse reactions in high-risk patients. Finally, this review outlines future research directions, such as new clinical trial designs, comparisons of terlipressin with other novel drugs, and the exploration of individualized treatment models. These efforts aim to provide references for clinical practice and promote further development in this field.