Brit J Hosp Med
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Aims/Background The application of immunochemotherapy has significantly enhanced the quality of life and overall survival of patients with esophageal cancer. Sarcopenia, which is increasingly prevalent in these patients, markedly affects prognosis, but can be reversed by appropriate and effective treatment. Methods The narrative review was conducted on PubMed using the keywords ("esophageal" or "esophagus" and "sarcopenia"). ⋯ It summarizes the evaluation indicators of skeletal muscle loss in these patients, analyzes the barriers to intervention for frailty among esophageal cancer patients, and proposes corresponding countermeasures. Conclusion Patients with esophageal cancer often suffer from severe sarcopenia. Clinical intervention is crucial in addressing this issue.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Clinical Effect of Personalized Adjustable Mandibular Advancement Device on Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Aims/Background: Mandibular advancement devices are effective in treating mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but such devices that are commonly used in clinical settings require further improvement. In this study, we evaluated the clinical effects of personalized adjustable mandibular advancement devices on mild or moderate OSA. Methods: Forty patients with mild or moderate OSA were randomly divided into experimental (personalized adjustable device) and control (traditional device) groups. ⋯ Soft palate- and tongue-pharyngeal cross-sectional areas were significantly increased in both groups, but temporomandibular joint morphology or motion trajectory remained unchanged. Conclusion: The personalized adjustable mandibular advancement devices may reduce side effects and are effective in treating patients with OSA. Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered and approved by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400080306). https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=206538.
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Aims/Background An artificial intelligence-assisted prediction model for enteral nutrition-associated diarrhoea (ENAD) in acute pancreatitis (AP) was developed utilising data obtained from bowel sounds auscultation. This model underwent validation through a single-centre, prospective observational study. The primary objective of the model was to enhance clinical decision-making by providing a more precise assessment of ENAD risk. ⋯ The area under the ROC curve was 0.904 (95% confidence interval: 0.817-0.997). Conclusion The artificial intelligence bowel sounds auscultation system enhances the assessment of gastrointestinal function in AP patients undergoing EN and facilitates the construction of an ENAD predictive model. The model demonstrates good predictive efficacy, offering an objective basis for precise intervention timing in ENAD management.
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A 56-year-old male presented with a longstanding, gradually enlarging, painful, skin lesion over the natal cleft. This was initially thought to be a pilonidal abscess but, following multiple surgeries, he was diagnosed with Stage IVb squamous cell carcinoma of the natal cleft skin with bilateral inguinal lymph node metastases and subcutaneous metastatic deposits. Complete surgical cure was not possible. ⋯ His disease progressed, and he developed widespread metastases. He was thus transferred to palliative care with pain control being the major priority. He died within a year of diagnosis.
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Aims/Background Backward walking is gaining traction in rehabilitation therapy, showing promise as an intervention for stroke patients with walking difficulties. However, the brain activity patterns (neurophysiological mechanisms) underlying backward walking in these patients remain unclear. This study investigated the neurophysiological mechanism in stroke patients within 1 year of their stroke. ⋯ Additionally, the DAR was significantly lower during backward walking than during forward walking (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study suggests that backward walking may more effectively activate neural activity in the prefrontal and right posterior parietal cortices. This finding supports the potential of backward walking to enhance motor execution and walking function in stroke patients, thereby supporting its application as a rehabilitation method.