J Res Med Sci
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We investigated the difference of clinical practice pattern between end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with and without palliative care at the end of life in Taiwan. ⋯ Palliative care was underutilized and referral was delayed for COPD patients. COPD patients are polysymptomatic approaching the end of life and this characteristic should be taken into account in providing appropriate end-of-life care in the same way as for cancer patients. Palliative care for COPD patients is urgently needed in Taiwan and should be promoted.
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The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of an innovative, minimally invasive sling technique with autologous tissue in women with concomitant incontinence and anterior vaginal wall prolapse (AVWP). ⋯ Vaginal sling surgery using an anterior vaginal wall strip can improve SUI and in comparison with propylene mesh is associated with lower complication rates. Although, the surgical success rate of this technique is lower than T-Sling, larger studies with selected patients will help assess the suitable patients for this pelvic reconstructive surgery.
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The aim of this study was to create a diagnostic model using the artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict malignancy in multinodular goiter patients with an indeterminate cytology. ⋯ The ANNs technique is a useful aid in diagnosing malignancy and may help reduce unnecessary thyroidectomies in multinodular goiter patients with an indeterminate cytology. Further studies are needed to construct the optimal diagnostic model and to apply it in the clinical practice.
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Cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular risk factors, and mortality due to these situations are more frequently encountered in schizophrenic patients when compared with the general population. The mean platelet volume (MPV) is a surrogate biomarker of the platelet activity and an useful prognostic test in cardiometabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate what influenced MPV levels in patients with schizophrenia. ⋯ MPV seems to be influenced not only by schizophrenia itself but also by atypical antipsychotic drugs. It might be concluded that schizophrenic patients are under increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases and risk factors and this risk is higher in patients on atypical antipsychotic treatment.
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Androgen deprivation is the basis of treatment for advanced stages of prostate cancer. Cardiovascular disease may be a risk factor for mortality in prostate cancer. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on the cardiovascular risk factors in patients with prostate cancer. ⋯ ADT in prostate cancer may lead to an increase in TG and TC levels. In patients with a high risk of cardiovascular disease patient's lipid profile should be considered during ADT.