Medicine
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Meta Analysis
Quantitative assessment of the relationship between Fas/FasL genes polymorphisms and head and neck cancer risk.
Molecular epidemiological studies have demonstrated a closer association between Fas/FasL polymorphisms and head and neck cancer (HNC) risk, and the results of these published studies were inconsistent. We therefore performed this meta-analysis to explore the associations between Fas/FasL polymorphisms and HNC risk. ⋯ Our meta-analysis indicated that FasL -844C>T polymorphism plays a protective role against HNC development, but the Fas -670A>G and Fas -1377G>A polymorphisms maybe not associated with HNC risk.
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Comparative Study
Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging, transvaginal, and transrectal ultrasonography in deep infiltrating endometriosis.
To determine the diagnostic accuracy of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transvaginal sonography (TVS), and transrectal sonography (TRS) in diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). This diagnostic accuracy study was conducted during a 2-year period including a total number of 317 patients with signs and symptoms of endometriosis. All the patients were evaluated by pelvic MRI, TVS, and TRS in the same center. ⋯ The sensitivity of TRS, TVS, and MRI in uterosacral ligament DIE was 82.8%, 70.9%, and 63.6%, respectively. On the contrary, specificity had a reverse trend, favoring MRI (93.9%, 92.8%, and 89.8% for TVS and TRS, respectively). The results of the present study demonstrated that TVS and TRS have appropriate diagnostic accuracy in diagnosis of DIE comparable to MRI.
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Observational Study
Bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation initial impact on nonmotor and motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: An open prospective single institution study.
Numerous studies document significant improvement in motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) after deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS). However, little is known about the initial effects of STN-DBS on nonmotor domains. Our objective was to elucidate the initial effects of STN-DBS on non-motor and motor symptoms in PD patients in a 4-month follow-up. ⋯ There were no significant changes in The Female Sexual Function Index or International Index of Erectile Function. Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Part III scores show significant improvements at Month 1 (P < .001) and at Month 4 (P < .001). STN-DBS in patients with advanced PD clearly improves not only motor symptoms, but also several domains of nonmotor functions, namely sleep, autonomic functions and quality of life quickly following the start of stimulation.
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Multicenter Study
Incidence and risk factors for surgical site infection after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fracture: A retrospective multicenter study.
Information on surgical site infection (SSI) after surgical treatment of ankle fracture is limited and remains controversial. The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for SSI after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fracture. Patients who underwent ORIF for ankle fracture at 3 centers between January 2015 and December 2016 were included. ⋯ The most common causative agent was polymicrobial (causing approximately half of all SSIs), followed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Multivariate analysis revealed that the significant risk factors for SSI occurrence were open injury, advanced age, incision cleanliness II - IV, high-energy injury, more experienced surgeon level, greater BMI, chronic heart disease, history of allergy, and preoperative neutrophil count > 75%. Preoperative preventative measures should be taken in patients with these conditions to lower the incidence of SSI after ORIF of ankle fracture.
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Foreign-body ingestion is a common phenomenon and foreign bodies are mostly excreted in stool. Once sharp bodies are ingested without being realized, perforation of intestine is possible and misdiagnosis may be made. We report 2 toothpick ingestion cases that were both diagnosed accurately. ⋯ When accepting patients with abdominal pain, suitable examining means and careful observation should be given to find easily ignored lesions. CT is recommended in the diagnostic process of swallowed foreign mass. When there is a vague place, US can be used for further diagnose.