Medicine
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Patients preparing for surgery may have isolated, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Cause analysis is warranted in patients who had neither bleeding symptom nor thromboembolic events because isolated prolongation of APTT may lead to unnecessary delayed surgical intervention or invasive procedure, even ineffective plasma infusion treatments. Here, we report a case of Hashimoto thyroiditis-associated thyroid cancer whose APTT was isolated prolonged and discuss the challenges of diagnosis and clinical management of this patient. ⋯ Prolonged APTT is not considered an absolute indication for plasma infusion therapy in patients with LA. The correct identification of the cause of APTT prolongation is essential for proper treatment of the individuals.
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Review Meta Analysis
Perioperative omega-3 fatty acids for liver surgery: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
The effect of perioperative omega-3 fatty acids for liver surgery remained controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of omega-3 fatty acids versus placebo in patients undergoing liver surgery. ⋯ Perioperative omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial to reduce the incidence of infection after liver surgery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The use of an alternating magnetic field in the resorption of postoperative joint effusion following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A randomized double-blind controlled trial.
There are no scientific reports unambiguously describing the efficacy of alternating magnetic field therapy in patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the early postoperative period. ⋯ In patients after ACL reconstruction, in whom an alternating magnetic field was used to treat postoperative joint effusion, there were no beneficial effects on the analyzed variables compared to the control group.
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Review Meta Analysis
Effects of enhanced external counterpulsation on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure: A meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis aimed to synthesize randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effects of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). ⋯ PROSPERO registration no. CRD 42020188848.
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Observational Study
Smartphone based alerting of first responders during the corona virus disease-19 pandemic: An observational study.
Smartphone alerting systems (SAS) for first responders potentially shorten the resuscitation-free interval of patients with acute cardiac arrest. During the corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, many systems are suspended due to potential risks for the responders. Objective of the study was to establish a concept for SAS during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate whether a SAS can safely be operated in pandemic conditions. ⋯ The willingness to respond to alarms was lower during the pandemic without PPE. It remained lower than before the pandemic when the volunteers had been equipped with PPE, but the alarm response rate remained at approximately 50% during the second wave of the pandemic. When volunteers are equipped with PPE, the operation of a SAS does not need to be paused, and the willingness to respond remains high among first responders.