Medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Evaluating the efficacy of full-scale and tabletop exercises in enhancing paramedic preparedness for external disasters: A quasi-experimental study.
The increasing frequency and severity of disasters worldwide needs effective disaster management training to enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of emergency responders. This study compares the outcomes of tabletop exercises (TTEs) and full-scale exercises (FSEs) in training senior paramedic students at Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz College for Emergency Medical Services, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ⋯ Both TTE and FSE are effective in enhancing disaster preparedness among senior paramedic students. Given their adaptability and cost-effectiveness, TTEs may be particularly valuable for resource-constrained training settings. Further research with larger, more diverse samples and pre-/post-intervention assessments is recommended to validate these findings and improve disaster management training programs.
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The purpose of this review was to analyze treatments for hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), exploring the potential mechanisms and latest advances, as well as potential future directions. ⋯ Currently, studies in TCM syndromes are relatively limited, and although the field of TCM in HLD is rapidly developing with established networks of teams and collaborations, large-scale collaboration is still in its infancy. Looking toward the future, despite the deficiencies in this field, it is crucial to further explore the advantages of integrative medicine for treating HLD.
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Observational Study
Age-dependent effects of lockdown and post-lockdown periods on HbA1c during the COVID-19 pandemic: A 3-year longitudinal cohort study.
The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lockdown measures on the metabolic parameters of patients with DM, with particular emphasis on geriatric populations. In this retrospective, longitudinal cohort study, 1224 patients were analyzed. ⋯ However, there was no change in HbA1c levels for patients over 85 years old during the lockdown. These findings highlight the need for careful monitoring of elderly patients with DM during lockdown periods, facilitated via home care or telehealth services. Structured diet and exercise programs should also be provided for at home adherence.
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Lipoma arborescens (LA) is a rare, benign proliferative disorder of the synovial lining that typically affects middle-aged individuals, predominantly in the knee joint. However, its occurrence in younger patients is unusual and may pose unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This case report aims to highlight the clinical, imaging, and therapeutic aspects of LA in a young adult, thereby expanding the understanding of its presentation in this age group. ⋯ This case report underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with LA in a young patient, highlighting the importance of considering LA in differential diagnoses of acute knee swelling, especially when initial evaluations are inconclusive. Through a combination of imaging, arthroscopic intervention, and histopathological confirmation, this case illustrates an effective approach for accurately diagnosing and managing LA. By documenting this atypical presentation in a young adult, this report contributes to the limited literature on LA in younger populations, aiming to enhance clinical awareness and guide future cases involving similar joint lesions.
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Case Reports
Metastatic dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the mediastinum with osteosarcomatous differentiation: A case report.
Liposarcoma is a malignant tumor of adipocytic differentiation that rarely arises within the mediastinum. Most of the existing data available comes from scattered case reports and a few small series. ⋯ This paper presents a case of dedifferentiated liposarcoma with osteosarcomatous differentiation in a rare location: the mediastinum. Correct diagnosis is of importance for appropriate choice of therapy. Clinicians should be aware of the presence of a dedifferentiated liposarcoma within a mass on the mediastinum and enhancing treatment and management strategies for affected patients.