Medicine
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Comparative Study
Comparison of treatment results between microvascular decompression and gamma knife radiosurgery in primary trigeminal neuralgia.
This study aims to analyze and evaluate the comparative clinical outcomes associated with microvascular decompression (MVD) and gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS), focusing on pain relief, pain recurrence, and complications encountered in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Among 155 surgical procedures performed for TN (90 GKRS, and 65 MVD) between March 1997 and December 2020, the exclusion criteria encompassed prior surgical interventions, the presence of other pathological conditions such as tumors, vascular diseases, and multiple sclerosis, as well as patients who were lost to follow-up. Ultimately, 101 patients received their initial treatment for primary TN (47 GKRS, and 54 MVD) and were followed up for more than 1 year. ⋯ The maintenance of pain relief after MVD proved significantly superior to that following GKRS (P < .01). Both MVD and GKRS present as safe and efficacious therapeutic options for individuals diagnosed with primary TN, though MVD displayed superior initial outcomes in terms of pain relief and its maintenance. However, for older patients or those with medical contraindications to invasive procedures, GKRS emerges as a viable and less invasive alternative for initial treatment in cases of primary TN.
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The advancement of digital technology, particularly telemedicine, has become crucial in improving healthcare access in rural areas. By integrating cloud computing and mHealth technologies, Internet-based Collaborative Outpatient Clinics offer a promising solution to overcome the limitations of traditional healthcare delivery in underserved communities. ⋯ The study confirms the feasibility of implementing telemedicine services in rural areas and offers evidence and an operational framework for promoting innovative healthcare models on a large scale.
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Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have a notably higher rate of consultations in urology clinics compared to other clinics. They often present with symptoms such as lumbar pain, dysuria, and urinary difficulty that are also associated with upper urinary tract calculi (UUTC). UUTC are the leading cause of nephrectomy in non-oncological cases, early screening for high-risk populations is deemed necessary. ⋯ IBS is identified as one of the etiological factors for UUTC, enhancing our understanding of the gut-kidney axis. The specific mechanisms underlying this association warrant further investigation. Clinicians should consider the importance of monitoring for UUTC in patients with IBS.
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Observational Study
Associations between life's essential 8 and femoral neck bone mineral density among adults: A national population-based study.
Osteoporosis represents a significant public health issue, impacting both health outcomes and economic costs. This research investigates how cardiovascular health, as indicated by the LE8 score, correlates with bone mineral density (BMD). Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2011 to 2018 were analyzed in this cross-sectional analysis, including 9018 subjects following the exclusion of individuals lacking BMD or LE8 data. ⋯ Notably, a 10-point increment in the LE8 score was associated with a rise in BMD by 0.04 g/cm² [β = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.03-0.05]. The data indicate a strong positive association between cardiovascular health, as measured by LE8, and BMD. These results support the development of holistic health strategies that promote cardiovascular health to potentially improve bone density.
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Several observational studies indicated a close association between prostate cancer and COVID-19. Nevertheless, whether there was a causal effect between them remained obscure. In this study, we aimed to detect the potential association between genetically determined prostate cancer and the risk of COVID-19. ⋯ Sensitivity analysis showed no evidence of pleiotropy and heterogeneity. We did not discover genetic evidence to substantiate causal links between prostate cancer and COVID-19. Large-scale randomized controlled trials were required to enhance a more profound comprehension of this relationship in the future.