Irish journal of medical science
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Vernakalant hydrochloride is a rapid-acting antiarrhythmic drug licensed in the EU since 2010 for the conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation with proven efficacy and safety when compared with placebo and amiodarone in randomized clinical trials. ⋯ Vernakalant hydrochloride has provided a quick, safe, and practical means of achieving rapid restoration of sinus rhythm in our ED population with stable recent-onset AF who would otherwise not have undergone routine electrically cardioversion and same day discharge.
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Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the most effective and non-ablative treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). However, it is not possible when neurovascular compression (NVC) is absent. Neurocombing is a possible treatment option for TN patients without NVC. ⋯ This study demonstrated that neurocombing is an attractive, effective, safe and durable treatment option for TN when NVC is absent. Further study is needed to explain the complicated and exact mechanism of pain relief by neurocombing.
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The p22phox gene encodes the main subunit of NADH/NADPH-oxidase. This enzyme is expressed in smooth muscle cells of arteries, and it produces the reactive oxygen species. On the other hand, oxidative stress plays a main role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). ⋯ Our data demonstrated that rs4673 transition may be involved in susceptibility to CAD and could be applied as a potential biomarker for this disease.
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Inadvertent parathyroidectomy is a recognised complication of thyroid surgery. We aimed to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for inadvertent parathyroidectomy during thyroid surgery, in our patient cohort. ⋯ Inadvertent parathyroidectomy is a potential risk during thyroid surgery but post-operative hypocalcaemia as a result is rare. Malignancy and more extensive surgery appear to carry an increased risk for this complication.
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Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a standard method for determining the pathologic status of the regional lymph nodes. ⋯ Breslow thickness of the primary tumour remains the strongest predictor of SLN positivity. Our findings point to a possible limited role for SLNB in thin melanoma due to its low positivity rate, associated false-negative rate and related morbidity.