The Journal of international medical research
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To evaluate the relationship between plasma N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and weaning outcomes, and the ability of NT-proBNP level to predict weaning success, in cancer patients with pulmonary complications undergoing noncardiac major surgeries. ⋯ Measuring NT-proBNP at the end of a spontaneous breathing trial may assist in predicting weaning success, as a noninvasive, quantitative and repeatable indicator of cardiac stress in patients with postsurgical respiratory failure.
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To assess retrospectively the diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) in excluding suspected bloodstream infection, establish cut-off values for PCT levels, and compare PCT with other clinical markers. ⋯ The serum PCT level can potentially be used as surrogate marker to exclude bacteraemia and to inform critical management decisions regarding antibiotic usage, in patients admitted with suspected bloodstream infection.
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Mutations in the high-temperature requirement A serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1) gene were studied in a Chinese family with cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL). ⋯ Discovery of a novel missense mutation (c.854C>T) associated with CARASIL expands the known CARASIL-related mutations in HTRA1.
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The epidemiology and the aetiology of inflammatory diseases of the vermiform appendix remain poorly understood. The prevalence of appendiceal diverticulosis and diverticulitis in patients undergoing appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis was investigated. ⋯ Diverticula of the vermiform appendix are rare. If inflamed, they mimic acute appendicitis and are treated by appendectomy. If not inflamed, and diagnosed intraoperatively, incidental appendectomy is recommended.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Ramosetron, midazolam, and combination of ramosetron and midazolam for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.
To compare the efficacy of ramosetron, midazolam, and the combination of ramosetron and midazolam in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in female patients undergoing thyroidectomy. ⋯ The combination therapy of ramosetron and midazolam provided superior antiemetic efficacy compared with midazolam single therapy, but did not show any significant additional benefits compared with ramosetron single therapy.