Medicina
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Background and Objectives: To examine the relationship between the presence of earlobe crease (EC) and overactive bladder (OAB). Materials and Methods: The earlobes of the participants were examined macroscopically. ECs were further divided into four groups (grades 0-3) according to severity. ⋯ The post-void residual urine volume in the EC group was significantly higher than that in the N-EC group (p = 0.029). Multivariate analysis revealed that EC was an independent risk factor for OAB (odds ratio, 8.15; 95% confidence interval, 2.84-24.75; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The presence of an earlobe crease may be a predictive marker for OAB.
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Introduction Both non-contrast Computed Tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) are used for the diagnosis of renal colic in the emergency department (ED). Although US reduces radiation exposure, its diagnostic accuracy is inferior to that of CT. In this context, data regarding the cost and organizational impact of these strategies represent essential elements in the choice of imaging; however, they remain poorly documented. ⋯ The average costs were €1159 (SD 1987) and €956 (SD 1462) for US and CT, respectively, and the ED LOS was 8.9 [CI 95% 8.1; 9.4] and 8.7 [CI 95% 7.9; 9.9] hours for US and CT, respectively. CT was associated with a decreased LOS by 0.139 [CI 95% -1.1; 1.5] hours and was cost-saving, with a €199 [CI 95% -745; 285] reduction per patient. Conclusion When imaging is required in the ED for suspected renal colic as recommended, there is real-life evidence that CT is a cost-effective strategy compared to US, reducing costs and LOS in the ED.
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Optimizing the entire therapeutic regimen in septic critically ill patients should be based not only on improving antibiotic use but also on optimizing the entire therapeutic regimen by considering possible drug-drug or drug-nutrient interactions. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview on recent advances to optimize the therapeutic regimen in septic critically ill patients based on a pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic approach. Studies on recent advances on TDM-guided drug therapy optimization based on PK and/or PD results were included. ⋯ In addition, probiotics are associated with risk of the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The TDM-guided method ensures a true optimization of antibiotic therapy, and particular efforts should be applied globally. In addition, multidrug and drug-nutrient interactions in critically ill patients may increase the likelihood of adverse events and risk of death; therefore, the PK and PD particularities of the critically ill patient require a multidisciplinary approach in which knowledge of clinical pharmacology is essential.
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Background and Objectives: Previous studies have assessed the association between arterial stiffness and depressive and anxiety symptoms, but the results were inconsistent. We aimed to conduct a cross-sectional study to assess the relationship between arterial stiffness, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and quality of life. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the 2014-2015 Korea Institute of Sport Science Fitness Standards project data. ⋯ High baPWV was not associated with anxiety symptoms in all models, but it was associated with poor QOL in women (OR 4.561, 95% CI 1.465-14.199, p = 0.009). Conclusions: High baPWV was associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms, especially in men. Our study suggests a modest association between arterial stiffness and depressive symptoms in Korean adults.
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Background and Objectives: Revascularization has been proven to be superior to medication for symptom improvement in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). There are well known gender differences in therapeutic strategies for PAD. The influence of gender on post-angioplasty prognosis is not fully understood though. ⋯ A value below 0.5 was found to be an independent predictor for MALE (p = 0.001). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the incidence rates of MALE between the two genders over a 2-year follow-up period post-PTA. Regardless of sex, an ankle-brachial index value below 0.5 was the sole independent predictor for limb-related adverse events.