International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
Postchemoradiotherapy Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Distant Metastasis and Survival Results in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancers.
Our retrospective research included a sum of 126 LAPAC patients who received CCRT. The NLR was calculated for each patient based on the complete blood count test results obtained on the last day of the CCRT. The availability of optimal cutoff(s) that might dichotomize the whole cohort into two groups with significantly different clinical outcomes was searched using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Primary and secondary endpoints were the potential association between the post-CCRT NLR measures and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes. ⋯ The present study found that the posttreatment NLR ≥3.1 was independently linked with a higher risk of DM and subsequent degraded survival outcomes in unresectable LAPAC patients managed with exclusive CCRT.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
NUTRIC Score Is Not Superior to mNUTRIC Score in Prediction of Mortality of COVID-19 Patients.
The NUTRIC (nutrition risk in the critically ill) score and the modified NUTRIC score are two scoring systems that show the nutritional risk status and severity of acute disease of patients. The only difference between them is the examination of interleukin-6 (IL-6) level. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the NUTRIC score is superior to the mNUTRIC score in the prediction of mortality of patients with COVID-19 followed up in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Material and Method. This retrospective study included 322 patients followed up in ICU with a diagnosis of COVID-19. A record was made of demographic data, laboratory values, clinical results, and mortality status. All the data of the patients were compared between high and low variations of the NUTRIC score and the mNUTRIC score. ⋯ Although the NUTRIC score was seen to be superior to the mNUTRIC score, no statistically significant difference was determined. Therefore, when IL-6 cannot be examined, the mNUTRIC score can be considered safe and effective for the prediction of mortality in COVID-19 patients.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Prenatal Diagnosis of Choledochal Cysts: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of prenatal MRI in diagnosing choledochal cysts (CDC), evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of MRI signs in the diagnosis of fetal CDC, and first compare the trend of size of CC between prenatal and postpartum. ⋯ Prenatal MRI is higher than that of US for diagnosing CDCs, specifically in identifying the location of the cyst and confirming the origin of the cyst. The length, width, and size of the CDC become slightly bigger in our study.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
Assessment of Patients' Views on Drug Benefits and Risks: An Interview Study with Cardiovascular Patients.
Better and balanced information strategies supporting cardiovascular patients' adherence are required. Cardiovascular drugs have outstanding morbidity and mortality benefits. This can be counteracted by patients' perceptions of risks. ⋯ However, a lack of knowledge still exists in relation to clinical benefits. Regarding risks, it has been shown that patients with higher PHQ-4 scores are more likely to be bothered or concerned. Both emphases on clinical benefits and individualization depending on PHQ-4 scores may be valuable resources for patient counseling to support adherence.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
A Comparison of the Ligation Torque Expression of a Ribbonwise Bracket-Archwire Combination and a Conventional Combination: A Primary Study.
To assess the effect of the third-order mechanics of a new ribbonwise bracket-archwire combination using an orthodontic torque simulator. Material and Methods. An orthodontic torque simulator was used to measure the third-order moment of a maxillary central incisor as it changed from a neutral position to a 40° rotation in 1° increment. A new ribbonwise bracket (Xinya, China) was compared with a conventional ligation bracket (American Orthodontic, U.S.A.). The effects of different archwire sizes (i.e., 0.017″ × 0.025″ and 0.019″ × 0.025″) and materials (i.e., nickel-titanium, titanium-molybdenum alloy, and stainless steel) were analyzed. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to compare the moments between the two bracket types corresponding to each of the archwires. The effects of the stiffness of the bracket-archwire complexes were also assessed. ⋯ The ribbonwise bracket-archwire complex reached the moment threshold limits earlier than the conventional complex. When the rotation angle is less than 30°, the ribbonwise bracket-archwire complex generated a greater torque moment in comparison with the conventional complex.