Arch Med Sci
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At least 60% of cases of severe hearing loss result from genetic factors. In this study genetic screening was carried out for common genetic deafness in women of childbearing age to prevent deafness and birth defects via providing genetic counseling and follow-up services for high-risk families. ⋯ This screening model will greatly reduce the birth rate of children with hearing disabilities and is an effective way to prevent newborn deafness. In addition, genetic screening provided the related knowledge of hereditary deafness, especially strengthening genetic counseling and the clinical decision making from the genetic screening.
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Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) is not devoid of risks; nor is anemia. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of a program designed to improve the appropriateness of RBC transfusions in hospital patients.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed time periods before and after program implementation. ⋯ A simple program may lead to a 3-fold decrease in transfusion rate and a significant increase in the percentage of appropriate RBC transfusions.
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Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common inflammatory state characterized by a clinical course that can lead to serious local and extrapancreatic organ malfunction and failure. Interleukins (ILs) are biologically active glycoproteins primarily produced by macrophages and lymphocytes. ⋯ The ways to modulate IL activity to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes in individuals with this condition are under investigation. Drugs that target specific ILs might be developed to mitigate the effects of AP.
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The HEALS Med-Tech program offers a unique blend of lifestyle changes and technology to improve hypertension (HTN) management in African Americans (AAs), a group disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods: A randomized controlled trial compared HEALS Med-Tech against usual care for uncontrolled hypertension in AAs, focusing on diet, medication adherence, and telehealth. ⋯ HEALS Med-Tech demonstrates potential in HTN management for AAs, advocating for culturally tailored, tech-integrated healthcare expansion.
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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) poses a significant threat to preterm infants, with nonspecific early manifestations complicating timely diagnosis. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a novel scoring system for early diagnosis of NEC, incorporating clinical and laboratory data with urinary caveolin-1 levels. ⋯ Urine caveolin-1 on day 3 signifies enterocyte tight junction damage and the acute phase of NEC in premature infants. The proposed scoring system demonstrates good performance in predicting NEC incidence in preterm infants.