Postgraduate medicine
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Postgraduate medicine · Apr 2024
ReviewSplenectomy versus splenic preservation in total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing survival benefits and short-term complications.
There is an ongoing debate regarding the comparative merits of splenectomy (SP) and splenic preservation in the surgical management of gastric cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to shed light on potential differences in survival outcomes and postoperative complications associated with these two procedures. ⋯ Despite the lack of significant differences in certain individual complications and postoperative mortality, the broader pattern of our data suggests that SP is associated with a greater overall frequency of postoperative complications, without providing additional survival benefits compared to splenic preservation. Thus, the routine implementation of SP is not advocated.
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Postgraduate medicine · Apr 2024
ReviewA scoping review of mechanisms of auricular acupuncture for treatment of pain.
Auricular acupuncture (AA) is becoming increasingly common in primary care clinics, emergency departments and peri-operatively for pain relief. Over the last decade, since the last comprehensive reviews were published, the literature has expanded. In this scoping review, we seek to document the efficacy of AA in treating both acute and chronic pain, describe the mechanism of action of AA in treating pain, and discuss how AA has been integrated into Western medicine to date. ⋯ AA is an accessible, effective means of pain relief. AA is relatively straightforward to learn, and protocols and curriculums exist to teach healthcare professionals this valuable skill. Overcoming implementation barriers, including patient education, are essential next steps.
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2024
Association between serum ferritin and bone turnover marker levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
To investigate the correlation between serum ferritin (SF) and bone turnover markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). ⋯ SF level was positively correlated with β-CTx in T2DM patients with NAFLD, which may promote bone resorption and increase the risk of bone loss.
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2024
A machine learning stacking model accurately estimating gastric fluid volume in patients undergoing elective sedated gastrointestinal endoscopy.
The current point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) assessment of gastric fluid volume primarily relies on the traditional linear approach, which often suffers from moderate accuracy. This study aimed to develop an advanced machine learning (ML) model to estimate gastric fluid volume more accurately. ⋯ The stacking model and its web calculator can serve as practical tools for accurately estimating gastric fluid volume in patients undergoing elective sedated GIE. It is recommended that anesthesiologists measure D1 and D2 in the patient's RLD position.