Postgraduate medicine
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Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is associated with asthma and obesity, which is defined as a high body mass index. Body mass mainly comprises fat mass (FM) and muscle mass (MM), which are independent of each other. We investigated the effect of changes in FM over time on the development of asymptomatic AHR in adults. ⋯ A rapid gain of FM over time may be a risk factor for developing AHR in adults. Prospective studies are needed to confirm our results and evaluate the role of FM reduction in preventing AHR development in obese adults.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jun 2023
Advantages and feasibility of intercostal nerve block in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has been successfully used worldwide as a minimally invasive method of thoracoscopic surgery. Although pain was significantly reduced after VATS, acute postoperative pain was still significant. This study aimed to assess the advantages and feasibility of intercostal nerve block in uniportal VATS. ⋯ Intercostal nerve block is safe and effective, and is associated with simple, accurate, and high patient satisfaction as opposed to other postoperative analgesics in uniportal VATS. Blocking five intercostal nerves may be more beneficial for effective postoperative pain management. Nevertheless, further confirmation through prospective randomized controlled trials is required.
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Anemia is a common health issue in older adults with crucial consequences. We aimed to investigate the relationship of anemia with various components of geriatric syndromes. ⋯ Anemia and depression are independent factors for low HGS in women, and anemia and age are independent factors for dependency on instrumental daily activities in older persons. Treating depression and raising Hb to optimal levels may be critical interventions to improve the health and life quality of people aged 65 and over, particularly in the female gender.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jun 2023
Perspectives of patients, care partners, and primary care physicians on management of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease dementia.
Early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia is crucial for effective disease management and optimizing patient outcomes. We sought to better understand the MCI and mild AD dementia medical journey from the perspective of patients, care partners, and physicians. ⋯ PCPs play a vital role in the timely diagnosis and treatment of MCI and mild AD dementia but often are not considered the care coordinator. For the majority of patients, the initial discussion with a PCP took place 15 months after symptom onset; therefore, it is important to educate patients/care partners and PCPs on MCI and AD risk factors, early symptom recognition, and the need for early diagnosis and treatment. PCPs could improve patient care and outcomes by building their understanding of the need for early AD diagnosis and treatment and improving the efficiency of the patient medical journey by serving as coordinators of care.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jun 2023
The relationship between visceral adipose index and resistant hypertension in people living with diabetes.
Resistant hypertension (RHT) is a more risky HT phenotype in terms of mortality and morbidity. It is more common in people living with diabetes. Studies have shown that visceral adipose index (VAI), a new obesity parameter, is associated with HT and diabetes mellitus (DM). The association of VIA with RHT has not been previously evaluated. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between VAI and RHT in people living with diabetes. ⋯ In our study, we have determined that increased VAI is an independent risk factor for RHT in people living with diabetes. VAI may have better ability to predict RHT than many other parameters.