Articles: disease.
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As the gold standard for imaging sinus disease, the main disadvantage of computed tomography (CT) of the pediatric paranasal sinus is radiation exposure. Because of this, 1 protocol for CT should reduce radiation dose while maintaining image quality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the image quality of dose-reduced paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) using an ultralow tube voltage (70 kVp) combined with iterative reconstruction (IR) in children. ⋯ The ultralow tube voltage (70 kVp) technique combined with IR enabled a significant dose reduction in CT examinations performed in the pediatric paranasal sinus while maintaining diagnostic image quality with clinically acceptable image noise.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Usefulness of an additional lead shielding device in reducing occupational radiation exposure during interventional endoscopic procedures: An observational study.
Adoption of interventional endoscopic procedures is increasing with increasing prevalence of diseases. However, medical radiation exposure is concerning; therefore, radiation protection for medical staff is important. However, there is limited information on the usefulness of an additional lead shielding device during interventional endoscopic procedures. ⋯ Additionally, the scattered radiation dose was lower without than with a gap in the shielding device at all locations. An additional lead shielding device could protect medical staff from radiation during interventional endoscopic procedures. However, gaps in protective equipment reduce effectiveness and should be eliminated.
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Obturator hernia is a relatively rare type of abdominal hernia, in which abdominal contents protrude through the obturator canal, a condition that can lead to small bowel obstruction. Its rarity and nonspecific signs and symptoms make a preoperative diagnosis difficult. The present study analyzed the clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods and operative treatment outcomes in patients with obturator hernia. ⋯ Obturator hernia should be included in the differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction of unknown origin, especially in emaciated elderly women with chronic disease. Early surgical intervention without delay is imperative to avoid postoperative morbidity and mortality associated with intestinal strangulation due to obturator hernia. Obturator hernia can be sufficiently repaired with simple suture closure without mesh.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Evaluation of HBV, HCV, and HIV seroprevalence in patients with plasma cell disorders.
Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses are hepatotropic and lymphotropic viruses that can proliferate either in lymphocytes and monocytes or hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with plasma cell disorders. We also aimed to compare patients with plasma cell disorders and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in terms of HBV, HCV, and HIV seropositivity. ⋯ There was also a statistically significant relationship between the disease groups in terms of hepatitis B e antigen positivity (P = .001). We found that hepatitis B surface antigen positivity rate in CLL patients was higher than in patients with plasma cell disorders. Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV was found to be very low in patients with plasma cell disorders.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused serious damage to public health. COVID-19 has no vaccine or specific therapy; its mortality rate increases significantly once patients deteriorate. Furthermore, intensive monitoring of COVID-19 is limited by insufficient medical resources and increased risks of exposure to medical staff. We therefore aim to build an early warning and rapid response system (EWRRS) to address these problems. ⋯ Our hypothesis is that EWRRS provides an example of an early identification, warning, and response system for COVID-19. In addition, EWRRS can potentially be extended to use as a grading metric for general critically ill patients in an ICU setting.