Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with patch angioplasty produces greater results than with primary closure; however, there remains uncertainty on the optimal patch material in CEA. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to evaluate the effect of angioplasty using venous patch versus synthetic patch material, and Dacron patch ...

To evaluate the effect of a 12-month course of weekly lipid apheresis on vein graft patency after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with hyperlipidemia refractory to statins. In a 12-month prospective controlled clinical trial we enrolled 34 male patients (mean age 57 ± 8 years) who passed through successful CABG ...

Background: In India, tobacco consumption is responsible for one of the highest rates of oral cancer in the world, the annual oral cancer incidence is steadily increasing among young tobacco users. Studies have documented efforts taken by physicians, doctors and even dentists, in the form of individual or group counseling ...

There is growing interest in the use of information communication technologies to treat obesity. An intervention delivered by smartphone could be a convenient, potentially cost-effective, and wide-reaching weight management strategy. Although there have been studies of texting-based interventions and smartphone applications (apps) used as adjuncts to other treatments, there are ...

To evaluate the efficacy of Seprafilm(®) transplantation following adhesiolysis for preventing postoperative readhesion and improving surgical outcomes. Primary blepharoplasty was carried out on both eyelids of 18 albino rabbits. After 2 weeks, a new skin incision was made, and adhesiolysis was performed on both eyelids. The rabbits were categorized into ...

Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of traditional positive pressure (PP) irrigation compared with apical negative pressure (ANP) in tapered as well as non-tapered root canal preparation techniques. Method and Materials: Patients referred for treatment of mandibular permanent molars with necrotic ...

Poor postoperative wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) remains a significant problem. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new absorbable hyaluronan hydrogel. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted. Fifty-five patients with bilateral ESS were recruited and randomized to receive absorbable hyaluronan hydrogel in one side ...

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the most common postoperative complications. Aside from pharmacological interventions, other complementary healing modalities have been introduced to assist patients in decreasing PONV and improving postoperative outcomes. This study examined acupressure as a safe complement to the more traditional approach of using drugs ...

To characterize in-hospital and long-term outcomes after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients who underwent PCIs were grouped by era: group 1, October 9, 1979, to December 31, 1989 (408 with DM and 2684 without DM); group 2, January 1, 1990, to December 31, 1996 ...

The purpose of this study was to determine whether placing Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics (EMLA) at emergency department (ED) triage improves venipuncture success. Emergency department triage nurses prospectively identified patients aged 0-18 years assessed to have 50% or greater chance of needing venipuncture while in the emergency department. Identified ...

Consensus for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) control has still not been reached. We hypothesised that use of rapid MRSA detection followed by contact precautions and single room isolation would reduce MRSA acquisition. This study was a pre-planned prospective interrupted time series comparing rapid PCR detection and use of long sleeved ...

Cutaneous abscesses have traditionally been treated with incision and drainage (I&D) and left to heal by secondary closure. The objective was to compare the healing rates of cutaneous abscesses following I&D after primary or secondary closure. This was a randomized, controlled, trial, balanced by center, with blocked randomization created by ...

To decrease the risk of postoperative complication, improving general and pulmonary conditioning preoperatively should be considered essential for patients scheduled to undergo lung surgery. The aim of this study is to develop a short-term beneficial program of preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation for lung cancer patients. From June 2009, comprehensive preoperative pulmonary ...

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, computed tomography-based study was to investigate whether the press-fit technique reduces tunnel volume enlargement (TVE) and improves the clinical outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at a minimum follow-up of 1 year compared with conventional technique. Sixty-nine patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction using hamstring ...

In a randomized controlled trial, a daily Oral Vitamin D supplementation was given in dose of 2000 IU for Group A, 1000 IU for Group B , 500 IU for Group C and placebo for Group D over 3 months period to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D on ...

A physician assistant home care (PAHC) program providing house calls was initiated to decrease hospital readmission rates. We evaluated the 30-day readmission rates and diagnoses before and during PAHC to identify determinants of readmission and interventions to reduce readmissions. Patients who underwent cardiac surgery were evaluated postoperatively for 13 months ...

Adherence to surveillance colonoscopy guidelines is important to prevent colorectal cancer (CRC) and unnecessary workload. To evaluate how well Canadian gastroenterologists adhere to colonoscopy surveillance guidelines after adenoma removal or treatment for CRC. Patients with a history of adenomas or CRC who had surveillance performed between October 2008 and October ...

Background: Widespread evidence exists for directed patient information interventions (eg, pamphlets) in the setting of several orthopaedic conditions and interventions. Up until now, no study had assessed the role of these interventions in the management of patients following ankle fractures. Methods: Between 2005 and 2007, 40 patients who suffered an ...

Aim. Anastomotic leakage after colon anastomosis is the most frequent and most feared complication with its highest mortality rate. In this study, we aimed to expose the impact of performing fibrin glue on sutured colocolic anastomosis, in the presence of experimental peritonitis, on anastomosis safety. Method. In this experimental study, ...

Introduction: Macular edema (ME) is the leading cause of visual impairment in retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech) on ME secondary to RVO. Materials and methods: A prospective, interventional study was conducted among patients with ME due to RVO from ...

ABSTRACT: Among the craniosynostosis syndromes, Pfeiffer syndrome is notable because of high mortality and the need for multiple surgical interventions. However, it is variable in severity. We propose a new classification of Pfeiffer Syndrome to define pathology and function. A retrospective review was conducted of 42 patients with Pfeiffer syndrome ...

Deprotection of a methoxymethyl (MOM) group on an oxindole nitrogen under basic conditions is demonstrated. The mechanisms of both the deprotection and the formation of N-methyloxindole were revealed by using deuterated NaOMe-MeOH in mechanistic studies.

An increasingly aging population implies an increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) of hip or knee. It has been ascertained that unspecific hydrotherapy of OA according to Sebastian Kneipp not only improves the range of mobility but also reduces pain significantly and increases the quality of life of the patients affected. ...

The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant to tissue repair is gaining favour in orthopaedic surgery. Tunnel widening after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a recognised phenomenon that could compromise revision surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PRP might prevent tunnel widening in ...

PURPOUSE OF THE STUDY Wound drainage in surgical interventions has a long tradition. Regarding the primary TKA there are no valid data concerning the ideal point of time for removal. The objective of this prospective randomized study was to investigate which drainage procedure should be given preference with regard to ...

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different methods of ligation in tie configurations on friction in dry and wet conditions. Methods: Four methods of ligations were used: regular round tie, figure eight, twist, and diagonal. Materials used were Alastik (3M Unitek), Power O module ...

In this study, we aimed to compare the differences of nasal mucociliary clearance rate (NMCR) by rhinoscintigraphic examination between the nasal cavities of patients with unilateral concha bullosa (CB). The study group consisted of 43 patients (18 men and 25 women), with unilateral CB ranging in age from 20 to ...

We studied the macular pigment ocular density (MPOD) in patients with early age macular degeneration (AMD) before and 1 year after nutritional supplementation with lutein and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Forty-four patients with AMD were randomly divided into two groups that received placebo (n = 21) or a nutritional supplement (n ...

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), MP-1 microperimetry, and fundus autofluorescence imaging for planning surgical procedures in combined hamartomas of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHR-RPE) and following epiretinal membrane removal. In an interventional retrospective case series, six ...

Telehealth based on advanced information technology is an emerging health care strategy for managing chronic diseases. However, the cost-effectiveness and clinical effect of synchronous telehealth services in older patients with cardiovascular diseases has not yet been studied. Since 2009, the Telehealth Center at the National Taiwan University Hospital has provided ...

Primary objective: To describe the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO). Research design: A single case study was considered the most appropriate methodology in this situation. Methods and procedures: The subject was a 43 year old female 10 years post-traumatic brain injury with recurring ...

We investigated the effect of daily supplementation with lutein (L) capsules on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual acuity (VA) in patients with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-center investigation of the effects of L supplementation in early AMD was conducted. The duration of the ...

In people with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis, does radial nerve mobilisation to the affected hand reduce pressure pain sensitivity in the contralateral hand? Secondary analysis of data from a randomised trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis. Sixty people with thumb CMC osteoarthritis in the dominant hand aged 70-90 ...

Does Tai Chi improve postural control in patients with Parkinson's disease? Randomised, controlled trial and blinded outcome assessment. University clinic in USA. Individuals with Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr Stage 1-4) between the age of 40 and 85 years, and ability to walk with or without an assistive device were ...

To compare the efficacy and tolerability of Ivabradine (IVA) and Ranolazine (RAN) in chronic angina patients. This was a follow-on, open-label trial conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Uttarakhand. Thirty patients each taking IVA 5 mg twice daily or RAN 500 mg twice daily were distributed to the respective ...

A number of published comparative studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR). However, results have not always been consistent. Therefore, we carried out a meta-analysis to compare the clinical results of EN-DCR with and without MMC. A comprehensive ...

OBJECTIVES: The objective is to report our results with the arm composite autogenous vascular access (ACAVA) using the great saphenous vein (GSV) and the femoral vein (FV) in tertiary vascular access surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective single-centre study. Prospectively collected clinical database. METHODS: Between August 2009 and March 2011, 17 patients with ...

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical impact of management of coarctation of the aorta by transcatheter stent placement in the context of longer term management of systemic hypertension. In the long term, poor outlook associated with untreated coarctation of the aorta is likely to relate to ...

The current study retrospectively evaluated whether the percutaneous N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) seal-off technique is an effective treatment for controlling the angioplasty-related ruptures, which are irresponsive to prolonged balloon tamponade, during interventions for failed or failing hemodialysis vascular accesses. We reviewed 1588 interventions performed during a 2-year period for dysfunction and/or ...

Background: In long-term follow-up after drug-eluting stents (DES) implantation, late target lesion revascularization (TLR) is occasionally required. However, the incidence and predictors for late TLR with DES have not been fully investigated. Methods and Results: Between August 2004 and March 2005, 249 consecutive patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) ...

BACKGROUND:: This study evaluated the impact of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on 30-day and 1-year mortalities in patients with an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS:: Between January 2002 and November 2009, 1432 consecutive patients who had experienced STEMI with an onset ...

CONTEXT: The single-use Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Supreme is a new supraglottic airway device. It has been reported to be reliable and easy-to-use in clinical practice; however, the anaesthetic techniques for its insertion are not standardised. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the ED50 of end-tidal sevoflurane ...

BACKGROUND: There is continued debate on the effectiveness, indications, and medical necessity of epidural injections in managing pain and disability from lumbar disc herniation, despite extensive utilization. There is paucity of literature on interlaminar epidural injections in managing lumbar disc herniation or radiculitis in contemporary interventional pain management settings utilizing ...

BACKGROUND: Fish oil (FO) has antiinflammatory effects, which might reduce systemic inflammation induced by a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). OBJECTIVE: We tested whether perioperative infusions of FO modify the cell membrane composition, inflammatory responses, and clinical course of patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery. DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled trial ...

Abstract Introduction: Measuring and ensuring an adequate level of analgesia in patients are of increasing interest in the area of automated drug delivery during general anesthesia. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to develop a control system that may reflect the intraoperative analgesia value. Our hypothesis was that a ...

Background  We sought to find the therapeutic effect of 5Hz high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the unaffected pharyngeal motor cortex in post-stroke dysphagic patients. Methods  Eighteen patients with unilateral hemispheric stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia that lasted more than 1 month were randomly divided into two groups. They all performed videofluoroscopic ...

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The current procedure for circumferential balloon-based radiofrequency ablation (c-RFA) for the removal of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE) is labor-intensive, comprising 2 ablation passes with a cleaning step to remove debris from the ablation zone and electrode. We compared the safety and efficacy of 3 different c-RFA ablation ...

Low plasma concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are reported in unsupplemented cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Forty-one CF patients aged from 6 to 12 years were randomized to receive high-dose DHA (100mg/kg/day in the first month and 1g per day thereafter through a 12-month supplementation) or placebo (germ oil). Primary outcome ...

BACKGROUND: Patients and athletes with diminished gluteal muscle activation are thought to have 'gluteal inhibition'. This may be a component of arthrogenic neuromuscular inhibition, which has been well documented in the knee and generalized to all joints. While clinical evidence surrounding gluteal inhibition increases, supportive research is non-existent. This study ...

BACKGROUND: In colorectal surgeries, surgical site infections (SSIs) frequently cause morbidity; an incidence of up to 20% has been shown in previous studies. Recently, to prevent microbial colonization of suture material in operative wounds, triclosan-coated polyglactin suture materials with antimicrobial activity have been developed; however, their significance in colorectal surgery ...