The association between obesity and migraine in a population of Iranian adults: a case-control study

Aim

To assess the association between obesity and risk of migraine with aura and features of migraine attacks among a population of Iranian adults.

Comparison between Negative T waves characteristics in acute coronary syndrome and pulmonary embolism

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is the first available modality used in patients with chest pain and dyspnea in emergency rooms.We aimed to study differences between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and acute pulmonary embolism (APE) in patients presented primarily with abnormal negative T waves on their admission Electrocardiogram.

Kawasaki disease with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency,case report

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited vasculitis of unknown etiology that occurs predominantly in infants and children younger than 5 years of age. Coronary artery abnormalities are the most serious complication.Based on the literatures infusion of Intravenous Immunoglobulin of 2 g/kg and a high dose of oral aspirin up to 100 mg/kg/day are the standard treatment for Kawasaki disease in the acute stage, and should be followed by antiplatelet dose of aspirin for thrombocytosis. Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an inherited X-linked hereditary disorder, and aspirin can induce hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency. We report a case of a 5 year and 8 month old male with KD and G6PD deficiency.     

Successful lung transplantation following lung volume reduction surgery

BACKGROUND: Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is an accepted treatment modality for patients with advanced emphysema. Recently, successful lung transplantation (LTX) has been reported following LVRS. We assess the pulmonary functions in lung transplant recipients after LVRS. METHODS: 8 patients - 5 males and 3 women--aged 53-66 years with advanced emphysema underwent LVRS. Following clinical deterioration and decline of pulmonary function, patients underwent single LTX. Post transplantation follow-up included pulmonary function, 6 minute walk distance (6 MWD) and recording perioperative complications. RESULTS: Median forced expiratory in one second (FEV 1) before and after LVRS were 24 % with 31 % predicted, respectively. All but one showed improvement in lung function and 6 MWD following LVRS. Median maximal 6 MWD before and after LVRS was 222 and 316 meters, respectively. Median time from LVRS to LTX was 46 months (range 10-83). All patients survived and were discharged after LTX. Median FEV1 before and after LTX was 23 % with 57 % predicted, respectively. Median 6MWD before and after LTX was 240 and 462 meters, respectively. NYHA classes improved from 3-4 to 1-2 in 7 surviving patients. At transplantation, bleeding due to pleural adhesions was observed in 4 patients; two required blood transfusions. One patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and one had unilateral vocal cord paralysis. At nine-month follow-up, 7 patients are doing remarkably well, while one patient died 6 months after LTX due to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). CONCLUSIONS: LVRS is a therapeutic option in patients with end-stage emphysema. When emphysema deteriorates, LTX can be successfully performed with significant improvement of quality of life without significant additional risk.     

Walking and talking activities as nursing therapy for improving quality of life among older adults

Objective

The most prominent problem resulting from decreased body function in older adults is declining quality of life. Walking and talking among older adults in peer group may become a nursing therapy to improve their quality of life. The objective of this study was to identify the impact of walking and talking intervention of quality of life among community dwelling older adults in Depok, Indonesia.

Development of the Inventory Management and Tracking System (IMATS) to Track the Availability of Public Health Department Medical Countermeasures During Public Health Emergencies

Objective

To bridge gaps identified during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic by developing a system that provides public health departments improved capability to manage and track medical countermeasures at the state and local levels and to report their inventory levels to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Materials and Methods

The CDC Countermeasure Tracking Systems (CTS) program designed and implemented the Inventory Management and Tracking System (IMATS) to manage, track, and report medical countermeasure inventories at the state and local levels. IMATS was designed by CDC in collaboration with state and local public health departments to ensure a “user-centered design approach.” A survey was completed to assess functionality and user satisfaction.

Results

IMATS was deployed in September 2011 and is provided at no cost to public health departments. Many state and local public health departments nationwide have adopted IMATS and use it to track countermeasure inventories during public health emergencies and daily operations.

Discussion

A successful response to public health emergencies requires efficient, accurate reporting of countermeasure inventory levels. IMATS is designed to support both emergency operations and everyday activities. Future improvements to the system include integrating barcoding technology and streamlining user access. To maintain system readiness, we continue to collect user feedback, improve technology, and enhance its functionality.

Conclusion

IMATS satisfies the need for a system for monitoring and reporting health departments’ countermeasure quantities so that decision makers are better informed. The “user-centered design approach” was successful, as evident by the many public health departments that adopted IMATS.     

Recent advances in the management of autoimmune pancreatitis in the era of artificial intelligence

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a type of immune-mediated pancreatitis subdivided into two subtypes, type 1 and type 2 AIP. Furthermore, type 1 AIP is considered to be the pancreatic manifestation of the immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease. Nowadays, AIP is increasingly researched and recognized, although its diagnosis represents a challenge for several reasons: False positive ultrasound-guided cytological samples for a neoplastic process, difficult to interpret levels of IgG4, the absence of biological markers to diagnose type 2 AIP, and the challenging clinical identification of atypical forms. Furthermore, 60% and 78% of type 1 and type 2 AIP, respectively, are retrospectively diagnosed on surgical specimens of resected pancreas for suspected cancer. As distinguishing AIP from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma can be challenging, obtaining a definitive diagnosis can therefore prove difficult, since endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration or biopsy of the pancreas are suboptimal. This paper focuses on recent innovations in the management of AIP with regard to the use of artificial intelligence, new serum markers, and new therapeutic approaches, while it also outlines the current management recommendations. A better knowledge of AIP can reduce the recourse to surgery and avoid its overuse, although such an approach requires close collaboration between gastroenterologists, surgeons and radiologists. Better knowledge on AIP and IgG4-related disease remains necessary to diagnose and manage patients.     

Mid-term results of transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect using Nit-Occlud Lê ventricular septal defect coil,single-center experience

Objectives

To assess safety, efficacy and follow-up results of transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD) using Nit-Occlud_ Lê VSD Coil (pfm medical, KÖln, Germany).