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Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Is there a differential in the dental health of new recruits to the British Armed Forces? | Figures from the British Defence Dental Services reveal that serving personnel in the British Army have a persistently lower level of dental fitness than those in the Royal Navy or the Royal Air Force. No research had been undertaken to ascertain if this reflects the oral health of recruits joining each Service. This study aimed to pilot a process for collecting dental and sociodemographic data from new recruits to each Service and examine the null hypothesis that no differences in dental health existed. | A single UK university hospital. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Is inhaled prophylactic heparin useful for prevention and Management of Pneumonia in ventilated ICU patients? | To determine whether prophylactic inhaled heparin is effective for the prevention and treatment of pneumonia patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV) in the intensive care unit. | Retrospective, observational study of hospitalized patients receiving prophylactic heparin who underwent contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) for a concern of pulmonary embolism (PE) more than 2 days after admission. Patients with contraindications to, or interruptions in, prophylactic heparin were excluded. The modified (eg, dichotomous) Wells score was retrospectively calculated by reviewing each patient's record. Requesting a D-dimer was taken to mean that alternate diagnoses were of equal or greater likelihood than acute PE. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can a Novel Surgical Approach to the Temporomandibular Joint Improve Access and Reduce Complications? | This clinical study investigated whether the vascular-guided multilayer preauricular approach (VMPA) to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) could improve access and decrease complications. | A prospective interventional study. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Therapeutic anticoagulation in the trauma patient: is it safe? | Trauma patients who require therapeutic anticoagulation pose a difficult treatment problem. The purpose of this study was to determine: (1) the incidence of complications using therapeutic anticoagulation in trauma patients, and (2) if any patient factors are associated with these complications. | Venous thromboembolism is a major patient safety issue. The Plastic Surgery Foundation-sponsored Venous Thromboembolism Prevention Study examined whether postoperative enoxaparin prevents symptomatic venous thromboembolism in adult plastic surgery patients. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can nurse-led preoperative education reduce anxiety and postoperative complications of patients undergoing cardiac surgery? | The effect of preoperative education on anxiety and postoperative outcomes of cardiac surgery patients remains unclear.AIM: The aim of the study was to estimate the effectiveness of a nurse-led preoperative education on anxiety and postoperative outcomes. | Preoperative risk stratification models have previously been suggested to predict cardiac surgery unit costs. However, there is a lack of consistency in their reliability in this field. In this study we aim to test the correlation between the values of six commonly known preoperative scoring systems and evaluate their reliability at predicting unit costs of cardiac surgery patients. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does insulin resistance drive the association between hyperglycemia and cardiovascular risk? | Several studies have shown associations between hyperglycemia and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality, yet glucose-lowering treatment does little to mitigate this risk. We examined whether associations between hyperglycemia and CVD risk were explained by underlying insulin resistance. | Insulin resistance is common in Type 2 diabetes which, in turn, is associated with a markedly increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Whether insulin sensitivity measured after diagnosis of diabetes is associated with incident cardiovascular disease was evaluated in this prospective study. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Do symptoms matter when considering patients for phase I clinical trials? | Older adults (OA) with advanced cancer (AC) undergoing phase I clinical trials (PICT) have poor prognosis. There are no studies which describe symptoms experienced by OA. | The purpose of this study was to identify patient characteristics that may be risk factors or markers of susceptibility to adverse treatment effects in cancer Phase I and II clinical trials. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Cholestasis associated with small bowel atresia: do we always need to investigate? | Cholestasis occurs frequently in patients with small bowel atresia (SBA) and is often attributed to prolonged parental nutrition. When severe or prolonged, patients may undergo unnecessary intensive or invasive investigation. We characterized cholestasis and analyzed the pertinence of investigating this patient population. | Previous studies have suggested that marginal periodontitis is a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to determine whether caries may also be associated with atherosclerosis. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Fatigue in primary Sjögren's syndrome: is there a link with the fibromyalgia syndrome? | To determine whether fibromyalgia (FM) is more common in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) who complain of fatigue. The association and prevalence of fatigue and FM was recorded in a group of patients with pSS and a control group of lupus patients, a subset of whom had secondary Sjögren's syndrome (sSS). | Immunohistological studies on salivary and lacrimal glands have yielded conflicting results on the Th1/Th2 balance in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Diabetes mellitus among Swedish art glass workers--an effect of arsenic exposure? | The purpose of this study was to search for evidence of an association between occupational arsenic exposure and diabetes mellitus, as implied by the relation of this disease to arsenic in drinking water in a recent study from Taiwan. | Aldose reductase (AR) has been a drug target because of its involvement in the development of secondary complications of diabetes including cataract. We have previously reported that the aqueous extract of Emblica officinalis and its constituent tannoids inhibit AR in vitro and prevent hyperglycemia-induced lens opacification in organ culture. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of Emblica and its enriched tannoids on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic cataract in rats. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Is halofantrine ototoxic? | Halofantrine is a newly developed antimalarial drug used for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The introduction of this drug has been delayed because of its possible side effects, and due to insufficient studies on adverse reactions in humans. There have been no studies investigating its effect on hearing. | In this study we tested whether L-carnitine, an antioxidant and a facilitator for long-chain fatty acid transportation across mitochondrial membranes, could protect rat hepatocytes against toxicity induced by T-2 toxin. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.The Deformity Angular Ratio: Does It Correlate With High-Risk Cases for Potential Spinal Cord Monitoring Alerts in Pediatric 3-Column Thoracic Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery? | A retrospective analysis. | A total of 364 patients at a single institution from 2002 to 2007 with adult scoliosis, with an average 3.5 years' follow-up were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were age more than 18 years and fusion greater than 5 levels from any thoracic upper instrumented vertebrae to any lower instrumented vertebrae. Cobb measurements in the coronal and sagittal plane in addition to measurements of the PJK angle at postoperative time points were performed. Clinical assessment was performed using Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) scores and the Oswestry Disability Index. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does lung ischemia and reperfusion have an impact on coronary flow? | Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury remains a major cause of early morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation with poorly documented extrapulmonary repercussions. To determine the hemodynamic effect due to lung IR injury, we performed a quantitative coronary blood-flow analysis in a swine model of in situ lung ischemia and reperfusion. | Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the principal obstacles for the lung transplantation (LTx) success. Several strategies have been adopted to minimize the effects of IRI in lungs, including ex vivo conditioning of the grafts and the use of antioxidant drugs, such as methylene blue (MB). We hypothesized that MB could minimize the effects of IRI in a LTx rodent model. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can a practicing surgeon detect early lymphedema reliably? | Lymphedema may be identified by simpler circumference changes as compared with changes in limb volume. | The digital examination of 19 patients could be assessed and was correct in 13 (68%). ELU was done in 34 patients; the accuracy was 88%. Extension of tumour was overestimated in two and underestimated in two. MRI was done for 35 patients with an accuracy of 66%; in 12 patients extension was underestimated. The diagnostic accuracy of the assessment of lymph node involvement was 71% with ELU, and 72% with MRI. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Esophagogastric devascularization without splenectomy in portal hypertension: safe and effective? | Esophagogastric variceal hemorrhage is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. In this study, we compared the therapeutic effect of a novel surgical procedure, esophagogastric devascularization without splenectomy (EDWS), with the widely used modified esophagogastric devascularization (MED) with splenectomy for the treatment of portal hypertension. | Preoperative portal vein embolization successfully reduces the incidence of postoperative hepatic failure in which endotoxin is postulated to be involved. To identify the mechanism of this preventive effect, the relationship of endotoxin-induced liver injury with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and nitric oxide production in the peripheral blood, liver and spleen of rats subjected to preoperative portal vein branch ligation (PVL) was compared with that in rats undergoing sham operation. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Are performance measurement systems useful? | Prior literature identified the use of Performance Measurement Systems (PMS) as crucial in addressing improved processes of care. Moreover, a strategic use of PMS has been found to enhance quality, compared to non-strategic use, although a clear understanding of this linkage is still to be achieved. This paper deals with the test of direct and indirect models related to the link between the strategic use of PMS and the level of improved processes in health care organizations. Indirect models were mediated by the degree of perceived managerial discretion. | University Human Performance laboratory. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Are wandering and physically nonaggressive agitation equivalent? | The authors examined equivalence of wandering and physically nonaggressive agitation (PNA) as concepts. | Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measured by accelerometer had higher correlation with data from the PAAQ (r = 0.44) than with data from the IPAQ (r = 0.20). The differences between accelerometer and PAAQ data were greater based on accelerometer-measured physical activity accumulated in 10-minute bouts (30-minute difference in MVPA) than on all minutes (9-minute difference). The percentages of respondents meeting the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines were 90% based on self-reported IPAQ minutes, 70% based on all accelerometer MVPA minutes, 29% based on accelerometer MVPA minutes accumulated in 10-minute bouts, and 61% based on self-reported PAAQ minutes. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Do older adults with cancer fall more often? | To examine whether a history of cancer increased the likelihood of a fall in community-dwelling older adults, and if cancer type, stage, or time since diagnosis increased falls. | Mean age of the 198 patients (116 F) was 71.0 +/- 12.1 years. Of these, 36 had a fall at least once. Delirium occurred significantly more often in fallers (p = 0.029). There was a nonsignificant trend for a higher number of prescribed drugs in fallers (n = 8.5 +/- 3.7 versus 7.5 +/- 3.2; p = 0.4) who received significantly more neuroleptics (47.2% versus 29%; p = 0.035). Environmental hazards made little contribution to patients' falls. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Do all ethnic groups in New Zealand exhibit socio-economic mortality gradients? | First, to establish whether a deprivation gradient in all-cause mortality exists for all ethnic groups within New Zealand; second, if such gradients do exist, whether their absolute slopes are the same; and third, if such gradients exist, what impact the unequal deprivation distributions of the different ethnic groups have on the observed ethnic inequalities in life expectancy at birth. | Neonatal mortality and morbidity. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Is there a favorable subset of patients with prostate cancer who develop oligometastases? | To analyze, retrospectively, the patterns and behavior of metastatic lesions in prostate cancer patients treated with external beam radiotherapy and to investigate whether patients with<or =5 lesions had an improved outcome relative to patients with>5 lesions. | Many patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer experience recurrence and metastasis, two aspects that will often cause their demise. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process involved in cancer progression. With increasing evidence linking Cisplatin and EMT, we wanted to identify a compound able to counter EMT progression when cancer cells are treated with Cisplatin. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Gluten tolerance in adult patients with celiac disease 20 years after diagnosis? | Celiac disease (CD) is believed to be a permanent intolerance to gluten. A number of patients, however, discontinue the gluten-free diet (GFD) without developing symptoms or signs. The aim of our study was to investigate whether CD patients are capable of developing tolerance to gluten. | To develop CLM criteria most predictive of celiac pathology in a prospective pilot study. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Household and food shopping environments: do they play a role in socioeconomic inequalities in fruit and vegetable consumption? | Fruit and vegetables are protective of a number of chronic diseases; however, their intakes have been shown to vary by socioeconomic position (SEP). Household and food shopping environmental factors are thought to contribute to these differences. To determine whether household and food shopping environmental factors are associated with fruit and vegetable (FV) intakes, and contribute to socioeconomic inequalities in FV consumption. | Studies on fruit, vegetable, fiber, and grain consumption and pancreatic cancer risk are inconclusive. We used a clinic-based case-control study specifically designed to address limitations of both cohort and case-control studies to examine the relationship. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Clinical identifiers for early-stage primary/idiopathic adhesive capsulitis: are we seeing the real picture? | Adhesive capsulitis is often difficult to diagnose in its early stage and to differentiate from other common shoulder disorders. | Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology appears several years before clinical symptoms, so identifying ways to detect individuals in the preclinical stage is imperative. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Tau/Aβ |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can we predict which head and neck cancer survivors develop fears of recurrence? | The objectives of this study were to investigate longitudinal predictors of fear of recurrence in survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) using Leventhal's Common Sense Model (CSM) as a framework. The research questions were as follows: (a) to what extent do HNC patients report fear of cancer recurrence? (b) To what extent are fears of recurrence manifestations of illness-related anxiety? (c) Are fears of recurrence closely related to current symptoms, disease, and treatment-related factors, or psychological/socio-demographic factors? (d) What factors are predictive of long-term fears of recurrence? | Although colorectal adenoma is reported to recur frequently, this may result from missing it at baseline. However, few studies of recurrence have considered the miss rate. This study evaluated the recurrence rate prospectively and clinical predictors of recurrence in colorectal adenoma after lowering the miss rate. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Scrotal approach to both palpable and impalpable undescended testes: should it become our first choice? | To determine the advantages of scrotal incision in the treatment of undescended testis. Undescended testis is a common pediatric condition and is conventionally managed surgically by orchidopexy. A single scrotal incision orchidopexy has become accepted as a valid approach for patients with palpable undescended testicles. Because this approach also allows easy detection of atrophic testes or testicular remnants, it recently has also emerged as an alternative initial surgical approach to impalpable undescended testicles. | Randomised trial with concealed allocation, blinded assessors and intention-to-treat analysis. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Is there a relationship between homocysteine and vitiligo? | Pigmentary dilution is observed in patients with homocystinuria. Therefore, it is possible that an increase of local homocysteine (Hcy) interferes with normal melanogenesis and plays a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Vitamin B12 and folic acid, levels of which are decreased in vitiligo, are important cofactors in the metabolism of Hcy. Consequently, a nutritional deficiency in either of these two vitamins will result in an increase in homocysteine in the circulation, a finding that we expect to find in vitiligo. | Homocysteine is associated with both myocardial infarction and arterial wall inflammation. To establish whether homocysteine is associated with myocardial infarction after adjusting for age, sex, the major cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory risk predictors (fibrinogen, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6). A case-control study, using 364 myocardial infarction cases drawn from the north Glasgow MONICA study, 3-9 months after their event, and 383 controls drawn from the general population of the same geographical area. The odds ratio for myocardial infarction increased progressively across the four quarters of the homocysteine distribution, after adjusting for only age and sex or for the full adjustment (age, sex, smoking, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6). The odds ratios produced by the two adjustments were similar. Comparing the top quarter with the bottom quarter of homocysteine, the odds ratio was 2.21 (95% confidence interval: 1.30-3.76) after the full adjustment. The odds ratio for a 5 micromol/l increase in homocysteine was 1.12 (95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.24) after the full adjustment. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Failed IUD insertions in community practice: an under-recognized problem? | The data analysis was conducted to describe the rate of unsuccessful copper T380A intrauterine device (IUD) insertions among women using the IUD for emergency contraception (EC) at community family planning clinics in Utah. | One of the 86 inserted implants failed during the healing period (cumulative survival rate (CSR) implants: 98.8%). During the prosthetic functional period (mean: 5.9 ± 2.2 years), 1 implant demonstrated an abutment fracture (CSR-abutments: 98.2%), and one case of peri-implantitis was detected. All IODs remained in function (CSR-denture: 100%). A total of 15 technical complications required interventions to maintain function (technical complication rate: 0.178 treatments/patients/year). |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Is the first urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) in women with suspected preeclampsia a prognostic factor for maternal and neonatal adverse outcome? | The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of the first urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and how it relates to other prognostic factors. | The objective of this study was to prospectively assess physical and biochemical cardiovascular risk markers in women who had developed preeclampsia (PE) at 1 year postpartum. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Major depression and alcohol use disorder in adolescence: Does comorbidity lead to poorer outcomes of depression? | Comorbid major depression (MD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), particularly in adolescents, have been shown to be associated with poorer subsequent MD outcomes. | Hierarchical linear regression analysis demonstrated that depressed mood was associated with more alcohol-related problems. A significant interaction between depressed mood and parental monitoring indicated a moderating effect, with high levels of depressed mood being associated with alcohol-related problems when parental monitoring was low; at low levels of depressed mood, parental monitoring was not related to alcohol-related problems. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Is the use of cyanoacrylate in intestinal anastomosis a good and reliable alternative? | The present study aims to compare strength, healing, and operation time of experimental intestinal anastomoses performed by polyglactin 910 (Vicryl; Ethicon, Edinburgh, United Kingdom) sutures with ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue (Pattex; Henkel, Dusseldorf, Germany). | There is a lack of data and absence of clear recommendations regarding the optimal treatment of lesions located at the anastomosis of internal thoracic artery (ITA) grafts and native coronary arteries (CAs). The objective of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at the ITA anastomosis according to delivered treatment, namely deployment of a drug-eluting stent (DES), bare-metal stent (BMS), or balloon angioplasty only (POBA). |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Do primary care physicians underprescribe antibiotics for peptic ulcer disease? | To determine how often primary care physicians prescribe eradication therapy for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD). | We evaluated whether therapy designed to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection resulted in a reduction in rebleeding in patients with peptic ulcer disease. Patients presenting because of major upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage from peptic ulcer and whose ulcers healed in a study in which they were randomized to receive ranitidine alone or triple therapy plus ranitidine were followed up regularly with endoscopy. No maintenance anti-ulcer therapy was given after ulcer healing. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Women with synchronous primary cancers of the endometrium and ovary: do they have Lynch syndrome? | Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer; HNPCC) is an autosomal-dominant cancer predisposition syndrome that increases risk for multiple cancers, including colon, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Revised Bethesda Criteria recommend that patients with two HNPCC-associated cancers undergo molecular evaluation to determine whether they have a mismatch repair (MMR) defect associated with HNPCC. The purpose of our study was to determine the likelihood of MMR defects (MSH2, MSH6, MLH1) in women with synchronous endometrial and ovarian cancer. | Women diagnosed with endometriosis by laparotomy or laparoscopy. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Detailed analysis of sputum and systemic inflammation in asthma phenotypes: are paucigranulocytic asthmatics really non-inflammatory? | The technique of induced sputum has allowed to subdivide asthma patients into inflammatory phenotypes according to their level of granulocyte airway infiltration. There are very few studies which looked at detailed sputum and blood cell counts in a large cohort of asthmatics divided into inflammatory phenotypes. The purpose of this study was to analyze sputum cell counts, blood leukocytes and systemic inflammatory markers in these phenotypes, and investigate how those groups compared with healthy subjects. | Asthma is a clinical syndrome characterized by variabilities in disease expression and severity. The pathophysiological mechanism underlying anti-asthma treatment resistance is also assumed to be different between disease phenotypes. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does reducing spasticity translate into functional benefit? | Spasticity and loss of function in an affected arm are common after stroke. Although botulinum toxin is used to reduce spasticity, its functional benefits are less easily demonstrated. This paper reports an exploratory meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between reduced arm spasticity and improved arm function. | To evaluate a quantitative, velocity-based assessment of spasticity in the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to show the effects of spasticity in constraining knee velocities during fast gait. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Uniformity of evidence-based treatments in practice? | Various factors contribute to the effective implementation of evidence-based treatments (EBTs). In this study, cognitive processing therapy (CPT) was administered in a Veterans Affairs (VA) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) specialty clinic in which training and supervision were provided following VA implementation guidelines. The aim was to (a) estimate the proportion of variability in outcome attributable to therapists and (b) identify characteristics of those therapists who produced better outcomes. | Laboratory-based study. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does head positioning influence anterior chamber depth in pseudoexfoliation syndrome? | Phacodonesis can occur in pseudoexfoliation syndrome because of impaired zonular support. This study investigates whether the increased mobility of the lens influences anterior chamber depth in patients with pseudoexfoliation while assuming a prone position. | We profile methylomic variation in matched prefrontal cortex and cerebellum brain tissue from schizophrenia patients and controls, identifying disease-associated differential DNA methylation at multiple loci,particularly in the prefrontal cortex, and confirming these differences in an independent set of adult brain samples.Our data reveal discrete modules of co-methylated loci associated with schizophrenia that are enriched for genes involved in neurodevelopmental processes and include loci implicated by genetic studies of the disorder. Methylomic data from human fetal cortex samples, spanning 23 to 184 days post-conception, indicates that schizophrenia-associated differentially methylated positions are significantly enriched for loci at which DNA methylation is dynamically altered during human fetal brain development. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Blunt trauma in intoxicated patients: is computed tomography of the abdomen always necessary? | Physical examination to detect abdominal injuries has been considered unreliable in alcohol-intoxicated trauma patients. Computed tomography (CT) plays the primary role in these abdominal evaluations. | The detection of isolated intestinal injuries after blunt trauma can be difficult because of subtle signs and symptoms, often leading to delayed diagnosis. We hypothesized that specific clinical indicators could be identified to assist in the diagnosis of these injuries. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can 'high-risk' human papillomaviruses (HPVs) be detected in human breast milk? | Using polymerase chain reaction techniques, we evaluated the presence of HPV infection in human breast milk collected from 21 HPV-positive and 11 HPV-negative mothers. | Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a pathogenic factor of squamous cell carcinoma in various mucosal locations, including anal carcinoma (ACA). It is also known that patients positive for HIV are at high risk of ACA. The goal of this study was to examine clinical outcome in ACA in relation to HPV/p16 positivity, histologic tumor differentiation, and HIV status. Patients with oropharyngeal cancers that are positive for HPV and show overexpression of p16 as well as having non-keratinizing/basaloid histology have been reported to have better outcomes following chemoradiation (CRT). However, such relationships in ACA remain unknown. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Neoadjuvant Imatinib in Locally Advanced Gastrointestinal stromal Tumours, Will Kit Mutation Analysis Be a Pathfinder? | Longer duration of neoadjuvant (NA) imatinib (IM) used for locally advanced (LA) gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) is not based on biology of the tumour reflected by kit mutation analysis. | Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are specific KIT expressing and KIT-signaling driven mesenchymal tumors of the human digestive tract, many of which have KIT-activating mutations. Previous studies have found a relatively homogeneous gene expression profile in GIST, as compared with other histological types of sarcomas. Transcriptional heterogeneity within clinically or molecularly defined subsets of GISTs has not been previously reported. We tested the hypothesis that the gene expression profile in GISTs might be related to KIT genotype and possibly to other clinicopathological factors. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Should circumcision be performed in childhood? | To evaluate prepuce development and retractibility in a group of boys. To point out the value of circumcision and prepucial forced dilation during childhood. | Women undergoing surgery for ovarian cysts. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Patient comprehension of emergency department care and instructions: are patients aware of when they do not understand? | To be able to adhere to discharge instructions after a visit to the emergency department (ED), patients should understand both the care that they received and their discharge instructions. The objective of this study is to assess, at discharge, patients' comprehension of their ED care and instructions and their awareness of deficiencies in their comprehension. | Cardiac surgical patients. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does cup-cage reconstruction with oversized cups provide initial stability in THA for osteoporotic acetabular fractures? | The incidence of acetabular fractures in osteoporotic patients is increasing. Immediate total hip arthroplasty (THA) has potential advantages, but achieving acetabular component stability is challenging and, at early followup, reported revision rates for loosening are high.QUESTIONS/ | Average cup abduction was 43.1° ± 7.5° and anteversion was 13.3° ± 7.5°. Three hundred cups were within the target zone. All outcomes' improvement from baseline and cup position was not an independent risk factor for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index or Short Form 12 Health Survey improvement. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Are physicians aware of the side effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors? | Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) are considered safe, but they are associated with characteristic side effects, namely cough and angioedema, usually requiring discontinuation. We perceived that referrals for these side effects have become more and more frequent; therefore, we evaluated the degree of knowledge on the safety of ACE-I in different medical categories. | Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors improve exercise capacity in adults with congestive heart failure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance and improving ventricular diastolic function. Patients who have undergone the Fontan procedure have decreased cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, abnormal diastolic function, and decreased exercise capacity compared with normal people. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does timing of initial surfactant treatment make a difference in rates of chronic lung disease or mortality in premature infants? | To compare two treatment strategies in preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress syndrome: early surfactant administration (within one hour of birth) versus late surfactant administration, in a geographically defined population. | Infants with a maternal history of allergic disease (n=324). |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can PRISM predict length of PICU stay? | PRISM is claimed to score disease severity which has attributed an impact on length of PICU stay (LOS). | PICU. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can APC mutation analysis contribute to therapeutic decisions in familial adenomatous polyposis? | In familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), correlations between site of mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene and severity of colonic polyposis or extracolonic manifestations are well known. While mutation analysis is important for predictive diagnosis in persons at risk, its relevance for clinical management of individual patients is open to question. | In critically ill patients independent studies have shown contradictory findings regarding the prognostic significance of the D/D genotype of the I/D angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism. The study aim was to evaluate the effect of both ACE I/D polymorphism and ACE serum levels on the clinical outcomes of critically ill septic patients. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Is double-balloon enteroscopy an accurate method to diagnose small-bowel disorders? | The aim of this study was to analyze the contribution of the double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for diagnosis of the small bowel disorders. | To determine whether less invasive endometrial (EM) aspiration biopsy is adequately accurate for evaluating treatment outcomes compared to the dilatation and curettage (D&C) biopsy in early-stage endometrial cancer (EC) patients treated with high dose oral progestin and levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Do improvements in outreach, clinical, and family and community-based services predict improvements in child survival? | There are three main service delivery channels: clinical services, outreach, and family and community. To determine which delivery channels are associated with the greatest reductions in under-5 mortality rates (U5MR), we used data from sequential population-based surveys to examine the correlation between changes in coverage of clinical, outreach, and family and community services and in U5MR for 27 high-burden countries. | Research has suggested that 'risky' family processes have unforeseen negative consequences for health later in life. The purpose of this study was to further understanding of risky family environments and development of health vulnerabilities by (a) examining the likelihood that elevated levels of parental depressive symptoms when children are age 11 forecast accelerated epigenetic aging 9 years later at age 20; (b) determining whether participation in an efficacious family-centered prevention program focused on enhancing supportive parenting and strengthening family relationships will ameliorate this association; and (c) testing a moderation-mediation hypothesis that prevention-induced reductions in harsh parenting across adolescence will account for prevention effects in reducing accelerated epigenetic aging. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can D-dimer become a new diagnostic parameter for acute appendicitis? | In this study, we investigated D-dimer serum level as a diagnostic parameter for acute appendicitis. | Computed tomography (CT) is used increasingly to diagnose acute appendicitis, despite variable technique and interpretation. We hypothesized that CT interpretation would not reflect actual clinical-pathologic findings in all demographic patient groups. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can Flexible Instruments Create Adequate Femoral Tunnel Lengths at 90° of Knee Flexion in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction? | This study aims to study femoral tunnel lengths drilled with a flexible reamer and the distance to important lateral structures obtained by flexing the knee at various angles and by drilling the guide pins arthroscopically to resemble clinical practice. The purpose of this cadaveric study was twofold: 1. to determine whether femoral tunnel lengths of greater than 20 mm can be created with a flexible reamer system at 90 ° of knee flexion and 2. to determine whether the lateral structures of the knee are safe with this technique. | Because there have been no standard methods to determine pre-operatively the thickness of resection of the proximal tibia in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), information about the relationship between the change of limb alignment and the joint line elevation would be useful for pre-operative planning. The purpose of this study was to clarify the correlation between the change of limb alignment and the change of joint line height at the medial compartment after UKA. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Immunohistochemical assessment of steroid hormone receptors in tissues of the anal canal. Implications for anal incontinence? | A prerequisite for a hormonal influence on anal continence in women is the presence of hormone receptors in the tissues of the anal canal. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we demonstrated and localized estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER, PR) in tissue sections of the anal canal. | To assess the efficacy of estrogen antagonist therapy on the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in a young male runner with significant morbidity attributable to idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does higher body mass index contribute to worse asthma control in an urban population? | Epidemiologic findings support a positive association between asthma and obesity. | Exacerbation-associated uncontrolled asthma represents a major public health problem. The relationship of elevated blood eosinophils to this process needs study. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does ultrasound-scored synovitis depend on the pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous anti-TNF agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? | The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the pharmacokinetics of s.c. anti-TNF agents on the grade of US-detected synovitis in RA patients. | Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with hypogalactosylation of immunoglobulin G (IgG). We examined whether a proxy measure for galactosylation of IgG N-glycans could predict response to therapy or was differentially affected by methotrexate (MTX) or TNF blockade. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can distal ureteral diameter predict reflux resolution after endoscopic injection? | To test the predictive value of distal ureteral diameter (UD) on reflux resolution after endoscopic injection in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). | Endoscopic procedures on Vater's papilla are related to pancreatic damage with or without pathologic increase of pancreatic enzymes. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy is a standard treatment for common bile duct stones, performed sequentially before or after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The "rendezvous" (RV) procedure combines laparoscopic cholecystectomy, intra-operative cholangiography, and endoscopic bile duct clearance and is an alternative to the sequential treatment. We tried to analyze relevant differences between the two options concerning the main parameters of pancreatic damage. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does topical N-acetylcysteine application after myringotomy cause severe otorrhea? | The effect of topical N-acetylcysteine (NAC) application was investigated on the healing of acute experimental tympanic membrane perforations. | The threshold plasma paracetamol concentration at which N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment is recommended to treat paracetamol poisoning in a patient with induced liver enzymes (for example, with chronic liver disease or taking anticonvulsant drugs) is 50% lower than in a patient without induced liver enzymes. More patients with chronic liver disease might therefore be expected to be exposed to NAC treatment than previously. In addition, there is increasing use of NAC in patients with chronic liver disease for multiorgan failure or hepatorenal syndrome. Little is known of NAC's pharmacokinetic properties in patients with cirrhosis. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Could chest wall rigidity be a factor in rapid death from illicit fentanyl abuse? | There has been a significant spike in fentanyl-related deaths from illicit fentanyl supplied via the heroin trade. Past fentanyl access was primarily oral or dermal via prescription fentanyl patch diversion. One factor potentially driving this increase in fatalities is the change in route of administration. Rapid intravenous (IV) fentanyl can produce chest wall rigidity. We evaluated post-mortem fentanyl and norfentanyl concentrations in a recent surge of lethal fentanyl intoxications. | To analyze all evidence on the possible increase in morbidity and mortality determined by the use of inhibitors of gastric acid secretion (IGAS) drugs. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Is anorectal endosonography valuable in dyschesia? | Dyschesia can be provoked by inappropriate defecation movements. The aim of this prospective study was to demonstrate dysfunction of the anal sphincter and/or the musculus (m.) puborectalis in patients with dyschesia using anorectal endosonography. | Endometrial biopsy at time of laparoscopy. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Do Electrochemiluminescence Assays Improve Prediction of Time to Type 1 Diabetes in Autoantibody-Positive TrialNet Subjects? | To explore whether electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assays can help improve prediction of time to type 1 diabetes in the TrialNet autoantibody-positive population. | We conducted an open-label, phase I study using autologous umbilical cord blood (UCB) infusion to ameliorate type 1 diabetes (T1D). Having previously reported on the first 15 patients reaching 1 year of follow-up, herein we report on the complete cohort after 2 years of follow-up. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Type II supracondylar humerus fractures: can some be treated nonoperatively? | The range of injury severity that can be seen within the category of type II supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHFs) raises the question whether some could be treated nonoperatively. However, the clinical difficulty in using this approach lies in determining which type II SCHFs can be managed successfully without a surgical intervention. | Fracture-specific proximal humeral hemiarthroplasty for displaced proximal humerus fractures. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does the treatment of amblyopia normalise subfoveal choroidal thickness in amblyopic children? | Recent studies have found a choroidal thickening in amblyopic eyes and suggested that there might be a relationship between the choroid and amblyopia. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a six-month treatment of amblyopia on choroidal thickness in anisometropic hyperopic amblyopic children. | Retrospective analysis of the results in the treatment of congenital blepharoptosis. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Standardizing care in medical oncology: are Web-based systems the answer? | Medical oncology is embracing information technology to standardize care and improve patient outcomes, with a range of Web-based systems used internationally. The authors' aim was to determine the factors affecting the uptake and use of a Web-based protocol system for medical oncology in the Australian setting. | To determine whether a paper-based antibiotic ordering system is an effective antibiotic stewardship measure. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does pretreatment with statins improve clinical outcome after stroke? | In primary and secondary prevention trials, statins have been shown to reduce the risk of stroke. In addition to lipid lowering, statins have a number of antiatherothrombotic and neuroprotective properties. In a preliminary observational study, we explored whether clinical outcome is improved in patients who are on treatment with statins when stroke occurs. | This experimental study was undertaken to determine whether pretreatment with statins would enhance myocardial protection and minimize ischemic injury during revascularization of acutely ischemic myocardium. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can mass drug administration lead to the sustainable control of schistosomiasis? | In the Philippines, the current national control strategy for schistosomiasis is annual mass drug administration (MDA) with 40 mg/kg of praziquantel in all schistosomiasis-endemic villages with a prevalence ≥10%. | To pilot a pharmacist-led, patient centered medication management program. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can implant retention be recommended for treatment of infected TKA? | Retention treatment is reportedly associated with lower infection control rates than two-stage revision. However, the studies on which this presumption are based depend on comparisons of historical rather than concurrent controls.QUESTIONS/ | Laboratory diagnostics are part of the routine before and after operations. In all specialist surgical disciplines, including orthopaedic surgery, the acute-phase protein CRP is used to detect inflammatory processes, especially infections. The potential influence of patient gender on the postoperative course of CRP after TKA implantation is still unclear. In order to achieve a more precise evaluation of the complication-free general CRP course after TKA, the objective of the present study is to test the hypothesis that the p.o. course and level of CRP is gender specific in the first 10 days after TKA. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does Sensation Return to the Nasal Tip After Microfat Grafting? | Patients usually complain about numbness in the nasal tip after microfat injections. The present study evaluated the severity of the numbness in the nasal tip after the procedure. | Occlusion of saphenous vein grafts is a major problem after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Diffuse intimal thickening develops in all implanted aortocoronary saphenous vein grafts within 6 months to 1 year. In some regions of the thickened intima, foam cells accumulate along the luminal margin. This particular morphology resembles the morphology of unstable atherosclerotic plaques as they occur in coronary arteries. In the present study, we focused on the possible topographic relation between luminal foam cell accumulation and cell death of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) within the adjacent thickened intima. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Some aspects of social exclusion: do they influence suicide mortality? | The current study is aimed to assess the relationship between the 'economic/employment' and 'social/welfare' dimensions of social exclusion and suicide mortality in Europe. | Mean ISE score was 1.5 +/- 1.3 (range, 0-5); 52% of subjects had poor levels of social engagement (ISE < 2; 312/597). Regression analyses suggested that depression (OR, 6.6; 95% CI, 2.7-16.1; p < 0.001), illiteracy (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.8; p = 0.003), the presence of unsettled relationships (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.5-8.7; p = 0.004), and cognitive impairment (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.9; p = 0.03) were significant independent risk factors for poor social engagement, after controlling for age, marital status, level of daily living activity and degree of sensory impairment. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does music influence stress in mechanically ventilated patients? | Mechanically ventilated patients experience profound stress. Interventions are needed to ameliorate stress that does not cause adverse effects. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of music on stress in a sample of patients over the duration of ventilatory support.RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/ | Mechanical stress induces cardiomyocyte injury and contributes to the progression of heart failure in patients with hypertension. In this study, we investigated whether insulin exerts cardioprotective effects against mechanical stretching-induced cell injury, and whether the protective effect is influenced by high-glucose condition. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does spontaneous remission occur in polyarteritis nodosa? | Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a systemic vasculitis involving mainly medium-sized arteries and, rarely, small-sized arteries. The diagnosis is principally based on clinical exams, biopsy of an affected organ, and/or arteriography of renal or mesenteric arteries. Once diagnosed, immunosuppressive agents, such as glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide, are generally introduced as soon as possible. Whether spontaneous remission of PAN occurs is therefore largely unknown. | In spite of the introduction of mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH), mortality rates remain high in patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after cardiac arrest (CA). To date, no accurate and independent biomarker to predict survival in these patients exists. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was found to provide both prognostic and diagnostic value in various cardiovascular diseases, including survival to hospital discharge in patients with ROSC. However, the biologically inactive counterpart of BNP, NT-proBNP, was found to be a more stable and accurate analyte. The current retrospective observational study investigates the value of NT-proBNP to predict 28-day mortality in post-CA patients treated with MTH, as well as the dynamics of NT-proBNP during MTH. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases: does global management at the same centre improve results? | Synchronous liver metastases (SLM) occur in 20% of colorectal cancers (CRC). Resection of SLM and CLC can be undertaken at different centres (separate management, SM) or at the same centre (global management, GM). | CT scans of 38 patients found to have liver metastases from colorectal cancer were anonymized and sent to two hepatobiliary surgeons in our cancer network. They classified them into three categories: R, resectable; C, chemotherapy to downsize then consider resection; U, unresectable. The results were then compared with the opinion of our colorectal MDT, made before the referral to the hepatobiliary surgeons. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Assessing Patient Reported Outcomes Measures via Phone Interviews Versus Patient Self-Survey in the Clinic: Are We Measuring the Same Thing? | Longitudinally following patients requires a full-time employee (FTE)-dependent data inflow infrastructure. There are efforts to capture patient-reported outcomes (PROs) by the use of non-FTE-dependent methodologies. In this study, we set out to assess the reliability of PRO data captured via FTE-dependent compared with non-FTE-dependent methodologies. | One method for defining successful rehabilitation outcomes is to use a threshold of performance on a clinical measure. Patients also have their own criteria for success. The aim of this study was to examine the association between clinical measures and patient criteria for determining successful intervention. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does a well developed collateral circulation predispose to restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention? | To evaluate whether a well developed collateral circulation predisposes to restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). | Early loss of minimal luminal diameter (MLD) after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is associated with a higher incidence of late restenosis. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Visceral adipose tissue area measurement at a single level: can it represent visceral adipose tissue volume? | Measurement of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) needs to be accurate and sensitive to change for risk monitoring. The purpose of this study is to determine the CT slice location where VAT area can best reflect changes in VAT volume and body weight. | 46 patients with psoriasis and 46 sex- and age-matched control patients were included in this study. The abdominal fat area [visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and total fat area (TFA)] at the level of the umbilicus was evaluated by computed tomography. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Empiric treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection with fluoroquinolones in older women in Israel: another lost treatment option? | Current guidelines for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women recommend empiric therapy with antibiotics for which local resistance rates do not exceed 10-20%. We hypothesized that resistance rates of Escherichia coli to fluoroquinolones may have surpassed this level in older women in the Israeli community setting. | Pharmacologic intervention in a surgically induced murine model of abdominal/peritoneal endometriosis. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Do inhaled steroids differ from cromones in terms of hospital admission rates for asthma in children? | Annual data on children aged under 16 y treated for asthma, including consumption of regular medication for asthma, numbers of hospital periods, lengths of hospitalizations and annual proportions of readmissions, were collected using patient-specific medical records from 1995 to 1999. In the Kuopio province, on average, 35.6-36.7/1000 children were on maintenance for asthma, of which 23% were receiving cromones, 51% were taking inhaled steroids and 26% were treated with cromones plus intermittent steroids. In the Oulu province, the respective prevalence was 32.7-34.9/1000, and the respective proportions were 5%, 93% and 2%. | Children in asthma groups had lower PEF readings compared to healthy children. This effect was most pronounced for both sexes in the persistent group (boys p<0.05, girls p<0.001) and for girls in the transient group (p<0.01). A doctor's diagnosis of asthma did not significantly differ between boys and girls, but significantly more boys than girls had inhaled corticosteroids, even when stratifying by frequency of symptoms. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Birth characteristics and risk of low intellectual performance in early adulthood: are the associations confounded by socioeconomic factors in adolescence or familial effects? | In this study we investigated whether the association between measures of fetal growth restriction and intellectual performance was mediated by socioeconomic or familial factors. | Dietary intake during adolescence contributes to lifelong eating habits and the development of early risk factors for disease in adulthood. Few studies have examined the dietary patterns of adolescents and the social and environmental factors that may affect them during this life stage. The present study describes dietary patterns in a cohort of adolescents and examines their associations with socio-economic factors, as well as parental and adolescent risk factor behaviours. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does growth hormone replacement therapy reduce mortality in adults with growth hormone deficiency? | Adults with GH deficiency (GHD) have a decreased life expectancy. The effect of GH treatment on mortality remains to be established. | Vitamin D insufficiency drives secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). SHPT is poorly addressed by current vitamin D repletion options. The present study evaluated a novel investigational vitamin D repletion therapy: a modified-release (MR) formulation of calcifediol designed to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in a gradual manner to minimize the induction of CYP24 and, thereby, improve the SHPT control. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Treatment of contralateral hydrocele in neonatal testicular torsion: Is less more? | Treatment of neonatal testicular torsion has two objectives: salvage of the involved testicle (which is rarely achieved) and preservation of the contralateral gonad. The second goal universally involves contralateral testicular scrotal fixation to prevent the future occurrence of contralateral torsion. However, there is controversy with regards to management of a synchronous contralateral hydrocele. It has been our policy not to address the contralateral hydrocele through an inguinal incision to minimize potential injury to the spermatic cord. Our objective in this study was to determine whether the decision to manage a contralateral hydrocele in cases of neonatal testicular torsion solely through a scrotal approach is safe and effective. | To determine the histopathological differences after varicocele repair in testicular tissue in males with nonobstructive azoospermia. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Volume change of uterine myomas during pregnancy: do myomas really grow? | To estimate changes in uterine myoma volume during pregnancy. | Intrauterine growth retardation associated with fetal chromosome anomalies is usually documented on ultrasonography late in the second trimester. However, we believe and attempt to document here that the impact of aneuploidy on fetal growth is evident much earlier (i.e., the aneuploid fetus may appear smaller than dates on ultrasonography even in the first trimester). |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Is there any relation between cervical cord plaques and discopathy in patients with multiple sclerosis? | Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the site of the cervical discopathy and cervical spinal cord plaque in MS patients. | Platelet reactivity, platelet binding to monocytes and monocyte infiltration play a detrimental role in atherosclerotic plaque progression. We investigated whether platelet reactivity was associated with levels of circulating platelet-monocyte complexes (PMCs) and macrophages in human atherosclerotic carotid plaques. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Chronic functional somatic symptoms: a single syndrome? | Reliable longitudinal data of patients with functional somatic symptoms in general practice are lacking. | Nasal nitric oxide (NO) and olfactory function are decreased in patients with chronic inflammatory sinonasal disease, suggesting a link between these two parameters. The aim of the study was to investigate nasal NO levels in patients with olfactory dysfunction due to different causes. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Has the prevalence of health care services use increased over the last decade (2001-2009) in elderly people? | (1) To describe the prevalence of general practitioner visits and hospitalization according to sex and age groups; (2) to identify which factors are independently associated with a higher use of health care services among elderly Spanish; and (3) to study the time trends in the prevalence of use of health care services 2001-2009. | In the fiscal year 1991-1992, the "treated prevalence" rate was 7.7%; in 1995-1996, it was 8.7%; and in 2000-2001, it was 9.5%. In each cohort over the 10-year period, the proportion of individuals who received a diagnosis of depression and who were then treated by primary care physicians alone (no psychiatric services were provided) remained constant at 92%. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Israeli hospital preparedness for terrorism-related multiple casualty incidents: can the surge capacity and injury severity distribution be better predicted? | The incidence of large-scale urban attacks on civilian populations has significantly increased across the globe over the past decade. These incidents often result in Hospital Multiple Casualty Incidents (HMCI), which are very challenging to hospital teams. 15 years ago the Emergency and Disaster Medicine Division in the Israeli Ministry of Health defined a key of 20 percent of each hospital's bed capacity as its readiness for multiple casualties. Half of those casualties are expected to require immediate medical treatment. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the current readiness guidelines based on the epidemiology of encountered HMCIs. | To evaluate predictors of success in training programs for Israeli international medical graduates (IMGs) from the former USSR. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does birth center care during a woman's first pregnancy have any impact on her future reproduction? | Women's experiences of childbirth may affect their future reproduction, and the model of care affects their experiences, suggesting that a causal link may exist between model of care and future reproduction. The study objective was to examine whether the birth center model of care during a woman's first pregnancy affects whether or not she has a second baby, and on the spacing to the next birth. | Reproductive endocrinology clinic. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Contrast-enhanced MR imaging of hand and finger joints in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: do we really need a full dose of gadobenate dimeglumine for assessing synovial enhancement at 3 T? | To investigate the diagnostic value of a half dose compared with a full dose of gadobenate dimeglumine in the assessment of synovitis or tenosynovitis in the wrist and finger joints in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a disease activity score greater than 3.2. | To determine the effect of suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by monthly injection of ranibizumab on posterior retinal nonperfusion (RNP) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does desflurane alter left ventricular function when used to control surgical stimulation during aortic surgery? | Although desflurane is commonly used to control surgically induced hypertension, its effects on left ventricular (LV) function have not been investigated in this clinical situation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the LV function response to desflurane, when used to control intraoperative hypertension. | Although the effects of halogenated agents on both normal and diseased left ventricles have been widely studied, the influence of these anesthetic agents on right ventricular (RV) performance remains less well characterized. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of 2 different concentrations of sevoflurane on RV function, and coronary and pulmonary hemodynamics in acutely instrumented anesthetized pigs. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can T-cell deficiency affect spatial learning ability following toluene exposure? | The present studywas designed to investigate the possible role of T cells in spatial learning ability in mouse after toluene exposure. | We sought to identify whether or not staphylococcal-derived superantigen can influence the primary T cell response in the skin to food allergens with a view to determining whether such exposures create the immune pathology that predisposes to the development of food allergy. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Does sex affect the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy? | The aim of our study was to determine the effect of sex on the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in terms of operative time, conversion to open cholecystectomy, postoperative complications and mean hospital stay. | A volunteer sample of 125 men and women between 20 and 60 years of age scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Expectant or nursing mothers were excluded, and 35 patients were excluded from the final analysis because of protocol violations. Forty-three patients received scopolamine and 47 patients received a placebo. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can we rely on arterial line sampling in performing activated plasma thromboplastin time after cardiac surgery? | Arterial catheters are routinely used to sample blood for clotting studies in most cardiothoracic intensive care units. The clotting profile in surgical bleeding after cardiac surgery influences further management. Aspiration and discard of a certain amount of blood from the line, prior to sampling, are assumed to clear heparin contamination. We have investigated this assumption through analysis of the clotting profile by simultaneous arterial line and peripheral venous samples. | Plasma levels of PAI-1 activity and tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen were measured 2 weeks and 6 months after MI by ELISA in plasma obtained from the aortic root (AO) and anterior interventricular vein (AIV) in 28 patients with a first AMI due to occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Coronary blood flow responses in LAD to intracoronary infusion of acetylcholine (ACh) and left ventriculography were measured at the same time points: 2 weeks and 6 months after MI. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question."Occult" posttraumatic lesions of the knee: can magnetic resonance substitute for diagnostic arthroscopy? | We investigated the actual role of MRI versus arthroscopy in the detection and characterization of occult bone and/or cartilage injuries in patients with previous musculoskeletal trauma of the knee, pain and severe functional impairment. Occult post-traumatic osteochondral injuries of the knee are trauma-related bone and/or cartilage damage missed at plain radiography. | Preoperative range of motion (ROM) has been regarded as one of the most important factors in predicting postoperative ROM following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Mobile-bearing TKA designs have been suggested to possibly improve the knee kinematics compared to fixed-bearing designs. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in postoperative flexion as a function of preoperative flexion in a consecutive series of TKAs done using a posterior-stabilized rotating-platform prosthesis. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Is fetal gender associated with emergency department visits for asthma during pregnancy? | To investigate if fetal gender (1) affects the risk of having an emergency department (ED) visit for asthma; and (2) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes among women who had at least one visit to the ED for asthma during pregnancy. | The study included a prospective, longitudinal clinical study of a birth cohort of 411 Danish neonates born at term of mothers with a history of asthma. The primary endpoint was physician-diagnosed asthma at age 7 years. Allergic sensitization and atopic dermatitis (AD) were also investigated. Infant size was measured at the research clinic on four occasions during the first year of life. Risk for asthma, AD, and allergic sensitization at age 6-7 were estimated from logistic regression. Time to first asthma and AD were investigated by Cox regression. Multivariate models were adjusted for gender, gestational age, and mothers smoking during pregnancy. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Are laboratories reporting serum quantitative hCG results correctly? | Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone that exists in multiple forms. Immunoassays commonly used in clinical laboratories measure intact hCG, total beta hCG (intact hCG + hCG free beta-subunit), and/or hCG free beta-subunit. Measurement of serum concentrations of hCG is useful for confirmation and monitoring of pregnancy, diagnosis of trophoblastic diseases and monitoring of the efficacy of treatment, and prenatal screening. Correctly reporting results for the various forms of hCG is clinically important. | Controlled laboratory study. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Is the Hawkins sign able to predict necrosis in fractures of the neck of the astragalus? | To assess if the Hawkins sign can predict whether or not astragalus fractures of the neck will develop avascular necrosis. It is also assessed whether the occurrence of this complication is related to the displacement of the fracture, soft tissue injury, or delay in the reduction or surgery. The results were compared with those found in the literature. | We sought to determine predictors of Sprint Fidelis lead failure. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.School food policy at Dutch primary schools: room for improvement? | Schools can play an important role in the prevention of obesity, e.g. by providing an environment that stimulates healthy eating habits and by developing a food policy to provide such an environment. The effectiveness of a school food policy is affected by the content of the policy, its implementation and its support by parents, teachers and principals. The aim of this study is to detect opportunities to improve the school food policy and/or implementation at Dutch primary schools. Therefore, this study explores the school food policy and investigates schools' (teachers and principals) and parents' opinion on the school food policy. | Assess whether family environmental factors affected changes in fruit and snack consumption among 12- to 14-year-old adolescents participating in a Dutch healthy diet promotion program. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Do emergency medical services professionals think they should participate in disease prevention? | The primary objective of the study was to determine emergency medical services (EMS) professionals' opinions regarding participation in disease and injury prevention programs. A secondary objective was to determine the proportion of EMS professionals who had participated in disease prevention programs. | Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a vital link in the overall chain of stroke survival. A Primary Stroke Center (PSC) relies heavily on the 9-1-1 response system along with the ability of EMS personnel to accurately diagnose acute stroke. Other critical elements include identifying time of symptom onset, providing pre-hospital care, selecting a destination PSC, and communicating estimated time of arrival (ETA). |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.c-Kit-dependent growth of uveal melanoma cells: a potential therapeutic target? | This study was conducted to investigate the expression and functional impact of the proto-oncogene c-kit in uveal melanoma. | The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of vitamin C alone, vitamin K3 alone, vitamins C plus K3, gemcitabine alone and gemcitabine plus vitamins C plus K3 were assessed in vitro by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. For in vivo studies we implanted UMUC-14 tumorigenic urothelial carcinoma cells into the subcutis of nude mice. One week later we treated 10 mice each with saline (control), vitamins C plus K3, gemcitabine or gemcitabine plus vitamins C plus K3. Treatment was continued for 4 weeks, followed by necropsy. Tumor volume was measured and tumor kinetics were established. Apoptosis and proliferation were evaluated in tumor sections using immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assay. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can p53 alterations be used to predict tumour response to pre-operative chemo-radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer? | To examine whether p53 tumour suppressor gene alterations can be used to predict tumour response to pre-operative chemo-radiation in locally advanced rectal cancer in terms of reduction in tumour size and local failure. | The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of FDG-PET to predict long-term prognosis based on the response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Do cytokine concentrations in pancreatic juice predict the presence of pancreatic diseases? | Cytokine concentration in pancreatic juice of patients with pancreatic disease is unknown. Secretin stimulation allows endoscopic collection of pancreatic juice secreted into the duodenum. We aimed to evaluate the cytokine concentrations in pancreatic juice of patients with abdominal pain to discriminate presence from absence of pancreatic disease. | Univariate analysis demonstrated that pancreatic stone protein has the highest diagnostic accuracy for complications and is the best predictor for death in the ICU. Pancreatic stone protein had the highest overall efficacy in predicting death with an odds ratio of 4.0 vs. procalcitonin (odds ratio 3.2), interleukin-6 (odds ratio 2.8), C-reactive protein (odds ratio 1.3), and WBCs (odds ratio 1.4). By multivariate analysis, pancreatic stone protein was the only independent predictor of death. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can vitamin C prevent complex regional pain syndrome in patients with wrist fractures? | Complex regional pain syndrome type I is treated symptomatically. A protective effect of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been reported previously. A dose-response study was designed to evaluate its effect in patients with wrist fractures. | vitamin D supplementation reduces the incidence of fractures in older adults. This may be partly mediated by effects of vitamin D on neuromuscular function. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Prostate-specific antigen and free prostate-specific antigen in the early detection of prostate cancer: do combination tests improve detection? | The combined use of free and total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in early detection of prostate cancer has been controversial. This article systematically evaluates the discriminating capacity of a large number of combination tests. | Total prostate specific antigen was measured at one time in 639 men in the EDIC, the observational followup of participants in the DCCT. The relationship between DCCT/EDIC weighted mean hemoglobin A1c and log prostate specific antigen was assessed using linear regression modeling after adjusting for age, body mass index, total testosterone, statin and thiazide medication use, diabetes duration, and DCCT randomization arm and cohort. |
Given a biomedical question, retrieve information that answers the question.Can folic acid protect against congenital heart defects in Down syndrome? | Several studies have suggested a protective effect of folic acid (FA) on congenital heart anomalies. Down syndrome (DS) infants are known to have a high frequency of heart anomalies. Not all children with DS suffer from heart anomalies, which raises the question whether maternal factors might affect the risk of these anomalies. Our objectives were to investigate whether first-trimester FA use protects against heart anomalies among DS children. | Congenital heart defect (CHD) account for 25% of all human congenital abnormalities. However, very few CHD-causing genes have been identified so far. A promising approach for the identification of essential cardiac regulators whose mutations may be linked to human CHD, is the molecular and genetic analysis of heart development. With the use of a triple retinoic acid competitive antagonist (BMS189453) we previously developed a mouse model of congenital heart defects (81%), thymic abnormalities (98%) and neural tube defects (20%). D-TGA (D-transposition of great arteries) was the most prevalent cardiac defect observed (61%). Recently we were able to partially rescue this abnormal phenotype (CHD were reduced to 64.8%, p = 0.05), by oral administration of folic acid (FA). Now we have performed a microarray analysis in our mouse models to discover genes/transcripts potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of this CHD. |
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