Comparison of three conservative treatment protocols in carpal tunnel syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the therapeutic effect of three different combinations in the conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) by means of clinical and electrophysiological studies. The combinations included tendon- and nerve-gliding exercises in combination with splinting, ultrasound treatment in combination with splinting and the combination of ultrasound, splinting, tendon- and nerve-gliding exercises. A total 28 female patients (56 wrists) with clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of bilateral CTS were studied. In all patient groups, the treatment combinations were significantly effective immediately and 8 weeks after the treatment. The results of the long-term patient satisfaction questionnaire revealed that symptomatic improvement is more prominent in the group treated with splinting, exercise and ultrasound therapy combination. Our results suggest that a combination of splinting, exercise and ultrasound therapy is a preferable and an efficacious conservative type of treatment in CTS.     

Enhanced antitumor effect of targeted nanoliposomal bleomycin

Folate receptor (FR)‐mediated drug delivery is a promising approach for active targeting of drugs to the FR‐positive tumor cells. Bleomycin (BLM) is an antitumor antibiotic with poor therapeutic activity as a result of its limited diffusion into tumor cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether FR‐targeted PEGylated nanoliposomes (FPNL) can effectively deliver BLM to tumor cells and enhance its in vitro and in vivo efficacy. FPNL and PNL (non‐targeted) were prepared by thin film hydration method, and their physiochemical properties, cellular uptake, tissue distribution and tumor inhibitory effects were investigated. In Lewis lung cancer (LLC1) cells, FPNL containing BLM showed 2.38‐fold and 3.26‐fold higher cytotoxicity compared to PNL‐BLM and free BLM, respectively. Moreover, the uptake of FPNL by these cells was increased as compared to the PNL. Furthermore, FPNL showed significantly higher tumor distribution of BLM in the LLC1 cells and more tumor inhibition efficacy compared to free BLM and PNL. Both formulations of nanoliposomes had longer plasma half‐life than that of free BLM. Therefore, FPNL may be suitable carriers for targeted drug delivery to FR‐positive tumor cells.     

Major Depression in Long‐Term Oxygen Therapy Dependent Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the frequency of major depression (MD) in long‐term oxygen therapy (LTOT) dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and the effect of depression on patients' compliance with the treatment.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Fifty‐four consecutive patients were enrolled in the study and diagnosed as stage 4 COPD according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guideline. MD was diagnosed with the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition/Clinical Version.

FINDINGS

Thirty‐four (63.0%) patients had MD. MD frequency was significantly higher in patients who were noncompliant with LTOT compared with compliant patients.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

MD is a common psychiatric disorder in COPD patients receiving LTOT.     

Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma of the maxilla

Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) is a rare odontogenic tumor associated with aggressive clinical behavior, metastasis and low survival. We report a case of CCOC affecting the maxilla of 62 year-old woman. It was first described as a clinicopathological entity in 1985 and to date only 67 cases were described in the English literature. We are understanding of the behavior of this carcinomas was depend on limited case reports. For these reason we found important to report this case of CCOC in the maxilla.     

Clinical correlates of worsening in obsessive-compulsive symptoms during pregnancy

This study examined clinical factors related to worsening of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in pregnant women. For comorbid diagnoses at the onset of pregnancy and frequency of several obsessive-compulsive symptoms, there was a significant difference between women whose OCD worsened during the pregnancy and those in whom the OCD did not worsen.     

Delirium Following Acute Myocardial Infarction: Incidence,Clinical Profiles,and Predictors

PURPOSE. To examine the incidence, clinical profile, and predictors of delirium following acute myocardial infarction (MI). DESIGN AND METHODS. The study sample included 212 consecutive patients with acute MI who were admitted to the coronary intensive care unit of a university hospital. FINDINGS. Delirium was found to occur in 5.7% of the patients. The predictors of delirium were advanced age, higher level of serum potassium at admission, and experience of cardiac arrest during MI. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Delirium is reasonably prevalent in patients with acute MI. We propose that patients with the risk factors that have been delineated in this study should be evaluated carefully.