Effects of Smart Advanced Life Support protocol implementation including CPR coaching during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes before and after implementation of Smart Advanced Life Support (SALS) protocol incorporating changes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) assistance and coaching by physicians via real-time video calls.

Methods: A prospective before-and-after multi-regional observational study was conducted between January 2014 and December 2018. In January 2016, emergency medical service (EMS) providers adopted an integrated CPR coaching by physicians via real-time video call via SALS to treat patients with OHCA focusing on high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Pulmonary vasculitis in Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS): a reference atlas and computed tomography pulmonary angiography guide-a report by the HSS International Study Group.

Introduction: Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS) is a systemic vasculitis characterized by widespread venous/arterial thrombosis and pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs), which is associated with serious morbidity and mortality. All fatalities reported in HSS resulted from unpredictable fatal suffocating hemoptysis. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize pulmonary complications at an early stage of the disease.

A critical analysis of 57 cases of Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS). A report by the HSS International Study Group (HSSISG).

Background: Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS) is a systemic disease characterized by widespread vascular thrombosis and pulmonary vasculitis with serious morbidity and mortality. The HSS International Study Group is a multidisciplinary taskforce aiming to study HSS, in order to generate consensus recommendations regarding diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: We included 57 published cases of HSS (43 males) and collected data regarding: clinical presentation, associated complications, hemoptysis severity, laboratory and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) findings, treatment modalities and cause of death.

Comparative Outcome Analysis of N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Embolization of the False Lumen Versus Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Aortic Dissection.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) embolization for the treatment of aortic dissection.

Materials And Methods: In this single-center retrospective study conducted from February 2003 to June 2019, NBCA embolization of an aortic false lumen was attempted in 12 patients (median age, 59 y; range, 41-68 y) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was performed in 53 patients (median age, 59 y; range, 37-70 y) for aortic dissection with one or more indications of persisting pain, malperfusion, rupture or impending rupture, maximal aortic diameter ≥ 55 mm, and/or rapid aortic enlargement. The main exclusion criterion for embolization was the presence of fast blood flow in the aortic false lumen on aortography.

Anterior skull base reconstruction using nasoseptal flap: cadaveric feasibility study and clinical implication [SevEN-001].

Background: Pedicled nasoseptal flap (PNSF) has significantly improved the surgical outcomes of endoscopic endonasal approach (EEAs) by reducing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of using a PNSF for anterior skull base (ASB) reconstruction and to describe a method to compensate for a short flap based on our results.

Methods: In this cadaveric study, ASB dissection without sphenoidotomy was performed using 10 formalin-fixed and 5 fresh adult cadaver specimens, and the sufficiency of the PNSF to cover the ASB was assessed.

Aortic Remodeling and Clinical Outcomes in Type B Aortic Dissection According to the Timing of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

Background: The objective of the study was to investigate aortic remodeling and clinical outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (AD) according to timing of the procedure.

Methods: A total of 87 patients with type B AD who underwent TEVAR at 2 centers were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into acute/subacute (≤6 weeks, n = 35), early chronic (6 weeks to 1 year, n = 20), and late chronic (>1 year, n = 32) groups according to the timing of TEVAR after symptom onset.

An increase in mean platelet volume during admission can predict the prognoses of patients with pneumonia in the intensive care unit: A retrospective study.

Platelets play an important role in hemostasis, inflammation, and immunity. Mean platelet volume (MPV), considered a marker of platelet function and activation, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in sepsis, coronary artery disease, and chronic inflammatory disease. However, the clinical characteristics and prognostic significance of MPV changes for patients with pneumonia in the intensive care unit (ICU) have not been investigated.

Radiographic and microsurgical characteristics of proximal (A1) segment aneurysms of the anterior cerebral artery.

Background: Proximal A1 segment aneurysms of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) radiologically resemble internal carotid artery bifurcation (ICBIF) aneurysms because of their anatomical proximity. However, proximal A1 aneurysms exhibit distinguishing features, relative to ICBIF aneurysms. We report our experience of managing proximal A1 aneurysms, then compare them to ICBIF aneurysms.

Muscle echogenicity ratio can indicate severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the echogenicity (EI) ratio of the thenar to hypothenar muscle measured using ultrasonography in assessing the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods: Fifty-nine hands of 30 patients electrodiagnostically confirmed as having CTS were classified into 3 subgroups (mild, moderate, and severe). The EI of the thenar and hypothenar muscles was measured with ultrasonography, and the EI ratio was calculated in the patients and 13 normal participants (26 hands).

Using the Endoscopic Transconjunctival and Transcaruncular Approach to Repair Combined Orbital Floor and Medial Wall Blowout Fractures.

Purpose: To demonstrate the effectiveness of the endoscopic transcaruncular and transconjunctival approach in the repair of combined medial and inferior orbital wall fractures.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 160 patients with combined medial and inferior orbital wall fractures. All patients underwent surgery via an endoscopic transcaruncular and transconjunctival approach without lateral canthotomy, performed by a single surgeon.

Retinal nerve fiber layer loss is associated with urinary albumin excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objectives: To identify the factors associated with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) loss in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Participants: Ninety-six nonglaucomatous patients with type 2 diabetes without renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate, ≥60 ml/minute per 1.