Radiofrequency Ablation for Adenomyosis.

Adenomyosis is a common benign gynecologic condition characterized by ectopic endometrial glands and stroma in the myometrium causing pain (dysmenorrhea) and abnormal uterine bleeding. New interventional techniques have been introduced over recent years. This study evaluates the treatment success and side effects of radiofrequency ablation. An electronic literature search in the PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases was carried out on the outcomes of pain reduction and, secondarily, on abnormal uterine bleeding, reintervention, reproductive outcome, imaging outcome, and complications. There was a mean decrease in dysmenorrhea pain scores by -63.4 ± 9.0% at 12 months. Data on other outcome parameters were sparse. No major complications were reported. Radiofrequency ablation represents a promising minimally invasive and organ-preserving treatment in patients with symptomatic adenomyosis. It is associated with clinically meaningful improvement of adenomyosis-related pain in the short term

A Phylogenetic Analysis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Sequences in Kiev: Findings Among Key Populations

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in Ukraine has been driven by a rapid rise among people who inject drugs, but recent studies have shown an increase through sexual transmission. Methods: Protease and reverse transcriptase sequences from 876 new HIV diagnoses (April 2013–March 2015) in Kiev were linked to demographic data. We constructed phylogenetic trees for 794 subtype A1 and 64 subtype B sequences and identified factors associated with transmission clustering. Clusters were defined as ≥2 sequences, ≥80% local branch support, and maximum genetic distance of all sequence pairs in the cluster ≤2.5%. Recent infection was determined through the limiting antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay. Sequences were analyzed for transmitted drug resistance mutations. Results Thirty percent of subtype A1 and 66% of subtype B sequences clustered. Large clusters (maximum 11 sequences) contained mixed risk groups. In univariate analysis, clustering was significantly associated with subtype B compared to A1 (odds ratio [OR], 4.38 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.56–7.50]); risk group (OR, 5.65 [95% CI, 3.27–9.75]) for men who have sex with men compared to heterosexual males; recent, compared to long-standing, infection (OR, 2.72 [95% CI, 1.64–4.52]); reported sex work contact (OR, 1.93 [95% CI, 1.07–3.47]); and younger age groups compared with age ≥36 years (OR, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.10–3.05] for age ≤25 years). Females were associated with lower odds of clustering than heterosexual males (OR, 0.49 [95% CI, .31–.77]). In multivariate analysis, risk group, subtype, and age group were independently associated with clustering (P < .001, P = .007, and P = .033, respectively). Eighteen sequences (2.1%) indicated evidence of transmitted drug resistance. Conclusions Our findings suggest high levels of transmission and bridging between risk groups

Study of the Higgs boson discovery potential in the process pp→H/A→μ+μ−/τ+τ−pp \to H/A \to \mu^+\mu^-/\tau^+\tau^- with the ATLAS detector

In this thesis, the discovery potential of the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN for the heavy neutral Higgs bosons H/A of the Min- imal Supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model of particle physics (MSSM) in the decay channels H/A → τ + τ − → e/μ + X and H/A → μ+ μ− has been studied. The ATLAS detector is designed to study the full spectrum of the physics phenomena occuring in the proton-proton collisions at 14 TeV center-of-mass energy and to provide answers to the question of the origin of particle masses and of elec- troweak symmetry breaking. For the studies, the ATLAS muon spectrometer plays an important role. The spectrometer allows for a precise muon momentum measure- ment independently of other ATLAS subdetectors. The performance of the muon spectrometer depends strongly on the performance of the muon tracking detectors, the Monitored Drift Tube Chambers (MDT). Computer programs have been developed in order to test and verify the ATLAS muon spectrometer simulation, an essential ingredient for data analysis. In addi- tion, dedicated programs for the monitoring of the quality of the data collected by the muon spectrometer have been developed and tested with data from cosmic ray muons. High-quality cosmic ray muon data have been used for the calibration of the MDT-chambers. A new calibration method, called analytical autocalibration, has been tested. The proposed method achieved the required accuracy of 20 μm in the determination of the space-to-drift-time relationship of the drift tubes of the MDT chambers with only 2000 muon tracks per chamber. Reliable muon detector simulation and calibration are essential for the study of the MSSM Higgs boson decays H/A → τ + τ − → e/μ + X and H/A → μ+ μ− and of the corresponding background processes. The signal selection and background rejection requirements have been optimized for maximum signal significance. The following results have been obtained for different assumptions on the MSSM Higgs boson mass mA and on the ratio tanβ of the vacuum expectation values of the two MSSM Higgs boson doublets: For the decay into τ -pairs, 5σ signal significance is obtained for tanβ 5 and mA = 150 GeV/c2 or for tanβ 25 and mA = 600 GeV/c2 for an integrated luminosity of 30 fb−1 . For the decay into muon pairs, 5σ signal significance is achieved for tanβ 20 and mA = 200 GeV/c2 or for tanβ 60 and mA = 450 GeV/c2 for an integrated luminosity of 30 fb−1 . In addition, the mass of the Higgs boson H/A can be measured in the decay H/A → μ+ μ− exploiting the high muon momentum resolution of the ATLAS detector. The measurement accuracy degrades with increasing mass. A Higgs boson mass of 200 GeV/c2 can be etermined with an accuracy of 2%

Study of the Higgs Boson Discovery Potential in the Process pp → H/A → µ + µ − /τ + τ − with the ATLAS Detector

2. Univ.-Prof. Dr. L. Oberauer Die Dissertation wurde am 04.02.2008 bei der Technischen Universität München eingereicht und durch die Fakultät für Physik am 22.04.2008 angenommen.. This dissertation is made at th

Modified tension band wiring technique by safely inserting K-wires in olecranon fracture osteosynthesis

Aim: The present study presents the results of a modified tension band technique by surgically inserting K-wires to treat olecranon fractures. Materials and methods: The modification includes inserting the K-wires from the olecranon’s upper tip and directing them to the ulna’s dorsal surface. Twelve patients (three males and nine females) from 35 to 87 years of age were operated for olecranon fracture. After the standard approach, the olecranon was reduced and fixed with two K-wires from the tip to the dorsal ulnar cortex. Then the standard tension band technique was carried out. Results: The average operating time was 17.25±3.08 min. No image intensifier was used since the wires’ discharge was either visible, penetrating the dorsal cortex, or palpable through this area’s skin. The time needed for the bone union was six weeks. In one female patient, the wires were cut out. This patient showed a satisfactory painless range of motion (ROM) of the elbow but did not achieve full ROM. However, this particular patient had a previous removal of the radial head, and she spent some time in the ICU intubated. The modified technique used here is as stable as the classic operation, and it is safe since there is no risk of injuring the nerves and vessels of the olecranon fossa. There is less or no need for an image intensifier. Conclusion: The outcomes of the present study are entirely satisfactory. However, many patients and randomized studies are needed to establish this modified tension band wiring technique

Relation of Minimally Processed Foods and Ultra-Processed Foods with the Mediterranean Diet Score, Time-Related Meal Patterns and Waist Circumference: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in University Students

Ultra-processed foods are associated with chronic diseases, cardiometabolic factors and obesity. According to the NOVA system, foods are classified into four categories (from 1 = unprocessed to 4 = ultra-processed foods). The purpose of the present study was to assess the consumption of minimally processed foods (MPF) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) in university students and their relationship with obesity, Mediterranean diet adherence and meal patterns. In total, 346 students (269 women) of the University of Peloponnese participated. A food frequency questionnaire was used, and the MedDietScore was calculated. The % energy contribution of MPF and UPF was calculated. The identification of meal patterns was performed via principal component analysis. Both multivariate regression and Spearman’s correlations were used to measure the association of UPF/MPF consumption with anthropometric indices (body mass index, BMI and waist circumference, WC), Mediterranean diet adherence and early/late meal patterns. UPF and MPF provided 40.7 ± 13.6% and 44.3 ± 11.9% (mean ± standard deviation) of energy intake, respectively. In multi-adjusted linear regression models UPF consumption (% energy) was positively associated with WC in men but it was not related to BMI (total sample, men, women). UPF consumption was negatively related to the MedDietScore (Spearman rho = −0.214, p p = 0.029) and positively associated with a “late eating” meal pattern (Spearman rho = 0.190, p = 0.001). MPF consumption was positively associated with the MedDietScore (Spearman rho = 0.309, p p < 0.001). In conclusion, UPF consumption was positively related to WC in male university students. Nutritional and sociodemographic correlates of UPF consumption, such as low Mediterranean diet adherence and having a “late eating” pattern serve as a basis to better understand the UPF consumption-central obesity relation in young adults and should be considered in nutrition education programs for young adults

Relation of Minimally Processed Foods and Ultra-Processed Foods with the Mediterranean Diet Score, Time-Related Meal Patterns and Waist Circumference: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in University Students

Ultra-processed foods are associated with chronic diseases, cardiometabolic factors and obesity. According to the NOVA system, foods are classified into four categories (from 1 = unprocessed to 4 = ultra-processed foods). The purpose of the present study was to assess the consumption of minimally processed foods (MPF) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) in university students and their relationship with obesity, Mediterranean diet adherence and meal patterns. In total, 346 students (269 women) of the University of Peloponnese participated. A food frequency questionnaire was used, and the MedDietScore was calculated. The % energy contribution of MPF and UPF was calculated. The identification of meal patterns was performed via principal component analysis. Both multivariate regression and Spearman&rsquo;s correlations were used to measure the association of UPF/MPF consumption with anthropometric indices (body mass index, BMI and waist circumference, WC), Mediterranean diet adherence and early/late meal patterns. UPF and MPF provided 40.7 &plusmn; 13.6% and 44.3 &plusmn; 11.9% (mean &plusmn; standard deviation) of energy intake, respectively. In multi-adjusted linear regression models UPF consumption (% energy) was positively associated with WC in men but it was not related to BMI (total sample, men, women). UPF consumption was negatively related to the MedDietScore (Spearman rho = &minus;0.214, p &lt; 0.001) and an &ldquo;early eating&rdquo; pattern (Spearman rho = &minus;0.120, p = 0.029) and positively associated with a &ldquo;late eating&rdquo; meal pattern (Spearman rho = 0.190, p = 0.001). MPF consumption was positively associated with the MedDietScore (Spearman rho = 0.309, p &lt; 0.001) and an &ldquo;early eating&rdquo; pattern (Spearman rho = 0.240, p &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, UPF consumption was positively related to WC in male university students. Nutritional and sociodemographic correlates of UPF consumption, such as low Mediterranean diet adherence and having a &ldquo;late eating&rdquo; pattern serve as a basis to better understand the UPF consumption-central obesity relation in young adults and should be considered in nutrition education programs for young adults

Clinical Application of the Food Compass Score: Positive Association to Mediterranean Diet Score, Health Star Rating System and an Early Eating Pattern in University Students

Nutrient profiling systems (NPS) assist consumers in food choices. Several scores based on NPS have been proposed, but data on their clinical application are lacking. The food compass score (FCS) is a newly developed NPS per 100 kcal (from 1 &ldquo;least healthy&rdquo; to 100 &ldquo;most healthy&rdquo;). We examined the correlations of FCS with other indices, food groups, and meal patterns. A total of 346 students of the University of the Peloponnese (269 women and 77 men) participated. Dietary habits were evaluated with a food frequency questionnaire, and FCS, health star rating score (HSR), and MedDietScore were computed. Meal and snack frequency consumption was reported. Principal component analysis revealed three meal patterns: &ldquo;early eater&rdquo; (breakfast, morning snack and afternoon snack), &ldquo;medium eater&rdquo; (lunch and dinner), and &ldquo;late eater&rdquo; (bedtime snack). Pearson partial correlations between ranked variables were used to test the correlation coefficients between FCS, other scores, and meal patterns, after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and underreporting. FCS was positively correlated to HSR (rho = 0.761, p &le; 0.001) in a multi-adjusted analysis. In the highest tertile of MedDietScore FCS was also positively correlated to MedDietScore (rho = 0.379, p &lt; 0.001). The FCS was positively correlated with juices, high-fat dairy, vegetables, legumes, fruits, and olive oil and negatively correlated with sodas, alcoholic drinks, red meat, refined grains, sweets, fats other than olive oil, fast foods, and coffee. In addition, it related positively to the &ldquo;early eater&rdquo; pattern (rho = 0.207, p &lt; 0.001). The FCS was associated with other quality indices and better nutritional habits, such as being an early eater

Linezolid: a Promising Agent for the Treatment of Multiple and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a severe, infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The aim of this review was to present the efficacy of linezolid as an agent against multidrug and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis as gathered from many recent research studies. Linezolid seems to have strongly the potential of being used as an anti-tuberculosis agent because it blocks bacterial ribosomal protein synthesis. Nevertheless caution is required because of the adverse effects it causes, especially when the linezolid daily dosage exceeds 600 mg. The most severe adverse effects include anemia, peripheral neuropathy, optic neuropathy and thrombocytopenia. Still, more trials and research need to be done in order to gather more information and value the cost-benefit dosage of the treatment.

Comparison of Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy versus Ultrasound Therapy in the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Introduction: People suffering from rotator cuff tendinopathy exhibit reduced mobility due to pain. The pain and the limited functionality affect negatively the overall quality of life.Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the intensity of pain, the functionality of the upper limbs and the quality of life of patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy by using two different therapeutic modalities, shockwave and ultrasound, whose outcomes were assessed pre-treatment and post-treatment as well as after a 4-week follow-up.Materials and methods: Out of the total sample of 115 patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy, 56 patients constituted the shockwave intervention group, 47 patients constituted the therapeutic ultrasound group and 12 patients made up the control group. The self-administered questionnaire “The University of Peloponnese Pain, Functionality and Quality of Life Questionnaire, UoP – PFQ” was used where the intensity of pain, functionality and quality of life of the upper limbs were evaluated on a five-point Likert scale, pre-treatment, post-treatment and at a 4-week follow-up.Results: The pain intensity was reduced and both the functionality and quality of life were improved after shockwave therapy post-treatment (p<0.001) and at a 4-week follow-up (p<0.001) compared with those found after the treatment. Similar improvements in all three parameters were also observed after ultrasound treatment but the outcomes were not as pronounced as in the shockwave group. Conclusion: Both radial shockwave and ultrasound therapies were found to be effective in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy, the statistical analysis showing that radial shockwave therapy was superior to the ultrasound therapy post-treatment and at the 4-week follow-up