Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Aim Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult disability and functional impairment worldwide. Cognitive impairments including memory dysfunction are common after stroke and may have a negative impact to the functional status and activities of daily living (ADL). The study aimed to determine the impact of working memory impairment after stroke on ADL. ⋯ The mean ADL and IADL scores were significantly higher in patients with cognitive impairment, showing greater dependency in this group of patients. There was a significant negative correlation between global cognitive function, working memory and ADL and IADL scores in post-stroke patients. Conclusion Cognitive impairment has a negative impact on daily life activities in post-stroke patients.
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Aim To analyse the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to regulate interleukin 6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) expression in vitro under co-culture conditions in human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Method This study used a post-test group design that used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients at Kariadi Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia, and MSCs from a human umbilical cord. The cells were divided into two groups. ⋯ Following 24 h incubation, the levels of IL-6 and TGF-β released in the culture medium were measured using a specific ELISA assay. Results This study showed a significant decrease in IL-6 level (p<0.05) and a significant increase in TGF-β level (p<0.001) following 24 h of co-culture incubation of human SLE PBMCs cells and MSCs. Conclusion The PBMCs-to-MSCs ratio of 1:40 can regulate the IL-6 and TGF-β levels in human SLE PBMCs.
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Aim Candida albicans can cause two major types of infections: superficial infections (such as oral or vaginal candidiasis) as well as life-threatening systemic infections, and Aloe vera extract is one of the potentially useful therapeutic options. The aim of this study was to determine antifungal properties of Aloe vera ethanol extract on vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida albicans. Methods Aloe vera ethanol extract was prepared by the maceration method with 70% ethanol and dissolved in DMSO into multiple concentrations (6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, and 50%). ⋯ Fluconazole revealed comparable antifungal effect with MIZ of 11.025±0.478 mm. Oneway ANOVA test showed a significant effect of Aloe vera ethanol extract on inhibition zone of Candida albicans growth (p<0.005). Conclusion Aloe vera ethanol extract possesses concentration dependent activity against Candida albicans that is comparable with standard antifungal agents.
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Aim Phlebotominae sandflies are primary vectors of phleboviruses, causing the sandfly fever disease. The aim of this study was to detect and report the presence of flaviviruses in Phlebotominae sandflies captured in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods After a microscopic and morphometric analysis, the final identification of collected Phlebotomus specimens was confirmed by PCR, using a hemi-nested polymerase chain reaction on extracted and reversely transcribed RNA. ⋯ Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis showed that the new flavivirus Drežnica clusters together with the flavivirus isolated from Culiseta annulata mosquitos. Conclusion We report the presence of flavivirus in Phlebotominae sandflies, captured in Drežnica, Herzegovina for the first time. The next phase of research will be directed towards virus cultivation, obtaining a longer or complete virus sequence and clarifying the medical and epidemiological importance of the Drežnica virus.
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Multicenter Study
Strut graft vs. traditional plating in the management of periprosthetic humeral fractures: a multicentric cohort study.
Aim The gradual increase in shoulder implants in active elderly patients has appeared in a parallel increase in periprosthetic humeral fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the advantages of using strut grafting with plate fixation during periprosthetic humerus fractures. Methods Thirty patients diagnosed with periprosthetic humeral fracture were divided into two groups. ⋯ All fractures were healed. Only two complications were registered, and blood loss was minimal. Conclusion We believe a revision to reverse shoulder prosthesis with a long-stem implant with or without cortical strut allograft augmentation to be safe and appropriate in the management of these complex injuries, though technically challenging, and having good results for normal activities daily life.