Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Aim Triple negative breast cancer cells (TNBC) are the population of breast cancer cells that are responsible for cancer recurrence and apoptosis resistance. Unfortunately, current therapies have limited efficacy to TNBC population due to apoptosis resistance and chemoresistance. Tumour suppressor p53 and survivin are primary targets for TNBC therapy. ⋯ Survivin protein levels were inversely proportional to p53 accumulation levels. Low survivin protein levels combined with high levels of p53 accumulation were correlated to higher apoptotic rates. Conclusion p53 and survivin as molecular targets of CL contribute to caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in TNBC cells and this compound represents an attractive p53- and survivin modulating agent in TNBC.
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Aim To evaluate clinical and epidemiological characteristics and outcome of patients with COVID-19, and impact of vaccine against COVID-19 on them. Methods This retrospective study included 225 patients treated from COVID-19 in the period from 1 to 30 September 2021 at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Clinical Centre Tuzla (UCC Tuzla). For the diagnosis confirmation of Covid-19, RTPCR was used. ⋯ Older age patients were more likely to have comorbidities like atrial fibrillation (p=0.017), hypertension (p<001) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.002). Atrial fibrillation (p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (p=0.009) and history of stroke (p=0.026), were related to fatal outcome in unvaccinated patients, also did a shorter duration of illness prior to hospitalization (p<0.001) and shorter length of hospitalization (p=0.002). Conclusion Older patients with comorbidities, as well as those who were not vaccinated against COVID-19, were at higher risk for severe form of the disease and poor outcome.
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Aim To investigate the relationship between adherence to preventive behaviors and risk of COVID-19 infection. Methods In this case-control study, 491 participants were selected through convenience sampling. First, the samples of the case group (COVID-19 patients) were selected, and then the control group was matched with the case group based on age, gender, and occupation. ⋯ The participants who never observed physical distancing and handwashing were 2.25 times more likely to get COVID-19 than those who always observed (95% CI:1.719-4.954; OR=2.258). Conclusion Participants who fail in following the protective measures, especially wearing a mask regardless of its type, had a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, it is recommended to use a mask consistently, especially during the peak of COVID-19 waves.
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Aim To analyse biochemical markers as possible predictors of death before discharge in cooled newborns following perinatal asphyxia. Methods A total of 91 infants that underwent therapeutic hypothermia after perinatal asphyxia were included. Inclusion criteria for therapeutic hypothermia were Sarnat stage 2 or 3. ⋯ Groups were significantly different regarding acid-base balance (p=0.012), base excess (BE) (p=0.025), lactate (p=0.002), aspartate aminotransferaze (AST), (p=0.011), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p=0.006), activated partial thromboplastin clotting time (aPTT) (p=0.001) and international normalized ratio (INR) (p=0.001). Conclusion Acid-base balance, BE, lactate, AST, LDH, aPTT and INR were significantly higher in the group of cooled newborns after perinatal asphyxia (non-survivors), and can serve as predictors of death before discharge. Combining diagnostic modalities raises a chance for accurate prediction of outcomes of asphyxiated infants.
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Pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of hypertension in pregnancy. Unrecognized, it carries a great risk for both mother and the foetus. The main reason for missing the diagnosis is the misconception that any hypertension occurring in pregnancy is gestational hypertension or pre (eclampsia). ⋯ If diagnosed later, the tumour could be removed during or after delivery. Preoperative preparation with alpha blockers is required to stabilize blood pressure. The decision on the mode of delivery depends on several factors, so an experienced multidisciplinary team is needed to minimize maternal and foetal mortality.