Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Aim To investigate the frequency of consumption of sweet and salty snacks among children aged 2-18 years in relation to their mothers' education level. Methods A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted in five dental practices at the School of Medicine of the University of Mostar from May to October 2022. The data were collected from medical records. ⋯ The frequency of the consumption of biscuits, chocolate and cakes (several times a day) was statistically significantly higher among the children of mothers with high school education (p=0.04), especially among school children. Eating habits of children, regardless of the level of education of their mothers, differed significantly only in the consumption of lollipops, caramels, and candies (p=0.03), which were consumed once a day by 79 (63.7%) schoolchildren and 45 (36.3%) of pre-schoolers. Conclusion A higher level of education among mothers does not necessarily equate to proper nutritional knowledge.
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Aim To determine the relationship between coagulation disorders and septic condition in COVID-19 critically ill patients. Methods Data from 99 patients who presented with COVID-19 acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (CAHRF) were divided into two groups: Group 1- patients who developed sepsis, and Group 2 - patients who developed septic shock. Age, sex, comorbidities, quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score, vasopressor and inotrope requirement, laboratory findings (platelets, neutrophils, lymphocytes, procalcitonin - PCT, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, D-dimer, sepsis-induced coagulopathy - SIC, and disseminated intravascular coagulation - DIC score) were recorded on the day of admission and on the day of starting invasive mechanical ventilation. ⋯ The statistical significance of SIC score was observed for both groups (p=0.007) and p=0.012, respectively. Norepinephrine (p=0.000) and dobutamine (p=0.000) for Group 2, qSOFA for both groups (p = 0.000) were statistically significant. Conclusion The observed coagulation abnormalities met the criteria for a SIC diagnosis, therefore, the management of coagulation disorders at this stage of the disease should follow the management of a septic condition.
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Aim Egypt has the highest incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the world. Fibrosis development is common in HCV cases, and it is important in disease prediction. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the role of fibro scan in assessment of changes in hepatic stiffness in patients with chronic HCV infection following direct acting antiviral treatment (DAAT). ⋯ At a cutoff of 1.18, Fib4 calculation can discriminate F0-2 from F3-4, with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 78.6%, 64.1%, 63.04%, and 78.57%, respectively. Conclusion Hepatic fibrosis measurements such as fibro scan and non-invasive fibrosis scores (FIB-4) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) showed a significant improvement after direct-acting antiviral therapy. Improvements in hepatic function tests, serum creatinine level, and platelet count are also seen.
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Aim To examine a correlation of demographic characteristics of patients, preoperative modality of conservative therapy and timing on the postoperative outcome of patients six months after the operation. Methods A retrospective, non-randomized, clinical study involved 48 patients of different age and gender with a verified diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome (CES). The inclusion criteria were patients with CES caused by discus hernia. ⋯ Postponement of surgery was negatively correlated with outcome variables (p<0.001). Conclusion The results of the study bring new conclusions that were not previously observed. Possible new characteristics associated with the outcome of cauda equina syndrome were determined.
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Aim Studies have shown that SARS-Cov-2 has the ability to activate proinflammatory cytokine leading to acute inflammation. During the SARS-Cov-2 infection, an increase of the secretion of production TNF-α in seen in COVID-19 patients along with a decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and growth factor TGF-β caused cytokine storm and damaged tissues. Alpinia galanga extract contains several secondary metabolites with strong antiinflammation and antioxidant effect. ⋯ The PBMC acute inflammation cells model stimulated by TNF-α 100pg/mL, after 72 h induction the PBMC cells significantly expressed a high level of TNF-α up to 341±10.87 pg/mL. Furthermore, the treatment of Alpinia galanga significantly increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and growth factor TGF-β in dose dependent manner. Conclusion These findings suggested that Alpinia galanga extract has strong antiinflammation activity.