Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
-
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.
-
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.
-
Aim To determine the relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and the severity of melasma. Methods This cross-sectional analytic study included consecutive patients from the Dermatology and Venereology Polyclinic at Prof. dr. Chairuddin Panusunan Lubis Universitas Sumatera Utara (Prof. dr. ⋯ A moderate negative correlation between BDNF levels and the duration of melasma was found (p=0.007; r= -0.485). There was no significant relationship between BDNF levels and the severity of melasma (p=0.387). Conclusion No significant relationship between BDNF levels and the severity of melasma indicates that the causes of melasma are multifactorial, such as sun exposure, genetic, hormonal, and other factors (drugs, neural and psychological, and lipid metabolism).
-
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.
-
Aim To determine the effectiveness of avocado peel extract (Persea americana Mill) as an antifungal against T. rubrum, which causes dermatophytosis. Methods In vitro laboratory experimental study using a post-testonly control group design analysed active compounds of avocado peel and continued with the antifungal activity test. ⋯ Antifungal activity test showed a significant difference with the highest mean inhibition zone diameter of T. rubrum, which was demonstrated at a concentration of 75%. Conclusion Avocado peel extract is useful to inhibit growth of Trichophyton rubrum in dose dependent.