Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Aim To evaluate the predictive significance of the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) >14.5 at admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on outcome parameters: length of hospital stay (LOHS), incidence of hospital mortality, 30-day mortality and 30-day survival after hospital discharge in unselected (surgical and non-surgical) critically ill patients. Methods A total of 325 surgical and non-surgical critically ill patients were divided based on the RDW value at admission to the ICU into two groups: Group 1 (RDW >14.5) and Group 2 (RDW ≤14.5). Demographic and clinical parameters, laboratory findings,treatment and outcome parameters were compared between the groups. ⋯ RDW >14.5 predicted the prevalence of in-hospital mortality with a 73.7% positive predictive value (AUC 0.62; sensitivity 70.1%; specificity 59.5%; p<0.05) and 30-day survival after hospital discharge with a 34.5% negative predictive value (AUC 0.45; sensitivity 58.3%; specificity 68.7%; p<0.05). Conclusions RDW value >14.5 at admission to the ICU can predict prolonged hospital stay, higher mortality and lower survival rate. RDW >14.5 may be an inexpensive and widely available early warning to redirect diagnostic and therapeutic decisions and improve outcomes.
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Aim To determine which of the two methods, Kegel exercises or combination of Kegel exercises with the use of the KegelSmart biofeedback device, has better therapeutic effects on the symptoms of SUI in females. Methods Fifty female patients with SUI were randomly divided into two groups: 25 treated with Kegel exercises, and 25 with the combination of Kegel exercises with the use of the KegelSmart biofeedback device. Patients in both groups performed Kegel exercises 30 minutes daily for 30 days. ⋯ Results The basic characteristics of the patients from both groups were not statistically significantly different: age 55.16 vs 54.52 years; number of births 1.80 vs 1.96; body mass index 29.12 vs 28.40. There was a statistically significant reduction in the values of all analysed objective and subjective parameters in the group treated with combination of Kegel exercises with the use of the KegelSmart biofeedback device compared to Kegel exercises group. Conclusion Combination of Kegel exercises with the use of the KegelSmart biofeedback device has better therapeutic effects than Kegel exercises on the objective and subjective symptoms of SUI.
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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.
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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.
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Lung cancer incidence in Bosnia and Hercegovina is high. The implementation of evidence-based lung cancer screening based on low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) may detect lung cancer early and decrease mortality specific to lung cancer. However, LDCT receipt may be unsatisfactory in Europe due to a low distribution of scanners and radiologists or poor access to care. In this paper, we propose a framework for the implementation of lung cancer screening in primary healthcare of Bosnia and Herzegovina based on the United States Preventative Services Task Force recommendation from 2021 and the American College of Radiology Lung CT Screening Reporting & Data System from 2022.