BioMed research international
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Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a transient and reversible brain dysfunction, that occurs when the source of sepsis is located outside of the central nervous system; SAE affects nearly 30% of septic patients at admission and is a risk factor for mortality. In our study, we sought to determine whether metabolite changes in plasma could be a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis and/or the prediction of the prognosis of sepsis. ⋯ According to recent research on SAE, metabolic disturbances in tissue and cells may be the main pathophysiology of this condition. In our study, we found a correlation between the concentration of 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and the severity of consciousness disorders. We suggest that 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid may be a potential biomarker for SAE and useful in predicting patient prognosis.
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To present anatomic data in the ultrasound planes for the identification of the major veins and the venous sinuses in cerebrum and to establish the sonographic normal reference values for the visualization of vein vessels and vein sinuses and blood flow velocities. ⋯ The measurements percent of visualization of cerebral deep veins was higher than the percent of cerebral venous sinuses. The pulsation percent of measurement and the velocities of cerebral venous sinuses were absolutely higher than the cerebral deep venous system. The pairs of vascular blood flow velocities were nonsignificantly different from one another.
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with high mortality. The abnormal expression of genes is significantly related to the occurrence of HCC. The aim of this study was to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of HCC and to provide bioinformatics basis for the occurrence, prevention and treatment of HCC. ⋯ TF analysis showed that MYBL2, KDM5B, MYC, SOX2, and E2F4 were regulators to these nine hub genes. Overexpression of CDK1, CCNB1, CDC20, BUB1, MAD2L1, MCM3, BUB1B, MCM2, and RFC4 in tumor tissues predicted poor survival in HCC. They may be potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
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Anterior knee pain (AKP) is a common complication after tibia intramedullary nailing surgery, but yet the etiology is not fully revealed. Our study had two hypotheses. The first one is "after tibia intramedullary nailing with transtendinous approach, thigh muscles strength decreases and this loss of muscle strength causes AKP." Secondly, "lower extremity rotational profile is affected after tibia intramedullary nailing." Methods. Our study was planned retrospectively and included 40 patients, who underwent tibia intramedullary nailing surgery. Mean follow-up time was 22.5 months. Tegner Lysholm knee scoring scale was applied to evaluate postoperative functional outcomes of all patients. Isometric muscle strengths of bilateral knee extensor and flexor muscle groups were compared with hand-held dynamometer. In addition, bilateral lower extremity Staheli rotational profile angles (foot progression angle (FPA), thigh-foot angle (TFA), and transmalleolar angle (TMA)) were compared. ⋯ As a result of our study, AKP appears to be significantly related to the loss of hamstring muscle strength. We suppose that hamstring exercises will gain importance in rehabilitation programs of tibia intramedullary nailing surgery in future.
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting multiple organ systems that runs an unpredictable course and may present with a wide variety of clinical manifestations. Advances in treatment over the last decades, such as use of corticosteroids and conventional immunosuppressive drugs, have improved life expectancy of SLE sufferers. Unfortunately, in many cases effective management of SLE is still related to severe drug-induced toxicity and contributes to organ function deterioration and infective complications, particularly among patients with refractory disease and/or lupus nephritis. ⋯ It seems that they may enhance the therapeutic efficacy when combined with standard therapies. These efforts raise the hope that novel drugs for patients with refractory SLE may be available in the near future. This article reviews the current biological therapies being tested in the treatment of SLE.