Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases. Quantitative PCR is the most frequently used method of measuring expression levels of miRNA. ⋯ Researchers tend to prefer the most stable reference genes in each experiment. The review includes reference genes for the following tissue types: gliomas, lung cancer, melanoma, gastric cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, rectal cancer, blood tumors, and placental tissues.
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Pulmonary artery stump thrombosis (PAST) following pneumonectomies/lobectomies is rare; its clinical importance is unknown. The objectives of this study were to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of PAST and the clinical significance in patients with pneumonectomy/lobectomy. ⋯ PAST was detected in 4.5% of our subjects undergoing lobectomy/pneumonectomy. PAST was found to be significantly higher in subjects who underwent pneumonectomy, those with longer pulmonary artery stump, and those with pulmonary artery stump ligated by using stapler.
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To describe the baseline characteristics and to evaluate the risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients admitted to hospitals with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Kuwait. ⋯ The mortality rate was higher in older patients with comorbidities such as hypertension and CVD. Early recognition of high-risk patients may help to improve care and reduce mortality.
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Several forms of cannabinoids are currently being used to manage nausea and vomiting (N/V). Emerging cases of refractory N/V associated with chronic cannabis use among adults and older patients have been reported named cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS is a condition that leads to repeated and severe N/V in long-term users of cannabinoids. ⋯ More research on CHS is needed to enhance knowledge translation, education, and create awareness in the medical community on the side effects of cannabinoids and to propose the best treatment options.
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Recent studies have increasingly shown the benefits of using sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i). However, there are concerns regarding the initiation of SGLT2i during acute hospital admissions due to the potential increased risk of complications. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i initiation within 2 weeks of an acute hospital admission. ⋯ There was no increased harm with initiation of SGLT2i within 2 weeks of an acute hospital admission, and its use reduced the relative risk of rehospitalizations for heart failure in patients with heart failure. It was also associated with increased urine output. However, current evidence pool is limited, especially in specific population subtypes.