The American journal of the medical sciences
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Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common complication after radiocontrast exposure. ⋯ Identifying patients at risk is an important step in preventing CIN. Preexisting AF, independent of traditional risk factors, may increase the risk for CIN.
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Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-induced initiation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling cascade is reportedly involved in inflammatory responses during lung injury. Studies have found that volatile anesthetics, such as isoflurane and sevoflurane, inhibit inflammation. This investigation explored the protective effects of propofol and whether propofol potentiates the protective effects of sevoflurane against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury. ⋯ Combined exposure to propofol and sevoflurane was more effective than sevoflurane administered alone, suggesting the positive effects of propofol on sevoflurane-mediated anti-inflammatory effects.
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Major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene (MIC) polymorphisms have been associated with many autoimmune diseases. To explore the correlation between MIC polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we compared the sequence of the MIC gene in Han Chinese patients with SLE from Hainan Island, China, with healthy individuals. ⋯ The results of this study suggested that the MICB*009N allele might be a risk factor for SLE, whereas the MICB*014, MICA*010 and MICB*002 alleles were associated with reduced incidence of SLE in the study population.
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Clinical Trial
Correlation Between Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukin-1β in Exhaled Breath Condensate and Pulmonary Function.
Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) has emerged as a noninvasive method for assessing inflammation in lung diseases. Our aim is to investigate the correlation between tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in EBC and in lung tissue, and between these values in EBC with pulmonary function tests in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ TNF-α and IL-1β in EBC are potential biomarkers for evaluating pulmonary function and inflammation in patients with COPD. Furthermore, lung-protective treatment is effective in reducing inflammation in patients with COPD.
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Despite a rise in the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), data on HCC-related hospitalizations and financial burden are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate temporal trends of HCC-related hospitalizations and evaluate its financial influence. ⋯ Despite the decrease in mortality rate and length-of-stay, hospitalizations and financial burden associated with HCC continued to increase between 2002 and 2011 in the United States.