Medicina
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Background and Objectives: Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of syncope and has multiple pathophysiological mechanisms. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is the major inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma ADMA levels and syncope during the head-up tilt (HUT) test. ⋯ In the negative HUT group, no significant differences were observed in ADMA levels before and after the HUT test [ADMA of 951 (519-1269) vs 951 (519-1566); p = 0.764]. However, in the positive HUT group, ADMA levels were significantly decreased following the HUT test [pretest ADMA of 958 (544-1418) vs post-test ADMA of 115 (67-198); p < 0.001]. Conclusion: ADMA levels significantly decreased after the HUT test in patients with VVS.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Usefulness of Protocolized Point-of-Care Ultrasonography for Patients with Acute Renal Colic Who Visited Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Ultrasonography is useful in evaluating patients with renal colic and it has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing ureter stones by revealing hydronephrosis. We evaluated the efficacy of point-of-care ultrasonography protocol in managing patients with acute renal colic who visited the emergency department (ED). ⋯ We found that protocolized point-of-care ultrasonography in patients with acute renal colic who visited the ED can more effectively reduce the length of stay and medical cost without 30-day complication than usual clinical practice.
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Observational Study
Knowledge about Disease, Medication Therapy, and Related Medication Adherence Levels among Patients with Hypertension.
Background and Objectives: A particular problem in cardiology is poor adherence to pharmacological treatment among patients with hypertension. It is known that approximately half of these patients do not use their medications as prescribed by their doctor. Patients may choose not to follow the doctor's recommendations and regularly do not control their blood pressure, owing to many factors. ⋯ The longer the patient is known to suffer from hypertension, the more adherent he or she is (p = 0.014, β = 0.19). Conclusions: Medication non-adherence among patients with hypertension is high in Latvia. Further investigations are needed to better understand the reasons for this and to establish interventions for improving patient outcomes.
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Background and objectives: Mushrooms that have medicinal properties are part of many traditional diets. The aim of the present study was to use the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 to investigate the anticancer activity of Pleurotus highking mushroom purified extract fraction-III (PEF-III) and to elucidate the possible mechanism of that activity. Materials and Methods: The effects of PEF-III on cell proliferation and viability were evaluated by a colony formation assay and an MTT assay, respectively. ⋯ PEF-III also reduced the size and number of the tumor spheres in 3D culture conditions. Conclusions: The anticancer activity of PEF-III is due to induction of apoptosis by a shift in the balance of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes. Therefore, the findings of the present study may open a path to exploring potential drug candidates from the P. highking mushroom for combating breast cancer.
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Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are the fastest growing chronic complication of diabetes mellitus, with more than 400 million people diagnosed globally, and the condition is responsible for lower extremity amputation in 85% of people affected, leading to high-cost hospital care and increased mortality risk. Neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease trigger deformities or trauma, and aggravating factors such as infection and edema are the etiological factors for the development of DFUs. DFUs require identifying the etiology and assessing the co-morbidities to provide the correct therapeutic approach, essential to reducing lower-extremity amputation risk. This review focuses on the current treatment strategies for DFUs with a special emphasis on tissue engineering techniques and regenerative medicine that collectively target all components of chronic wound pathology.