Medicina
-
Background and objectives: In the last few years, graphene oxide has attracted much attention in biomedical applications due to its unique physico-chemical properties and can be used as a carrier for both hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic biomolecules. The purpose of this paper was to synthesize graphene oxide and to obtain multifunctional platforms based on graphene oxide as a nanocarrier loaded with few biologically active substances with anticancer, antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, limonene and nutmeg and cembra pine essential oils. Materials and Methods: Graphene oxide was obtained according to the method developed by Hummers and further loaded with biologically active agents. ⋯ The individual GO sheets were found to have less than 20 µm, the thickness of GO was estimated to be ~4 nm and an interlayer spacing of about 2.12 Å. Raman spectroscopy indicated that the bioactive substances were adsorbed on the surface and no degradation occurred during loading. Conclusions: These findings encourage this research to further explore, both in vitro and in vivo, the biological activities of bioactive agents for their use in medicine.
-
Background and objectives: To compare the first pass success (FPS) rate of the C-MAC video laryngoscope (C-MAC) and conventional Macintosh-type direct laryngoscopy (DL) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the emergency department (ED). Materials and Methods: This study was a single-center, retrospective study conducted from April 2014 to July 2018. Patients were categorized into either the C-MAC or DL group, according to the device used on the first endotracheal intubation (ETI) attempt. ⋯ The FPS rate was higher in the C-MAC group than in the DL group, but there was no statistically significant difference (total n = 431, 79% compared to 72%, p = 0.075). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the C-MAC use had higher FPS rate (adjusted odds ratio: 1.80; 95% CI, 1.17-2.77; p = 0.007) than that of the DL use. Conclusions: The C-MAC use on the first ETI attempt during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the emergency department had a higher FPS rate than that of the DL use.
-
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with suicidal behaviors and self-harm. Up to 10% of BPD patients will die by suicide. However, no research data support the effectiveness of suicide prevention in this disorder, and hospitalization has not been shown to be useful. The most evidence-based treatment methods for BPD are specifically designed psychotherapies.
-
Background and objectives: Grain food consumption is a trigger of gluten related disorders: celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and wheat allergy. They demonstrate with non-specific symptoms: bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and flatulence. Aim: The aim of the review is to summarize data about pathogenesis, symptoms and criteria of NCGS, which can be helpful for physicians. ⋯ Several clinical trials were based on the criteria. Conclusions: Symptoms of NCGS are similar to other gluten-related diseases, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. With Salerno Experts' Criteria of NCGS, it is possible to diagnose patients properly and give them advice about nutritional treatment.
-
Background and Objectives: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and other components of the routine complete blood count (CBC) were found to be sensitive biomarkers of preeclampsia and other inflammatory obstetric conditions in previous studies, with conflicting results. We speculated that the same associations existed with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome in the first trimester of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study at a tertiary care hospital in NY (USA), in the time frame between January 2016 and December 2018. ⋯ Conclusions: In our study NLR, PLR, and other CBC components did not predict HELLP syndrome. We speculate that HELLP syndrome has a sudden increase of tissue inflammation in the third trimester that is not manifested during the early phases of placentation. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the true ability of NLR, PLR, and CBC components to predict HELLP syndrome in the first trimester.