Medicina
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Background and Objectives: Cuminum cyminum L. has long been used in the treatment of various diseases in multiple geographical regions. This study was performed to determine the effects of C. cyminum methanolic extract (CCT) on the cellular viability, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization of human mesenchymal stem cells. Materials and Methods: Bone marrow-derived stem cells were cultured in the presence of CCT at concentrations of 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 μg/mL. ⋯ Treatment with CCT increased the expressions of RUNX2, BSP and OCN. Conclusions: These results indicate that CCT enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells derived from bone marrow by regulating the expressions of RUNX2, BSP and OCN. Thus, the use of CCT may be applied to achieve beneficial effects on the mineralization of stem cells.
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Background and objectives: Reproductive disorders may occur not only due to environmental factors (air pollution, stressful lifestyle, previous abortions or the use of contraceptives) but also due to genetic factors. Materials and Methods: The aim of the study was to identify the range and frequency of chromosomal aberrations in couples (n = 99) with infertility or recurrent miscarriages in Lithuania. The data were collected from the out-patient medical histories. ⋯ Conclusions: In couples with reproductive disorders, chromosomal mutations and chromosomal length polymorphisms were found at similar rates: 3% vs. 3.6%. The highest aberration rate was found in couples that were unable to conceive, a lower one was found in a group with children and ≥2 miscarriages, and the lowest one was found in a childless group of subjects with ≥2 miscarriages. The miscarriage rate in partner families was 8.1%; however, no difference was found between the male and female sides.
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Background and objectives: Paediatric acute osteomyelitis (AO) may result in major life-threatening and limb-threatening complications if not recognized and treated early. The management of AO may depend on local microbial prevalence and virulence factors. This study compares the approach to paediatric AO in hospitals in two countries-Latvia and Norway. ⋯ Complications were seen in 47% of patients in CCUH and in 38% in SSK. Conclusions: The transition to oral antibacterial treatment in both hospitals was delayed, which suggests a lack of criteria for discontinuation of intravenous therapy and could potentially contribute to longer hospitalization, higher cost of treatment and risk of complications. The use of more invasive techniques for deep culturing and significantly more common surgical interventions could possibly be linked to a higher complication rate in AO patients treated at the Latvian hospital.
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Background and objectives: Polyvascular atherosclerosis is frequent and associated with a high cardiovascular risk, although the mechanisms regulating the atherosclerosis extent to single or multiple arterial territories are still poorly understood. Inflammation regulates atherogenesis and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) is an inflammatory mediator associated with the presence of single-territorial atherosclerosis. We assessed whether the sCD40L expression is associated with the atherosclerosis extent to single or multiple arterial territories and with the atherosclerosis severity in different territories. ⋯ Conclusions: The sCD40L levels were increased in stable atherosclerosis, particularly in polyvascular coronary and LE atherosclerosis. The number of LE diseased segments and prior LE revascularization were associated with sCD40L expression. To our knowledge, these are novel data, which provide insights into the mechanisms underlying multi-territorial atherosclerosis expression. sCD40L may be a promising noninvasive tool for refining the stratification of the systemic atherosclerotic burden.
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To evaluate anterior capsule opening (ACO) contraction and late intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation after cataract surgery in patients with weak or partially absent zonular support and assess methods of reducing these complications. ⋯ Use of hydrophobic acrylic lenses and CTR reduces ACO contraction, with rates comparable to those after cataract surgery without ocular comorbidity. Our patients experienced a relatively high rate of late IOL-CTR-capsular bag dislocation. However, dislocated complexes were easily repositioned and few patients required IOL exchange. Frequent visits are warranted to promptly detect late complications of cataract surgery in patients with weak zonular support.