Medicina
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Background and Objectives: Previous studies have demonstrated that risk of hip fracture is at least partly heritable. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of the genetic component of bone mineral density (BMD), using both X-ray and ultrasound assessment at multiple sites. Materials and Methods: 216 adult, healthy Hungarian twins (124 monozygotic, MZ, 92 dizygotic, DZ; mean age 54.2 ± 14.3 years), recruited from the Hungarian Twin Registry with no history of oncologic disease underwent cross-sectional BMD studies. ⋯ In females only, slightly higher additive genetic estimates were found, especially in the case of the femoral neck and total hip. Conclusion: Bone mineral density is strongly heritable, especially in females at all locations using both DEXA and QUS, which may explain the importance of family history as a risk factor for bone fractures. Unshared environmental effects account for the rest of the variance with slight differences in magnitude across various bone regions, supporting the role of lifestyle in preventing osteoporotic fractures with various efficacy in different bone regions.
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Background and Objectives: The mechanism of the relationship between glycemia and lipid metabolism has not been completely clarified, and slight differences may be found between authors and the kinds of evaluated parameters. Therefore, this study focused on possible changes of lipoprotein profile with regards to HOMA IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) cut-off 3.63, considered a signal of glucose metabolism alterations. Materials and Methods: The metabolic profiles of 3051 individuals were divided by HOMA IR values into two groups below cut-off 3.63, including (n = 2627) and above cut-off (n = 424). ⋯ After analysis of data distribution, F-test and t-test were provided to compare variances and mean values. Results: The evaluation shows that the kind of cholesterol is crucial for a possible relationship with glucose metabolism and consequently confirms the changes of lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) by HOMA IR cut-off 3.63. Conclusions: The results of patients divided by HOMA IR cut-off 3.63 also suggest possible changes in the regulation of glucose metabolism and lipoprotein concentrations (HDL and LDL).
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New-onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation (NODAT) is a frequent complication in kidney allograft recipients. It may be caused by modifiable and non-modifiable factors. The non-modifiable factors are the same that may lead to the development of type 2 diabetes in the general population, whilst the modifiable factors include peri-operative stress, hepatitis C or cytomegalovirus infection, vitamin D deficiency, hypomagnesemia, and immunosuppressive medications such as glucocorticoids, calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus more than cyclosporine), and mTOR inhibitors. ⋯ Immunosuppressive strategies limiting the use of diabetogenic drugs are encouraged. Many hypoglycemic drugs are available and may be used in combination with metformin in difficult cases. In patients requiring insulin treatment, the dose and type of insulin should be decided on an individual basis as insulin requirements depend on the patient's diet, amount of exercise, and renal function.
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Background and Objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of periocular botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection in patients with intractable dry eye disease (DED). Materials and Methods: Medical records of patients with intractable DED who underwent periocular BTA injection from December 2019 to March 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were injected with 2.5 units of BTA in the medial part of the lower eyelids. ⋯ No significant differences were found in TBUT or Schirmer test results before and after BTA injection. Conclusions: BTA injection into the medial part of the eyelid improves dry eye symptoms, the amount of tear retention, and tear osmolarity. Based on the objective parameters of the tear condition, this study supports the idea of BTA use as a potential treatment option for patients with intractable DED.
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Background and Objectives: Tracheal or bronchial tears are potential complications of rigid bronchoscopy. This study aimed to investigate the acute complications and outcomes of using an insulation-tipped (IT) knife in combination with rigid bronchoscopic dilatation for treating benign tracheobronchial stenosis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a chart review of patients with benign tracheobronchial stenosis who were treated with rigid bronchoscopy and an IT knife at two referral centers. ⋯ However, most of the patients with post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis required persistent stenting (80%). Pulmonary function was significantly increased after treatment, and the mean increase in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 391 ± 171 mL (160-700 mL). Conclusion: The use of an IT knife can be suggested as an effective and safe modality for rigid bronchoscopic treatment of benign tracheobronchial stenosis.