Medicina
-
Background and Objectives: Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and totally thoracoscopic surgical ablation (TTA) have emerged as alternatives to radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation. In this study, we describe our experience comparing patient characteristics and outcomes of RFCA, CBA, and TTA. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent RFCA, CBA, or TTA. ⋯ Conclusions: RFCA and CBA are effective and safe as first-line treatments for paroxysmal and persistent AF. In some high-risk stroke patients, TTA may be a viable option. It is important to consider patient characteristics when selecting an ablation method for AF.
-
Our study aimed to evaluate the distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies of IL-6 597A/G (rs1800797) and 174G/C (rs1800795) polymorphisms in HPV infected and uninfected healthy women and cervical cancer patients. A PCR based Multiplex HPV genotyping test kit was used for in vitro detection and differentiation of high risk HPV genotypes. Genotyping of two polymorphisms, IL-6 597A/G (rs1800797) and 174G/C (rs1800795), was performed using the KASP genotyping assay kit. ⋯ Women with AA genotypes of IL-6 rs1800797 were less frequently infected with HPV16/HPV18 compared to other HPV types (p = 0.045). The major finding of the study is the significant association of C allele and CC genotype of IL-6 1800795 gene with cervical cancer in the Lithuanian population. Genotype CC of IL-6 rs1800795 has a significant association with HPV infection as well.
-
Background: The body mass index (BMI) is closely related to fat tissue, which may have direct or indirect effects on muscle function. Previous studies have evaluated BMI and muscle viscoelastic properties in vivo in older people or individual sexes; however, the relationship between BMI and muscular viscoelastic properties is still unknown. Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of BMI with muscular viscoelastic properties, and to compare these properties in a young sedentary population with normal and overweight individuals. ⋯ The overweight individuals showed increased stiffness and tone, particularly in lower extremities, and reduced elasticity in upper extremities. The effect of BMI-sex interactions on the viscoelastic properties was not clear. Higher BMI (increased mechanical load) might cause the human body to develop different muscular viscoelastic adaptations in the extremities.
-
Background and Objectives: Anatomical post-surgical alterations of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract have always been challenging for performing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, especially when biliopancreatic diseases are involved. Esophagectomy, gastrectomy with various reconstructions and pancreaticoduodenectomy are among the most common surgeries causing upper GI tract alterations. Technological improvements and new methods have increased the endoscopic success rate in these patients, and the literature has been rapidly increasing over the past few years. ⋯ They included enteroscopy-assisted ERCP (double and single balloon enteroscopy-ERCP, spiral enteroscopy-ERCP) laparoscopic assisted ERCP, EUS-Directed transgastric ERCP, EUS-directed transgastric intervention, gastric access temporary for endoscopy, and percutaneous assisted trans prosthetic endoscopic therapy. The success rate was high (most of the techniques showed a success rate over 90%) and a low rate of adverse events were reported. Conclusions: We suggest the considerationof the novel techniques when approaching patients with altered anatomy who require biliopancreatic endoscopy, focusing on the surgery type, success rate and adverse events reported in the literature.
-
Here, we report a case of an increase in serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration in an 11-year-old girl being treated for Graves' disease with antithyroid drugs (ATDs). The patient complained of myalgia two weeks after methimazole treatment. Triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were normal, but the serum CK level was significantly elevated. ⋯ The development of myopathy during the treatment of hyperthyroidism may be considered as an adverse reaction of MMI. In this report, we present a rare pediatric case, along with a discussion on the possible causes of myopathy that occurred during the treatment of Graves' disease. A careful follow-up (serum CK levels and thyroid function) and treatment reassessment should always be considered after antithyroid treatment.