Medicina
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Observational Study
Cardiovascular Calcifications Are Correlated with Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients.
Background and Objectives: The main cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients is cardiovascular disease, which is quite common. The main objective of our study was to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular and valvular calcifications in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This observational study had 54 hemodialysis patients, with an average age of 60.46 ± 13.18 years. ⋯ Age and the quantity of carotid plaques, femoral plaques, and aortic calcifications were linked with each other (p = 0.0022, 0.00011, and 0.036, respectively). Aortic annulus calcifications (p = 0.011), aortic valve calcifications (p = 0.023), and mitral valve calcifications (p = 0.018) were all associated with an increased risk of death. Conclusions: Imaging measures of atherosclerosis are adversely connected with dietary status and positively correlated with markers of inflammation and risk of mortality.
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Background: Osseous tissue in the endometrium is a rare find, and it is most often discovered when the patient presents with infertility. It is frequently associated with dysmenorrhea and abnormal menstrual bleedings. Although its etiology remains unclear, in almost all described cases until now, the patient has an obstetrical history. ⋯ Three years later, the patient conceived spontaneously, had an uneventful pregnancy and delivered a full-term fetus. Conclusion: We assumed that this entity can be a serious cause of infertility since the patient had a long history of (primary) infertility and its resection made the pregnancy's occurrence possible. Finally, since neither history of abortion or chronic inflammation nor any abnormal laboratory test were noticed, we concluded that the etiology of this entity remained unclear.
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Background and Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of adrenaline (ADR), noradrenaline (NDR), and cortisol in the pathogenesis of the analgesic potency, duration, and epilepsy-like toxic effect of meperidine. Materials and Methods: The experimental animals were separated into 11 groups of six rats. In the meperidine (MPD) and metyrosine + meperidine (MMPD) groups, paw pain thresholds were measured before and after the treatment between the first and sixth hours (one hour apart). ⋯ In the caffeine (150 mg/kg) + meperidine group, 1-day treatment did not cause epileptic seizures, while seizures were observed and cortisol levels increased in the group in which treatment continued for 7 days. When cortisol levels were compared between the group in which caffeine (300 mg/kg) + meperidine + metyrapone was used for 7 days and the animals receiving caffeine (300 mg/kg) + metyrapone for 7 days, it was found that cortisol levels decreased and the latent period decreased. Conclusions: The current study showed that if serum ADR and cortisol levels are kept at normal levels, a longer-lasting and stronger analgesic effect can be achieved with meperidine, and epileptic seizures can be prevented.
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Background and Objectives: Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a soluble glycoprotein found in serum, has been associated with both the presence and severity of atherosclerosis. OPG is regarded as the mediator in the process of vascular endothelial dysfunction. Impaired endothelial function has an intimate link with hypertension (HTN) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. ⋯ The estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.196, p = 0.048) was positively correlated with VRI values in hypertensive participants, while advanced age (r = -0.222, p = 0.025) and the log-transformed OPG level (log-OPG, r = -0.357, p < 0.001) were negatively correlated with VRI. Serum log-OPG level was shown to be strongly and independently correlated with VRI values in HTN individuals after multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis (β = -0.357, adjusted R2 change = 0.119, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In patients with HTN, serum OPG levels were adversely correlated with VRI and probably had a role in endothelial dysfunction.
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Background and Objectives: This study aims to establish the sheep head as a viable anatomical model for training in functional endoscopic sinus surgery through comprehensive anatomical examination and training-based assessment of participants' satisfaction. Materials and Methods: Participants were divided into three groups according to their prior experience in endoscopic sinus surgery; in total, 24 participants were included. Each participant in the study was assigned to perform the designated procedures on a single sheep's head. ⋯ Conclusions: The sheep's head can be successfully used for learning and practicing manual skills and the use of instruments specific to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Moreover, the sheep head model can be used for training in other diagnostic or surgical procedures in the field of otorhinolaryngology, such as endoscopy of the salivary glands, open laryngotracheal surgery, or in otologic surgery, but also in other different surgical fields such as neurosurgery, ophthalmology or plastic surgery. Despite the differences between the ovine model and human anatomy, it provides a resourceful and cost-effective model for beginners in endoscopic nasal surgery.