Medicina
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Background and Objectives: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and obesity are considered independent determinants of cardio- and cerebrovascular events. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of obesity on CIMT and to define which traditional cardiovascular risk factors correlate the most with CIMT values in patients with obesity. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric measurements were collected for the whole study group, as well as body composition and blood pressure data, and biochemical blood analyses were also performed. ⋯ We found a statistically significant correlation of CIMT with chronological and vascular age, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, body muscle mass and skeletal muscle mass index. Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk assessment and SCORE (Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation) showed significant positive correlations, but there was only a weak correlation of ASCVD with CIMT. Conclusions: To deduce, since no diagnostic tool currently includes body weight as an individual risk factor, further trials are highly needed to determine if SCORE, SCORE2, ASCVD risk assessment or CIMT would be the most accurate and relevant diagnostic tool for prediction of risk for future CV events in patients with obesity.
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Background: Sedentary behavior has received increased attention as a threat to public health all around the world. A global effort has been made to avoid the spread of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) that are associated with poor lifestyle practices, which rely on public awareness. As a result, the purpose of this study was to analyze the attitudes toward exercise, leisure activities, and sedentary behaviour among adults in Saudi Arabia. ⋯ The participant's age was also found to have a significant association with engaging in physical exercise (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that Saudi adults are highly sedentary and inactive, though knowing the harmful consequences of inactivity. Therefore, a national active living policy must be adopted to discourage inactivity and being sedentary and encourage active living in Saudi Arabia.
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Background and Objectives: Cerebral ischemia is one of the major preoperative complications. Dexmedetomidine is a well-known sedative-hypnotic agent that has potential organ-protective effects. We examine the miRNAs associated with preconditioning effects of dexmedetomidine in cerebral ischemia. ⋯ Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine has a protective effect against transient neuronal ischemia-reperfusion injury and eight specific miRNAs were profiled. Also, miRNA-323-5p downregulation has a cell protective effect under ischemic conditions both in vivo and in vitro. Our findings suggest the potential of the miR-323-5p inhibitor as a therapeutic agent against cerebral infarction.
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Background and Objectives: International institutions together with the World Health Organisation recommend the teaching of BLS in schools. Therefore, the objective of this research was to study the feasibility of teaching CPR and AED through the flipped classroom, exploring the medium- and long-term retention of knowledge and practical skills among high school students. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 260 secondary schoolchildren (137 in the experimental group (EG) and 123 in the control group (CG)) between 12 and 14 years old (M = 12.75 ± 1.02). ⋯ The CG obtained better results in compressions with complete chest re-expansion (p = 0.025). These differences disappeared at 6 months (p > 0.05) and 12 months (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A training program based on the flipped classroom is as effective and viable as traditional training, although more efficient since it is applied in less time, in the sequence of action in BLS, CPR skills, and the application of an effective shock with an AED.
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Background and Objectives: In the modified anterolateral minimally invasive surgery (ALMIS) for total hip arthroplasty (THA), the intermuscular plane between the tensor fasciae latae and the gluteus maximus (GM) is exposed, while the anterior ¼ of the GM is detached. There are scarce data regarding this surgical approach. The purpose of the present study is to thoroughly describe this approach, encompassing the anatomical background, and to present the results of a retrospective two-center study of 603 patients. ⋯ Regarding complications, 1.3% of the sample suffered anterior traumatic dislocation, in 1.8% an intraoperative femoral fracture occurred, while 1.2% suffered periprosthetic joint infection. Conclusions: The modified ALMIS technique exhibited excellent clinical outcomes at short-, mid- and long-term follow-up, by significantly improving hip ROM and the HHS. Careful utilization of this technique, after adequate training, should yield favorable outcomes, while minimal major complications should be expected.