Medicina
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disease that negatively affects up to 20% of the population. Infertility is defined as a disorder of the reproductive system described by lack of success in achieving pregnancy after more than a year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. The main purpose of our review was to analyze the available literature regarding the IBS-infertility connection. ⋯ Nevertheless, it is recommended that certain levels of oxidative stress should not be exceeded in order to decrease IBS symptoms and increase the odds of conception given that generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an aftermath of metabolically active cells. Therefore, reducing the oxidative stress by living a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet, rich in micronutrients, limited in caffeine and alcohol, avoiding smoking and maintaining a normal body mass index with regular physical exercise may promote fertility and help diminishing IBS symptomatology. Studies with measurements of biological samples are needed in order to assess the complex relationship between oxidative stress, IBS and infertility.
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Background and objectives: Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous, multifactorial pulmonary disease characterized by variable airway obstruction caused by chronic inflammation. Our study investigates the clinical relevance of MBL plasma levels in accordance with IgE values in children who attended a pediatric consult for respiratory symptoms with bronchial asthma. Materials and Methods: The study population consists of patients <18-years-old and included 43 patients with bronchial asthma and 64 age-matched healthy subjects as a control group. ⋯ We observed a wider heterogeneity in MBL concentrations in bronchial asthma patients when compared to the healthy age-matched controls. Our results also suggest a potential clinical usefulness of plasma MBL concentrations in accordance with IgE and eosinophil cells levels in the diagnosis of bronchial asthma, and our results may suggest a prognostic role of MBL in the evolution of asthmatic disease; however, further studies are necessary to confirm these findings. Conclusions:We can say that plasma MBL concentrations present a relative diagnostic role for bronchial asthma in pediatric patients and may suggest a more severe disease progression; however, further studies are needed to elucidate the role played by MBL in the determination and evolution of this disease.
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Pathogens are various organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which can cause severe illnesses to their hosts. Throughout history, pathogens have accompanied human populations and caused various epidemics. One of the most significant outbreaks was the Black Death, which occurred in the 14th century and caused the death of one-third of Europe's population. ⋯ For countries affected by the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), their health systems have been overwhelmed, resulting in an increase in the mortality rate caused by diseases or injuries. Furthermore, outbreaks, such as SARS-CoV-2, will induce serious, wide-ranging (and possibly long-lasting) psychological problems among, not only health workers, but ordinary citizens (this is due to isolation, quarantine, etc.). The aim of this paper is to present the most dangerous pathogens, as well as general characterizations, mechanisms of action, and treatments.
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Pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence affect approximately 6-11% and 6-40% of women, respectively. These pathologies could result from a weakness of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) caused by previous deliveries, aging or surgery. ⋯ The restoration of deteriorated PFM function still constitutes a challenge. Thus, further well-designed prospective studies are warranted to answer the question of whether preoperative PFM training could optimize surgical outcomes and if therapeutic actions should focus on building muscle strength or rather on enhancing muscle performance.
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Case Reports
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia in Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome in a Newborn-Case Report and Mini-Review.
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a rare abnormal condition frequently associated with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and is described as an arrhythmia under the form of increased heartbeat. Currently, there are various possible treatments going from medicines such as adenosine and beta-blockers to cardioversion. The unknown causes of this condition together with the different responses to treatment in each patient make it difficult to establish the best therapeutic approach. In this context, in the current paper, we were interested in reporting the therapeutic options and their efficiency in the case of associated heart or inflammatory conditions in a 13-day-old patient.