Medicina
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Background and objective: With an increase in survival rates among rheumatic patients, comorbidities and infections, in particular, have gained more importance, especially after the introduction of biologicals to the treatment algorithms. Tuberculosis (TB) infection has always been given a special attention in patients with rheumatic diseases (RD). Although Lithuanian population has one of the highest TB incidence rates among European countries, the incidence of TB in the rheumatic patients' population is still unknown. ⋯ The unadjusted hazard ratio for bDMARD use versus no bDMARD use was 4.54 (0.94; 21.87) in a total cohort and very similar in rheumatoid arthritis cohort; in both cohorts, it was not a statistically significant risk. Conclusions: Here, we present the first nationwide cohort study to assess the incidence of TB in a broad spectrum of inflammatory RD. Although limited by short follow-up period, this study shows that TB incidence in RD cohort does not exceed TB incidence in the general Lithuanian population.
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Background and objectives: Morinda citrifolia (Noni) has been widely used in herbal remedies to treat and prevent various kinds of diseases. We conducted this study to evaluate the effects of Noni extract on the maintenance of morphology, the improvement of cellular viability, and the enhancement of osteogenesis of stem cell spheroids. Materials and Methods: We cultured stem cell spheroids made with gingiva-derived stem cells in the presence of Noni extract at concentrations of 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL. ⋯ The results of alkaline phosphatase activity with absorbance values at 405 nm were 0.189 ± 0.019, 0.174 ± 0.023, 0.192 ± 0.014 and 0.210 ± 0.062 for Noni at 0, 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL concentrations, respectively, on Day 4. There were significantly higher values of Alizarin Red S staining for Noni in the 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL groups, with the highest value at 100 ng/mL when compared with the unloaded control on Day 14. Conclusions: Based on these findings, we concluded that Noni extract might be applied for the enhanced osteogenic differentiation of stem cell spheroids.
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Background and objectives: Speech disorders are observed in 30% of newly diagnosed sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Characterized by a dynamic course, dysfunction of articulation has not so far been well understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of demographic factors (sex, age, duration of the disease) and concomitant diseases (degenerative spine disease, depression, hypertension, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and allergy) on the functioning of speech organs in ALS patients. ⋯ Patients diagnosed with degenerative spine disease more often suffered from respiratory disorders, while younger patients (<60 years of age) significantly more often had the impairment of the sentence and spontaneous speech functions. Conclusions: The male gender in patients with ALS is associated with an increased risk of deterioration of the phonation length function. Patients under 60 years of age are associated with more often pronouncing sentences disorders and spontaneous speech disorders.
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Background and objectives: Patients often suffer from moderate to severe pain during the early recovery period in orthopedic surgery. We investigated the impact of a single-shot preoperative peripheral nerve block (PNB) on post-anesthesia recovery parameters and interleukin (IL)-6 level during limb surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted, and patients scheduled for limb surgery were recruited. ⋯ The IL-6 concentration increased less in the PNB group at 2 h after incision. Conclusions: Preemptive PNB attenuates IL-6 expression 2 h after incision and improves pain management in the PACU. PNB was considered as an essential part of pain management in limb surgery.
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The DHRS9 gene is involved in several pathways including the synthesis of allopregnanolone from progesterone. Allopregnanolone is a positive modulator of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) action and plays a role in the control of neuronal excitability and seizures. ⋯ No previous studies have reported the implication of this gene in epilepsy. We discuss a new potential pathogenic mechanism underlying epilepsy in a child, due to a defective progesterone pathway.