Medicina
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Background and objectives: Paediatric acute osteomyelitis (AO) may result in major life-threatening and limb-threatening complications if not recognized and treated early. The management of AO may depend on local microbial prevalence and virulence factors. This study compares the approach to paediatric AO in hospitals in two countries-Latvia and Norway. ⋯ Complications were seen in 47% of patients in CCUH and in 38% in SSK. Conclusions: The transition to oral antibacterial treatment in both hospitals was delayed, which suggests a lack of criteria for discontinuation of intravenous therapy and could potentially contribute to longer hospitalization, higher cost of treatment and risk of complications. The use of more invasive techniques for deep culturing and significantly more common surgical interventions could possibly be linked to a higher complication rate in AO patients treated at the Latvian hospital.
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Background and objectives: Polyvascular atherosclerosis is frequent and associated with a high cardiovascular risk, although the mechanisms regulating the atherosclerosis extent to single or multiple arterial territories are still poorly understood. Inflammation regulates atherogenesis and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) is an inflammatory mediator associated with the presence of single-territorial atherosclerosis. We assessed whether the sCD40L expression is associated with the atherosclerosis extent to single or multiple arterial territories and with the atherosclerosis severity in different territories. ⋯ Conclusions: The sCD40L levels were increased in stable atherosclerosis, particularly in polyvascular coronary and LE atherosclerosis. The number of LE diseased segments and prior LE revascularization were associated with sCD40L expression. To our knowledge, these are novel data, which provide insights into the mechanisms underlying multi-territorial atherosclerosis expression. sCD40L may be a promising noninvasive tool for refining the stratification of the systemic atherosclerotic burden.
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Background and objectives: Reproductive disorders may occur not only due to environmental factors (air pollution, stressful lifestyle, previous abortions or the use of contraceptives) but also due to genetic factors. Materials and Methods: The aim of the study was to identify the range and frequency of chromosomal aberrations in couples (n = 99) with infertility or recurrent miscarriages in Lithuania. The data were collected from the out-patient medical histories. ⋯ Conclusions: In couples with reproductive disorders, chromosomal mutations and chromosomal length polymorphisms were found at similar rates: 3% vs. 3.6%. The highest aberration rate was found in couples that were unable to conceive, a lower one was found in a group with children and ≥2 miscarriages, and the lowest one was found in a childless group of subjects with ≥2 miscarriages. The miscarriage rate in partner families was 8.1%; however, no difference was found between the male and female sides.
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To evaluate anterior capsule opening (ACO) contraction and late intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation after cataract surgery in patients with weak or partially absent zonular support and assess methods of reducing these complications. ⋯ Use of hydrophobic acrylic lenses and CTR reduces ACO contraction, with rates comparable to those after cataract surgery without ocular comorbidity. Our patients experienced a relatively high rate of late IOL-CTR-capsular bag dislocation. However, dislocated complexes were easily repositioned and few patients required IOL exchange. Frequent visits are warranted to promptly detect late complications of cataract surgery in patients with weak zonular support.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The Combined Effects of Sports Smart Bracelet and Multi-Component Exercise Program on Exercise Motivation among the Elderly in Macau.
Background and objectives: Faced with the serious problem of an aging population, exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain the health of the elderly. In recent years, with the popularization of smartphones, the elderly have increasingly accepted technological products that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI). However, there is not much research on using artificial intelligence bracelets to enhance elders' motivation and participation in exercise. ⋯ The influence of the combination of sports smart bracelets and multi-sport training programs on elders' motivation is clearer. Conclusions: The use of sports smart bracelets by elderly people in conjunction with diverse exercise training can effectively enhance elders' motivation and increase their participation in regular exercise. The combination of sports smart bracelets and multi-sport training programs is worth promoting in the elderly population.