Arch Med Sci
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The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the value and efficacy of skin perfusion pressure (SPP) for the prediction of wound healing in patients with critical limb ischemia. ⋯ Skin perfusion pressure can accurately predict wound healing in patients with critical limb ischemia.
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Non-interventional and other observational studies have become important in medical research. In such observational, non-randomized studies, groups usually differ in some baseline covariates. Propensity scores are increasingly being used in the statistical analysis of these studies. Stratification, also called subclassification, based on propensity scores is one of the possible methods. There is the quasi-standard of using five strata. In this paper we focus on a binary outcome and evaluate the above-mentioned standard of using five strata. ⋯ When applying a stratification, more than five strata may be preferable, especially because of increased power. Our simulation study does not show a clear winner; hence a useful strategy could be to work with five as well as with ten strata.
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Indomethacin is an anti-inflammatory drug with clearly known side effects on gastric mucosa. New treatment and side effect prevention methods are being studied. Donkey milk, as a nutritional support, has recently come into the spotlight with its anti-oxidant features, high antibody content and low allergenic properties. In this study, we investigated donkey milk's possible protective effect against acute gastric mucosal damage by indomethacin. ⋯ Donkey milk was observed to have significant protective effects against gastric damage induced by indomethacin.
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The aim of the study was to determine the utility and safety of three-dimensional contrast low-dose dobutamine echocardiography (3DCLDDE) in the evaluation of myocardial viability early after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). ⋯ 3DCLDDE and LDDE are equally safe and useful in patients after STEMI.
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Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation plays a major role in the progression of vascular diseases. In the present study, we established the efficacy and the mechanisms of action of hinokitiol, a tropolone derivative found in Chamaecyparis taiwanensis, Cupressaceae, in relation to platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and serum-dependent VSMC proliferation. ⋯ These data suggest that the anti-proliferative effects of hinokitiol in VSMCs may be mediated by activation of p21 and p53 signaling pathways, and it may contribute to the prevention of vascular diseases associated with VSMC proliferation.