Arch Med Sci
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Clinical studies have revealed that fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of drugs can have a better effect on blood pressure than free-equivalent combinations (FECs). Our objectives were to perform an up-to-date assessment of the effectiveness of FDCs and FECs in antihypertensive therapy, to provide more accurate results by using a stratified meta-analysis. ⋯ In comparison with FECs, the FDC treatment is associated with a significant improvement in the cooperation between a doctor and a patient and with increased patients' adherence to the treatment schedule.
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The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficiency of the STOP-Bang questionnaire for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). ⋯ The STOP-Bang questionnaire is an effective tool for OSA screening among Chinese patients with T2DM. A cut-off score of 3 distinguishes OSA from non-OSA with high sensitivity.
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The aim was to evaluate the association of serum total cholesterol (TC) level and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with heart failure (HF) caused by coronary heart disease (CHD). ⋯ In patients with HF caused by CHD, higher serum TC level appeared to be associated with higher LVEF, which might be associated with systemic inflammation improvement.
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Patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD) are at high risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. The aim of the analysis was to compare time trends in the extent to which cardiovascular prevention guidelines have been implemented by primary care physicians and specialists. ⋯ The control of cardiovascular risk in CAD patients has only slightly improved since 1997/98 in all health care settings. The greatest potential for further improvement was found among patients whose post-hospital care is provided by primary care physicians. It is associated with promotion of a no-smoking policy and enhanced prescription of guideline-recommended drugs.
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Redox signaling initiates pathogenesis of neuronal degeneration. Plumbagin is a potential antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and radio sensitizing properties. In the present study, we aimed to determine the protective role of plumbagin against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells by determining nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) pathways. ⋯ Together, our results show that plumbagin modulated NF-κB and Nrf-2 signaling. Thus, plumbagin might be an effective compound in preventing H2O2-induced neurotoxicity and its associated inflammatory responses.