Arch Med Sci
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It is strongly recommended that laxatives be routinely prescribed for the prevention of opioid-induced constipation (OIC). The evidence supporting the effectiveness of prokinetics for this indication is sparse. This study aims to verify if itopride, added to preventive OIC therapy, increases the effectiveness of the prevention of opioid-induced constipation in adult palliative care patients. ⋯ All interventions appeared similarly effective in the prevention of OIC. However, adding itopride, but not oxycodone/naloxone, resulted in a decrease in the necessity of laxative use in OIC patients, and it seems to be valuable in this often refractory condition. Randomised, controlled trials would be valuable to obtain good quality evidence without systematic bias.
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Many biological, psychological and sociocultural factors influence the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and sexual behavior. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and sexual behaviors. ⋯ Sexual dysfunctions are highly prevalent in the Polish population. Of note, it is alarming that only very few patients seek professional help when sexual problems occur.
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Overactive bladder (OAB) is a disease that significantly decreases quality of life. Adverse effects of the drugs currently used in OAB treatment limit their use in patients with hypertension. Nebivolol (a β1-adrenergic receptor blocker) is approved for hypertension treatment, but also shows agonistic activity on β3-adrenergic receptor, located in the urinary bladder. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of nebivolol on OAB symptoms and cardiovascular parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) - an animal model of OAB and hypertension. ⋯ Nebivolol alleviates OAB symptoms and normalises blood pressure in SHRs. These results suggest that nebivolol may be a useful treatment alternative for OAB patients with pre-existing hypertension.
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Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to mediate gene expression participating in the progression of multiple cancers, including gastric carcinoma (GC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which circRNAs-modulated cell proliferation and apoptosis in GC had not been completely clarified. In our study, hsa_circ_0017728 as a potential oncogene competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) was investigated in the progression and development of gastric carcinogenesis. ⋯ The regulatory network of hsa_circ_0017728/miR-149/IL-6/STAT3 cascade signaling might provide a better understanding of gastric carcinogenesis and progression.
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In recent years, unfortunately, low quality of statistical analyses in medicine has been observed. As it turns out, this also applies to COVID-19 subject matter. ⋯ There should be more emphasis on conducting statistical reviews in authors' contributions on various aspects of COVID-19.