Arch Med Sci
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Cisplatin is an antineoplastic agent, which is thought to act on tissues with increased levels of reactive oxygen species and decreased levels of antioxidants. Pycnogenol is a potent antioxidant that is used in medical conditions caused by oxidative stress. The aim of our study is to demonstrate the effects of pycnogenol on cisplatin-induced uterine and ovarian damage in rats. ⋯ Pycnogenol pretreatment alleviates cisplatin-induced uterine and ovarian injury in rats because of its antioxidative effect.
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The aim was to investigate the expression of TLR2 and TLR5 in the distal ileum of mice with obstructive jaundice (OJ) and their role in intestinal mucosal injury. ⋯ Disturbance of intestinal flora caused by OJ could increase the expression of NF-κB via up-regulating the expression of TLR2 to activate the downstream signaling pathway, thus aggravated the injury of intestinal mucosa.
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Patients with life-threatening disease should be informed about the diagnosis and prognosis of life-expectancy. Breaking bad news (BBN) by a clinician may be affected not only by their lack of communication skills but also their philosophy of life, beliefs, fear of their own death, their length of tenure, and their exposure to dying and death. ⋯ Fear of death may restrain inexperienced medical professionals from BBN to patients and makes it difficult. Working in palliative care augments the determination of philosophy of life and diminishes fear of death. The higher the determination of philosophy of life, the more likely BBN is to be performed. Philosophy of life, spirituality, and communication skills should be addressed in postgraduate education.