Arch Med Sci
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The standard therapy for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is porcine-derived pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). In the present study we tested a new approach with a mixture of pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin (PLEM) in a 1-week efficacy study in EPI pigs. In addition to the conventionally used coefficient of fat and nitrogen absorption (CFA and CNA), parameters that more accurately reflect the nutritional and health status, such as changes in the lipemic index (LI), plasma triglyceride (TG) and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels, and somatic growth, were determined. ⋯ Pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin supported somatic growth and normalized the postprandial lipid profile. As a measure of efficacy, postprandial LI, TG and NEFA are viable endpoints to be explored in human trials.
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Surgical treatment of thyroid gland diseases is associated with the possibility of severe complications. The most dangerous of them is bleeding. Current studies focus on its risk factors, rather than reoperation-related consequences. ⋯ Bleeding after thyroid operations is a direct life threat that requires immediate intervention. As a result death may occur, half of patients suffer other complications and some require intensive care. The risk is highest in the case of male sex, toxic goiter and total resection of the thyroid gland. Each patient after thyroid surgery needs to be closely observed. An operating theatre and ICU should be available at all times.
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a highly prevalent arrhythmia in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and an HD session may be a trigger for AF episodes. An abnormal P-terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) may predict new-onset AF in HD patients. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the HD process on PTFV1 and to evaluate possible factors influencing PTFV1 in a group of selected HD patients. ⋯ Abnormal PTFV1 is prevalent in HD patients. The HD process adversely affects PTFV1 values. Pre-dialysis abnormal PTFV1 is mainly associated with structural heart abnormalities and hydration status. HD-induced abnormal PTFV1 is associated predominantly with serum potassium changes as well as HD-induced hypotension. Our results suggest possible risk factors for AF; however, their clinical significance needs to be confirmed in follow-up studies.
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Patients diagnosed before the Polish FRAX was introduced may require re-evaluation and treatment changes if the diagnosis was established according to a surrogate country FRAX score. The aim of the study was to evaluate the validity of treatment decisions based on the surrogate country model before introduction of the Polish FRAX and to provide recommendations based on the current practice. ⋯ More patients might have received antiresorptive medication before the Polish FRAX. This study recommends re-evaluation of patients who received medical therapy before the Polish FRAX was introduced and a review of the recommendations, considering the side effects of antiresorptive medication.
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The cause of a significant number of miscarriages remains unexplained. There is a need to identify the potential role of environmental, dietary and lifestyle factors in the risk of pregnancy loss. The present study was the first to investigate the content of miscarried embryonic material with respect to eight metals (aluminium, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc). ⋯ This study identified increased levels of aluminum, cadmium and lead in miscarried embryonic material and suggests some causative factors.