Hippokratia
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Anemia is a prevalent situation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and can be well managed with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) has a long half-life that allows to be administered once monthly. The lowest recommended dose for patients with non dialysis CKD is 120 μg per month. The objectives were to assess the efficacy of subcutaneous monthly dosing of CERA in CKD stages 4 and 5 not on dialysis, and to determine the equivalent dose to epoetin β and darbepoetin α. ⋯ Monthly dosing treatment with CERA is safe and effective. A dose of 75-100 μg/month is enough to maintain stable levels of hemoglobin. Hippokratia 2014; 18 (4): 315-318.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the expression of microRNA (miRNA)-183 and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels β1 subunit (BKCaβ1) in the lung tissues of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ The present study indicated that miRNA-183 might play a role in the expression of BKCaβ1, and the expression of miRNA-183 and BKCaβ1 were possibly related with the pathogenetic pathways of COPD. Hippokratia 2014; 18 (4): 328-332.
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Struma ovarii is the presence of thyroid tissue as a major cellular component in an ovarian teratoma. ⋯ Struma ovarii is a rare tumor of the ovaries and its clinical appearance may vary: it may be asymptomatic, mimic malignant ovarian tumor, or present with symptoms of hyperthyroidism and, in rare cases, it can even be a malignant tumor.
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Case Reports
Resection of endobronchial hamartoma causing recurrent hemoptysis by electrocautery and cryotherapy.
Pulmonary hamartomas are rare benign tumors of the lung with an incidence of 0.025%-0.32%. Endobronchial benign lesions can cause bronchial obstruction and recurrent respiratory infections or obstructive pneumonia and recurrent hemopthysis. ⋯ Endoscopic treatment with flexible bronchoscope, electrocautery and cryotherapy provides an excellent outcome. Surgical therapy, should be reserved for the hamartomas that cannot be approached through endoscopy. Hippokratia 2014; 18 (4): 355-356.
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Manual ability and performance of dexterity tasks require both gross and fine hand motions and coordination. The aim of this study was to determine the level of manual dexterity (capacity) and investigate its relationship with manual ability (performance) in children with cerebral palsy. ⋯ The results suggest that gross manual dexterity is a good predictor of manual abilities in children with cerebral palsy. These results provide better understanding of the relationship between manual dexterity and activity limitations and lend credibility to the use of these classification systems and assessments in order to optimize treatment planning and evaluate interventions and progress. Hippokratia 2014; 18 (4): 310-314.