Int J Med Sci
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Meta Analysis
Pooled analyses of the associations of polymorphisms in the GRK4 and EMILIN1 genes with hypertension risk.
The GRK4 and EMILIN1 genes have been suggested to be involved in the development of hypertension. However, the results have been inconsistent. In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the associations of polymorphisms in the GRK4 and EMILIN1 genes with hypertension risk. ⋯ This meta-analysis suggested that rs1801058 polymorphism in the GRK4 gene was associated with hypertension in East Asians and Europeans. The significant association was also found for rs2960306 polymorphism in the GRK4 gene among Europeans. In addition, there were significant associations of rs2011616 and rs2304682 polymorphisms in the EMILIN1 gene with hypertension among Japanese.
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In vitro, nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a wide range of viruses, including influenza A virus. Therefore, we hypothesized that inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) would increase survival in vivo by reducing the viral load in C57Bl/6 mice infected with a lethal dose of influenza A/WSN/33 (H1N1; WSN/33) virus. NO was delivered to influenza-infected mice either continuously or intermittently at 80 or 160 ppm, respectively, using both prophylactic and post-infection treatment strategies. ⋯ Here, we report that iNO administered prophylactically or post-influenza infection failed to improve survival of infected mice. No difference in lung viral load was observed between experimental groups. Although NO has antiviral activity against influenza A virus in vitro, iNO therapy provided no apparent benefit when used for treatment of influenza A virus infection in vivo.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A randomized clinical trial comparing the effect of rapidly infused crystalloids on acid-base status in dehydrated patients in the emergency department.
To compare the effect of normal saline (NS), lactated Ringer's, and Plasmalyte on the acid-base status of dehydrated patients in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ NS, lactated Ringer's, and Plasmalyte have no significant effect on acid-base status and all can be used safely to treat dehydrated patients in the emergency department. However, NS can effect acidosis which might be significant in patients who have underlying metabolic disturbances; thus, its use should be weighed before fluid administration in the ED.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Management of chronic pain of cervical disc herniation and radiculitis with fluoroscopic cervical interlaminar epidural injections.
A randomized, double-blind, active controlled trial. ⋯ Cervical interlaminar epidural injections with or without steroids may provide significant improvement in pain and function for patients with cervical disc herniation and radiculitis.
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The early diagnosis of acute abdomen is of great importance. To date, several inflammatory markers have been used for the diagnosis of acute abdominal conditions, including acute appendicitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of D-dimer, Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements in the acute appendicitis. ⋯ An increase in CRP levels alone is not sufficient to make the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. However, CRP levels may differentiate between phlegmonous appendicitis and perforated appendicitis. Due to their low sensitivity and diagnostic value, PCT and D-dimer are not better markers than CRP for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.