Pak J Med Sci
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Various studies have examined the effects of perioperative blood transfusion on kidney functions. In this study, we investigated the effects of blood transfusion on the kidney functions of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. ⋯ Blood transfusion does not have a negative effect on postoperative blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, or glomerular filtration rate in total knee arthroplasty.
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This study determined whether there is a statistically significant difference between efficient and inefficient Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in terms of health indicators using fuzzy data envelopment analysis (FDEA). ⋯ This study shows the number of physicians was the most important determinant affecting the efficiency of a country's healthcare system. Inefficient countries had a greater mean for number of physicians. Thus, inefficient countries consume more resources than efficient ones.
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Recent studies have focused on the probable role of oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to assess the oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers in coronary slow flow (CSF). ⋯ Although there was not any significant difference in antioxidant biomarkers (TAS, PON1, SH and CP) in CSF patients, we detected increased TOS, OSI and LOOH levels which have oxidant properties. These data supported the possible involvement of oxidative stress in pathogenesis of CSF as previous studies reported.
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Liver and intestines are anatomically and physiologically linked. Zonulin is a protein modulating intercellular tight junctions and regulating intestinal permeability. Copeptin was studied as a marker of systemic circulation disorders in research about vasopressin and was associated with liver disease prognosis. Serum zonulin and copeptin levels were measured in patients with diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with the aim of easing antiviral treatment management in clinical applications and to investigate the association with normal population and viral load. ⋯ The negative correlation between serum zonulin and copeptin with HBV-DNA load revealed in our study shows they may be used to monitor treatment. Zonulin and copeptin assays provide the possibility of developing new approaches to CHB diagnosis and monitoring.
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The objective was to use modified version of WHOQOL-BREF to assess the well-being and QOL of dental students of King Saud University based on four major domains. ⋯ In the present study, overall quality of life and satisfaction with health of dental students in King Saud University was found to be satisfactorily favorable.