Panminerva medica
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Aim: L-arginine (LArg) is an amino acid that has immunomodulating and anti-tumor effects. It is possible that anti-tumor effects of L-Arg are due to induction of apoptosis in tumor cells. The present study assessed anti-proliferating and pro-apoptotic effects of L-Arg in human gastric cancer cell line SGC7901. ⋯ Results: L-Arg significantly inhibited growth of SCG-7901 gastric cancer cells and down-regulated expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and survivin. By contrast, expression of p53 was upregulated by L-Arg. Conclusion: Regulation of apoptosis by L-Arg via down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and surviving, and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic protein p53 may represent the mechanism behind antitumor effects of L-Arg.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Hetastarch with hypertonic saline loading is a better choice for the maintenance of systemic and pulmonary circulation during general and epidural anesthesia.
Sufficient volume load prior to major surgery is important for better management of anesthesia. In this study we assessed systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic stabilization following a load of hypertonic saline plus hydroxyethyl starch (HHS) solution during anesthesia in elective hepatobiliary surgical patients. ⋯ HHS solution was superior in maintaining systemic and pulmonary circulation during general anesthesia combined epidural anesthesia.
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Review Historical Article
A comprehensive update on urinary tract lithiasis management.
In the past decade, the field of urology has been one of the most rapidly progressing in applied technological advancements at the level of both medical diagnostics and treatment. The introduction of modern robotic laparoscopy has changed the face of minimally invasive surgery. For endourology specialists, stone surgery continues to be in the forefront of daily practice and innovations and new technologies are constantly being developed, aiming towards ever higher stone free rates and earlier recovery for the patient. ⋯ It is more than often that even expert professionals are not totally familiar with the whole range of treatment options and devices that are available in the market, as they commonly bear different names despite being used for the same purpose. Furthermore, a question of integrity might arise when using newly developed equipment directly in the operating theatre, with respect to the efficacy of the device as well as the learning curve required by the operator. In this review, we shall outline the latest advances in interventional lithotripsy technology and also demonstrate the most effective ways to use each particular modality efficiently and safely, with respect to the latest published guidelines and evidence-based recommendations.