Advanced biomedical research
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The pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is largely related to an innate defect in the immune system culminating in a loss of self-tolerance and destruction of the insulin-producing β-cells. Currently, there is no definitive cure for T1DM. Insulin injection does not mimic the precise regulation of β-cells on glucose homeostasis, leading long term to the development of complications. ⋯ Furthermore, MSCs can be cultured under specially defined conditions, their transdifferentiation can be directed toward the β-cell phenotype, and the formation of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) can be targeted. To date, the role of MSCs-derived IPC in T1DM-a unique approach with some positive findings-have been unexplored, but it is still in its very early phase. In this study, a new approach of MSCs-derived IPCs, as a potential therapeutic benefit for T1DM in experimental animal models as well as in humans has been summarized.
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The efficacy of steroid administration in the prevention of postextubation complications in critical care remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine whether administration of nebulized budesonide in critically ill patients reduces the occurrence of postextubation airway complications. ⋯ Nebulized budesonide after extubation is effective in reducing the incidence of reintubation and respiratory distress in adult patients.
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Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a known complication of neuroaxial anesthesia and may be associated with significant morbidity. As invasive treatment for PDPH has known complications, pharmacologic management may be preferable. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of combining administration of intravenous aminophylline and dexamethasone on PDPH in patients who underwent lower extremity surgery in comparison with using either drug alone and also comparing them with placebo. ⋯ Combine administration of aminophylline 1.5 mg/kg plus dexamethasone 0.1 mg/kg significantly reduced PDPH better than using either drug alone in patients who underwent lower extremity surgery under spinal anesthesia.
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Failed intubation is imperative source of anesthetic interrelated patient's mortality. The aim of this present study was to compare the ability to predict difficult visualization of the larynx from the following pre-operative airway predictive indices, in isolation and combination: Modified Mallampati test (MMT), the ratio of height to thyromental distance (RHTMD), hyomental distance ratios (HMDR), and the upper-lip-bite test (ULBT). ⋯ The HMDR is comparable with RHTMD and ULBT for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in the general population, but was significantly more than for MMT.
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Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an important infection in critically ill patients including patients of intensive care units (ICU). Different diagnostic tools are available and since its mortality is high, it is vital to start the antifungal therapy as soon as possible. Knowing the epidemiology of this disease in each ICU and area will help to better and more rapid management of such patients. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of IPA based on the level of galactomannan in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in ICU of Al-Zahra hospital, Isfahan, Iran. ⋯ Larger studies are required to determine the exact frequency of IPA and the best antifungal therapy for it.