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Other titles
Advances in medical sciences (Online)
ISSN
1896-1126
OCLC
173275066
Material type
Document, Periodical, Internet resource
Document type
Internet Resource, Computer File, Journal / Magazine / Newspaper
Publications in this journal
Authors: V Belengeanu, D Stoicanescu, M Stoian, N Andreescu, C Budişan
Advances in medical sciences.
Ichthyosis is a very heterogeneous family of skin disorders with harlequin ichthyosis being the most severe genetic form. It is a rare autosomal recessive condition, characterized by dry, severelyIchthyosis is a very heterogeneous family of skin disorders with harlequin ichthyosis being the most severe genetic form. It is a rare autosomal recessive condition, characterized by dry, severely thickened skin with large plates of hyperkeratotic scale, separated by deep fissures. Infants are very susceptible to metabolic abnormalities and infections. They usually do not survive for very long, but several long term survivals have been noted. The vast majority of affected individuals are homozygous for mutations in the ABCA12 gene, which cause a deficiency of the epidermal lipid transporter, resulting in hyperkeratosis and abnormal barrier function. We report a case of a newborn with harlequin ichthyosis, born to unrelated parents, who had a favorable evolution with topical treatment and intensive care.
Authors: M Mazerska, M Myśliwiec
Advances in medical sciences.
Purpose: Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) provide renal protection in patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria.Material and Methods: In the presented study we followed 34Purpose: Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) provide renal protection in patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria.Material and Methods: In the presented study we followed 34 stable, type 2 diabetic patients with persistent albuminuria treated with maximal doses of ACEIs as a part of their anti-hypertensive treatment. Telmisartan - an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) - in a dose of 40 mg was added to the treatment and the patients were observed for 12 weeks. We measured creatinine clearance, 24-hour urinary albumin excretion, before and after 12 weeks of combined therapy.Results: The addition of telmisartan resulted in a significant reduction of albuminuria from median 157 to 67 mg/24h. No change in creatinine clearance was observed (93 vs 97 ml/min).Conclusion: The addition of telmisartan to a maximum dose of ACEI is safe and results in further albuminuria decrease in patients with type 2 diabetes and incipient nephropathy.
Authors: T Sierpinska, M Golebiewska, J Kuc, M Lapuc
Advances in medical sciences.
Purpose: Long lasting usage of complete dentures causes lower occlusal vertical dimension, producing potential detrimental consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate how changes inPurpose: Long lasting usage of complete dentures causes lower occlusal vertical dimension, producing potential detrimental consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate how changes in vertical dimension during denture exchange affect muscular activity and hyoid bone position.Material and Methods: Twenty-five edentulous, otherwise healthy patients (14 females, 11 males) aged 70.5 +/- 9 years, wearing their dentures over 5 years but no longer than 15 years (mean 9.8 +/- 5.2), were studied. New dentures were fabricated and the occlusal vertical dimension was recorded on cephalometric radiographs. Cephalograms were analyzed according to Ricketts. The relation of the hyoid bone position to the mandible was estimated. An evaluation of muscular activity was performed using the Biopak Electromyography Recording System synchronized with the T-Scan II Occlusal Analysis System.Results: The occlusal vertical dimension was higher with the new dentures compared with the old dentures. The transition to new dentures was accompanied by a change of the vertical position of the hyoid bone. Digastric muscle activity was lower with the new dentures in comparison with the old denturesConclusions: Increase of the occlusal vertical dimension in complete denture wearers affects the hyoid bone position and masticatory muscle activity.
Authors: K Furman-Kuklińska, B Naumnik, M Myśliwiec
Advances in medical sciences.
Recently, infections caused by cryptococci non-neoformans have been increasingly recognized. Cryptococcus laurentii was previously considered saprophyte and thought to be non-pathogenic to humans.Recently, infections caused by cryptococci non-neoformans have been increasingly recognized. Cryptococcus laurentii was previously considered saprophyte and thought to be non-pathogenic to humans. However, in favorable circumstances like diminished immunity, it seems to be an important pathogen. We present a case of fungaemia caused by Cryptococcus laurentii in a young man with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis on aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. We also considered a tick-borne infection because of the endemic area of ticks' occurrence. Most cases of fungaemia caused by Cryptococcus laurentii were successfully treated with fluconazole. We still observed septic fever and positive microbiological blood tests after 3 weeks of treatment with fluconazole in our patient. Therefore, among the others, a computer tomography of abdomen was done, which revealed an inflammatory (presumably mycotic) focus near right lobe of the liver. Accordingly, we started treatment with itraconazole. Controlled microbiological blood tests after 5 weeks of itraconazole therapy were negative. Until now, only one case of fungaemia caused by Cryptococcus laurentii with use of itraconazole was reported. Such an unusual fungal infection needs guidelines dealing with earlier diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis to protect immunocompromised hosts.
Authors: A Wasiluk, K Ratomski, K Wnuczko, J Zak, M Szczepański, J Wysocka, E Jasińska
Advances in medical sciences.
Purpose: The expression of FasR, Fas-L and Bcl-2 on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes subpopulations from the cord blood were assayed. The results in blood from boys and girls were analyses separately andPurpose: The expression of FasR, Fas-L and Bcl-2 on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes subpopulations from the cord blood were assayed. The results in blood from boys and girls were analyses separately and compared.Material and Methods: Twenty four full-term newborns: 13 females and 11 males were included into the study. Blood from the umbilical vein was collected immediately after cutting the umbilical cord. The staining with monoclonal antibodies against CD4, CD8, FasR, Fas-L and Bcl-2 was performed within 2 hours after collection and followed with flow cytometry acquisition and analysis.Results: The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and CD4+:CD8+ ratio was within normal range. The expression of FasR, Fas-L was higher on CD4+ T lymphocytes than on CD8+ T lymphocytes (10,36% vs 6,79% and 6,66% vs 5,63% respectively). The expression of Bcl-2 was comparable (91,9% and 93,75% respectively). The comparison between males and females showed higher percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes on lymphocytes from girls' blood (56% vs 38,69%, p=0.0003). The expression of FasR and Fas-L on CD4+ T lymphocytes was higher on CD4+ T lymphocytes from girls' blood (13,8% vs 7,53% and 6,8% vs 6,52% respectively) but without statistical significance. Bcl-2 expression was higher on CD4+ T lymphocytes from boys' blood (99,65% vs 89,7%) but without statistical significance. Similar pattern of FasR, Fas-L and Bcl-2 expression was noted on CD8+ T lymphocytes analysed separately for girls' and boys' blood origin cells. The difference in Bcl-2 expression was more prominent than on CD4+ T lymphocytes and reached statistical significance.Conclusions: The lymphocytes from cord blood of boys showed the more immature immunophenotype than T lymphocytes from cord blood of girls'. Impaired apoptosis (as a consequence of low expression of FasR, Fas-L) in neonatal cells may contribute to prolonged inflammation in newborns after oxidative stress or infection.
Authors: K Sztefko, D Hodorowicz-Zaniewska, T Popiela, P Richter
Advances in medical sciences.
Purpose: To investigate the changes of IGF system in colon cancer patients in relation to age, the serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP2, IGFBP3 and ALS were measured by immunochemistry before surgery, as wellPurpose: To investigate the changes of IGF system in colon cancer patients in relation to age, the serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP2, IGFBP3 and ALS were measured by immunochemistry before surgery, as well as one and six months after surgery.Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty six patients were included into the study: group I (<50 yrs, N=21); group II (50 to <55 yrs, N=16); group III (55 to <65 yrs, N=34); group IV (65 to <75 yrs, N=42) and group V (>/=75 yrs, N=13).Results: Before surgery: only the mean value of IGF-I concentration in group I was significantly higher as compared to group V (p<0.01). One month after surgery: 1) a decrease in the mean values of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP3 and ALS levels was observed, but only for IGF-II (groups II-V), IGFBP3 (groups II-V) and ALS (groups III-V) the changes were significant; 2) the mean value of ALS level in group I was higher as compared to group III-V (p<0.05 to 0.02); 3) higher mean values of IGF-I/alb, IGFBP3/alb and ALS/alb were noted for group I as compared to group V (p<0.01 to 0.001); 4) the mean levels of IGFBP2 were significantly lower in group I as compared to groups II, III, IV and V (p<0.001 in all cases).Conclusions: In colon cancer patients IGF-I, IGFBP3 and ALS decrease with age, but the relation between them exists regardless the patient's age and time of observation. Lower IGFBP2 level together with higher IGF-I might contribute to more aggressive course of disease in colon cancer patients below 50 years of age.
Authors: E Migliore, C Serraino, C Brignone, D Ferrigno, A Cardellicchio, F Pomero, E Castagna, M Osenda, L Fenoglio
Advances in medical sciences. 54:1-4.
Pasteurellosis is a zoonosis often caused by cat or dog bites or scratches, or by direct exposure to their secretions. Pasteurella multocida is the main pathogen involved in infections throughPasteurellosis is a zoonosis often caused by cat or dog bites or scratches, or by direct exposure to their secretions. Pasteurella multocida is the main pathogen involved in infections through domestic animal bites; generally a local infection characterized by its particular virulence with consequent rapid onset. Serious infection has also been reported in persons affected by comobirdity without domestic animal bite injuries. Here we report the case of a woman with lower limb exudating vesicular skin ulcers affected by liver cirrhosis, bilateral knee arthritis, septicemia with positive blood culture and synovial fluid culture for Pasteurella multocida. The etiology of Pasteurella multocida must be borne in mind in cases of sepsis in immunodeficient individuals, such as the cirrhotic patient, as well as exposure to domestic animals.
Authors: J Luszczki, M Krzyzanowski, M Swiader
Advances in medical sciences. 54:1-7.
Purpose: To characterize the interaction between tiagabine (TGB) and valproate (VPA) - two antiepileptic drugs in the mouse pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced clonic seizure model, type IPurpose: To characterize the interaction between tiagabine (TGB) and valproate (VPA) - two antiepileptic drugs in the mouse pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced clonic seizure model, type I isobolographic analysis for non-parallel dose-response relationship curves (DRRCs) was used.Material and Methods: Clonic seizures were evoked in albino Swiss mice by subcutaneous injection of PTZ at its CD97 (100 mg/kg). To ascertain the nature of interaction between TGB and VPA administered in combination, total brain concentrations of TGB and VPA were estimated by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA).Results: TGB and VPA produced clear-cut anticonvulsant effects against PTZ-induced clonic seizures in mice and their DRRCs were not parallel to one another. The type I isobolographic analysis for non-parallel DRRCs revealed that the combination of TGB with VPA at the fixed-ratio of 1:1 exerted additive interaction against PTZ-induced clonic seizures in mice. With FPIA, it was found that TGB did not affect total brain VPA concentrations in experimental animals. Moreover, VPA had no significant impact on total brain concentrations of TGB in mice, as measured with HPLC.Conclusion: The additive interaction between TGB and VPA at the fixed-ratio of 1:1 in the mouse PTZ model was pharmacodynamic in nature.
Authors: J Kozinska, K Sawicka, A Zadrozniak, E Wojda, M Andres-Mach, M Dudra-Jastrzebska, J Luszczki
Advances in medical sciences. 54:1-9.
Purpose: To determine the influence of indapamide on the protective action of numerous conventional and second-generation antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine,Purpose: To determine the influence of indapamide on the protective action of numerous conventional and second-generation antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, topiramate and valproate) in the mouse maximal electroshock seizure model.Material and Methods: Electroconvulsions were evoked in Albino Swiss mice by a current (sine-wave, 0.2 s stimulus duration) delivered via auricular electrodes. Adverse-effect profiles with respect to motor performance, long-term memory and skeletal muscular strength were measured along with total brain antiepileptic drug concentrations.Results: Indapamide (up to 3 mg/kg, i.p., 120 min before the test) neither altered the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions, nor protected the animals against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice. Moreover, indapamide (3 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant action of carbamazepine, phenobarbital and valproate, but not that of lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine or topiramate in the maximal electroshock seizure test in mice. Indapamide (1.5 mg/kg) had no impact on the anticonvulsant action of all studied antiepileptic drugs in the maximal electroshock seizure test in mice. Estimation of total brain antiepileptic drug concentrations revealed that the observed interaction between indapamide and phenobarbital was complicated by a significant pharmacokinetic increase in total brain concentrations of phenobarbital. In contrast, indapamide had no impact on the total brain concentrations of carbamazepine and valproate in mice.Conclusions: The selective potentiation of the anticonvulsant action of carbamazepine and valproate by indapamide and lack of any pharmacokinetic interactions between drugs, make the combinations of indapamide with carbamazepine or valproate of pivotal importance for epileptic patients taking these drugs together.
Authors: E Loś-Rycharska, A Szaflarska-Popławska
Advances in medical sciences.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common problem. Combined treatment with interferon and ribavirin improved treatment efficacy, but still high percentage of infected patients has not reachedHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common problem. Combined treatment with interferon and ribavirin improved treatment efficacy, but still high percentage of infected patients has not reached virus elimination. It was found that HCV infection course, but also treatment efficacy among other things can depend on patient's individual factors, including MHC genes structure for HLA tissue compatibility antigens. Many connections between HLA system and HCV infection course were noted. There are some reports concerning connections between MHC structure and results of chronic hepatitis C treatment with interferon. In future, results of investigations connected with this problem can allow to verify qualification criteria for treatment with alpha-interferon, because actual knowledge position has been too inconspicuous to have practical significance.
Authors: W Fassbender, M Gödde, V Brandenburg, K Usadel, U Stumpf
Advances in medical sciences.
Purpose: Deoxypyridinoline (DPD) is a derivative of hydroxypyridinium, which is released during bone resorption into the blood stream and is eliminated unmodified with urine. A furtherPurpose: Deoxypyridinoline (DPD) is a derivative of hydroxypyridinium, which is released during bone resorption into the blood stream and is eliminated unmodified with urine. A further collagen-derived marker of bone resorption is the C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (beta-CTX-I, here abbreviated as CTX), which is released in bone resorption and almost entirely excreted by the kidneys. The aim of our study was to investigate different well-described patient groups as well as normal probands in view of differences and expected correlations of these two parameters: patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and healthy control persons.Materials and Methods: We used a solid-phase chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (Pyrilinks D-IMMULITE) for urinary DPD measurement and for the assessment of urinary CTX we used a quantitative ELISA (Osteometer Biotec A-S, CrossLaps(R) ELISA).Results: We found a highly significant correlation between both parameters in the group of healthy persons (r = 0.75, p < 0.05, n = 28) as well as in the group of patients with diabetes mellitus type I (r = 0.79, p < 0.05, n = 65). Also, a significant correlation was observed between DPD and CTX (r = 0.583, p < 0.05, n = 88) in the group of female osteoporotic patients.Conclusions: Despite good correlations between DPD and CTX in all of the investigated groups, these urinary markers were of limited diagnostic significance in the group of postmenopausal osteoporosis due to a wide spread (few patients showed concentrations above the range of healthy persons) in this newly diagnosed drug-naïve patient collective.
Authors: M Wierzbicki, A Chabowski, M Zendzian-Piotrowska, E Harasim, J Górski
Advances in medical sciences.
Purpose: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR's) are lipid sensors and when activated they modify gene expression of proteins regulating fatty acid (FA) metabolism in liver cells. ThePurpose: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR's) are lipid sensors and when activated they modify gene expression of proteins regulating fatty acid (FA) metabolism in liver cells. The aim of the present study was to examine the invivo effects of PPAR alpha and gamma activation combined with high fat diet (HFD) feeding on the lipid content and FA profile in the liver.Material/Methods: We assessed whether in vivo activation of PPARs (alpha or gamma) affects lipid accumulation in the liver induced by HFD feeding. Furthermore, as PPAR activity may be a key factor regulating long chain fatty acids (LCFA) flux and subsequent LCFA utilization in the liver, we prompted to investigate also the FA profile in different lipid fractions in this tissue.Results: PPARalpha agonist (WY 14,643) treatment reduced the accumulation of liver lipids free fatty acids (FFA:-30%, diacylglycerols DAG: -27% and triacylglycerols TAG: -60%, p<0.05) evoked by HFD feeding. Interestingly, with PPARgamma stimulation liver lipid content was further elevated comparing to the effects of HFD (phospholipids PL: +48%, DAG: +231%, TAG: +346%, p<0.05).Conclusions: These findings suggest that in vivo PPARalpha and PPARgamma activation combined with HFD feeding exert different effects on lipid content in rat's liver and in vivo PPARalpha activation may prevent lipid overload in the liver cells provoked by HFD feeding.
Authors: M Wilkowska-Trojniel, B Zdrodowska-Stefanow, I Ostaszewska-Puchalska, S Redźko, J Przepieść, M Zdrodowski
Advances in medical sciences.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t.) infection among women who experienced a miscarriage.Materials and Methods: Patients referred to the CentrePurpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t.) infection among women who experienced a miscarriage.Materials and Methods: Patients referred to the Centre for STD Research and Diagnostics in Bialystok from the Department of Perinatology and from gynaecological outpatient clinics, after spontaneous abortion were enrolled in the study. C.t. infection diagnostics were performed among 76 women with 1 miscarriage and 44 patients with >/=2 miscarriages in anamnesis. Forty-six patients in the 2nd and the 3rd trimester of normal pregnancy served as a comparative group. Endocervical swabs as well as blood serum were obtained. To detect chlamydial DNA, direct PCR method was performed (Roche, Molecular Systems, N.J., USA). To detect IgA and IgG specific anti-chlamydial antibodies we used immunoenzymatic assay (medac, Hamburg, Germany).Results: In patients with 1 miscarriage (gr. 1), C.t. infection by means of PCR was detected in 11.8% of women (p=0.029), in patients with >/=2 miscarriages (gr. 2) in 9.1% (p=0.198) and in the comparative group (gr. 0) in 2.2%. Specific anti-chlamydial antibodies IgA class were detected in: 7.9 (p=0.082) in group 1, 4.5% (p=0.236) in group 2 and in 0% in group 0, and IgG class in 21.1% (p=0.024), 36.4% (p=0.000) and in 4.4%, respectively.Conclusions: 1. C.t. infection is an important causative agent of miscarriages in women. 2. C.t. infection diagnostic procedures should be considered in screening tests during pregnancy.
Authors: L V Sizova
Advances in medical sciences. 54(1):27-31.
Purpose: To translate the English version of the Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale (QOL-RA Scale) into Russian, test the reliability and validity of the Russian version and compare thePurpose: To translate the English version of the Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale (QOL-RA Scale) into Russian, test the reliability and validity of the Russian version and compare the scaling assumptions, reliability, and validity of the English, Spanish and Russian versions.Materials/Methods: The development of a Russian version of the Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale (QOL-RA Scale) involved translating the English version of the instrument into Russian, linguistic adaptation, 50 face-to-face interviews with outpatients with definite rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and testing the reliability and validity.Results: The QOL-RA Scale, an 8-item scale, took about 3 minutes to administer. Psychometric analysis revealed that the psychometric attributes of English, Spanish and Russian questionnaires are satisfactory.Conclusions: The Russian version of the QOL-RA scale is a reliable and valid measure of RA-specific QOL.
Authors: E Czeczuga-Semeniuk, D Lemancewicz, S Wołczyński
Advances in medical sciences. 54(1):91-8.
Purpose: Retinoids are well known inhibitors of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell growth and differentiation. alpha2beta1 integrins are involved in the normal growth and differentiation of breastPurpose: Retinoids are well known inhibitors of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell growth and differentiation. alpha2beta1 integrins are involved in the normal growth and differentiation of breast cells, they also take part in many pathological processes including malignancies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of estradiol and tamoxifen on the inhibitory action of retinoids on the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and alpha2beta1 integrin expression.Materials and methods: Evaluation was based on [3H]thymidine incorporation and the proliferative activity of PCNA- and Ki 67-positive cells. Expression of alpha2beta1 was assessed through immunocytochemical analysis.Results: Treatment of cancer cells with the examined compounds and tamoxifen (10 muM) revealed that only 13-cis retinoic acid (13-cis RA) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) (10-5 M) decreased cells proliferation compared to the tamoxifen group (30.84%+/-3.32, p<0.01 and 31.05%+/-4.67, p<0.01, respectively). The lowest fraction of PCNA positive cells was also observed after the simultaneous addition ATRA (10-5 M) and tamoxifen (10 muM) (30.75%+/-0.95, p<0.01, compared to the tamoxifen group). Our results showed that the decrease of alpha2beta1 integrin expression by 13-cis RA (10-5 M, 49.6+/-3.25%) and ATRA (10-9 M, 15.0%+/-5.0) was augmented by tamoxifen and to a lesser extent by estradiol, particularly in the case of ATRA at 10-7 or 10-9 M.Conclusions: This data suggest that tamoxifen augments the inhibitory effect of retinoids on proliferation and alpha2beta1 integrin expression in MCF-7 cells.
Authors: R M Merrill, J L Lyon, R K Baker, L H Gren
Advances in medical sciences. 54(1):20-6.
Purpose: This study describes the influence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on the incidence rates of selected injuries.Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was employedPurpose: This study describes the influence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on the incidence rates of selected injuries.Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was employed using medical claims data from the Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators (DMBA), a health insurance company for employees of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and their spouses and dependent children. ADHD diagnosis, injury, medication, and demographic data were extracted from claims files during 1998-2005 for all enrollees aged 0-64 years.Results: Incidence rates of ADHD were 1.83 (95% CI 1.68-2.00) times greater in males than females and highest in the age group 5-9 years and income group $80,000 or greater. ADHD increased the risk of selected injuries. The most common injuries involved sprains and strains of joints, then open wounds of the head, neck and trunk, and upper/lower limb, and then fractures of the upper/lower limb. Medication did not significantly protect against injury in ADHD patients. The rate of severe injury (i.e., fracture of skull, neck and trunk; intracranial injury excluding those with skull fracture; and injuries to nerves and spinal cord) was 3.07 (95% CI 2.37-3.98) times more common in ADHD enrollees compared with non-ADHD enrollees. Those with 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more injuries were 1.67 (1.50-1.86), 2.11 (1.75-2.56), 2.63 (1.80-3.84), and 2.94 (1.47-5.87) times more likely to have ADHD, respectively.Conclusions: ADHD is positively associated with injuries. More severe injuries have a significantly stronger associated with ADHD than less severe injuries.
Authors: O Kornysova, Z Stanius, K Obelevicius, O Ragazinskiene, E Skrzydlewska, A Maruska
Advances in medical sciences. 54(1):41-6.
Purpose:Humulus lupulus (H. lupulus), more commonly known as hop, is a member of the Cannabaceae family with male and female flowers on separate plants. It is native in Europe including Lithuania,Purpose:Humulus lupulus (H. lupulus), more commonly known as hop, is a member of the Cannabaceae family with male and female flowers on separate plants. It is native in Europe including Lithuania, Asia and North America. Hop has been recognized as a medicinal plant for centuries, nevertheless different medicinal activities of hop are currently investigated and discovered. An important class of hop compounds is the hop acids, which are classified as alpha-acids and beta-acids. Different varieties of hops vary in amount and composition of hop acids.Methods: Simple capillary zone electrophoresis method has been optimized and applied for the analysis of hop acids in hop cone extracts.Results: With this method the analysis takes ca. 10 min. Repeatability for migration times and peak areas expressed as relative standard deviation were up to 0.21% and 5.96%, respectively.Conclusions: Comparative results of capillary zone electrophoretic analysis of extracts of different hop varieties and conductometric titration, as a standard method for determination of alpha-acids, are presented. Both methods provide consistent results, however capillary zone electrophoresis is capable of separating co- form of humulones from other forms.
Authors: K Midura-Nowaczek, I Bruzgo, D Krajewska
Advances in medical sciences. 54(1):47-50.
Purpose: The aim of the study is the examination of effects of dipeptides containing S-hexyl-L-cysteine and glycine, on the prothrombin activation and the thrombin clotting time determined in thePurpose: The aim of the study is the examination of effects of dipeptides containing S-hexyl-L-cysteine and glycine, on the prothrombin activation and the thrombin clotting time determined in the presence of heparin.Material and Methods: The activation of prothrombin was determined with the use of the thromboplastin test, the recalcification and partial thromboplastin with kaolin tests. The thrombin clotting time determined in the presence of heparin was evaluated with the use of the heparin-thrombin test.Results: The investigated derivatives slightly inhibited the prothrombin activation. The unsubstituted derivatives and dipeptides with a free amino or carboxyl group significantly enhanced the clotting time determined in the presence of heparin at concentration 20 mM.S-Hexyl-L-cysteinylglycine (H-(S-hexyl)-L-Cys-Gly-OH) was the most active compound.Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that some dipeptide derivatives of S-hexyl-L-cysteine apart from the earlier observed possibility to prolong the thrombin clotting time, can also prolong the clotting time determined in the presence of heparin.
Authors: J Donaldson, O Fed'kiv, M Pawłowska, S Kowalik, K H Erlwanger, B Weström, D Kruszewska, S G Pierzynowski
Advances in medical sciences. 54(1):7-13.
Purpose: Conventionally, the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) involves the consumption of a specific diet as well as the replacement of pancreatic enzymes, the effectiveness ofPurpose: Conventionally, the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) involves the consumption of a specific diet as well as the replacement of pancreatic enzymes, the effectiveness of which is usually measured by a classical method of blood analyses of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and triglycerides (TG). Dietary supplementation with a pancreatic enzyme preparation (PEP), in conjunction with a high-fat diet, on growth performance, digestibility and absorption (analysed using turbidimetry) of dietary fat in pigs with EPI was investigated.Materials/Methods: EPI was developed by surgical ligation of the pancreatic duct of six male pigs, 6 weeks of age. The pigs were fed a high fat diet (twice daily). A PEP containing 1800 mg entero-coated pancreatin was included in the high fat meals. Blood, urine and faecal samples were collected. The urine and faeces were analysed for dry matter, crude protein and fat content. The lipaemic index and plasma lipid profiles were assessed.Results: EPI completely stopped growth of the pigs. Treatment with PEP significantly increased (P<0.05) growth and body mass as well as the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein. PEP significantly improved the co-efficient of fat absorption, the lipaemic index (measured by turbidimetry methods) and caused significant changes in plasma nonesterified fatty acids and triglyceride concentrations.Conclusions: The short term enzymatic replacement therapy together with a high fat meal has immediate beneficial effects on diet digestibility and on the growth retardation observed in EPI pigs. The turbidimetry method used to measure lipaemic index is a reliable, quick and efficient technique in measuring plasma lipid profiles and thus a good tool for assessing fat absorption.
Authors: F Gallucci, R Russo, R Buono, R Acampora, E Madrid, G Uomo
Advances in medical sciences.
Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is one of the best diagnostic non-invasive imaging techniques to evaluate microcirculation in vivo and is increasingly employed in the field of rheumatology.Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is one of the best diagnostic non-invasive imaging techniques to evaluate microcirculation in vivo and is increasingly employed in the field of rheumatology. Indeed, at present, the most important utility of NVC is in the identification of microvascular involvement in many rheumatic diseases, particularly in systemic sclerosis. More recently, this technique has been shown to be applicable to the study of many other extra-rheumatic diseases, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly, hyperthyroidism, cardiac syndrome X, primary biliary cirrhosis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, familial Mediterranean fever.This article sets down the methodology of examination and normal pattern of capillary vessels and reviews the applications of NVC in clinical practice and its results in rheumatic and non-rheumatic diseases.
Authors: J Semeniuk, M Kaczmarski, M Uścinowicz
Advances in medical sciences.
Purpose: The comparison of values of selected lower esophageal sphincter (LES) manometric parameters measured in children suspected of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (preliminary study) andPurpose: The comparison of values of selected lower esophageal sphincter (LES) manometric parameters measured in children suspected of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (preliminary study) and in children with primary acid GER and acid GER secondary to cow's milk allergy and/or other food (CMA/FA) in relation to the duration of the disease (prospective study).Material and Methods: A 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring was performed on 264 children of both sexes suspected of GERD (mean age x = 20.78 +/- 17.23 months). Pathological acid gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was diagnosed and divided into primary and secondary reflux in 138 children (52.3%). 76 patients (28.8%) (x = 25.2 +/- 27.28 months) with primary GER made up Group 1. Group 2 consisted of 62 patients (23.5%) (x = 21.53 +/- 17.79 months) with GER secondary to CMA/FA. 32 patients (12.1%) (x = 23.7 +/- 12.63 months) with CMA/FA symptoms made up Group 3 (reference group). Prospective assessment of LES manometric parameters, i.e. resting LES pressure and LES length, was performed on 138 children with GER. Manometric parameters, resting LES pressure and LES length, measured at the preliminary study (0) and control studies (after 1, 2 and 8 years), were prospectively assessed in 138 children. The assessment resulted from clinical observation and/or conservative treatment.Results: The mean value of resting LES pressure (mm Hg) before treatment was x = 11.75 +/- 3.98 in Group 1, x = 11.05 +/- 3.31 in Group 2, and x = 14.17 +/- 3.86 in Group 3 (reference group). After 2 years of clinical observation, the mean value of resting LES pressure accounted for x = 13.71 +/- 3.88 in Group 1, x = 13.01 +/- 2.94 in Group 2, and x = 17.92 +/- 3.36 in Group 3. The mean LES length (cm) before treatment accounted for x = 1.68 +/- 0.72 in Group 1, x = 1.78 +/- 0.70 in Group 2, and x = 2.0 +/- 0.86 in Group 3. After 2 years of clinical observation, the mean LES length was x = 2.80 +/- 0.40 in Group 1, x = 2.76 +/- 0.40 in Group 2, and x = 2.97 +/- 0.48 in Group 3. 12 children with persistent GERD (Group 1) and 8 children with persistent GERD and food allergy (Group 2) underwent manometric evaluation of LES after 8 years. No statistical differentiation of the mean values of resting LES pressure and LES length were shown in examined children of Groups 1 and 2 during prospective studies.Conclusions: Manometric studies of LES assessing only resting LES pressure and its length in the examined children with acid GER do not clearly differentiate GER into primary and secondary refluxes to food allergy.
Authors: A Szczepankiewicz, A Bręborowicz, P Sobkowiak, A Popiel
Advances in medical sciences.
Purpose: Glucocorticoids are the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs in asthma therapy. They act via receptors localized in target cells that after activation by glucocorticoids may affectPurpose: Glucocorticoids are the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs in asthma therapy. They act via receptors localized in target cells that after activation by glucocorticoids may affect expression of inflammatory genes thus reducing inflammation in asthma. However, 10-20% of patients, particularly with severe, difficult-to-treat asthma may not respond well to glucocorticoids and remain symptomatic even after being treated with high doses of inhaled or systemic glucocorticoids. Therefore, we investigated if polymorphisms known to affect expression or function of the glucocorticoid receptor may be responsible for lower efficacy of steroid therapy and the need to use high doses of inhaled drug.Material and Methods: We analyzed 113 pediatric patients in age from 6 to 18 with diagnosed asthma, including 54 children with severe, difficult-to-treat asthma. The diagnosis was based on clinical manifestation, a lung function test, increased IgE level and positive skin prick tests. We also analyzed 123 healthy control subjects. The polymorphisms were genotyped with the use of PCR-RFLP method. Linkage disequilibrium analysis was performed using Haploview.Results: We did not observe any significant differences between asthmatic and healthy children for any of the polymorphisms analyzed. Weak linkage between two of the four polymorphisms studied: rs41423247 and rs6195 (D'=1.0; LOD=2.91, r2=0.044) was found in linkage disequilibrium analysis. We did not find any association of GR polymorphisms with the dose of inhaled glucocorticoids needed to achieve asthma control in the group of patients.Conclusion: The results may suggest that studied polymorphisms of the GR gene are not associated with asthma susceptibility and do not influence response to inhaled glucocorticoids in our sample.
Authors: U Sadat, D Cooper, C Cousins, J Boyle
Advances in medical sciences.
Introduction: Endovascular stenting has been successfully employed in management of aortic aneurysms; however, its utility in managing popliteal aneurysms remains questionable. This is because of theIntroduction: Endovascular stenting has been successfully employed in management of aortic aneurysms; however, its utility in managing popliteal aneurysms remains questionable. This is because of the non-availability of long term data about graft patency rates.Case presentation: We report a case of large popliteal artery aneurysm stenting in a patient with significant co-morbidities and high risk for open surgical repair. He underwent successful endovascular stenting of a popliteal artery aneurysm measuring 6.4 x 9.7cm extending for approximately 11.0 cm in length with Hemobahn grafts. The graft was patent at 12 months of follow up with complete exclusion of the aneurysm.Conclusions: Popliteal stents can be successfully used in treating large popliteal artery aneurysms in patients unfit for open repair.
Authors: R. Reiter, S Paredes, A Korkmaz, L Manchester, D. Tan
Advances in medical sciences.
That free radicals and the damage they inflict are related to deteriorative cellular and organismal changes associated with aging and also with the development of a variety of age-related diseases isThat free radicals and the damage they inflict are related to deteriorative cellular and organismal changes associated with aging and also with the development of a variety of age-related diseases is widely debated. There seems to be little doubt that free radical mutilation of essential molecules contributes to these conditions. Numerous investigators, on the basis of their experimental results, have drawn this conclusion. If the free radical theory of aging and disease development has validity, antioxidants could presumably be successfully used to delay the molecular destruction, cellular loss, and organismal death. In the current review we summarize the experimental data related to the utility of melatonin in protecting against reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species-induced cellular damage. While the data supporting a role for melatonin in forestalling aging and prolonging life span per se is not compelling, the findings related to melatonin's ability to reduce the severity of a variety of age-related diseases that have as their basis free radical damage is convincing. To date, the bulk of these investigations have been performed in experimental models of diseases in animals. It is now imperative that similar studies be conducted using humans whose quality of life may benefit from treatment with melatonin.
Authors: E Herskovits, R Bryan, F Yang
Advances in medical sciences.
Purpose: Automatic brain-lesion segmentation has the potential to greatly expand the analysis of the relationships between brain function and lesion locations in large-scale epidemiologic studies,Purpose: Automatic brain-lesion segmentation has the potential to greatly expand the analysis of the relationships between brain function and lesion locations in large-scale epidemiologic studies, such as the ACCORD-MIND study. In this manuscript we describe the design and evaluation of a Bayesian lesion-segmentation method, with the expectation that our approach would segment white-matter brain lesions in MR images without user intervention.Materials and Methods: Each ACCORD-MIND subject has T1-weighted, T2-weighted, spin-density-weighted, and FLAIR sequences. The training portion of our algorithm first registers training images to a standard coordinate space; then, it collects statistics that capture signal-intensity information, and residual spatial variability of normal structures and lesions. The classification portion of our algorithm then uses these statistics to segment lesions in images from new subjects, without the need for user intervention. We evaluated this algorithm using 42 subjects with primarily white-matter lesions from the ACCORD-MIND project.Results: Our experiments demonstrated high classification accuracy, using an expert neuroradiologist as a standard.Conclusions: A Bayesian lesion-segmentation algorithm that collects multi-channel signal-intensity and spatial information from MR images of the brain shows potential for accurately segmenting brain lesions in images obtained from subjects not used in training.
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