Recently Published Articles
Surgical Managment of Intracranial Invasive Aspergillosis in Immunocompetent Patients: Results from 3 Case Reports
Abstract:
Cerebral aspergillosis is a severe disease most commonly suspected in immunodeficient patients. The objective of this study is to determine the role of surgery in management of intracranial aspergillosis. We report three cases of immunocompetent patients presenting: posteriror fossa aspergillosis, sphenoidal extended to sellar region aspergillosis and post operative aspergillosis without extracerebral involvement. Microbiology and histological examination were carried out to provide the diagnosis. The patients underwent surgical procedure associated with medical treatment or not. In one case, surgical treatment was efficient. The outcome was good in two cases.
Fast Screening Method for Polymorphisms in Exon 9 of the Catalase Gene.
Abstract:
We checked our simple screening technique for detection of the known polymorphism of rs769217, and the two acatalasemic mutations in exon 9 of the catalase gene. This fast and inexpensive method yielded better resolution than those of the standard SSCP. We suppose that the method detects the spontaneously formed single stranded DNAs.
Importance of Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx
Abstract:
The relation between inflammation and cancer has been known since the 19th century. However, investigations on the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of this relation have begun recently. It was demonstrated that increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is a poor prognostic factor in some malignancies. The present study aimed to determine whether preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio has a prognostic value in larynx cancer. Preoperative blood analyses of 139 patients, who underwent subtotal or total laryngectomy for larynx cancer between 2003 and 2013 at Marmara University School of Medicine, Department of ENT, were retrospectively evaluated. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated dividing absolute neutrophil count by absolute lymphocyte count. Optimal cut-off value for NLR was determined by re...
Evaluation of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease and Its Clinical Significance
Abstract:
Vitamin D deficiency has been reported highly prevalent in Chronic liver disease (CLD) and there is an emerging interest to explore the relationship of vitamin D deficiency and severity of various types of CLD. To evaluate vitamin D level in patients with various type of CLD and clinical significance of its deficiency. Serum vitamin D levels were measured by ELFA in 100 patients (91 male and 9 female) suffering from CLD. The degree of liver dysfunction was estimated by Child Pugh criteria and Model for End stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insuf...
Early Detection of Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder by Head and Neck Manifestations
Abstract:
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a collection of conditions associated with abnormal proliferation of lymphoid tissues in patients after solid organ transplants (SOT). Its clinical presentations are quite variable and non-specific. Otolaryngological signs and symptoms, manifested as adenotonsillar hypertrophy or cervical lymphadenopathy, may guide to early detection and treatment. We conducted a retrospective review of all pediatric SOT recipients with the diagnosis of PTLD, age 0-18, between 2005 and 2014 at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. The patient’s age, type of organ transplant, immunosuppression, head and neck signs and symptoms, imaging modality, EBV status, histology as well as treatment regimen information were recorded.
Trends of Diabetes in Children and Adolescents in Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic and Clinical Pediatric Diabetes Center at Al Baha Central Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Abstract:
This study describes and compares the epidemiological criteria of children with diabetes from 2007 to 2014. A prospective study conducted with 372 children with diabetes mellitus. An access program was used for data collection, and SPSS 17 was used to analyses the results
Recommended Standards for Assessing Blood Pressure in Human Research Where Blood Pressure or Hypertension is a Major Focus
Abstract:
Although inaccurate, non-reproducible blood pressure values can result from non-standardized assessments, recommended approaches to standardize blood pressure measurement are often not followed in research studies. An expert consensus of national and international health and scientific organizations developed recommended minimum standards for assessing blood pressure in research subjects where: 1) blood pressure or hypertension is a major endpoint, or 2) blood pressure is likely a major mediator of the research outcome. Minimum research standards are presented for training of observers, technical aspects of assessing blood pressure, and equipment for both adults and children. The standards are based on prior recommendations some of which did not conform to current evidence based methods. All new research should require adherence to these minimum standards on the patient populations described above. Readers need to use caution in interpreting studies if the standar...
Immune Thrombocytopenia after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: Case Report and Brief Overview of Treatment Strategies
Abstract:
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare but well-recognized post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) autoimmune complication for which a standard treatment approach is lacking. Herein we report on an adult patient affected by high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who developed a post-HSCT ITP. Due to the refractoriness to first-line therapies the patient underwent the thrombopoietin (TPO) mimetic Eltrombopag obtaining the ITP resolution. We also discuss the clinical course of ITP in post-HSCT setting and pros and cons of different therapeutic strategies, focusing on the emerging role of TPO mimetics.
Efficacy of a Hypocaloric Mediterranean Diet in Overweight Patients: Factors Predictive of Completion
Abstract:
To evaluate the efficacy of a weight loss programme and the factors that predict successful adherence of the treatment. A retrospective chart review of 500 overweight outpatients (427 women, 73 men), mean age 41.7 years (range: 18–81) and mean BMI of 31.44 kg/m2 (range: 25.09–51.33), treated at an obesity specific clinic. A programme involving a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet was prescribed, along with suggestions for leisure exercise and daily activity. The weekly follow-up continued until the weight loss goal was reached (‘completion’ group) or the patient discontinued the programme (‘dropout’ group). Those that completed the programme achieved a mean weight loss of 10.6 kg...
Low Energy Intake Impairs Glucose Regulation and Stamina in Japanese Young Women
Abstract:
Energy intake has been decreasing these ten years in Japan, and low energy intake is remarkable especially among young women. We attempted to show the dietary habits and physiological function including glucose tolerance and stamina for endurance-running in contemporary young Japanese women who take insufficient energy. 85 healthy women aged 20.5±1.1 years were enrolled in the present study. Subjects were categorized in two groups; Group I (n=70) with higher energy intake, and Group II (n=15) with lower energy intake than the basal metabolic rate (BMR). Actual energy intake in Group I was 1598.8±282.1 kcal/day, and it was 1019.9±127.1 kcal/day in Group II (p<0.01). Standard 75-g oral glucose-tolerance test was performed, and the capillary glucose value was measured at the fingertip. In Group I, glucose values at fasting, 30, 60 and 120 min were 75.0±9.1, 132.1±25.2, 120.5±27.4, 105.3±19.5 mg/dl, and those in Group II were 78.9±7.7, 155.8±26.6, 142.2±2...