All Articles

Reduction in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients with Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen but Normal for any Other Markers of Kidney Damage

Abstract:

It is unclear whether patients who present with elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), but are normal for other markers of kidney damage, are prone to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study therefore investigated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a marker of CKD, in these patients.

Cytomegalovirus Esophagitis: Two Patients with Different Features

Abstract:

Two cases of CMV esophagitis presenting with distinct clinical and endoscopic features are presented. Diagnostic clues, histopathology, and antiviral therapy considerations are highlighted, emphasizing vigilance in immunocompromised hosts.

Review: Non-Invasive Continuous Blood Glucose Measurement Techniques

Abstract:

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that results in human body due to insulin deficiency, insulin resistance or both. In the management of diabetes, glucose monitoring technology has been used for the last three decades. The aim of this review article is to describe concise and organized information about different techniques of non-invasive continuous blood glucose monitoring. Many research groups have been working to develop wearable sensors for continuous blood glucose monitoring, but at present, there are to our knowledge no commercially successful non-invasive glucose monitors on the market. To achieve an acceptable sensor system, a glucose sensor should have accuracy better than 15mg/dl (0.8 mmol/l). In future development, continuous glucose sensor systems may become predictable, selective, reliable and acceptable for patient use.

Reasons for the Low Male Involvement in Routine Child Immunization in Hoima District Uganda using the Attitude, Social Influence and Self Efficacy Model

Abstract:

Millions of children continue to miss immunizations each year despite global increases in financing and advances in vaccine technology. Male involvement in routine child immunization activities could improve and sustain coverage but is rarely emphasized in immunization programs or research. This study identified factors associated with male involvement in routine child immunization using the attitude, social influence and self-efficacy model.A household cluster survey was conducted among 460 fathers aged 18 years or more, with children aged 10-23 months. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Prevalence Risk Ratios (PRRs) were used to measure associations with level of involvement using generalized linear models with Poisson family, log link and robust standard errors in STATA 12. Our findings show that half (51%, 236/460) of the respondents were aged 25-34 years; 36% (166/460) had completed eight or more years of formal...

Cytoplasmic Retention of CDC6 Induces Premature Senescence in Immortalized Cells and Suppresses Tumor Formation in Mice

Abstract:

Senescence is a powerful mechanism that prevents the development of tumors in vivo; however, once tumors are formed, most are refractory to senescence in response to oncogenic stress. Therefore, a novel pathway leading to senescence is required. We herein demonstrated that the cell cycle regulator CDC6 translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm during senescence in a leptomycin B-resistant manner. In order to evaluate the translocation of CDC6, we utilized an estrogen receptor (ER) tag to retain CDC6 in the cytoplasm. ER-tagged CDC6 was exclusively cytoplasmic, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced senescence-associated (SA) b-galactosidase activity. Furthermore, ER-CDC6 inhibited the transformation of mouse fibroblasts by the active ras oncogene in vitro, and suppressed tumor formation in NOD-SCID mice. Thus, CDC6 may play a critical role in the regulation of senescence in the cytoplasm in order to counteract tumorigenesi...

Skeletal Muscle Calcium Channel Mutation R528G: Enhanced Channel Inactivation and Omega-Current at Hyperpolarization Contribute to Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis.

Abstract:

Autosomal dominant inherited hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) is caused by S4 voltage sensor mutations in skeletal muscle Ca_V1.1 calcium or Na_V1.4 sodium channels. In the present study, a small German family with the known Ca_V1.1-R528G is described. The phenotype consists of short and infrequent episodes of limb weakness with ictal respiratory and cardiac involvement. There is incomplete penetrance in women, and acetazolamide is beneficial in two patients also taking daily potassium. Expression of the mutation in the GLT mouse muscle cell line revealed accelerated kinetics of inactivation by twofold, a left-shift of the steady-state inactivation curve by 13mV and a reduced recovery from fast inactivation by up to 39%. These changes suggest a stabilization of the inactivated state. Additional significant slowing of activation may support a second open state with differing ion selectivity or decreased activation of calcium-act...

Influence of Light Source and Photopolymerization Distance on Composite Resin Microhardness

Abstract:

The present study evaluated in vitro the influence of two light sources in composite resin microhardness in different distances of photopolymerization. Two light sources were used (halogen, LED) to photopolymerize the composite resin (Filtek Z250; Esthet-X) in different distances surface (1,2,3 and 4 mm), totalizing 96 specimens. Microhardness Knoop test’ were made on the specimens top and bottom faces. The data were submitted to ANOVA and Fisher tests (α=5%). It was observed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the resins, in which Z250 presented higher values than Esthet-X (p<0.05). There was difference also between the halogen and LED, where the halogen showed better results with Z250 and the LED with Esthet-X. The top surface presented better value (p<0.05) compared to the bottom surface. It can be concluded that the light source and the photopolymerization distance influenced the composite resin microhardness, which it had lo...

Earworms and Hallucinations

Abstract:

There is a growing scientific interest in the phenomenon of earworms, which are melodies that are heard and re-heard despite the absence of an external stimulus.

Evaluation of Crest Guideline Validity for Diagnosis of Non-Facial Cellulites

Abstract:

Cellulitis is an acute, spreading pyogenic inflammation of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, usually complicating a wound, ulcer, or dermatosis. Inappropriate diagnosis of cellulitis is a problem and would need prospective rather than retrospective studies to quantify the extent. There is one national guideline for the management of patients with cellulitis. The aim of this study is to determine the validity of Crest guideline in the patients with non-facial cellulitis. This prospective cohort study was conducted on all Adult patients with cellulites who were admitted at Resole-Akram and Sina emergency department between November 2013 and January 2014. Based on admission duration, the patients were randomly divided into two groups including primary and secondary outcome, <24-hours or >24-hours admission, respectively. Out of 89 admitted patients, 55% were hospitalized over 24 hours and 20% of them had significant systemic symptoms. The most patients (n= 42...

A Potential New Technique to Estimate the Origins of Focal Atrial Tachycardias from 12-Lead Electrocardiograms

Abstract:

This brief report presents a potential new technique for locating the sites of origin of focal atrial tachycardias from standard 12-lead electrocardiograms.