International Archives of Medicine via MedWorm.com

Autologous stromal vascular fraction therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: rationale and clinical safety

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Advancements in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment protocols and introduction of targeted biological therapies have markedly improved patient outcomes, despite this, up to 50% of patients still fail to achieve a significant clinical response. In veterinary medicine, stem cell therapy in the form of autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is an accepted therapeutic modality for degenerative conditions with 80% improvement and no serious treatment associated adverse events reported. Clinical translation of SVF therapy relies on confirmation of veterinary findings in targeted patient populations. Here we describe the rationale and preclinical data supporting the use of autologous SVF in treatment of RA, as well as provide 1, 3, 6, and 13 month safety outcomes in 13 RA patients treated wit...

Involvement of the atrial natriuretic peptide in cardiovascular pathophysiology and its relationship with exercise

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this minireview we describe the involvement of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in cardiovascular pathophysiology and exercise. The ANP has a broad homeostatic role and exerts complex effects on the cardio-circulatory hemodynamics, it is produced by the left atrium and has a key role in regulating sodium and water balance in mammals and humans. The dominant stimulus for its release is atrial wall tension, commonly caused by exercise. The ANP is involved in the process of lipolysis through a cGMP signaling pathway and, as a consequence, reducing blood pressure by decreasing the sensitivity of vascular smooth muscle to the action of vasoconstrictors and regulate fluid balance. The increase of this hormone is associated with better survival in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF)....

Cochleo-vestibular clinical findings among drug resistant Tuberculosis Patients on therapy-a pilot study.

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A multi-disciplinary close surveillance of MDR and XDR TB patients on therapy is imperative. Finally researches into therapeutic trials on antidotes and potent safer substitutes for aminoglycosides in the management are recommended. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Sytemic lupus erythematosus presenting with protein losing enteropathy in a resource limited centre: A case report

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Protein losing enteropathy is a diagnosis of exclusion in resource limited centres in the world. Systemic lupus erythematosus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of protein losing enteropathy. Intestinal lymphangiectasia should also be recognized as a possible pathophysiological mechanism. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio as a measure of systemic inflammation in prevalent chronic diseases in Asian population.

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Systemic inflammation measured by NLR has a significant association with prevalent chronic conditions. Future research is needed to investigate this relationship with longitudinal data to establish the temporal association between these variables. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Frequency and Factors Influencing Publication of Abstracts Presented at Three Major Nephrology Meetings

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Almost two-fifths of abstracts presented at three major nephrology meetings are subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals. Basic science content and the meeting at which the abstract was presented are associated with publication. Further research is needed to ascertain the impact of other important factors on abstract publication rates to address publication bias in the renal literature. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Africa's health: could the private sector accelerate the progress towards health MDGs?

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The very high maternal and children mortality, very high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, health systems challenges, and inter-sectoral issues related to key determinants of health are too heavy for the public sector to address alone. Therefore, there is clear need for the private sector, given its breadth, scope and size, to play a more significant role in supporting governments, communities and partners to develop and implement national health policies and strategic plans; strengthen health systems capacities; and implement roadmaps for accelerating the attainment of health MDGs relating to maternal and child health, reducing disease burden, and promoting social determinants of health.In order for governments to further explore the potential benefits of t...

The use of non-prescription medicine versus self-assessed health: evidence from Malawi

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: While policy makers need to engage in public campaign to educate the population on the health risks posed by the use of non-prescription medicines, attention also has to be paid to the social and economic characteristics of the population. Efforts to provide health facilities in communities where they do not exist and improve existing ones will be a crucial step in reducing the use of non-prescription medicines. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Chest associated to motor physiotherapy improves cardiovascular variables in newborns with respiratory distress syndrome

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: We aimed to evaluate the effects of chest and motor physiotherapy treatment on hemodynamic variables in preterm newborns with respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: We evaluated heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), temperature and oxygen saturation (SO2%) in 44 newborns with respiratory distress syndrome. We compared all variables between before physiotherapy treatment vs. after the last physiotherapy treatment. Newborns were treated during 11 days. Variables were measured 2 minutes before and 5 minutes after each physiotherapy treatment. We applied paired Student t test to compare variables between the two periods. Results: HR (148.5+8.5bpm vs. 137.1+6.8bpm - p (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Use of magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of constrictive pericarditis: a Moroccan center experience.

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful tool to establish constrictive pericarditis diagnosis. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

The optimal sequence of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in adjuvant treatment of breast cancer

International Archives of Medicine — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Regarding disease free survival and treatment toxicities, in our study, we did not find any significant difference between the different radiotherapy and chemotherapy sequences. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Prevalence of hypertension and its correlates in Lusaka urban district of Zambia: a population based survey

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Health education and structural interventions to promote healthier lifestyles should be encouraged taking into account the observed associations of the modifiable risk factors. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Incidence of medication errors in a Moroccan medical intensive care unit

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: MEs are common in Moroccan medical ICU. These results suggest future targets of prevention strategies to reduce the rate of ME. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Predictors of in-hospital mortality in elderly patients with bacteraemia admitted to an Internal Medicine ward

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Bacteraemia in the elderly has a high mortality rate. There are no set of signs or clinical features that can predict bacteraemia in the elderly. However, older age ([greater than or equal to] 85 years), chronic renal disease, bacteraemia of unknown focus and severe cognitive impairment adversely affects the outcome of elderly patients with bacteraemia admitted to an Internal Medicine ward. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Gastrointestinal involvement revealing Henoch Schonlein purpura in adults: Report of three cases and review of the literature.

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report three cases of adult HSP revealed by gastrointestinal (GI) involvement. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Anteroposterior Chest Radiograph vs. Chest CT scan in Early Detection of Pneumothorax in Trauma Patients.

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This report aims to sensitize readers to the entity of occult pneumothorax and create awareness among intensivists and ER physicians regarding the proper diagnosis and management. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Great inclination to smoke among younger adults coming from low-socioeconomic class in Thailand.

International Archives of Medicine — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The inverse associations between smoking prevalence and socioeconomic status among the Thai adult male population were consistently confirmed. The social gradient in smoking was greater among young adult males than that among older adult males. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Cellular viability effects of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition on cerebellar neurons

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The endocannabinoid anandamide (ANA) participates in the control of cell death inducing the formation of apoptotic bodies and DNA fragmentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the ANA degrading enzyme, the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), would induce cellular death. Experiments were performed in cerebellar granule neurons cultured with the FAAH inhibitor, URB597 (25, 50 or 100nM) as well as endogenous lipids such as oleoylethanolamide (OEA) or palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and cellular viability was determined by MTT test. Neurons cultured with URB597 (25, 50 or 100nM) displayed a decrease in cellular viability. In addition, if cultured with OEA (25nM) or PEA (100nM), cellular death was found. These results further suggest that URB597, OEA or PEA promote cellular death. (So...

Mesenchymal stromal cells for treatment of steroid-refractory GvHD: a review of the literature and two pediatric cases

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Severe acute graft versus host disease (GvHD) is a life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) play an important role in endogenous tissue repair and possess strong immune-modulatory properties making them a promising tool for the treatment of steroid-refractory GvHD. To date, a few reports exist on the use of MSCs in treatment of GvHD in children indicating that children tend to respond better than adults, albeit with heterogeneous results.We here present a review of the literature and the clinical course of two instructive pediatric patients with acute steroid-refractory GvHD after haploidentical stem cell transplantation, which exemplify the beneficial effects of third-party transplanted MSCs in treatment...

Mesenchymal stromal cells for treatment of steroid-refractory GvHD: a review of the literature and two pediatric cases

International Archives of Medicine — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

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The Hirsch index - a play on numbers or a true appraisal of academic output?

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Citation metrics have rapidly gained importance in today's landscape and are being increasingly utilized as a yardstick in making several important decisions regarding academic funding and appointments. The impact factor has traditionally been the metric most often employed in this regard. However, the emergence of the Hirsch index has provided an alternative to the impact factor. The h-index, despite its flaws, continues to gain acceptance and popularity in the medical community. Several medical journals have evaluated and endorsed the use of the h-index. However, it must be interpreted with all of its limitations in mind. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Myocardial bridging causing ischemia and recurrent chest pain: a case report

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion , myocardial bridging may predispose to coronary vasospasm that may leads to ischemic complications. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges as manifestation of pneumococcal meningoencephalitis

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report on a 75-year old woman with pneumococcal meningoencephalitis who presented altered level of consciousness, acute focal deficits, convulsive seizures and PLEDs in left hemisphere. The finding of PLEDs on the electroencephalogram is related to focal lesions of heterogeneous origin, which up to date, have not been documented in pneumococcal infections of the central nervous system. Our case highlights the importance of identifying and addressing any modifiable etiologic factors of PLEDs. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

"What families want - an assessment of family expectations in the ICU"

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We conclude that families of critically ill patients were generally satisfied with communication in the ICU; however, our limitations are the cohort in our urban based tertiary care hospital may not adequately represent the majority of our population which is poor and illiterate and many other factors such as misunderstanding of medical knowledge and a more patriarchal attitude of physicians may affect family needs and satisfaction scores. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Mesenteric panniculitis presenting with acute non-occlusive colonic ischemia

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In cases of unexplained ischemic colitis, panniculitis should be considered a possible diagnosis. PET-CT may be negative for fluorine-18 fluordeoxyglucose uptake in this condition. As of known false-negative PET-CT results in mesenteric panniculitis, PET-CT has a limited role in the diagnostic work-up. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy caused by hypothyroidism

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report two new cases of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), revealing a periphery hypothyroidism and for whom cardiac function significantly improved after L thyroxin substitutive treatment. Our cases highlight the necessity to perform thyroid function testing to investigate the etiology of non ischemic DCM. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Institutional review boards - a mixed blessing

International Archives of Medicine — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are an important checkpoint for all types of research in medicine. Although these bodies originated primarily in the developed world, they have special contemporary consideration in the context of developing countries due to the large number of clinical trials being conducted in these regions with the financial support of large pharmaceutical companies. IRBs are vital to ensure that all scientific investigation is conducted in a manner that is transparent, scientifically feasible and ethically sound. However, they have also been variably criticized for introducing unnecessary and often protracted bureaucracy and red tape into the system. There is a need to reorganize and better delineate the exact functions of the IRBs in view of the dynamic changes in th...

Pharmacokinetics study of bio-adhesive tablet of Panax notoginseng saponins

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This article aims to discuss PNS's plasma pharmacokinetics after oral administration of bio-adhesive tablet of PNS to beagle dogs and improve its bioavailability in comparison with normal tablet. The bio-adhesive tablet was prepared according to our previous patent, using chitosan as main excipient. A simple and sensitive LC-MS/MS combined with solid-phase extraction (SPE) method for the analysis of PNS in dog's plasma was developed in our previous study, and was validated to apply in the pharmacokinetics study in this work. Three ingredients: Notoginsenoside R1 (R1), Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) and Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) (Fig.1.), were chosen as indicators of PNS for detection. Statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) in pharmacokinetic parameters of PNS including AUC and Tmax for R1, Rg1 a...

Sclerosing Mesenteritis: Diverse clinical presentations and dissimilar treatment options. A case series and review of the literature.

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Sclerosing mesenteritis (SM) is a rare pathological condition affecting the mesentery. It is a benign, non-specific inflammation of the adipose tissue of the mesentery of the small intestine and colon. It is characterized by a variable amount of chronic fibrosis. Its etiology is unknown, the pathogenesis is obscure, while the pathological characteristics of the disease are unspecific. The initial clinical presentation varies from typically asymptomatic to that of an acute abdomen. The diagnosis is suggested by computed tomography but is usually confirmed by surgical biopsies. Treatment is largely empirical; it is decided upon on the basis of the clinical condition of the patient, and usually a few specific drugs are used. Surgical resection is sometimes attempted for definitive therapy, al...

An experience of vascular access for hemodialysis in Brazil

International Archives of Medicine — Sat, 14 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our Unit of hemodialysis is above the limits established by international norms. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Technical efficiency of primary health units in Kailahun and Kenema districts of Sierra Leone

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study reveals significant technical inefficiencies in the use of health system resources among peripheral health units in Kailahun and Kenema districts of Sierra Leone. There is need to strengthen national and district health information systems to routinely track the quantities and prices of resources injected into the health care systems and health service outcomes (indicators of coverage, quality and health status) to facilitate regular efficiency analyses. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Serum lipoproteins in takotsubo cardiomyopathy vs. myocardial infarction

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Background: In the setting of myocardial infarction (MI) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS), current guidelines recommend early and aggressive lipid lowering therapy with statins, irrespective of the baseline lipoprotein levels. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) patients have a clinical presentation similar to myocardial infarction and thus receive early and aggressive statin therapy during their initial hospitalization. However, the pathology of TCM is not atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and hence we assumed the lipid profiles in TCM would be healthier than coronary artery disease patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, we assessed fasting serum lipoprotein levels of ten TCM patients and compared them with forty, age and sex-matched myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Results:...

'The intraabdominal bleeding with an inguinal defect that mimicking a femoral vein aneurysm'. A case report

International Archives of Medicine — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Inguinal hernia repair is commonly performed operation in surgical practice. Thirty-fiveyears old female patient was operated with the diagnosis of inguinal hernia. The inguinaldefect was misdiagnosed as femoral vein aneurysm in surgical exploration. The postoperativediagnostic imaging revealed that the inguinal defect had been confused as femoral veinaneurysm due to intra-abdominal hemorrhogical fluid after an ovarian cyst rupture. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Psychotic Symptoms in Social Anxiety Disorder Patients: Report of three cases

International Archives of Medicine — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The differentiation between delusion and anxious concern may be inaccurate and may change throughout the disorder's evolution. New diagnostic subcategories or the enlargement of the social anxiety diagnostic is proposed to overcome the current diagnostic imprecision. There seems to be a symptomatic spectrum between SAD and DDs. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

The essence of governance in health development

International Archives of Medicine — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

DiscussionWe argue that unlike 'leadership in health development', 'governance in health development' is the sole prerogative of the Government through the Ministry of Health, which can choose to delegate (but not abrogate) some of the governance tasks. The general governance domains of the UNDP and the World Bank are very pertinent but not sufficient for assessment of health development governance. The WHO six domains of governance do not include effective external partnerships for health, equity in health development, efficiency in resource allocation and use, ethical practises in health research and service provision, and macroeconomic and political stability. The framework for assessing health systems governance developed by Siddiqi et al also does not include macroeconomic and politic...

Does occupational exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation affect bone marrow thrombopoiesis?

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We think that measuring RP by flow cytometry is a rapid, non-invasive method to asses an early affection of thrombopoiesis. This type of monitoring may be used as an indicator to detect early BM affection and to demand more controls in radiation protection. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Co-existing sarcoidosis and Takayasu arteritis: report of a case

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: TA and sarcoidosis may be related, rising the hypothesis that TA or Takayasuarteritis-like granulomatous vasculitis may be, in fact, a complication of sarcoidosis. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Correction: Memantine effects on liver and adrenal gland of rats exposed to cold stress

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Following the publication of this article [Ferreira M et al, Memantine effects on liver and adrenal gland of rats exposed to cold stress. Int Arch Med 2011, 4:5.], we observed that a co-author, Dr. Weslei de Souza, was absent from the authors list. The submitting authors would like to apologise to Dr. Weslei de Souza for this mistake. We have updated the Authors' contributions and Competing interests sections in order to reflect this correction. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Granulocytic sarcoma of the small bowel, greater omentum and peritoneum associated with a CBFbeta/MYH11 fusion and inv(16) (p13q22): a case report

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Because of its nonspecific clinical and radiologic findings, this entity can be misdiagnosed and can mimic other solid neoplasms, making it a diagnostic challenge. In a GS with no or minimal morphological changes in bone marrow aspiration it is very important to perform a cytogenetic analysis to benefit from the diagnosis and therapeutic strategy. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Comparision of Nerve Stimulator and Ultrasonography as the techniques applied for Brachial Plexus Anesthesia.

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Brachial plexus block is useful for upper extremity surgery, and many techniques are available. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of axillary brachial plexus block using an ultrasound technique to the peripheral nerve stimulation technique. Methods: 60 patients scheduled for surgery of the forearm or hand were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 30 per group). For Group 1; US, and for Group 2 PNS was applied. The quality and the onset of the sensorial and motor blockade were assessed. The sensorial blockade, motor blockade time and quality of blockade were compared among the cases. Results: The time needed to perform the axillary brachial plexus block averaged is similar in both groups (p>0.05). Although not significant statistically, it was observed that the...

Midkine as a factor to counteract the deposition of amyloid beta-peptide plaques: in vitro analysis and examination in knockout mice

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results are consistent with the view that midkine attenuates the deposition of amyloid beta-peptide plaques, and thus progression of Alzheimer's disease, by direct binding and also by promoting migration of microglias. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Treatment results and prognostic factors of pediatric neuroblastoma: a retrospective study

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Multivariate analysis confirmed only the association between survival and risk group. However, in univariate analysis, local radiation therapy resulted in significant survival improvement. Therefore, radiotherapy should be given to patients with residual tumor evident after induction chemotherapy and surgery. Future attempts to improve OAS in high risk group patients with aggressive chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation should be considered. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

LDLR-Gene therapy for familial hypercholesterolaemia: problems, progress, and perspectives

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article reviews the progress made in the 18 years since the first clinical trial for gene therapy of FH, with emphasis on the development, design, performance and limitations of viral based gene transfer vectors used in studies to ameliorate the effects of LDLR deficiency. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Clinical evaluation of Dyslipidemia among type II diabetic patients at Public hospital Penang, Malaysia

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Global views emphasize the need for early; effective intervention against the atherogenic dyslipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome to reduce the risk of premature cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to determine the clinical practices and compliance among dyslipidemia with type II diabetes and hypertension in multiracial society.Method(s): Study was carried out in out-patient department of General hospital Penang over a period of ten months (Jan - Oct 2008). Study reflects the retrospective data collection covering a period of three years from Jan 2005- Dec 2007. Universal sampling technique was used to select all the patients' undergone treatment for diabetes type II and dyslipidemia. All the concerned approvals were obtained from Clinical research ...

Feasibility of combination allogeneic stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury: a case report

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a 29 year old male who suffered a crush fracture of the L1 vertebral body, lacking lower sensorimotor function, being a score A on the ASIA scale. Stem cell therapy comprised of intrathecal administration of allogeneic umbilical cord blood expanded CD34 and umbilical cord matrix MSC was performed 5 months, 8 months, and 14 months after injury. Cell administration was well tolerated with no adverse effects observed. Neuropathic pain subsided from intermittent 10/10 to once a week 3/10 VAS. Recovery of muscle, bowel and sexual function was noted, along with a decrease in ASIA score to "D". This case supports further investigation into allogeneic-based stem cell therapies for SCI. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Assessment of productivity of hospitals in Botswana: A DEA application

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results indicate significant inefficiencies within the sample for the years under study. In 2008, taken together, the inefficient hospitals would have needed to increase the number of outpatient visits by 117627 (18 percent) and inpatient days by 49415 (13 percent) in order to reach full efficiency. Alternatively, inefficiencies could have been reduced by transferring 264 clinical staff and 39 beds to health clinics, health posts and mobile posts. The transfer of excess clinical staff to those facilities which are closest to the communities may also contribute to accelerating progress towards the Millennium Development Goals related to child and maternal health.Nine (57.1 percent) of the 21 hospitals experienced MTFP deterioration during the three years. We found the sourc...

Single neuron electroporation in manipulating and measuring the central nervous system

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The development and application of single neuron electroporation largely advanced the use of traditional genetics in investigations of the central nervous system. This quick and accurate manipulation of the brain at individual neuron level allowed the gain and loss of functional analyses of different genes and/or proteins. This manuscript reviewed the development of the technique and discussed some technical aspects in practical manipulations. Then the manuscript summarized the potential applications with this technique. Last but not least, the technique showed prospective future when combined with other modern methods in neuroscience research. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Clinical features of the initial cases of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in an university hospital of Morocco

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Background: The first case of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in our center was documented on June 15. Subsequently, persons with suspected cases of infection and contacts of those with suspected infection were tested. Persons in whom infection was confirmed were hospitalized and quarantined, and some of them were closely observed for the purpose of investigating the nature and duration of the disease. The aim of the present study was to describe baseline characteristics, treatment, outcomes, hospital length of stay and mortality of the first 186 cases of influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, with special interest in those developing severe respiratory failure with intensive care unit (ICU) care requirement. Methods: observational study of 186 consecutive cases of influenza ...

Concomitant acute right ventricular infarction and ischemic cerebrovascular stroke; possible explanations

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

This report aims to sensitize readers to this rare and critical scenario and highlights the necessity of further research for the ideal management of this situation. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Dopaminergic reward system: a short integrative review

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Memory is an essential element to adaptive behavior since it allows consolidation of past experience guiding the subject to consider them in future experiences. Among the endogenous molecules that participate in the consolidation of memory, including the drug-seeking reward, considered as a form of learning, is dopamine. This neurotransmitter modulates the activity of specific brain nucleus such as nucleus accumbens, putamen, VTA, among others and synchronizes the activity of these nuclei to establish the neurobiological mechanism to set the hedonic element of learning. We review the experimental evidence that highlights the activity of different brain nuclei modulating the mechanisms whereby dopamine biases memory towards events that are of motivational significance. (Source: Internationa...

Acute hiatal hernia: a late complication following gastrectomy

International Archives of Medicine — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This case represents a rare, late complication occurring after gastrectomy. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Statins and clinical outcome of acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Pretreatment with statins was associated with a favorable outcome in acute ischemic stroke, with few incidences of adverse reactions. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Left ventricular noncompaction and myocardial fibrosis: a case report

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

We report a case of 60-year-old woman who presented with shortness of breath and showed noncompacted endocardium on echocardiography. Cardiac catheterization and viral studies were unremarkable. Histology revealed endomyocardial fibrosis without disarray. She was subsequently diagnosed with LVNC and treated with medications.DiscussionCardiologists and other physicians should be aware of LVNC due to its high likelihood of misdiagnosis and associated high complication rates. Early diagnosis, intervention and screening among family members can decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with LVNC. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Compensation patterns following occupational injuries in Zambia: results from the 2009 Labour Survey

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The prevalence of reported injury and its association with a significant level of absence from work, indicate that occupational hazards in Zambia have significant health and economic effects. Female workers should equally be compensated for injuries suffered as their male counterparts. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Partial motor status epilepticus as a clinical manifestation of carotid stenosis

International Archives of Medicine — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

We report the case of a patient with occlusive carotid stenosis without definite stroke who develops partial motor status epilepticus. Clinical, neuroimaging and electroencephalographic findings are provided. We conclude that focal motor seizures should be distinguished from limb shaking based on clinical and electroencephalographic findings. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

A cause of circulatory collapse that should be considered following trauma

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

In this report we are describing 2 cases presenting with circulatory collapse following trauma. The first case was a 29 year old female who presented after a motor vehicle accident fully conscious with severe hypotension and bradycardia. The second case presented with severe hemodynamic instability after falling at home. Physical examination of both patients revealed weakness in all 4 limbs and CT cervical spine revealed complete anterior sublaxation of C5 over C6 cervical vertebrae in the first case and partial sublaxation of C5 over C6 cervical vertebrae in the second case confirming that spinal cord injury is the likely cause for these hemodynamic alterations. A high index of suspicion for spinal cord injuries is therefore mandatory when managing a trauma patient presenting with quadrip...

Fasting hyperglycemia upon hospital admission is associated with higher pneumonia complication rates among the elderly

International Archives of Medicine — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study shows that FBS between 101-125 mg/dl (5.7-6.9 mmol/l) on hospital admission increases pneumonia complication rates among the elderly with no previous diagnosis of diabetes. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Guillain-Barre syndrome, tuberculosis and inflammatory bowel disease: a multiple association

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

We report an unusual case of Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with lymph node tuberculosis and ulcerative colitis. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

The Epithelial Sodium Channel alpha subunit (alpha ENaC) alternatively spliced form "b" in Dahl rats: What's next?

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Background: The amiloride-sensitive Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC) is critical in maintaining Na+ balance, extracellular fluid volume and long term blood pressure control. ENaC is composed of three main subunits alpha, beta, & gamma. While alpha ENaC is critical for channel functionality, beta & gamma ENaC maximize channel function. To date, there are four alternatively spliced forms of the alpha subunit of ENaC (alpha ENaC-a, -b, -c, & -d) that have been published in rats, in addition to the major alpha ENaC transcript. While alpha ENaC-a, -c & -d transcripts are low abundance transcripts compared to full-length alpha ENaC, alpha ENaC-b is a higher abundance and salt-sensitive transcript compared to full-length alpha ENaC. Presentation of the hypothesis: alpha ENaC-b protein, which is p...

Midkine inhibitors: application of a simple assay procedure to screening of inhibitory compounds

International Archives of Medicine — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The assay procedure is helpful in screening midkine inhibitors. All reagents described here might become mother material to develop clinically effective midkine inhibitors. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Interleukin 8 (IL-8) - a universal biomarker?

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

This article will summarize current evidence suggesting that Interleukin 8 (IL-8) may serve as a useful biomarker. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Chlorhexidine rinse for prevention of urethritis in men linked to oral sex

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Background: Oral sex among teenagers is on the rise. Similarity between the oral flora and organisms recovered from nongonococcal urethritis and prostatitis, points to retrograde entry of bacteria from oral cavity into the urethra following insertive oral intercourse.Presentation of the hypothesisChlorhexidine has a wide spectrum of anti-bactericidal activity encompassing gram positive and negative bacteria. It is also effective against HIV and HBV. It produced large and prolonged reductions in salivary bacterial counts within 7-h of its use. Hence, it would seem logic to postulate that rinsing with chlorhexidine before oral sex will be effective for prevention of retrograde entry of bacteria from oral cavity into the urethra. The recommendation for rinsing will be: 15 ml of a 0.12% or 10 ...

Bioethics in Biomedicine in the context of a Global Higher Education Area

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The University is tasked with drawing together, transmitting and maintaining knowledge, while creating an area where the ethical "sense" required for working in the field of Biology and Biomedicine can be provided. Although scientific knowledge is present on an overwhelming scale in nature and, therefore, its discovery is unceasing, this does not mean that, as a human being, the researcher has no limitations. It is Bioethics that sets this limit. The successful spreading of knowledge, therefore, which is proclaimed with the creation of a Global Higher Education Area, should also pursue the establishment of the bioethical principles necessary for the credibility of science and its progress so that the society that it promotes and sustains becomes a reality. (Source: International Archives o...

View of physicians on and barriers to patient enrollment in a multicenter clinical trial: experience in a Japanese rural area

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This survey showed that successful physician recruiters consider a support system with CRC of value, and that they are skillful in obtaining informed consent. These views and attitudes may have originated from past experience involving clinical trials. In this regard, we need to develop an infrastructure to enlighten physicians on this support system for the promotion of clinical trials. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Hepatic breast cancer dissemination after an iatrogenic hepatic laceration during talc pleurodesis: a case report

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 05 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case report of tumor spread due to a liver puncture during talc pleurodesis in a breast cancer patient. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Combination stem cell therapy for heart failure

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) that are not eligible for transplantation have limited therapeutic options. Stem cell therapy such as autologous bone marrow, mobilized peripheral blood, or purified cells thereof has been used clinically since 2001. To date over 1000 patients have received cellular therapy as part of randomized trials, with the general consensus being that a moderate but statistically significant benefit occurs. Therefore, one of the important next steps in the field is optimization. In this paper we discuss three ways to approach this issue: a) increasing stem cell migration to the heart; b) augmenting stem cell activity; and c) combining existing stem cell therapies to recapitulate a "therapeutic niche". We conclude by describing a case report of a heart fail...

Treatment of large proximal ureteral stones: extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy versus semi-rigid ureteroscope with lithoclast

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: - Our study demonstrates that ureteroscopy with lithoclast can be considered as acceptable treatment modality for large proximal ureteral calculi and can be considered as fist line for treatment of large proximal ureteral stones. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Cardiac baroreflex is already blunted in eight weeks old spontaneously hypertensive rats

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: The literature did not evidence yet with which age spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) start to present baroreflex reduction. We endeavored to evaluate the baroreflex function in eight-week-old SHR. Method: Male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) normotensive rats and SHR aged eight weeks were studied. Baroreflex was calculated as the variation of heart rate (HR) divided by the mean arterial pressure (MAP) variation (DeltaHR/DeltaMAP) tested with a depressor dose of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 50ug/kg) and with a pressor dose of phenylephrine (PHE, 8ug/kg) in the right femoral venous approach through an inserted cannula in the animals. Significant differences for p (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Biomarkers in psychiatry: drawbacks and potential for misuse

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

For more than 20 years, researchers have attempted to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, major (unipolar) depression, and bipolar disorder. Advocates of this research contend that identifying such biomarkers will aid in the diagnosis of these disorders, as well as the possible development of effective psychiatric medications to treat them. Currently, there are no diagnostic tests available. This is largely due to the multi-factorial nature of psychiatric disorders. Biomarker testing of individuals is also prohibitively expensive because significant expertise is required to conduct tests and follow-up counseling for the patient is often necessary. It is cautioned that widespread biomarker testing could lead to negative consequenc...

Diaphragmatic hernia with strangulated loop of bowel presenting after colonoscopy: case report

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In patients with previous history of serious traumatic injury and particularly those with previous splenectomy, a thorough history and physical examination before colonoscopy is important. A high level of suspicion for post-operative complications should also be maintained when assessing such patients. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Acute perimyocarditis mimicking transmural myocardial infarction

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This report aims to sensitize readers to this debate and create awareness among cardiologists and intensivists with both presentations and how to reach an accurate diagnosis. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Family Medicine, the specialty of the future: the Portuguese situation within the European context

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

General Practice/Family Medicine is a specialty focused on the provision of comprehensive, continuing, and community oriented, person-centred care. The lack of prestige and the difficulty in attracting trainees to the specialty have been longstanding problems in most countries around the world. In Europe, General Practice/Family Medicine is also hampered for not being recognized as a specialty throughout Europe. As for Portugal, General Practice/Family Medicine is undergoing a massive organizational reform, as well as unprecedented levels of popularity among trainees.General Practice/Family holds tremendous latent potential, and is thus a specialty with a bright future ahead. It could well establish itself as the specialty of the future if it is able to overcome the barriers that currently...

Family Medicine, the specialty of the future: the Portuguese situation within the European context.

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Hypercalcemia in a patient with cholangiocarcinoma: a case report

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of this rare manifestation of CC as prompt and aggressive correction of hypercalcemia alleviates symptoms and improves patient's quality of life, despite the poor overall prognosis. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Ultrasonographic screening of urinary schistosomiasis infected patients in Agulu community, Anambra state, southeast Nigeria

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Health education campaign including showing the community members evidence of damages to the organs (from the ultrasound pictures) will go a long way in the control and prevention of the disease in this community. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Common mitochondrial polymorphisms as risk factor for endometrial cancer

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Endometrial carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed gynaecological cancer in developed countries. Although the molecular genetics of this disease had been in the focus of many research laboratories for the last 20 years, but relevant prognostic and diagnostic markers are still missing. At the same time mitochondrial DNA mutations have been reported in many types of cancer during last two decades. It is therefore more than possible, that mitochondrial genotype is one of the cancer susceptibility factors. To investigate the presence of mtDNA somatic mutations and distribution of inherited polymorphisms in endometrial adenocarcinoma population we analyzed the sequence D-loop of cancer samples and their corresponding normal tissues and moreover performed mitochondrial haplogroup analysis. As ...

Myocardium tissue changes caused by electrical transthoracic discharges in rats

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These data suggest that transthoracic electrical discharges induce mitochondrial injuries in atrial cardiac cells of rats. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Blood pressure lowering treatment for preventing stroke recurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Despite recent large trials showing no significant effect, in patients that have experienced a TIA or stroke, blood pressure lowering agents reduced the occurrence of subsequent stroke and cardiovascular events. The rate of myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality was unchanged. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Health-care associated infections rates, length of stay, and bacterial resistance in an intensive care unit of Morocco: Findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC)

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: HAI rates, LOS, mortality, and bacterial resistance were high. Even if data may not reflect accurately the clinical setting of the country, programs including surveillance, infection control, and antibiotic policy are a priority in Morocco. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Regulation of the epithelial sodium channel [ENaC] in kidneys of salt-sensitive Dahl rats: Insights on alternative splicing

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The epithelial sodium channel [ENaC] is critical for the maintenance of sodium balance, extracellular fluid volume and long term blood pressure control. Monogenic disorders causing ENaC hyperactivity have led to a severe form of hereditary hypertension in humans, known as Liddle's syndrome. Similarly, in animal models, ENaC hyperactivity has been well documented in kidneys of salt-sensitive [S] Dahl rats [a genetic model of salt-sensitive hypertension] versus their normotensive control [Dahl salt-resistant [R] rats]. The purpose of the present review is to highlight the differential regulation of ENaC in kidneys of Dahl S versus R rats. A systematic overview of the putative role of alternative splicing of the main alpha subunit of ENaC [alpha ENaC] in modulating ENaC expression in kidneys ...

The interventionalism of medicine: interventional radiology, cardiology, and neuroradiology

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Interventional medical practitioners are specialists who do minimally invasive procedures instead of surgery or other treatment. Most often, these procedures utilize various imaging and catheterization techniques in order to diagnose and treat vascular issues in the body. Interventionalist techniques, including injecting arteries with dye, visualizing these via x-ray, and opening up blockages, developed from early pioneers' bold and sometimes controversial experiments which aimed to find safer and better ways to treat coronary artery and other atherosclerotic vascular disease. Currently, the major interventional specialties are interventional (or vascular) radiology, interventional cardiology, and endovascular surgical (interventional) neuroradiology. All three are perfecting the use of st...

Prolonged QT interval in a man with anorexia nervosa

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We present the case of a male who was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and developed asthenia, a long QT interval and also a severe both hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia. We intend to discuss the pathogenic paths as well as prophylactic and therapeutic measures to this potentially-lethal pathology. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Congenital heart block associated with Sjogren syndrome: case report

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The literature relating to this association is discussed including the suggested mechanism, long-term outcome of mothers of children with congenital heart block and preventive treatment strategies. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Physical trauma experience among school children in periurban Blantyre, Malawi

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Many school children in Blantyre, Malawi have been exposed to trauma either involving themselves or someone they observed. Prevention, including education, supervision and management of trauma must receive the necessary attention they deserve in terms of resources, surveillance and impact mitigation. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Characterization of lipid parameters in diabetes mellitus - a Nigerian report

International Archives of Medicine — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Having defined the scope of dyslipidaemia in our patients and also highlighting its gross undertreatment , we hope that our data will help sensitize health care practitioners on screening for and treating dyslipidaemia. Elevated LDL-C and reduced HDL-C should be the primary targets of treatment in our patients with dyslipidaemia. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Comparison of reduction of edema after rest and after muscle exercises in treatment of chronic venous insufficiency

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In conclusion, exercises are more efficient to reduce the edema of lower limbs than resting in the Trendelenburg position. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Concurrent reactive arthritis and myelitis - a case report.

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Reactive arthritis is a post infectious multisystem illness which usually occurs after episodes of diarrhea or urinary tract infections. It can cause many manifestations other than the musculoskeletal system including skin, urogenital system and eyes. However the central nervous system is only occasionally involved. We discuss the case of a 32 year old male who presented with myelitis in association with reactive arthritis. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Co-morbid disorders and sexual risk behavior in Nigerian adolescents with bipolar disorder

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: When planning interventions for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder, special attention may need to be focused on group of adolescents with co-morbid disorders and propensity towards impulsivity and sexual risk behavior. This may help in improving long term outcome in this group of adolescents. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Addressing the primary care physician shortage in an evolving medical workforce

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 05 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThere are several factors at play which contribute to the decrease in the number of practicing physicians in primary specialties. Lifestyle concerns, such as schedule and income, as well as the lack of prestige associated with this field seem to be among the most prevalent reasons cited for the diminishing interest. Multifaceted concerns such as these, however, are difficult to adequately invalidate; doing so would not only require a great deal research, but also a good deal of time -- a resource which is in short supply given the current physician shortage being faced. Thus, a more immediate solution may lie in the increased recruitment and continued support of those individuals who are already associated with primary care service. This is particularly relevant given the Associa...

Salivary VEGF: a non-invasive angiogenic and lymphangiogenic proxy in head and neck cancer prognostication

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We present independent normative data on the levels of endothelial growth factor in the saliva of a healthy control population. We also suggest the use of simple non-invasive tests in helping to predict head and neck tumour biology and outcomes. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Internal dislocation of scapula following thoracotomy for lung transplantation – a case report

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of careful positioning of the patient perioperatively and when they are sedated and ventilated after the surgical procedure. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Delayed internal dislocation of scapula following thoracotomy for lung transplantation: a case report

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of careful positioning of the patient perioperatively and when they are sedated and ventilated after the surgical procedure. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Ethical and technical considerations for the creation of cell lines in the head & neck and tissue harvesting for research and drug development (Part I): Techniques of tissue harvesting and propagation

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The advantages of hospital-based cell line creation are numerous. We can be more certain that cell lines are developed from the particular tissues of interest and accurate anatomical and appropriate clinico-pathological control tissues are also harvested. We can also be certain of less cell line cross contamination. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Ethical and technical considerations for the creation of cell lines in the head & neck and tissue harvesting for research and drug development (Part II): Ethical aspects of obtaining tissue specimens

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Consent is also more proximate and assurance can be given of appropriate usage. Ethical questions concerning tissue ownership are in many institutions raised during the current consenting procedure. We provide a robust ethical framework, based on the current legislation, which allows clinicians to be directly involved in cell and tissue harvesting. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Preoperative gemcitabine based chemo-radiotherapy in locally advanced non metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Preoperative gemcitabine based chemoradiation might benefit patients with locally advanced non metastatic pancreatic cancer by increasing the resectability without significant acute toxicity. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Pain management among medical in-patients in Blantyre, Malawi

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Background: Pain is a leading symptom which influences patients to seek medical attention. The management of pain among patients attending in-patient care in southern African countries has been little described. Information regarding the prevalence of pain and the quality of its management may be useful in guiding clinical decisions, training of health workers and health care quality improvements. MethodA hospital-based audit was conducted to estimate the prevalence of pain and examine the quality of its management among patients admitted to adult medical wards at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre, Malawi in 2004. Data were abstracted from ward charts of consecutive patients' who had been either been discharged or had died within a specified period. Characteristics of inter...

Safety and benefits of large-volume liposuction: a single center experience

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Large-volume liposuction can be performed safely and it can produce desirable morphological and hematological changes. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Health challenges in Africa and the way forward

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Africa is confronted by a heavy burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Cost-effective interventions that can prevent the disease burden exist but coverage is too low due to health systems weaknesses. This editorial reviews the challenges related to leadership and governance; health workforce; medical products, vaccines and technologies; information; financing; and services delivery. It also provides an overview of the orientations provided by the WHO Regional Committee for Africa for overcoming those challenges. It cautions that it might not be possible to adequately implement those orientations without a concerted fight against corruption, sustained domestic and external investment in social sectors, and enabling macroeconomic and political (i.e. internally secure) environm...

Dermatomyositis and supraventricular tachycardia

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Cardiac involvement in dermatomyositis is a very rare, but well known entity. Dermatomyositis patients with palpitations should be monitored on a Holter monitor, and appropriate therapy initiated if found to have a significant arrhythmia. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Pulmonary Bacterial Pathogens in Cystic Fibrosis Patients and Antibiotic Therapy: a tool for the health workers

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of this review was to describe the bacterial pathogens colonizing patients with cystic fibrosis. A systematic search was conducted using the international bibliographic databanks SCIELO, HIGHWIRE, PUBMED, SCIRUS and LILACS to provide a useful and practical review for healthcare workers to make them aware of these microorganisms. Today, B. cepacia, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus are the most important infectious agents in cystic fibrosis patients. However, healthcare professionals must pay attention to emerging infectious agents in these patients, because they represent a potentially serious future problem. Therefore, these pathogens should be pointed out as a risk to these patients, and hospitals all over the world must be prepared to detect and combat these bacteria. (Source: I...

Muscle disorders and dentition-related aspects in temporomandibular disorders: controversies in the most commonly used treatment modalities

International Archives of Medicine — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This review explores the aetiology of temporomandibular disorders and discusses the controversies in variable treatment modalities. Pathologies of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its' associated muscles of mastication are jointly termed temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). TMDs present with a variety of symptoms which include pain in the joint and its surrounding area, jaw clicking, limited jaw opening and headaches. It is mainly reported by middle aged females who tend to recognize the symptoms more readily than males and therefore more commonly seek professional help. Several aetiological factors have been acknowledged including local trauma, bruxism, malocclusion, stress and psychiatric illnesses. The Research Diagnostic Criteria of the Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) is ad...

Diagnostic performance and predictive value of rheumatoid factor, anti- cyclic -citrullinated peptide antibodies and HLA-DRB1 locus genes in rheumatoid arthritis

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that anti-CCP2 is superior to RF for the detection of RA and provided predictive information on joint destruction and disease activity. The presence of RA associated antibodies (ACCP or RF) and/or the SE genes are indicative for a poorer radiological outcome and higher grade of activity. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Expression of interleukin-17RC protein in normal human tissues

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: IL-17RC protein is expressed in most human tissues, the function of which warrants further investigation. Translation: This article is translated from English to Spanish, originally published in International Archives of Medicine. The original work is at doi: (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Locally induced neural stem cells/pluripotent stem cells for in vivo cell replacement therapy

International Archives of Medicine — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Neural stem cells hold the key to innovative new treatments for age-associated degeneration and traumatic injury to the brain and spinal cord. We hypothesized that the in vivo induced pluripotent stem cells or neural stem cells through "forced gene expression" can be used to repair damaged brain areas or treat degenerative diseases. Hopefully, these in vivo patient-specific stem cells can bring a new avenue for cell replacement therapies. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the treatment of stenosis of arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is an efficacious method for the correction of stenosis of arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis, prolonging the patency of the fistula and enabling new interventions (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

An unusual complication following radiological percutaneous gastrostomy

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The malrotation of the intestine can make a relatively straight forward procedure fraught with complications. Clinicians should have high index of suspicion about malrotation when performing a procedures like percutaneous gastrostomy and radiologically guided entrostomy. If there is an index of suspicion they should be screened prior to the procedure. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Plasmatic level of neurosin predicts outcome of mild cognitive impairment

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The measurement of plasmatic neurosin level in patients diagnosed with MCI may predict conversion from MCI to Dementia with vascular component. A single measurement is also valuable to estimate the risk of developing AD and Dementia with vascular component. Finally, repeated measurement of plasmatic neurosin might be a useful test to predict outcome in patients with MCI. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

The variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Risk, uncertainty or safety in the use of blood and blood derivatives?

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

It has been long since French physician Jean-Baptiste Denys carried out the first successful blood transfusion to a human being. Using bird feathers as canules, sheep blood was transfused to a young man. The patient died soon after Denys' treatment and Denys was accused of murder. In the XXI century, known as the biotechnology century, we face new challenges in Medicine. New emerging and reemerging diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) or "mad cow disease" and its human variant (vCJD), challenge the biosafety aspects of a widely extended and extremely useful technique, that is, the perfusion of blood, of its derived components and of other pharmacological products obtained from plasma. To face these new challenges we need innovative prevention strategies. (Source: International...

The variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Risk, uncertainty or safety in the use of the blood and blood derivatives?

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Long period of time has elapsed since the French physician Jean-Baptiste Denys carried out the first successful blood transfusion to a human being. Using bird feathers as canules, sheep blood was transfused to a young man which died soon after Denys' treatment and Denys was accused of murder. Now, in the our present century, the biotechnology century, we face new challenges in Medicine. New emerging and reemerging diseases like the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) or "mad cow disease" and its human variant (vCJD), challenge the biosafety aspects of a widely extended and extremely useful technique as is the perfusion of blood, of its derived components and of other pharmacologic products obtained from plasma. To face new challenges we need new and future prevention strategies. (Source: Inter...

Fat feeding potentiates the diabetogenic effect of dexamethasone in Wistar rats

International Archives of Medicine — Fri, 23 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: From the results obtained, it can be speculated that the altered lipid and cortisol metabolism could affect one another, forming a vicious cycle. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Partial trisomy 13q22-qter associated to leukoencephalopathy and late onset generalised epilepsy

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

We present a case with a partial trisomic component 13q22 and a monosomic component 5p15 from paternal origin. This patient developed early menopause and major neurological disorders as leukoencephalopathy, late onset generalised epilepsy and stroke. She also had fatty acids disturbances and their potential relation to the neurological disorders and early menopause is discussed. The presented case illustrates the phenotype of 13q22-qter in adult age and reaffirms the importance of studying the karyotype of any patient with seizures or leukoencephalopathy particularly when there are associated other clinical features including stroke at a young age, fatty acids disturbances, microcephaly, hypotelorism, short neck, hemangiomata, short fingers or distal swell in thumbs. (Source: International...

Recombinant proteins in therapeutics: haemophilia treatment as an example

International Archives of Medicine — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

One of the most spectacular advances in the history of scientific knowledge was the discovery of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by Watson and Crick in 1953. This enabled certain proteins to be prepared in this way for their therapeutic use in clinical practice. Today, in the first decade of the 21st century, hundreds of therapeutic proteins have been produced recombinantly and about 50 of them have been approved for clinical use. Because of the specific procedure used for obtaining these products, which is based on expressing a atherapeutica gene from a fragment of DNA in a cell to produce a functional protein that is free from any human or animal component, they are especially acleana and thus the therapy of choice for many current diseases. The immediate question is: why are recombinant pro...

Defining the profile of International Archives of Medicine

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This editorial accompanies the launch of International Archives of Medicine, a novel scientific journal born in response to the new needs that have emerged as a result of globalization. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

Basic mechanisms of rTMS: Implications in Parkinson's disease

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The mechanisms underlying the disease-modifying effects of these and related rTMS in animals are the principle subject of the current review. The possible applications for treatment of Parkinson's disease are discussed. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)

A case of lactic acidosis complicating assessment and management of asthma

International Archives of Medicine — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Lactic acidosis secondary to inhaled beta-agonist administration may be a common scenario which can be misinterpreted very easily and can confuse the clinical picture. Further studies will be needed to establish the exact aetiology of this lactic acid production. (Source: International Archives of Medicine)