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Physiological and biomechanical factors that affect healing in cases of canine antebrachium fractures
No full textThe research has been performed in Dr. L Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Clinic while analysing anamnesis data and radiographs of canines diagnosed with antebrachium fractures (n=25). The aim of the thesis: to identify and evaluate physiological and biomechanical factors that affect healing in cases of canine antebrachium fractures. The goals of the thesis: 1) to evaluate the influence of age and bone length on canine antebrachium fracture healing; 2) to evaluate the influence of fracture lines number, type and subtype on canine antebrachium fracture healing; 3) to evaluate the influence of gap width and strain on canine antebrachium fracture healing; 4) to evaluate the influence of callus on canine antebrachium fracture healing. The results and conclusions of the analysis: antebrachium fractures are most common among young canines (1–5 year of age) (56%). Research showed that the age of the dog influenced the healing of the fractures (p0,05). Evaluation of the types and the subtypes of all the examined cases of antebrachium fractures (n=25) revealed 22A (n=17) to be the most common type and A2 to be to the most common subtype (56 %). Statistical analysis revealed that the type and the subtype of the fracture didn’t influence the time of healing of the antebrachium fractures (p>0,05). The average strain of the fractures (n=45) was 54,69±4,62 percent. Statistical analysis shows that tensile force in the fracture area has a reliable correlation with duration of antebrachium fractures healing (p<0,05). The average width of the gap between the fractured pieces was 1.04±0.18 mm. Analysis showed that the width of the gap between the fractured antebrachium pieces has a reliable correlation with time of healing of the antebrachium fractures (p<0,05). Callus formations were more likely to not occur (n=14) than to occur (n=11) after being treated. Statistical analysis showed that the correlation between callus formations and time of healing of the antebrachium fractures is statistically relevant (p<0,05)
Distinct Neurotoxic Effects of Extracellular Tau Species in Primary Neuronal-Glial Cultures
No full textRecent data from various experimental models support the link between extracellular tau and neurodegeneration; however, the exact mechanisms by which extracellular tau or its modified forms or aggregates cause neuronal death remain unclear. We have previously shown that exogenously applied monomers and oligomers of the longest tau isoform (2N4R) at micromolar concentrations induced microglial phagocytosis of stressed-but-viable neurons in vitro. In this study, we investigated whether extracellular phosphorylated tau2N4R (p-tau2N4R), isoform 1N4R (tau1N4R) and K18 peptide can induce neuronal death or loss in primary neuronal-glial cell cultures. We found that p-tau2N4R at 30 nM concentration induced loss of viable neurons; however, 700 nM p-tau2N4R caused necrosis of both neurons and microglia, and this neuronal death was partially glial cell-dependent. We also found that extracellular tau1N4R oligomers, but not monomers, at 3 μM concentration caused neuronal death in mixed cell cultures: self-assembly tau1N4R dimers-tetramers induced neuronal necrosis and apoptosis, whereas Aβ-promoted tau1N4R oligomers caused glial cell-dependent loss of neurons without signs of increased cell death. Monomeric and pre-aggregated tau peptide containing 4R repeats (K18) had no effect in mixed cultures, suggesting that tau neurotoxicity might be dependent on N-terminal part of the protein. Taken together, our results show that extracellular p-tau2N4R is the most toxic form among investigated tau species inducing loss of neurons at low nanomolar concentrations and that neurotoxicity of tau1N4R is dependent on its aggregation state
Changes of biventricular function after CABG surgery: does cardioplegia type matter?
No full textAim: we choose to evaluate, whether type of cardioplegia is an important predictor to determine biventricular function changes after CABG. Methods: 81 patients who underwent CABG surgery and matched inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. The exclusion criteria were acute MI within 30 days, impaired systolic left ventricle function (LVEF ⩽35%), atrial fibrillation.TTE was performed for all patients and echocardiographic parameters of biventricular geometry and function were assessed before CABG surgery, first postoperative day and 6 months after surgery. Cardioplegia type was randomly chosen. First group consisted of 49 patients (60.5%) when CC was performed and the others 32 patients (39.5%) formed the second - BC group. Results: Patients' demographic characteristics were similar in both groups, except the lower rates of AH and BSA in BC group (p = 0.015, p = 0.001 respectively). Longer duration of XCT and CBP time was observed in BC group (p = 0.019 and p = 0.028). BC group patients showed more efficient right heart chambers size reduction (p = 0.001 for RV diameter; p = 0.015 for RA diameter) and better improvement of longitudinal RV function (p = 0.02 for TAPSE; p = 0.001 for RV S') 6 months after surgery when compared with CC group patients. RV global systolic function diminished in both groups postoperatively, but the reduction was higher in CC group, although the difference was significant in comparing early postoperative measurements with the late after CABG surgery (p = 0.03). Changes of LV systolic function as well as diameter of LA did not differ between groups (p = 0.165 and p = 0.279, respectively), while diastolic function improved significantly in BC group patients at the late follow-up period: E/e' decreased (p < 0.001) and e' velocity of interventricular septum augmented significantly (p < 0.001). Conclusion: BC is associated with better RV reverse remodelling [...]
Synthesis and antibacterial activity of new azole, diazole and triazole derivatives based on p-aminobenzoic acid
No full textThe p-aminobenzoic acid was applied for the synthesis of substituted 1-phenyl-5-oxopyrrolidine derivatives containing benzimidazole, azole, oxadiazole, triazole, dihydrazone, and dithiosemicarbazide moieties in the structure. All the obtained compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using MIC and MBC assays. This study showed a good bactericidal activity of γ-amino acid and benzimidazoles derivatives. The antimicrobial activity of the most promising compounds was higher than ampicillin. Furthermore, two benzimidazoles demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes (MIC 15.62 µg/mL) that was four times more potent than ampicillin (MIC 65 µg/mL). Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanism of the antimicrobial activity as well as to generate antimicrobial compounds based on the 1-phenyl-5-oxopyrrolidine scaffold
Thigh phlegmon as a first sign of a ruptured pelvic presacral abscess caused by ileal diverticulum fistula: a case report
No full textIntroduction Ileal diverticula usually remain asymptomatic. If complicated, they may present as intra-abdominal or pelvic abscess. Abscess formation in the presacral space is very rare. The rupture of abscess and spread of pus to extra-pelvic sites through anatomical structures of the pelvis is extremely rare. It carries high mortality if not diagnosed on time. Case presentation We report a case of 52-year-old woman presented with thigh phlegmon and septic condition. The CT scan revealed free air in the left leg and pelvic presacral fluid collection descending to extra-pelvic direction through the greater sciatic notch. Moreover, ileal fistula to presacral abscess was suspected. Multiple incisions and fasciotomies were urgently performed to treat thigh phlegmon. Subsequently, laparotomy was carried out and ileal fistula was excised. Histological examination of the surgical specimen demonstrated that the fistula to presacral abscess has formed due to perforated ileal diverticulum. 3 years after the surgery the patient remains healthy without recurrence. Discussion Rupture of presacral abscess to extra-pelvic site due to ileal diverticulum fistula is an extremely rare case, to our best knowledge, never reported in literature. Due to a rare occurrence and early septic complications if diagnosed late, this condition carries a high mortality rate. Conclusion Intrapelvic pathology must be considered in patients with thigh phlegmon in order to prevent complications and associated mortality
Healthcare professional-led interventions on lifestyle modifications for hypertensive patients – a systematic review and metaanalysis
No full textAbstract Background: About 0.9 billion people in the world have hypertension. The mortality due to hypertension increased dramatically over the last decades. Healthcare professionals should support patients with hypertension to modify their lifestyle to decrease blood pressure, but an overview of effective lifestyle interventions is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine whether healthcare professional-led interventions on lifestyle modifications are effective in lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Methods: A systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted. PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched for randomized control trials (RCTs) of interventions on lifestyle modifications of hypertensive patients which were performed by healthcare professionals (physician, nurse, pharmacist) and which reported blood pressure measurements. Papers were reviewed by two reviewers and analysed using Cochrane software Revman 5.4. In a meta-analysis difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure (BP) was analysed. Results: In total, 34 clinical trials reporting on 22,419 patients (mean age 58.4 years, 49.14% female, 69.9% used antihypertensive medications) were included. The mean difference SBP was − 4.41 mmHg (95% CI, − 5.52to − 3.30) and the mean difference DBP was − 1.66 mmHg (95% CI − 2.44 to − 0.88) in favor of the intervention group vs usual care. Fifty-six percent of patients achieved BP control in the intervention group vs 44% in usual care, OR = 1.87 (95% CI, 1.51 to 2.31). Conclusion: Healthcare professional-led interventions were effective. Patients achieved almost 5 mmHg decrease of SBP and more patients achieved BP control. The results suggest that efforts are needed for widespread implementation
Molecular characterization and seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in inflammatory Bowel disease patients and solid organ transplant recipients
No full textSeroprevalence rates and molecular characterization of hepatitis E virus (HEV) prevalent in the Lithuanian human population has not yet been evaluated. Immunosuppressed individuals have been recognized as a risk group for chronic hepatitis due to HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) infections. The objectives of the present study were to determine prevalence rates of anti-HEV antibodies among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, to isolate and characterize HEV strain present in the Lithuanian human population, and to investigate its capacity to infect non-human primate (MARC-145 and Vero), swine (PK-15) and murine (Neuro-2a) cells in vitro. In the present study, the significant difference of anti-HEV IgG prevalence between healthy (3.0% (95% CI 0-6.3)) and immunosuppressed individuals (12.0% [95% CI 8.1-15.9]) was described. Moreover, our findings showed that anti-HEV IgG seropositivity can be significantly predicted by increasing age (OR = 1.032, p < 0.01), diagnosis of IBD (OR = 4.541, p < 0.01) and reception of SOT (OR = 4.042, <0.05). Locally isolated HEV strain clustered within genotype 3i subtype of genotype 3 and was capable of infecting MARC-145 cells. This study demonstrates higher HEV seroprevalence in the risk group compared to healthy control individuals without confidence interval overlap. The high level of genetic homology between human and animal strains in Lithuania and the capacity of locally isolated strains to infect cells of non-human origin suggests its potential for zoonotic transmission
Evaluation of chromosomal structural anomalies in fertility disorders
No full textBackground and objectives: Reproductive disorders may occur not only due to environmental factors (air pollution, stressful lifestyle, previous abortions or the use of contraceptives) but also due to genetic factors. Materials and Methods: The aim of the study was to identify the range and frequency of chromosomal aberrations in couples (n=99) with infertility or recurrent miscarriages in Lithuania. The data were collected from the out-patient medical histories. The couples were divided into three groups based on pregnancy, childbirth and the number of miscarriages. [...]
Impulsivity mediates associations between problematic internet use, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in students: a cross-sectional COVID-19 study
No full textBackground: Problematic internet use (PIU) is a serious global mental health issue that especially manifested during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Engagement in PIU as an impulsive coping with mental distress may pose a long-lasting threat to develop anxiety and depressive disorders. The first aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of PIU and mental distress symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among university students in Lithuania. The second aim was to test the hypothesis that PIU affects anxiety and depressive symptoms through the mediating role of impulsivity. Methods: The cross-sectional study was comprised of 619 university students (92.9% females and 7.1% males) with a mean age of 22 ± 3 years who participated in an online survey from May to November, 2020. Participants completed the following scales: the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11. K-means cluster analysis and one-way multivariate analysis of variance were used for group comparison in terms of internet use time and habit change during COVID-19 pandemic. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the mediating effect of impulsivity in association between PIU and mental distress, while controlling for age. Results: In sum, 45.1% of the participants reported PIU and 38.1% had markedly expressed symptoms of anxiety while 43.6% of the students reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic 76% of the students reported at least moderate increase in their internet use time. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were significantly higher in the group of frequent internet users. The results of the structural equational modeling analysis showed a statistically significant effect of PIU on subjective anxiety symptoms and the statistically significant effect of PIU on subjective depression symptoms, both mediated via impulsivity. Conclusions: During COVID-19 pandemic, PIU, anxiety and depression symptoms are highly prevalent among students. Findings also suggest that relationships between PIU, anxiety and depressive symptoms are mediated via impulsivity. These results underscore the importance of the inclusion of impulsivity factor in the studies analyzing longitudinal effects of PIU on mental distress during COVID-19 pandemic
Outcome of treatment of MDR-TB or drug-resistant patients treated with bedaquiline and delamanid: results from a large global cohort
No full textThe World Health Organization (WHO) recommends countries introduce new anti-TB drugs in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. The aim of the study is to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of bedaquiline (and/or delamanid)- containing regimens in a large cohort of consecutive TB patients treated globally. This observational, prospective study is based on data collected and provided by Global Tuberculosis Network (GTN) centres and analysed twice a year. All consecutive patients (including children/adolescents) treated with bedaquiline and/or delamanid were enrolled, and managed according to WHO and national guidelines. Overall, 52 centres from 29 countries/regions in all continents reported 883 patients as of January 31st 2021, 24/29 countries/regions providing data on 100% of their consecutive patients (10-80% in the remaining 5 countries). The drug-resistance pattern of the patients was severe (>30% with extensively drug-resistant -TB; median number of resistant drugs 5 (3-7) in the overall cohort and 6 (4-8) among patients with a final outcome). For the patients with a final outcome (477/883, 54.0%) the median (IQR) number of months of anti-TB treatment was 18 (13-23) (in days 553 (385-678)). The proportion of patients achieving sputum smear and culture conversion ranged from 93.4% and 92.8% respectively (whole cohort) to 89.3% and 88.8% respectively (patients with a final outcome), a median (IQR) time to sputum smear and culture conversion of 58 (30-90) days for the whole cohort and 60 (30-100) for patients with a final outcome and, respectively, of 55 (30-90) and 60 (30-90) days for culture conversion. Of 383 patients treated with bedaquiline but not delamanid, 284 (74.2%) achieved treatment success, while 25 (6.5%) died, 11 (2.9%) failed and 63 (16.5%) were lost to follow-up