82 research outputs found
A Title: A Patient with Severe Bradycardia Five Years After Copperhead Snake Bite
No full textIntroduction: Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) snakes are responsible for approximately 40% of all pit viper envenomations in the US.
Case Presentation: A 14-year-old girl was bitten by a copperhead snake bite. Electrocardiogram taken approximately one hour after envenomation showed sinus rhythm with no acute ST or T wave changes. She was not administered anti-venom but was monitored, treated with antibiotics and discharged without any significant complications after 2 days time. Approximately 5 years after the incident, she began having issues of refractory constipation. Subsequently, she suffered from numerous episodes of recumbent and ambulatory syncope outside of any acute gastrointestinal distress and occurring without warning. A dual-chamber pacemaker (Medtronic™), programmed for “rate-drop” response, was inserted in the patient.
Conclusion: Delayed sequelae from a copperhead snakebite appears to be possible given our patient’s presentation. However, the mechanism of delayed autonomic dysfunction and/or possible direct cardiac effect remains unclear
Role of skin autofluorescence in managing renal and cardiac diseases in outpatient dermatology
No full textIntroductionThe accumulation of tissue-advanced glycation end products in skin results from complex and consecutive reactions and can be measured by skin autofluorescence (SAF) reader devices. This overview discusses studies evaluating the utilization of SAF in screening renal and cardiac disease.Materials and methodsLiterature search was performed using Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer, Ovid, and ScienceDirect.ResultsSAF was an independent predictor of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and was elevated in subjects on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Furthermore, SAF was significantly associated with cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality in CKD patients. Other studies revealed a correlation between SAF and arterial stiffness, vascular damage, and subclinical atherosclerosis. A vegetarian diet was associated with lower SAF levels, whereas malnutrition was correlated with higher levels and increased mortality.ConclusionsSAF measurement may be useful in managing renal and cardiac disease. Future studies are needed to clarify the specific role of SAF in the management of CKD and its noninvasive office utilization to identify comorbidities in inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis
The effects of methamphetamine and buprenorphine, and their interaction on anxiety-like behavior and locomotion in male rats
No full textPain reduction by hypericum scabrum extract in rats with long-term high-fat diet-induced obesity
No full textAbstract Background Obesity, often linked to chronic pain, is exacerbated by high-fat diets (HFD). Antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties may alleviate pain, and Hypericum scabrum, a plant rich in bioactive compound, shows potential in this regard. This study investigated the analgesic effects of H. scabrum extract in HFD-fed male rats using hot-plate (HP) and tail-flick (TF) tests. Methods Fifty-four male Wistar rats (220 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned to six groups: (a) control (standard diet), (b) extract 100 (standard diet + extract (100 mg/kg) once per day), (c) extract 300 (standard diet + extract (300 mg/kg) once per day), (d) HFD, (e) HFD + extract 100 (extract at 100 mg/kg once per day), and (f) HFD + extract 300 (extract at 300 mg/kg once per day). Animals were fed for 3 months and then, the antinociceptive effects were assessed using the HP and TF tests. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results In the tail-flick test, Ext 300 mg/kg and HFD + Ext 300 mg/kg increased latency versus control (p < 0.01; p < 0.05), while HFD decreased latency (p < 0.01). A dose-dependent effect was observed (Ext300 versus Ext100: p < 0.01), with HFD + Ext300 surpassing HFD + Ext100 (p < 0.05) and HFD (p < 0.001). In the hot plate test, Ext300 prolonged reaction time versus Ext100 (p < 0.01) and HFD (p < 0.01); HFD + Ext300 outperformed HFD + Ext100 (p < 0.05) and HFD (p < 0.001). HFD increased weight versus control (p < 0.0001), mitigated by Ext100 (p < 0.05) and Ext300 (p < 0.001). Conclusions The extract of H. scabrum due to its potent antioxidants has nociceptive effects on the HFD and control groups and increased pain tolerance; the pain sensitivity is a result of chronic consumption of HFD in animals
Comparing the Antinociceptive Effects of Methamphetamine, Buprenorphine, or Both After Chronic Treatment and Withdrawal in Male Rats
No full textIntroduction: Methamphetamine (Meth) and Buprenorphine (BUP) modulate pain perception. However, the antinociceptive effects of their interactions, which affect through different systems, are unclear in rats. This study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of Meth, BUP, and their coadministration, as well as the effect of withdrawal from these substances on nociception in male rats.
Methods: In this experiment, 40 male Wistar rats (weight: 250-300 g) were categorized into four groups: control, Meth, BUP, or BUP+Meth. After seven days of treatments, the antinociceptive effects were assessed using the hot plate and the tail flick tests. The differences among the groups were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.
Results: Meth and BUP increased the reaction times during the hot plate and tail flick tests. The combination of Meth and BUP increased reaction time more than Meth or BUP alone.
Conclusion: The significantly high reaction times in rats treated with Meth and BUP indicate that these substances have antinociceptive effects. In addition, Meth enhanced the antinociceptive effects of BUP. These synergistic effects might occur through the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and or adrenergic systems
Effect of a hydro-alcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis on passive avoidance learning and memory
No full textIntroduction: Melissa officinalis (MO) or lemon balm is traditionally used as a sedative and anti-spasm herbal medicine. There is also evidence that this plant has effects on learning and memory. This study examined the effect of a hydro-alcoholic extract of MO on passive avoidance learning (PAL) and memory in male rats. Methods: A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into four groups (200 to 220 g; n = 10 per group); three dose groups (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of the hydro-alcoholic extract of MO) and vehicle control (saline) group. Saline or doses of extract were administered daily for 14 days by oral gavage. The rats were trained to enter the shuttle box to record their behavior in the PAL task. A retrieval test was performed 24 hours following training. Results: A significant difference was seen in performance among MO groups and the control. MO administered animals had a decreased number of acquisition trials (P < 0.05). In the retention task, MO administered animals had an increased step-through latency (SLT) (P < 0.01), and a decreased latency in the dark compartment (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusion: The results of the study show that MO can improve learning and memory in the PAL task. Further investigation is needed to enhance our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms of the MO extract and its effects on learning and memory
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a Pathogen of Increasing Relevance to Dermatologists: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
No full textStenotrophomonas maltophilia is a Gram-negative bacillus that causes skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), as well as bacteremia, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. S. maltophilia infections are typically nosocomial and are often transmitted through water sources. Although historically described in immunocompromised hosts, S. maltophilia prevalence is increasing in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent populations. In light of high morbidity and mortality, it is critical that dermatologists are aware of this organism because of the limited options for therapy. Here, we describe a case of a S. maltophilia abscess with bacteremia in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and aplastic anemia that was successfully treated with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. We also review the current standard of care and propose an algorithm for the treatment of S. maltophilia infection
Gender associated disparities in atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia: A review article
No full textMulti-morbidity burden, psychological distress, and quality of life in implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients: Results from a nationwide study
No full text© 2019 Background: The prevalence of multi-morbidity in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients is approximately 25%. Multi-morbidity is associated with poor health and psychological outcomes in this population and may affect ICD recipients’ quality-of-life (QOL). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of psychological distress (anxiety, depressive symptoms, and Type-D personality) in ICD recipients with varying levels of comorbidities, and to examine the association between multi-morbidity burden and QOL in this population. Methods: All adults listed in the Swedish ICD and Pacemaker Registry in 2012 with an ICD implanted for at least one year were invited to participate in this study. Binary logistic regression was used to predict QOL using the EQ-5D mean index dichotomized based on median QOL scores. Multi-morbidity burden scores were based on quartile groupings. Results: A total of 2658 ICD recipients participated in the study (with a mean age of 65, 20.6% female, mean implant duration of 4.7 years, with 35.4% implanted for primary prevention of sudden cardiac arrest). Greater multi-morbidity burden, female sex, not working outside the home, history of ICD shock, negative ICD experience, higher levels of ICD-related concerns, and the presence of anxiety, depression, or Type D personality were associated with worse QOL in ICD recipients. Predictors differed by multi-morbidity burden level. Conclusions: Multi-morbidity burden and psychological distress is an essential factor related to QOL. This issue should be discussed with potential ICD recipients prior to implant. Further exploration of increased recognition and treatment of psychological distress in ICD recipients is warranted
Gender differences in management of patients undergoing catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia
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