Acta Medica Martiniana最新文献

{"title":"Methods of Objectifying Cough","authors":"Miert Andrej, Pecova Renata","doi":"10.2478/acm-2023-0001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2023-0001","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Cough is one of the most common symptoms encountered by clinicians. Attempts to measure cough date back to early 1950s and since then, significant progress has been made in understanding cough and many methods have been developed. Methods for cough measurement can be divided into subjective and objective methods and further according to the aspect of cough they assess. Subjective methods for cough assessment provide us with information about patient’s personal experiences of cough and about psychosocial aspect of cough. Most widely used subjective methods include cough severity visual analogue scale, cough severity diaries, and various quality of life questionnaires. Objective methods for cough assessment focus mainly on cough frequency and on cough reflex sensitivity. Most widely used methods from this group include cough monitors and cough inhalation challenges. This review focuses on the most widely used cough measurement methods and points out their advantages and limitations for use in research and clinical practice. The ability to measure cough in clinical and research conditions could be used to determine treatment outcomes, to test new therapies, and to further study pathophysiology and physiology of cough.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"23 1","pages":"1 - 7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45533242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnosis and classification of hereditary fibrinogen disorders","authors":"A. Casini","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0013","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Hereditary fibrinogen disorders (HFDs) are rare bleeding disorders with a wide spectrum of biological and clinical features. While most patients with HFDs are at risk to suffer from mild to severe, sometimes life-threatening bleeding, thrombotic events are also common. Therefore, an appropriate diagnosis is needed to offer the optimal treatment. Diagnosis of HFDs can be challenging and plenty of pitfalls. The sensitivity and specificity of hemostasis routine test are depending on the reagents, the methods, and the fibrinogen variants. To distinguish subtypes of HFDs additional tests are often required. Historically based on the assessment of fibrinogen levels, a recent classification also considers the clinical phenotype and the genotype. In this short review, diagnosis strategies and HFDs classification are reviewed.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"115 - 121"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47448604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of acute pancreatitis based on BISAP scoring system: A cohort study of 50 cases","authors":"Bhupinder Singh Walia, Pankaj Dugg, Gagandeep Singh, Sanjeev Sharma, Manjeet Singh Sandhu","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0016","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Background/Aim Acute pancreatitis is encountered in both medical and surgical specialty. Assessment of severity and grading is done using radiological investigations mostly like ultrasonography or CECT. We present a study to assess the severity of Acute Pancreatitis based on Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) scoring system. Material & Methods The study was conducted on 50 patients presenting with acute pancreatitis who were included as per inclusion criteria and a detailed history, clinical examination and blood investigation performed. Data like serum amylase, serum lipase, serum calcium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), pleural effusion and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was collected from the patients. Based on data collected in 24 hours of hospitalization, BISAP score was calculated. Results Results showed that no significant temperature rise, pancreatic necrosis, SIRS or impaired mental status in patients with BISAP severity of <=3. However, patients having BISAP score >3, factors like BUN, age, pleural effusion, and organ failure show significant correlation. Also on comparative analysis of patients showed that the hospital stay, respiratory rate, pulse and laboratory markers (blood urea, serum creatinine, serum amylase, serum lipase) were significantly higher in patients with BISAP score ≥3. Conclusion BISAP score is an easy, quick and bedside method to assess the severity of acute pancreatitis and predict its mortality. It is easy bedside procedure that can be done in every setup.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"144 - 154"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46718530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: A rare case of recurrent episodes of icterus","authors":"Hoferica Jakub, Nosakova Lenka, Uhrik Peter, Vazanova Diana, Scur Matus, Chudej Juraj, Banovcin Peter","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0014","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In this work we describe a rare case of a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) developed on the background of specific medical history of morbus Gilbert with chronically elevated bilirubin and recurrent attacks of macroscopic haematuria. We focus on a differential diagnosis of the disease, its obstacles, and treatment options.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"122 - 128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43767158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of early dexamethasone treatment on several markers of inflammation and fibrosis in an animal model of lung silicosis in rats – A pilot study","authors":"A. Jana, Balentova Sona, Hanusrichterova Juliana, Barosova Romana, Mikolka Pavol, Prso Kristian, Mokry Juraj, Kalenska Dagmar, Kunertova Lenka, M. Daniela","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0012","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Lung silicosis is primarily caused by inhalation of particles of silicon oxide (silica). Despite a huge progress in understanding the interactions among the pathomechanisms of lung silicosis in the last years, there is a lack of effective therapy. With respect to a wide therapeutic action of corticosteroids, the purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate early effects of dexamethasone on several markers of inflammation and lung fibrosis in a rat model of silicosis. The silicosis model was induced by a single transoral intratracheal instillation of silica (50 mg/ml/animal), while the controls received an equivalent volume of sterile saline. The treatment with intraperitoneal dexamethasone initiated the next day after the silica instillation and was given 2-times a week at a dose of 1 mg/kg, while the controls received an equivalent volume of saline. The animals were euthanized 14 or 28 days after the treatment onset. Total and differential counts of leukocytes in the blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were determined. The presence of collagen in the bronchioles and lung vessels was detected by Sirius red staining and a smooth muscle mass was detected by smooth muscle actin. In comparison to saline, the instillation of silica increased the total count of circulating leukocytes after 14 and 28 days of the experiment (both p<0.05), which was associated with higher counts of lymphocytes (p<0.05 after 14 days, p>0.05 after 28 days) and slight but non-significant increases in neutrophils and eosinophils (both p>0.05). Although the total cell count in the BAL fluid did not change significantly, the percentages and absolute counts of neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes (p<0.05, p<0.01 or p<0.001) elevated after 14 and 28 days of the experiment. Silica induced an accumulation of collagen in the bronchioles (p<0.001 after both 14 and 28 days) and pulmonary vessels (p<0.01 after both 14 and 28 days) and elevated a formation of smooth muscle mass (p<0.05 after 14 days, p<0.01 or p<0.001 after 28 days). Treatment with dexamethasone decreased circulating leukocytes (p<0.01) and lymphocytes (p<0.001) and increased neutrophils (p<0.05), which was associated with a slightly decreased total cell count in BAL (p>0.05), decline in lymphocytes (p<0.01), and slight decreases in neutrophils and eosinophils after 28 days of the treatment. Moreover, dexamethasone reduced the accumulation of collagen (p<0.01 after 14 days and p<0.001 after 28 days) and the formation of smooth muscle mass (p<0.01 for bronchioles and p>0.05 for vessels after 24 days, p<0.001 for both bronchioles and vessels after 28 days). In conclusion, early dexamethasone treatment mitigated silica-induced granulocytic-lymphocytic inflammation and decreased a formation of collagen and smooth muscle mass in the bronchiolar and vascular walls, demonstrating a therapeutic potential of dexamethasone in the lung silicosis.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"102 - 114"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42013355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A correlative interaction between thyroid dysfunction and semen parameters in male infertility: A prospective case control study","authors":"M. Venkateswara Rao, K. V. N. Geetha Devi, D. Rajarajeswari, K. Ashalatha","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0015","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The role of thyroid function on sperm quality has not been well studied from a pathological aspect. This study aimed to report the degree of association between the status of thyroid hormones, sperm quality and aetiology in infertile men compared to healthy subjects. A prospective case control investigative study was conducted on 100 infertile males and age matched healthy controls. Semen samples were collected for sperm quality examination, and the serum levels of tetraiodothyronine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) were measured. Out of 100 infertile men, oligozoospermia (32%), asthenozoospermia (48%), and oligo-asthenozoospermia (20%) were found. There was a statistical difference between the group I and group II groups related to sperm count (28.32 ± 14.60 vs 66.50 ± 10.50 x 106/ml), sperm motility (40.1 ± 13.8 vs 64.8 ± 7.85%), and sperm morphology (55.92 ± 5.27 vs 83.50 ± 5.25%, p<0.05). There was a statistical difference among the oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and oligo-asthenozoospermia groups related to T3 (115 + 0.40 vs 1.29 ± 0.59 vs 1.25 ± 0.32 ng/ml), T4 (7.35 ± 1.42 vs 9.15 ± 1.85 vs 7.85 ± 1.65 μg/dl), and TSH (1.69 ± 0.55 vs 2.12 ± 1.45 vs 1.98 ± 0.4 μIU/ml) (P<0.05). There was a significant inverse correlation of TSH levels with sperm volume (r = -0.12, p= 0.02), sperm motility (r = -0.26, p= 0.02), and sperm morphology (r = -0.304, p = 0.02) observed. T4 levels were significantly correlated with sperm count (r = -0.278, p = 0.02), and sperm motility (r = -0.249, p = 0.032). T4 levels were very highly associated with asthenozoospermia. Relative operating curve analysis shows that Sperm motility of >40.1%, T3 levels of <1.29 ng/ml, total T4 levels of <8.42 μg/dl, TSH levels of <1.98 μIU/ml inferred the male infertility. Although thyroid function screening is not currently recommended as a part of the diagnostic workup of the infertile male, it may be reconsidered in light of the physiopathological background. Studies will be necessary to initiate the trial of a small dose of anti-thyroid drug in asthenozoospermic patients.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"129 - 143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49436012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Simulator training in aneurysm clipping","authors":"MičUrová Gabriela, Richterová Romana, Hanzel Radoslav, Kolarovszki Branislav","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0017","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Due to an increased number of patients with aneurysms treated endovascularly, a resident does not have enough opportunities to come across such a complex procedure as surgical clipping. There have been many types of training methods designed for traditional surgical aneurysm treatment so far. A brief report regarding the helpfulness of vascular simulator AneurysmBox at our Neurosurgical Department is presented.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"155 - 158"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43591777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adaptive morphofunctional rearrangements in the adult rats adenohypophysis after long-term exposure of heavy metal salts","authors":"Hryntsova Nataliia, Hodorova Ingrid, Romanyuk Anatoly, Kravets Alexander, Rybarova Silvia, Lovasova Kvetuse, M. Josef, Pavliuk-Karachevtseva Andriana, Vecanova Janka, Kolesar Dalibor, Bolekova Andriana, Flesarova Slavka","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0009","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Important environmental problem of some northern regions of Ukraine is the accumulation of heavy metal salts in the soil, water and air, which is observed in various combinations depending on the region and causes adverse effects on population’s health. The central link, in particular the pituitary gland, is involved in triggering a stress response, limiting its further development preventing adverse effects on the body. The study of morphofunctional rearrangements in the pituitary gland of adult male rats under the influence of heavy metal salts complex on the body remains a relevant aspect of modern morphology. The experiment was performed on 12 white mature male rats weighing 200-250g at the age of 7-8 months, which were divided into 2 groups (control and experimental). The experimental group included rats, which after 90 days of use of a heavy metals salts complex (zinc, copper, iron, manganese, lead and chromium) for 30 days used ordinary drinking water. General morphological (histological, morphometric), mmunohistochemical, biochemical and statistical research methods were used. Results showed a decrease in the linear parameters of the adenohypophysis, there was a significant increase in the value of fibrous connective tissue component in the stroma, increased collagenization of large vessels, significant diffuse stromal edema and edematous processes in the gland parenchyma persisted. Measurements revealed an increase in the number of chromophobes and at the same time a decrease in the number of chromophilic basophils compared to control animals, the presence of cysts in the parenchyma was found out. number of morphological features still indicated the development of adaptive and compensatory processes in the adenohypophysis (vascular plethora decreased, significantly improved the rheological properties of blood, an increase in the number of adenocytes with increasing expression of hsp90 in their cytoplasm). However, despite the positive dynamics of adaptive processes, it should be noted that the 30-day period of adaptation is insufficient for complete recovery of the organ.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"70 - 78"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42267812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A randomized controlled trial of intravenous magnesium sulphate as an adjunct to standard therapy in atrial fibrillation","authors":"K. Raghu, T. Ramakrishnan, G. Sreedevi, P. Shreevani, S. Gopala Krishna, B. Ravishankar","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0011","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Background Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) has been proven as an analgesic, neuromuscular blocker agent, and treatment of acute asthma. Objective The study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of magnesium sulphate infusion for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 55 atrial fibrillation patients at the Emergency Department. The treatment group consisting of 41 patients received 20 mEq (2.5 g, 10 mmol) magnesium sulphate over a 20-minute period, followed by 20 mEq (2.5 g, 10 mmol) over a 2-hour period intravenously in addition to the standard treatment, and the control group consisting of 14 patients received placebo with a standard treatment. ECG was repeated and monitored upto 24 hours after the infusion. Results 41 patients received magnesium sulphate and 14 patients received a placebo. The heart rate was 127 bpm – 210 bpm at the presentation to the emergency department and it was reached <100bpm in 70%(n=31) patients after 150 minutes of MgSO4 infusion. Two patients attained a heart rate of <100bpm in Placebo infusion. In the treatment group, 65% of subjects attained normal sinus rhythm at the end of 24 hours of infusion. Magnesium sulphate was more likely than placebo to achieve a heart rate of <100bpm and more likely to convert to sinus rhythm. ECG report reverted to normal in 74.5% in the treatment group and 25.5 % in the Placebo group within 24 hours. The patients in the treatment group stay a mean of 2.25 days in ICU, while the patients in the Placebo group stayed 4.25 days in ICU. Seven patients in the treatment group had minor side effects like flushing, headache, and nausea, which came to normal after 48hrs. Conclusions Magnesium sulphate has been shown a better efficacy to control the heart rate and conversion to sinus rhythm when used along with the standard management of Atrial fibrillation.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"91 - 101"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47639977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of coliform bacteria infection on intestinal goblet cells secretory activity of germ-free piglets","authors":"Toth Stefan, Holodova Monika, Zeidan Deema, Hartel Patrick, Fagova Zuzana, Curgali Kristina, Mechirova Eva, Maretta Milan, Nemcova Radomira, Gancarčíková Soňa, Polak Stefan, Dankova Marianna","doi":"10.2478/acm-2022-0008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/acm-2022-0008","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Recently, influence of bacteria colonization on development and maturation of gut wall is getting more into the focus of gastrointestinal research. For years, the main interest and research were aimed to the development and maturation of gut wall and its functional properties in normal conditions, less attention has been paid on the germ-free animals. Germ-free (GF) piglets have clear microbiological background and are reared in sterile environment. GF piglets are regarded as clinically relevant models for studying of human diseases, as these piglets’ manifest similar clinical symptoms to humans. In this study we briefly summarised the main characteristics in the distribution of goblet cells in the wall of jejunum and colon of GF piglets as healthy control (HC) group and piglets, which were experimentally infected by E. coli O149:K88 as ECK group. Neutral mucins were stained with periodic acid-Shiff (PAS) whereas acidic mucins are stained with Alcian blue. Numbers of goblet cells containing total acidic mucins in both, the jejunum and colon, differed significantly between HC and ECK piglets and in the colon, a similar trend was also observed. In the ECK piglets, jejunal goblet cells exhibited decrease in neutral mucins. This change in mucin profile in response to bacterial colonization suggests a potential role as a protective mechanism against pathogenic invasion of the intestinal mucosa during of gut mucosa development in piglets.","PeriodicalId":30233,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Martiniana","volume":"22 1","pages":"62 - 69"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41325987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}