Recently Published Articles
Trends of Diabetes in Children and Adolescents in Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic and Clinical Pediatric Diabetes Center at Al Baha Central Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Abstract:
This study describes and compares the epidemiological criteria of children with diabetes from 2007 to 2014. A prospective study conducted with 372 children with diabetes mellitus. An access program was used for data collection, and SPSS 17 was used to analyses the results
Recommended Standards for Assessing Blood Pressure in Human Research Where Blood Pressure or Hypertension is a Major Focus
Abstract:
Although inaccurate, non-reproducible blood pressure values can result from non-standardized assessments, recommended approaches to standardize blood pressure measurement are often not followed in research studies. An expert consensus of national and international health and scientific organizations developed recommended minimum standards for assessing blood pressure in research subjects where: 1) blood pressure or hypertension is a major endpoint, or 2) blood pressure is likely a major mediator of the research outcome. Minimum research standards are presented for training of observers, technical aspects of assessing blood pressure, and equipment for both adults and children. The standards are based on prior recommendations some of which did not conform to current evidence based methods. All new research should require adherence to these minimum standards on the patient populations described above. Readers need to use caution in interpreting studies if the standar...
Immune Thrombocytopenia after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: Case Report and Brief Overview of Treatment Strategies
Abstract:
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare but well-recognized post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) autoimmune complication for which a standard treatment approach is lacking. Herein we report on an adult patient affected by high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who developed a post-HSCT ITP. Due to the refractoriness to first-line therapies the patient underwent the thrombopoietin (TPO) mimetic Eltrombopag obtaining the ITP resolution. We also discuss the clinical course of ITP in post-HSCT setting and pros and cons of different therapeutic strategies, focusing on the emerging role of TPO mimetics.
Efficacy of a Hypocaloric Mediterranean Diet in Overweight Patients: Factors Predictive of Completion
Abstract:
To evaluate the efficacy of a weight loss programme and the factors that predict successful adherence of the treatment. A retrospective chart review of 500 overweight outpatients (427 women, 73 men), mean age 41.7 years (range: 18–81) and mean BMI of 31.44 kg/m2 (range: 25.09–51.33), treated at an obesity specific clinic. A programme involving a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet was prescribed, along with suggestions for leisure exercise and daily activity. The weekly follow-up continued until the weight loss goal was reached (‘completion’ group) or the patient discontinued the programme (‘dropout’ group). Those that completed the programme achieved a mean weight loss of 10.6 kg...
Low Energy Intake Impairs Glucose Regulation and Stamina in Japanese Young Women
Abstract:
Energy intake has been decreasing these ten years in Japan, and low energy intake is remarkable especially among young women. We attempted to show the dietary habits and physiological function including glucose tolerance and stamina for endurance-running in contemporary young Japanese women who take insufficient energy. 85 healthy women aged 20.5±1.1 years were enrolled in the present study. Subjects were categorized in two groups; Group I (n=70) with higher energy intake, and Group II (n=15) with lower energy intake than the basal metabolic rate (BMR). Actual energy intake in Group I was 1598.8±282.1 kcal/day, and it was 1019.9±127.1 kcal/day in Group II (p<0.01). Standard 75-g oral glucose-tolerance test was performed, and the capillary glucose value was measured at the fingertip. In Group I, glucose values at fasting, 30, 60 and 120 min were 75.0±9.1, 132.1±25.2, 120.5±27.4, 105.3±19.5 mg/dl, and those in Group II were 78.9±7.7, 155.8±26.6, 142.2±2...
Cervical Medial Branch Blocks For The Diagnosis Of Somatosensory Tinnitus. A Pilot Study.
Abstract:
The purpose was to discover if medial branch blocks (MBBs) of the cervical spine can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify patients with somatosensory tinnitus. MBBs are a diagnostic tool to confirm the diagnosis facet joint pain in patients with neck pain. It is not known, if MBBs are also suitable for testing other symptoms than pain. However, the existence of neural connections between the auditory system and the cervical region can be assumed. Included were 22 consecutive patients presenting with tinnitus, who had received MBBs in a ten years’ period. Patients were tested with a MBB with bupivacaine and triamcinolone. Injections were performed with fluoroscopic visualization using established techniques. The mean follow-up time was 6.2 weeks. Tinnitus was analyzed through the global clinical impression of the patient. Seven patients (31.8 %) experienced a significant improvement of the tinnitus. In one patient a thermal radiofrequency neurotomy was done a...
Methionine and Antioxidant Potential
Abstract:
Methionine (Met) is a nutritionally essential amino acid and has been widely demonstrated to improve cellular oxidative balance and mediate oxidative stress. Met targets reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly by being oxidized to Met sulfoxide (MetO)
Medical Management of Sexual Assault Survivors at an Academic Medical Center
Abstract:
Sexual assault is a serious problem in the United States. It is crucial that the medical management of these patients is adequate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines for appropriate management of these patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate medical management of survivors of sexual assault at an academic medical center and identify opportunities for improvements in care. We conducted a retrospective, chart review study of patients aged 12 years and older presenting at an academic medical center following sexual assault or rape between 2009 and 2013. Descriptive statistical tests were used to analyze the data. A total of 29 females and 5 males were identified. The majority of patients presented to the medical center within 24 hours of sexual assault or rape and typically presented to the emergency department. Empiric treatment for infections were 8.8% for Hepatitis B, 29.4% for human immunodeficiency ...
A Bit Exagerrated Role of Complete Blood Count Parameters on the Prognosis of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Abstract:
Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is a commonly seen otorhinolaryngology emergency, and its etiology is still a mystery. In this retrospective clinical study, we aimed to investigate the possible relationship of inflammatory markers derived from CBC such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Red cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in ISSHL . A total of 50 idiopathic sudden hearing loss patients were included in the study. They were grouped according to their hearing healing levels as recovered, partially recovered and unrecovered. Also 47 age- and sex- matched healthy individuals created the control group. Their complete blood count parameters of NLR, LMR, PLR, RPR, PDW and MPV were recorded. The results were statistically compared to bring out a significant difference between the groups. There ...
Analysis of Effects of Kale Powder Consumption among Subjects with Potential Metabolic Syndrome: A Prospective Single-Arm Clinical Study
Abstract:
The prospective intervention study was conducted to investigate the effects of kale powder (Kale juice mixed with water or milk) consumption on metabolic syndrome in subjects with potential metabolic syndrome. In Arita-cho, 149 male and female subjects with potential metabolic syndrome were instructed to consume kale powder for 8 weeks, and its effects on blood pressure, HbA1c, BMI, abdominal circumference, and blood triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, and fasting blood sugar levels were assessed. Additionally, the safety of kale powder was examined. After the 8-week long intake of kale powder, a significant decrease was observed in laboratory and home test-based blood pressure, abdominal circumference,...