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In this study, in-vitro experiments were performed to investigate the drug release from a single strut of a drug-eluting stent with respect to the systolic-diastolic flow and the continuous flow. Regarding, a test bench comprising a single strut and agarose gel as an arterial wall model was designed. The model chosen represents a large-scaled strut of a stent, to limit the effect of the geometrical shape of the stents on the drug release results. The comparison is carried out between two continuous flow rates and a systolic-diastolic flow pattern varying between these two flow rates, with a frequency of 70 beats per minute. The stent model is a polylactic-co-glycolic acid film (50:50) loaded with 10 % diclofenac sodium. A compartment of agarose gel (1 %) and a phosphate-buffered saline solution at 37 °C are employed to mimic the arterial wall and the blood, respectively. Our results show the importance of flow type on the drug release from the stent and distribution of drug in the hydrogel, such that the pulsatility promotes an increase in the quantity of drug absorbed into the hydrogel.
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Stents Liberadores de Fármacos , Flujo Pulsátil , Liberación de Fármacos , Sefarosa , HidrogelesRESUMEN
Context: Injury and functional disorders in pituitary gland after COVID-19 still need elucidation. Objective: To investigate pituitary functions, particularly hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis after COVID-19 infection. Methods: This study was conducted at a university hospital between May and October 2021. Patients who had COVID-19, were enrolled as study group, three months after recovery. Participants who do not have COVID-19 diagnosis, with similar characteristics were included as control group. Blood samples were taken on the morning at 08 AM. Adrenal stimulation test was performed with 1 µg of ACTH (Synacthen). Results: The study group included 50 patients and control group was 49 cases. One (2%) out of the 50 patients with 8 a.m. serum cortisol below 5 µg/dL. Low serum ACTH levels were detected in 7 (14%) participants in patient group. Stimulation with 1 µg of ACTH (Synacthen) test was performed for 2 (4%) of 50 patients with serum cortisol below 10 µg/dL. Both patients achieved a peak cortisol of over 12.5 µg/dL after stimulation. Standard deviation (SD) score for insulin like growh factor-1 (IGF-1) was lower than -2 SD for age and gender in 7 (14%) patients. TSH levels was mildly increased in five (10%) patients. There was no significant difference in baseline pituitary hormone levels in study and control groups. Conclusion: Basal pituitary hormone levels and HPA axes were found to be preserved and competently functioning in patients who experienced mild/moderate COVID-19. However, symptoms observed after COVID-19 episode were evident in substantial amount of patients in this study and these symptoms were not associated with changes in pituitary gland function.
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OBJECTIVE: It has been shown that the prevalence of asthma in obese people has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors involved in the relationship between asthma and obesity in women, METHODS: We evaluated serum leptin levels, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FE(N0), asthma control (using theAsthma Control Test [ACT]), and presence of atopy in 41 obese women with asthma and 40 non-obese women with asthma. We also compared the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and these parameters between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in obese asthmatics than in nonobese asthmatics (P < .05). In the obese group, leptin levels were positively correlated with FE(O) levels (r = 0.439, P = .004). Uncontrolled asthma (ACT score <20) was detected in 61% of women in the obese group compared to just 38% of those in the nonobese group (P = -.035). In atopic patients, total immunoglobulin E levels were positively correlated with leptin levels (r = 0.329, P = .038). When the 81 women were classified according to asthma control, high BMI was found to be the only significant factor that contributed to poor asthma control. CONCLUSION: We have shown that serum leptin levels might have a role in poor asthma control in obese patients, and can conclude that obesity is an important factor in uncontrolled asthma.
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Asma/complicaciones , Leptina/sangre , Obesidad/complicaciones , Adulto , Anciano , Antiasmáticos/uso terapéutico , Asma/epidemiología , Asma/metabolismo , Asma/fisiopatología , Índice de Masa Corporal , Pruebas Respiratorias , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Hipersensibilidad Inmediata/complicaciones , Leptina/fisiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pólipos Nasales/complicaciones , Óxido Nítrico/análisis , Obesidad/epidemiología , Obesidad/metabolismo , Obesidad/fisiopatología , Prevalencia , Sinusitis/complicaciones , Pruebas Cutáneas , Espirometría , Resultado del Tratamiento , Turquía/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Scorpions are venomous arthropods of the Arachnida class and are considered relatives of spiders, ticks and mites. There is not any study about the biochemical effects of Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) venom. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed at evaluating the toxicity of the venom from A. crassicauda, which is responsible for a number of deaths of infants, children and adults in tropical and subtropical countries. For this purpose, rats (n=35) were divided into seven groups of five animals each; venom solutions (250µg/kg) were subcutaneously injected into rats; blood samples were taken from each animal at various times; and serum biochemical parameters were measured (levels of total proteins, total bilirubin, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, sodium, chlorine, potassium and calcium, and the activity of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase). Serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and uric acid increased in envenomed animals, compared to controls. There was a statistically positive correlation between Na+ and Cl- ions.(AU)
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Animales , Ratas , Venenos de Escorpión/envenenamiento , Escorpiones , Androctonus , Toxicidad , L-Lactato DeshidrogenasaRESUMEN
Short-course chemotherapy has not been previously assessed in tuberculous serositis. In this study, 18 patients with tuberculous serositis were studied. 600 mg of rifampicin, 300 mg of isoniazid and 25 mg of pyridoxine were given daily for 6 months. 14 patients completed the therapeutic regimen and were evaluated. 11 of these showed excellent results on the long-term follow-up (18-24 months) and 3 of shorter-term follow-up (9-12 months). Short-course chemotherapy appears to be efficacious in the treatment of tuberculous serositis. However, further and larger trials are recommended.
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Isoniazida/uso terapéutico , Piridoxamina/uso terapéutico , Rifampin/uso terapéutico , Serositis/tratamiento farmacológico , Tuberculosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Quimioterapia Combinada , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Primary lymphomas of the small intestine (PIL) show definite racial and geographic distribution. Clinical and laboratory data on 132 patients with PIL treated and followed up over a 14-year period in Baghdad, Iraq, are presented. Based on the pattern of involvement of the bowel and the histopathologic appearance of the tumor, the patients can be divided into three main groups. Ninety-seven patients had diffuse lymphoplasmacytic infiltration affecting large segments of the upper bowel. Abdominal pain, anorexia, weight loss, diarrhea, malabsorption, and clubbing of the fingers are the most common clinical findings. The barium appearance of the small intestine and peroral jejunal biopsy specimens are abnormal in nearly all cases. This clinicopathologic entity has been referred to in the literature as Mediterranean lymphoma (ML). Ten of 34 patients tested had free alpha-heavy chain in the serum. Twenty-three cases had other "Western" variants of lymphoma (18 lymphocytic and 5 plasmacytic). The lesions were localized, occurring most frequently in the lower ileum or ileocecal area. The most common presentation was intestinal obstruction. Twelve children had Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), presenting most commonly with abdominal masses and/or intestinal obstruction. These patients responded poorly to cyclophosphamide, and the disease disseminated early and extensively. None of the patients with the localized lymphomas or BL had free alpha chain in the serum.
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Neoplasias Intestinales/patología , Linfoma/patología , Adolescente , Adulto , Sulfato de Bario , Linfoma de Burkitt/patología , Niño , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Cadenas Pesadas de Inmunoglobulina/análisis , Mucosa Intestinal/patología , Neoplasias Intestinales/diagnóstico por imagen , Intestino Delgado/diagnóstico por imagen , Irak , Linfoma/diagnóstico por imagen , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Radiografía , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
The clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of 32 patients with primary gastric lymphoma are reported. These tumours constitute about 9% of gastric neoplasms in Iraq. As a group our patients seem to present at an earlier age and with more extensive disease at the time of diagnosis than those with other gastric neoplasms. Surgical excision with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy seems to offer the best chance of long symptom-free survival.
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Linfoma/cirugía , Neoplasias Gástricas/cirugía , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Niño , Ciclofosfamida/uso terapéutico , Quimioterapia Combinada , Femenino , Enfermedad de Hodgkin/cirugía , Humanos , Irak , Linfoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Prednisolona/uso terapéutico , Pronóstico , Neoplasias Gástricas/tratamiento farmacológicoAsunto(s)
Anticuerpos Antivirales/análisis , Linfoma de Burkitt/etiología , Herpesvirus Humano 4/inmunología , Neoplasias Intestinales/etiología , Linfoma/etiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Linfoma de Burkitt/inmunología , Cápside/inmunología , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Neoplasias Intestinales/inmunología , Irak , Linfoma/inmunología , MasculinoRESUMEN
The incidence of chronic cor pulmonale in Iraq has been studied for the first time. Of the total 1,102 cardiac cases admitted to the Medical City Hospital in a 1-year period, 168 patients belonged to this group (15.25%). The most frequent cause is chronic obstructive airway disease. Smoking is thought to be an important factor in the occurrence of obstruction. Chronic and repeated infections during different phases of life are thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis. Occupation and dust probably have no significant effect. Schistosomiasis and tuberculosis are rare causes.
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Enfermedad Cardiopulmonar/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Irak , Enfermedades Pulmonares Obstructivas/complicaciones , Masculino , Ocupaciones , Enfermedad Cardiopulmonar/etiología , Esquistosomiasis/complicaciones , Fumar , Tuberculosis Pulmonar/complicacionesRESUMEN
An opportunity to study the effects of methylmercury poisoning in humans was provided by the large outbreak in Iraq in 1971-2. In adults, poisoning resulted from the ingestion of home-made bread prepared from methylmercury-treated seed grain and there was a highly significant correlation between the amount of bread ingested and blood mercury levels. Poisoning in infants resulted either from prior exposure in utero or from suckling or both. Blood mercury levels were higher in infants and children than in adults. There was no increased incidence of congenital defects. Symptoms and signs of poisoning and histopathological changes were mainly confined to the CNS. Symptoms developed, on average, 1-2 months after exposure. In children there was mental retardation with delayed onset of speech and impaired motor, sensory and autonomic function. Severely affected children were blind and deaf. In adults, the clinical picture could be classified as 1, mild (mainly of sensory symptoms) 2, moderate (sensory symptoms accompanied by cerebellar signs) and 3, severe (gross ataxia with marked visual and hearing loss which, in some cases, progressed to akinetic mutism followed by coma). Grades 1 and 2 carried a better prognosis thant grade 3. Interference with transmission at the myoneural junction was found in 14% of patients studied. There was no evidence of peripheral nerve involvement per se and sensory symptoms may be of central origin. The clinical differences between the Iraqi and Japanese outbreaks may be a result, in part at least, of the severe, prolonged and continuous exposure which occurred in the latter outbreak. Improvement was observed among the mild and moderate group. Treatment with chelating agents, thiol resin, haemodialysis and exchange transfusion lowered blood mercury concentrations but produced no convincing clinical benefit. To be effective, treatment may need to be instituted soon after exposure.
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Compuestos de Metilmercurio/envenenamiento , Adulto , Pan , Lactancia Materna , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso Central/inducido químicamente , Quelantes/uso terapéutico , Niño , Recambio Total de Sangre , Femenino , Contaminación de Alimentos , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Enfermedades del Recién Nacido/inducido químicamente , Irak , Intercambio Materno-Fetal , Mercurio/sangre , Intoxicación , Embarazo , Complicaciones del Embarazo/inducido químicamente , Diálisis RenalRESUMEN
Some reports indicate that amyloidosis is a rare occurrence in persons with periodic peritonitis (familial Mediterranean fever), while others seem to show it occurs relatively frequently. Two cases were seen among 80 patients in Iraq. Twenty-one consecutive rectal biopsies were negative for amyloidosis. The variation in reported incidence is partly real and partly apparent. Amyloidosis occurs frequently in certain ethnic groups, and it is possible that there are two traits, one for periodic peritonitis and the other for amyloidosis.
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Thirty-three patients with periodic peritonitis were treated with colchicine for 863 patient-months of observation (average, 27 months). There is a personal optimum dose, and the daily requirement varies at 1 or 1.5 mg. All patients responded to treatment. Episodes were precipitated in all patients who stopped their medications. No side effects were noticed. Four normal full-term infants were born to patients taking colchicine during the study.
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Colchicina/uso terapéutico , Fiebre Mediterránea Familiar/tratamiento farmacológico , Adolescente , Adulto , Niño , Colchicina/administración & dosificación , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
The clinical and pathological features of 18 new patients with alpha heavy chain disease seen at two referral centres in Baghdad, Iraq, are described. The series included 14 males and four females ranging in age from 14 to 47 years. Almost all patients presented because of long-standing abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The tissue diagnosis and extent of the disease were established at laparotomy in most patients. Peroral jejunal biospy was used in a number of patients, mainly for follow-up. The serological abnormality was confirmed by immunoselection technique. Most of the patients had extensive thickening of the bowel wall and/or tumour masses of the small intestine and mesenteric nodes. Histopathological sections showed muscularis. Preliminary results of the treatment, including two long remissions, are reported. In general, our observations agree with those made by other authors, mostly from the Middle East and Africa. We believe that a high index of clinical suspicion, routine use of the immunoselection, and recognition of the early pathological changes may hopefully lead to the detection of more cases before the frank neoplastic phase of the disease.
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Enfermedad de las Cadenas Pesadas/patología , Cadenas Pesadas de Inmunoglobulina , Cadenas alfa de Inmunoglobulina , Mucosa Intestinal/patología , Adolescente , Adulto , Proteínas Sanguíneas/metabolismo , Femenino , Enfermedad de las Cadenas Pesadas/inmunología , Humanos , Irak , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , PronósticoRESUMEN
Fifty cases of lymphocytic exudate of the pleura and peritoneum were studied to determine the cause. Though tuberculosis was suspected provisionally in the majority, isolation of M. tuberculosis was rare and other investigations proved more helpful. Histological examination of material obtained by laparoscopy was the most reliable method followed by pleural biopsy, especially if it was an open one. This procedure has the invaluable advantage of a rapid diagnosis without the need to await the results of culture. The specific gravity and the cell count were of help to determine the exudative nature of the fluid. The protein content, the lactic dehydrogenase value of the fluid and its ratio to the blood value were more useful in determining a possible aetiology. A definite diagnosis of tuberculosis was made in 21 cases. A further 13 cases (3 with highly suggestive histological appearances) were judged to be tuberculosis in view of their suggestive history and excellent response to specific antituberculosis chemotherapy. Eleven cases proved to be due to malignant disease.