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Medicina is published by MDPI from Volume 54 Issue 1 (2018). Previous articles were published by another publisher in Open Access under a CC-BY (or CC-BY-NC-ND) licence, and they are hosted by MDPI on mdpi.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with Lithuanian Medical Association, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, and Vilnius University.

Medicina, Volume 53, Issue 3 (June 2017) – 9 articles , Pages 139-216

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2106 KiB  
Article
Scaffold design for artificial tissue with bone marrow stem cells
by Aurelija Noreikaitė, Ieva Antanavičiūtė, Valeryia Mikalayeva, Adas Darinskas, Tomas Tamulevičius, Erika Adomavičiūtė, Linas Šimatonis, Dalia Akramienė and Edgaras Stankevičius
Medicina 2017, 53(3), 203-210; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1016/j.medici.2017.07.001 - 13 Jul 2017
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1930
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to test polymeric materials (collagen, fibrin, polyimide film, and polylactic acid) for single- and multi-layer scaffold formation.
Materials and methods: In our study, we used rabbit bone marrow stem cells (rBMSCs) and human mesenchymal [...] Read more.
Objective: The aim of this study was to test polymeric materials (collagen, fibrin, polyimide film, and polylactic acid) for single- and multi-layer scaffold formation.
Materials and methods: In our study, we used rabbit bone marrow stem cells (rBMSCs) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with materials of a different origin for the formation of an artificial scaffold, such as a collagen scaffold, fibrin scaffold produced from clotted rabbit plasma, electrospun poly(lactic acid) (PLA) mats, polyimide film (PI), and the combination of the latter two. Cell imaging was performed 3–14 days after cell cultivation in the scaffolds. Time-lapse imaging was used to determine hMSC mobility on the PI film.
Results: Cell incorporation in collagen and clotted fibrin scaffolds was evaluated after 2-week cultivation in vitro. Histological analysis showed that cells penetrated only external layers of the collagen scaffold, while the fibrin clot was populated with rBMSCs through the entire scaffold thickness. As well, cell behavior on the laser micro-structured PI film was analyzed.
The mobility of hMSCs on the smooth PI film and the micro-machined surface was 20 ± 2 μmm/h and 18 ± 4 μmm/h, respectively. After 3-day cultivation, hMSCs were capable of spreading through the whole 100 ± 10 μmm-thick layer of the electrospun PLA scaffold and demonstrated that the multilayer scaffold composed of PI and PLA materials ensured a suitable environment for cell growth.
Conclusions: The obtained results suggest that electrospinning technology and femtosecond laser micro-structuring could be employed for the development of multi-layer scaffolds. Different biopolymers, such as PLA, fibrin, and collagen, could be used as appropriate environments for cell inhabitation and as an inner layer of the multi-layer scaffold. PI could be suitable as a barrier blocking cell migration from the scaffold. However, additional studies are needed to determine optimal parameters of inner and outer scaffold layers. Full article
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559 KiB  
Article
Use of interferon-gamma release assay and tuberculin skin test in diagnosing tuberculosis in Lithuanian adults: A comparative analysis
by Laura Tamašauskienė, Edita Hansted, Astra Vitkauskienė, Skaidrius Miliauskas, Albinas Naudžiūnas and Brigita Šitkauskienė
Medicina 2017, 53(3), 159-165; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1016/j.medici.2017.05.003 - 03 Jul 2017
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1303
Abstract
Background and objective: Lithuania belongs to the group of countries with a high-incidence of tuberculosis (TB). Some scientific studies show that the interferon-gamma release assay is more accurate and correlates more highly with TB exposure as compared to the tuberculin skin test [...] Read more.
Background and objective: Lithuania belongs to the group of countries with a high-incidence of tuberculosis (TB). Some scientific studies show that the interferon-gamma release assay is more accurate and correlates more highly with TB exposure as compared to the tuberculin skin test (TST). This study aimed at comparing the efficacy between the T SPOT TB and TST for diagnosing TB among Lithuanian adults.
Materials and methods: Individuals with diagnosed TB, healthcare workers with known risk for TB and individuals without any known risk for TB underwent clinical examinations, interviews about their history of TB exposure and chest radiography. Then the TST and the T SPOT TB were performed on patients.
Results: A positive T SPOT TB was more common in the group with diagnosed TB compared to healthcare workers and the low risk for TB groups (97.5%, 36.4%, and 0%, respectively, P < 0.01). Positive TST results did not differ between the groups with diagnosed TB and the healthcare workers (92.5% vs. 95.5%, P > 0.05). Agreement between TST and T SPOT TB was poor (kappa 0.14, P > 0.05). T SPOT TB had higher specificity and sensitivity compared to TST (area under the ROC 0.9 ± 0.04, P < 0.01, vs. 0.5 ± 0.06, P > 0.05).
Conclusions: The T SPOT TB showed greater accuracy in diagnosing TB than TST did. Positive T SPOT TB result but not the TST was more common in patients with diagnosed TB. Full article
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587 KiB  
Article
The influence of oxazaphosphorine agents on kidney function in rats
by Łukasz Dobrek, Beata Skowron, Agnieszka Baranowska, Klaudia Płoszaj, Dorota Bądziul and Piotr Thor
Medicina 2017, 53(3), 179-189; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1016/j.medici.2017.05.004 - 02 Jul 2017
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1496
Abstract
Background and objective: The application of cytostatic oxazaphosphorines such as cyclophosphamide (CP) and ifosfamide (IF) is associated with the risk of kidney damage that, depending on the type of drug, dose and route of administration, adopts a different clinical entity and severity. [...] Read more.
Background and objective: The application of cytostatic oxazaphosphorines such as cyclophosphamide (CP) and ifosfamide (IF) is associated with the risk of kidney damage that, depending on the type of drug, dose and route of administration, adopts a different clinical entity and severity. The aim of our study was to assess the influence of CP and IF on the kidney histology and function in rats intraperitoneally treated with four doses of either CP or IF. Materials and methods: A total of 30 rats were divided into three groups (10 in each group): group 1 (control), sham treated with saline solution, group 2 (treated with 75 mg/kg b.w. of CP), and group 3 (treated with 60 mg/kg b.w. of IF). After the treatment rats were sacrificed, blood was collected and nephrectomy and cystectomy were performed. Qualitative and quantitative parameters (including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin-1, NGAL-1) of kidney function were assayed in urine and plasma.
Results: CP-treated rats were characterized by a significant polyuria, decreased urine pH and by decreased daily urinary excretion of sodium, potassium, urea and uric acid accompanied by increased NGAL-1 excretion. A significant decrease of the plasma uric acid concentration was also observed. IF-treated animals were also characterized by decreased urine pH but with normal daily urinary excretion of assessed substances (except for reduced uric acid excretion).
Both CP and IF treated rats did not show any histopathological abnormalities in their kidneys.
Conclusions: CP caused more advanced kidney dysfunction and some indices suggested the development of prerenal acute kidney injury. In the CP-treated group some particularly marked urinary and plasma uric acid disturbances suggested compensation of increased oxidative stress as uric acid is considered to exert also antioxidant properties. Full article
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1364 KiB  
Article
Preoperative long-course chemoradiotherapy plus adjuvant chemotherapy versus short-course radiotherapy without adjuvant chemotherapy both with delayed surgery for stage II–III resectable rectal cancer: 5-Year survival data of a randomized controlled trial
by Laura Kairevičė, Tadas Latkauskas, Algimantas Tamelis, Aleksandras Petrauskas, Henrikas Paužas, Tadas Žvirblis, Laimonas Jaruševičius, Žilvinas Saladžinskas, Dainius Pavalkis and Rasa Jančiauskienė
Medicina 2017, 53(3), 150-158; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1016/j.medici.2017.05.006 - 22 Jun 2017
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 1890
Abstract
Background and objective: At present, there are common recommendations for treatment for stage II–III resectable rectal cancer patients: preoperative conventional chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with delayed surgery in 6–8 weeks or preoperative short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) followed by immediate surgery. The aim of this study [...] Read more.
Background and objective: At present, there are common recommendations for treatment for stage II–III resectable rectal cancer patients: preoperative conventional chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with delayed surgery in 6–8 weeks or preoperative short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) followed by immediate surgery. The aim of this study was to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in two treatment groups: preoperative SCRT and CRT both with delayed surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy in CRT arm.
Materials and methods: A total of 150 patients were randomly assigned to two groups: 75 to CRT (preoperative conventional CRT, 50 Gy/25 fr with fluorouracil and leucovorin on the 1st and the 5th week of RT followed by TME surgery in 6–8 weeks and 4 cycles of adjuvant fluorouracil/leucovorin every 4 weeks; then follow-up) and 75 to SCRT (preoperative short- course RT, 25 Gy/5 fr followed by TME surgery in 6–8 weeks; then follow-up). The data of 140 patients (72 in CRT and 68 in SCRT group) were included in statistical analysis. Primary end points were OS and DFS.
Results: Median follow-up was 60.5 (range, 5–108) months. The 5-year DFS was 67% in the CRT group (n = 72) and 45% in the SCRT group (n = 68) (P = 0.013; HR = 1.88; 95% CI, 1.13–3.12; P = 0.015). The 5-year OS was 79% and 62% in the CRT and SCRT groups, respectively (P = 0.015; HR = 2.05; 95% CI, 1.13–3.70; P = 0.017). The 5-year OS for intent-to-treat (ITT) population (n = 150) was 78% in the CRT and 58% in the SCRT group (P = 0.003; HR = 2.28; 95% CI, 1.30–4.00; P = 0.004).
Conclusions: The 5-year DFS and OS were significantly better in the CRT than the SCRT group. For ITT population, OS was also significantly better after CRT versus SCRT. Full article
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1227 KiB  
Article
Syphilitic coronary artery ostial stenosis resulting in acute myocardial infarction
by Rūta Žvirblytė, Eglė Ereminienė, Aistė Montvilaitė, Antanas Jankauskas and Vytenis Ivanauskas
Medicina 2017, 53(3), 211-216; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1016/j.medici.2017.06.001 - 20 Jun 2017
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2230
Abstract
Cardiovascular abnormalities are well-known manifestations of a late form of syphilis – tertiary syphilis. Since the era of antibiotics, the incidence of late manifestations of syphilis has declined almost to a rare entity. The injury of aorta (the aortitis with a dilatation of [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular abnormalities are well-known manifestations of a late form of syphilis – tertiary syphilis. Since the era of antibiotics, the incidence of late manifestations of syphilis has declined almost to a rare entity. The injury of aorta (the aortitis with a dilatation of aortic root and its associated complications) is the most common between all the cardiovascular lesions. A less common manifestation of syphilitic aortitis is coronary artery ostial narrowing related to aortic wall thickening. We present the case of a 37-year-old male who was treated for an acute myocardial infarction due to bilateral coronary artery ostial stenosis secondary to syphilitic aortitis. According to the multidisciplinary decision, surgical revascularization (coronary artery bypass grafting, CABG) was performed. According to dermatologist recom- mendation, patient postoperative cardiovascular treatment was supplemented with intra- muscular doses of benzathine penicillin recommended for tertiary syphilis. Further follow-up visits were also planned to detect possible changes of the aortic wall, dynamics of aortic regurgitation or potential anastomotic restenosis due to progression of aortitis. Full article
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783 KiB  
Article
Potential to induce dentinal cracks during retreatment procedures of teeth treated with ‘‘Russian red’’: An ex vivo study
by Eglė Nedzinskienė, Vytautė Pečiulienė, Jolanta Aleksejūnienė, Rasmutė Manelienė, Saulius Drukteinis and Audronė Jakaitienė
Medicina 2017, 53(3), 166-172; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1016/j.medici.2017.05.005 - 07 Jun 2017
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1354
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the impact of treatment procedures on roots previously treated with resorcinol–formaldehyde resin and analyze the effectiveness of dye and magnification for the detection of dentin cracks.
Materials and methods: Distal roots of [...] Read more.
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the impact of treatment procedures on roots previously treated with resorcinol–formaldehyde resin and analyze the effectiveness of dye and magnification for the detection of dentin cracks.
Materials and methods: Distal roots of 80 permanent first mandibular molars with a single canal were sectioned at 3 mm and 9 mm from the anatomical apex. Two groups were formed according to the method used for root canal penetration: group 1 (K-file and Pro Taper instruments) and group 2 (Ultrasound with Pro Ultra and Pro Taper files). Before and after the completion of procedures, photographs of the roots were taken for examination for cracks or/and infraction lines with two levels of magnification and with or without a dye. Results: In groups 1 and 2, either with dye or without it, there were statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) with more fractures observed in the coronal than in the apical part of specimens. Statistically significant proportional differences regarding the location of fractures were observed at both magnifications.
When the dye was used, there were no statistically significant differences between the two magnifications in the detection of cracks. In the specimens where the dye was not used, differences between the groups were statistically significant at both magnifications with more complete and intra-dental fractures observed in group 2.
Conclusions: Retreatment methods had a damaging effect on the root dentin of teeth previously treated with resorcinol–formaldehyde resin. At magnification ×16, the efficacy of using the dye for the detection of cracks was higher than detection without the dye. Full article
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1762 KiB  
Review
Alternans in atria: Mechanisms and clinical relevance
by Giedrius Kanaporis and Lothar A. Blatter
Medicina 2017, 53(3), 139-149; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1016/j.medici.2017.04.004 - 07 Jun 2017
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 1526
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia and its prevalence is rapidly rising with the aging of the population. Cardiac alternans, defined as cyclic beat-to-beat alternations in contraction force, action potential (AP) duration and intracellular Ca2+ release at constant stimulation rate, [...] Read more.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia and its prevalence is rapidly rising with the aging of the population. Cardiac alternans, defined as cyclic beat-to-beat alternations in contraction force, action potential (AP) duration and intracellular Ca2+ release at constant stimulation rate, has been associated with the development of ventricular arrhythmias. Recent clinical data also provide strong evidence that alternans plays a central role in arrhythmogenesis in atria. The aim of this article is to review the mechanisms that are responsible for repolarization alternans and contribute to the transition from spatially concordant alternans to the more arrhythmogenic spatially discordant alternans in atria. Full article
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2223 KiB  
Article
A role of alpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone in the modulation of uterine contractility and reproductive function in mouse models
by Enitome E. Bafor, Victory O. Ebidame, Uloma B. Elvis-Offiah, Osemelomen Omoruyi, Gerald I. Eze, Osamwonyi Igbinuwen and Kadiri P. Braimoh
Medicina 2017, 53(3), 190-202; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1016/j.medici.2017.05.002 - 30 May 2017
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1009
Abstract
Background and aim: Alpha-tocopherol has been implicated in reproduction processes, and deficiency of phylloquinone has been associated with serious complications in pregnancy. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the effects of phylloquinone and alphatocopherol on uterine contractility and female reproductive function [...] Read more.
Background and aim: Alpha-tocopherol has been implicated in reproduction processes, and deficiency of phylloquinone has been associated with serious complications in pregnancy. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the effects of phylloquinone and alphatocopherol on uterine contractility and female reproductive function using mouse models.
Materials and methods: Both in vivo and ex vivo animal models were employed and designed to assess changes on uterine contractility and reproductive functions in the non-pregnant uterus. The effect of alpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone on spontaneous uterine contractions, oxytocin-induced uterine contractions (11.82 nM) and high KCl-induced tonic uterine contractions (80 mM) were assessed. The effect of subcutaneous administration of alphatocopherol (10 mg/kg) on reproductive hormone levels and reproductive tissues were also determined.
Results: Alpha-tocopherol increased the force of contractions while phylloquinone decreased the force of uterine contractions. Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (P < 0.01), estrogen (P < 0.01) and progesterone (P < 0.001) were elevated in the presence of alphatocopherol after 6 days subcutaneous administration.
Conclusions: Alpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone have been shown to directly modulate uterine contractility and reproductive function and may contribute to the management and treatment of reproductive disorders. Full article
243 KiB  
Article
Validation of the EFFECT questionnaire for competence-based clinical teaching in residency training in Lithuania
by Eglė Vaižgėlienė, Žilvinas Padaiga, Daiva Rastenytė, Algimantas Tamelis, Kęstutis Petrikonis, Rima Kregždytė and Cornelia Fluit
Medicina 2017, 53(3), 173-178; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1016/j.medici.2017.05.001 - 26 May 2017
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1378
Abstract
Background and aim: In 2013, all residency programs at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences were renewed into a competency-based medical education curriculum. To assess the quality of clinical teaching in residency training, we chose the EFFECT (evaluation and feedback for effective [...] Read more.
Background and aim: In 2013, all residency programs at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences were renewed into a competency-based medical education curriculum. To assess the quality of clinical teaching in residency training, we chose the EFFECT (evaluation and feedback for effective clinical teaching) questionnaire designed and validated at the Rad- boud University Medical Centre in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to validate the EFFECT questionnaire for quality assessment of clinical teaching in residency training.
Materials and methods: The research was conducted as an online survey using the questionnaire containing 58 items in 7 domains. The questionnaire was double-translated into Lithuanian. It was sent to 182 residents of 7 residency programs (anesthesiology reanimathology, cardiology, dermatovenerology, emergency medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, physical medicine and rehabilitation). Overall, 333 questionnaires about 146 clinical teachers were filled in. To determine the item characteristics and internal consistency (Cronbach's α), the item and reliability analyses were performed. Furthermore, confirmatory factor analysis (CFI) was performed using a model for maximum-likelihood estimation.
Results: Cronbach's α within different domains ranged between 0.91 and 0.97 and was comparable with the original version of the questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated satisfactory model-fit with CFI of 0.841 and absolute model-fit RMSEA of 0.098. Conclusions: The results suggest that the Lithuanian version of the EFFECT maintains its original validity and may serve as a valid instrument for quality assessment of clinical teaching in competency-based residency training in Lithuania. Full article
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