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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 49, Issue 2 (February 2013) – 8 articles

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241 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Physiotherapy in Addition to Testosterone Replacement Therapy on the Efficiency of the Motor System in Men With Hypogonadism
by Rasa Bacevičienė, Laura Valonytė and Jonas Čeponis
Medicina 2013, 49(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina49020013 - 30 Apr 2013
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 872
Abstract
Background and Objective. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the addition of physiotherapy to testosterone replacement therapy provides added benefit in improving functional capacity of the motor system in men with hypogonadism.
Material and Methods
. The study involved [...] Read more.
Background and Objective. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the addition of physiotherapy to testosterone replacement therapy provides added benefit in improving functional capacity of the motor system in men with hypogonadism.
Material and Methods
. The study involved 3 groups of subjects: group 1, healthy men (n=20); group 2, men with hypogonadism who underwent testosterone replacement therapy with physiotherapy (TRT+PT) (n=8); and group 3, men with hypogonadism who underwent testosterone replacement therapy alone (TRT) (n=10). Physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ]) and body composition (X-SCAN analysis) were analyzed; the vertical jump test (Leonardo Mechanography®) was applied.
Results. The application of testosterone replacement therapy together with physiotherapy for 6 months significantly increased the maximum and relative power of jump in the subjects in the TRT+PT group; however, in the TRT group, no statistically significant difference was observed. The maximum jump height for the subjects in the TRT+PT group significantly increased 6 months after the intervention; however, in the TRT group, this index remained unaltered. The lean body mass of the subjects in the TRT+PT group increased (P<0.05); however, in the TRT group, it did not change. The relative fat body mass in the TRT+PT group decreased significantly (P<0.05), but, in the TRT group, it had a tendency to increase, though insignifi cantly.
Conclusions
. Our results suggest that the application of testosterone replacement therapy together with physiotherapy (1 hour twice weekly) in men with hypogonadism may lead to earlier and better results in comparison with testosterone replacement therapy applied alone. Full article
305 KiB  
Article
Protecting the Heart Against Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Necrosis and Apoptosis: the Effect of Anthocyanins
by Kristina Škėmienė, Giedrė Jablonskienė, Julius Liobikas and Vilmantė Borutaitė
Medicina 2013, 49(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina49020015 - 05 Mar 2013
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 958
Abstract
Background and Objective. It is well known that cardiomyocyte apoptosis contributes to ischemic heart damage. There is also increasing evidence that the polyphenolic compounds of natural origin, such as anthocyanins, may attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury though the mechanisms of such protection are not [...] Read more.
Background and Objective. It is well known that cardiomyocyte apoptosis contributes to ischemic heart damage. There is also increasing evidence that the polyphenolic compounds of natural origin, such as anthocyanins, may attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury though the mechanisms of such protection are not clear. Following our previous studies showing the effect of certain anthocyanins on cytochrome c redox state, mitochondrial functions, and ischemia-induced caspase activation in the heart, here we investigated whether these anthocyanins can rescue cardiac cells from death by the mechanism involving the reduction of cytosolic cytochrome c.
Material and Methods
. Before global ischemia and reperfusion, isolated rat hearts were preloaded with cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Cy3G) that has high cytochrome c-reducing capacity or pelargonidin- 3-O-glucoside (Pg3G) that possesses low reducing activity. Cell death was evaluated assessing apoptosis by the TUNEL method or necrosis measuring the release of lactate dehydrogenase into perfusate.
Results
. The perfusion of hearts with 20-μM Cy3G prevented ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes: the number of TUNEL-positive myocytes was decreased by 73% if compared with the untreated ischemic group. The same effect was observed measuring the activity of lactate dehydrogenase as the measure of necrosis: perfusion with 20-μM Cy3G reduced the level of LDH release into the perfusate to the control level. The perfusion of hearts with 20-μM Pg3G did not prevent ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis as well as necrosis.
Conclusions
. Cy3G protected the rat heart from ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis and necrosis; meanwhile, Pg3G did not exert any protective effect. The protective effect of Cy3G may be related due to its high capacity to reduce cytosolic cytochrome c. Full article
618 KiB  
Article
High-Resolution Melting-Based Quantitative Analysis of RASSF1 Methylation in Breast Cancer
by Kristina Stuopelytė, Kristina Daniūnaitė, Aida Laurinavičienė, Valerijus Ostapenko and Sonata Jarmalaitė
Medicina 2013, 49(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina49020014 - 05 Mar 2013
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 937
Abstract
Background and Objective. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer among women worldwide. The aberrant promoter methylation of tumor suppressor genes is a typical epigenetic alteration for breast cancer and can be detected in early carcinogenesis. High-throughput and cost-effective [...] Read more.
Background and Objective. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer among women worldwide. The aberrant promoter methylation of tumor suppressor genes is a typical epigenetic alteration for breast cancer and can be detected in early carcinogenesis. High-throughput and cost-effective methods are needed for the early and sensitive detection of epigenetic changes in clinical material. The main purpose of our study was to optimize a high-resolution melting (HRM) assay for the reliable and quantitative assessment of RASSF1 gene methylation, which is considered one of the earliest epigenetic alterations in breast cancer.
Material and Methods
. A total of 76 breast carcinomas and 10 noncancerous breast tissues were studied by means of HRM and compared with the results obtained by means of quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (QMSP) and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP).
Results
. Both quantitative methods, HRM and QMSP, showed a similar specificity and sensitivity for the detection of RASSF1 methylation in breast cancer (about 80% and 70%, respectively). In breast cancer, the mean methylation intensity of RASSF1 was 42.5% and 48.6% according to HRM and QMSP, respectively. Both methods detected low levels of methylation (less than 5%) in noncancerous breast tissues. In comparison with quantitative methods, MSP showed a lower sensitivity (70%), but a higher specificity (80%) for the detection of RASSF1 methylation in breast cancer.
Conclusions
. HRM is as a simple, cost-effective method for the reliable high-throughput quantification of DNA methylation in clinical material. Full article
589 KiB  
Article
A Mediastinal Mass Mimicking Asthma Symptoms
by Valdonė Misevičienė, Liutauras Labanauskas, Rosita Kiudelienė, Rimantas Kėvalas, Jurgita Zaveckienė and Lina Jankauskaitė
Medicina 2013, 49(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina49020012 - 05 Mar 2013
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 837
Abstract
Extramedullary myeloid sarcoma is a rare form of myelogenous leukemia. It can involve any anatomical body part. Mediastinal involvement is reported in only few cases. We report on a case of extramedullary myeloid sarcoma presenting as a mediastinal mass in a previously healthy [...] Read more.
Extramedullary myeloid sarcoma is a rare form of myelogenous leukemia. It can involve any anatomical body part. Mediastinal involvement is reported in only few cases. We report on a case of extramedullary myeloid sarcoma presenting as a mediastinal mass in a previously healthy nonleukemic male teenager with primary asthmatic complaints and the signs of superior vena cava syndrome. Full article
215 KiB  
Article
Heterogeneity of Oral Clefts in Relation to Associated Congenital Anomalies
by Aušra Matulevičienė, Eglė Preikšaitienė, Laura Linkevičienė, Marijus Radavičius, Alma Molytė, Algirdas Utkus and Vaidutis Kučinskas
Medicina 2013, 49(2), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina49020011 - 05 Mar 2013
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 853
Abstract
Background and Objective. The first step in the search for the genetic basis of oral clefts should be the well-accepted classification and clinical data protocols, which are important in distinguishing separate phenotypic groups. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency [...] Read more.
Background and Objective. The first step in the search for the genetic basis of oral clefts should be the well-accepted classification and clinical data protocols, which are important in distinguishing separate phenotypic groups. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of congenital malformations associated with oral clefts between the different groups of oral clefts.
Material and Methods
. The study population comprised 238 patients with oral clefts and one or more major congenital anomalies. All cases of oral clefts were subdivided into 2 groups: patients with the recognized conditions (n=97, 40.8%) and patients with the multiple congenital anomalies of unknown origin (n=141, 59.2%). The frequency of associated congenital anomalies was compared between the cleft palate (CP) and cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) groups as well as between the cleft lip only (CL) and cleft lip with cleft palate (CLP) subgroups.
Results. A total of 420 anomalies associated with oral clefts were diagnosed in 141 patients with multiple congenital anomalies (2.98 anomalies per proband) with the highest incidence being in the CP group (3.5 anomalies per proband). Comparison of the CP and CL/P groups showed that some of associated congenital anomalies such as atresia and stenosis of the small intestine and micrognathia occurred significantly more often in the CP than CL/P group (2.1% vs. 0% and 3.5% vs. 1.1%; P<0.05). Meanwhile, comparison of the CL and CLP subgroups revealed accessory auricle, other specified anomalies of the ear, congenital anomalies of the circulatory system, and certain congenital musculoskeletal deformities of the spine to be more common in the CL than CLP group (5.1% and 0.5%, 11.9% and 5.1%, 3.4% and 0%, 3.4% and 0%, respectively; P<0.05).
Conclusions
. The highest incidence of associated congenital anomalies was in the CP group followed by the CL, CL/P, and CLP groups. Generally, the anomalies of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, and face including eye, ear, and neck were most common. The careful analysis of associated anomalies and cases of oral cleft subgroups with multiple congenital anomalies is helpful in identifying the etiologic entities and underscores the need for thorough evaluation and competent distinction of various types of oral clefts. Full article
194 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Operation Technique on Long-Term Results of Achalasia Treatment
by Mindaugas Kiudelis, Kristina Mechonosina, Antanas Mickevičius, Almantas Maleckas and Žilvinas Endzinas
Medicina 2013, 49(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina49020010 - 05 Mar 2013
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 820
Abstract
Currently, the most effective therapy for achalasia is laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term results between 2 different laparoscopic operation techniques in achalasia treatment.
Material and Methods.
This was a retrospective study, where [...] Read more.
Currently, the most effective therapy for achalasia is laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term results between 2 different laparoscopic operation techniques in achalasia treatment.
Material and Methods.
This was a retrospective study, where 46 achalasia patients were examined: 23 patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy followed by the full gastric fundus mobilization, total hiatal dissection, and posterior Toupet (270°) fundoplication (group 1); other 23 patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy with limited surgical cardia region dissection, not dividing the short gastric vessels and performing anterior partial Dor fundoplication (group 2). Long-term findings included the evaluation of postoperative dysphagia according Vantrappen and Hellemans and intensity of heartburn according the standard grading system.
Results
. The patients in these 2 groups were similar in terms of age, weight, height, and postoperative hospital stay. The median follow-up was 66 months in the group 1 and 39 months in the group 2 (P<0.05). Laparoscopic operation was effective in 82.6% of patients (excellent and good results) in the group 1; treatment was effective in 78.3% of patients in the group 2 (P>0.05). Clinically significant heartburn was documented in 39% of patients in the group 1 and only in 13% of patients in the group 2 (P<0.05).
Conclusions
. According our study results, both laparoscopic techniques were similarly effective (82.6% vs. 78.3%) in achalasia treatment. Postoperative heartburn was significantly more common (39% vs. 13%) after laparoscopic myotomy, followed by the full gastric fundus mobilization, total hiatal dissection, and posterior Toupet (270°) fundoplication. Full article
324 KiB  
Article
Delayed Diagnosis of Lyme Neuroborreliosis Presenting with Abducens Neuropathy Without Intrathecal Synthesis of Borrelia Antibodies
by Daiva Radzišauskienė, Arvydas Ambrozaitis and Eglė Marciuškienė
Medicina 2013, 49(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina49020016 - 20 Feb 2013
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 888
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-born infection in Europe. Global climate change expanding the range of tick vectors and an increase in the incidence suggest that this disease will remain an important health issue in the forthcoming decades. Lyme borreliosis is a [...] Read more.
Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-born infection in Europe. Global climate change expanding the range of tick vectors and an increase in the incidence suggest that this disease will remain an important health issue in the forthcoming decades. Lyme borreliosis is a multisystem organ disorder affecting the nervous system in 10% to 15% of cases. Lyme neuroborreliosis can present with any disorder of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The neuro-ophthalmological manifestations are a rare feature of the disease. The intrathecal synthesis of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies is of diagnostic importance, but in rare cases, immunoglobulins against the Borrelia burgdorferi antigen may not be detected. We report a case of possible Lyme neuroborreliosis presenting with sixth cranial nerve neuropathy at the onset of the disease further developing into typical meningoradiculitis and multiple mononeuropathy. Surprisingly, Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies were not detected in the cerebrospinal fluid. Full article
214 KiB  
Article
Lack of Association Between CYP17 Mspa1 Polymorphism and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of 14 494 Cases and 15 971 Controls
by Guoqi Song, Ling Gu, Fuliang Tian, Qian Bao, Zhipeng Tang and Shukui Wang
Medicina 2013, 49(2), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina49020009 - 02 Feb 2013
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 810
Abstract
Background and Objective. A T-to-C polymorphism that creates a recognition site for the MspA1 restriction enzyme in the 5’ promoter region of CYP17 has been implicated as a risk factor for prostate cancer. To date, many studies have evaluated associations between the [...] Read more.
Background and Objective. A T-to-C polymorphism that creates a recognition site for the MspA1 restriction enzyme in the 5’ promoter region of CYP17 has been implicated as a risk factor for prostate cancer. To date, many studies have evaluated associations between the CYP17 MspA1 polymorphism and prostate cancer risk; however, the results were controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to investigate the association between the CYP17 MspA1 polymorphism and the risk of prostate cancer. Material and Methods. By searching the Pubmed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, EBSCO databases, 36 studies including 14 494 cases and 15 971 controls were collected. Odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the association.
Results
. The overall results showed no significant association between the CYP17 MspA1 polymorphism and the risk of prostate cancer (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.92–1.25 for A2/A2 vs. A1/A1; OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.92–1.12 for A1/A2 vs. A1/A1; OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.94–1.22 for A2/A2 vs. A1/A2+A1/A1; OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.93–1.14 for A1/A2+A2/A2 vs. A1/A1). In the stratified analysis according to ethnicity, no significant associations were observed in Asian, European, and African populations in all genetic models. In the stratified analysis by the source of controls and inpatients were found to have an increased risk of prostate cancer in all genetic models.
Conclusions
. The meta-analysis suggests that the CYP17 MspA1 polymorphism is unlikely to increase the risk of prostate cancer in a wide population. Full article
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