Evaluation of parathyroid function and mineral metabolism in psychiatric patients using lithium salts.

Objective: To evaluate parathyroid function and mineral metabolism in psychiatric patients users of lithium salts.

Materials And Methods: We measured the serum levels of calcium, ionized calcium, inorganic phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), urea, creatinine, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D and lithium of 35 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder in use of lithium carbonate (LC) for at least one year (Lithium Group - LG) and 35 healthy subjects (Control Group - CG).

Results: The LG and CG were matched by sex and age.

Five-year follow-up of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system versus thermal balloon ablation for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The study was conducted to compare 5-year follow-up of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) or thermal balloon ablation (TBA) for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).

Study Design: A prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing LNG-IUS (n=30) and TBA (n=28) was performed. Hysterectomy rates, hemoglobin level, bleeding pattern, well-being status and satisfaction rates were assessed.

Density of mast cells and microvessels in minor salivary gland tumors.

The aim of this study was to investigate the density of mast cells and microvessels in minor salivary gland tumors. Forty-one cases of minor salivary gland tumors (pleomorphic adenoma, n = 10; adenoid cystic carcinoma, n = 11; mucoepidermoid carcinoma, n = 10; and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma) were investigated using immunohistochemistry for mast cell tryptase and von-Willebrand factor. Density of mast cells was higher in mucoepidermoid carcinoma; however, no differences in the number of these cells were observed between the different types of tumors (p > 0.

Bone mineral density and body composition in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty before and after treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist.

Objectives: Idiopathic central precocious puberty and its postponement with a (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) GnRH agonist are complex conditions, the final effects of which on bone mass are difficult to define. We evaluated bone mass, body composition, and bone remodeling in two groups of girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty, namely one group that was assessed at diagnosis and a second group that was assessed three years after GnRH agonist treatment.

Methods: The precocious puberty diagnosis and precocious puberty treatment groups consisted of 12 girls matched for age and weight to corresponding control groups of 12 (CD) and 14 (CT) girls, respectively.

Telomerase activity alterations in sequential passages of mouse embryonic stem cells.

Telomerase is associated with cell proliferation capacity, protection and stabilization of chromosomes. TA (telomerase activity) can be detected in highly replicative cells, e.g.

Consequences of lifetime isolated growth hormone (GH) deficiency and effects of short-term GH treatment on bone in adults with a mutation in the GHRH-receptor gene.

Objective: Growth hormone (GH) influences bone mass maintenance. However, the consequences of lifetime isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) on bone are not well established. We assessed the bone status and the effect of 6 months of GH replacement in GH-naive adults with IGHD due to a homozygous mutation of the GH-releasing hormone (GHRH)-receptor gene (GHRHR).

Evaluation of bone and mineral metabolism in patients recently diagnosed with leprosy.

This study was conducted to evaluate patients recently diagnosed with the tuberculoid and lepromatous forms of leprosy for bone mass, bone remodeling, and hormones related to mineral control. Eleven normal control individuals (CG) and 12 patients with leprosy (LG) matched for physical characteristics were submitted to evaluation of bone mass density (BMD) and to the determination of serum levels of PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], testosterone, LH, FSH, osteocalcin (OC), and urinary levels of deoxypyridinoline (DPD). The T score of lumbar spine and total radius (mean +/- SD) were significantly lower in leprosy patients (L1-L4: CG = -0.

Mönckeberg's sclerosis - is the artery the only target of calcification?

Background: Since its first description, Mönckeberg's sclerosis has only been related to arterial media calcification, being listed among the primary diseases of the vessels.

Case Presentation: We report here a clinically and histologically confirmed case of Mönckeberg's sclerosis in which the patient presented with massive areas of soft tissue calcifications in the pharynx and larynx. Polysomnographic parameters showed severe obstructive apnea refractory to nasal continuous positive airway pressure.