Oxidative Stress in ICU Patients: ROS as Mortality Long-Term Predictor.

Lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and mutations in mitochondrial DNA generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are involved in cell death and inflammatory response syndrome. ROS can also act as a signal in the intracellular pathways involved in normal cell growth and homeostasis, as well as in response to metabolic adaptations, autophagy, immunity, differentiation and cell aging, the latter of which is an important characteristic in acute and chronic pathologies. Thus, the measurement of ROS levels of critically ill patients, upon admission, enables a prediction not only of the severity of the inflammatory response, but also of its subsequent potential outcome.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Intensive Care Unit Patients.

Background: In patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), mortality is high due to multiple organ damage. Mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired oxygen consumption, as causative mechanisms, play a significant role in reducing the activity of immune cells in sepsis, resulting in the progression of the multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS). The evaluation of mitochondrial function in critical care patients in the immune cells, especially in lymphocytes, could reveal the target point that determines mitochondrial failure.

Improving the competency of medical students in clinical breast examination through a standardized simulation and multimedia-based curriculum.

Purpose: Clinical breast examination (CBE) is an important step in the assessment of patients with breast-related complaints. We developed a standardized simulation and multimedia-based (SSMBI) curriculum using current evidenced-based recommendations. This study aimed to determine if SSMBI training resulted in better performance (examination scores and detection of abnormal findings) than the traditional teaching method.

Two-year results of intermittent electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Background: Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) electrical stimulation therapy (EST) has been shown to improve outcome in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients at 1 year. The aim of this open-label extension trial (NCT01578642) was to study the 2-year safety and efficacy of LES-EST in GERD patients.

Methods: GERD patients responsive partially to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) with off-PPI GERD health-related quality of life (HRQL) of ≥20, 24-hour esophageal pH ≤4.

Electrical stimulation therapy of the lower esophageal sphincter is successful in treating GERD: final results of open-label prospective trial.

Background: Electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) improves LES pressure without interfering with LES relaxation. The aim of this open-label pilot trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of long-term LES stimulation using a permanently implanted LES stimulator in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods: GERD patients who were at least partially responsive to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) with abnormal esophageal pH, hiatal hernia ≤ 3 cm, and esophagitis ≤ LA grade C were included.

Stauffer's syndrome with jaundice, a paraneoplastic manifestation of renal cell carcinoma: a case report.

Objective: To report an infrequent case of Stauffer's Syndrome with jaundice as a paraneoplastic syndrome of a metastatic renal cancer.

Methods: We describe the set up of cholestatic jaundice without neoplastic liver infiltration in a patient with a metastatic renal cell carcinoma, which turned back with surgery and systemic treatment.

Results: Proper treatment of baseline disease enables turn back paraneoplastic signs and symptoms of Stauffer's Syndrome.