Variceal bleeding has increased mortality compared to nonvariceal bleeding only in males.

Background: Gastrointestinal bleedings (GIBs) are frequent in cirrhotic patients and lead to high morbidity and mortality. Lately, there have been conflicting reports on the role of and bleeding type [variceal bleeding and nonvariceal bleeding (NVB)]. This study investigated the predictors of mortality in patients with variceal bleeding and NVB with relationship to sex differences.

Temporal dynamics of cortisol-associated changes in mRNA expression of glucocorticoid responsive genes FKBP5, GILZ, SDPR, PER1, PER2 and PER3 in healthy humans.

Secretion of the stress hormone cortisol follows a circadian rhythm and is stimulated following stress exposure. Cortisol regulates the transcription of several genes, primarily through activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Previously, we showed an upregulation of PERIOD genes PER1 and PER3 after pharmacological/glucocorticoid challenge in vivo and in vitro.

[Application of CAVI Index in Clinical Practice: Calculated Vascular Age as a Tool for Decision on Additional Examination of Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases].

Objective: to analyze correspondence between determination of vascular age of patients with cardiovascular diseases by volumetric sphygmography and their chronological age, and to assess the influence of lipid factors and atherosclerotic lesions in carotid arteries (CA) on parameters associated with the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI).

Material And Methods: Clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination which included volumetric sphygmography was carried out in 185 patients with various cardiovascular diseases. Calculated vascular age was determined on the basis of graphic conversion of ratio of CAVI and true age of a patient.

[Application of Methods of Assessment of Vascular Wall Stiffness in Clinical Practice: Capabilities of Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index].

This paper contains discussion of application of methods of assessment of vascular stiffness in clinical practice, comparison of such parameters as pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), as well as analysis of advantages of cardio-ankle CAVI for diagnosis, evaluation of effectiveness of treatment, and prognosis in various cardiovascular diseases.

Antibiotic resistance of Gram-negative benthic bacteria isolated from the sediments of Kardzhali Dam (Bulgaria).

The aim of the present study was to carry out a preliminary assessment for the occurrence of bacterial strains resistant to frequently used antibiotics in the sediments beneath the sturgeon cage farm in Kardzhali Dam (Bulgaria). Samples were taken from the top 2 cm of sediments under a fish farm and from a control station in the aquatory of the reservoir in the period July-October 2011. Surveillance of bacterial susceptibility to 16 antimicrobial agents was performed for 160 Gram-negative strains ( - 100 strains; - 30 strains; and - 30 strains).