Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of individual circadian preferences of drivers with fixed night work schedules on sleep patterns. ⋯ The drivers reported that morning preference had a significant effect on their sleep pattern indicating less REM sleep and longer REM sleep latency in the morning preference group. Thus, it is important to evaluate interactions between individual aspects of health and other parameters, such as sleep quality and work organizational factors, to promote night shift workers' health and well-being.
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The aim of this study was to estimate the serum levels of surfactant protein D (SP-D), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to assess the correlation of these indices with COPD severity. ⋯ SP-D, sICAM and hs-CRP were significantly higher in COPD patients in comparison with controls. Moreover, SP-D, sICAM-1, and hs-CRP were significantly negatively correlated with FEV1%. Accordingly, estimation of these biochemical indices may be used as biomarkers for assessment of COPD severity.
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This study was designed to assess the factors that influence immediate extubation following totally thoracoscopic closure of congenital heart defects. ⋯ UFTA and immediate extubation in the operating room was feasible and safe in the majority of patients undergoing totally thoracoscopic closure of ASD or VSD. Preoperational pulmonary hypertension, duration of the surgery, and the dosage of fentanyl used for UFTA were the determining factors for immediate extubation.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate autonomic nervous system dysfunction by measuring pupil sizes in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis. ⋯ This study showed that the pupil size in response to a light stimulus in children with allergic rhinitis was smaller than that of the control group and may indicate parasympathetic hyperactivity and sympathetic hypoactivity.
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The aim of the study was to investigate the behavior, beliefs and attitudes of Polish primary care physicians concerning the use of placebo interventions. ⋯ The use and prescription of placebo interventions seemed to be very common among Polish primary care physicians studied and they generally had positive attitudes towards their use and effectiveness.