Bratisl Med J
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Medication adherence is crucial for optimal treatment outcomes, yet many patients struggle to follow their prescribed regimens, impacting patients, families, and healthcare systems. Measurement of adherence is vital for effective care planning and intervention. This review explores medication adherence challenges and measurement methods, including therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), medication event monitoring system (MEMS), analysis of adherence in insurance/pharmacy database, pill counts, and self-reports, each with its advantages and limitations. ⋯ In summary, medication adherence is vital but complex. The article covers various adherence measurement methods to promote medication adherence as an important matter (Tab. 5, Fig. 2, Ref. 91). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: medication adherence, adherence barriers, primary non-adherence, medication event monitoring system, pill count, self-report.
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Review Comparative Study
A comparative review of coronary computed tomography angiography and myocardial perfusion imaging.
Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Non-invasive imaging techniques have revolutionized the diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease. ⋯ In parallel, we discuss the role of coronary computed tomography angiography and myocardial perfusion imaging in the diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease, their comparative efficacy, and their potential to guide subsequent interventions (Fig. 4, Ref. 70). Keywords: angiography, heart, perfusion, myocardial blood flow, ischemic heart disease.
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C4d, a split product of C4 activation in classical and lectin pathways of the complement system activation, has been regarded as a footprint of tissue damage in antibody-mediated rejection in transplantology. The introduction of C4d staining into daily clinical practice aroused an ever-increasing interest in the role of antibody-mediated mechanisms in kidney allograft rejection. However, this marker of complement activation is also important in other various kidney glomerular pathologies such as immunoglobulin A nephropathy, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, lupus nephritis, and others. ⋯ Immunohistochemical staining for C4d has revolutionized the field of renal histopathology. Despite being a simple diagnostic test, its utility can be of utmost importance, especially in a resource-poor setting where immunofluorescence and frozen tissue may not be available (Fig. 2, Ref. 53). Keywords: C4d deposition, immunohistochemistry, kidney glomerular diseases, kidney transplant, renal tubular damage.
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This study aims to explore new treatments for type 1 diabetes that could serve as an alternative or adjunct to insulin therapy. This is a literature review based on a search of relevant scientific articles in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases. The scrutiny of publications revealed that the introduction of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists into insulin therapy can improve disease control and reduce the frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes. ⋯ While gene therapy holds promise, much of its research is currently in the preclinical stage. Further development of innovative therapies for type 1 diabetes has the potential to enhance the quality of life of patients, improve disease control and prevent the development of complications (Fig. 1, Ref. 54). Keywords: diabetes type 1, treatment, cell therapy, insulin, pancreatic β-cells.
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Cardio-cerebral infarction (CCI) is a term coined to describe concomitant myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke. Acute myocardial infarction and stroke, as separate events, constitute some of the most important causes for disability and mortality in aging societies. Stroke can either occur simultaneously with myocardial infarction or become a serious complication of myocardial infarction and/or its treatment. ⋯ In this review we have focused on the current literacy in the diagnosis and treatment of CCIs. The paper illustrates potential distinct scenarios of CCI through the analysis of three patient cases (Fig. 5, Ref. 65). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: myocardial infarction, stroke, cardio-cerebral infarction, carotid artery stenting, cardiac surgery.