The usefulness of CBF brain SPECT in forensic medicine: the civil law code cases. A description of four cases

BACKGROUND: The aim of this report was to assess the usefulness of cerebral blood flow (CBF) scanning utilising the SPECT technique in forensic medicine cases in the area of civil law cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CBF SPECT scanning was performed in four patients utilising 99mTc-ECD and a triple-head gammacamera. In the analysis both the asymmetry index and cerebellar normalisation were applied. Reference values were obtained by studying 30 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: In those cases CBF SPECT scanning played an important role in forensic argument. It influenced the sentence and the amount of financial compensation. CONCLUSIONS: CBF SPECT scanning may provide valuable information in forensic medicine argument in civil law cases, but only when taken together with psychometric tests and other neuroimaging methods (CT, MRI). The value of CBF SPECT scanning alone may be limited in judicial proceedings

The influence of IGF-1 on fetal growth during pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an important part of IGF system. The structure and function of IGF-1 are similar to that of insulin. Thus, IGF-1 may participate both in the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pathogenesis and the development of some complications. IGF-1, as one of the most important growth factors “in utero”, may influence the intrauterine growth leading to fetal macrosomia. The aim of the study was to present the structure and function of IGF-1 in terms of carbohydrate metabolism disturbances and to determine the role of IGF-1 on fetal growth during pregnancy complicated by GDM. Fetal growth is an extremely complex process and depends on many factors, including IGF-1 concentration

The Role of Nutrition in Pathogenesis of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that arise from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus and are the most common tumors in women. Due to their high prevalence, costs for the health care system and the substantial impact on women’s quality of life, they are a significant public health concern. Previous literature on the impact of diet on the occurrence, growth and symptoms of fibroids is limited. Recently, many papers have been written on this topic. A scoping review of PubMed and Cochrane databases was performed using the following keywords: uterine fibroids, antioxidants, diet, diet, vegetarian, vegetables, fruits, meat and soy foods, dairy products, tea, vitamin D, vitamin C, ascorbic acid. Preliminary research has shown a beneficial effect of vegetable and fruit consumption on the occurrence of fibroids. A relationship between hypovitaminosis D and an increased risk of fibroids has also been demonstrated. Studies on epigallocatechin gallate showed its apoptosis-promoting and antifibrinolytic effect in fibroid cells. Initial results are promising, but further randomized trials are needed to draw firm conclusions about the effects of diet and nutrients on uterine fibroids

C1q/TNF-Related Protein-3 (CTRP-3) and Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) Concentrations in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder in pregnant women, defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first detected during pregnancy. Explanation of its pathogenesis is extremely important due to the possibility of preventing serious maternal and fetal complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of two molecules: C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-3 (CTRP-3) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) which may possibly participate in GDM development. To our knowledge, this is the first study in pregnant women with GDM evaluating CTRP-3 level. Methods: Serum CTRP-3 and PEDF concentration and clinical characteristics were detected in 172 pregnant women. These women were divided into two groups: normal glucose tolerance group (NGT, n = 54) and gestational diabetes mellitus group (GDM, n = 118). This second group was further divided into two subgroups depending on the treatment used: GDM 1—diet only (n = 75) and GDM 2—insulin treatment (n = 43). Results: Our study did not reveal any statistically significant difference between the concentration of PEDF in the control and GDM group. In our study there was a significantly higher concentration of CTRP-3 evaluated in the peripheral blood serum in patients with gestational diabetes (GDM) compared to those in the control group (8.84 vs. 4.79 ng/mL). Significantly higher values of CTRP-3 were observed in both the diet-treated subgroup and the group with insulin therapy when compared to control group (8.40 and 10.96, respectively vs. 4.79 ng/mL). Conclusion: PEDF concentration does not change in GDM, whereas an increased level of CTRP-3 may point to the key role of this adipokine in the development of GDM

Characteristics of psychiatric inpatients diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders caused by psychoactive substances (F11-19 block), with a focus on NPS and psychiatric co-morbidities

ObjectivesThis study analyzed the prevalence of new psychoactive substance (NPS) use in the analyzed group and compared demographic features and psychoactive substance profiles between the 2 subgroups (NPS users, non-NPS users). The secondary measure was used to determine the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in study group and to compare demographic features and psychoactive substance profiles between 2 subgroups (the F11–19 only diagnosed group and the F11–19 group with psychiatric comorbidities according to ICD-10).Material and MethodsA 12-month retrospective cross-sectional analysis of medical records compiled for adult psychiatric patients who had been admitted to the Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Olsztyn, Poland, in October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017 was conducted. After analyzing the available medical records, 157 cases were included and analyzed. Data for the study were collected in a specially designed monitoring card from discharge reports, including data from psychiatric examinations, especially anamnesis. Results: The most commonly declared psychoactive substances were amphetamine (AMF) – 54% and cannabinoids – 46%. The prevalence of NPS use in the study group was 34%. Inpatients taking NPS, as compared with non-NPS users, were younger and more often admitted to hospital through the Emergency Department. It was also found that NPS users more often took AMF or cannabinoids, and less frequently benzodiazepines (BDZ) or opioids. However, the taking of AMF, cannabinoids and BDZ was also age-dependent.ConclusionsThe prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in the study group was 9%. Inpatients with psychiatric comorbidities were older and took BDZ significantly more often than AMF. In addition, NPS use affects different groups, including a specific group as the analyzed sample, which shows a similar NPS use profile as different groups described in the literature

Correlation between maternal age and the percentage of mDCs, pDCs and TREGs in patients with miscarriage.

<p>Correlation between maternal age and the percentage of mDCs, pDCs and TREGs in patients with miscarriage.</p

Cytometric analysis of peripheral blood T regulatory cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) of a patient at the 10th week of normal pregnancy.

<p>The evaluation of TREGS percentage was conducted among CD4+ cells in P1 population (Fig 2A). Fig 2B-C show negative controls of the sample. Fig 2D-E show the helper cells (CD4+) expressing CD25 antigen (Fig 2D) and Foxp3 antigen (Fig 2E). Fig 2F shows the population of TREGs cells (CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+) in the test sample.</p