To assess the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) correlation with histopathologic and clinical characteristics of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the impact of EGFR overexpression on patient survival. This retrospective study included 185 SCC patients treated at Clinical Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Split University Hospital Center between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2009. A statistically significant correlation (p < 0.001) was recorded between the level of EGFR expression and SCC histopathologic grade, stage, metastasizing potential, relapsing potential, and patient survival. Kaplan-Meier survival curve yielded a statistically significant difference (χ(2) = 75.05; p < 0.001) among the four patient groups with different levels of EGFR expression. The higher the level of EGFR expression, the poorer is the patient prognosis and survival. In our study, expression of EGFR as a biomarker showed a potential predictive value in laryngeal SCC.
The ubiquitous distribution of vitamin D receptors in the human body is responsible for the pleiotropic effects of vitamin D-receptor activation. We discuss the possible beneficial effects of a selective activator of vitamin D receptor, paricalcitol, on the cardiovascular system in chronic heart failure patients and chronic kidney patients, in light of new trials. Paricalcitol should provide additional clinical benefits over the standard treatment for chronic kidney and heart failure, especially in cases of cardiorenal syndrome.
Toothbrush ingestion is rare and most commonly seen in patients with psychiatric comorbidities and in young women with a medical history of eating disorders who try to induce emesis. Long ingested objects, such as a toothbrush, cannot pass the gastrointestinal tract spontaneously and require endoscopic removal or even a surgical approach in cases of unsuccessful endoscopic removal or complication development. We present a case of a 71-year-old male with hiatal hernia without psychiatric or neurological comorbidity who accidentally ingested a toothbrush during oral hygiene routine. After X-ray confirmation, the toothbrush was removed endoscopically.
Background: With the global trend towards an increasing aging population, there is a corresponding increase in the health problems associated with elderly population. Older people need more and more health services. According to the fews research, influencing factors on health care practice of the health workers towards the elderly in geriatric hospitals included knowledge, attitude, and gerontological education.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if education in gerontology affects attitude towards ageing and the elderly among students at the University of Split. An additional objective was to determine the extent to which the students’ socio-demographic status (age, sex, domicile), different education and experience of life with the elderly affect their attitude towards ageing and the elderly.Methods: The population included in this study consisted of 301 students of the University of Split, 153 of whom attended the Faculty of Maritime Studies and 148 the School of Medicine. A total of 45 students had attended training in gerontology, while 265 had none. Information was gathered through a questionnaire that consisted of 3 parts: one investigating their socio-demographic characteristics, another looking into their attitudes towards the elderly (the Kogan score scale) and Palmer’s competence test.Results: A difference in attitude has been observed between students who had had training in gerontology compared to those who had none. Socio-demographic factors, different education and the experience of life with the elderly also affect student attitudes. Overall, School of Medicine students had a more positive attitude than those of the Faculty of Maritime Studies.Conclusion: Education in gerontology helps form a more positive attitude towards the elderly among students, meaning that educational programs should be changed with the aim of reducing the stigmatization of the elderly.
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