Prejudice and Fear as Influences in Relation to a Successful Organ Donation - Experiences of Immigrants Living in Sweden.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether fear and prejudice in relation to organ donation and the transplantation of organs may influence the decision to become an organ donor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected through four group interviews using open-ended questions and qualitative content analysis. Forty participants, 16 males and 24 females from seven countries, participated in the focus group interviews. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in three main categories, and nine subcategories. Fears and prejudice caused by tradition and customs, approval of organ donation by family members, perception of the body as a gift from parents, the influence of religious leaders, knowledge about the religious understanding of organ donation, influence of social ambience on respondents, knowledge of the donation process in the healthcare system, including knowing about life after eventual organ donation, were some of predictors in the decision to agree to organ donation. CONCLUSION: More education on the factors that influence organ donation, more information in schools, health institutions and through the media, as well as more research with the aim of "dispelling" fears and prejudice about organ donation would significantly improve the current situation and result in a larger number of potential organ donors.

Evaluation of Inflammatory Parameters Following Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) and Ureteroscopy for the Treatment of Proximal Ureteral Stones.

Introduction Inflammation can arise as a consequence of both extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) treatments. Alterations in inflammatory parameters may serve as indicators of kidney injuries and the ensuing inflammation. This study aims to investigate the effects of ESWL and URS procedures on inflammatory parameters for proximal ureteral stone treatment. Materials and methods A prospective interventional study comprised 120 patients with confirmed stones measuring less than 10 mm in the upper half of the proximal ureter. These patients were randomly assigned to either the ESWL or URS treatment groups. Laboratory analyses encompassed interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukocyte count, fibrinogen levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which were assessed prior to the intervention, on the first postoperative day, and six months later. IL-6 levels in the serum were determined using a chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Results There was no significant difference in IL-6 levels between pre-intervention and the first post-intervention day in patients treated with ESWL (1.8 (1.4-2.59) pg/mL vs. 2.33 (1.22-3.19) pg/mL). However, for patients treated with URS, the pre-intervention IL-6 value was 2.9 (1.9-3.34) pg/mL, and it increased significantly to 7.1 (3.85-28.07) pg/mL on the first post-intervention day (p<0.001). On the first post-intervention day, levels of IL-6, CRP, leukocyte count, and ESR were significantly higher in patients treated with URS compared to ESWL (p<0.001; p<0.001; p=0.03; p=0.03, respectively). Conclusion Our research findings suggest that monitoring IL-6 levels can offer valuable insights into the degree of inflammation and tissue damage during and following observed procedures, particularly among patients undergoing URS, even within the initial days post-procedure.

Morphometric analysis of clinically significant parameters of the main trunk of the left coronary artery.

Aim To determine the value of angles between the left coronary artery main trunk (LMT) and its branches, the anterior interventricular branch (LAD) and the circumflex branch (CX), and their possible relationship with the LMT length. Methods A total of 29 cadaveric hearts were used. The left coronary artery and its branches were dissected. The hearts were then classified according to the number of branches. The LMT length was measured with a digital gauge, and the LAD-CX angle, LMTLAD angle and LMT-CX angle with a manual goniometer. Results The average value of the LMT length was 9.0 mm (6.0-13.5). In 20 (68.97%) samples, the LMT was divided into two terminal branches. There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.321) in LMT length between the hearts with a bifurcation and without it. The average value of the LAD-CX angle was 89.0° (74.5-93.0), with a statistically significant difference (p=0.020) comparing to hearts with trifurcation. The mean value of the LMT-LAD angle was 30.83±9.23° and it was significantly lower (p=0.006) in the group of hearts with bifurcation compared to the group with trifurcation of the main trunk. Conclusion The LMT length shows great variability and is not related to the LAD-CX, LMT-LAD or the LMT-CX angle. Knowledge of the left coronary variation is essential in order to avoid misinterpretation of arteriogram.