Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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This study investigates the association between daily sitting time and subclinical atherosclerosis by using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). ⋯ Longer sitting time was linked to the severity of subclinical atherosclerosis and the presence of high-risk vulnerable plaque in the general population.
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This study aimed to investigate the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC). ⋯ Our study showed that CTCs in PSCC may represent a valuable marker for differentiating PSCC from other tumors. Based on the correlation with some clinical parameters, CTC analysis is possibly relevant for noninvasive monitoring of disease progression and prognosis. The results also suggested a potential role of CTCs in preventing overtreatment, such as inguinal lymph node dissection.
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Sword bean (SB; Canavalia gladiata) is a perennial vine used as a food and medicinal plant in Asia. SB is rich in nutrients, such as flavonoids and urease, and has various functions, including beneficial effects on dysentery, nausea, and hemorrhoids, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Various plant parts are used; however, little is known about the physiological effects of SB pods (SBP). In this study, the anti-obesity effects of SBP extract were evaluated. ⋯ SBP extract exerts an anti-obesity effect by inhibiting lipogenesis-related factors and activating fat-catabolizing factors; it is, therefore, a promising functional food and natural anti-obesity agent.
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Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are risk factors for stroke. The risk of stroke after AMI may differ between patients with and without AF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of AF on stroke in patients after the first AMI. ⋯ AF significantly increases stroke risk after the first AMI. In patients with AF, those with pre-existing AF have higher stroke risks in male sex, age below 65 years, and those with interventional therapy than those with newly diagnosed AF.