Medicine
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Meta Analysis
The role of oral metformin in preventing and treating age-related macular degeneration: A meta-analysis.
We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of metformin on age-related macular degeneration. ⋯ Our study revealed no role of metformin in decreasing age-related macular degeneration risk in past or present usage. More RCTs are needed to support our findings in evaluating the actual role of metformin in age-related macular degeneration.
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Exosomes, small membranous microvesicles released by cells, contain a range of bioactive molecules, including proteins and miRNAs, which play critical roles in intercellular communication and physiological and pathological processes. Current research suggests that exosomal miRNAs could serve as valuable biomarkers for prenatal diseases, offering a noninvasive method for early detection and monitoring. Studies linking exosomal miRNAs to various birth defects, including fetal growth restriction, urinary tract malformations, cardiovascular system malformations, and hereditary diseases like Down syndrome, were discussed. ⋯ Here, we also discussed exosome separation methods, emphasizing the importance of method selection based on specific purposes and sample types. Further studies are needed to standardize isolation techniques, understand the specific mechanisms underlying exosomal miRNA function, and develop reliable noninvasive prenatal diagnostic indicators. Overall, exosomal miRNAs show promise as potential biomarkers for prenatal diagnosis, but further research is necessary to validate their clinical utility.
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Stroke is characterized by "three highs," and dysphagia is a common dysfunction after stroke. Although some patients can gradually recover from dysphagia with the prolongation of the course of the disease, it is easy to change the prognosis of patients due to complications in the early stage of the disease, and clinical research has shown that pressing needle embedding needles can improve the outcome of patients with dysphagia after stroke. ⋯ The application of press needle embedding can improve swallowing function after stroke, and have more significant effects, which can change the clinical outcome of patients. Pressing needle embedding has significant clinical advantages in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke, which can improve the prognosis of patients.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms: Comparison between small ruptured intracranial aneurysms and large unruptured intracranial aneurysms.
To compare the differences in clinical and morphological features between small ruptured intracranial aneurysms and large unruptured intracranial aneurysms to evaluate the risk factors for the rupture of IAs. The clinical data of 189 consecutive patients with 193 IAs were reviewed. The patients and IAs were divided into ruptured (<5 mm) and unruptured groups (>10 mm). ⋯ Patient age (odds ratio [OR], 0.955), IA located at the internal carotid artery (ICA, OR, 0.202), irregular shape (OR, 0.083) and parent vessel diameter (OR, 0.426) were negatively correlated with the risk of IA rupture. IAs located at bifurcations (OR, 6.766) were positively correlated with the risk of IA rupture. In addition to the size of the IAs, regardless of IAs shape, other factors, such as younger age (<63.5 years), location at a bifurcation, IAs located at the ICA and a small parent vessel diameter (<3.25 mm), can influence the risk of IA rupture.
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Observational Study
Systemic immune-inflammation index and its relation to blood pressure and dyslipidemia in adults: A retrospective study.
High blood pressure (BP) and dyslipidemia are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease mortality. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been suggested as a predictive tool to identify those at risk for chronic diseases, however, its use for predicting high BP and dyslipidemia has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to examine the association between SII and high BP as well as lipid markers. ⋯ Across quartiles of SII, there was a significant trend between higher SII and the odds of hypertension in people with diabetes and those aged ≥65 years. The SII could be an economical predictive measure for identifying individuals at risk of hypertension and some aspects of dyslipidemia. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this relationship.