Annals of medicine
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Graves' disease (GD) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease. The production of anti-thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb) is associated with a loss of immune tolerance. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is expressed on multiple immune cells. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum concentration/activity of DPP4 and the severity of hyperthyroidism in GD patients. ⋯ The GD patients had significantly increased serum concentration/activity of DPP4. And the serum concentration/activity of DPP4 was positively associated with the severity of hyperthyroidism in GD patients.Key messagesThe activity and concentration of DPP4 in patients with Graves' disease were higher than those in healthy controls.There was a significant positive correlation between serum DPP4 concentration and TRAb levels in patients with Graves' disease.In patients with Graves 'disease, serum DPP4 activity was positively correlated with TRAb levels.
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We sought to evaluate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in dry eyes treated with 0.05% cyclosporin A and 3.0% diquafosol tetrasodium. ⋯ MMP-9 expression and grade were lower after treatment with cyclosporin than after treatment with diquafosol in the dry eye disease. Anti-inflammatory treatment can decrease ocular MMP-9 levels in dry eye disease.
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The aim of the study was to compare the quantity, type of glaucoma surgeries, and the disease stage before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. ⋯ The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a decrease in the number of extended antiglaucoma procedures and an increase in the number of short procedures performed, such as TSCP and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.Key MessagesOur study has shown the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in reducing the number of antiglaucoma procedures.The number of glaucoma surgeries dropped by 50% during the pandemic compared to those in a similar pre-pandemic period, and the type of performed procedures has changed.The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a decrease in the number of combined antiglaucoma procedures, in opposite: the number of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries increased due to safety reasons.
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The exhaustive information about non-communicable diseases associated with COVID-19 and severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are getting easier to find in the literature. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding tuberculosis (TB) and chronic obstructed pulmonary disease (COPD), with numerous infections in COVID-19 patients. ⋯ According to the findings, the most significant contributor to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in TB and COPD patients was the COVID-19.KEY MESSAGESSARS-Cov-19 is a new challenge for the universe in terms of prevention and treatment for people with tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, among other diseases.Propensity score matching to control for potential biases.Compared to hospitalized patients with and without (TB and COPD) had an equivalently higher mortality rate.
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To assess the trends in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) incidence in Hong Kong from 1990 to 2019 and the associations of age, calendar period, and birth cohort, to make projections to 2030, and to examine the drivers of NMSC incidence. ⋯ The slowing of the period and cohort effects suggests that the rising incidence of NMSC is partly attributable to increased awareness and diagnosis. The increasing prevalence of NMSC among the elderly and an aging population will significantly impact the clinical workload associated with NMSC for the foreseeable future.