Medicina
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Intra-lysosomal accumulation of the autofluorescent "residue" known as lipofuscin, which is found within postmitotic cells, remains controversial. Although it was considered a harmless hallmark of aging, its presence is detrimental as it continually accumulates. ⋯ The antagonistic effects exerted at the DNA level culminate in a dysregulation of the cell cycle, by inducing a loss of the entire internal environment and abnormal gene(s) expression. Additionally, it appears that a crucial role in the production of reactive oxygen species can be attributed to gut microbiota, due to their ability to shape our behavior and neurodevelopment through their maintenance of the central nervous system.
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The present study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for discriminating between benign and malignant solid renal masses. ⋯ In line with the current state of knowledge, no specific sonomorphological characteristics allowing for accurate distinction between benign and malignant solid renal masses in CEUS could be detected in our study.
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Optical mapping is recognized as a promising tool for the registration of electrical activity in the heart. Most cardiac optical mapping experiments are performed in ex vivo isolated heart models. However, the electrophysiological properties of the heart are highly influenced by the autonomic nervous system as well as humoral regulation; therefore, in vivo investigations of heart activity in large animals are definitely preferred. ⋯ In this brief review, we analyse and compare the results of recent studies and discuss their translational potential for in situ cardiac optical mapping applications in large animals. We focus on the modes of blood circulation that are employed, the use of different voltage-sensitive dyes and their loading procedures, and ways of eliminating contraction artefacts. Finally, we evaluate the possible scenarios for optical mapping (OM) application in large animals in situ and infer which scenario is optimal.
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Endothelial dysfunction has been proposed to be an underlying mechanism of the pronounced cardiovascular morbidity in end-stage liver disease (ESLD), but clinical evidence is still limited. In this study, we investigated the association of circulating levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and nitric oxide (NO) with estimated cardiovascular risk in patients with ESLD awaiting liver transplantation. ⋯ These results suggest a remarkable contribution of the deranged arginine/NO pathway to cardiovascular risk in patients with end-stage liver disease.
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Background and objectives: We aimed to evaluate the correlation between periodontal disease (PD) and following ocular diseases via the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Subjects were regarded as having PD according to the diagnostic codes. ⋯ In the multivariable analysis, significantly higher rates of infectious keratitis (aHR: 1.094, 95% CI: 1.030-1.161), uveitis (aHR: 1.144, 95% CI: 1.074-1.218) and infectious scleritis (aHR: 1.270, 95% CI: 1.114-1.449) were found in the study group. Concerning the PD interval, infectious keratitis (aHR: 1.159, 95% CI: 1.041-1.291) and infectious scleritis (aHR: 1.345, 95% CI: 1.055-1.714) would significantly occur in PD patients with an interval shorter than two years, individuals with a PD interval that ranged from two to five years were under a higher risk of developing uveitis (aHR: 1.184, 95% CI: 1.065-1.315) and infectious scleritis (aHR: 1.386, 95% CI: 1.125-1.708), and the rate of uveitis (aHR: 1.149, 95% CI: 1.038-1.272) was significantly higher if PD persisted more than five years. Conclusions: The presence of PD was moderately associated with the risk of developing infectious keratitis, uveitis and infectious scleritis.