Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
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Tophaceous gout is a common arthritis caused by the deposition of urate crystals and is related to limited joint function. Although there are reports that uric acid (UA) is associated with bone mineral density (BMD), little is known about the relationship between UA, osteophytes, and muscle. This cross-sectional case-control study was performed in patients with tophaceous gout. ⋯ Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that fat mass (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.18), appendicular lean mass (OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.86 to 9.83), and osteophytes (OR 5.88, 95% CI 1.72 to 20.13) were significantly associated with tophaceous gout. In the current study, higher fat mass, high muscle mass, and osteophyte formation were found to increase the risk of tophaceous gout, as the association is the most than can be inferred from a cross-sectional study. Therefore, reducing body fat and weight management may prevent tophaceous gout.
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The study aimed to investigate the diagnostic role of multislice spiral CT (MSCT) combined with clinical manifestations and laboratory tests in acute appendicitis subtypes. Patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis were included for retrospective analysis and their clinical manifestations and MSCT signs were analyzed. The clinical manifestations of different subtypes of acute appendicitis, including simple appendicitis, suppurative appendicitis and gangrenous appendicitis, were compared. ⋯ There were statistically significant differences in body temperature and neutrophil percentage among the subtypes of appendicitis and they were lowest in simple appendicitis and highest in gangrenous appendicitis. There were statistically significant differences in appendix diameter and the surrounding exudate among the subtypes of appendicitis and they were lowest in simple appendicitis and highest in gangrenous appendicitis. Clinical manifestations and MSCT signs, especially body temperature, percentage of neutrophils and the surrounding exudate, might have significant diagnostic value in acute appendicitis.
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Ample evidence supports the importance of the microbiota on human health and disease. Recent studies suggest that extracellular vesicles are an important means of bacterial-host communication, in part via the transport of small RNAs (sRNAs). ⋯ Validation of these potential interactions using reproducible experimental methods is essential to move the field forward. This review will cover the evidence of interspecies communication via sRNAs, bioinformatic tools currently available to identify potential bacterial sRNA-host (specifically, human) mRNA interactions, and experimental methods to identify and validate those interactions.
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Advances in the management of diabetes mellitus have come a long way in the 21st century. One of the most important developments in diabetes management has been the discovery of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The most common side effects of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are nausea and vomiting which have been attributed to delayed gastric emptying. ⋯ Moreover, a significant proportion (24%) of patients with diabetes with delayed gastric emptying were on a GLP-1R agonist. Recently, semaglutide (GLP-1R agonist) gained Food and Drug Administration approval as a weight loss medication in both patients with and without diabetes. This should prompt further research to evaluate the safety profile of these medications in patients with and without pre-existing gastroparesis.