Arch Med Sci
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We aimed to analyze the prevalence of unexplained anemia (UA) and assess its characteristics, potential causes and impact on survival in an elderly population. ⋯ The increasing incidence with age of UA in the elderly population, insufficient diagnosis and the higher mortality of patients with UA in comparison to the group without anemia indicate the need to develop recommendations for its management by primary care physicians.
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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive disease. Pharmacological treatment can only slow its progression. However, lung transplantation (LTx) is the only treatment for patients with its end-stage form. This study analysed the long-term results of the qualification process of patients with IPF recruited for LTx in a single centre. ⋯ The 6-minute walk test distance is an independent predictor of mortality on the lung transplant waiting list. Blood type and height also play a significant role in becoming a lung recipient.
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No proven drug and no immunisation are yet available for COVID-19 disease. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), a key coronavirus enzyme, which is a potential drug target, has been successfully crystallised. There is evidence suggesting that statins exert anti-viral activity and may block the infectivity of enveloped viruses. The aim of this study was to assess whether statins are potential COVID-19 Mpro inhibitors, using a molecular docking study. ⋯ These results indicate, based upon the binding energy of pitavastatin, rosuvastatin, lovastatin, and fluvastatin, that statins could be efficient SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. This is supported by the fact that the effects of some statins, especially pitavastatin, have a binding energy that is even greater than that of protease or polymerase inhibitors. However, further research is necessary to investigate their potential use as drugs for COVID-19.
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Correlation between sperm mitochondrial ND5 and ND6 gene variations and total fertilisation failure.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between sperm mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) gene variations and total fertilisation failure (TFF). ⋯ Our results suggested that the ND5 and ND6 gene variations are correlated with TFF. Furthermore, this study indicated that haplogroup R and haplogroup D4a might be risk factors for TFF.