Articles: function.
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The identification of markers capable of evaluating oocyte quality, its maturation, function, and embryo progression and implantation potential has frequently initiated research interest. However, to date, univocal criteria of oocyte competence do not exist. A major cause of low oocyte quality is evidently advanced maternal age. ⋯ Due to the lack of consistent data for the assessment of oocyte quality and competence, probably oocyte morphology and oocyte maturity remain important indicators to determine oocyte quality. The aim of this review was to provide spherical attributes and evidence on recent and present research on the topic by analyzing the current methods for evaluation of the oocyte quality, and the impact of oocyte quality on reproductive outcomes. Additionally, current limitations of oocyte quality evaluation are highlighted and insights on future research are provided to optimize the selection techniques of oocytes to improve ART outcomes.
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Multicenter Study
Predictors of survival in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): a multicenter retrospective study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac rehabilitation (CR)-derived predictors of outcome in patients discharged from rehabilitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). ⋯ Patients attending residential CR after TAVR are very old with significant comorbidity. The overall 3-year mortality rate after CR discharge is high. Our findings suggest the need for individually tailored follow-up care in patients discharged from CR after TAVR to address their residual exercise capacity, comorbidities, and renal function impairment.
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Transient voltage-gated sodium currents are essential for the initiation and conduction of action potentials in neurons and cardiomyocytes. The amplitude and duration of sodium currents are tuned by intracellular fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHFs/iFGFs) that associate with the cytoplasmic tails of voltage-gated sodium channels (Na v s), and genetic ablation of Fhf genes disturbs neurological and cardiac functions. ⋯ Here, we use electrophysiological and computational methods to show that the heat nociception deficit can be explained by the combined effects of elevated temperature and FHF2 deficiency on the fast inactivation gating of Na v 1.7 and tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels expressed in dorsal root ganglion C fibers. Hence, neurological and cardiac heat-associated deficits in Fhf2null mice derive from shared impacts of FHF deficiency and temperature towards Na v inactivation gating kinetics in distinct tissues.
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Maintenance of ion homeostasis is essential for normal brain function. Inhalational anesthetics are known to act on various receptors, but their effects on ion homeostatic systems, such as sodium/potassium-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+-ATPase), remain largely unexplored. Based on reports demonstrating global network activity and wakefulness modulation by interstitial ions, the hypothesis was that deep isoflurane anesthesia affects ion homeostasis and the key mechanism for clearing extracellular potassium, Na+/K+-ATPase. ⋯ The results demonstrate cortical ion homeostasis perturbation and specific Na+/K+-ATPase impairment during deep isoflurane anesthesia. Slowed potassium clearance and extracellular accumulation might modulate cortical excitability during burst suppression generation, while prolonged Na+/K+-ATPase impairment could contribute to neuronal dysfunction after deep anesthesia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of Implementation of a Supervised Walking Program in Veterans Affairs Hospitals : A Stepped-Wedge, Cluster Randomized Trial.
In trials, hospital walking programs have been shown to improve functional ability after discharge, but little evidence exists about their effectiveness under routine practice conditions. ⋯ U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (Optimizing Function and Independence QUERI).