Moxibustion improves ovarian function based on the regulation of the androgen balance

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Moxibustion improves ovarian function based on the regulation of the androgen balance Via Experimental and therapeutic medicine Exp Ther Med. 2021 Nov;22(5):1230. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10664. Epub 2021 Aug 30. ABSTRACT The effect of androgens on follicular development and female reproduction has become an active research topic. Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy that has been reported to be able to prevent and treat numerous ovary-related problems. However, studies on the effect of moxibustion for diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) on androgen balance are still lacking. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of moxibustion intervention prior to disease onset and at the early stage of disease in a rat model of DOR and explore the mechanisms of its effect on ovarian function. A total of 32 rats were randomly divided into four groups: Blank group, Model group (a drug-induced model of DOR), Moxibustion group 1 and Moxibustion group 2. Moxibustion was performed on the BL23 and RN4 acupoints of female rats daily for a total of 20 days (once a day, five times a week for a total of 4 weeks). The two moxibustion groups were established with different intervention times: One group was subjected to pre-disease intervention and the other group to early-disease intervention. The ovarian function was evaluated by detecting anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androgen receptor (AR) levels in the serum or the ovary samples. To further investigate the downstream regulatory factors for AR after moxibustion treatment for pre-disease or early-disease intervention, FSH receptor (FSHR) and microRNA (miR)-125b expression in ovaries were also analyzed. The results indicated that AMH and DHT levels were reduced in the model group compared with those in the blank group, while FSH, T and DHEA levels were increased. AMH and DHT levels were increased in Moxibustion group 1 compared with those in the model group, while F SH, T and DHEA levels were reduced. There was no difference in E2 levels between Moxibustion group 1 and the model group. Compared with that in the model group, the AR content in the ovary was increased in Moxibustion group 1. There was no difference in FSHR mRNA in the ovaries between Moxibustion group 1 and the model group. miR-125b levels were significantly increased in Moxibustion group 1 as compared with those in the model group. Furthermore, AMH and DHT levels were increased in Moxibustion group 2 compared with those in the model group, while FSH, T and DHEA levels were reduced. E2 levels were significantly decreased in Moxibustion group 2 compared with those in the model group. The relative mRNA expression of AR, FSHR and miR-125b was decreased following establishment of the model. Compared with that in the model group, the AR content in the ovary was increased in Moxibustion group 2. In comparison with the blank and model groups, the FSHR content in the ovary of Moxibustion group 2 was significantly increased. miR-125b levels were not obviously altered in Moxibustion group 2 as compared with those in the model group. In addition, there was no significant difference in AMH, FSH, T and DHEA levels between the two moxibustion groups. E2 and DHT levels were higher in Moxibustion group 1 than in Moxibustion group 2. There was no difference in AR mRNA expression between the two moxibustion groups. FSHR mRNA levels were lower in Moxibustion group 1 than in Moxibustion group 2, while miR-125b mRNA levels were higher in Moxibustion group 1 than in Moxibustion group 2. In conclusion, the present study suggested that moxibustion intervention prior to disease onset and at the early disease stage was able to improve ovarian function via modulation of the AR-mediated stable equilibrium of androgens. However, the effects and mechanisms of moxibustion intervention for pre-disease and early-disease intervention of DOR appear to be different. The appropriate duration of treatment and the time-effect relationship require to be further studied. PMID:34539826 | PMC:PMC8438671 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.10664 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis caused by accidental button battery ingestion in children: A case report and literature review

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Bilateral vocal cord paralysis caused by accidental button battery ingestion in children: A case report and literature review Via ear nose throat Ear Nose Throat J. 2021 Sep 19:1455613211043678. doi: 10.1177/01455613211043678. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT Button battery ingestion in pediatric populations is a common occurrence with severe sequelae. Multiple case reports have established the occurrence of death, fistula formation, mucosal erosion, esophageal perforation, and bleeding post-ingestion of button batteries. However, there is a gap in the literature on the occurrence of bilateral vocal cord paralysis post -lithium battery ingestion. We present a case in which a 12-month-old male developed bilateral vocal cord paralysis following ingestion of a button battery. We compare our case to eleven other reports that exist in the literature based on age, sex, time until removal, clinical presentation, day upon which vocal cord paralysis developed, anatomic location, and post-operative course. We conclude that bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a time-sensitive complication which requires prompt diagnosis. Any child with stridor following button battery ingestion should undergo consultation with pediatric otolaryngology immediately. In addition, long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate return of normal vocal cord function. PMID:34541933 | DOI:10.1177/01455613211043678 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Effects of acrylonitrile on apoptosis of rat cerebral nerve cells

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Effects of acrylonitrile on apoptosis of rat cerebral nerve cells Via International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2021 Aug 15;14(8):908-914. eCollection 2021. ABSTRACT The brain, especially the hippocampus, is sensitive to damage caused by anoxic chemicals. In this study, we established a rat model of acrylonitrile poisoning with administration by gavage, aiming to determine the influence of acrylonitrile on rat cerebral nerve cells. Transmission electron microscopy observation and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) staining were used to explore preliminarily the apoptotic changes of cerebral nerve cells. The pathogenesis revealed by transmission electron microscopy indicated that apoptosis in the control group was more serious than that of the exposure groups. The results of TUNEL staining showed the apoptotic rate was significantly higher in the control group than that of other exposure groups. All the results indicated that acrylonitrile can inhibit the apoptosis of rat cerebral nerve cells, which is closely rel ated to its animal carcinogenicity. PMID:34527134 | PMC:PMC8414433 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma. An indolent but aggressive tumour. Part B: treatment and prognosis

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Adenoid cystic carcinoma. An indolent but aggressive tumour. Part B: treatment and prognosis Via Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2021 Aug;41(4):296-307. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-N1729. NO ABSTRACT PMID:34533533 | DOI:10.14639/0392-100X-N1729 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Development of a questionnaire to investigate socio-cultural differences in the perception of smell, taste and flavour

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Development of a questionnaire to investigate socio-cultural differences in the perception of smell, taste and flavour Via Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2021 Aug;41(4):336-347. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-N0766. ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: Clinical experience and daily life indicate that the importance of smell, taste and flavour is variable among individuals. Therefore, the aim of this research was to develop a questionnaire to investigate the importance attributed to smell, taste and flavour and socio-cultural differences among individuals. METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation of the questionnaire was executed by two professional translators and one bilingual investigator and pre-tested on a pilot group of 25 subjects with normal smell and taste abilities. The final version of the questionnaire was sent by e-mail to 850 healthy subjects. The Google form consisted of three parts: "The importance of olfaction" developed by Croy et al. in 2010, "The importance of taste and flavour" developed by our team and a section to collect demographic data. The questions were classified into "association", "application", "consequence" and "aggravation". Statistical differences were assessed using t-test with p ≤ 0.05. Correlations were calculated using Spearman's test. Internal consistency was assessed using the Cronbach's Alpha, while test-retest reliability was analysed by calculating the Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC2k). RESULTS: The questionnaire received a non-response rate of 10.7%. Calculation of Cronbach's alpha showed good internal reliabi lity (a = 0.87). Test-retest evaluation was satisfactory for all subscales, with an overall ICC2k = 0.84 (CI 0.79-0.89). Statistical analysis showed that smell, taste and flavour appeared to be more important for women when compared to men (p < 0.001). No statistical differences were seen between individuals with various educational background (p > 0.05), and the importance of smell (r = 0.16; p < 0.01), taste and flavour (r = 0.08; p < 0.05) did not decline with age. CONCLUSIONS: The development of this original test provides an overview into the importance of smell, taste and flavour among individuals. Although further research is needed, it can help in the evaluation and investigation of aspects that influence people to seek medical attention in the presence of sensory alterations. PMID:34533537 | DOI:10.14639/0392-100X-N0766 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Nasal autoinflation devices for middle ear disease in cleft palate children: are they effective?

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Nasal autoinflation devices for middle ear disease in cleft palate children: are they effective? Via Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2021 Aug;41(4):364-370. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-N1277. ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: Cleft lip palate (CLP) and cleft palate (CP) patients have a higher incidence of otitis media with effusion (OME) and conductive hearing problems. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-month course of self-administered autoinflation therapy in paediatric CP/CLP patients in terms of conductive hearing loss (CHL) and OME prevalence. METHODS: Fifty-one p atients with surgically corrected CP/CLP and diagnosis of OME received indication to 6-months autoinflation therapy with an Otovent® device. Clinical evaluation, tympanogram and pure tone audiometry were carried out at the time of prescription (T0), at the end of treatment (T1) and at 6-month follow-up (T2). Patients were divided in 2 groups based on therapeutic compliance (29 compliant children, group A, vs 22 non-compliant children, group B). RESULTS: Case series showed better audiological results and tympanometries at both time points (p < 0.001). Group A showed better outcomes at tympanograms and at each frequency, but were statistically significant only in terms of CHL at 250 and 1000 Hz frequencies at T1 (respectively 0.024 and 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Nasal autoinflation therapy accelerates improvement of OME and hearing thresholds at short-/mid-term, leading to an earlier improved hearing performance. PMID:34533540 | DOI:10.14639/0392-100X-N1277 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

A safety and clinical efficacy analysis of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies in patients with markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase levels

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader A safety and clinical efficacy analysis of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies in patients with markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase levels Via American Journal of Blood Research Am J Blood Res. 2021 Aug 15;11(4):399-404. eCollection 2021. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are often used in statin-intolerant patients, aiming to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Along with the growing experience with their use, there is a lack of evidence regarding the safety, tolerability, and clinical utility of PCSK9i in patients with markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. METHODS: We screened a comprehensive HMO database for patients treated with PCSK9i (Jan 2016-Dec 2019), in whom elevated CPK levels (>1,000 U/L) were documented prior to the initiation of therapy. Treatment plans, adherence, and the levels of CPK and LDL-C were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 1,600 patients initiating treatment with PCSK9i, 26 had prior CPK values >1,000 U/L [median (IQR): 3,687 (1,876-8,344) U/L]. All 26 patients were previously treated with statins, which presumably resulted in adverse effects (myalgia in 24, and rhabdomyolysis in 5 patients) therefore mandating their discontinuation. Concomitant secondary factors for CPK elevation were present in 11 patients, and included renal failure, rheumatoid disorders, hypothyroidism, intensive exercise, proteinuria and genetic muscular disease. Of the 26 patients treated with PCSK9i, alirocumab was administered to 12 patients, and evolocumab to 14. Following the initiation of treatment with either drug, 24 patients (92%) demonstrated a reduction in CPK of >50%, and in 12 (46%) CPK levels have returned to normal values. With regard to treatment goals, 17 patients (65%) have achieved an LDL-C level of <70 mg/dL, and 12 (46%) have reached a level of <55 mg/dL. No serious adverse reactions were documented, and only 2 patients discontinued the treatment (not due to muscle symptoms or CPK elevation). CONCLUSIONS: PCSK9i constitute a safe, tolerable, and effective treatment for hyperlipidemia in patients wi th markedly elevated CPK. While statin intolerance is a major cause for CPK elevation, concomitant etiologies for increased CPK values were rather common. PMID:34540348 | PMC:PMC8446829 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Analysing 'tear-drop' prints of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML): immunophenotypic prognostication of APML by FCM

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Analysing "tear-drop" prints of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML): immunophenotypic prognostication of APML by FCM Via American Journal of Blood Research Am J Blood Res. 2021 Aug 15;11(4):446-457. eCollection 2021. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML), although genetically and morphologically distinct from other AML (acute myeloid leukemia) subtypes, is one of the most best responsive acute myeloid leukemia. -Conventional diagnostic methods and morphological hints often fail in the majority of the cases in the peripheral laboratories owing to resource constraints, unavailability of cytogenetic work-up, hypogranular variants, morphological mimicry by AML-monocytic and myelo-monocytic, etc. Flowcytometry (FCM), however, can be utilized as a feasible and reliable immunophenotypic diagnostic and prognostic tool for prompt identification of APML. In order to rapidly and sensitively diagnose APML we intended to suggest a cost effective, sensitive FCM panel and also to prognositicate patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, flowcytometry characte ristics of 123 cases of acute promyelocytic leukemia were studied including 40 hypogranular variants. The expression of markers was compared with the Mean flurescent Intensity (MFI) and percent expression of markers. A non-statistical comparison was made with cases of acute monocytic leukemia. The cases were grouped according to their immunophenotype characteristics and expression with comparison of MFI by multivariate logistic regression. The aberrant markers positive at diagnostic and remission flow test were compared with the survival outcomes, and their positive predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: The most common feature of side scatter property was the absence of blasts in the window and high side scatter, except hypogranular variants which had low side scatter. Immunophenotypically characterised by positivity for CD117, cMPO, and bright CD33 and CD13 positivity and lack of CD34 and HLA-DR was seen in the majority of APML including hypo-granular variant. We sugges t a rapid diagnostic four-tube panel for fast and rapid diagnosis of APML, including hypogranular variants with 100% sensitivity. The study also identified six groups of immunophenotypes with significant prediction values of APML, including hypogranular variants. The study also highlights CD2, CD56, and CD9 as prognostic markers for acute promyelocytic leukemia. PMID:34540354 | PMC:PMC8446832 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Prognostic factors for descending necrotizing mediastinitis development in deep space neck infections-a retrospective study

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Prognostic factors for descending necrotizing mediastinitis development in deep space neck infections-a retrospective study Via http://link.springer.com/journal/405,European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology,The European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Sep 20. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-07081-0. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is the most serious complication of deep neck infections (DNI). The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate prognostic factors for DNM development in deep space neck infections. METHODS: The study enrolled patients admitted to the Emergency Center of Vojvodina with the diagnosis of multispace DNI with or without DNM either as the primary diagnosis or with discharged diagnosis after surgical treatment during 7-year period. The data were obtained from patient medical records. RESULTS: After final analysis total of 141 charts were randomized for statystical analysis, 124 charts in DNI and 17 in DNI + DNM groups. The most common cause of infection in both groups was odontogenic. On multivariate regression analysis of collected data infection of retropharyng eal, pretracheal and carotid space, C-reactive protein and procalcitonine values were statistically significant predictors for DNM development. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment and diagnosis of DNM requires multidisciplinary approach, with prompt clinical and radiological examinations, empirical broad spectrum antibiotic therapy and radical surgical debridement. Multispace neck infection and especially infection of retropharyngeal, carotid and pretracheal spaces are the most sensitive predictors for DNM development in deep space neck infections. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If the infection from deep neck spaces reach retropharyngeal, carotid or pretracheal space, the DNM is probable to occur. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04865003. Date of registration 27.4.2021. PMID:34542654 | DOI:10.1007/s00405-021-07081-0 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Mental health indicators in the later phase of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic in healthy youth combined elderly people: a web-based cross-sectional survey

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Mental health indicators in the later phase of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic in healthy youth combined elderly people: a web-based cross-sectional survey Via International Journal of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol. 2021 Aug 15;13(4):117-125. eCollection 2021. ABSTRACT Lockdown was implemented throughout the world in March 2020 to control the spread of covid-19 infection. It affected the mental health of people in various ways. This web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the general population of India with an aim to evaluate the mental health of the healthy individuals in the later stage of the lockdown period. Data on socio-demographic factors, anxiety, depression (HADS scale), perceived stress (PSS scale), insomnia (insomnia severity index), subjective psychological feeling of well-being (WHO-5 well-being Index), and attitude towards covid-19 (7-point Likert scale) was collected. Univariate regression analysis and Karl Pearson's correlation were used to analyze the correlation of mental health abnormalities with socio-demographic factors. 119 subjects of mean age of 36.03 ± 18.04 years took part in the study. Their average number of days of stay at home during the lockdown and the average number of days of the lifestyle changes was 49.07 ± 31.92 and 61.39 ± 20.03 days, respectively. Depression, anxiety, stress, and clinical insomnia due to covid-19 were reported in 13.45%, 10.92%, 14.29%, and 11.76% subjects, respectively. There was a significant correlation of depression, anxiety, stress, and WHO-5 well-being score with age, socio-economic status, and the average number of days of the change in lifestyle due to the COVID-19 pandemic (P < 0.05). Therefore, the study concluded that the abnormalities of mental health were less prevalent in the older age group and lower socioeconomic status in the later phase of lockdown. PMID:34540132 | PMC:PMC8446773 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.