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In pigs, meat quality depends markedly on the fatty acid (FA) content and composition of the intramuscular fat, which is partly determined by the gene expression in this tissue. The aim of this work was to identify the link between muscle gene expression and its FA composition. In an (Iberian × Duroc) × Duroc backcrossed pig population, we identified modules of co-expressed genes, and correlation analyses were performed for each of them versus the phenotypes, finding four relevant modules. Two of the modules were positively correlated with saturated FAs (SFAs) and monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs), while negatively correlated with polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) and the omega-6/omega-3 ratio. The gene-enrichment analysis showed that these modules had over-representation of pathways related with the biosynthesis of unsaturated FAs, the Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signalling pathway and FA elongation. The two other relevant modules were positively correlated with PUFA and the n-6/n-3 ratio, but negatively correlated with SFA and MUFA. In this case, they had an over-representation of pathways related with fatty and amino acid degradation, and with oxidative phosphorylation. Using a graphical Gaussian model, we inferred a network of connections between the genes within each module. The first module had 52 genes with 87 connections, and the most connected genes were ADIPOQ, which is related with FA oxidation, and ELOVL6 and FABP4, both involved in FA metabolism. The second module showed 196 genes connected by 263 edges, being FN1 and MAP3K11 the most connected genes. On the other hand, the third module had 161 genes connected by 251 edges and ATG13 was the top neighbouring gene, while the fourth module had 224 genes and 655 connections, and its most connected genes were related with mitochondrial pathways. Overall, this work successfully identified relevant muscle gene networks and modules linked with FA composition, providing further insights on how the physiology of the pigs influences FA composition.
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Osteoporosis is a metabolic and systemic disease characterized by alterations at the level of bone tissue with loss of bone mineral density, changes in microarchitecture, mineralization and remodeling that determine greater bone fragility and risk of fracture.Falls in the elderly are a risk factor closely related to fragility fractures and numerous studies demonstrate this relationship.Vertebral fractures are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The epidemiology differs from osteoporotic fractures at other skeletal sites, as only one-third are clinically recognized. In the elderly, the approach to osteoporotic vertebral fracture involves comprehensive evaluation of the patient since it is both a cause and a consequence of multiple geriatric syndromes. This fracture, in its acute phase and subsequently, can lead to destabilization of other organs and systems of the elderly, medical complications at different levels, functional deterioration, dependence, and even the need for institutionalization.Therefore, multiple assessment of patients with vertebral fractures is necessary, addressing not only the history and risk factors of osteoporosis, but also those factors that lead to falls, as well as a comprehensive geriatric assessment and the complications closely associated with it.In this chapter we address each of these aspects that are necessary in the individual and multidimensional approach to the elderly patient with vertebral fracture due to bone fragility.
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Background: Assisted reproduction techniques in birds have contributed to many species' conservation and sustainable use. One of these techniques is semen cryopreservation, which is possible following the discovery of suitable cryoprotectants. Aims: This study aimed to characterize the fresh and post-thaw ejaculates of different species of birds of prey. Methods: The following species were included in the study: red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) n=3, golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) n=3, and Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) n=3. Twenty-five ejaculates were obtained for each species. The percentage of spermatozoa motility, viability, and morphology were evaluated. Results: Evident differences were observed among the ejaculates of the three species, particularly in sperm length and between the fresh and post-thaw parameters of the same species in which the motility reduced to approximately 40% after thawing. It was demonstrated that sperm cryopreservation of the studied species was possible using the same freezing protocol. Conclusion: This study showed that sperm characteristics could influence the parameters obtained during their in vitro conservation, both in the fresh and post-thaw states.
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INTRODUCTION: Wilms' tumor (WT) is the most frequent renal tumor in childhood. Therapeutic management progression has increased survival rates, and as a result, long-term adverse effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study of a case series from 1977 to 2023 was carried out. The characteristics of the treatments received and the adverse effects listed on medical records were analyzed via phone surveys. RESULTS: 50 patients (25 boys-25 girls) with a mean age of 3.6 years (3 months-11 years) at diagnosis were included. Most of them (94%) were treated according to the protocol established by the European standards of pediatric oncology, which are characterized by the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In one patient, the American treatment scheme was followed. The most common drugs used were vincristine and actinomycin D (78%). Only 12 patients (28%) received anthracyclines. Unilateral nephrectomy was the most frequent surgical technique (84%). Renal disorders were the most common (46%). However, the occurrence of second neoplasias (9%) and reproductive disorders (8% between boys and girls) had a greater impact on patients' quality of life. Multiple - cardiac (23%), endocrine (26%), and pulmonary (15%) - disorders associated with the treatments received were reported. CONCLUSIONS: WT treatment has an impact on health. Adequate and rigorous surgery, close follow-up, and limiting chemotherapy doses and radiation exposure can minimize long-term sequels.
INTRODUCCION: El tumor de Wilms (TW) es el tumor renal más frecuente en la infancia. La evolución del manejo terapéutico ha incrementado la tasa de supervivencia y como consecuencia, los efectos secundarios a largo plazo. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo a partir de una serie de casos entre 1977 y 2023. Estudiamos las características de los tratamientos recibidos y los efectos secundarios que constan en su historia clínica y a través de cuestionarios telefónicos. RESULTADOS: Localizamos 50 pacientes (25 hombres-25 mujeres) con edad media al diagnóstico de 3,6 años (3 meses-11 años). La mayoría fueron tratados según protocolo vigente de las guías europeas de oncología pediátrica (94%) caracterizadas por el uso de quimioterapia neoadyuvante. En un paciente Se siguió el esquema americano de tratamiento. Los fármacos más utilizados fueron vincristina y actinomicina D (78%); solo 12 pacientes (28%) recibieron antraciclinas. La nefrectomía unilateral fue la técnica quirúrgica más empleada (84%). Las alteraciones renales fueron las más frecuentes (46%). Sin embargo, la aparición de segundas neoplasias (9%) y aquellas alteraciones relacionadas con la reproducción (8% entre hombres y mujeres) suponen un mayor impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Se describen múltiples alteraciones: cardíacas (23%), endocrinas (26%) o pulmonares (15%) relacionadas con los tratamientos recibidos. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento del TW afecta a la salud general. Una cirugía adecuada y rigurosa, limitar las dosis de quimioterapia, minimizar la exposición a la radiación y un seguimiento estrecho puede minimizar las secuelas a largo plazo.
Subject(s)
Kidney Neoplasms , Nephrectomy , Wilms Tumor , Humans , Wilms Tumor/drug therapy , Wilms Tumor/therapy , Male , Retrospective Studies , Female , Kidney Neoplasms/therapy , Kidney Neoplasms/drug therapy , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Nephrectomy/methods , Quality of Life , Neoadjuvant Therapy/methods , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Time Factors , Neoplasms, Second Primary , Survival Rate , Dactinomycin/administration & dosage , Dactinomycin/therapeutic useABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Peripheral trauma is a very frequent cause of consultation in paediatric emergency departments but few studies have been published describing the characteristics of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective descriptive study by reviewing computerised emergency department forms during January and February 2020. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of traumatic injuries in our area and to detect possible areas for improvement. RESULTS: A total of 714 peripheral trauma cases were attended, which represents 9.5% of the total consultations. A total of 52.7% were schoolchildren (6-11 years). The most frequent locations were the ankle (27.5%) and fingers (17.2%). Fracture was detected in 6.7% of cases. Radiographs were requested in 78.6% of the patients, with pathological findings in 9.6% of them. Half of the X-rays were requested due to ankle or finger trauma. Referral to traumatology was made in 16.4% of patients, mainly for elbow and knee trauma, and the most commonly used treatment was general measures (49%) and bandaging (29.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral trauma is very common and, in general, banal. A large number of X-rays are requested with a very low yield, so it seems necessary to establish new protocols to reduce the number of requests. Improving training in elbow and knee trauma could improve paediatricians' autonomy in dealing with these more complex injuries.
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OBJECTIVES: To validate a mathematical model using porous media theory for alveolar CO2 determination in ventilated patients. DESIGN: Mathematical modeling study with prospective clinical validation to simulate CO2 exchange from bloodstream to airway entrance. SETTING: ICU. PATIENTS: Thirteen critically ill patients without chronic or acute lung disease. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Model outcomes compared with patient data showed correlations for end-tidal CO2 (EtCO 2 ), area under the CO2 curve, and Pa CO2 of 0.918, 0.954, and 0.995. Determination coefficients ( R2 ) were 0.843, 0.910, and 0.990, indicating precision and predictive power. CONCLUSIONS: The mathematical model shows potential in pulmonary critical care. Although promising, practical application demands further validation, clinician training, and patient-specific adjustments. The path to clinical use will be iterative, involving validation and education.
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INTRODUCTION: Hemorrhoidal pathology is the most frequent proctological problem with a prevalence of 44% of the adult population. The most effective treatment is surgery but it also has the highest postoperative pain rate with moderate to severe pain rates of 30-40% during the first 24-48â¯hours. Here lies the importance of seeking measures to improve this situation, such as the pudendal nerve block with local anesthetic. However, the variability of the pudendal nerve sometimes makes its blockade ineffective and for this reason nerve location methods are sought to achieve a higher rate of success. The main aim of the study is to compare pain in the immediate postoperative period (24â¯h) after hemorrhoidectomy in patients with pudendal nerve block guided by anatomical references and guided by neurostimulation. METHODS: The present project proposes the performance of a single-center, triple-blind, randomized clinical trial of efficacy, carried out under conditions of routine clinical practice. Patients over 18 years old with hemorrhoids refractory to medical treatment, symptomatic grade III-IV and grade II hemorrhoids that do not respond to conservative procedures in a third level hospital in Spain and that are subsidiaries of surgery in major ambulatory surgery will be included. Demographic variables, variables on hemorrhoidal pathology, details of surgery, verbal numeric pain scale in the preoperative period and surgical complications will be collected. RESULTS: Not avaliable until the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The pudendal nerve block guided by anatomical landmarks has been shown to be useful in postoperative pain control after hemorrhoidectomy although the use of the neurostimulator has not been well studied and we believe it may improve outcom.
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A simple two-dimensional fluid-structure-interaction problem, involving viscous oscillatory flow in a channel separated by an elastic membrane from a fluid-filled slender cavity, is analyzed to shed light on the flow dynamics pertaining to syringomyelia, a neurological disorder characterized by the appearance of a large tubular cavity (syrinx) within the spinal cord. The focus is on configurations in which the velocity induced in the cavity, representing the syrinx, is comparable to that found in the channel, representing the subarachnoid space surrounding the spinal cord, both flows being coupled through a linear elastic equation describing the membrane deformation. An asymptotic analysis for small stroke lengths leads to closed-form expressions for the leading-order oscillatory flow, and also for the stationary flow associated with the first-order corrections, the latter involving a steady distribution of transmembrane pressure. The magnitude of the induced flow is found to depend strongly on the frequency, with the result that for channel flow rates of non-sinusoidal waveform, as those found in the spinal canal, higher harmonics can dominate the sloshing motion in the cavity, in agreement with previous in vivo observations. Under some conditions, the cycle-averaged transmembrane pressure, also showing a marked dependence on the frequency, changes sign on increasing the cavity transverse dimension (i.e. orthogonal to the cord axis), underscoring the importance of cavity size in connection with the underlying hydrodynamics. The analytic results presented here can be instrumental in guiding future numerical investigations, needed to clarify the pathogenesis of syringomyelia cavities.
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The study of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) plays a pivotal role in advancing precision oncology, providing valuable information for individualized patient care and contributing to the ongoing effort to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. However, its applicability in pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) remains unexplored. In this multicenter retrospective study involving 21 PMP patients, we investigated ctDNA presence in peripheral blood using three distinct methodologies. Despite mucinous tumor tissues exhibiting KRAS and GNAS mutations, ctDNA for these mutations was undetectable in blood samples. In this pilot study, circulating tumor DNA was not detected in blood when the tumor harbored mutations of known significance. In the future, a study with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether ctDNA could identify patients at risk for early recurrence and/or systemic metastases.
Subject(s)
Circulating Tumor DNA , Peritoneal Neoplasms , Pseudomyxoma Peritonei , Humans , Pseudomyxoma Peritonei/genetics , Pseudomyxoma Peritonei/blood , Pseudomyxoma Peritonei/pathology , Peritoneal Neoplasms/genetics , Peritoneal Neoplasms/secondary , Peritoneal Neoplasms/blood , Circulating Tumor DNA/genetics , Circulating Tumor DNA/blood , Retrospective Studies , Female , Middle Aged , Male , Aged , GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs/genetics , Chromogranins/genetics , Mutation , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics , Pilot Projects , AdultABSTRACT
This paper investigates the transport of drugs delivered by direct injection into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that fills the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord. Because of the small drug diffusivity, the dispersion of neutrally buoyant drugs has been shown in previous work to rely mainly on the mean Lagrangian flow associated with the CSF oscillatory motion. Attention is given here to effects of buoyancy, arising when the drug density differs from the CSF density. For the typical density differences found in applications, the associated Richardson number is shown to be of order unity, so that the Lagrangian drift includes a buoyancy-induced component that depends on the spatial distribution of the drug, resulting in a slowly evolving cycle-averaged flow problem that can be analysed with two-time scale methods. The asymptotic analysis leads to a nonlinear integro-differential equation for the spatiotemporal solute evolution that describes accurately drug dispersion at a fraction of the cost involved in direct numerical simulations of the oscillatory flow. The model equation is used to predict drug dispersion of positively and negatively buoyant drugs in an anatomically correct spinal canal, with separate attention given to drug delivery via bolus injection and constant infusion.
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This in vitro study aims at clarifying the relation between the oscillatory flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the cerebral aqueduct, a narrow conduit connecting the third and fourth ventricles, and the corresponding interventricular pressure difference. Dimensional analysis is used in designing an anatomically correct scaled model of the aqueduct flow, with physical similarity maintained by adjusting the flow frequency and the properties of the working fluid. The time-varying pressure difference across the aqueduct corresponding to a given oscillatory flow rate is measured in parametric ranges covering the range of flow conditions commonly encountered in healthy subjects. Parametric dependences are delineated for the time-averaged pressure fluctuations and for the phase lag between the transaqueductal pressure difference and the flow rate, both having clinical relevance. The results are validated through comparisons with predictions obtained with a previously derived computational model. The parametric quantification in this study enables the derivation of a simple formula for the relation between the transaqueductal pressure and the stroke volume. This relationship can be useful in the quantification of transmantle pressure differences based on non-invasive magnetic-resonance-velocimetry measurements of aqueduct flow for investigation of CSF-related disorders.
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INTRODUCTION: Seizures are a common complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in both acute and late stages: 10-20 % acute symptomatic seizures, 12-25 % epilepsy rate at five years. Our aim was to identify early electroencephalogram (EEG) and computed tomography (CT) findings that could predict long-term epilepsy after SAH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a multicenter, retrospective, longitudinal study of adult patients with aneurysmal SAH admitted to two tertiary care hospitals between January 2011 to December 2022. Routine 30-minute EEG recording was performed in all subjects during admission period. Exclusion criteria were the presence of prior structural brain lesions and/or known epilepsy. We documented the presence of SAH-related cortical involvement in brain CT and focal electrographic abnormalities (epileptiform and non-epileptiform). Post-SAH epilepsy was defined as the occurrence of remote unprovoked seizures ≥ 7 days from the bleeding. RESULTS: We included 278 patients with a median follow-up of 2.4 years. The mean age was 57 (+/-12) years, 188 (68 %) were female and 49 (17.6 %) developed epilepsy with a median latency of 174 days (IQR 49-479). Cortical brain lesions were present in 189 (68 %) and focal EEG abnormalities were detected in 158 patients (39 epileptiform discharges, 119 non-epileptiform abnormalities). The median delay to the first EEG recording was 6 days (IQR 2-12). Multiple Cox regression analysis showed higher risk of long-term epilepsy in those patients with CT cortical involvement (HR 2.6 [1.3-5.2], p 0.009), EEG focal non-epileptiform abnormalities (HR 3.7 [1.6-8.2], p 0.002) and epileptiform discharges (HR 6.7 [2.8-15.8], p < 0.001). Concomitant use of anesthetics and/or antiseizure medication during EEG recording had no influence over its predictive capacity. ROC-curve analysis of the model showed good predictive capability at 5 years (AUC 0.80, 95 %CI 0.74-0.87). CONCLUSIONS: Focal electrographic abnormalities (both epileptiform and non-epileptiform abnormalities) and cortical involvement in neuroimaging predict the development of long-term epilepsy. In-patient EEG and CT findings could allow an early risk stratification and facilitate a personalized follow-up and management of SAH patients.
Subject(s)
Electroencephalography , Epilepsy , Subarachnoid Hemorrhage , Humans , Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/complications , Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/physiopathology , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Longitudinal Studies , Retrospective Studies , Aged , Epilepsy/etiology , Epilepsy/diagnosis , Epilepsy/diagnostic imaging , Epilepsy/physiopathology , Adult , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Neuroimaging , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain/physiopathologyABSTRACT
Introducción: En Europa occidental el 20-40% de los niños con fiebre solicitan asistencia sanitaria. La mayoría presentan infecciones virales banales, sin embargo, es esencial en pediatría distinguir los pacientes que presentan una infección severa. Este proceso se inicia con el reconocimiento de la gravedad y la posterior búsqueda de atención médica por parte de los padres. Metodología: Estudio observacional analítico y transversal. Se seleccionaron 100 pacientes en 2 centros de salud. Se recogieron los datos sociodemográficos, junto con las respuestas de un checklist que contenía los signos y los síntomas ante los que solicitar asistencia sanitaria en caso de fiebre. Posteriormente se rellenó el checklist por parte del pediatra. Resultados: La edad media de los pacientes fue de 5,41 años. El 50% consultó en las primeras 48h de evolución de la fiebre. En el 42% la respuesta a todos los ítems del checklist fue exactamente la misma entre acompañante y pediatra. No existieron diferencias significativas según variables: primer episodio de fiebre (p=0,262), edad del paciente (p=0,859), tener hermano/as (p=0,880), parentesco familiar del acompañante (p=0,648) o grado de estudios del acompañante (p=0,828). Conclusiones: Las consultas médicas por fiebre en pediatría se realizan muy precozmente. Un alto porcentaje no presentan signos de alarma cuando consultan. Se plantea la necesidad ampliar la formación sobre los signos de alarma de la fiebre en todos los padres, independientemente del número de hijos, de la edad o del nivel educacional. El checklist como herramienta para la valoración en el domicilio de la fiebre ha recibido una alta puntuación en su utilidad.(AU)
Introduction: In Western Europe, 20%-40% of children with fever request health care. Most of them present trivial viral infections, however, it is essential in pediatrics to distinguish patients who present a severe infection. This process begins with the recognition of the seriousness and the subsequent search for medical attention by the parents. Methodology: Analytical and cross-sectional observational study. One hundred patients were selected in two health centers. Sociodemographic data were collected, together with the responses to a checklist containing the signs and symptoms to request health care in case of fever. Subsequently, the checklist was filled out by the pediatrician. Results: The mean age of the patients was 5.41 years. 50% consulted in the first 48h of fever evolution. In 42%, the response to all the items on the checklist was exactly the same between the companion and the pediatrician. There were no significant differences according to variables: first episode of fever (P=.262), age of the patient (P=.859), having a sibling (P=.880), family relationship of the companion (P=.648) or educational level of the companion (P=.828). Conclusions: Medical consultations for fever in pediatrics are carried out very early. A high percentage do not present alarm signs when they consult. There is a need to expand training on the alarm signs of fever in all parents, regardless of the number of children, age or educational level. The checklist as a tool for home assessment of fever has received high marks for its usefulness.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Cultural Characteristics , Fever/drug therapy , Parents , Mothers , Health Education , Cross-Sectional Studies , Pediatrics , Family PracticeABSTRACT
Antecedentes: La pérdida gestacional precoz acontece en el 10-20% de todas las gestaciones clínicas, siendo el 85% previos a la semana 12 de amenorrea. El aborto involuntario conlleva una carga muy significativa en los recursos destinados a sanidad, alcanzado un coste económico nacional en Reino Unido de 471 millones de libras esterlinas por año (533,06 millones de euros), cifra extrapolable a otros países industrializados. Según una revisión sistemática reciente no hay ensayos bien diseñados en gestaciones del primer trimestre que arrojen una evidencia consolidada sobre cuál es el mejor método de tratamiento de aborto del primer trimestre y existen diferentes estudios que han tratado de evidenciar reducción de costes con resultados contradictorios. Material y métodos: Se realiza un estudio de diseño observacional, retrospectivo y longitudinal. Se revisaron 892 pacientes diagnosticadas de aborto espontáneo durante el primer trimestre de gestación, en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2013 y diciembre de 2016. En nuestro estudio hemos querido evaluar la efectividad del misoprostol vaginal como tratamiento médico para el aborto espontáneo en el primer trimestre, en comparación con el legrado obstétrico/evacuador y, cuantificar la diferencia en los costos de ambos procedimientos a través de un estudio de minimización de costes. Resultados: De las 892 pacientes reclutadas, se realizó tratamiento médico con misoprostol en 517 (57,95%) y tratamiento quirúrgico mediante legrado evacuador en 375 (42,05%). La efectividad del tratamiento médico fue del 82% (426/517). Con respecto al tratamiento quirúrgico la efectividad resultó del 100%. La tasa de éxito del tratamiento médico fue superior en el subgrupo de pacientes con aborto incompleto (92,9%), en comparación con los grupos de gestación anembrionada (85,7%) y aborto diferido (78,2%). Conclusiones: El tratamiento médico del aborto es un manejo seguro y aceptado por las pacientes...(AU)
Background: Early pregnancy loss occurs in 10-20% of all clinical pregnancies, 85% being prior to week 12 of amenorrhea. Miscarriage entails a very significant burden on healthcare resources, reaching a national economic cost in the United Kingdom of £471 million per year (533.06 million), a figure that can be extrapolated to other industrialized countries. According to a recent systematic review, there are no well-designed trials in first-trimester pregnancies that provide consolidated evidence on what is the best first-trimester abortion treatment method, and there are different studies that have tried to demonstrate cost reduction with contradictory results. Material and methods: An observational, retrospective and longitudinal design study was carried out. 892 patients diagnosed with spontaneous abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy were reviewed, in the period between January 2013 and December 2016. In our study, we wanted to evaluate the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol as a medical treatment for spontaneous abortion in the first trimester, in comparison with obstetric curettage-evacuator, and to quantify the difference in the costs of both procedures through a cost minimization study. costs. Results: Of the 892 recruited patients, medical treatment with misoprostol was performed in 517 (57.95%) and surgical treatment by curettage in 375 (42.05%). The effectiveness of medical treatment was 82% (426/517). With respect to surgical treatment the effectiveness of 100%. The success rate of medical treatment was higher in the subgroup of patients with incomplete abortion (92.9%), compared to the anembryonic gestation (85.7%) and delayed abortion (78.2%) groups. Conclusions: The medical treatment of abortion is a safe management and accepted by the patients. The adequate selection of candidate patients leads to an increase in the success rate and a decrease in costs...(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Abortion, Spontaneous/drug therapy , Treatment Outcome , Misoprostol/economics , Drug Costs , Abortion , Retrospective Studies , Longitudinal StudiesSubject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Ossification, Heterotopic , Humans , Female , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Ossification, Heterotopic/diagnostic imaging , Dura Mater/diagnostic imaging , Dura Mater/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Middle Aged , Brain Neoplasms/secondary , Brain Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Brain Neoplasms/radiotherapyABSTRACT
Infertility affects 15% of couples in reproductive age worldwide. In women in particular, infertility can be caused by various abnormalities, with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) being the most common. Currently, there are many assisted reproductive techniques (ART) available to combat the burden of infertility. However, positive results are not guaranteed. The administration of inositol has been shown to increase positive reproductive outcomes in women undergoing ART. Here we present a series of clinical cases in which women with a history of infertility and previously failed ART, supplemented with a specific 3.6:1 MYO:DCI ratio, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for a period of 1 to 3 months before undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this series of case reports, we provide preliminary evidence that supplementation with a specific 3.6:1 MYO to DCI ratio, as well as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals may contribute positively to female fertility in women undergoing IVF, with a history of primary or secondary infertility and previously failed ART.
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We previously established the scaffold protein 14-3-3ζ as a critical regulator of adipogenesis and adiposity, but the temporal specificity of its action during adipocyte differentiation remains unclear. To decipher if 14-3-3ζ exerts its regulatory functions on mature adipocytes or on adipose precursor cells (APCs), we generated Adipoq14-3-3ζKO and Pdgfra14-3-3ζKO mouse models. Our findings revealed a pivotal role for 14-3-3ζ in APC differentiation in a sex-dependent manner, whereby male and female Pdgfra14-3-3ζKO mice display impaired or potentiated weight gain, respectively, as well as fat mass. To better understand how 14-3-3ζ regulates the adipogenic transcriptional program in APCs, CRISPR-Cas9 was used to generate TAP-tagged 14-3-3ζ-expressing 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Using these cells, we examined if the 14-3-3ζ nuclear interactome is enriched with adipogenic regulators during differentiation. Regulators of chromatin remodeling, such as DNMT1 and HDAC1, were enriched in the nuclear interactome of 14-3-3ζ, and their activities were impacted upon 14-3-3ζ depletion. The interactions between 14-3-3ζ and chromatin-modifying enzymes suggested that 14-3-3ζ may control chromatin remodeling during adipogenesis, and this was confirmed by ATAC-seq, which revealed that 14-3-3ζ depletion impacted the accessibility of up to 1,244 chromatin regions corresponding in part to adipogenic genes, promoters, and enhancers during the initial stages of adipogenesis. Moreover, 14-3-3ζ-dependent chromatin accessibility was found to directly correlate with the expression of key adipogenic genes. Altogether, our study establishes 14-3-3ζ as a crucial epigenetic regulator of adipogenesis and highlights the usefulness of deciphering the nuclear 14-3-3ζ interactome to identify novel pro-adipogenic factors and pathways.
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Actinotignum schaalii affects elderly people and is associated with individuals with urological-related predispositions, but can be found in a variety of locations, such as cutaneous, intraabdominal, genitourinary and surgical infections. Disseminated infections occur less frequently and are by and large related to urinary tract colonisation. This pathogen is often neglected due to growth requirements, especially in urinary tract infections. We present 107 Actinotignum schaalii isolated from genitourinary samples (80.4%), from skin and soft tissue infections (13.1%), from bone and deep tissue infection (4.7%) and from blood cultures (1.9%). The automated system Alfred 60/AST was paramount for the isolation of 77.6% of the UTI. All the isolates tested were susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, linezolid, vancomycin, teicoplanin, rifampicin and tetracycline. In conclusion, we present a large series of Actinotignum schaalii infections. This pathogen is hard to isolate, and is resistant to commonly used empirical antimicrobials.