Clinics
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Endometriosis's pathophysiology remains incompletely understood, with evidence pointing towards a dysregulated immune response. Regulatory T (Treg) cells, pivotal in maintaining self-tolerance, may facilitate the survival of ectopic endometrial cells within the abdominal cavity, thereby contributing to endometriosis development. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CD39+CD73+ suppressor Treg cell subsets in the peripheral blood of endometriosis patients. ⋯ M: 2.25; IQR: 0.50-4.08; p = 0.0483), suggesting a reduction in systemic immune tolerance among these patients. This finding highlights the potential role of CD39 and CD73 expression on Treg cells as biomarkers for assessing disease severity and progression. Furthermore, elucidating the mechanisms driving these alterations may unveil new therapeutic strategies to restore immune equilibrium and mitigate endometriosis symptoms.
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The maternal mortality rate in developing countries, such as Brazil, has significantly increased since 2020. Obstetric Emergencies (OE) account for 72.5% of these deaths. A national survey was conducted in Brazil to evaluate how gynecologists and obstetricians deal with OE and identify the main difficulties regarding theoretical/practical knowledge and structural resources. ⋯ A high Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) may be related to disorganized healthcare systems, low implementation of risk classification protocols for the care of severe maternal and fetal conditions, and lack of access to continued/specific training programs. The Brazilian MMR is multifactorial. According to obstetricians, Brazilian health services include care teams, essential medications, obstetric centers, and clinical analysis laboratories, though they lack systematized processes and permanent professional training for qualified care of OE.
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Varicocele is an abnormal expansion of the pampininias venous plexus in the scrotum, resulting in impaired sperm production and reduced sperm quality. The exact pathophysiological mechanism leading to varicocele-related infertility has not been fully elucidated. Although treatable, varicocele may lead to male infertility. ⋯ Semen parameters and the combination of serum InhB and INSL-3 levels in patients with varicocele are closely related to the severity of the disease. Serum INSL-3 is expected to be a potential biomarker for early clinical intervention.
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This study was directed towards exploring the impacts of lncRNA HOXA11-AS-mediated microRNA (miR)-506-3p on chondrocytes proliferation and apoptosis in osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ The silencing of HOXA11-AS might block the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway through miR-506-3p up-regulation, thereby restricting HCOA cell proliferation and provoking apoptosis.
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Studies suggest peripheral airway abnormalities in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). Impulse Oscillometry (IOS) is a noninvasive and sensitive technique for assessing the small airways. It evaluates the impedance of the respiratory system ‒ Resistance (R) and reactance (X) ‒ to a pulse of sound waves sent to the lungs, in a range of frequencies (5‒20 Hz). ⋯ Patients showed changes suggestive of increased resistance and reactance in the IOS compared to healthy individuals, and the IOS findings showed a good correlation with spirometry variables.