Medicine
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Studies have shown an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) population. Epicardial fat (EF) quality may be linked to this increased risk. In our study, we evaluated the associations between EF density, a qualitative characteristic of fat, and inflammatory markers, cardiovascular risk factors, HIV-related parameters, and CAD. ⋯ Multivariable models showed positive association between EF density and coronary calcium score (odds ratio, 1.07, P = .023). Among the soluble biomarkers measured in our study, adjusted analyses showed that IL2Rα, tumor necrosis factor alpha and luteizing hormone were significantly associated with EF density. Our study showed that an increase in EF density was associated with a higher coronary calcium score and with inflammatory markers in a population that includes PLHIV.
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Hypotension can occur in patients receiving levodopa (L-dopa) treatment for parkinsonism. However, only few studies have focused on the characteristics of orthostatic hypotension (OH) induced by the L-dopa challenge test (LCT). This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of LCT-induced OH in a relatively large sample of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). ⋯ LCT increased the odds of OH in non-OH PD, causing symptomatic OH in 10.3% of patients in our study, thereby raising safety concerns. Increase in age was observed to be a risk factor for LCT-induced OH in PD patients. A study with a larger sample size is warranted to confirm our results.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
The effects of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 on functional gas and bloating in adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Gut microbiome dysbiosis is a major cause of abdominal gas, bloating, and distension. Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (LactoSpore) is a spore-forming, thermostable, lactic acid-producing probiotic that has numerous health benefits. We evaluated the effect of Lacto Spore on improving the clinical symptoms of functional gas and bloating in healthy adults. ⋯ Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 may be a potential supplement to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with abdominal gas and distension.
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Review Case Reports
Fibrothecoma of broad ligament with minor sex cord elements: Case report and brief literature review.
Sex cord-stromal tumors are always found in ovary, but the occurrence of this kind of tumor at extraovarian locations is extremely rare. Up to now, the case concerning fibrothecoma of broad ligament with minor sex cord elements has not been reported, and it is extremely challenging to diagnose before surgery. In this case report, we summarized pathogenesis, clinical features, laboratory finding, imaging studies, pathology, and therapeutic schedule of this tumor, with the aim of raising awareness and attention to this type of disease. ⋯ The natural history of this kind of tumor is uncertain. Although main treatment of this neoplasm might be surgical resection and good prognosis can be achieved, we believe that long-time follow-up is extremely important in all patients diagnosed as fibrothecoma of broad ligament with minor sex cord. Laparoscopic unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with excision of the tumor should be recommended to these patients.