Annals of medicine
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Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Chemokines and their receptors are implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. CXCL12 is a member of the chemokine family exerting a myriad role in atherosclerosis through its classical CXCR4 and atypical ACKR3 (CXCR7) receptors. ⋯ Hence, a better understanding of this structural and functional heterogeneity and complex phenomenon involving CXCL12/CXCR4/ACKR3 axis in atherosclerosis would not only help in formulation of novel therapeutics, but also in elucidation of the CXCL12 ligand and its receptors, as possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Key messagesThe role of CXCL12 per se is proatherogenic in atherosclerosis development and progression. The CXCL12 receptors, CXCR4 and ACKR3 perform both proatherogenic and athero-protective functions in various cell typesDue to functional heterogeneity and cross talk of CXCR4 and ACKR3 at receptor level and downstream pathways, regional boosting with specific temporal and spatial modulators of CXCL12, CXCR4 and ACKR3 need to be explored.
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Little is known about the therapeutic relationship between coblation discoplasty and cervicogenic dizziness (CGD). CGD can be caused by abnormal proprioceptive inputs from compressed nerve roots, intradiscal mechanoreceptors and nociceptors to the vestibulospinal nucleus in the degenerative cervical disc. The aim was to analyze the efficacy of coblation discoplasty in CGD through intradiscal nerve ablation and disc decompression in a 12-month follow-up retrospective study. ⋯ Coblation discoplasty significantly improves the severity and frequency of CGD, which is important inbridging unresponsive conservative intervention and open surgery.Key messagesThere is a correlation between the degenerative cervical disc and cervicogenic dizziness (CGD).CGD can be caused by abnormal proprioceptive inputs from a compressed nerve root and intradiscal mechanoreceptors and nociceptors to the vestibulospinal nucleus in the degenerative cervical disc.Cervical coblation discoplasty can alleviate CGD through ablating intradiscal nerve endings and decompressing the nerve root.
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To illustrate the effect of corticosteroids and heparin, respectively, on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients' CD8+ T cells and D-dimer. ⋯ The parameters of coagulation, inflammation and immunity were longitudinally correlated, and an early low-dose corticosteroid treatment accelerated the regaining of CD8+ T cell to help battle against SARS-Cov-2 in critical cases of COVID-19.
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To evaluate the association between childhood parental smoking exposure and the risk of overweight/obesity from childhood to adulthood. ⋯ Childhood exposure to parental smoking is associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity over the life-course. KEY MESSAGES Exposure to parental smoking in childhood was associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity, central obesity and adiposity measured by skinfold thickness from childhood to adulthood.
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Review Case Reports
Foetal ductus arteriosus constriction unrelated to non-steroidal anti-Inflammatory drugs: a case report and literature review.
Foetal ductus arteriosus (DA) constriction can be found in complex foetal heart malformations, but rarely as an isolated defect. Although many cases of DA constriction are usually related to Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) maternal intake, other causes remain without an established aetiology and are referred to as idiopathic. Recently, a wide range of risks factors or substances (polyphenol-rich foods intake, naphazoline, fluoxetine, caffeine and pesticides) showed a definitive effect upon the pathway of inflammation, causing DA constriction. ⋯ KEY MESSAGESMany cases of DA constriction are usually related to Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) maternal intake. A wide range of risks factors or substances (polyphenol-rich foods intake, naphazoline, fluoxetine, caffeine and pesticides) can cause foetal DA constriction. Further investigation are needed to confirm the role of maternal exposure to solvents in the pathogenesis of DA constriction.