Annals of medicine
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Early antimicrobial therapy is crucial regarding the prognosis of vertebral osteomyelitis, but early pathogen diagnosis remains challenging. ⋯ The results of this study hold promise in providing valuable guidance to clinical practitioners for the differential diagnosis and early antimicrobial treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis.
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With the decline of global fertility, drug therapeutic of ectopic pregnancy is of great significance. Lithospermum erythrorhizon is using for embryo killing as herbal medicine. Shikonin is the critical nucleus of Lithospermum erythrorhizon; however, the mechanism is still unclear. The study aimed to explore the mechanism of shikonin against ectopic pregnancy. ⋯ Our results suggest that shikonin activates CTSB to induce NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis in HTR-8/SVneo cells. This study has important clinical implications for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy.
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Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is recognized as a crucial regulator in lipid metabolism. Acetyl-CoA carboxylases (ACACAs) play a role in the β-oxidation of fatty acids. Yet, the functions of ANGPTL4 and ACACA in dyslipidemia of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remain unclear. ⋯ Serum ANGTPL4 levels were significantly decreased in OSA patients, particularly among individuals with severe OSA. Although functional ANGTPL4 T266M variants were not associated with lipid levels in OSA, ANGTPL4 T266M could enhance binding affinity for the ACACA protein, potentially regulating lipid metabolism.
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Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), comprising ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, have a profound impact on people's lives. This study aims to investigate the perceived impact of IBD on sexual life and family planning to enhance understanding of the interplay between IBD, sexuality, intimacy and family planning to foster a better quality of life for those living with the condition. ⋯ This is the first study concerning the sexuality and family planning of people with IBD in the Czech Republic. It highlights the need for information and open communication from professionals.
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Falls are the most common injuries in older adults, and fall prevention is one of the primary measures to achieve healthy aging. Self-management refers to the measures taken by individuals to avoid various adverse factors and health damage to protect and promote their health. This study aimed to explore the factors and measures of self-managed fall prevention among community-dwelling older adults. ⋯ Individual, social support, community advocacy, and road condition influenced self-managed fall prevention. Active exercise, adjusting home environment and clothing, and multi-channel acquisition of self-managed fall prevention knowledge can reduce the incidence of falls among older adults. Identifying these experiences will help older adults improve their awareness of preventing falls, take responsibility for themselves, and reduce the incidence of falls.