Medicina
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Background and Objectives: Subcortical grey matter structures play essential roles in cognitive, affective, social, and motoric functions in humans. Their volume changes with age, and decreased volumes have been linked with many neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of our study was to examine the heritability of six subcortical brain volumes (the amygdala, caudate nucleus, pallidum, putamen, thalamus, and nucleus accumbens) and four general brain volumes (the total intra-cranial volume and the grey matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume) in twins. ⋯ Conclusions: The majority of examined subcortical volumes appeared to be strongly heritable. The thalamus was more strongly influenced by common environmental factors when investigated with both segmentation methods. Our results underline the importance of identifying the relevant genes responsible for variations in the subcortical structure volume and associated diseases.
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Background and objectives: The investigation of the pathophysiology behind medication-related osteonecrosis (MRONJ) of the jaw mostly focuses on alterations in osteoclast and osteoblast cell activity, but changes in the organic and inorganic bone matrix have rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate whether collagen, the main organic component of extracellular bone matrix, is destructed in osteonecrosis of the jaw secondary to antiresorptive medication. Material and methods: Bone samples of patients with MRONJ (n = 15, control group n = 3) were demineralized, and collagen fragments were separated from intact collagen pellets by ultrafiltration. ⋯ In addition, there were no significant differences between samples from MRONJ patients and those of the control group. These results were paralleled by SDS- PAGE. Conclusion: These findings suggest that MRONJ does not involve the destruction of type I and V collagen molecules, in contrast to previously reported destruction by osteoradionecrosis.
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Background: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia and has been described as driver of cardiovascular morbidity and risk factor for cardiac device-related complications, as well as in transvenous lead extraction (TLE). Objectives: Aim of this study was to characterize the procedural outcome and risk-factors of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing TLE. Methods: We performed a subgroup analysis of all AF patients in the GALLERY (GermAn Laser Lead Extraction RegistrY) database. ⋯ Systemic device infection (OR: 49.73; 95% CI: 6.56−377.09, p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (CKD; OR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.01−7.03, p = 0.048) and a body mass index < 21 kg/m2 (OR: 6.6; 95% CI: 1.68−25.87, p = 0.007) were identified as independent predictors for all-cause mortality. Conclusions: TLE in AF patients is effective and safe, but in patients with systemic infection the mortality due to septic shock is high. Systemic infection, CKD and body mass index <21 kg/m2 are risk factors for death in patient with AF undergoing TLE.
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Background and Objectives: Curcumin (Cc) as an active substance is known for its anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic effects, together with its role in cholesterol regulation, and its use in different gastrointestinal derangements. On the other hand, curcumin can be used for its properties as an inactive substance, with Cc particles being more often tested in pharmaceutical formulations for drug delivery, with promising safety records and kinetics. The aim of this research was to obtain and characterize polyurethane microparticles that can be used as a carrier with a controlled Cc release. ⋯ The overall difference compared to the reference group with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was statistically significant at a 95% significance level. Conclusions: Our findings indicate the obtaining of almost homogeneous particles with a medium tendency to form agglomerations, with a good capacity of encapsulation (around 60%), a medium release rate, and a non-irritative potential. Therefore, this polyester-urethane with Cc microparticles can be tested in other clinical evaluations.
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Background and objectives: Supernumerary extraocular muscle (SEOM) is extremely rare. The purpose of this paper was to review the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of SEOM patients with atypical restrictive strabismus. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the data from 12 SEOM cases. ⋯ A surgical success was achieved in four cases. Conclusions: For restrictive strabismus, imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of SEOM. When the SEOM is difficult to resect, a personalized surgical strategy may be required to achieve a good ocular alignment.