Medicina
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Background and Objectives: Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the most frequent genetic renal disease with a complex physiopathology. More and more studies sustain that inflammation plays a crucial role in ADPKD pathogenesis and progression. We evaluated IL-12 involvement in ADPKD pathophysiology by assessing the serum levels of its monomers and heterodimers. ⋯ IL-12p70, IL-12p40, and IL-23 had a progressive increase correlated with immune response amplification, a decrease of eGFR, an increase in TKV, and in albuminuria. On the other hand, IL-35 and IL-12p35 were correlated negatively with CRP and albuminuria and positively with eGFR in advanced ADPKD. Conclusions: The present study investigated IL-12 cytokine family members' involvement in ADPKD pathogenesis, enriching our understanding of inflammation in the most common renal genetic disorder.
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Background and Objectives: Stress is a significant issue among dental students, with both psychological and physiological impacts affecting their academic performance. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between academic stress and salivary biochemical markers, specifically cortisol and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), in third- and fifth-year dental students during the 2022/2023 academic year. Materials and Methods: This study included 44 participants from the Faculty of Dental Medicine at Victor Babes University, Romania. ⋯ Results: Cortisol and TAC levels were measured using ELISA and TAC assays, respectively, decreasing from an average of 3.69 (SD ± 1.49) before stress to 2.86 (SD ± 2.28) during high-stress periods (p < 0.05), while salivary cortisol levels showed a non-significant change from 23.69 (SD ± 35.6) ng/mL to 20.44 (SD ± 23.07) ng/mL; additionally, female participants exhibited a mean STAI score of 91.65 (SD ± 5.13) compared to 91.09 (SD ± 9.41) for males, indicating greater stress responses among females. Conclusions: The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores confirmed elevated anxiety levels during exams. The findings suggest that academic stress negatively impacts TAC while triggering a moderate increase in salivary cortisol, underlining the need for stress management interventions in dental education.
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Recent advances in genetics and epigenetics have provided critical insights into the pathogenesis of both idiopathic and non-idiopathic interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Mutations in telomere-related genes and surfactant proteins have been linked to familial pulmonary fibrosis, while variants in MUC5B and TOLLIP increase the risk of ILD, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis-associated ILD. ⋯ Although no standardized genetic panel for ILD exists, understanding the interplay of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations could aid in the development of personalized therapeutic approaches. This review highlights the genetic and epigenetic factors driving ILD, emphasizing their potential for refining diagnosis and treatment.
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Background and Objectives: This study aimed to determine the minimal effective dose of indocyanine green (ICG) required for accurately assessing colonic perfusion during laparoscopic colorectal surgery using a laser-assisted laparoscopic near-infrared (NIR) camera system. Materials and Methods: In 15 patients with colorectal cancer undergoing right hemicolectomy, the left branch of the middle colic artery was preserved, and ICG angiography was performed in the transverse colon. To determine the optimal ICG dose, experimental doses of 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, and 0.05 mg of ICG per patient's body weight (kg) were administered intravenously in each group. ⋯ An acceptable AI-based perfusion pattern was 14.2% in Group 1, significantly lower than in Groups 2-5 (66.4-100%). Washout time was significantly faster with minimal doses compared with conventional doses (39.0 ± 15.8 s vs. 117.5 ± 4.9 s, respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study supports the use of minimal ICG doses, ranging from 0.02 to 0.05 mg/kg, to optimize repetitive ICG angiography using a laser-assisted laparoscopic NIR camera.
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Dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal tract is the most common cause of disease in childhood and adulthood. The formation of the intestinal microbiome begins in utero, and composition modification during life depends mainly on various genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. The main cause of intestinal dysbiosis is improper nutrition due to a short period of breastfeeding, insufficient intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, and/or consumption of a large amount of processed food. ⋯ Factors associated with high fiber in a plant-based diet promote increased insulin sensitivity. Insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) act as promoters of most normal and pre-neoplastic tissues. Conclusion: A plant-based diet high in fiber prevents disease by creating metabolites in the gut that reduce oxidative stress.