Arch Med Sci
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The FMR1 gene plays an important role in brain development and in the regulation of ovarian function. The FMR1 gene contains CGG repeat variation and the expansion of the repeats is associated with various phenotypes e.g. fragile X syndrome, premature ovarian failure, etc. Repeats ranging < 55 CGG are considered normal, however recent studies suggest that high-normal (35-54 CGG) and low-normal (< 26 CGG) alleles may also have an impact on female reproductive function. ⋯ In our study, the FMR1 gene high-normal alleles were associated with secondary infertility. However, to address the controversies related to the role of FMR1 genes in the development of diminished ovarian reserve, further studies on the subject are required.
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The study aimed to investigate how pain severity in the shoulder region affects balance ability, postural stability and fall risk. ⋯ The results indicated that shoulder pain severity affects balance parameters. As pain level at rest increases, postural sway increases in a medio-lateral direction, and towards the left while standing on the right foot. Approaches regarding increasing balance and postural instability should be included in physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs of patients with shoulder pain at an early phase to protect patients from balance problems and fall risk.
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Replicative senescence results in dysregulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, which plays a role in the regenerative defects observed during age-related muscle atrophy. Vitamin E is a well-known antioxidant, which potentially ameliorates a wide range of age-related manifestations. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) in modulating the expression of proliferation- and differentiation-associated proteins in senescent human myoblasts during the differentiation phase. ⋯ TRF modulates the expression of regulatory factors related to proliferation and differentiation in senescent human myoblasts and could be beneficial for ameliorating the regenerative defects during aging.
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Repeated measurements of ankle-brachial index (ABI) using Doppler method were shown to be accurate during atrial fibrillation. Oscillometric devices are effective in ABI measurement, but their accuracy during atrial fibrillation is unknown. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether atrial fibrillation influences ABI obtained with the automatic oscillometric method. ⋯ The automated oscillometric method of ABI measurements should not replace the reference Doppler method in patients with atrial fibrillation. More research related to the oscillometric measurements is needed in subjects with peripheral artery disease and atrial fibrillation.
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Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a common clinical problem associated with a high mortality rate. Because ADHF has various aetiologies, there are a range of therapeutic options, among others, positive inotropes (inotropic drugs). ⋯ Despite many publications on LSM, some issues related to its application remain unclear. The authors of this paper have attempted to summarise expert recommendations and reports available in the literature.