Int J Med Sci
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Loss of renal function may render hemodialysis patients more susceptible to infectious diseases, which is the second of all-causes mortality in this population. In addition to infection caused by the classic Klebsiella pneumoniae (cKp), however, hemodialysis staffs are now facing new challenge with growing prevalence of the carbapenem-resistant Kp (CR-Kp) and hypervirulent Kp (hvKp) as they are respectively associated with increased drug-resistance and virulence. We therefore chose to share our recent experience in treating severe infections either caused (cKp, CR-Kp, hvKp) or complicated (CR-hvKp) by these strains in hemodialysis patients. ⋯ Since reports of complicated hvKp infection in hemodialysis patients were rare, we also discussed in details this clinical entity focusing on its epidemiology, mechanism of increased virulence and involvement of the arteriovenous fistula as insidious source of persistent septicemia. By covering the full spectrum of clinically relevant Kp stains specifically from the viewpoint of nephrology, our work had highlighted the importance of infection control in uremic state and vice versa. As such, it may greatly raise the awareness of dialysis staffs against the challenge of evolving Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in hemodialysis patients and expeditiously reach a higher degree of readiness which was proved to be the key determinant of ultimate survival.
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Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects tooth-supporting tissues and even leads to tooth loss. NLRP3 inflammasomes play a critical role in periodontitis pathogenesis. ⋯ Then we elucidate the development status of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors and show their application potential for treating periodontitis. In summary, this review reveals the recent progress and perspectives of NLRP3 inflammasome and the therapeutic potential of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors in periodontitis.
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Heart failure coexists with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which seriously affects the clinical treatment and prognosis. At present, the treatment for patients with established heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus is usually combined with two treatment strategies for heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently, increasing studies showed that empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, has a positive effect on the treatment of patients with established heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here, we summarize the latest and current understanding of the management for patients with established heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus and further present contemporary treatment options, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, for these particular populations.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A proprietary blend of standardized Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cocoa seed extracts mitigates aging males' symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Objective: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel combination of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cocoa seed extracts (LN18178 or Tesnor®) in enhancing serum testosterone level and reducing aging males' symptoms (AMS) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation (CTRI Reg. No. CTRI/2019/02/017506). ⋯ Conclusion: LN18178 supplementation reduced AMS scores and improved sexual performance. Also, LN18178 groups exhibited superior muscular strength and reduction in perceived stress. Total blood chemistry and urine analysis demonstrated the broad-spectrum safety.
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Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor characterized by the direct production of osteoid tissue from tumor cells. Extracellular vesicles are membranous vesicles released by cells into the extracellular matrix, which exist widely in various body fluids and cell supernatants, and stably carry some important signaling molecules. ⋯ Increasing evidence has shown that extracellular vesicles play a significant role in osteosarcoma development, progression, and metastatic process, indicating that extracellular vesicles can be use as biomarker vehicles in the diagnosis and prognosis of osteosarcoma. This review discusses the basic biological characteristics of extracellular vesicles and focuses on their application in osteosarcoma.