Ultrastructure assessment of oocyte from mouse with polycystic ovary syndrome following cryopreservation.

Background: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a substantial obstacle to female fertility due to ovulation inhibition. Oocyte cryopreservation is crucial for preserving fertility in women with fertility-compromising disorders such as PCOS.

Objective: In this study, the ultrastructural damages of oocytes were evaluated following freezing from PCOS mouse model.

Evaluation of NPP1 as a Novel Biomarker of Coronary Artery Disease: A Pilot Study in Human Beings.

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is utilized as an important tool for global risk assessment of cardiovascular events in individuals with intermediate risk. Ecto phosphodiesterase/nucleotide phosphohydrolase-1(ENPP1) converts extracellular nucleotides into inorganic pyrophosphate and it is a key regulator of tissue calcification that adjusts calcification in tissues like vascular smooth muscle cells. The main purpose of this clinical study was to find out the correlation between ENPP1 serum concentration and CAC in human for the first time.

The current and future role of biomarkers in type 2 cytokine-mediated asthma management.

Assessment and management of asthma is complicated by the heterogeneous pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie its clinical presentation, which are not necessarily reflected in standardized management paradigms and which necessitate an individualized approach to treatment. This is particularly important with the emerging availability of a variety of targeted forms of therapy that may only be appropriate for use in particular patient subgroups. The identification of biomarkers can potentially aid diagnosis and inform prognosis, help guide treatment decisions and allow clinicians to predict and monitor response to treatment.

Can intracoronary stem cell injection permanently improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was 'Can intracoronary stem cell injection permanently improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction?'. Altogether 314 papers were found using the reported search, of which five represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question.