Predicting Severe COVID-19 Outcomes in the Elderly: The Role of Systemic Immune Inflammation, Liver Function Tests, and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio.

: Patients aged 80 years and above are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic utility of the derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), aspartate-aminotransferase-to-lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI), aspartate-aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) in predicting severe disease, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality among COVID-19 patients aged 80 years and older. : In this retrospective cohort study, 138 elderly patients (≥80 years) and 215 younger controls (<65 years) with confirmed COVID-19 were included.

Teaching Artificial Intelligence to Medical Students.

Among the measures taken by UVVG to modernize the educational process is the pioneering undertaking regarding the introduction of a course on Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM). Such an action has to face several challenges, at three levels, starting from its inclusion in the curricular vision of the university, its positioning in the didactic program as well as the content of the syllabus suitable for medical students. The first part presents the necessity and opportunity of introducing the course in the current context of the rapid growth of AIM applications.

Chrysin-loaded calixarene-cyclodextrin ternary drug delivery system inhibits TGF-β and galectin-1 mediated pathways in diabetic liver fibrosis.

This study investigated the efficacy of a new chrysin-loaded calixarene-cyclodextrin ternary drug delivery system (DDS) in reversing liver fibrosis in a mouse model of chronic diabetes. The system was designed to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of chrysin (CHR) and calixarene 0118 (OTX008). Adult male CD1 mice received streptozotocin (STZ) injections to induce diabetes.

Kidney Function Tests and Continuous eGFR Decrease at Six Months after SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients Clinically Diagnosed with Post-COVID Syndrome.

The long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection are still under research, since extensive studies showed plenty of systemic effects of the viral infection, extending even after the acute phase of the infection. This study evaluated kidney function tests six months after SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients clinically diagnosed with Post-COVID Syndrome, hypothesizing persistent renal dysfunction evidenced by altered kidney function tests compared to baseline levels. Continuous eGFR decrease <30 at six months post-infection was considered the main study outcome.

A Comparative Analysis of Liver Injury Markers in Post-COVID Syndrome among Elderly Patients: A Prospective Study.

Background: In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, understanding its prolonged impact on vulnerable populations has become a critical area of investigation. This study aimed to elucidate the distinctive post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) and liver injury in Romania's elderly population, hypothesizing unique demographic, clinical, and healthcare factors influencing the manifestation.

Methods: A longitudinal design was employed, enrolling COVID-19 patients from the Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology in Timisoara, Romania.

Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolic Events in COVID-19 Patients after Hospital Discharge: Aspects to Consider.

Venous thromboembolic (VTE) events have been increasingly reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after hospital discharge. Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most frequent type of post-discharge VTE complication. Levels of procoagulants (fibrinogen, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor), and D-dimer are higher during the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Sex and Age-Related Differences in Neuroinflammation and Apoptosis in Mice Retina Involve Resolvin D1.

(1) Background: The pro-resolving lipid mediator Resolvin D1 (RvD1) has already shown protective effects in animal models of diabetic retinopathy. This study aimed to investigate the retinal levels of RvD1 in aged (24 months) and younger (3 months) mice, along with the activation of macro- and microglia, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation. (2) Methods: Retinas from male and female mice were used for immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

The morphological changes of the colonic goblet cells and mucin profile in oncohematological patients under Epirubicin-based chemotherapy.

Changes in the lining of the small intestine following chemotherapy have been extensively studied, although also occurs in the large intestine. The aim of this study was to assess the consequences of Epirubicin-based therapy on goblet cells (GCs) and mucus production on colonic mucosa, immediately and after short-time of chemotherapy administration to oncohematological patients, by clinical and histopathological analysis. We assessed the mucus production, composition, and distribution by Alcian Blue (pH 2.

The Anti-Leukemic Activity of Natural Compounds.

The use of biologically active compounds has become a realistic option for the treatment of malignant tumors due to their cost-effectiveness and safety. In this review, we aimed to highlight the main natural biocompounds that target leukemic cells, assessed by in vitro and in vivo experiments or clinical studies, in order to explore their therapeutic potential in the treatment of leukemia: acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It provides a basis for researchers and hematologists in improving basic and clinical research on the development of new alternative therapies in the fight against leukemia, a harmful hematological cancer and the leading cause of death among patients.

Nano Selenium-Enriched Probiotics as Functional Food Products against Cadmium Liver Toxicity.

Since cadmium is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems for humans, it is necessary to find bioremediation solutions to reduce its harmful effects. The main goal of our work was to develop a functional food based on elemental selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) obtained by green synthesis using and to validate their ability to annihilate the hepatic toxic effects induced by cadmium. The characterization of SeNPs was assessed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, DLS and TEM.

Corrigendum: Changes in Retinal Structure and Ultrastructure in the Aged Mice Correlate with Differences in the Expression of Selected Retinal miRNAs.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.

Natural Antioxidants in Anemia Treatment.

Anemia, characterized by a decrease of the hemoglobin level in the blood and a reduction in carrying capacity of oxygen, is a major public health problem which affects people of all ages. The methods used to treat anemia are blood transfusion and oral administration of iron-based supplements, but these treatments are associated with a number of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain, which limit its long-term use. In addition, oral iron supplements are poorly absorbed in the intestinal tract, due to overexpression of hepcidin, a peptide hormone that plays a central role in iron homeostasis.

Changes in Retinal Structure and Ultrastructure in the Aged Mice Correlate With Differences in the Expression of Selected Retinal miRNAs.

Age and gender are two important factors that may influence the function and structure of the retina and its susceptibility to retinal diseases. The aim of this study was to delineate the influence that biological sex and age exert on the retinal structural and ultrastructural changes in mice and to identify the age-related miRNA dysregulation profiles in the retina by gender. Experiments were undertaken on male and female Balb/c aged 24 months (approximately 75-85 years in humans) compared to the control (3 months).

High-normal blood pressure and related cardiovascular risk factors prevalence in the Romanian adult population: insights from the SEPHAR III study.

High normal blood pressure (HNBP) is associated with an increased risk of incident high blood pressure (HBP) and of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). To estimate the prevalence of HNBP and related cardiovascular risk factors, a representative sample of 1970 Romanian adults was enrolled in SEPHAR III survey (Study for the Evaluation of Prevalence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk in Romania). All were evaluated for blood pressure values and by a 71-item questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, together with extensive evaluation for target organ damage, blood, and urine sample collection.

Bacterial Cellulose-Modified Polyhydroxyalkanoates Scaffolds Promotes Bone Formation in Critical Size Calvarial Defects in Mice.

Bone regeneration is a claim challenge in addressing bone defects with large tissue deficits, that involves bone grafts to support the activity. In vitro biocompatibility of the bacterial cellulose-modified polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHB/BC) scaffolds and its osteogenic potential in critical-size mouse calvaria defects had been investigated. Bone promotion and mineralization were analyzed by biochemistry, histology/histomorphometry, X-ray analysis and immunofluorescence for highlighting osteogenesis markers.

Prospective Study of Pulmonary Embolism Presenting as Syncope.

Background: Syncope represents a common condition among the general population. It is also a frequent complaint of patients in the emergency department (ED). Pulmonary embolism (PE) considers a differential diagnosis, particularly in a case of syncope without chest pain.

Role of Optimal Medication Given to Patients with Hypertension and Ischemic Heart Disease Prior to an Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Introduction: Administering optimal cardiovascular medication (OCM) to patients with hypertension (HBP) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) lowers cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.The main objective of this study was to compare in-hospital cardiac mortality among patients with HBP and/or IHD, treated or untreated with OCM, who developed a first episode of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods: The study was carried out retrospectively and included patients admitted with a first episode of ACS between 2013 and 2016.

Protective effects of silymarin against bisphenol A-induced hepatotoxicity in mouse liver.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical released into the environment, with severe consequences for human health, including metabolic syndrome and associated pathological conditions. Due to limited information on BPA-induced hepatotoxicity, the present study focused on investigating the association between BPA-induced toxicity and inflammatory markers in the liver, and how these injuries may be alleviated using the natural agent silymarin, a flavonoid with antioxidant properties obtained from . Administration of BPA to male CD-1 mice for 10 days caused a significant increase in the number of cells immunopositive for interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, pro-inflammatory cytokines that mediate the hepatic inflammatory response.

Evaluation of Hepatotoxicity with Treatment Doses of Flucytosine and Amphotericin B for Invasive Fungal Infections.

Invasive fungal infection is a well-known cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. In this study we aimed to evaluate the hepatotoxicity induced by combined therapy of flucytosine and amphotericin B, at three different doses administered to mice for 14 days: 50 mg/kg flucytosine and 300 μg/kg amphotericin B; 100 mg/kg flucytosine and 600 μg/kg amphotericin B; 150 mg/kg flucytosine and 900 μg/kg amphotericin B. Liver injuries were evaluated by analysis of optic and electron microscopy samples, changes in TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB inflammation markers levels of expression, and evaluation of mRNA profiles.

Protective effects of silymarin on epirubicin-induced mucosal barrier injury of the gastrointestinal tract.

Mucositis is a serious disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that results from cancer chemotherapy. We investigated the protective effects of silymarin on epirubicin-induced mucosal barrier injury in CD-1 mice. Immunohistochemical activity of both pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 markers, together with p53, cyt-P450 expression and DNA damage analysis on stomach, small intestine and colon were evaluated.

A cytometric study of the red blood cells in Gaucher disease reveals their abnormal shape that may be involved in increased erythrophagocytosis.

Background: Gaucher disease is a sphingolipidosis caused by a deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase. Macrophages transform into pathogenic Gaucher cells following the phagocytosis of red blood cells (RBCs) and subsequent accumulation of glucosylceramide. Enhanced erythrophagocytosis is one feature of the disease indicating abnormal macrophage-RBC interactions.

Active caspases-8 and -3 in circulating human erythrocytes purified on immobilized annexin-V: a cytometric demonstration.

Human red blood cells (RBCs) have a normal life span of 120 days in vivo and might be primed in vitro to die in response to apoptotic stimuli through a caspase-independent pathway. It is well known that, in vivo, aging RBCs externalize phosphatidylserine residues but is unknown whether these cells express active caspases at this stage. We isolated RBCs expressing phosphatidylserine on their surface from human blood by applying an original method of affinity chromatography using annexin-V fixed on gelatin or on magnetic beads.

[Bone turnover markers evaluation in psoriatic arthritis].

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to investigate the blood level of bone turnover markers: osteoprotegerin (OPG), bone alkaline phosphatase (Bone-ALP), and receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL) of patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Methods: Twenty-four patients with psoriatic arthritis (CASPAR classification criteria) and twenty healthy controls were included. The OPG, Bone-ALP and RANKL levels were quantified by using ELISA method.