Central androgen action reverses hypothalamic astrogliosis and atherogenic risk factors induced by orchiectomy and high-fat diet feeding in male mice.

Hypogonadism in males confers elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by unknown mechanisms. Recent radiological evidence suggests that low testosterone (T) is associated with mediobasal hypothalamic (MBH) gliosis, a central nervous system (CNS) cellular response linked to metabolic dysfunction. To address mechanisms linking CNS androgen action to CVD risk, we generated a hypogonadal, hyperlipidemic mouse model with orchiectomy (ORX) combined with hepatic PCSK9 overexpression.

[Impact of mydriatic eyedrops on distance visual acuity in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration].

Purpose: To demonstrate a decrease in distance visual acuity (VA) following instillation of mydriatic eyedrops in eyes with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Materials And Methods: A prospective assessment in clinical practice was conducted in our ophthalmology department at the University Hospital of Tours from 7/19/2018 to 8/29/2018. Distance (ETDRS) and near (Parinaud) VA were assessed before and after instilling one drop each of tropicamide 0.

Long-term benefit of transoral incisionless fundoplication using the esophyx device for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease responsive to medical therapy.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) using the EsophyX device has been shown to be effective and safe in patients with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, the subset of patients that would mostly benefit from this technique remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the TIF procedure in patients with a history of esophagitis or proven chronic GERD who have achieved symptom control with the administration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) but did not wish to continue receiving medications for life. Forty-five patients with typical GERD symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain) and a history of esophagitis grade A and B or proven GERD by esophageal pH monitoring underwent TIF using Esophyx.

Induction of phagocytic activity and nitric-oxide production in natural populations of Trypanosoma cruzi I and II from the state of Paraná, Brazil.

Twelve strains of Trypanosoma cruzi isolated from wild reservoirs, triatomines, and chronic chagasic patients in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil, and classified as T. cruzi I and II, were used to test the correlation between genetic and biological diversity. The Phagocytic Index (PI) and nitric-oxide (NO) production in vitro were used as biological parameters.

Trypanosoma cruzi: Different methods of data analysis to evaluate the genetics-biology relationship.

The correlation of genetic and biological diversity in Trypanosoma cruzi was studied. Strains of T. cruzi II, isolated from humans; and of T.