Association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and essential hypertension: An updated systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

The association between Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and essential hypertension (EH) remains controversial. We searched databases (Cochrane Library, EBSCO, EMBASE, LILACS, ProQuest, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer) for studies on VDR gene polymorphisms and EH until May 30, 2024, following PRISMA guidelines. RevMan 5.

Magnetic Memory Effects in BaFe(AsP) Superconducting Single Crystal.

Among many iron-based superconductors, isovalently substituted BaFe(AsP) displays, for ≈ 0.3, apart from the quite usual Second Magnetization Peak (SMP) in the field dependence of the critical current density, an unusual peak effect in the temperature dependence of the critical current density in the constant field, which is related to the rhombic-to-square (RST) structural transition of the Bragg vortex glass (BVG). By using multi-harmonic AC susceptibility investigations in three different cooling regimes-field cooling, zero-field cooling, and field cooling with measurements during warming up-we have discovered the existence of a temperature region in which there is a pronounced magnetic memory effect, which we attributed to the direction of the structural transition.

KCL TEST: an open-source inspired asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 surveillance programme in an academic institution.

Rapid and accessible testing was paramount in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our university established KCL TEST: a SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatic testing programme that enabled sensitive and accessible PCR testing of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva. Here, we describe our learnings and provide our blueprint for launching diagnostic laboratories, particularly in low-resource settings.

Resveratrol as an Anti-inflammatory Agent in Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

Background: Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol that shows promise in reducing pro-inflammatory factors and maintaining endothelial function, which hints at its potential role in slowing atherosclerosis and preventing acute coronary events.

Objective: To study the cardioprotective effects of resveratrol on inflammatory mediators and endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: A thorough search was conducted in databases (Cochrane Library, ProQuest, PubMed, LILACS, ScienceDirect, Springer, Taylor&Francis, CNKI, Wanfang, and Weipu) until September 24, 2023.

Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Properties of (L.) Stem Bark Dry Extract.

(L.) has remarkable ethnopharmacological properties and is widely used in traditional medicine. The present study investigated stem bark (Berberidis cortex) by extraction with 50% ethanol.

Outcomes of Arthrodesis of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb for Sequelae of Collateral Ligament Injuries: A Series of 18 Cases with 6-Year Follow-Up.

Untreated or insufficiently treated collateral ligament injuries of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint can lead to instability or even osteoarthritis. Arthrodesis is one of the treatment options available for the treatment of the sequelae of collateral ligament injuries. The objective of our study was to evaluate the radiological, clinical and functional outcomes of MP joint arthrodesis performed for sequelae of collateral ligament injuries.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Potential of (L.) Dry Hydro-Ethanolic Extract.

(L.) is one of the essential spices most frequently used in our daily routine and has remarkable ethnobotanical and pharmacological properties. Its fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and numerous other phenolic metabolites with a well-known antioxidant activity.

Case Report. Diagnostic Challenges: Liver Metastases from Mammary Gland Origin or Cholangiocarcinoma?

Liver metastases are secondary malignant tumor formations due to the dissemination of primary malignant tumors, which are often the first clinical manifestation of mammary cancer. We present the case of a 52-year-old female patient from an urban area who came to the walk-in service at the "Sf. Ap.

A New Hybrid Stepper Motor, Compliant Piezoelectric Micro-Tweezer for Extended Stroke.

The revolutionary economic potential of micro and nanotechnology is already recognized. Micro and nano-scale technologies that use electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, and thermal phenomena separately or in combination are either already in the industrial phase or approaching it. The products of micro and nanotechnology are made of small quantities of material but have high functionality and added value.

Vortex Glass-Vortex Liquid Transition in BaFe(AsP) and CaKFeAs Superconductors from Multi-Harmonic AC Magnetic Susceptibility Studies.

For practical applications of superconductors, understanding the vortex matter and dynamics is of paramount importance. An important issue in this context is the transition of the vortex glass, which is a true superconducting phase, into a vortex liquid phase having a linear dissipation. By using multi-harmonic susceptibility studies, we have investigated the vortex glass-vortex liquid phase transitions in CaKFeAs and BaFe(AsP) single crystals.

Outcome in early vs late intubation among COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Timing of endotracheal intubation in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains controversial regarding its risk and benefit in patient outcomes. Our study aims to elucidate early versus late intubation outcomes among COVID-19 patients with ARDS. A protocol of this study is registered at the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42021230272).

Pinning potential in highly performant CaKFeAs superconductor from DC magnetic relaxation and AC multi-frequency susceptibility studies.

We have investigated the pinning potential of high-quality single crystals of superconducting material CaKFeAs having high critical current density and very high upper critical field using both magnetization relaxation measurements and frequency-dependent AC susceptibility. Preliminary studies of the superconducting transition and of the isothermal magnetization loops confirmed the high quality of the samples, while temperature dependence of the AC susceptibility in high magnetic fields show absolutely no dependence on the cooling conditions, hence, no magnetic history. From magnetization relaxation measurements were extracted the values of the normalized pinning potential U*, which reveals a clear crossover between elastic creep and plastic creep.

Parkinsonism associated with viral infection.

There are several known causes of secondary parkinsonism, the most common being head trauma, stroke, medications, or infections. A growing body of evidence suggests that viral agents may trigger parkinsonian symptoms, but the exact pathological mechanisms are still unknown. In some cases, lesions or inflammatory processes in the basal ganglia or substantia nigra have been found to cause reversible or permanent impairment of the dopaminergic pathway, leading to the occurrence of extrapyramidal symptoms.

Evaluation of subclinical ventricular systolic dysfunction assessed using global longitudinal strain in liver cirrhosis: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) can identify subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis. This systematic review aims to provide evidence of a possible difference in GLS values between patients with cirrhosis and patients without cirrhosis. Studies from inception to August 11, 2021, were screened and included based on the inclusion criteria.

Pinning Potential of the Self-Assembled Artificial Pinning Centers in Nanostructured YBaCuO Superconducting Films.

For high-field power applications of high-temperature superconductors, it became obvious in recent years that nano-engineered artificial pinning centers are needed for increasing the critical current and pinning potential. As opposed to the artificial pinning centers obtained by irradiation with various particles, which is a quite expensive approach, we have studied superconducting samples having self-assembled defects, created during the sample fabrication, that act as effective pinning centers. We introduced a simple, straight-forward method of estimating the frequency-dependent critical current density by using frequency-dependent AC susceptibility measurements, in fixed temperatures and DC magnetic fields, from the positions of the maxima in the dependence of the out-of-phase susceptibility on the amplitude of AC excitation magnetic field.

Ferromagnetism and Superconductivity in CaRuO/YBaCuO Heterostructures.

The deposition of a ferromagnetic layer can affect the properties of high-temperature superconductors underneath. We investigated the influence of ferromagnetic CaRuO on the properties of YBaCuO (YBCO) superconducting thin films when the layers are either in direct contact or separated by a barrier layer of 5 nm SrTiO. Detailed measurements of the magnetic moment of the superconductor and ferromagnet as a function of temperature and magnetic field have been performed using SQUID magnetometry.

Impulse control disorders, dopamine dysregulation syndrome and sex dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.

Hypersexuality (HS), characterized by an aberrant, compulsive and inappropriate sexual drive, is an underreported and undermanaged complication of the treatment with dopamine agonists in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). HS is part of the spectrum of impulse control disorders (ICDs). The failure to control these addictive behaviors is distressing for the patient and it is associated with important consequences.

Electrocardiographic Manifestation in Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is an unusual complication of hyperthyroidism that may cause diagnostic difficulties due to its clinical feature that may be similar to other diseases. However, TPP can be detected early based on the weakness presentation, which generally affects the lower extremity with proximal muscle involvement, and, additionally, the ECG findings presenting hypokalemia characteristics. This case illustrates a young Indonesian male presenting in the emergency department with paralysis and typical ECG findings suggesting TPP.

The Outcome of Ventricular Arrhythmias Associated With Mitral Valve Prolapse After Catheter Ablation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The presence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) varies from asymptomatic to life-threatening arrhythmias. Catheter ablation (CA) is widely used to treat ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) associated with MVP. Despite having high procedural success, outcome data after CA is limited, especially in a long-term setting.

Gastro-intestinal dysfunctions in Parkinson's disease (Review).

In patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), gastrointestinal dysfunction occurs from the early stages of the disease and even in the pre-motor phase. This condition can include the entire digestive tract, with symptoms ranging from delays in gastric emptying to dysphagia, constipation and even malnutrition. Excess saliva accumulates in the mouth due to the low frequency of swallowing.

Current evidence for the risk of PR prolongation, QRS widening, QT prolongation, from lopinavir, ritonavir, atazanavir, and saquinavir: A systematic review.

Background: Lopinavir, ritonavir, atazanavir, and saquinavir had been reportedly used or suggested for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment. They may cause electrocardiography changes. We aim to evaluate risk of PR prolongation, QRS widening, and QT prolongation from lopinavir, ritonavir, atazanavir, and saquinavir.

Use of Telehealth for Domiciliary Follow-up After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prospective Pilot Study.

Background: Patients who have recently received a hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) are at higher risk of acute complications in the first weeks after discharge, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the use of a telehealth platform for the follow-up of HCT patients during the first two weeks after discharge.

Methods: In total, 21 patients who received autologous or allogeneic HCT for hematological malignancies were screened from April 30, 2020, to July 15, 2020.

Current evidence of survival benefit between chest-compression only versus standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest : Updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis.

Background: Evidence to support a better cardiopulmonary resuscitation method between standard vs. continuous chest compression (STD-CPR vs. CCC-CPR) is lacking.

Intake of Fermented Dairy Products Induces a Less Pro-Inflammatory Postprandial Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Gene Expression Response than Non-Fermented Dairy Products: A Randomized Controlled Cross-Over Trial.

Scope: It is aimed to investigate how intake of high-fat meals composed of different dairy products with a similar fat content affects postprandial peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) expression of inflammation-related genes, as well as circulating inflammatory markers and metabolites.

Methods And Results: Healthy subjects (n = 47) consume four different high-fat meals composed of either butter, cheese, whipped cream, or sour cream in a randomized controlled cross-over study. Fasting and postprandial PBMC gene expression, plasma metabolites, and circulating inflammatory markers are measured.