Sex differences in mitochondrial free-carnitine levels in subjects at-risk and with Alzheimer's disease in two independent study cohorts.

A major challenge in the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the identification of molecular mechanisms linked to specific pathophysiological features of the disease. Importantly AD has a two-fold higher incidence in women than men and a protracted prodromal phase characterized by amnestic mild-cognitive impairment (aMCI) suggesting that biological processes occurring early can initiate vulnerability to AD. Here, we used a sample of 125 subjects from two independent study cohorts to determine the levels in plasma (the most accessible specimen) of two essential mitochondrial markers acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC) and its derivative free-carnitine motivated by a mechanistic model in rodents in which targeting mitochondrial metabolism of LAC leads to the amelioration of cognitive function and boosts epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression.

Persistent Knee Monoarthritis as a Lyme Disease Presentation: A Diagnostic Challenge - Case Report.

There are several differential diagnoses for knee monoarthritis. We report a patient with recurrent episodes of knee effusion, in which the non-specific clinical condition implied several diagnostic hypotheses, therapeutic inaccuracies, and a delay in implementing adequate treatment. For more than 2 years, the patient underwent different Orthopedics and Rheumatology visits.

Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Domestic Cats with Obstructive Lower Urinary Tract Disease.

Obstructive feline lower urinary tract disease (OFLUTD) is the most common complication of the urinary system, as metabolic and electrolyte changes can alter the functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The objective of this study was to describe the indices of heart rate variability (HRV) and their correlations with the observed alterations in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and electrocardiographic, biochemical, and haemogasometric indices in cats diagnosed with OFLUTD. Sixty-five male cats up to 10 years of age were divided into two groups.

Neonatal Clinical Assessment of the Puppy and Kitten: How to Identify Newborns at Risk?

Neonatal puppies and kittens have physiological and anatomical characteristics that differ from those of adult animals, which impacts the interpretation of physical examination and complementary tests. The veterinarian must be familiar with the clinical, laboratory, and imaging aspects observed in neonates. It is necessary to thoroughly evaluate the litter and the mother to notice the most subtle signs of illness and advise the owner to constantly monitor the newborns, quickly sending them to specialized care.

Lupus Anticoagulant-Hypoprothrombinemia Syndrome: A Duality Between Thrombosis and Hemorrhage.

Lupus anticoagulant-hypoprothrombinemia syndrome (LAHPS) is an uncommon but significant hematological disorder characterized by the presence of lupus anticoagulant (LA) and reduced levels of prothrombin (factor II). This syndrome presents a unique clinical paradox where patients may experience both a bleeding tendency due to hypoprothrombinemia and a prothrombotic state associated with LA. This syndrome should be suspected in the presence of increased coagulation times (prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time) in association with the presence of LA.