Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) as a pro-fibrotic and pro-oncogenic factor: a pivotal target to improve the radiotherapy therapeutic index.

Radiation-induced fibrosis is widely considered as a common but forsaken phenomenon that can lead to clinical sequela and possibly vital impairments. Lysophosphatidic acid is a bioactive lipid involved in fibrosis and probably in radiation-induced fibrosis as suggested in recent studies. Lysophosphatidic acid is also a well-described pro-oncogenic factor, involved in carcinogenesis processes (proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, invasion, migration).

[Middle aortic coarctation: a rare vascular disorder].

Objective: Coarctation of the descending thoracic aorta is uncommon, with controversial etiology. Usually, severe hypertension is the main symptom; lower extremity claudication is less often found. Surgical management remains the standard for long coarctation and provides good results.

Popliteal pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula after acupuncture.

Most popliteal arteriovenous fistula and pseudoaneurysm formation are related to trauma. Few cases have previously been reported after acupuncture therapy. Such events are typically observed when the procedure is performed by non-medical acupuncturist.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2 alpha for postpartum dairy cows: estrous, ovulation, and fertility traits.

A study of 234 Holstein cows was conducted to determine if early postpartum treatments of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, prostaglandin F2 alpha, or both would alter frequency and occurrence of estrus and ovulation as well as subsequent fertility. Cows in groups 1 and 2 received gonadotropin-releasing hormone (200 micrograms) between 10 and 14 d postpartum, and cows in groups 3 and 4 received saline. Ten days later, cows in groups 2 and 3 received prostaglandin F2 alpha (25 mg), and cows in groups 1 and 4 received saline.