Circulating miRNAs and Machine Learning for Lateralizing Primary Aldosteronism.

Background: Distinguishing between unilateral and bilateral primary aldosteronism, a major cause of secondary hypertension, is crucial due to different treatment approaches. While adrenal venous sampling is the gold standard, its invasiveness, limited availability, and often difficult interpretation pose challenges. This study explores the utility of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and machine learning in distinguishing between unilateral and bilateral forms of primary aldosteronism.

Lipocalin-2: A novel diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Viral hepatitis, alcoholism and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are the most common risk factors. Despite the advances in HCC screening and treatment options, HCC still has a high mortality rate and a high rate of recurrence after treatment.

The efficacy and underlying mechanism of phosphodiesterase- 5 inhibitors in preventing cognitive impairment and Alzheimer pathology: A systematic review of animal studies.

Background: Alzheimer disease (AD) initially presents with cognitive decline that affects the affected individual's daily activities. Cognitive decline reversal represents an important medical need, where Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5Is) might play a role.

Aim: This systematic review was performed to verify the efficacy of PDE-5Is in preventing cognitive impairment and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Management of HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis with direct-acting antiviral agents: who should be treated?

Background: Medical treatment of decompensated cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a clinical challenge even in the era of direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of DAAs in the management of HCV genotype 4-related decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods: The study included a treatment group (n = 160) composed of HCV patients with decompensated cirrhosis who received DAAs for 3 months and a matched control group (n = 80) who preferred not to receive DAAs, follow-up was for 24-31 months.

Sofosbuvir and daclatasvir plus ribavirin treatment improve liver function parameters and clinical outcomes in Egyptian chronic hepatitis C patients.

Background And Aims: Interferon-free direct-acting antivirals (DAA) combination therapies, including sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DCV) therapy, eradicate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a high percentage of patients, but its impact on improvements in liver function is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in clinical and biochemical parameters reflecting liver function and general status in those who achieved HCV eradication by DAA.

Patients And Methods: From March 2016 to October 2016, 374 chronic hepatitis C patients were enrolled for this prospective, observational study and received SOF, DCV with ribavirin, to evaluate the changes in liver function parameters, international normalized ratio, complete blood count, model for end-stage liver disease, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores after achieving a sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment.