Muscarinic receptor M3 activation promotes fibrocytes contraction.

Fibrocytes are monocyte-derived cells able to differentiate into myofibroblasts-like cells. We have previously shown that they are increased in the bronchi of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients and associated to worse lung function. COPD is characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction, partly due to an increased cholinergic environment.

Effects and mechanisms of action of light-emitting diodes on the human retina and internal clock.

White light-emitting diodes (LEDs) will likely become the most used lighting devices worldwide in the future because of their very low prices over the course of their long lifespans which can be up to several tens of thousands of hours. The expansion of LED use in both urban and domestic lighting has prompted questions regarding their possible health effects, because the light that they provide is potentially high in the harmful blue band (400-500 nm) of the visible light spectrum. Research on the potential effects of LEDs and their blue band on human health has followed three main directions: 1) examining their retinal phototoxicity; 2) examining disruption of the internal clock, i.

Volumetric quantification of lung MR signal intensities using ultrashort TE as an automated score in cystic fibrosis.

Objectives: The study aimed to validate automated quantification of high and low signal intensity volumes using ultrashort echo-time MRI, with CT and pulmonary function test (PFT) as references, to assess the severity of structural alterations in cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods: This prospective study was performed in a single center between May 2015 and September 2017. Participants with CF completed clinical examination, CT, MRI, and PFT the same day during routine clinical follow-up (M0), and then 1 year after (M12) except for CT.

Variations in Velopharyngeal Structure in Adults With Repaired Cleft Palate.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in velopharyngeal structures between adults with repaired cleft palate and normal resonance and adults without cleft palate.

Design: Thirty-six English-speaking adults, including 6 adults (2 males and 4 females) with repaired cleft palate (M = 32.5 years of age, SD = 17.