Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone deficiency in mice beyond growth.

This paper provides a critical overview on GHRH and its deficiency, discussing its multiple roles in both central and peripheral tissues. Genetically engineered mice have been instrumental in elucidating the multifaceted roles of GHRH and GH, each offering unique insights into the physiological and pathological roles of these hormones, although in many of these models dissecting the direct effect of GHRH from the effect of GH is not possible. Key findings highlight the effects of GHRH deficiency on emotional behavior, including anxiety and depression, its impact on memory and learning capabilities, as well as on adipose tissue, immune system, inflammation and pain.

Diagnosis and management of dilated cardiomyopathy: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and recommendations.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is extensively discussed in numerous expert consensus documents and international guidelines, with differing recommendations. To support clinicians in daily practice and decision-making, we conducted a systematic review of key guidelines and recommendations concerning the diagnosis and clinical management of DCM. Our research encompassed MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for relevant articles published, as well as the websites of relevant scientific societies.

Impact of remote social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic on the cognitive and psychological status of older adults with and without cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled study.

Background: Social isolation and loneliness have both been associated with psychological health and cognitive decline in older adults. This study investigated the impact of social interaction through remote communication technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic on the cognitive and psychological status of older adults with and without cognitive impairment.

Methods: Participants were recruited from Boston (USA) and Chieti (Italy).

Partial nephrectomy in elderly patients: a systematic review and analysis of comparative outcomes.

Purpose: The management of renal masses in the elderly population is particularly challenging, as these patients are often more frail and potentially more susceptible to surgical morbidity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) for treating renal masses in elderly individuals.

Methods: A systematic electronic literature search was conducted in May 2024 using the Medline (via PubMed) database by searching publications up to April 2024.

Mitochondria can substitute for parvalbumin to lower cytosolic calcium levels in the murine fast skeletal muscle.

Aim: Parvalbumin (PV) is a primary calcium buffer in mouse fast skeletal muscle fibers. Previous work showed that PV ablation has a limited impact on cytosolic Ca ([Ca]) transients and contractile response, while it enhances mitochondrial density and mitochondrial matrix-free calcium concentration ([Ca]). Here, we aimed to quantitatively test the hypothesis that mitochondria act to compensate for PV deficiency.

Characteristics of Home and Neighborhood Built Environments During COVID-19 for Older Adults in the United States and Italy.

The home and neighborhood environments impact the social and mental health of older adults, yet little research has addressed the various contexts that can affect these relationships, such as community culture, built and natural elements, and demographics. This survey-based study examined community-dwelling older adults' access and use of transitional outdoor/indoor space (i.e.

Carotid Ultrasound-Based Plaque Score for the Allocation of Aspirin for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Events: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Background: Coronary artery calcium testing using noncontrast cardiac computed tomography is a guideline-indicated test to help refine eligibility for aspirin in primary prevention. However, access to cardiac computed tomography remains limited, with carotid ultrasound used much more often internationally. We sought to update the role of aspirin allocation in primary prevention as a function of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.