Donaldsontimm2463
Identifying aberrant neurodevelopment in young people is crucial for preventing substance use-related harm.Latent transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-binding proteins (LTBPs) are microfibril-associated proteins essential for anchoring TGFβ in the extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as for correct assembly of ECM components. Variants in LTBP2, LTBP3, and LTBP4 have been identified in several autosomal recessive Mendelian disorders with skeletal abnormalities with or without impaired development of elastin-rich tissues. Thus far, the human phenotype associated with LTBP1 deficiency has remained enigmatic. In this study, we report homozygous premature truncating LTBP1 variants in eight affected individuals from four unrelated consanguineous families. Affected individuals present with connective tissue features (cutis laxa and inguinal hernia), craniofacial dysmorphology, variable heart defects, and prominent skeletal features (craniosynostosis, short stature, brachydactyly, and syndactyly). DNA Repair inhibitor In vitro studies on proband-derived dermal fibroblasts indicate distinct molecular mechanisms depending on the position of the variant in LTBP1. C-terminal variants lead to an altered LTBP1 loosely anchored in the microfibrillar network and cause increased ECM deposition in cultured fibroblasts associated with excessive TGFβ growth factor activation and signaling. In contrast, N-terminal truncation results in a loss of LTBP1 that does not alter TGFβ levels or ECM assembly. In vivo validation with two independent zebrafish lines carrying mutations in ltbp1 induce abnormal collagen fibrillogenesis in skin and intervertebral ligaments and ectopic bone formation on the vertebrae. In addition, one of the mutant zebrafish lines shows voluminous and hypo-mineralized vertebrae. Overall, our findings in humans and zebrafish show that LTBP1 function is crucial for skin and bone ECM assembly and homeostasis.
To investigate the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) in the recovery phase after resistance exercise (RE) bout on heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) in a hypertensive population.
Twenty hypertensive males and females were randomly allocated into group A (RE bout), and group B (RE bout with WBV). Pre-test and post-test measure of HRV, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were taken before and after RE and placebo WBV in one group and in another group of RE with WBV in the recovery phase.
There were no significant differences in both RE bout group and RE bout with WBV on HRV parameters but on BP it has shown significant improvement in both groups with a p value of SBP and DBP as 0.001 and 0.03 respectively but comparatively RE with WBV in recovery has greater improvement.
Our data demonstrated that RE bout using WBV has no improvement on HRV but it has significantly improved BP in hypertensive population.
Our data demonstrated that RE bout using WBV has no improvement on HRV but it has significantly improved BP in hypertensive population.
Breast intraoperative electron radiation therapy (B-IOERT) can be used in clinical practice both as elective irradiation (partial breast irradiation - APBI) in low risk breast cancer patients, and as an anticipated boost. The procedure generally includes the use of a shielding disk between the residual breast and the pectoralis fascia for the protection of the tissues underneath the target volume. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in improving the quality of B-IOERT.
B-IOERT was introduced in Trieste in 2012 and its technique was improved in 2014 with IOUS. Both, needle and IOUS were used to measure target thickness and the latter was used even to check the correct position of the shielding disk. The primary endpoint of the study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of IOUS in reducing the risk of a disk misalignment related to B-IOERT and the secondary endpoint was the analysis of acute and late toxicity, by comparing two groups of patients treated with target depth and decrease the misalignment between collimator and disk. Furthermore there was an absolute decrease in acute toxicity, even though not statistically significant, in the group of women who underwent B-IOERT with IOUS guidance.
IOUS showed to be accurate in measuring the target depth and decrease the misalignment between collimator and disk. Furthermore there was an absolute decrease in acute toxicity, even though not statistically significant, in the group of women who underwent B-IOERT with IOUS guidance.
Current modalities for treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are not curative and using them for a long period is associated with adverse effects. According to Persian Medicine recommendations, wet cupping on calf muscles can induce menstrual bleeding. In the present study, the effect of wet-cupping (traditional bleeding from capillary vessels) was assessed on menstrual cycles (as primary outcome), hirsutism, and laboratory manifestation of PCOS.
A quasi-experimental study was conducted from 2016/5/21 until 2017/5/20 on 66 PCOS women within the age range of 20-40 years and a menstrual interval of at least 60 days during the last year. Participants' calf muscles were cupped on day 26 of their last menstruation cycle following the Persian Medicine recommendations. They were followed for 12 weeks and a menstruation history and physical examination was done twice (4 and 12 weeks after wet cupping). Insulin Resistance (IR) and Free Androgen Index (FAI) were evaluated at baseline and end of the study.
Wet-cupping on calf muscles significantly improved menstrual cycles' frequency 0.37(95% CI 0.13, 0.51), p-value=0.001 and hirsutism after 4 and 12 weeks of intervention were -1.9 (95% CI -2.5, -0.5), p-value<0.001 and -1.4(95% CI -2.1, -0.8), p-value<0.001, respectively. While it was not significant in changing the IR and FAI. About 33% of participants suffered from mild temporary discomforts (which were resolved within a few minutes of rest) and 9% reported mild long-term side effects.
It is considered that wet-cupping on calf muscles can be propounded as an optional treatment of PCOS for those not willing to use chemical medication.
It is considered that wet-cupping on calf muscles can be propounded as an optional treatment of PCOS for those not willing to use chemical medication.