Hemodynamic changes between different anatomically designed stents after carotid stenting: a prospective multicenter study

Journal of Neurology - The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the dynamic changes and risk factors of hemodynamic depression (HD) between straight and tapered carotid stenting (SCS...     

Oocytes from stem cells

Folliculogenesis describes the process of activating an oocyte-containing primordial follicle from the ovarian reserve and its development to the mature ovulatory stage. This process is highly complex and is controlled by extra- and intra-ovarian signaling events. Oocyte competence and capacity for fertilization to support a viable pregnancy are acquired during folliculogenesis. Cancer and cancer-based therapies can negatively affect this process, compromising fertility. Currently, preservation of fertility in these patients remains limited to surrogacy, oocyte freezing, oocyte donation, or in vitro maturation (IVM). Recent reports of stem cells being used to produce fully competent oocytes and subsequently healthy offspring in mice have opened up a novel avenue for fertility preservation. However, translating these findings into human health first relies on enhancing our understanding of follicle growth and mimicking its intricacies in vitro. Indeed, the future of oocytes from stem cells in humans comes with many possibilities but currently faces several technical and ethical obstacles.     

Plasma matrix metalloproteinase 7, CC-chemokine ligand 18, and periostin as markers for pulmonary sarcoidosis

BackgroundSome patients with sarcoidosis experience worsening of pulmonary lesions. However, no biomarker has been identified that reflects pulmonary disease status in sarcoidosis. We investigated the usefulness of potential markers of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with sarcoidosis.MethodsPlasma matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7), CC-chemokine ligand 18 (CCL-18), and periostin levels were evaluated in 60 patients with sarcoidosis and 30 healthy controls; bronchoalveolar lavage fluid levels were analyzed in 22 patients with sarcoidosis. To determine the usefulness of these markers, we explored potential correlations between these markers and sarcoidosis clinical characteristics.ResultsPlasma MMP-7, CCL-18, and periostin concentrations were significantly higher in patients with sarcoidosis than those in healthy controls. MMP-7 concentrations in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were higher in patients with sarcoidosis with parenchymal infiltration than in those without lung lesions. Moreover, MMP-7 concentration was negatively correlated with pulmonary function.ConclusionAmong these novel biomarkers, MMP-7 most precisely reflected pulmonary sarcoidosis disease status and thus, might be useful for diagnosing and evaluating sarcoidosis, particularly in patients with pulmonary parenchymal lesions.     

Skills in Assessing the Professional Literature (SAPL): A 7-year Analysis of Student EBD Performance

PurposeThe primary goal of this project was to describe the level of knowledge acquisition using detailed test performance outcomes of the EBD SAPL curriculum over its first 7-years of implementation at the NYU College of Dentistry. A secondary goal was to compare performance outcomes impact of the full 60 h base SAPL curriculum as taught to 4-year DDS students vs an abbreviated 30 h base SAPL curriculum as taught to 3-year Advanced Placement DDS students.MethodsThe findings for the period 2004–2010 are reported for 1647 dental students (63.6% 4-year DDS students, 36.3% 3-year Advanced Placement DDS students). The database consisted of the score earned by each student on each individual question of the SAPL course's 4 h final examination in which each student read an original research article and answered all questions on the Literature Analysis Form.ResultsThe major findings were overall high performance by both groups of students (SAPL exam scores of 85.8 vs 83.7, respectively) as well as very similar outcomes between these two student groups on: 1) recognizing research design elements and on interpreting those design elements for clinical application, 2) detailed performance of knowledge within the specific five traditional sections of research articles, and 3) detailed performance across 18 identified research design topics.ConclusionIn conclusion, both course formats appear to be highly effective for their respective student groups, but should not be interpreted as evidence favoring the shorter format given the different characteristics of the two student groups.     

Correction to: Limb Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Reduces Repeated Ketamine Exposure-Induced Adverse Effects in the Developing Brain of Rats

Journal of Molecular Neuroscience - The original version of this article unfortunately contained mistakes in Fig. 2c, d and Funding section.     

人类指长比与前列腺癌关系的研究进展

指长比(2D∶4D)即食指与无名指长度之比,具有性别差异,是围产期激素水平的一个重要指标。围产期激素活动会影响个体发育过程中某些心理、行为学特征及某些心血管疾病。近来2D∶4D与某些疾病患病率等之间的研究逐步成为热点。在此讨论2D∶4D与激素依赖疾病的研究,特别是2D∶4D与前列腺癌其关系的研究同样适用于其他疾病。     

Long-term survival after chronic subdural haematoma

Outcome after chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is invariably assumed favourable: however, little data regarding long term survival (LTS) exists. One study reported excess mortality restricted to year 1, but with expected actuarial rates thereafter. We aimed to determine LTS after CSDH in a retrospective analysis relative to actuarial data from age-matched controls. Data was obtained in n = 155, (M:F 97:58, 69.3 ± 2.3 years). Follow-up maxima was 14.19 years (mean: 4.02 ± 3.07 years, median: 5.2 years). Mortality in-hospital, at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 5 years was n = 13 (8.39%), n = 22 (14.19%), n = 31 (20.35%), n = 42 (27.1%) and n = 54 (34.84%). LTS was significantly worse than controls (5.29 ± 0.59 years vs. 17.74 ± 1.8 years, hazard ratio [HR]: 3.52, P < 0.0001). Death most frequently related to pneumonia/sepsis and ischemic heart disease (IHD). Median modified Rankin score (mRS) in those discharged home (n = 94, 60.65%) was 2 [IQR: 1–3]. Discharge mRS in those who died at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 5 years was 5 [IQR: 3–6], 5 [IQR: 4–6], 3 [IQR: 1–3], 4 [IQR: 2–5]. Discharge mRS was significantly worse with year 1 mortality (P = 0.014). LTS related to discharge mRS (HR: 37.006, P < 0.001), post-operative motor-score (HR: 0.581, P = 0.0026), IHD (HR: 5.186, P = 0.005), warfarin-use (HR: 5.93, P = 0.036) and dementia (HR: 5.39, P = 0.031). No long term recurrences (LTR) were recorded. Although most were discharged home with mRS = 2, LTS was markedly less than previously reported: peers lived 12.4 years longer. Although greater in year 1, excess mortality was not restricted to year 1, but continued throughout prolonged follow-up. LTS related to discharge disability and dependence, and co-morbid risk factors for cerebral atrophy. No LTR suggests that, once ultimately closed, the ‘subdural space’ remains closed. CSDH patients represent a vulnerable group who require continued long-term medical surveillance.