Background: Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder specific to the thyroid, characterized by a complex etiology influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The CTLA-4 gene, known for its involvement in immune regulation, has been scrutinized regarding its potential contribution to GD susceptibility, particularly concerning the rs3087243 polymorphism. We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the association between this genetic variation and the likelihood of GD development. Methods: We thoroughly searched the PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE databases, as well as the reference lists of pertinent articles published up to 2024. Studies examining the association between GD and the CTLA-4 CT60 polymorphism were selected for inclusion. Data extraction and statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4 software, which assessed multiple genetic models and the publication bias. Results: Six studies encompassing 1904 controls and 926 GD cases met the inclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis uncovered a substantial correlation between the CTLA-4 (rs3087243) polymorphism and GD across multiple genetic models (allele, homozygous, dominant, and recessive), suggesting the potential role of this genetic variant in predisposing individuals to GD. An examination of publication bias revealed symmetrical funnel plots. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis provides evidence for a significant association between GD and the CTLA-4 (rs3087243) polymorphism, highlighting its potential contribution to GD susceptibility. Additional investigation utilizing larger sample sizes and diverse populations is essential to corroborate these findings and clarify the exact mechanisms governing the association between the CTLA-4 gene and GD.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relative length and anatomical position of septal papillary muscles, including the papillary muscle of the conus arteriosus (MCA) and other septal papillary muscles (MPS), as these may have significant clinical implications. Material and methods: We examined 111 formalin-fixed human hearts from individuals aged 49-97 years, with no pathological lesions or malformations. The right ventricle was opened with a V-shaped incision, and measurements were taken along the posterior angle from the annulus fibrosus to the apex. The ventricle height was divided into ten levels for topographical assessment. Relative muscle lengths were calculated as percentages of ventricular height. Results: MCA was present in all specimens, predominantly as a poorly developed structure (67.57% with relative length 1-5%). MPS were absent in 28 hearts, with only tendinous cords present. When developed, MPS showed similar proportions to MCA. The latter was primarily located at the third level from the annulus fibrosus, while MPS and associated cords showed greater topographical variability (levels 1-7). Conclusions: Septal papillary muscles demonstrate considerable morphological and topographical variability. The predominance of poorly developed muscles and the presence of tendinous cords alone suggest evolutionary variations in septal muscular organization. These findings provide important anatomical insights for cardiac interventions.
Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a multifactorial disturbance of fetal nutrition with short-and long-term consequences (e.g. autonomic malfunction and delayed neurological maturation). Fetal heart rate variability (HRV) is critically dependent on autonomic regulation. This study focused on identifying a correlation between neonatal biometry and HRV variables. Material and methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 48 women at 22-36 weeks of pregnancy. The fetal cardiac signals were obtained from the maternal abdominal wall via non-invasive fetal electrocardiography (NI-FECG). The stress index (SI) was selected for evaluation among all linear HRV variables. Cardiotocographic parameters (short-term variation (STV) and long-term variation (LTV)) were determined, along with cardiographic: AC (acceleration capacity) and DC (deceleration capacity). Results: FGR was detected in 9 women. The fetal growth was appropriate in 31 patients. 8 patients were excluded from the study. The detected variables of HRV in FGR were different, however statistical significance was impossible to determine (small number of cases). A strong linear correlation was detected between all the HRV variables: AC, DC, SI, STV, and LTV. Whereas, AC and DC had significant correlation with the 1-minute Apgar score. Multivariate regression analysis showed a statistically significant correlation of SI with the gestational age at birth. Conclusions: SI could be of use in the advancement of conventional FGR management and has potential for further research.
While majority of women globally live in a misperception that breast cancer is the leading killer of all women, it sadly still is heart disease irrelevant of the corner of the world.
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, and metabolic disturbances. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen formed via the 5 alpha-reductase pathway, may play a role in the clinical manifestations of PCOS. This study aimed to compare serum DHT levels in women with PCOS versus healthy controls and to evaluate its diagnostic value. Methods: In this case-control study, women aged 18-45 years were recruited from outpatient clinics at the Maysan Specialized Surgical Hospital (Al-Amarah, Iraq). PCOS was diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria, while age-matched healthy volunteers with regular menstrual cycles served as controls. All participants underwent comprehensive clinical assessments, including anthropometric measurements. Fasting venous blood samples were collected between 8:00 and 10:00 AM, and serum was isolated for biochemical analysis. Serum DHT concentrations were measured using a competitive ELISA. Statistical analyses, including group comparisons and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Results: Participants with PCOS had significantly higher serum DHT levels (4256 +/- 233 ng/L) compared to controls (3776 +/- 186 ng/L, p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis identified an optimal DHT cutoff value of approximately 408.3 ng/L, yielding a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 100% for PCOS diagnosis. Conclusion: Elevated serum DHT is a key feature of PCOS and demonstrates excellent diagnostic accuracy. These findings support the clinical utility of DHT as a reliable biomarker for early PCOS detection and may facilitate targeted therapeutic interventions.
Background: The antioxidant status of donors may impact the quality of stored blood and its components. Therefore, oral antioxidant supplementation prior to blood donation could be a promising approach to improve the efficacy of stored erythrocytes. Materials and methods: Wistar rats (3 months old, n = 5/group) were categorized into controls, antioxidant group 1 (vitamin C and vitamin E, VC + VE group), antioxidant group 2 (vitamin C and N-acetylcysteine, VC + NAC group). Experimental rats were supplemented for 30 days. Erythrocytes were stored in additive solution (AS-7) for 42 days and analyzed at two-week intervals. Results: Hemoglobin increased on days 28 and 42 in both the antioxidant groups. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities elevated during initial days and, glutathione peroxidase activity towards the end of storage in the antioxidant groups. Protein carbonyls and malondialdehyde levels decreased in the antioxidant groups. Glutathione levels increased on day 42 in VC + VE. Hemolysis was lower in the VC + VE group until day 28 and was similar in the VC + NAC group. Conclusion: VC + VE and VC + NAC supplements protected hemoglobin, blood proteins and lipids from oxidation and elevated antioxidant defenses. Therefore, prior supplementation augments the antioxidant status and quality of stored blood.
Background: Relationship between obesity and cardiovascular diseases is complex. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between diet-induced obesity and atherogenic indices. Material and methods: Two groups of 8-weeks old male Wistar rats (170 +/- 15 g) were fed with normal chow and high fat diet (HFD) respectively ad libitum for 10 weeks. Body mass index (BMI), adiposity index, serum lipid profile and atherogenic indices were measured. Associations between lipidemic indices, BMI and atherogenic indices were evaluated. Results: The group fed with HFD only had significantly increased BMI (0.7630 +/- 0.083, p = 0.0065). Serum TG (p < 0.01), LDL-c (p = 0.017), VLDL-c (p < 0.01), and total cholesterol (p = 0.035) were significantly elevated among the animals with relatively higher BMI (BMI > 0.0.71 g/cm(2)). There was a significant positive linear association of BMI with most of the atherogenic indices investigated: coronary risk ratio (CRR) (OR 48; 95% CI 4.993, 461.50; p < 0.001), atherogenic index (AI) (OR 1.0; 95% CI = 2.56, 229.57; p < 0.001) and atherogenic coefficient (AC) (OR 65.0; 95% CI 6.68, 648.26; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Consumption of HFD induces hyperlipidemia and increase the risk of coronary artery diseases by increasing the atherogenic indices.
Background: The antioxidant status of donors may impact the quality of stored blood and its components. Therefore, oral antioxidant supplementation prior to blood donation could be a promising approach to improve the efficacy of stored erythrocytes. Materials and methods: Wistar rats (3 months old, n = 5/group) were categorized into controls, antioxidant group 1 (vitamin C and vitamin E, VC + VE group), antioxidant group 2 (vitamin C and N-acetylcysteine, VC + NAC group). Experimental rats were supplemented for 30 days. Erythrocytes were stored in additive solution (AS-7) for 42 days and analyzed at two-week intervals. Results: Hemoglobin increased on days 28 and 42 in both the antioxidant groups. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities elevated during initial days and, glutathione peroxidase activity towards the end of storage in the antioxidant groups. Protein carbonyls and malondialdehyde levels decreased in the antioxidant groups. Glutathione levels increased on day 42 in VC + VE. Hemolysis was lower in the VC + VE group until day 28 and was similar in the VC + NAC group. Conclusion: VC + VE and VC + NAC supplements protected hemoglobin, blood proteins and lipids from oxidation and elevated antioxidant defenses. Therefore, prior supplementation augments the antioxidant status and quality of stored blood.
Background: Oral submucous fibrosis is a premalignant condition characterized by rigidity of lips, tongue, and buccal mucosa. It makes rehabilitation difficult as it affects the stability and retention of the prosthesis. Description: This technical report focuses on the use of intralesional hyaluronidase injections followed by conventional complete denture fabrication for an edentulous patient. These conservative and non-invasive options were chosen due to the presence of infantile hemangioma in the region of interest. Conclusion: Hyaluronidase injections in the area of oral submucous fibrosis can bring about a major difference in the process of rehabilitation and potentially eliminate the morbidity associated with the surgical procedures.
Background: Despite technical challenges and uncertainties, transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography remains a promising tool due to its non-invasive nature, safety, and cost-effectiveness. In this study we aimed to develop an advanced automatic calculation method for the breath-holding index (BHI) to enhance the reliability of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) measurements. Material and methods: This study involved the automatic calculation of BHI during the breath-holding maneuver, targeting a reduction in variability and an increase in the accuracy of CVR assessment. Results: The BHI_to_max method was identified as the most effective, which revealed the least variability. This method calculates the steepest slope of blood flow velocity change during CO2-induced vasodilation. By focusing on a minimized time interval and adjusting for potential shifts in the start and end points, this approach captures the most dynamic phase of the cerebrovascular response to CO2 . Conclusions: We propose an automatic calculation method, which accounts for individual differences in CO2 sensitivity and CVR. It offers a potentially more precise and personalized assessment of CVR, leading to a more reproducible and individualized measurement.
Flow cytometry (FC) represents a pivotal technique in the domain of biomedical research, facilitating the analysis of the physical and biochemical properties of cells. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms has marked a significant turning point in the processing and interpretation of cytometric data, facilitating more precise and efficient analysis. The application of key AI algorithms, including clustering techniques (unsupervised learning), classification (supervised learning) and advanced deep learning methods, is becoming increasingly prevalent. Similarly, multivariate analysis and dimension reduction are also commonly attempted. The integration of advanced AI algorithms with FC methods contributes to a better understanding and interpretation of biological data, opening up new opportunities in research and clinical diagnostics. However, challenges remain in optimising the algorithms for the specificity of the cytometric data and ensuring their interpretability and reliability.
Background: Microcirculation within the ascending aortic wall, supplied by the vasa vasorum, is increasingly recognized as a potential factor in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysms. However, in vivo assessment remains challenging. This pilot study aimed to evaluate ascending aortic microcirculation intraoperatively using Laser Doppler Perfusion Monitoring (LDPM). Material and methods: Twenty-four patients (18 males, 6 females) undergoing elective cardiac surgery were enrolled. LDPM was performed on the exposed ascending aorta prior to surgical manipulation. A probe was sutured to the aortic wall and perfusion was recorded in Perfusion Units (PU). A brief probe compression test was conducted to evaluate perfusion response. Results: The mean LDPM value was 281.58 PU (males: 339.94 PU; females: 139.86 PU). In males, LDPM negatively correlated with age (r = -0.593, p = 0.0121), whereas a moderate but non-significant correlation was noted with BMI (r = -0.303, p = 0.2366). No significant associations were observed with hypertension, diabetes, smoking, or aortic dilation. A paradoxical increase in PU during probe compression occurred in 54% of patients. Conclusions: LDPM provides real-time intraoperative assessment of aortic microcirculation. Age-related decline in perfusion may contribute to aortic wall vulnerability. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these findings.
Background: Our aim was to determine the effect of HRV biofeedback (HRVB) training on psychophysiological factors, e.g. reaction time, stress management and concentration during the starting period in competitive rowing. Material and methods: 12 senior national team rowers aged 20-40 (both men and women) were assigned to an experimental (n = 6) and a control (n = 6) group. The experimental group performed HRVB training for 4 weeks, for 20 minutes, twice a day. The control group did not perform any respiratory training. Parameters such as reaction time, resting breathing rate, concentration, subjective stress and heart rate variability were evaluated during the pre-test, post-test and post-post test phases. Results: We noted an improvement in reaction time in the experimental group after HRVB training (pre-test 63.8 sec to post-post test 58.8 sec) and no significant statistical differences in the control group, as well as a statistically significant reduction in resting respiratory rate frequency in the experimental group in comparison to the control group in the post-test (p = 0.0398). Other analyses did not exceed the threshold for statistical significance. Conclusions: Our results suggest that HRVB training may reduce the resting respiratory rate in the experimental group and may improve the reaction time of rowers.
Introduction: Quality of life, social support and sexual satisfaction may change across life stages. The aim of this study was to assess these variables in women before, during and after pregnancy. Material and methods: The study was cross-sectional, and conducted online among three independent groups of women (N = 160). Standardized tools were used: the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman and chi-square tests). Results: The highest level of sexual satisfaction, quality of life, and social support (p 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was demonstrated between the level of support from loved ones and satisfaction with intimate life (chi 2 = 21.974, p = 0.038). Conclusions: Women's sexual satisfaction, quality of life and social support vary, taking on different values before, during and after pregnancy. It is important to consider women's needs at each stage to provide them with appropriate support and care.
