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Urol Oncol 2018 12 24;36(12):530.e7-530.e18. Epub 2018 Oct 24.

Department of Pathology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Faculty, Linköping University, SE 581 85, Linköping, Sweden.

Purpose: We investigated the effects of alterations in the biological markers p14, p53, p21, and p16 in relation to tumour cell proliferation, T-category, N- category, lymphovascular invasion, and the ability to predict prognosis in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) treated with cystectomy and, if applicable, chemotherapy.

Materials And Methods: We prospectively studied patients with urinary bladder cancer pathological stage pT1 to pT4 treated with cystectomy, pelvic lymph node dissection and postoperative chemotherapy. Tissue microarrays from paraffin-embedded cystectomy tumour samples were examined for expression of immunostaining of p14, p53, p21, p16 and Ki-67 in relation to other clinical and pathological factors as well as cancer-specific survival. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Nov;97(46):e13256

Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital.

Rationale: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is characterized by a sudden onset of hypokalemia and paralysis. This condition mainly affects the lower extremities and is secondary to thyrotoxicosis. The underlying hyperthyroidism is often subtle without typical symptoms such as palpitations, tremors, anxiety, and weight loss; this causes a difficulty in early diagnosis. Read More

Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019 Jan 18;1865(1):48-55. Epub 2018 Oct 18.

Center for Cardiovascular Research and Alternative Medicine, University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences, Laramie, WY 82071, USA. Electronic address:

The prevalence of cardiometabolic disease has reached an exponential rate of rise over the last decades owing to high fat/high caloric diet intake and satiety life style. Although the presence of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension and obesity mainly contributes to the increased incidence of cardiometabolic diseases, population-based, clinical and genetic studies have revealed a rather important role for inherited myopathies and endocrine disorders in the ever-rising metabolic anomalies. Inherited metabolic and endocrine diseases such as glycogen storage and lysosomal disorders have greatly contributed to the overall prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases. Read More

Neurotherapeutics 2018 10;15(4):872-884

Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.

Myotonic dystrophy is an autosomal dominant muscular dystrophy not only associated with muscle weakness, atrophy, and myotonia but also prominent multisystem involvement. There are 2 similar, but distinct, forms of myotonic dystrophy; type 1 is caused by a CTG repeat expansion in the DMPK gene, and type 2 is caused by a CCTG repeat expansion in the CNBP gene. Type 1 is associated with distal limb, neck flexor, and bulbar weakness and results in different phenotypic subtypes with variable onset from congenital to very late-onset as well as variable signs and symptoms. Read More

J Cancer Res Ther 2018 Jul-Sep;14(5):1112-1116

Department of Hematology-Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality despite the staggering improvement in cancer therapeutics. So far, published data illustrate endocrine therapy as the cornerstone treatment for patients with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. Unfortunately, most patients eventually develop resistance to this treatment. Read More

PLoS One 2018 6;13(9):e0203398. Epub 2018 Sep 6.

Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.

Objectives: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating motor neuron disorder caused by homozygous loss of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and insufficient functional SMN protein produced by the SMN2 copy gene. Additional genetic protective modifiers such as Plastin 3 (PLS3) can counteract SMA pathology despite insufficient SMN protein. Recently, Spinraza, an SMN antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that restores full-length SMN2 transcripts, has been FDA- and EMA-approved for SMA therapy. Read More

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2018 Jan;43(1):106-112

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of a patient with motor neuron disease, which caused sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and alveolar hypoventilation syndrome, and to improve the diagnosis rate for this disease.
 Methods: Retrospectively analyze the diagnosis and treatment process for a 52 year-old male patient, who was accepted by the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University because of dyspnea, shortness of breath and malaise for 4 months, and eventually was diagnosed as motor neuron disease associated with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and alveolar hypoventilation syndrome. In addition, we searched CNKI, Wanfang and PubMed databases to review relevant literature with keywords (motor neuron disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or progressive bulbar palsy or progressive muscular atrophy or primary lateral sclerosis) AND (sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing) from January 1990 to May 2017. Read More

J Neuromuscul Dis 2018 ;5(4):497-507

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.

Background: Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are at high risk of endocrine and bone health complications resulting from the high glucocorticoid (GC) doses used to treat this condition. There are limited data characterizing the clinical management of these complications.

Objective: To determine the frequency of bone health screening, endocrinologist evaluation, and use of endocrine and bone health pharmacotherapy in the clinical care of males with DMD. Read More

Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2018 Aug 7;143(16):1174-1180. Epub 2018 Aug 7.

Triiodothyronine (T3) is a key regulator of bone, muscle and articular cartilage. Musculoskeletal symptoms of hyperthyroidism include loss of bone mass finally leading to osteoporosis and weakness of the skeletal musculature. Hypothyroidism on the other side frequently leads to muscle stiffness and cramping and, occasionally, results in rhabdomyolysis. Read More

Ann Surg Oncol 2018 Oct 18;25(11):3380-3388. Epub 2018 Jul 18.

Division of Surgery, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Unit 1445, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.

Background: According to the 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system, extrathyroidal extension (ETE) and primary tumor size remain the principle determinants of T stage. However, impact of gross ETE into strap muscles on survival remains controversial.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review of 2084 patients with ≤ 4 cm nonmetastatic differentiated thyroid cancer who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2015 was conducted. Read More

Development 2018 08 10;145(15). Epub 2018 Aug 10.

Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA

The bone tendon attachment site known as the enthesis comprises a transitional zone between bone and tendon, and plays an important role in enabling movement at this site. X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is characterized by impaired activation of vitamin D, elevated serum FGF23 levels and low serum phosphate levels, which impair bone mineralization. Paradoxically, an important complication of XLH is mineralization of the enthesis (enthesopathy). Read More

Mediators Inflamm 2018 10;2018:3972104. Epub 2018 Jun 10.

Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function may have aetiopathogenic significance in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), via its essential role in mediating inflammatory responses as well as in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation. GR function can be estimated ex vivo by measuring dexamethasone (dex) modulation of cytokine response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and using the impact of dex on cortisol levels. This study aimed to compare the GR function between CFS ( = 48), primary Sjögren's syndrome (a disease group control) ( = 27), and sedentary healthy controls (HCs) ( = 20), and to investigate its relationship with clinical measures. Read More

Minerva Med 2018 Aug;109(4):300-325

Division of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Science, DINOGMI Department, Section of Orthopedic Rehabilitation, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.

Introduction: Clodronic acid is a non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate largely used from some decades in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal and secondary osteoporosis. In addition to antiresorptive activity, clodronate has shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and modulatory effects on bone and cartilage metabolism.

Evidence Acquisition: A literature review has been conducted to characterize the mechanism of action of clodronate and to retrieve available evidence about the use of clodronate in primary and secondary osteoporosis, and its potential role in other musculoskeletal conditions and orthopedic surgery. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Jun 20;2018. Epub 2018 Jun 20.

General and Endocrine Surgery, Footscray Hospital, Footscray, Victoria, Australia.

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality requiring prompt treatment. We report a rare case of a 57-year-old man who developed acute lower limb ischaemia, severe metabolic acidosis and renal impairment from massive faecal impaction of unknown aetiology resulting in ACS causing occlusion of the right common iliac artery. This was treated with faecal disimpaction, which eventually resulted in slow but full recovery. Read More

Pain Res Manag 2018 2;2018:7020751. Epub 2018 May 2.

Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are characterized by pain and dysfunction in the masticatory apparatus and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Previous trauma, stress symptoms, psychosocial impairment, and catastrophizing have been related to TMD. To assess if the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is upregulated in TMD patients, we performed a cross-sectional study with saliva from 44 TMD patients and 44 healthy sex- and age-matched controls for cortisol () and cortisone () with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Read More

Elife 2018 05 29;7. Epub 2018 May 29.

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States.

Skeletal muscle comprises a family of diverse tissues with highly specialized functions. Many acquired diseases, including HIV and COPD, affect specific muscles while sparing others. Even monogenic muscular dystrophies selectively affect certain muscle groups. Read More

Ann Pharm Fr 2018 Jul 24;76(4):273-285. Epub 2018 May 24.

Service de toxicologie, CHU Bab-El-Oued, rue Mohamed Lamine Debaghine, 16009 Alger, Algérie; Centre national de toxicologie, route du petit Staouali Delly Brahim, 16062 Alger, Algérie.

Toxic myopathies are a group of pathologies characterized by a structural and/or functional disturbance of muscles induced by an exogenous agent. The most frequent are those induced by drugs used in clinical practice. Illegal drugs, pesticides, solvents, metals and even physical and gaseous agents can cause this kind of disease and exert toxicity on muscle tissues. Read More

Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2017 08 10;31(4):535-557. Epub 2018 Jan 10.

Paediatric Rheumatology Department, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Eaton Road, Liverpool, L12 2AP, United Kingdom. Electronic address:

Registries and biobanks for juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) have generated statistical power to help understand pathogenesis and determine treatment and long-term outcomes in this rare and heterogeneous disease. Genotype, autoantibodies, muscle histology and early clinical features may predict prognosis and guide personalised treatment. While corticosteroids and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs improve outcomes, there remain children who experience refractory disease. Read More

Acta Myol 2017 Dec 1;36(4):213-217. Epub 2017 Dec 1.

Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, University Hospital of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.

Steinert's disease or Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant multisystemic disorder characterized by myotonia, muscle and facial weakness, cataracts, cognitive, endocrine and gastrointestinal involvement, and cardiac conduction abnormalities. Although mild myocardial dysfunction may be detected in this syndrome with age, overt myocardial dysfunction with heart failure is not frequent. Cardiac resynchronization therapy is an effective treatment to improve morbidity and reduce mortality in patients with DM1 showing intra-ventricular conduction delay and/or congestive heart failure. Read More

Acta Myol 2017 Dec 1;36(4):199-202. Epub 2017 Dec 1.

Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics and University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is a multisystemic disorder characterized by myotonia, muscle weakness and involvement of several organs and apparatus such as heart, lungs, eye, brain and endocrine system. Hypogonadism and reproductive abnormalities are frequently reported. A progressive testicular atrophy occurs in about 80% in the affected males leading to Leydig cell hyperproliferation and elevated basal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Apr;97(17):e0555

Intensive Care Unit, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province.

Background: A pathological increase in intraabdominal pressure (IAP) and inflammatory responses have negative effects on splanchnic, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, and neurological function in septic patients with intestinal dysfunction. Electro-acupuncture (EA) has been evidenced to have a bidirectional neuron-endocrine-immune system regulating effect in patients with intestinal dysfunction. The purpose of current study was to evaluate the effects of EA at "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37) on inflammatory responses and IAP in septic patients with intestinal dysfunction manifested syndrome of obstruction of the bowels Qi. Read More

Osteoporos Int 2018 Jul 5;29(7):1617-1626. Epub 2018 Apr 5.

Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.

Patients with osteomalacia often visit the neurology department with conditions mimicking other myopathies. We analyzed clinical features of osteomalacia patients who visited the neurology department. These patients frequently presented with hypocalcemia, hypovitaminosis D, and pain with less severe weakness. Read More

Pediatr Clin North Am 2018 04;65(2):375-388

Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Hayward Genetics Center, Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans, LA, USA. Electronic address:

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) and mitochondrial disorders have overlapping clinical features, including central nervous system, cardiac, gastrointestinal, hepatic, muscular, endocrine, and psychiatric disease. Specific abnormalities orienting the clinician toward the right diagnostic approach include abnormal fat distribution, coagulation abnormalities, together with anticoagulation abnormalities, hyperinsulinism, and congenital malformations in CDG. Diabetes, sensorineural deafness, and depression are very rare in CDG but common in mitochondrial disease. Read More

Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2018 Mar 28;58(3):193-197. Epub 2018 Mar 28.

Department of Neurology, JA Toride Medical Center.

75 years old woman presented with 6-month history of progressive dropped head syndrome. Neurological examination revealed moderate weakness of flexor and extensor of neck and mild weakness of proximal appendicular muscles with normal deep tendon reflexes. The needle electromyography showed short duration and low amplitude motor unit potential. Read More

J Neurol 2018 May 20;265(5):1026-1036. Epub 2018 Feb 20.

Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081, Ulm, Germany.

Objective: Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is caused by an abnormal expansion of the CAG repeat in the androgen receptor gene. This study aimed to systematically phenotype a German SBMA cohort (n = 80) based on laboratory markers for neuromuscular, metabolic, and endocrine status, and thus provide a basis for the selection of biomarkers for future therapeutic trials.

Methods: We assessed a panel of 28 laboratory parameters. Read More

Lancet Neurol 2018 03 3;17(3):251-267. Epub 2018 Feb 3.

Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.

Since the publication of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) care considerations in 2010, multidisciplinary care of this severe, progressive neuromuscular disease has evolved. In conjunction with improved patient survival, a shift to more anticipatory diagnostic and therapeutic strategies has occurred, with a renewed focus on patient quality of life. In 2014, a steering committee of experts from a wide range of disciplines was established to update the 2010 DMD care considerations, with the goal of improving patient care. Read More

Brain Nerve 2018 Jan;70(1):27-34

Health Metrics Development Team, RIKEN Compass to Healthy Life Research Complex Program.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a persistent and unexplained pathological state characterized by exertional and severely debilitating fatigue, with/without symptoms of infection or neuropsychiatric symptoms, and with a minimum duration of 6 consecutive months. The pathogenesis of CFS is not fully understood. There are no firmly established diagnostic biomarkers or treatment, due to incomplete understanding of the etiology of CFS and diagnostic uncertainty. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Jan 4;2018. Epub 2018 Jan 4.

Department of Urology, Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

A 56-year-old man presented with a painless scrotal lump, enlarging over the preceding 1 month. The lump was roughly 1 cm in size, and located in his left hemiscrotum and separate from the testis. An ultrasound revealed an echogenic focus with dystrophic tissue calcification. Read More

J Transl Med 2017 12 4;15(1):245. Epub 2017 Dec 4.

Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway.

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a prevalent and disabling condition among adolescent. The disease mechanisms are unknown. Previous studies have suggested elevated plasma levels of several cytokines, but a recent meta-analysis of 38 articles found that of 77 different cytokines measured in plasma, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) was the only one that was elevated in patients compared to controls in a sufficient number of articles. Read More

Endocrine 2018 05 15;60(2):219-223. Epub 2017 Nov 15.

Department of Translational Neurosciences and Neurotherapeutics, John Wayne Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Santa Monica, CA, USA.

Introduction: Steroid myopathy is a well-known sign of endogenous Cushing's syndrome as well as a side effect of glucocorticoid administration. The clinical finding of muscle weakness and the clinical inspection of the muscle size are the most commonly used diagnostic tools, sometimes in combination with needle electromyography, but there are no means to detect the myopathy before the appearance of clinical or electrodiagnostic signs. Until now, no guidelines have been produced for a disease-specific evaluation of muscle impairment in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Read More

Breast 2018 Feb 11;37:114-118. Epub 2017 Nov 11.

Breast Clinic, King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.

Background: In oncology, hypnosis has been used for pain relief in metastatic patients but rarely for induction of anesthesia.

Material And Method: Between January 2010 and October 2015, 300 patients from our Breast Clinic (Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain) were included in an observational, non-randomized study approved by our local ethics committee (ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT03003611). Read More

Breast Cancer Res Treat 2018 02 3;167(3):709-718. Epub 2017 Nov 3.

Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.

Purpose: Aromatase inhibitor (AI)-induced joint symptoms negatively impact drug adherence and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Mechanisms underlying symptoms may include inflammation. It is hypothesized that n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce symptoms. Read More

Horm Behav 2018 01 8;97:39-46. Epub 2017 Nov 8.

Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, Unidad Coapa, Calz. De los Tenorios 235, Col. Granjas Coapa, 14330 Mexico City, Mexico. Electronic address:

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a musculoskeletal chronic pain syndrome. Its prevalence in women is higher than in men possibly by hormonal factors given that symptoms are aggravated during sex hormone-related events, such as the premenstrual period, pregnancy, postpartum or menopause. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether hyperalgesia and allodynia, in reserpine-induced experimental FM, depend on sex, estrous cycle, ovariectomy and replacement with 17β-estradiol. Read More

J Clin Lipidol 2017 Nov - Dec;11(6):1485-1487. Epub 2017 Sep 4.

Department of Endocrinology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Presently there are limited treatment options for hypercholesterolemia in patients with statin intolerance and myotonic dystrophy. A 74 year-old male presented to endocrine clinic with hypercholesterolemia (serum LDL-C 210 mg/dL), hypogonadism, insulin-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, and minimally elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels (184 U/L, ref. range 38-174). Read More

Phytomedicine 2017 Oct 18;34:97-105. Epub 2017 Aug 18.

Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Background: Deficiency of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, which is encoded by the SMN1 and SMN2 genes, induces widespread splicing defects mainly in spinal motor neurons, and leads to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Currently, there is no effective treatment for SMA. Liuwei dihuang (LWDH), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, possesses multiple therapeutic benefits against various diseases via modulation of the nervous, immune and endocrine systems. Read More

N Engl J Med 2017 09;377(10):978-984

From the Department of Medicine (R.P.R., A.P.S., A.A.P., A.B., A.S.D.) and Institute for Health Policy Management and Evaluation (A.S.D.), University of Toronto, and the Department of Medicine, University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital (A.A.P., A.B., A.S.D.), Toronto, and the Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa (A.B.) - all in Canada.

Acta Biomed 2017 08 23;88(2):198-200. Epub 2017 Aug 23.

Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milano.

Mazabraud syndrome is a very rare benign disorder characterized by the association of monostotic or polyostotic fibrous dysplasia and one or multiple intramuscular myxomas. McCune -Albright syndrome is a rare benign disorder characterized by the association of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, cafè-au-lait skin pigmentations and endocrine dysfunction, such as precocious puberty, diabetes mellitus, goiter and breast fibroadenomatosis. The association of Mazabraud syndrome and McCune-Albright in the same patient is an anecdotal event. Read More

Med J Aust 2017 08;207(4):146

University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC.

BMJ Case Rep 2017 Jul 27;2017. Epub 2017 Jul 27.

Department of Internal Medicine, Regionshospitalet Randers, Randers, Denmark.

Hypokalaemic paralysis covers a heterogeneous group of disorders caused either by an enhanced shift of potassium into the cells or following a significant renal or gastrointestinal loss of potassium. We present the case of a 48-year-old Caucasian man with paralysis of both upper and lower extremities. ECG showed sinus rhythm and characteristic changes of hypokalaemia with depression of the ST segment, prolonged QTc interval of 581ms and U waves seen as a small positive deflection at the T wave in the middle precordial leads. Read More

PLoS Curr 2017 Jun 27;9. Epub 2017 Jun 27.

Complex Care, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD or Duchenne) is a progressive, life-limiting muscle-wasting disease that requires comprehensive, multidisciplinary care. This care, at minimum, should include neuromuscular, respiratory, cardiac, orthopedic, endocrine and rehabilitative interventions that address both the primary and secondary manifestations of the disease. The care needs of patients evolve over the cdourse of the disease and as they transition from childhood into young adulthood. Read More

Sci Rep 2017 07 10;7(1):5013. Epub 2017 Jul 10.

Medical Microbiology, Dept. of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, 21100, Italy.

Enteroviruses (EVs) causing persisting infection are characterized by minimal replication and genetic changes. Typing of these agents may complement disease assessment and shed light on pathogenesis. Here we report an integrated approach for EV detection in human samples that is based on pre-enrichment of virus in cell culture before search for the viral genome and viral antigens. Read More

J Atheroscler Thromb 2017 Aug 10;24(8):765-778. Epub 2017 Jun 10.

Medical Center, Miyagi University of Education.

Arteriosclerosis, particularly aortosclerosis, is the most critical risk factor associated with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases. The pulsatile hemodynamics in the central aorta consists of blood pressure, flow, and stiffness and substantially differs from the peripheral hemodynamics in muscular arteries. Arteriosclerotic changes with age appear earlier in the elastic aorta, and age-dependent increases in central pulse pressure are more marked than those apparent from brachial pressure measurement. Read More

Am J Case Rep 2017 Jun 7;18:637-640. Epub 2017 Jun 7.

Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Parc Tauli Sabadell, Hospital Universitari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain.

BACKGROUND Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder characterized by initial muscular hypotonia and feeding difficulties, and later an insatiable appetite, hyperphagia and obesity along with mild to moderate intellectual impairment. Affected individuals' food-seeking behavior and suspected delayed gastric emptying can lead to gastric dilatation with subsequent necrosis and perforation. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome at neonatal age due to muscular hypotonia, who started growth hormone therapy at 20 months. Read More

Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2017 06 26;57(6):298-302. Epub 2017 May 26.

Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University.

We report a case of flexion contractures in a patient's legs secondary to postpartum hypopituitarism. A 56-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of worsening flexion contractures of the hips and knees. On admission, her hips and knees could not be extended, and she had muscle stiffness and tenderness to palpation of the lower extremities. Read More

Rheumatol Int 2017 Aug 23;37(8):1341-1345. Epub 2017 May 23.

Department of Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City, Mexico.

Adipokines are cytokines not only regulating metabolic and endocrine activities, but also modulating inflammatory and immune responses in several clinical settings, including autoimmunity. This study was aimed to evaluate whether serum adipokine levels may be useful as markers of disease activity in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). Adiponectin, leptin, chemokine C-C motif ligand-2 (CCL2), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were measured in the serum of all participants. Read More

J Vis Exp 2017 05 2(123). Epub 2017 May 2.

Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven;

This protocol describes a centrally catheterized mouse model of prolonged critical illness. We combine the cecal ligation and puncture method to induce sepsis with the use of a central venous line for fluids, drugs and nutrient administration to mimic the human clinical setting. Critically ill patients require intensive medical support in order to survive. Read More

Eur J Appl Physiol 2017 07 26;117(7):1287-1298. Epub 2017 Apr 26.

Sport and Exercise Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32766, USA.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological responses of a high-volume (HV; 8 sets of 10 repetitions) versus high-intensity (HI; 8 sets of 3 repetitions) exercise protocol in resistance-trained men.

Methods: Twelve men (24.5 ± 4. Read More

J Endocrinol Invest 2017 Oct 22;40(10):1099-1106. Epub 2017 Apr 22.

Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy.

Objective: Hypothyroidism is complicated by neuromuscular symptoms (myalgias, slowness of movements, and tiredness) and signs (easy fatigability and cramps), which may have a negative impact on general well-being and quality of life. In a pilot, prospective, controlled study, we investigated the features of muscle dysfunction in hypothyroidism by disease questionnaire, biochemical measures, and physical performance tests.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-seven consecutive patients with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism were enrolled, 27 subclinical (S-Hypo) and 30 overt (O-Hypo). Read More

Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2017 Jul 11;87(1):20-28. Epub 2017 May 11.

Tromsø Endocrine Research Group, Institute of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.

Objective: Observational studies have suggested positive associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and muscular strength, balance and quality of life. Our aim was to examine whether high-dose vitamin D supplementation would improve these measures as compared to standard-dose vitamin D, as well as the possible muscular effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding vitamin D-related enzymes.

Design: A 12-month randomized, double-blind, controlled trial where the participants received daily elemental calcium (1000 mg) plus vitamin D (800 IU). Read More

Neuropediatrics 2017 Aug 15;48(4):226-232. Epub 2017 Apr 15.

Friedrich-Baur-Institut, Neurologische Klinik, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany.

Inherited and acquired muscular weakness is caused by multiple conditions. While the inherited ones are mostly caused by mutations in genes coding for myopathic or neurogenic diseases, the acquired ones occur due to inflammatory, endocrine, or toxic etiologies. Precise diagnosis of a specific disease may be challenging and may require a multidisciplinary approach. Read More