Activity

Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat hypertension that arises during pregnancy. PAI-039 datasheet However, reproductive safety concerns have been expressed. Here, we investigated whether the use of β-blockers during early pregnancy increased the risk of congenital malformations.

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies published from database inception until February 2020. Observational studies evaluating associations between maternal β-blocker use and congenital malformations were included in this meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality. Meta-analysis of outcomes was performed and a summary odds ratio (OR) was calculated with consideration of heterogeneity.

Twenty observational studies were identified. Beta-blocker use during early pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations (OR = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93-1.09). Subgroup analysis of organ-specific malformations revealed that β-blocker use was associated with an increased risk of heart malformations (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02-1.63) and an increased risk of cleft lip or palate (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.18-1.91); however, these associations (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.94-1.32 for heart malformations; OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 0.98-1.85 for cleft lip or palate) disappeared when the adjusted data were pooled. Beta-blocker use was not associated with increased risks of central nervous system malformations, neural tube defects or hypospadias.

Exposure to β-blockers during early pregnancy does not appear to be associated with congenital malformations or heart malformations in offspring. Other organ-specific congenital malformations should be evaluated in further studies.

Exposure to β-blockers during early pregnancy does not appear to be associated with congenital malformations or heart malformations in offspring. Other organ-specific congenital malformations should be evaluated in further studies.

To examine the experiences and support needs of homeless transgender people by synthesizing the existing evidence.

Transgender people face many challenges in society in terms of people’s knowledge, understanding and acceptance of a person’s gender identity. Evidence regardingthe homelessness experiences and available supports to transgender people remains sparse.

A systematic review was undertaken and included qualitative and quantitative studies. A total of twelve papers were included in the review, utilizing the PRISMA method. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool (MMAT).

Following analysis, the themes that emerged were (a) pathways into homelessness, (b) experiences whilst homeless and (c) routes out of homelessness.

It has become increasingly clear that the distinct needs of this group are complex and multifaceted. In order to adequately address the issues and concerns comprehensively, coordinated and effective collaborations need to be in place.

Clinical nurses need to recognize and respond to the distinct needs of trans homeless people. Nurse managers need to provide leadership to promote the needs of homeless trans people and ensure that policies and procedures are in place that are responsive to issues and concerns.

Clinical nurses need to recognize and respond to the distinct needs of trans homeless people. Nurse managers need to provide leadership to promote the needs of homeless trans people and ensure that policies and procedures are in place that are responsive to issues and concerns.Differentiation of normal human keratinocytes (NHK) grown in vitro as a monolayer to confluency can be triggered with an acute increase in concentration of extracellular Ca++ . Over several days, induced by Ca++ , the cells form pseudostratified sheets that somewhat resemble the basic organization of the intact skin. This experimental system is widely used in studies of keratinocyte biology and skin pathology. However, expression pattern of the genes considered as markers for cells in specific layers of epidermis in vivo does not always match the specific pattern observed in vitro and might lead to misinterpretation of data. Here, we demonstrate that among 18 markers of terminally differentiated keratinocytes of stratum granulosum (SG) and stratum corneum (SC) in vivo, only four (CDSN, KPRP, LCE1C and SPRR4) have reproduced their expression pattern in vitro. Our data suggest that findings based on two-dimensional (2D) Ca++ -induced terminal differentiation of NHK in vitro should be subjected to additional scrutiny before conclusions could be made and, if possible, verified in other experimental system that might more faithfully represent the in vivo microenvironment.

Large somatotrophic adenomas depict poor response to somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs). Debulking has shown to enhance SRLs effect in some but not all cases and tumour volume reduction has been proposed as the main predictor of response. No biological studies have been performed so far in this matter. We aimed to identify molecular markers of response to SRLs after surgical debulking in GH-secreting adenomas.

We performed a multicenter retrospective study.

24 patients bearing large GH-producing tumours.

Clinical data and SRLs response both before and after surgical debulking were collected, and 21 molecular biomarkers of SRLs response were studied in tumour samples by gene expression.

From the 21 molecular markers studied, only two of them predicted enhanced SRLs response after surgery. Tumours with improved response to SRLs after surgical debulking showed lower levels of Ki-67 (MKI67, FC=0.17 and P=.008) and higher levels of RAR-related orphan receptor C (RORC) (FC=3.1 and P˂.001). When a cut-off of no detectable expression was used for Ki-67, the model provided a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 52.6% with an area under the curve of 65.8%. Using a cut-off of 2 units of relative expression of RORC, the prediction model showed 100% of sensitivity and specificity.

High levels of RORC and low levels of Ki-67 identify improved SRLs response after surgical debulking in large somatotropic adenomas. To determine their expression would facilitate medical treatment decision-making after surgery.

High levels of RORC and low levels of Ki-67 identify improved SRLs response after surgical debulking in large somatotropic adenomas. To determine their expression would facilitate medical treatment decision-making after surgery.