One of the most common lipids in the human body is palmitic acid (PA), a saturated fatty acid with essential functions in brain cells. PA is used by cells as an energy source, besides being a precursor of signaling molecules and protein tilting across the membrane. Although PA plays physiological functions in the brain, its excessive accumulation leads to detrimental effects on brain cells, causing lipotoxicity. This mechanism involves the activation of toll-like receptors (TLR) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathways, with the consequent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and autophagy impairment. Importantly, some of the cellular changes induced by PA lead to an augmented susceptibility to the development of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson´s diseases. Considering the complexity of the response to PA and the intrinsic differences of the brain, in this review, we provide an overview of the molecular and cellular effects of PA on different brain cells and their possible relationships with neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Furthermore, we propose the use of other fatty acids, such as oleic acid or linoleic acid, as potential therapeutic approaches against NDs, as these fatty acids can counteract PA’s negative effects on cells.
X-ray Velocimetry (XV) is a powerful 4D imaging-based method for quantifying regional ventilation, aiding in the assessment of lung function. Developed through extensive preclinical research, XV has recently been validated in a first-inhuman study. Here, we report on the comparison of XV to spirometry and computed tomography (CT) through global correlations and case studies.
Background: CT-angiography is an ancillary test
used to diagnose death by neurological criteria (DNC), notably in cases of
unreliable neurological examinations due to clinical confounders. We studied
whether clinical confounders to the neurological examination modified
CT-angiography diagnostic accuracy. Methods:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies including deeply comatose
patients undergoing DNC ancillary testing. We estimated pooled sensitivities
and specificities using a Bayesian hierarchical model, including data on
CT-angiography (4-point, 7-point, 10-point scales, and no intracranial
flow), and performing a subgroup analysis on clinical confounders to the
reference neurological examination. Results: Of 40
studies included in the meta-analysis, 7 involve CT-angiography (n=586).
There was no difference between subgroups (Table). The degree of uncertainty
involving sensitivity estimates was high in both subgroups.
Conclusions: Statistical uncertainty in
diagnostic accuracy estimates preclude any conclusion regarding the impact
of clinical confounders on CT-angiography diagnostic accuracy. Further
research is required to validate CT-angiography as an accurate ancillary
test for DNC.
Table. Pooled sensitivities and specificities of
CT-angiography for death by neurological criteria
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