Does coenzyme-Q have a protective effect against atorvastatin induced myopathy? A histopathological and immunohistochemical study in albino rats

Introduction. In addition to their lipidlowering effect, statins have pleiotropic effects that may extend their use to the treatment and prevention of various other diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Consequently, the number of patients taking statins is expected to increase. A side effect of statins, statin-induced myopathy, which may result from reduced muscular coenzyme Q10 levels, limits their use. The current study investigates if supplementing with CoQ10 could ameliorate statin induced myopathy. Materials and Methods. Forty adult male albino rats were randomized into 4 groups, with 10 rats per group. The following was administered to the rats using oral gavage for 4 weeks: Group 1: 2 ml of 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose once daily. Group 2: 100 mg/kg/ day coenzyme Q10 dissolved in 2 ml of cotton seed oil. Group 3: 10 mg/kg once daily atorvastatin dissolved in 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose. Group 4: concomitantly received CoQ10 and atorvastatin similar to groups 2 and 3 respectively. Plasma creatine kinase levels were measured by using spectrophotometer. The right extensor digitorum longus muscle sections were stained for histological (Haematoxylin & Eosin, Masson trichrome and Phosphotungstic acid haematoxylin) and immunohistochemical (cytochrome C and Bax) examinations. Quantitative measures of cytochrome C and Bax were carried out using image analyzer. Results. Atorvastatin induced increased total creatine kinase, skeletal muscle variations in the sizes and shapes, necrosis, disorganization, nuclear pyknosis, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, dismantled plasma membrane, excess collagen fibers and lipid deposition in addition to loss of cross striation. Atorvastatin increased the intensity of the immune-positive reactions of cytochrome C and Bax. These changes were ameliorated by concomitantly giving coenzyme Q10. Conclusion: CoQ10 may ameliorate atorvastatin induced skeletal muscle injury

Can Wearable Devices Accurately Measure Heart Rate Variability? A Systematic Review

Background: A growing number of wearable devices claim to provide accurate, cheap and easily applicable heart rate variability (HRV) indices. This is mainly accomplished by using wearable photoplethysmography (PPG) and/or electrocardiography (ECG), through simple and non-invasive techniques, as a substitute of the gold standard RR interval estimation through electrocardiogram. Although the agreement between pulse rate variability (PRV) and HRV has been evaluated in the literature, the reported results are still inconclusive especially when using wearable devices

Self-reported cheating among medical students: An alarming finding in a cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia

<div><p>Academic misconduct/dishonesty has become widespread behavior among many university students across the globe, and medical education is not an exception. Until recently, few efforts have been made to study the dishonest behavior in Middle-Eastern universities. This study examined the prevalence and predisposing factors of cheating among medical students in Saudi Arabia and suggests suitable preventive measures. A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted at a government medical college during the 2014–2015 academic year. The response rate was 58.5% (421/720). The overall cheating behavior practiced by the participants was 29%, predominantly by male students. High GPA scoring students were the least likely to cheat. The participants living with their families were more likely to cheat compared to those who were living apart from their families. The reasons participants gave to justify their cheating behavior included getting better grades, passing the course, and lacking preparation while still recognizing that cheating is a ‘mistake.’ Overall, significant academic misconduct concerning cheating was found among the Saudi medical students; this misconduct is alarming in a reputable government institution. The implementation of strict punishments, requiring ethical courses and creating ethical awareness by exploiting the potential of Islamic religious belief might help to control this problem.</p></div

Reasons given by the participating students for cheating.

<p>Reasons given by the participating students for cheating.</p

Numbers and percentages of the participants who have ever cheated and the study variables.

<p>Numbers and percentages of the participants who have ever cheated and the study variables.</p

Responses of the participants to different misconduct scenarios in relation to their academic grades.

<p>Responses of the participants to different misconduct scenarios in relation to their academic grades.</p

Responses of the participants to different misconduct scenarios (in number and percentages).

<p>Responses of the participants to different misconduct scenarios (in number and percentages).</p

Responses of the participants to different misconduct scenarios in relation to their gender.

<p>Responses of the participants to different misconduct scenarios in relation to their gender.</p

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: From Clinical Uses to Emerging Technologies

Evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has seen a paradigm shift in the last decade. Evidence increasingly supports the clinical utility of CCTA across various stages of CAD, from detection of early subclinical disease to the assessment of acute chest pain. Additionally, CCTA can be used to non-invasively quantify plaque burden and identify high-risk plaque, aiding in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This is especially important in the evaluation of CAD in immune-driven conditions with increased cardiovascular disease prevalence. Emerging applications of CCTA based on hemodynamic indices and plaque characterization may provide personalized risk assessment, impact disease detection, and further guide therapy. This review provides an update on the evidence, clinical applications, and emerging technologies surrounding CCTA as highlighted at the 2019 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute CCTA Summit