Pre-and Post-Portosystemic Shunt Placement Metabolomics Reveal Molecular Signatures for the Development of Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of advanced liver disease causing brain dysfunction. This is likely due to the accumulation of unfiltered toxins within the bloodstream. A known risk factor for developing or worsening HE is the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), which connects the pre-hepatic and post-hepatic circulation, allowing some blood to bypass the dysfunctional liver and decreases portal hypertension. Continue reading →

With growing awareness that what we put in and on our bodies affects our health and well-being, little is still known about the impact of textiles on the human skin. Athletic wear often uses silver threading to improve hygiene, but little is known about its effect on the body’s largest organ. In this study, we investigated the impact of such clothing on the skin’s chemistry and microbiome. Samples were collected from different body sites of a dozen volunteers over the course of 12 weeks.

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