bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PVT1 interacts with polycomb repressive complex 2 to suppress genomic regions with pro-apoptotic and tumour suppressor functions in multiple myeloma
Authors: Nylund Patrick , Garrido-Zabala Berta , Párraga Alba Atienza , Vasquez Louella , Pyl Paul Theodor , Harinck George Mickhael , Ma Anqi , Jin Jian , Öberg Fredrik , Kalushkova Antonia , Wiklund Helena Jernberg
Published: July 2023

Multiple myeloma is a heterogeneous hematological disease that originates from the bone marrow and is characterized by the monoclonal expansion of malignant plasma cells. Despite novel therapies, multiple myeloma remains clinically challenging. A common feature among patients with poor prognosis is the increased activity of the epigenetic silencer EZH2, which is the catalytic subunit of the PRC2. Interestingly, the recruitment of PRC2 lacks sequence specificity and, to date, the molecular mechanisms that define which genomic locations are destined for PRC2-mediated silencing remain unknown. The presence of a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-binding pocket on EZH2 suggests that lncRNA could potentially mediate PRC2 recruitment to specific genomic regions. Here, we coupled RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, RNA-sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing analysis of human multiple myeloma primary cells and cell lines to identify potential lncRNA partners to EZH2. We found that the lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) directly interacts with EZH2 and is overexpressed in patients with a poor prognosis. Moreover, genes predicted to be targets of PVT1 exhibited H3K27me3 enrichment and were associated with pro-apoptotic and tumor suppressor functions. In fact, PVT1 inhibition independently promotes the expression of the PRC2 target genes ZBTB7C, RNF144A and CCDC136. Altogether, our work suggests that PVT1 is an interacting partner in PRC2-mediated silencing of tumor suppressor and pro-apoptotic genes in multiple myeloma, making it a highly interesting potential therapeutic target.
IL Problema Delle Infezioni Nella Dialisi Peritoneale
Authors: Buoncristiani Umberto
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Calorimetria Indiretta: Appplicazioni in Nefrologia - Emodialisi
Authors: Bernardi A. , Ottolini A. , Piva M. , Saporiti E.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Gli Alti Flussi Ematici in Emodialisi
Authors: Calzavara P.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
L'Eco-Doppler Renale
Authors: Dazzi F.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Recent Advances in Targeting Complement in Glomerular Disease
Authors: Salvadori Maurizio
Published: July 2023

Several diseases are related to complement involvement. In particular, its role is essential for the pathogenesis of several renal disease. On the other hand, the complement role may also be protective, and this possibility should be well known when managing complement inhibitors.

Complement inhibitors are relatively newly discovered therapies that are essential in some diseases, and in others improve the efficacy of the already known therapeutic measures that represent the standard of care.

In the case of glomerular diseases, complement plays a role in almost all diseases. In some diseases, complement abnormalities represent the prevailing factor in the pathogenesis. In such diseases, complement inhibition represents an essential therapy. In other diseases, complement plays an important role, but other factors are involved in the pathogenesis. Clearly, in these diseases, complement inhibition represents a therapy that could be added to the standard of care therapy, according to the physician’s judgement. Examples of these diseases are lupus nephritis, thrombotic microangiopathy when associated to some cases of lupus nephritis, and IgA nephropathy. The latter is one of the first primary glomerulonephritides in which a relevant role of complement is documented. These three diseases are the object of this brief review. Particular concern should be given to ongoing clinical trials. Indeed, many of these anti-complement therapies are still in different phases of clinical trials. Finally, particular concern must be ascribed to the problem of associating these emerging therapies to already existing and proven treatments.
The Edinburgh Companion to the Critical Medical Humanities
Authors: Atkinson Sarah , Macnaughton Jane , Richards Jennifer
Published: July 2023

The medical humanities, we claim, names a series of intersections, exchanges and entanglements between the biomedical sciences, the arts and humanities, and the social sciences. The Edinburgh Companion to the Critical Medical Humanities introduces the ideas, individuals and scholarly approaches that are currently shaping the field. The medical humanities is an area of inquiry that is highly interdisciplinary, rapidly expanding and increasingly globalised. As this Introduction and the chapters that follow demonstrate, The Companion is both a reinvigoration and a critical reorientation of the medical humanities: an identification of new challenges for research, which also expands the methodologies, perspectives and practices that might be called upon to meet them.
Mary Robinson’s Walsingham: Self-Monsterization, Gender Nonconformity, and Sexual (Dis)orientation
Authors: Brewer William D.
Published: July 2023

This essay argues that Mary Robinson’s subversion of gender in her Gothic novel Walsingham (1797) is more radical than critics have suggested. I offer a trans reading of Walsingham that focuses on the evolution of Sir Sidney Aubrey’s nonnormative gender identity and behavior. Along with emphasizing transformation and embodiment, trans theory disrupts essentializing categories such as male, female, heterosexual, gay, and lesbian. It thus provides a useful lens through which to examine Walsingham, in which Sidney and the title character transition from one identity to another. I examine the transgender Sidney’s conception of themself as a monster and the eponymous protagonist’s psychosexual development: throughout the novel, both characters see themselves as metamorphic, not-quite-human subjectivities driven by self-destructive passions. The novel’s conclusion presents a scenario in which gender transition occurs rapidly, a trans person finds acceptance, and the conflicted male protagonist immediately falls in love with them.
Analysis of the green paradigm in European, global and domestic policies
Authors: Raichuk L.
Published: July 2023

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the green paradigm in European, global, and domestic policies. The research methodology is based on a systemic approach, which involves the use of modern and classical scientific methods: general scientific methods (analysis and synthesis of data); retrospective and comparative analysis (identification of cause-and-effect relationships); analytical-synthetic (study of scientific and statistical data, archival materials, legislative and founding documents, etc.). The aim of this study was to define the essence of sustainable development in the context of agrarian and ecological policies of Ukraine, as well as the concept of the green economy as an important component of the country’s socio-economic development in the wartime and post-war periods. The retrospective development of the concept of sustainable development in the context of agrarian and ecological policies of Ukraine and the world has been analyzed. The concept of the green economy as an important component of our country’s socio-economic development has been considered, especially with regard to European integration processes and in light of Russian military aggression and its complex consequences. A comparison of the green economy, green growth, and sustainable development based on economic, social, and ecological aspects has been conducted. The article argues that the comprehensive ecological, economic, and social crisis is a stimulus for rethinking the principles of managing agricultural landscapes in Ukraine, both at the national and regional levels. The feasibility of implementing a complex post-war revival of the state and its regions based on the principles of green economy is justified, albeit with modifications that would include elements of blue and circular economies. It is established that the practical implementation and effectiveness of the documents ratified by Ukraine in the field of sustainable development are relatively insignificant, as there is still no legislative document that conceptually and comprehensively defines a clear procedure for achieving sustainable development goals in our country, as well as a related regulatory framework.
Study of environmental safety and economic efficiency of digestate as biofertilizer
Authors: Honcharuk I. , Pantsyreva H. , Vovk V. , Verkholiuk S.
Published: July 2023

The conducted research is dedicated to: the importance of rational use of natural resources due to effective waste management; formation of the concept of a resource-saving agro-industrial complex due to the development and implementation of bio-organic technologies for growing agricultural crops for the production of biofuels from agro-biomass and animal husbandry waste; ensuring the energy independence of the industry and forming the country’s food security. The improved mechanism for the introduction of ecological innovations will contribute to: increasing the economic efficiency of the agricultural sector as a key factor of positive changes in order to find new, more effective and perfect implementations of ecological innovations in the development of food security of the state; reducing the impact of anthropogenic human activity on the surrounding natural environment and improving the socio-economic indicators of rural development. It was determined that the digestate contains a significant amount of mineral elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). In terms of speed of action (absorption of elements by plants), it resembles mineral fertilizers, since the elements N, P and K are easily available to plants. It was established that calculations of the cost of organic fertilizers based on cow dung, as well as digestate, which is obtained from a bioreactor during biogas production, showed that the monetary expression of organic-mineralized environmentally friendly fertilizer, which is obtained after fermentation processes from a biogas reactor, based on digestate, is worth to form by adding up the value of the nutritional chemical elements from which it is composed. Authors of the article Honcharuk I.V., Pantsyreva H.V. and Vovk V. are executors of applied research on the topic “Development of bio-organic technologies for growing agricultural crops for the production of biofuels and ensuring energy independence of the agricultural sector” (state registration number 0123U100311).
Influence of herbicides on numbers and development Lumbricus terrestris
Authors: Mazur S. , Matusevych H. , Horodyska I. , Bukhtyk S. , Mursiukaiev F.
Published: July 2023

Unrestricted use of herbicides to control weeds in agriculture causes a decrease in sensitive individual populations of soil biota, among which Lumbricus terrestris should be noted. Because they make up a fairly significant part of the living biomass of the soil and play an important role in the functioning of the soil. The use of continuous-acting soil herbicides can cause not only 100% lethality, but also affect the functioning, growth, reproduction and habit of individuals of Lumbricus terrestris. The article has presented the results of field experiments and laboratory studies of the effect of soil herbicides of different chemical classes on the number and development of Lumbricus terrestris. The research results have established a negative effect on the development and number of individuals of the earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) in the soil of the sunflower agrocenosis due to the use of herbicides. The number of earthworm individuals was reduced by 2.1 times when applying triazine herbicides (Gezagard) and 3.7 times when applying chloracetomids (Dual Gold, Harness) on the 30th day compared to the control. In addition, laboratory studies have proven that the use of soil herbicides in the recommended application rates activates the synthesis of glutathione-S-transferase in earthworms, and its content increases by 5.6–8.9% already after a day of contact with Harness and Dual Gold (1 min D), while in contact with the herbicide Gezagard the growth was 4.1% only on the 7th day of the experiment. Inhibition of earthworm acetylcholinesterase synthesis in contact with Harness and Dual Gold occurred on average by 43.0% already after 24 h and by 23.4% with Gezagard.
PREFÁCIO DE CARLO SARCHI À TRADUÇÃO ITALIANA DO DIREITO UNIVERSAL DE VICO
Authors: Teixeira Braga Filho Jose Valdir
Published: July 2023

O prefácio em questão foi escrito à propósito da tradução em língua italiana de 1866 do Direito Universal (1722) de Giambattista Vico, escrito em latim.  O tradutor e prefacista, Carlo Sarchi, ressalta aspectos decisivos, como a relação entre os conceitos de razão e autoridade e também defende a contemporaneidade da hipótese de Vico sobre o papel do direito na origem da civilização e sua composição em classes antagônicas. Sarchi explica que a teoria de Vico sobre o direito se comprova no carácter antiquado do direito das nações modernas. A presente tradução reproduz o uso de maiúsculas e minúsculas em conceitos tais como no original, por outro lado, o uso de sinais de pontuação foi alterado em trechos importantes para que o texto faça sentido em língua portuguesa.
Current successes and remaining challenges in protein function prediction
Authors: Jeffery Constance J.
Published: July 2023

In recent years, improvements in protein function prediction methods have led to increased success in annotating protein sequences. However, the functions of over 30% of protein-coding genes remain unknown for many sequenced genomes. Protein functions vary widely, from catalyzing chemical reactions to binding DNA or RNA or forming structures in the cell, and some types of functions are challenging to predict due to the physical features associated with those functions. Other complications in understanding protein functions arise due to the fact that many proteins have more than one function or very small differences in sequence or structure that correspond to different functions. We will discuss some of the recent developments in predicting protein functions and some of the remaining challenges.
Applications of nanotechnologies for miRNA-based cancer therapeutics: current advances and future perspectives
Authors: Bravo-Vázquez Luis Alberto , Méndez-García Andrea , Rodríguez Alma L. , Sahare Padmavati , Pathak Surajit , Banerjee Antara , Duttaroy Asim K. , Paul Sujay
Published: July 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (18–25 nt), non-coding, widely conserved RNA molecules responsible for regulating gene expression via sequence-specific post-transcriptional mechanisms. Since the human miRNA transcriptome regulates the expression of a number of tumor suppressors and oncogenes, its dysregulation is associated with the clinical onset of different types of cancer. Despite the fact that numerous therapeutic approaches have been designed in recent years to treat cancer, the complexity of the disease manifested by each patient has prevented the development of a highly effective disease management strategy. However, over the past decade, artificial miRNAs (i.e., anti-miRNAs and miRNA mimics) have shown promising results against various cancer types; nevertheless, their targeted delivery could be challenging. Notably, numerous reports have shown that nanotechnology-based delivery of miRNAs can greatly contribute to hindering cancer initiation and development processes, representing an innovative disease-modifying strategy against cancer. Hence, in this review, we evaluate recently developed nanotechnology-based miRNA drug delivery systems for cancer therapeutics and discuss the potential challenges and future directions, such as the promising use of plant-made nanoparticles, phytochemical-mediated modulation of miRNAs, and nanozymes.
The role of ferroptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Fan Chunyang , Chu Genglei , Yu Zilin , Ji Zhongwei , Kong Fanchen , Yao Lingye , Wang Jiale , Geng Dechun , Wu Xiexing , Mao Haiqing
Published: July 2023

Nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate constitute an avascular intervertebral disc (IVD), which is crucial for spinal and intervertebral joint mobility. As one of the most widespread health issues worldwide, intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is recognized as a key contributor to back and neck discomfort. A number of degenerative disorders have a strong correlation with ferroptosis, a recently identified novel regulated cell death (RCD) characterized by an iron-dependent mechanism and a buildup of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS). There is growing interest in the part ferroptosis plays in IVDD pathophysiology. Inhibiting ferroptosis has been shown to control IVDD development. Several studies have demonstrated that in TBHP-induced oxidative stress models, changes in ferroptosis marker protein levels and increased lipid peroxidation lead to the degeneration of intervertebral disc cells, which subsequently aggravates IVDD. Similarly, IVDD is significantly relieved with the use of ferroptosis inhibitors. The purpose of this review was threefold: 1) to discuss the occurrence of ferroptosis in IVDD; 2) to understand the mechanism of ferroptosis and its role in IVDD pathophysiology; and 3) to investigate the feasibility and prospect of ferroptosis in IVDD treatment.
The regulation of lncRNAs and miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Lin Yuhao , Sun Qiqi , Zhang Bao , Zhao Wei , Shen Chenguang
Published: July 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was a global endemic that continues to cause a large number of severe illnesses and fatalities. There is increasing evidence that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are crucial regulators of viral infection and antiviral immune response and the role of non-coding RNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection has now become the focus of scholarly inquiry. After SARS-CoV-2 infection, some ncRNAs’ expression levels are regulated to indirectly control the expression of antiviral genes and viral gene replication. However, some other ncRNAs are hijacked by SARS-CoV-2 in order to help the virus evade the immune system by suppressing the expression of type I interferon (IFN-1) and controlling cytokine levels. In this review, we summarize the recent findings of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) among non-coding RNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection and antiviral response, discuss the potential mechanisms of actions, and prospects for the detection, treatment, prevention and future directions of SARS-CoV-2 infection research.
Application of conjugated materials in muscle movement recovery process
Authors: Zhang Dengfeng , Fan Guanxi
Published: July 2023

Conjugate materials have a good application effect in muscle movement recovery. This article aims to provide more references for the practical application of conjugated materials in sports recovery. This paper takes the students of the local physical education college as the experimental object, and selects the students who have sports muscle fatigue or injury for the test. In this paper, they are randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group, with 19 students in each group. The experimental group used the conjugate material in this paper for muscle movement recovery, while the control group used the traditional method for muscle movement recovery. This paper tested the peak torque, total work done, maximum radial displacement, and contraction time of two groups of students after initial exercise and muscle recovery. The experimental results showed that after 80 h of muscle movement recovery, the peak torque values of isometric contraction (264.59) and concentric contraction (160.81) of students in the experimental group were higher than those of students in the control group (233.79) and concentric contraction (130.43), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05); the isometric contraction time (30.02) and concentric contraction time (29.31) of the experimental group were also higher than those of the control group (27.31) and concentric contraction time (24.58), which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). This study shows that conjugated materials have a significant effect on promoting muscle recovery. They not only help to increase the peak torque of muscle isometric contraction and concentric contraction, but also increase the time of muscle contraction and improve muscle mass.
Rapid, ultrasensitive and highly specific diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae by a CRISPR-based detection platform
Authors: Zhou Juan , Xiao Fei , Fu Jin , Jia Nan , Huang Xiaolan , Sun Chunrong , Xu Zheng , Zhang Yu , Qu Dong , Wang Yi
Published: July 2023

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is an important causative agent of morbidity and mortality among all age groups, especially among patients of extreme ages. Improved and readily available tests for accurate, sensitive and rapid diagnosis of MP infection is sorely needed. Here, we developed a CRISPR-Cas12b-based detection platform on the basis of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) for rapid, simple, and accurate diagnosis of MP infection, named MP-RPA-CRISPR. The RPA was employed for amplifying the community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxin gene of MP strains at the optimal reaction temperature 37°C. The resulting amplicons were decoded by the CRISPR-Cas12b-based detection platform, which was interpreted by real-time PCR system and by naked eye under blue light. The MP-RPA-CRISPR can detected down to 5 fg of genomic DNA templates of MP strains and accurately distinguish MP strains from non-MP strains without any cross-reactivity. A total of 96 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF)samples collected from patients suspected of respiratory infection were used to evaluate the clinical performance of the MP-RPA-CRISPR assay. As a result, our assay accurately diagnosed 45 MP-infected samples and 51 non-MP infected sample, and the results obtained from MP-RPA-CRISPR were consistent with microfluidic chip technology. In conclusion, our MP-RPA-CRISPR assay is a simple, rapid, portable and highly sensitive method to diagnose MP infection, which can be used as a promising tool in a variety of settings including clinical, field, and resource-limited aeras.
How are AI assistants changing higher education?
Authors: Schön Eva-Maria , Neumann Michael , Hofmann-Stölting Christina , Baeza-Yates Ricardo , Rauschenberger Maria
Published: July 2023

Context

Higher education is changing at an accelerating pace due to the widespread use of digital teaching and emerging technologies. In particular, AI assistants such as ChatGPT pose significant challenges for higher education institutions because they bring change to several areas, such as learning assessments or learning experiences.

Objective

Our objective is to discuss the impact of AI assistants in the context of higher education, outline possible changes to the context, and present recommendations for adapting to change.

Method

We review related work and develop a conceptual structure that visualizes the role of AI assistants in higher education.

Results

The conceptual structure distinguishes between humans, learning, organization, and disruptor, which guides our discussion regarding the implications of AI assistant usage in higher education. The discussion is based on evidence from related literature.

Conclusion

AI assistants will change the context of higher education in a disruptive manner, and the tipping point for this transformation has already been reached. It is in our hands to shape this transformation.
A Modified Mercalli Intensity map of Bangladesh: a proposal for zoning of earthquake hazard
Authors: Alam Edris
Published: July 2023

Bangladesh is vulnerable to a variety of natural hazards including frequent tropical cyclones, floods and, less commonly, earthquakes and tsunamis. The country has developed an effective response mechanism for frequently experiencing hazards. However, at the same time, the nation has not developed an effective response mechanism for earthquake as a result of limited experiences with this type of hazard in the recent past. This research constructs a new catalogue consisting of 144 earthquakes (between 810BC and 2015) occurring within Bangladesh and the adjacent region. From this new catalogue, the effects of earthquakes are available for 80 events which are used in order to construct the geography of hazard in Bangladesh. The construction of a detailed Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) map using the new earthquake data suggests that this will be useful for supporting future risk reduction efforts in Bangladesh. Specifically, the findings support the revision of the current seismic zoning map of Bangladesh to include Chittagong and Dhaka in the high-risk zone for effective earthquake risk reduction. Finally, this research concludes that analyses of long-term data helps to identify new hazard exposure and develop knowledge that is useful to formulate new disaster risk reduction policies and rectify existing know zones in Bangladesh.
Dakota/Lakota Math Connections: an epistemological framework for teaching and learning mathematics with Indigenous communities and students
Authors: Luecke Danny , Sanders David
Published: July 2023

Tribal colleges/universities have and continue to seek out connections between the local heritage and culture and the mainstream education content. In math, calls for culture to be more integrated into the classroom have been met with epistemological challenges as well as a dearth of math and local culture resources. The Dakota/Lakota Math Connections research project addresses both of these challenges. This article will specifically share the collaborative development, pilot, evaluation, and confirmation of an epistemological framework for curriculum development in both the math and language classrooms at Sitting Bull College. Following an Indigenous research paradigm focusing on relationality and relational accountability, the co-authors gathered a group of tribal college math instructors, Lakota language immersion teachers, and fluent elders. Altogether they experienced, evaluated, and confirmed the Dakota/Lakota Math Connections framework as a path for teaching and learning mathematics with Indigenous communities and students. Using an Indigenous research paradigm led to circular, reciprocal research questions for this article: In what ways, if any, did the framework impact the participants? In what ways, if any, did the participants influence the framework? The framework includes four major components (Western Math, Dakota/Lakota Math, the English language, and the Dakota/Lakota language) and the intersections among each component. The framework builds from the assumptions that language is intimately tied with culture and identity and that higher order mathematical thinking is embedded within Dakota/Lakota language and culture. This is based on the assumption that all cultures “do” math. The framework asserts that math fluency and Dakota/Lakota language fluency can grow together. The Dakota/Lakota Math Connections framework lays an epistemological pathway for Dakota/Lakota students to see their culture, identity, and language in the math curriculum as well as for math instructors to honor the call to connect the math classroom with the local heritage and culture.
Prophylactic central neck dissection for cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma: is there any difference between western countries and China? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Jiaxin , Han Yuling , Min Yu , Chen Cheng , Chen Jialin , Xiang Ke , Liao Jiahu , Feng Yang , Hu Daixing , Yin Guobing
Published: July 2023

Background

Recommendations for the performance of prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) in patients with clinically node-uninvolved (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are not the same. This meta-analysis set out to compare the effectiveness of pCND with total thyroidectomy (TT) in different countries and regions, mainly between western countries and China.

Methods

The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies published until August 2022. The incidence rate of cervical lymph node metastases (LNMs), locoregional recurrences (LRRs), and postoperative complications were pooled by a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses based on different countries and regions were performed.

Results

Eighteen studies involving 5,346 patients were analyzed. In the subgroup of western countries, patients undergoing pCND with TT had a significantly lower LRR rate [69/1,804, 3.82% vs. 139/2,541, 5.47%; odds ratio (OR) = 0.56; 95% CI 0.37–0.85] and a higher rate of temporary hypoparathyroidism (HPT) (316/1,279, 24.71% vs. 194/1,467, 13.22%; OR = 2.23; 95% CI 1.61–3.08) than that of the TT alone group, while no statistically significant difference was found in the rate of permanent HPT and temporary and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. In the Chinese subgroup, the pCND with TT group had a significantly higher incidence rate of both temporary HPT (87/374, 23.26% vs. 36/324, 11.11%; OR = 2.24; 95% CI 1.32–3.81) and permanent HPT (21/374, 5.61% vs. 4/324, 1.23%; OR = 3.58; 95% CI = 1.24–10.37) than that of the TT alone group, while no significant difference was detected in the rate of LRR and temporary and permanent RLN injury.

Conclusion

Compared with the TT alone for cN0 PTC patients, pCND with TT had a significantly lower LRR rate while having a higher temporary HPT rate in Europe, America, and Australia; however, it showed no significant difference in decreasing LRR rate while having a significantly raised rate of temporary and permanent HPT in China. More population-based results are required to advocate precision medicine in PTC.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022358546.
Association between COVID-19 and incidence of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality among patients with diabetes
Authors: Jung Hee Sun , Choi Jae Woo
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Although the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is higher in patients who are diagnosed with diabetes than in those who are not, research on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in COVID-19 infected patients diagnosed with diabetes compared to those who are not infected by COVID-19 is lacking. This study aimed to examine the association between COVID-19, incidence of CVD, and all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes.

Methods

This study used data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment, and included 16,779 patients with COVID-19 and 16,779 matched controls between January 2017 and June 2021. The outcomes included cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease, stroke, and all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate these associations.

Results

Patients with diabetes hospitalized because of COVID-19 had a significantly increased risk of CVD (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.97, 2.27) than those without COVID-19. The risks of coronary heart disease (AHR, 2.00; 95% CI: 1.85, 2.17) and stroke (AHR, 2.21; 95% CI: 1.90, 2.57) were higher in the intervention group than in the control group. In the case of all-cause mortality for middle-aged adults, we observed a higher risk in diabetes patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 than in patients without COVID-19 (AHR, 1.37; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.59).

Conclusions

This study showed that patients with diabetes hospitalized due to COVID-19 had an increased risk of CVD, coronary heart disease, stroke incidence, and mortality than those who were not COVID-19 infected, suggesting more careful prevention and management among patients with COVID-19.
COVID-19 and the risk of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Sun Dongren , Du Qin , Wang Rui , Shi Ziyan , Chen Hongxi , Zhou Hongyu
Published: July 2023

Background

An increasing number of studies have elucidated a close nexus between COVID-19 phenotypes and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), yet the causality between them remains enigmatic.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis employing summary data sourced from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) pertaining to COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, severity, and NMOSD. The primary MR analysis employed the Inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach, which was supplemented by MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. We implemented various sensitivity analyses including Cochran’s Q test, MR-PRESSO method, MR-Egger intercept, leave-one-out analysis, and funnel plot.

Results

The MR results demonstrated a nominal association between COVID-19 susceptibility and the risk of AQP4+ NMOSD, as evidenced by the IVW method (OR = 4.958; 95% CI: 1.322-18.585; P = 0.018). Conversely, no causal association was observed between COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, or severity and the increased risk of NMOSD, AQP4-NMOSD, or AQP4+ NMOSD. The comprehensive sensitivity analyses further bolstered the robustness and consistency of the MR estimates.

Conclusion

Our findings provide compelling evidence for a causal effect of COVID-19 phenotype on AQP4+ NMOSD, shedding new light on the understanding of the comorbidity between COVID-19 and NMOSD.
Evaluation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) organotypic intestinal platforms: cellular responses after long-term exposure to in vitro digested feed
Authors: Verdile Nicole , Camin Federica , Chacon Marcelo A. , Pasquariello Rolando , Pavlovic Radmila , Peggs David , Fontanillas Ramon , Tandler Amos , Kortner Trond M. , Bitan Amir , Brevini Tiziana A. L. , Gandolfi Fulvio
Published: July 2023

Reliable and predictive in vitro models would support the search for new raw materials that can improve current fish diets. We recently developed some rainbow trout (RT) intestinal cell-based organotypic platforms demonstrating that the platform type modulates the degree of cell differentiation achieved in vitro and here we studied whether such differentiation correlates with their response to a prolonged exposure to a diet rich in fish meal. We compared three options, seeding the RTpiMI and RTdiMI cell lines derived respectively from the proximal or the distal intestine on (1) the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) culture inserts ThinCert™ (TC); (2) the TC coated with RT fibroblasts embedded within Matrigel® (MMfb); and (3) the highly porous polystyrene scaffold Alvetex™ also populated with fibroblasts (AV). Platforms have been exposed for 21 days to increasing concentrations of feed pellets digested in vitro by gastric and intestinal RT enzymes (IVD). Cells exposed to culture medium without IVD in each platform were used as controls. TEER values became significantly higher than their respective controls in most culture conditions. At the end of culture, epithelial cells formed multilayers irrespective of cell line or platforms if exposed to IVD, but not in the controls. This proliferative activity followed a dose-dependent pattern in the AV, did not vary in MMfb, and was highly variable in the TC. Moreover, IVD induced the formation of a few goblet-like cells characterized by rounded vacuoles. In parallel, alanine aminopeptidase activity completely disappeared in the MMfb, significantly decreased in the AV, but did not change in TC. These changes suggest a de-differentiation of the enterocytes and their partial differentiation towards the secretory lineages. Overall, the three platforms reacted differently to a pronged exposure to IVD: TC quenched most of the cell responses, MMfb generated overly sensitive reactions, while the AV react mostly in a dose-dependent manner possibly generating more physiological results.
Non-invasive skin measurement methods and diagnostics for vitiligo: a systematic review
Authors: Abdi Parsa , Anthony Michelle R. , Farkouh Christopher , Chan Airiss R. , Kooner Amritpal , Qureshi Simal , Maibach Howard
Published: July 2023

Vitiligo is a multifaceted autoimmune depigmenting disorder affecting around 0.5 to 2.0% of individuals globally. Standardizing diagnosis and therapy tracking can be arduous, as numerous clinical evaluation methods are subject to interobserver variability and may not be validated. Therefore, there is a need for diagnostic tools that are objective, dependable, and preferably non-invasive.

Aims

This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the non-invasive objective skin measurement methods that are currently used to evaluate the diagnosis, severity, and progression of vitiligo, as well as the advantages and limitations of each technique.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist was used for the systematic review. Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for non-invasive imaging and biophysical skin measuring methods to diagnose, evaluate the severity of, or monitor the effects of vitiligo treatment. The risk of bias in included articles was assessed using the QUADAS-2 quality assessment scale.

Results

An extensive literature search resulted in 64 studies for analysis, describing eight imaging techniques (reflectance confocal microscopy, computer-aided imaging analysis, optical coherence tomography, infrared photography, third-harmonic generation microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, ultraviolet light photography, and visible light/digital photograph), and three biophysical approaches (dermoscopy, colorimetry, spectrometry) used in diagnosing and assessing vitiligo. Pertinent information about functionality, mechanisms of action, sensitivity, and specificity was obtained for all studies, and insights into the strengths and limitations of each diagnostic technique were addressed. Methodological study quality was adequate; however, statistical analysis was not achievable because of the variety of methods evaluated and the non-standardized reporting of diagnostic accuracy results.

Conclusions

The results of this systematic review can enhance clinical practice and research by providing a comprehensive overview of the spectrum of non-invasive imaging and biophysical techniques in vitiligo assessment. Studies with larger sample sizes and sound methodology are required to develop verified methods for use in future practice and research.

Systematic review registration

(PROSPERO) database, (CRD42023395996).
Comparison between sevoflurane and propofol on immunomodulation in an in vitro model of sepsis
Authors: Oliveira Tainá B. , Braga Cassia L. , Battaglini Denise , Pelosi Paolo , Rocco Patricia R. M. , Silva Pedro L. , Cruz Fernanda F.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Patients with sepsis often require sedation and/or anesthesia. Although the immunomodulatory effects of anesthetics have been increasingly recognized, the molecular mechanisms require better elucidation. We compared the effects of sevoflurane with propofol on the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers released by monocytes/macrophages and blood/bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) neutrophils, the phagocytic capacity of monocytes/ macrophages, and neutrophil migration, as well as mediators associated with alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells obtained from rats with sepsis.

Methods

Polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture in nine male Wistar rats. After 48 h, animals were euthanized and their monocytes/alveolar macrophages, blood and BALF neutrophils, as well as alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells were extracted, and then exposed to (1) sevoflurane (1 minimal alveolar concentration), (2) propofol (50 μM), or (3) saline, control (CTRL) for 1 h.

Results

Sevoflurane reduced interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA expression in monocytes and alveolar macrophages (p = 0.007, p = 0.029), whereas propofol decreased IL-6 mRNA only in alveolar macrophages (p = 0.027) compared with CTRL. Sevoflurane increased IL-10 expression (p = 0.0002) in monocytes compared with propofol and increased IL-10 mRNA and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β mRNA (p = 0.037, p = 0.045) compared with CTRL. Both sevoflurane and propofol did not affect mRNA expression of IL-10 and TGF-β in alveolar macrophages. The phagocytic capacity of monocytes (p = 0.0006) and alveolar macrophages (p = 0.0004) was higher with sevoflurane compared with propofol. Sevoflurane, compared with CTRL, reduced IL-1β mRNA (p = 0.003, p = 0.009) and C-X-C chemokine receptor 2 mRNA (CXCR2, p = 0.032 and p = 0.042) in blood and BALF neutrophils, and increased CXCR4 mRNA only in BALF neutrophils (p = 0.004). Sevoflurane increased blood neutrophil migration (p = 0.015) compared with propofol. Both sevoflurane and propofol increased zonula occludens-1 mRNA (p = 0.046, p = 0.003) in alveolar epithelial cells and reduced Toll-like receptor 4 mRNA (p = 0.043, p = 0.006) in alveolar endothelial cells compared with CTRL. Only propofol reduced surfactant protein B mRNA (p = 0.028) in alveolar epithelial cells.

Discussion

Sevoflurane, compared with propofol, increased anti-inflammatory biomarkers in monocytes, but not in alveolar macrophages, enhanced monocyte/alveolar macrophage phagocytic capacity and increased neutrophil migration in in vitro experimental sepsis. Both propofol and sevoflurane protected lung epithelial and endothelial cells.
The roles of gut microbiota and its metabolites in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhao Hui , Yang Cheng-E , Liu Tian , Zhang Ming-Xia , Niu Yan , Wang Ming , Yu Jun
Published: July 2023

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe microvascular complication of diabetes, which increases the risk of renal failure and causes a high global disease burden. Due to the lack of sustainable treatment, DN has become the primary cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Gut microbiota and its metabolites exert critical regulatory functions in maintaining host health and are associated with many pathogenesis of aging-related chronic diseases. Currently, the theory gut–kidney axis has opened a novel angle to understand the relationship between gut microbiota and multiple kidney diseases. In recent years, accumulating evidence has revealed that the gut microbiota and their metabolites play an essential role in the pathophysiologic processes of DN through the gut–kidney axis. In this review, we summarize the current investigations of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites involvement in the progression of DN, and further discuss the potential gut microbiota-targeted therapeutic approaches for DN.
Evaluation of glymphatic system activity using diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space and amyloid PET in older adults with objectively normal cognition: a preliminary study
Authors: Park Chae Jung , Kim Sang-Young , Kim Jun Hwee , Son Nak-Hoon , Park Jin Young , Jeong Yong Hyu , Kim Hyun Jeong , Park Jaesub , Kim Woo Jung
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) is a recently introduced method for the assessment of the glymphatic system without the need for contrast injection. The purpose of our study was to assess the glymphatic system in cognitively normal older adults with or without subjective cognitive decline (SCD) using DTI-ALPS, and correlating with amyloid PET.

Design and participants

To evaluate the glymphatic system in cognitively normal older adults using DTI-ALPS, we built a prospective cohort including a total of 123 objectively cognitively normal older adults with or without SCD. The ALPS index was calculated from DTI MRI and was assessed by correlating it with standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) from amyloid PET and clinically relevant variables. The study subjects were also divided into amyloid “positive” and “negative” groups based on the result of amyloid PET, and the ALPS indices between those two groups were compared.

Results

The ALPS index was not significantly different between the normal and SCD groups (P = 0.897). The mean ALPS index from the amyloid positive and amyloid negative group was 1.31 and 1.35, respectively, which showed no significant difference (P = 0.308). Among the SUVRs from variable cortices, that of the paracentral cortex was negatively correlated with the ALPS index (r = −0.218, P = 0.016). Multivariate linear regression revealed that older age (coefficient, −0.007) and higher SUVR from the paracentral cortex (coefficient, −0.101) were two independent variables with a significant association with a lower ALPS index (P = 0.015 and 0.045, respectively).

Conclusion

DTI-ALPS may not be useful for evaluation of the glymphatic system in subjects with SCD. Older age was significantly associated with lower ALPS index. Greater amyloid deposition in the paracentral cortex was significantly associated with lower glymphatic activity in cognitively normal older adults. These results should be validated in future studies on the relationships between ALPS index and other fundamental compartments in glymphatic system, such as perivenous space and the meningeal lymphatic vessels.
Computational analysis of efficient organic solar cell-based retinal prosthesis using plasmonic gold nanoparticles
Authors: Rahmani Ali , Eom Kyungsik
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Photovoltaic restoration of vision, especially in conjunction with the use of silicon photodiodes, has gained attention for use in patients affected by blindness due to retinal layer disease. Although the use of silicon photodiodes offers miniaturization of the implant unit and increase in the stimulation channel, the implant unit may suffer from the fracture of these brittle photodiodes when mechanical pressure exerted.

Methods

We present an organic solar cell (OSC)-based retinal prosthesis in which spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are embedded into the active layer to increase the efficiency of the bioelectric interface.

Results

We demonstrate computationally that a modeled OSC incorporating spherical AuNPs has three times higher efficiency than that of a bare OSC presented before for retinal prostheses. Our AuNP based OSC was able to activate the neuron at the minimum light intensity of 0.26 mW/mm2, which is lower than that of the bare OSC.

Discussion

The use of AuNPs in OSC allows device miniaturization or lowering of the light exposure required for neural activation using a photovoltaic retinal prosthesis, which can generally be applied in a broad range of neural prostheses.
Short-term monocular pattern deprivation reduces the internal additive noise of the visual system
Authors: Li Jinwei , Cheng Zhenhui , Li Jing , Li Linghe , Chen Lijun , Tao Jiayu , Wang Zeng , Wu Di , Zhang Pan
Published: July 2023

Previous studies have shown that short-term monocular pattern deprivation can shift perceptual dominance in favor of the deprived eye. However, little is known about the effect of monocular pattern deprivation on contrast sensitivity (CS) and its corresponding mechanisms. Here, contrast sensitivity function (CSF) in the nondominant eye of normal subjects was evaluated before and after 150 min of monocular pattern deprivation. To obtain a CSF with high precision and efficiency before deprivation effect washout, a quick CSF (qCSF) method was used to assess CS over a wide range of spatial frequencies and at two external noise levels. We found that (1) monocular pattern deprivation effectively improved the CS of the deprived eye with larger effect on high spatial frequencies, (2) CS improvement only occurred when external noise was absent and its amount was spatial frequency dependent, and (3) a perceptual template model (PTM) revealed that decreased internal additive noise accounted for the mechanism of the monocular pattern derivation effect. These findings help us better understand the features of short-term monocular pattern deprivation and shed light on the treatment of amblyopia.