bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus acidophilus inhibits the TNF-α-induced increase in intestinal epithelial tight junction permeability via a TLR-2 and PI3K-dependent inhibition of NF-κB activation
Authors: Haque Mohammad , Kaminsky Lauren , Abdulqadir Raz , Engers Jessica , Kovtunov Evgeny , Rawat Manmeet , Al-Sadi Rana , Ma Thomas Y.
Published: July 2024

Background

Defective intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ), characterized by an increase in intestinal TJ permeability, has been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the immunopathology of IBD and has been shown to cause an increase in intestinal epithelial TJ permeability. Although TNF-α antibodies and other biologics have been advanced for use in IBD treatment, these therapies are associated with severe side effects and have limited efficacy, and there is an urgent need for therapies with benign profiles and high therapeutic efficacy. Probiotic bacteria have beneficial effects and are generally safe and represent an important class of potential therapeutic agents in IBD. Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) is one of the most used probiotics for wide-ranging health benefits, including in gastrointestinal, metabolic, and inflammatory disorders. A specific strain of LA, LA1, was recently demonstrated to have protective and therapeutic effects on the intestinal epithelial TJ barrier. However, the mechanisms of actions of LA1 remain largely unknown.

Methods

The primary aim of this study was to investigate microbial-epithelial interactions and novel signaling pathways that regulate the effect of LA1 on TNF-α-induced increase in intestinal epithelial TJ permeability, using cell culture and animal model systems.

Results and Conclusion

Pre-treatment of filter-grown Caco-2 monolayers with LA1 prevented the TNF-α-induced increase in intestinal epithelial TJ permeability by inhibiting TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB p50/p65 and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) gene and kinase activity in a TLR-2-dependent manner. LA1 produced a TLR-2- and MyD88-dependent activation of NF-κB p50/p65 in immune cells; however, LA1, in intestinal cells, inhibited the NF-κB p50/p65 activation in a TLR-2-dependent but MyD88-independent manner. In addition, LA1 inhibition of NF-κB p50/p65 and MLCK gene was mediated by TLR-2 pathway activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and IKK-α phosphorylation. Our results demonstrated novel intracellular signaling pathways by which LA1/TLR-2 suppresses the TNF-α pathway activation of NF-κB p50/p65 in intestinal epithelial cells and protects against the TNF-α-induced increase in intestinal epithelial TJ permeability.
The role of deacetylase SIRT1 in allergic diseases
Authors: Lu Yun , Tang Xinyi , Wang Wenxin , Yang Jun , Wang Shengjun
Published: July 2024

The silent information regulator sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) protein is an NAD+-dependent class-III lysine deacetylase that serves as an important post-transcriptional modifier targeting lysine acetylation sites to mediate deacetylation modifications of histones and non-histone proteins. SIRT1 has been reported to be involved in several physiological or pathological processes such as aging, inflammation, immune responses, oxidative stress and allergic diseases. In this review, we summarized the regulatory roles of SIRT1 during allergic disorder progression. Furthermore, we highlight the therapeutic effects of targeting SIRT1 in allergic diseases.
Sweet syndrome associated with moderate leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Saito Yoshine , Kewalramani Anupama , Peng Xiao P. , Magnarelli Aimee , Lederman Howard M.
Published: July 2024

Sweet syndrome is an acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by the infiltration of neutrophils into the skin. It may occur idiopathically or be linked to malignancies, inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I (LAD-I) is an inborn error immunity wherein leukocytes lack adhesion molecules necessary for migration to infection sites due to mutations in the CD18 gene encoding β2 integrins. We present a case of a 16-month-old female initially diagnosed and treated for Sweet syndrome based on histopathological findings with recurrent flare episodes. Subsequent workup revealed LAD-I, making this case the first documented association between Sweet syndrome and LAD-I. Moreover, we reviewed the pertinent literatures detailing the concurrence of neutrophilic dermatosis and immunodeficiency disorders. This case underscores the significance of comprehensive evaluation for Sweet syndrome patients who are refractory to conventional treatments.
Nucleic acid cancer vaccines targeting tumor related angiogenesis. Could mRNA vaccines constitute a game changer?
Authors: Tadic Srdan , Martínez Alfredo
Published: July 2024

Tumor related angiogenesis is an attractive target in cancer therapeutic research due to its crucial role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Different agents were developed aiming to inhibit this process; however they had limited success. Cancer vaccines could be a promising tool in anti-cancer/anti-angiogenic therapy. Cancer vaccines aim to initiate an immune response against cancer cells upon presentation of tumor antigens which hopefully will result in the eradication of disease and prevention of its recurrence by inducing an efficient and long-lasting immune response. Different vaccine constructs have been developed to achieve this and they could include either protein-based or nucleic acid-based vaccines. Nucleic acid vaccines are simple and relatively easy to produce, with high efficiency and safety, thus prompting a high interest in the field. Different DNA vaccines have been developed to target crucial regulators of tumor angiogenesis. Most of them were successful in pre-clinical studies, mostly when used in combination with other therapeutics, but had limited success in the clinic. Apparently, different tumor evasion mechanisms and reduced immunogenicity still limit the potential of these vaccines and there is plenty of room for improvement. Nowadays, mRNA cancer vaccines are making remarkable progress due to improvements in the manufacturing technology and represent a powerful potential alternative. Apart from their efficiency, mRNA vaccines are simple and cheap to produce, can encompass multiple targets simultaneously, and can be quickly transferred from bench to bedside. mRNA vaccines have already accomplished amazing results in cancer clinical trials, thus ensuring a bright future in the field, although no anti-angiogenic mRNA vaccines have been described yet. This review aims to describe recent advances in anti-angiogenic DNA vaccine therapy and to provide perspectives for use of revolutionary approaches such are mRNA vaccines for anti-angiogenic treatments.
Immunological characteristics of a recombinant alphaherpesvirus with an envelope-embedded Cap protein of circovirus
Authors: Lu Chenhe , Li Haimin , Chen Wenjing , Li Hui , Ma Jiayu , Peng Peng , Yan Yan , Dong Weiren , Jin Yulan , Pan Shiyue , Shang Shaobin , Gu Jinyan , Zhou Jiyong
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Variant pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a newly emerged zoonotic pathogen that can cause human blindness. PRV can take advantage of its large genome and multiple non-essential genes to construct recombinant attenuated vaccines carrying foreign genes. However, a major problem is that the foreign genes in recombinant PRV are only integrated into the genome for independent expression, rather than assembled on the surface of virion.

Methods

We reported a recombinant PRV with deleted gE/TK genes and an inserted porcine circovirus virus 2 (PCV2) Cap gene into the extracellular domain of the PRV gE gene using the Cre-loxP recombinant system combined with the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system. This recombinant PRV (PRV-Cap), with the envelope-embedded Cap protein, exhibits a similar replication ability to its parental virus.

Results

An immunogenicity assay revealed that PRV-Cap immunized mice have 100% resistance to lethal PRV and PCV2 attacks. Neutralization antibody and ELISPOT detections indicated that PRV-Cap can enhance neutralizing antibodies to PRV and produce IFN-γ secreting T cells specific for both PRV and PCV2. Immunological mechanistic investigation revealed that initial immunization with PRV-Cap stimulates significantly early activation and expansion of CD69+ T cells, promoting the activation of CD4 Tfh cell dependent germinal B cells and producing effectively specific effector memory T and B cells. Booster immunization with PRV-Cap recalled the activation of PRV-specific IFN-γ+IL-2+CD4+ T cells and IFN-γ+TNF-α+CD8+ T cells, as well as PCV2-specific IFN-γ+TNF-α+CD8+ T cells.

Conclusion

Collectively, our data suggested an immunological mechanism in that the recombinant PRV with envelope-assembled PCV2 Cap protein can serve as an excellent vaccine candidate for combined immunity against PRV and PCV2, and provided a cost-effective method for the production of PRV- PCV2 vaccine.
Provincial marine carbon sink transfer in China: structural drivers and key consumption pathways
Authors: Li Yan , Deng Cunfen , Jiang Peng , Wei Yigang , Wang Ke
Published: July 2024

The ocean is the largest carbon sink on Earth and an important pathway to China achieving carbon neutrality. From a consumption perspective, studying the capacity of marine carbon sink in each of China’s provinces and its inter-regional transfer is of great significance in harnessing the increase in ocean carbon sink driven by final demand. This article first calculates the production-side carbon sink in coastal provinces. Then, based on the 2007, 2012, 2015, and 2017 Chinese inter-regional input-output tables, each province’s consumption-side marine carbon sink is calculated. The article further examines the influencing factors and key transfer paths for the growth of marine carbon sink through Structural Decomposition Analysis (SDA) and Structural Path Analysis (SPA) methods. The results show that each province’s total consumption-side carbon sink continues to rise, with significant regional disparities, demonstrating a trend of higher carbon sink in coastal provinces than inland provinces. Among the nine coastal provinces, Hainan and Guangdong are in a net input state regarding carbon sink transfer, while the other seven are in a net output state. SDA results indicate that the carbon sink intensity effect and the consumption demand effect are important factors inhibiting and promoting carbon sink growth, respectively, while the influence of the input-output technical effect is weak and variable. SPA analysis reveals that carbon sink outputs are primarily transferred to the food and tobacco sector, the agricultural and forestry products and services sector, and the wood processing and furniture industry. The key transfer paths mostly occur within a province, with a relatively small proportion of interprovincial transfer paths. Based on the research findings, this article suggests steadily increasing the proportion of marine product consumption, actively expanding the value chain of shellfish and seaweed industries, continuously strengthening coordination between land and marine industries, and further promoting the domestic circulation of marine carbon sinks.
Mechanistic insights into rumen function promotion through yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) metabolites using in vitro and in vivo models
Authors: Chen Xue , Xiao Jun , Zhao Wanzhu , Li Yanan , Zhao Wei , Zhang Weigang , Xin Liang , Han Zhiyi , Wang Lanhui , Aschalew Natnael Demelash , Zhang Xuefeng , Wang Tao , Qin Guixin , Sun Zhe , Zhen Yuguo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Yeast culture (YC) enhances ruminant performance, but its functional mechanism remains unclear because of the complex composition of YC and the uncertain substances affecting rumen fermentation. The objective of this study was to determine the composition of effective metabolites in YC by exploring its effects on rumen fermentation in vitro, growth and slaughter performance, serum index, rumen fermentation parameters, rumen microorganisms, and metabolites in lambs.

Methods

In Trial 1, various YCs were successfully produced, providing raw materials for identifying effective metabolites. The experiment was divided into 5 treatment groups with 5 replicates in each group: the control group (basal diet without additives) and YC groups were supplemented with 0.625‰ of four different yeast cultures, respectively (groups A, B, C, and D). Rumen fermentation parameters were determined at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h in vitro. A univariate regression model multiple factor associative effects index (MFAEI; y) was established to correlate the most influential factors on in vitro rumen fermentation with YC metabolites (x). This identified the metabolites promoting rumen fermentation and optimal YC substance levels. In Trial 2, metabolites in YC not positively correlated with MFAEI were excluded, and effective substances were combined with pure chemicals (M group). This experiment validated the effectiveness of YC metabolites in lamb production based on their impact on growth, slaughter performance, serum indices, rumen parameters, microorganisms, and metabolites. Thirty cross-generation rams (Small tail Han-yang ♀ × Australian white sheep ♂) with good body condition and similar body weight were divided into three treatment groups with 10 replicates in each group: control group, YC group, pure chemicals combination group (M group).

Results

Growth performance and serum index were measured on days 30 and 60, and slaughter performance, rumen fermentation parameters, microorganisms, and metabolites were measured on day 60. The M group significantly increased the dressing percentage, and significantly decreased the GR values of lambs (p  < 0.05). The concentration of growth hormone (GH), Cortisol, insulin (INS), and rumen VFA in the M group significantly increased (p < 0.05).

Discussion

These experiments confirmed that YC or its screened effective metabolites positively impact lamb slaughter performance, rumen fermentation, and microbial metabolism.
Real-world use of imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam for the treatment of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae complex and difficult-to-treat resistance (DTR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections: a single-center preliminary experience
Authors: Leanza Cristiana , Mascellino Maria Teresa , Volpicelli Lorenzo , Covino Sara , Falletta Antonio , Cancelli Francesca , Franchi Cristiana , Carnevalini Martina , Mastroianni Claudio M. , Oliva Alessandra
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Real-life experience with imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam (IMI/REL) for the treatment of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae complex (KPC-Kp) and difficult-to-treat resistance (DTR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DTR-PA) infections is herein described.

Methods

Adult patients with KPC-Kp or DTR-PA infections who received ≥48 h of IMI/REL were included. Clinical and microbiological outcomes were retrieved through the medical records. Primary outcome was clinical cure. Secondary outcomes included mortality from infection onset and adverse effects attributable to IMI/REL.

Results

We included 10 patients with different infections caused by DTR-PA (n = 4), KPC-Kp [n = 5, of which 3 ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant (CTV-R KPC-Kp), 2 CTV susceptible (CTV-S KPC-Kp)] or both DTR-PA/KPC-Kp (n = 1) successfully treated with IMI/REL: 3 hospital-acquired pneumonia, 1 ventilator-associated pneumonia, 2 skin and soft tissue infections, 1 osteomyelitis, 2 bloodstream infections, 1 complicated urinary tract infection. Clinical cure was achieved in all cases. No patients died and no side effect were reported.

Discussion

We reported the preliminary real-life experience on the successful and safe use of IMI/REL for the treatment of KPC-Kp or DTR-PA complicated infections, including pneumonia and bone infections.
Differently increased volumes of multiple brain areas in Npc1 mutant mice following various drug treatments
Authors: Antipova Veronica , Heimes Diana , Seidel Katharina , Schulz Jennifer , Schmitt Oliver , Holzmann Carsten , Rolfs Arndt , Bidmon Hans-Jürgen , González de San Román Martín Estibaliz , Huesgen Pitter F. , Amunts Katrin , Keiler Jonas , Hammer Niels , Witt Martin , Wree Andreas
Published: July 2024

Background

Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1, MIM 257220) is a heritable lysosomal storage disease characterized by a progressive neurological degeneration that causes disability and premature death. A murine model of Npc1−/− displays a rapidly progressing form of Npc1 disease, which is characterized by weight loss, ataxia, and increased cholesterol storage. Npc1−/− mice receiving a combined therapy (COMBI) of miglustat (MIGLU), the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) and the cyclic oligosaccharide 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPßCD) showed prevention of Purkinje cell loss, improved motor function and reduced intracellular lipid storage. Although therapy of Npc1−/− mice with COMBI, MIGLU or HPßCD resulted in the prevention of body weight loss, reduced total brain weight was not positively influenced.

Methods

In order to evaluate alterations of different brain areas caused by pharmacotherapy, fresh volumes (volumes calculated from the volumes determined from paraffin embedded brain slices) of various brain structures in sham- and drug-treated wild type and mutant mice were measured using stereological methods.

Results

In the wild type mice, the volumes of investigated brain areas were not significantly altered by either therapy. Compared with the respective wild types, fresh volumes of specific brain areas, which were significantly reduced in sham-treated Npc1−/− mice, partly increased after the pharmacotherapies in all treatment strategies; most pronounced differences were found in the CA1 area of the hippocampus and in olfactory structures.

Discussion

Volumes of brain areas of Npc1−/− mice were not specifically changed in terms of functionality after administering COMBI, MIGLU, or HPßCD. Measurements of fresh volumes of brain areas in Npc1−/− mice could monitor region-specific changes and response to drug treatment that correlated, in part, with behavioral improvements in this mouse model.
Genotype-relevant neuroimaging features in low-grade epilepsy-associated tumors
Authors: Iijima Keiya , Fujii Hiroyuki , Suzuki Fumio , Murayama Kumiko , Goto Yu-ichi , Saito Yuko , Sano Terunori , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Miyata Hajime , Kimura Yukio , Nakashima Takuma , Suzuki Hiromichi , Iwasaki Masaki , Sato Noriko
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Low-grade epilepsy-associated tumors are the second most common histopathological diagnoses in cases of drug-resistant focal epilepsy. However, the connection between neuroimaging features and genetic alterations in these tumors is unclear, prompting an investigation into genotype-relevant neuroimaging characteristics.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed neuroimaging and surgical specimens from 46 epilepsy patients with low-grade epilepsy-associated neuroepithelial tumors that had genetic mutations identified through panel sequencing to investigate their relationship to genotypes.

Results

Three distinct neuroimaging groups were established: Group 1 had indistinct borders and iso T1-weighted and slightly high or high T2-weighted signal intensities without a diffuse mass effect, associated with 93.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity to BRAF V600E mutations; Group 2 exhibited sharp borders and very or slightly low T1-weighted and very high T2-weighted signal intensities with a diffuse mass effect and 100% sensitivity and specificity for FGFR1 mutations; and Group 3 displayed various characteristics. Histopathological diagnoses including diffuse low-grade glioma and ganglioglioma showed no clear association with genotypes. Notably, postoperative seizure-free rates were higher in Group 1 tumors (BRAF V600E) than in Group 2 tumors (FGFR1).

Discussion

These findings suggest that tumor genotype may be predicted by neuroimaging before surgery, providing insights for personalized treatment approaches.
Ischemic perfusion radiomics: assessing neurological impairment in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Lu Jiaxi , Yassin Mazen M. , Guo Yingwei , Yang Yingjian , Cao Fengqiu , Fang Jiajing , Zaman Asim , Hassan Haseeb , Zeng Xueqiang , Miao Xiaoqiang , Yang Huihui , Cao Anbo , Huang Guangtao , Han Taiyu , Luo Yu , Kang Yan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Accurate neurological impairment assessment is crucial for the clinical treatment and prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the original perfusion parameters lack the deep information for characterizing neurological impairment, leading to difficulty in accurate assessment. Given the advantages of radiomics technology in feature representation, this technology should provide more information for characterizing neurological impairment. Therefore, with its rigorous methodology, this study offers practical implications for clinical diagnosis by exploring the role of ischemic perfusion radiomics features in assessing the degree of neurological impairment.

Methods

This study employs a meticulous methodology, starting with generating perfusion parameter maps through Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast-Perfusion Weighted Imaging (DSC-PWI) and determining ischemic regions based on these maps and a set threshold. Radiomics features are then extracted from the ischemic regions, and the t-test and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) algorithms are used to select the relevant features. Finally, the selected radiomics features and machine learning techniques are used to assess the degree of neurological impairment in AIS patients.

Results

The results show that the proposed method outperforms the original perfusion parameters, radiomics features of the infarct and hypoxic regions, and their combinations, achieving an accuracy of 0.926, sensitivity of 0.923, specificity of 0.929, PPV of 0.923, NPV of 0.929, and AUC of 0.923, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed method effectively assesses the degree of neurological impairment in AIS patients, providing an objective auxiliary assessment tool for clinical diagnosis.
Limbic oxytocin receptor expression alters molecular signaling and social avoidance behavior in female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)
Authors: Nerio-Morales Lina K. , Boender Arjen J. , Young Larry J. , Lamprea Marisol R. , Smith Adam S.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The social defeat paradigm is the most representative animal model to study social anxiety disorder (SAD) and its underlying neuronal mechanisms. We have previously reported that defeat progressively reduces oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in limbic regions of the brain over an eight-week period in female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Oxytocin receptors activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which has been previously associated with the anxiolytic effects of oxytocin. Here, we assessed the functional significance of OXTR in stress-induced social avoidance and the response of the MAPK signaling pathway in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and basolateral amygdala (BLA) of female prairie voles.

Methods

In experiment 1, Sexually naïve adult female prairie voles were defeated for three consecutive days and tested a week after for social preference/avoidance (SPA) test. Control subjects were similarly handled without defeat conditioning. In experiment 2, sexually and stress naïve adult female prairie voles were bilaterally injected into the NAc, ACC, or the BLA with a CRISPR/Cas9 virus targeting the Oxtr coding sequence to induce OXTR knockdown. Two weeks post-surgery, subjects were tested for SPA behavior. Viral control groups were similarly handled but injected with a control virus. A subgroup of animals from each condition in both experiments were similarly treated and euthanized without being tested for SPA behavior. Brains were harvested for OXTR autoradiography, western blot analysis of MAPK proteins and quantification of local oxytocin content in the NAc, BLA, ACC, and PVN through ELISA.

Results

Social defeat reduced OXTR binding in the NAc and affected MAPK pathway activity and oxytocin availability. These results were region-specific and sensitive to exposure to the SPA test. Additionally, OXTR knockdown in the NAc, ACC, and BLA induced social avoidance and decreased basal MAPK activity in the NAc. Finally, we found that OXTR knockdown in these regions was associated with less availability of oxytocin in the PVN.

Conclusion

Dysregulation of the oxytocin system and MAPK signaling pathway in the NAc, ACC, and BLA are important in social behavior disruptions in female voles. This dysregulation could, therefore, play an important role in the etiology of SAD in women.
Association between nutrition-related indicators with the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and all-cause mortality in the elderly population: evidence from NHANES
Authors: Xu Yifeng , Yan Zhaoqi , Li Keke , Liu Liangji , Xu Lei
Published: July 2024

Background

This study aims to use six nutrition-related indicators to assess the relationship between nutritional status and the risk of COPD as well as the all-cause mortality rate, and to determine the most reliable predictive indicators.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the years 2013 to 2018 were extracted. Nutritional status was evaluated using Controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index (ALI), Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), Triglycerides (TG) × Total Cholesterol (TC) × Body Weight (BW) Index (TCBI), and Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio (AGR) nutritional-related indicators. Multivariate weighted logistic and Cox regression models were employed to assess the correlation between the six nutritional-related indicators and the risk of COPD and as all-cause mortality. The restricted cubic spline tests were applied to explore potential nonlinear relationships, and ROC curves and C-index analyses were conducted to compare the predictive capabilities of different indicators. Stratified analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) to assess the robustness of the results.

Results

In this study, Lower ALI, lower GNRI, and higher CONUT scores were positively correlated with an increased risk of COPD (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.10–2.84) (OR: 8.66, 95% CI: 2.95–25.5), and (OR: 5.11, 95% CI: 1.72–15.2), respectively. It was found that ALI and GNRI had a non-linear relationship with the risk of COPD. After propensity score matching (PSM), the associations between ALI, GNRI, CONUT scores, and COPD remained consistent. Lower ALI, PNI, and GNRI scores were positively associated with all-cause mortality in COPD patients (HR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.10–5.27), (HR: 3.76, 95% CI: 1.89–7.48), and (HR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.30–15.9), respectively, with GNRI displaying a non-linear relationship with all-cause mortality. ROC curve and C-index analyses indicated that ALI had the best predictive ability for both COPD risk and all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

ALI, GNRI, and CONUT scores are correlated with the risk of COPD, while ALI, PNI, and GNRI scores are associated with all-cause mortality in COPD patients. Compared to other nutritional scores, ALI may provide more effective predictive value for both risk and all-cause mortality.
Prognostic significance of histologic phenotype in periampullary adenocarcinomas
Authors: Kim Hee-Sung , Heo Chang-Min , Choi Yoo-Shin , Suh Suk-Won , Lee Seung Eun
Published: July 2024

Background

Periampullary adenocarcinomas typically exhibit either intestinal or pancreatobiliary (PB) differentiation, and the type of differentiation may be prognostically more important than the anatomic site of origin. This study aimed to evaluate prognostic significance of histological type of periampullary carcinomas.

Methods

Microscopic slides from 110 consecutive pancreatoduodenectomies performed between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed and classified as intestinal or PB type. Clinicopathological factors were compared between PB-(n=93) and intestinal-type (n=17) differentiation.

Results

The intestinal type included significantly more patients with well-differentiated histology (35.3% vs. 11.8%, p=0.001) and fewer patients with perineural invasion (41.2% vs. 76.4%, p=0.029), advanced T stage (> T3; 41.2% vs.74.2%, p=0.007), and systemic recurrence (71.4% vs. 92.9%, p=0.005) than PB type. The 5-year-overall survival rate of intestinal-type was significantly higher than that of PB-type (58.8% vs. 20.4%, p=0.003). When pancreatic cancer was separately analyzed, the intestinal type showed the best 5-year-overall survival rate, with no significant difference between the PB types excluding PDAC and PDAC (39.4% vs. 19.2%, p=0.148). In multivariate analysis, curative resection (hazard ratio, 0.417; 95% CI, 0.219-0.792, p=0.008) was the only significant prognostic factor.

Conclusion

Although intestinal histologic phenotype was not an independent prognostic factor on multivariate analysis, it showed pathologic features associated with better survival, while the PB type showed more aggressive tumor biology and consequently worse survival. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the prognostic significance of histologic phenotype.
Value of foetal umbilical vein standardised blood flow volume in predicting weight gain in the third trimester: a prospective case-cohort study
Authors: Fang Qian , Shi Yihao , Zhang Chao , Cai Ying , Yuan Cuili , Yang Jiaxiang , He Guannan
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aims to establish a prediction model of foetal umbilical vein standardised blood flow volume (sQuv) on estimated foetal weight (EFW) in the third trimester.

Methods

A case-cohort study involving 200 eligible normal foetuses was conducted at the Ultrasound Department of Longquanyi District of Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital between June 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Ultrasound measurements were taken at two separate intervals to assess EFW and the rate of EFW (rEFW) [first: between 28 w and 33 w6d of gestational age (GA); second: after 4–6 weeks]. Umbilical vein blood flow volume (Quv) and sQuv (normalised with EFW) were calculated only during the initial measurement. Using general linear regression, a prediction model for EFW based on GA and sQuv was developed, with the gestational week employed as a calibration scalar and validated using linear regression cross-validation.

Results

In the third trimester, EFW exhibited significant correlations with GA, abdominal circumference (AC), head circumference (HC) and Quv (all ρ > 0.6, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the rEFW showed significant correlations with Quv and sQuv (all ρ > 0.6, P < 0.001). A linear regression equation was established using a general linear regression model: rEFW = 0.32689 × sQuv. Additionally, a foetal weight prediction model (EFW = −2,554.6770 + 0.9655 × sQuv + 129.6916 × GA) was established using sQuv. The above two formulas were cross-validated by intra-group linear regression and proved to be of good efficacy.

Conclusions

In the third trimester, EFW displayed significant correlations with GA, AC, HC and Quv. Additionally, the rEFW exhibited significant correlations with Quv and sQuv. The sQuv during the third trimester has predictive value for foetal weight, serving as an early warning indicator.
Validity of self-assessment pubertal Tanner stages by realistic color images and Pubertal Development Scale in a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Luo Jie , Wu Di , Tian Yu , Wang Yujie , Zhang Qin , He Zongwei , Wang Hong , Liu Qin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

To date, the reliability of pubertal development self-assessment tools is questioned, and very few studies have explored the comparison between these tools in longitudinal studies. Hence, this study aimed to examine the reliability of pubertal development self-assessment using realistic color images (RCIs) and the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS) in a longitudinal cohort study.

Methods

Our longitudinal study recruited 1,429 participants (695 boys and 734 girls), aged 5.8–12.2 years old, in Chongqing, China. We conducted two surveys, 6 months apart. Tanner stages were examined by trained medical students at each visit. RCIs and PDS scores were used to self-assess puberty at each visit. Agreement between physical examination and self-assessment was determined using weighted kappa (wk), accuracy, and Kendall rank correlation.

Results

The concordance of puberty self-assessment using RCIs at baseline and the first follow-up was almost perfect in girls and boys, wk >0.800 (p < 0.001). At baseline, the concordance of genital development self-assessment using RCIs was fair in boys, wk = 0.285 (p < 0.001), and that of boys’ pubic hair development self-assessment using RCIs was poor, wk = 0.311 [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.157 to 0.818]. The wk of the PDS was less than 0.300, except for breast development. The reliability and validity of the PDS in this study population were low, and the consistency of the PDS was not good.

Conclusions

The concordance of RCIs is better than that of the PDS. Pubertal development self-assessment using RCIs is reliable, while the reliability and validity of the PDS are unacceptable. Therefore, RCIs are recommended as a reliable pubertal development self-assessment tool to measure pubertal development for large-scale epidemiological investigations and long-term longitudinal studies in China.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome and infant mortality and morbidity: a population-based study
Authors: Lisonkova Sarka , Wen Qi , Richter Lindsay L. , Ting Joseph Y. , Lyons Janet , Mitchell-Foster Sheona , Oviedo-Joekes Eugenia , Muraca Giulia M. , Bayrampour Hamideh , Cattoni Eric , Abrahams Ronald
Published: July 2024

Background

Infant health among newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has been understudied. We examined infant mortality and hospitalizations among infants diagnosed with NAS after birth.

Methods

All live births in British Columbia (BC), Canada, for fiscal years from 2004–2005 to 2019–2020, were included (N = 696,900). NAS was identified based on International Classification of Diseases, version 10, Canadian modification (ICD-10-CA) codes; the outcomes included infant death and hospitalizations during the first year of life, ascertained from BC linked administrative data. Generalized estimating equation models were used to adjust for maternal factors.

Results

There were 2,439 infants with NAS (3.50 per 1,000 live births). Unadjusted for other factors, infant mortality was 2.5-fold higher in infants with vs. without NAS (7.79 vs. 3.08 per 1,000 live births, respectively) due to increased post-discharge mortality NAS (5.76 vs. 1.34 per 1,000 surviving infants, respectively). These differences diminished after adjustment: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for infant death was 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52–1.39]; AOR for post-discharge death was 1.75 (95% CI 1.00–3.06). Overall, 22.3% infants with NAS had at least one hospitalization after post-neonatal discharge, this proportion was 10.7% in those without NAS. During the study period, discharge to foster care declined from 49.5% to 20.3% in infants with NAS.

Conclusion

Unadjusted for other factors, infants with NAS had increased post-discharge infant mortality and hospitalizations during the first year of life. This association diminished after adjustment for adverse maternal and socio-medical conditions. Infants with NAS had a disproportionately higher rate of placement in foster care after birth, although this proportion declined dramatically between 2004/2005 and 2019/2020. These results highlight the importance of implementing integrated care services to support infants born with NAS and their mothers during the first year of life and beyond, even though NAS itself is not independently associated with increased infant mortality.
Liver cirrhosis: current status and treatment options using western or traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Zheng Shihao , Xue Chengyuan , Li Size , Zao Xiaobin , Li Xiaoke , Liu Qiyao , Cao Xu , Wang Wei , Qi Wenying , Du Hongbo , Zhang Peng , Ye Yongan
Published: July 2024

Liver cirrhosis arises from liver fibrosis and necroinflammation caused by various mechanisms of hepatic injury. It is a prevalent condition in clinical practice characterized by hepatocellular dysfunction, portal hypertension, and associated complications. Despite its common occurrence, the etiology and pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis remain incompletely understood, posing a significant health threat. Effective prevention of its onset and progression is paramount in medical research. Symptoms often include discomfort in the liver area, while complications such as sarcopenia, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and infection can arise. While the efficacy of Western medicine in treating liver cirrhosis is uncertain, Chinese medicine offers distinct advantages. This review explores advancements in liver cirrhosis treatment encompassing non-pharmacological and pharmacological modalities. Chinese medicine interventions, including Chinese medicine decoctions, Chinese patent medicines, and acupuncture, exhibit notable efficacy in cirrhosis reversal and offer improved prognoses. Nowadays, the combination of Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of liver cirrhosis also has considerable advantages, which is worthy of further research and clinical promotion. Standardized treatment protocols based on these findings hold significant clinical implications.
Herbal medicines in Alzheimer’s disease and the involvement of gut microbiota
Authors: Liu Mingli , Li Tuming , Liang Huazheng , Zhong Ping
Published: July 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment. It severely affects the quality of life of victims. The prevalence of AD has been increasing in recent years. Therefore, it is of great importance to elucidate the pathogenic mechanism of AD and search for effective therapeutic approaches. Gut microbiota dysbiosis, an altered state of gut microbiota, has been well known for its involvement in the pathogenesis of AD. Much effort has been made in searching for approaches capable of modulating the composition of gut microbiota in recent years. Herbal medicines have attracted extensive attention in recent decades for the prevention and treatment of AD. Here, we gave an overview of the recent research progress on the modulatory effects of herbal medicines and herbal formulae on gut microbiota as well as the possible beneficial effects on AD, which may provide new insights into the discovery of anti-AD agents and their therapeutic potential for AD through modulating the composition of gut microbiota.
A level set based topology optimization for elastodynamic problems using BEM
Authors: Li Huiwen , Gao Haifeng , Liang Jianguo , Li Zhiqiang , Xu Huidong , Zheng Changjun
Published: July 2024

The paper presents a topology optimization methodology for 2D elastodynamic problems using the boundary element method (BEM). The topological derivative is derived based on the variation method and the adjoint variable method. The level set method is employed for the representation of the material domain and voids within a specified design domain. Thus, the boundaries can easily be generated, following the zero isocontour of the level set function. Numerical implementation is carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed topology optimization methodology in wave isolation and waveguide problems.
Submerged macrophyte self-recovery potential behind restoration treatments: sources of failure
Authors: Rybak Michał , Rosińska Joanna , Wejnerowski Łukasz , Rodrigo Maria A. , Joniak Tomasz
Published: July 2024

When exploring the challenges of restoring degraded lakes, we often do not observe the expected results despite executing all planned activities. Our study elucidates the reasons that impede the recovery of submerged macrophytes despite ameliorated light conditions. When prolonged lake degradation occurs, subsequent efforts to increase light availability often prove insufficient, resulting in a persistent turbid water state. In this study, we attempted to determine the reasons for these failures through a germination test and propagule bank analysis conducted in bottom sediments from a severely degraded lake, which underwent restoration. Although the bottom sediments indicate relative potential in the number of oospores and seeds, their germination efficacy remained dismally low. Based on the germination test results and factors affecting the development of submerged macrophytes (physical and chemical parameters, lake morphology), we stated that improvement of light conditions in the lake could be insufficient to recover the vegetation, especially when the potential to renew diverse plant communities from sediments naturally is low. Our findings advocate for a paradigmatic shift in lake restoration strategies. A holistic approach that includes propagule bank assessments before embarking on restoration initiatives and enabling the identification of macrophyte resurgence potentials is recommended. We also advocate for a multifaceted restoration framework, emphasizing the indispensability of augmenting natural recovery mechanisms with targeted interventions. Consequently, in some cases, macrophyte reintroduction could be the only solution. By reintroducing autochthonic species to site-specific ecological dynamics, we anticipate an increased success rate in restituting submerged vegetation, thus catalyzing ecological regeneration within degraded lake ecosystems.
Comparative analysis of cultivated and wild olive genotypes to salinity and drought stress
Authors: Tadić Josip , Dumičić Gvozden , Veršić Bratinčević Maja , Vitko Sandra , Liber Zlatko , Radić Brkanac Sandra
Published: July 2024

The Mediterranean region’s harsh conditions, characterized by low rainfall, high solar radiation, and elevated temperatures, pose challenges for vegetation, particularly in the face of climate change. Cultivated olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. europaea) holds historical and economic significance as one of the oldest crops in the Mediterranean. Due to their high germplasm diversity and greater flowering abundance compared to the offspring of cultivated olives, wild olives (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris) could be utilized for selecting new olive cultivars capable of adapting to a changing climate. This research aimed to compare the effects of salt and drought stress on wild and cultivated genotypes by analyzing morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters. Results showed that shoot length, shoot dry mass, and leaf area are key drought stress indicators in wild olive trees. The results indicated the olive trees more susceptible to salinity stress had lower Na+ and Cl- concentrations in their leaves and took longer to stabilize salt ion levels. Decreased K+ content in roots across all treatments indicated a general stress response. The uptake of Ca2+ appears to be the most energy-efficient response of olive trees to short-term salinity and drought. In contrast to proline and malondialdehyde, trends in superoxide dismutase activity suggest that it is a reliable indicator of salinity and drought stress. Regarding olive adaptability to salinity stress, promising results obtained with two wild olive genotypes merit their further physiological study.
Post-traumatic stress disorder and associated factors among high school students who experienced war in Woldia town
Authors: Kassa Mulat Awoke , Fenta Sefineh , Anbesaw Tamrat , Tesfa Natnael Amare , Zemariam Alemu Birara , Kassaw Genanew Mulugeta , Abate Biruk Beletew , Semagn Elsabet Gezmu
Published: July 2024

Background

The experience of war in recent time is very common around the world, and the impact is profound on the mental health of the victims, especially among the young population. The most implicated mental health problem is post-traumatic stress disorder, which comes after an exposure to trauma as a severe and long-term result of the traumatic event. Studies in developed countries revealed this finding, but there is insufficient information in developing countries, where much of war and conflict exist and young population live including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder among high school students who experienced war.

Objective

We assessed the prevalence and factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among high school students who experienced war.

Methods

A multi-centered school base cross-sectional study was conducted from May 23 to June 08, 2022. Data were collected from high school students in Woldia town. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the independent factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Results

A total of 338 of the 410 students participated in this study (94.5% response rate). The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was 39.2%. In the multivariable analysis, poor social support (AOR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.45, 7.95), depression (AOR = 3.24, 95% CI: 1.69,6.21), high level of perceived stress (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.61, 5.50), being in war fighting situation (AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.40, 5.78), and witnessing the murder of family members or friends (AOR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.47, 6.32) were factors significantly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder at a p-value <0.05.

Conclusions and recommendations

In this study, around two in five of high school students had post-traumatic stress disorder. Independent factors of PTSD were depression, high stress levels, poor social support, witnessing the murder of family members/friends, and being in war fighting situation. We recommend that the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health collaborate to integrate mental health services into schools. This focuses on the early detection of students at risk of PTSD, such as those with depression, high perceived stress levels, and exposure to murder or war, and provides necessary social support to prevent PTSD.
Case Report: Difficulties faced by a home oxygen therapy patient who died after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident
Authors: Yamamura Momoka , Sawano Toyoaki , Ozaki Akihiko , Zhao Tianchen , Yamamoto Chika , Montesino Stephanie , Kawashima Moe , Uchi Yuna , Yoshimura Hiroki , Kitazawa Kemmei , Marui Hidenori , Tsubokura Masaharu
Published: July 2024

Following the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in 2011, mandatory evacuation orders were issued to residents living near the nuclear power plant in Fukushima prefecture, including some patients receiving home oxygen therapy. Although the vulnerability of patients with home oxygen therapy (one of the population groups most vulnerable to disasters) has been noted, there is little information on the health effects of evacuation in the event of a radiation disaster. A 90-year-old man diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease since the age of 70, and lived in a town located approximately 20 km south of the nuclear power plant, died 8 months after the disaster due to worsening health conditions. This case reveals the potential for both physical and psychological burdens experienced by vulnerable groups like patients undergoing home oxygen therapy during evacuations in times of disaster. Although it is only a case report and the information is limited, severe respiratory distress requiring home oxygen therapy may present a significant risk factor for disaster-related deaths, especially in cases where evacuations are prolonged, such as in nuclear disasters. Due to the challenge of obtaining prompt public support immediately after a disaster, home oxygen therapy patients may need to prioritize self-help and mutual assistance in their disaster preparedness efforts.