RESUMEN

Background and study aims Limited data exist regarding endoscopic obstruction of type I gastroesophageal (GOV I) in managing bleeding from esophageal varices. In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, we aimed to access the efficacy of blocking gastric varices in management of bleeding from esophageal varices in patients with GOV1. Patients and methods Cirrhotic patients experiencing bleeding from esophageal varices and having GOV I gastric varices in four centers were screened. All included patients were followed up for 180 days, or until death. Results A total of 93 cirrhotic patients with GOV I and bleeding esophageal varices were included. Among them, 58 patients underwent endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection (ECI) for gastric varices in addition to treatment for esophageal varices (EV), while the remaining 35 patients received treatment for EV only. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that the cumulative 180-day rebleeding rate was significantly lower in the ECI plus EV treatment group (7.9%) compared with the EV treatment group (30.7%) ( P = 0.0031). The cumulative incidence of 180-day mortality was 1.9% in the ECI plus EV treatment group and 23.9% in the EV treatment group ( P = 0.0010). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that concomitant ECI treatment was an independent protective factor against 180-day rebleeding and overall mortality. Conclusions In conclusion, obstruction of gastric varices in addition to endoscopic treatment for bleeding from esophageal varices in patients with GOV 1 proved superior to endoscopic treatment alone for esophageal variceal bleeding.

RESUMEN

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants one month after birth. Methods: Preterm infants (gestational age <32 weeks) admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from 2017 to 2022 were divided into ROP and non-ROP groups based on ROP occurrence any stage. Serum 25(OH)D levels and clinical data were compared between the two groups at 1 month after birth, and the relationship between vitamin D levels and ROP was analyzed. Results: Among the 217 premature infants included, 55 (25.35%) were in the ROP group, and 162 (74.65%) were in the non-ROP group. The ROP group had lower gestational age and birth weight, longer invasive ventilation (IV), non-invasive ventilation (NIV), and oxygen therapy times compared to the non-ROP group. Apgar scores, cesarean delivery, and antenatal steroids ratios were lower in the ROP group, while sepsis and pulmonary surfactant utilization ratios were higher (all p < 0.05). Significant differences in serum 25-(OH)D levels were observed among children in the non-ROP group (14.20 ± 5.07 ng/ml), ROP treated group (7.891 ± 1.878 ng/ml), and untreated group (12.168 ± 4.354 ng/ml) (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis identified antenatal steroids as protective factors and lower birth weight, serum 25-(OH)D levels, long-term invasive mechanical ventilation, and sepsis as independent risk factors for ROP in premature infants. Conclusion: Vitamin D, lower birth weight, long-term invasive mechanical ventilation, and sepsis were associated with incidence of ROP in preterm infants. Vitamin D was associated with the severity of ROP, emphasizing the importance of prudent vitamin D supplementation and regular monitoring of serum 25-(OH)D levels.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: To investigate the causal relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and lung cancer, we conducted a study using the two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR). METHOD: Data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were analyzed with HPV E7 Type 16 and HPV E7 Type 18 as exposure factors. The outcome variables included lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell lung cancer. Causality was estimated using inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger and weighted median methods. Heterogeneity testing, sensitivity analysis, and multiple validity analysis were also performed.. RESULTS: The results showed that HPV E7 Type 16 infection was associated with a higher risk of squamous cell lung cancer (OR = 7.69; 95% CI:1.98-29.85; p = 0.0149). HPV E7 Type 18 infection significantly increased the risk of lung adenocarcinoma (OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.38-1.31; p = 0.0079) and lung cancer (OR = 7.69; 95% CI:1.98-29.85; p = 0.0292). No significant causal relationship was found between HPV E7 Type 16 and lung adenocarcinoma, lung cancer, or small cell lung carcinoma, and between HPV E7 Type 18 and squamous cell lung cancer or small cell lung carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: This study has revealed a causal relationship between HPV and lung cancers. Our findings provide valuable insights for further mechanistic and clinical studies on HPV-mediated cancer.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

A resin-based hard carbon with rich closed pores is prepared by the in situ reconstruction of cavities formed after heteroatoms evaporated during a high-temperature carbonization process. Various characterization results confirm that rich defect sites and micropores and enlarged layer spacing in hard carbon promote Na+ transport and facilitate high-performance Na+ storage.

RESUMEN

Background: In recent years, diseases caused by abnormal immune-inflammatory responses have become increasingly severe. Dietary intervention involving omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) has emerged as a potential treatment. However, research investigating the relationship between ω-3, ω-6 PUFAs, and ω-6 to ω-3 ratio with inflammatory biomarkers remains controversial. Methods: To investigate the correlation between the intake of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs and the ratio of ω-6: ω-3 with biomarkers of inflammation, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (1999 to 2020) was utilized. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and white blood cell (WBC) were selected as study subjects. Dietary data for ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs were collected via two 24-h dietary recall interviews. SII index and other indicators were obtained from the blood routine data. The multiple linear regression and restricted cubic spline models were utilized to evaluate the association of ω-3, ω-6 PUFAs intake, and ω-6: ω-3 ratio to SII and secondary measures. Results: This study involved a total of 43,155 American adults. ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs exhibited negative correlations with SII, PLR, NLR, and WBC. The correlation between ω-6: ω-3 ratio and SII, PLR, NLR, and WBC was not significant. Furthermore, the dose-response relationship showed that the relationship between the intake of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs and SII was an "L" pattern. Conclusion: Intake of dietary ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs reduces the levels of several inflammatory biomarkers in the body and exerts immunomodulatory effects.

RESUMEN

Bacillus licheniformis is one of the major spore-forming bacteria with great genotypic diversity in raw milk, dairy ingredients, final dairy products, and is found throughout the dairy processing continuum. Though being widely used as a probiotic strain, this species also serves as a potential risk in the dairy industry based on its roles in foodborne illness and dairy spoilage. Biofilm formation of B. licheniformis in combined with the heat resistance of its spores, make it impossible to prevent the presence of B. licheniformis in final dairy products by traditional cleaning and disinfection procedures. Despite the extensive efforts on the identification of B. licheniformis from various dairy samples, no reviews have been reported on both hazard and benefits of this spore-former. This review discusses the prevalence of B. licheniformis from raw milk to commercial dairy products, biofilm formation and spoilage potential of B. licheniformis, and its potential prevention methods. In addition, the potential benefits of B. licheniformis in the dairy industry were also summarized.

RESUMEN

Generalized pustular psoriasis is a rare variant of psoriasis. Evidence recommending generalized pustular psoriasis treatment with secukinumab is limited. This report aims to evaluate the use of secukinumab in two patients with generalized pustular psoriasis. The standard treatment regimen for secukinumab was as follows: 300mg subcutaneously once weekly in weeks 0-4, followed by 300mg every four weeks. The efficacy was evaluated by analyzing the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI). One patient had generalized pustular psoriasis, which had developed from palmoplantar pustulosis over 12 years. The second patient was an adolescent with recurrent generalized pustular psoriasis. The first patient achieved PASI-75 response by week 3 and both PASI-90 and a DLQI score of 0 were observed by week 8. The second patient achieved PASI-75 response by week 4 and complete clinical resolution, except for nail changes, and a DLQI of 0 by week 8, without any adverse events.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Clinical therapy for widespread infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), such as community-acquired pneumonia, is highly challenging. As an important bacterial toxin, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) secreted by S. pneumoniae can suppress the host's immune system and cause more severe disease. To address this problem, a hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated inorganic catalase-driven Janus nanomotor was developed, which can cleverly utilize and decompose H2O2 to reduce the burden of bacterial infection, and have excellent drug loading capacity. HA coating prevents rapid leakage of loaded antibiotics and improves the biocompatibility of the nanomaterials. The Janus nanomotor converted H2O2 into oxygen (O2), gave itself the capacity to move actively, and encouraged widespread dispersion in the lesion site. Encouragingly, animal experiments demonstrated that the capability of the nanomotors to degrade H2O2 contributes to diminishing the proliferation of S. pneumoniae and lung tissue damage. This self-propelled drug delivery platform provides a new therapeutic strategy for infections with toxin-secreting bacteria.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The enhancement of antimicrobial wound dressings is of utmost importance in light of the escalating risk of antibiotic resistance caused by excessive antibiotic usage. Conventional antimicrobial materials eradicate pathogenic bacteria while impeding the proliferation of beneficial bacteria during the management of wound infections, thereby disturbing the equilibrium of the skin micro-ecosystem and engendering recurrent cutaneous complications. Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L.rha) is a probiotic that can inhibit the growth of certain pathogenic bacteria by secreting a large number of metabolites. In this paper, we synthesized a cross-linker (SPBA) with a boric acid molecule from succinic acid and 4-(bromomethyl)phenylboronic acid, which formed a boric acid ester bond with a diol on the natural polysaccharide sodium alginate (SA), and obtained a pH/reactive oxygen species (ROS) dual-responsive hydrogel (SA-SPBA) for loading L.rha to treat wound infections. The SA-SPBA@L.rha hydrogel improves the survival of L.rha during storage and has good injectability as well as self-healing properties. The hydrogel showed good biocompatibility, the antimicrobial effect increases in a dose-dependent manner, and it has a certain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity, accelerating wound repair. The use of SA-SPBA@L.rha hydrogel provides a safe and effective strategy for the repair of skin wound infections.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent malignancy affecting the digestive system on a global scale. This study aimed to explore the previously unexplored role of CHPF in the progression of CRC. Our results revealed a significant upregulation of CHPF expression in CRC tumour tissues compared to normal tissues, with its levels correlating with tumour malignancy. In vitro experiments using CRC cell lines demonstrated that inhibiting CHPF expression suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation and cell migration, while promoting apoptosis. Conversely, overexpressing CHPF had the opposite effect. Additionally, our xenograft models in mice confirmed the inhibitory impact of CHPF knockdown on CRC progression using various cell models. Mechanistic investigations unveiled that CHPF may enhance VEGFB expression through E2F1-mediated transcription. Functionally, suppressing VEGFB expression successfully mitigated the oncogenic effects induced by CHPF overexpression. Collectively, these findings suggest that CHPF may act as a tumour promoter in CRC, operating in a VEGFB-dependent manner and could be a potential target for therapeutic interventions in CRC treatment.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The use of metal-coated ceramic powders not only effectively enhances the wettability of the metal-ceramic interface but also promotes a more uniform microstructure in Ti(C,N)-based cermets, which is advantageous for improving their mechanical properties. In this study, ultrafine Co- and Ni-coated (Ti,W,Mo,Ta)(C,N) powders were synthesized via the spray-drying-in-situ carbothermal reduction method. Subsequently, Ti(C,N)-based cermets were effectively fabricated using the as-prepared ultrafine Co- and Ni-coated (Ti,W,Mo,Ta)(C,N) powders. The impact of reaction temperature, heating rate, and isothermal time on the phase and microstructure of prepared powders was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, the microstructure of the as-sintered cermets was experimentally investigated. The findings reveal that the complete reduction of Co and Ni metal salts, pre-coated on the surface of (Ti,W,Mo,Ta)(C,N) particles, can be achieved through rapid heating (10 °C/min) in a specific temperature range (600-1000 °C) with an isothermal time of 3 h at a lower reduction temperature (1000 °C). The synthesized powders have only two phases: the (Ti,W,Mo,Ta)(C,N) phase and Co/Ni phase, and no other heterogeneous phases were observed with an oxygen content of 0.261 wt.%. Notably, the conventional core-rim structure was not dominant in the cermets obtained from the prepared Co- and Ni-coated (Ti,W,Mo,Ta)(C,N) powders. Moreover, the heterogeneous segregation effect of the Co/Ni coating on the ultrafine powder particles resulted in a finer microstructure than the traditional cermets with the same composition. However, the grain size is mainly in the range of 0.5-0.8 µm. The weaker residual stresses at the core and rim interfaces and the finer particle distributions could theoretically enhance the toughness of Ti(C,N)-based cermets, simultaneously.

RESUMEN

Neuroinflammation associated with microglial activation plays a role in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). The upregulation of interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) in microglia following peripheral nerve injury has been observed to induce microglial activation. This suggests the potential therapeutic significance of IRF8 in PD. This research aims to explore the effects of IRF8 on the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation, along with its underlying mechanisms. The study examines the differential expression of IRF8 and its effects on neuropathological changes using a PD mouse model and a PD model established from BV2 cells in vitro. IRF8 was found to be prominently expressed in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) region of PD mice and LPS-stimulated BV2 cells, while the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine (DA) content in the SNpc region of PD mice was notably reduced. MPTP treatment and LPS stimulation intensified microglial activation, inflammation, and activation of the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Upon IRF8 silencing in the PD mouse and cell models, the knockdown of IRF8 ameliorated MPTP-induced behavioral deficits, increased the counts of TH and Nissl-positive neurons and DA content, reduced the number of Iba-1-positive microglia, and reduced the content of inflammatory factors, possibly by inhibiting the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Similar outcomes were observed in the PD cell model. In conclusion, the suppression of IRF8 alleviates neuroinflammation through regulating microglial activation in PD models in vivo and in vitro by the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: The Gleason score (GS) and positive needles are crucial aggressive indicators of prostate cancer (PCa). This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics models in predicting GS and positive needles of systematic biopsy in PCa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 218 patients with pathologically proven PCa were retrospectively recruited from 2 centers. Small-field-of-view high-resolution T2-weighted imaging and post-contrast delayed sequences were selected to extract radiomics features. Then, analysis of variance and recursive feature elimination were applied to remove redundant features. Radiomics models for predicting GS and positive needles were constructed based on MRI and various classifiers, including support vector machine, linear discriminant analysis, logistic regression (LR), and LR using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The models were evaluated with the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristic. RESULTS: The 11 features were chosen as the primary feature subset for the GS prediction, whereas the 5 features were chosen for positive needle prediction. LR was chosen as classifier to construct the radiomics models. For GS prediction, the AUC of the radiomics models was 0.811, 0.814, and 0.717 in the training, internal validation, and external validation sets, respectively. For positive needle prediction, the AUC was 0.806, 0.811, and 0.791 in the training, internal validation, and external validation sets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MRI radiomics models are suitable for predicting GS and positive needles of systematic biopsy in PCa. The models can be used to identify aggressive PCa using a noninvasive, repeatable, and accurate diagnostic method.

RESUMEN

Bitter melon fruit is susceptible to yellowing, softening, and rotting under room-temperature storage conditions, resulting in reduced commercial value. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule and plays a crucial role in regulating the fruit postharvest quality. In this study, we investigated the effects of NO treatment on changes in sensory and firmness of bitter melon fruit during postharvest storage. Moreover, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and proteomic analyses were performed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms through which NO treatment delays the ripening and senescence of bitter melon fruit. Our results show that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in fruit texture (CSLE, ß-Gal, and PME), plant hormone signal transduction (ACS, JAR4, and AUX28), and fruit flavor and aroma (SUS2, LOX, and GDH2). In addition, proteins differentially abundant were associated with fruit texture (PLY, PME, and PGA) and plant hormone signal transduction (PBL15, JAR1, and PYL9). Moreover, NO significantly increased the abundance of key enzymes involved in the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway, thus enhancing the disease resistance and alleviating softening of bitter melon fruit. Finally, differential metabolites mainly included phenolic acids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. These results provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the physiological changes associated with postharvest ripening and senescence of bitter melon fruit. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42994-023-00110-y.

RESUMEN

Environmental protection is a shared task among nations. In pursuit of its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, China has implemented more robust energy-saving targets. This study utilizes panel data from 288 Chinese cities spanning from 2006 to 2020 to examine the policy effects of energy-saving targets on carbon neutrality. The findings reveal that (1) energy-saving targets positively impact carbon substitution, resulting in reduced carbon emissions and facilitating the progress towards carbon neutrality through three primary channels: energy governance, energy production, and energy consumption. (2) The influence of energy-saving targets on carbon neutrality exhibits a significant spatial spillover effect, driven primarily by the reduction in carbon emissions, although the spatial spillover effect of carbon substitution is relatively limited. The collaboration between the government and enterprises plays a crucial role in achieving carbon neutrality, while the engagement of the general public is yet to be fully realized. (3) However, the inadequacy of enhancing carbon neutrality through energy-saving targets lies in the compulsory emissions reduction behavior at the expense of sacrificing some economic benefits in cities that overachieve energy-saving targets. This undermines the coordinated development of ecology and economy. Therefore, it is recommended to establish a policy implementation monitoring system to ensure the scientific basis of policy objectives, enhance the level of green technology innovation, accelerate the digital transformation of enterprises, and establish a synergistic mechanism that involves multiple stakeholders.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are the most common congenital anomaly of the digestive tract. And colostomy should be performed as the first-stage procedure in neonates diagnosed with intermediate- or high-type ARMs. However, the most classic Pe˜na's colostomy still has some disadvantages such as complicated operation procedure, susceptibility to infection, a greater possibility of postoperative incision dehiscence, difficulty of nursing and large surgical trauma and incision scarring when closing the stoma. We aimed to explore the effectiveness of middle descending colon-double lumen ostomy (MDCDLO) in the treatment of high and intermediate types of anorectal malformations. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who underwent MDCDLO for high or intermediate types of ARMs between June 2016 and December 2021 in our hospital. The basic characteristics were recorded. All patients were followed up monthly to determine if any complication happen. RESULTS: There were 17 boys and 6 girls diagnosed with high or intermediate types of ARMs in our hospital between June 2016 and December 2021. All 23 patients were cured without complications such as abdominal incision infection, stoma stenosis, incisional hernia, and urinary tract infection in the postoperative follow-up time of 6 months to 6 years except one case of proximal intestinal prolapse was restored under anesthesia. CONCLUSION: MDCDLO offers the advantages of simplicity, efficiency, safety, mild trauma, and small scarring in the treatment of high and intermediate types of anorectal malformations.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening dermatological emergency mainly induced by drug hypersensitivity reactions. Standard management includes discontinuation of culprit drug and application of immunomodulatory therapy. However, mortality remains high due to complications like septic shock and multiorgan failures. Innovative approaches for skin care are crucial. This report introduces borneol-gypsum, a traditional Chinese drug but a novel dressing serving as an adjuvant of TEN therapy, might significantly improve skin conditions and patient outcomes in TEN. CASE SUMMARY: A 38-year-old woman diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis experienced gangrenous complications and motor nerve involvement. After initial treatment of high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, symptom of foot drop improved, absolute eosinophil counts decreased, while limb pain sustained. Duloxetine was added to alleviate her symptom. Subsequently, TEN developed. Additional topical application of borneol-gypsum dressing not only protected the skin lesions from infection but also significantly eased localized pain. This approach demonstrated its merit in TEN management by promoting skin healing and potentially reducing infection risks. CONCLUSION: Borneol-gypsum dressing is a promising adjuvant that could significantly improve TEN management, skin regeneration, and patient comfort.

RESUMEN

The bioactivity of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is not well understood in the current immunotherapy era. We found that IFN-γ has an immunosuppressive effect on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. The tumor volume in immunocompetent mice was significantly increased after subcutaneous implantation of murine CRC cells followed by IFN-γ stimulation, and RNA sequencing showed high expression of B7 homologous protein 4 (B7H4) in these tumors. B7H4 promotes CRC cell growth by inhibiting the release of granzyme B (GzmB) from CD8+ T cells and accelerating apoptosis in CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), which binds to the B7H4 promoter, is positively associated with IFN-γ stimulation-induced expression of B7H4. The clinical outcome of patients with CRC was negatively related to the high expression of B7H4 in cancer cells or low expression of CD8 in the microenvironment. Therefore, B7H4 is a biomarker of poor prognosis in CRC patients, and interference with the IFN-γ/IRF1/B7H4 axis might be a novel immunotherapeutic method to restore the cytotoxic killing of CRC cells.

Asunto(s)