Healthy Control Group Research Articles

Association of glymphatic clearance function with imaging markers and risk factors of cerebral small vessel disease.

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a common disease in the elderly, and its pathogenesis is still being explored. Glymphatic clearance function can be evaluated by diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index. This study aims to investigate the changes in glymphatic clearance function in CSVD patients and its relationship with imaging markers and risk factors of CSVD. The DTI-ALPS index of all participants was calculated. The DTI-ALPS index was compared between the patient group and healthy controls (HCs) group. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relation between the DTI-ALPS index and CSVD imaging markers, and to explore the effect of mean diffusivity (MD) as a covariate. Regression analysis was used to investigate the correlation between DTI-ALPS index and risk factors. The DTI-ALPS index in the bilateral hemispheres of CSVD patients was significantly lower than that in the HCs group (p < 0.001). The DTI-ALPS index in the bilateral hemisphere of CSVD patients was negatively correlated with the grade of EPVS in basal ganglia. There was a significant negative correlation between the left DTI-ALPS index and lacunas, the right DTI-ALPS index and DWMHs. After removing the covariate MD, there was no significant correlation between the DTI-ALPS index and CSVD imaging markers. The DTI-ALPS index was associated with gender, diabetes, drinking and smoking. The CSVD patients have glymphatic clearance dysfunction, which may be related to the imaging features and CSVD risk factors. Meanwhile, it's recommended to consider removing MD as mixed signal.

Cortical Structure of left superior parietal cortex is associated with cognition and dual tasking: a cross-sectional preliminary study between mild cognitive impairment and healthy controls

BackgroundIndividuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) exhibit poorer performance in cognition and dual-task paradigm, while the related cortical thickness and surface area alterations remains unclear. Methods: Thirty participants with MCI and thirty healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Magnetic resonance imaging, cognitive assessments and dual-task Timed Up and Go test (DT-TUG) were performed to assess cerebral cortical thickness and surface area, cognitive functions, and dual-task cost (DTC) of the execution time in TUG. Spearman correlations were conducted to assess the relationships between the cognitive, TUG performance with the cortical morphological measures. Results: MCI participants performed worse in the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), WAIS Digit Span, TMT and the modified Posner peripheral cuing task. Their execution time on the DT-TUG was also prolonged. WAIS Digit Span Backwards was correlated with DT-TUG in HC group. A significant between-group difference was observed in the surface area of the left SPC. The cortical thickness of this brain region was positively correlated with the total scores and attention subdomain of MoCA in HC group. The cortical thickness and the surface area were correlated with the time of DT-TUG in HC group only. Conclusions: Individuals with MCI demonstrated declines in both cognitive function and dual-task walking performance. This study provides further evidence of surface-based structural differences in the left SPC in individuals with and without MCI, and supports the role of the left SPC in cognition and dual-task walking.

Effect of hepatitis B virus infection on the nutrient composition of human breast milk: A prospective cohort study.

There are limited data regarding the impact of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on the composition of human breast milk, and there is no international consensus on the nutritional management of newborns of HBV-positive mothers. We hypothesised that HBV infection can alter the composition of breast milk and that newborns require additional nutritional supplements for healthy growth. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study that recruited 150 pregnant women with HBV infection and matched them with a healthy control group. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that glucose and albumin concentrations were increased in the HBV group (av. 4.65mmol/L and av. 5.66g/L, respectively), whereas lactoferrin concentrations decreased (av. 537.68pg/mL). Therefore, additional lactoferrin supplementation may be necessary for newborns delivered to women with HBV infection.

Evaluation of immunohistochemical TRPC3 and TRPC6 expression patterns in human endometriosis.

Although to date the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains largely unexplained, it is known that processes of migration, proliferation and revascularization and thus calcium as a messenger substance play an important role. Consecutively, the present study examines the immunohistochemical expression of the calcium transient receptor potential channels 3 and 6 (TRPC3 and TRPC6) in ectopically located (outside the uterine cavity) endometrial tissue. Laparoscopically collected and histomorphologically verified endometriosis tissues from several different intraabdominal locations were examined (n = 20) and immunohistochemical stainings were performed with anti-TRPC3 and anti-TRPC6 antibodies (Alomone Labs, Jerusalem). Hereby, eutopic endometrium served as a healthy control cohort (n = 6). Staining patterns were evaluated using a modified immunoreactive score (IRS) and exploratory statistical analysis was performed, aiming to determine relations of staining intensities with associated clinical parameters such as rASRM stage and location. We determined a strong cytoplasmatic TRPC3 and TRPC6 expression in all ectopic endometrial glandular formations, albeit with focally varying staining intensities. Within our cohort, we did not verify a statistically significant difference of TRPC3 and TRPC6 expression between endometriosis patients and a healthy control group or between different clinical affections (rASRM stages). Our study confirms - to our knowledge for the first time - the successful immunohistochemical assessment of TRPC3 and TRPC6 in endometriosis, setting the basis for future studies aiming at evaluating not only clinical aspects of TRPC3 and TRPC6 expression but also shedding light on its function in the pathophysiological context of endometriosis.

Evaluation of Right and Left Ventricular Deformation Analysis in İdiopathic Right Bundle Branch Block by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

Idiopathic right bundle branch block (RBBB) is often seen as harmless and common. However, many studies show it might be linked to negative health outcomes. So, it is crucial to fully understand how RBBB affects the heart's ventricles. This study aims to examine the right and left ventricular systolic functions in patients with idiopathic RBBB and compare them to those in a healthy control group. Echocardiographic images were obtained from patients with idiopathic RBBB and healthy control participants. Conventional echocardiographic parameters were measured. Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking strain analysis was used to assess deformation indices. Thirty-nine patients with idiopathic RBBB and 35 healthy participants were included in the study. There were no significant differences in the chamber dimensions of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) between the groups. LV ejection fraction (EF), RV fractional area change (FAC), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) measurements were similar between the groups. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) (-25.5±5.7% vs. -22.1±4.2%, p<0.05), RV GLS (-26.9±4.6% vs. -24.0±4.4%, p<0.05), and interventricular septum longitudinal strain (IVS LS) (-24.3±4.9% vs. -19.1±4.2%, p<0.05) were significantly reduced in patients with idiopathic RBBB compared to controls, indicating impaired myocardial shortening. Significant differences were also observed in LV (15 [5-30] vs. 30 [20-60], p<0.05) and RV (18 [7-35] vs. 36 [24-80], p<0.05) mechanical dispersion, with the differences being more pronounced for the RV between the groups. LV torsion (2.1±0.6 vs. 1.6±0.5, p<0.05) was also worse in patients with idiopathic RBBB. Our findings show that idiopathic RBBB significantly affects the longitudinal strain and synchronization of both the LV and RV.

Untargeted metabolomics reveals biomarkers for the diagnosis of coronary artery plaques as observed by coronary cardiac computed tomography.

Atherosclerosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide; in Israel, ischemic heart disease is the second leading cause of death for both genders aged 45 and above. Atherosclerosis involves stiffening of the arteries due to the accumulation of lipids and oxidized lipids on the blood vessel walls, triggering the development of artery plaque. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common manifestation of atherosclerosis. The prevalence of CAD in the general population remains high, despite efforts to improve the identification of risk factors and preventive treatments. The discovery of new biomarkers is vital to improving the diagnosis of CAD and its risk factors. We aimed to identify novel biomarkers that could provide an early diagnosis of coronary artery atherosclerotic plaques, their type, and the percentage of stenosis. We used an untargeted metabolomics approach to identify potential biomarkers that could enable highly sensitive and specific CAD detection. The study consisted of 109 patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography angiography at the Cardiology Department of Ziv Medical Center. Fifty-four patients were diagnosed with coronary atherosclerotic plaques (CAD group), and 55 without plaques used control. Untargeted metabolomics using LC-MS/MS revealed 2560 metabolites in the patients' serum: 106 showed statistically significant upregulation in the serum of the CAD group compared with the healthy control group (p < 0.05). These metabolites belonged to the following chemical families: acyl-carnitines, cyclodipeptides, lysophosphatidylcholine, and primary bile acids. In contrast, 98 metabolites displayed statistically significant downregulation in the serum of the CAD group compared with the control group, belonging to the following chemical families: GABA amino acids and derivatives (inhibitory neurotransmitters), lipids, and secondary bile acids. Our comprehensive untargeted serum metabolomic analysis revealed biomarkers that can be used for the diagnosis of patients with CAD. Further cohort studies with a larger number of participants are needed to validate the detected biomarkers.

Alteration of gut microbiota in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

641 Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Despite advancements in treatment, such as novel combinations of immunotherapy and targeted therapy or dual immunotherapy, the prognosis remains poor due to a lack of predictive biomarkers for treatment response. Gut microbiota alterations have been proposed as both potential diagnostic biomarker and predictive biomarker. However, data in this field are not well-established and are mostly derived from studies conducted in China and Western countries, which may not fully reflect the situation in Thailand. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from pre-treated advanced HCC patients who visited medical oncology outpatient clinic at Srinagarind hospital, Khon Kaen University (HCC group = 27) and analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiota. Additional sequenced data from a healthy population (Control group = 31) who had no underlying disease and had normal liver ultrasonography were retrieved from a previous study conducted by Khon Kaen University (Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program, CASCAP). The datasets were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test to analyze the alteration of gut microbiota between HCC group and control group. Results: The HCC group exhibited significantly lower biodiversity index (p&lt; 0.001) than control group in terms of richness, Shannon diversity index and Simpson’s index. The HCC group had significantly higher relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria (p&lt; 0.001), Firmicutes (p&lt; 0.001) and a lower abundance of the phylum Actinobacteria (p&lt; 0.001) compared to the control group. Additionally, the HCC group had significantly higher relative abundance of Stenotrophomonas, Granulicatella, Ruminococcus, Blautia, Phascolarctobacterium, Butyricoccus, Streptococcus, Escherichia-Shigella, Flavonifractor, Haemophilus and Lachnospira at the genus level. Further analysis of relative abundance of gut microbiota at the genus level and clinical prognostic parameters showed positive correlation between Streptococcus and 6-month survival status. Conclusions: Gut microbiota profile in patients with advanced HCC was significantly altered from healthy control group. This could be the evidence of microbial dysbiosis and may potentially be biomarker for prognosis.

Assessing cognitive functions in non-neuropsychiatric childhood systemic lupus erythematosus: Cross-sectional study.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by multisystem, including neuropsychiatric, involvement. The nervous system is affected in 20-27% of patients within approximately two years after diagnosis. This study aimed to examine neurocognitive impairment in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) patients before the development of any neurological, psychiatric, or cognitive manifestations. The study included 98 children and adolescents. Of these, 34 (35%) were cSLE groups, and the remaining formed two control groups: 31 (31%) oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (oJIA) patients served as a "patient control" group, and 33 (34%) healthy participants socio-demographically matched to the cSLE and oJIA patients formed the healthy control (HC) group. None of the subjects in the study exhibited neurological or psychiatric symptoms. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV (WISC-IV) was applied to all groups. Test results showed that the Perceptual Reasoning Index Score (PRIS) was significantly lower in cSLE than in HC (F(2, 95)=3.365, p=0.042, Tukey HSD: p=0.01). 'Comprehension' subtest scores were significantly lower in the cSLE group compared to the HC group (H(2)=8.133, p=0.017; U=352.5, p=0.009). Similarly, 'symbol search' subtest scores were significantly lower in the cSLE group compared to the HC group (F(2, 95)=3.545, p=0.036, Tukey HSD: p=0.014). Our results revealed that cSLE may have neurocognitive impairment without presenting any symptoms. Early detection is possible with the neurocognitive test WISC-IV. These results support the inclusion of objective neurocognitive assessment methods into the routine clinical follow-up of childhood-onset SLE.

Characterizing the relationship between personality dimensions and psychosis-specific clinical characteristics.

Past studies associating personality with psychosis have been limited by small nonclinical samples and a focus on general symptom burden. This study uses a large clinical sample to examine personality's relationship with psychosis-specific features and compare personality dimensions across clinically and neurobiologically defined categories of psychoses. A total of 1352 participants with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar with psychosis, as well as 623 healthy controls (HC), drawn from the Bipolar-Schizophrenia Network for Intermediate Phenotypes (BSNIP-2) study, were included. Three biomarker-derived biotypes were used to separately categorize the probands. Mean personality factors (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) were compared between HC and proband subgroups using a generalized linear model. A robust linear regression was utilized to determine personality differences across biotypes and diagnostic subgroups. Associations between personality factors and cognition were determined through Pearson's correlation. A canonical correlation was run between the personality factors and general functioning, positive symptoms, and negative symptoms to delineate the relationship between personality and clinical outcomes of psychosis. There were significant personality differences between the proband and HC groups across all five personality factors. Overall, the probands had higher neuroticism and lower extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness. Openness showed the greatest difference across the diagnostic subgroups and biotypes, and greatest correlation with cognition. Openness, agreeableness, and extraversion had the strongest associations with symptom severity. Individuals with psychotic disorders have different personality traits compared to HC. In particular, openness may be relevant in distinguishing psychosis-specific phenotypes and experiences, and associated with biological underpinnings of psychosis, including cognition. Further studies should identify potential causal factors and mediators of this relationship.

Multilayer network instability underlying persistent auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia.

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) in schizophrenia (SCZ) are linked to brain network abnormalities. Resting-state fMRI studies often assume stable networks during scans, yet dynamic changes related to AVHs are not well understood. We analyzed resting-state fMRI data from 60 SCZ patients with persistent AVHs (p-AVHs), 39 SCZ patients without AVHs (n-AVHs), and 59 healthy controls (HCs), matched for demographics. Using graph theory, we constructed a time-varying modular structure of brain networks, focusing on multilayer modularity. Network switching rates at global, subnetwork, and nodal levels were compared across groups and related to AVH severity. SCZ groups had higher switching rates in the subcortical network compared to HCs. Increased switching was found in two thalamic nodes for both patient groups. The p-AVH group showed lower switching rates in the default mode network (DMN) and two superior frontal gyrus nodes compared to HC and n-AVH groups. DMN switching rates negatively correlated with AVH severity in the p-AVH group. Dynamic changes in brain networks, especially lower DMN and frontal region switching rates, may contribute to the development and persistence of AVHs in SCZ.

Serum Irisin as a Predictor for Peripheral arterial disease: Insights from a Clinical Study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between serum irisin concentration and peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and to establish clinical prediction nomograms for PAD occurrence by comparing and analyzing clinical data from patients with PAD patients and healthy controls. MethodsA total of 112 patients with PAD and 90 healthy individuals were recruited for the study. Clinical data from both groups were collected and serum irisin concentration was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Correlation analysis was conducted. Risk factors for PAD were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The clinical prediction nomograms were established and validated. ResultsA total of 202 patients were enrolled in this study, with an average age of 63.98 ± 10.40 years. Of these, 123 were male (60.9%) and 79 were female (39.1%). Hypertension was present in 104 patients (51.5%), diabetes in 59 patients (29.2%), dyslipidemia in 94 patients (46.5%), and 105 patients (52.0%) were smokers. Among them, 90 patients were assigned to the PAD group, which included 78 males (69.6%) and 34 females (30.4%), with an average age of 67.54 ± 10.31 years. In this group, 62 patients (55.4%) had hypertension, 53 (47.3%) had diabetes, 62 (55.4%) had dyslipidemia, and 78 (69.6%) were smokers. The Rutherford classification of these patients showed that 64 (57.1%) were at stage I, 25 (22.3%) at stage II, 16 (14.3%) at stage III, and 7 (6.3%) at stage IV. Serum irisin concentration in patients with PAD showed a significant positive correlation with serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (r=0.255) and a significant negative correlation with Rutherford classification (r=-0.374) and smoking status (r=-0.263). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified irisin, age, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, creatinine(CR), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as independent risk factors for the development of PAD ( P < 0.05). Based on these findings, a clinical prediction nomogram was established. Internal validation of the nomogram demonstrated strong discriminatory ability, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.942, indicating the model's excellent performance. Calibration curves and decision curve analyses further confirmed the model’s robust calibration and clinical applicability. ConclusionThis study concluded that serum irisin concentrations were significantly lower in the PAD group compared to the healthy control group, and that serum irisin concentrations in the PAD group were significantly correlated with serum HDL, Rutherford classification, and smoking status. Additionally, Irisin level, age, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, CR, and NLR were identified as independent risk factors for PAD development. The clinical prediction nomogram based on these factors may aid in accurately predicting the risk of PAD development.

Autocrine small extracellular vesicles induce tubular phenotypic transformation in diabetic nephropathy via miR-21-5p.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common and serious microvascular complications associated with diabetes. DN is the leading contributor to the majority of cases of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) can transport various genetic materials to recipient cells. The objective of this study was to explore how sEVs released from HK-2 cells when stimulated by high glucose levels influence renal tubular phenotypic transformation through miR-21-5p. Both human and cell studies were utilized to explore the crosstalk between proximal renal tubules in DN. sEVs from plasma and cells were isolated using ultracentrifugation, and the differential expression of miR-21-5p in plasma sEVs from DN patients versus healthy controls was quantified using Quantitative Real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). A DN model was constructed by stimulating HK-2 cells with glucose. The expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins in each cell group was analyzed by Western Blot (WB), while miR-21-5p levels in both cells and their sEVs were quantified using RT-qPCR. A stable transfected HK-2 cell line was constructed. The CCK8 assay, scratch assay, and WB were employed to detect EMT proteins, aiming to explore how autocrine sEVs affect tubular phenotypic transformation in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The expression of miR-21-5p in plasma sEVs was significantly elevated in the DN group compared to the healthy control group. High glucose (HG) stimulation of HK-2 cells resulted in higher miR-21-5p expression in both cells and their sEVs, leading to enhanced proliferation, migration, and EMT capacities in these cells. Co-incubation of HK-2 cells with HG-sEVs significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration, and EMT capabilities of the recipient cells, but miR-21-5p knockdown reversed these effects. These results indicate that high glucose stimulates HK-2 cells to secrete sEVs, which promote DN proliferation, migration, and EMT through miR-21-5p, thereby offering new insights into the treatment of DN.

Sex-specific differences in the relationship between thyroid hormones and neurocognition in schizophrenia: A large-scale cross-sectional study.

Sex differences in thyroid hormones, cognitive function, and psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenia remain underexplored. The study aimed to investigate the cross-sectional relationships between thyroid hormone levels, cognitive impairments, and clinical symptoms in people with chronic schizophrenia, with a focus on sex differences. We included 1007 people with schizophrenia (602 males and 405 females), and 326 healthy controls (193 males and 133 females). Cognitive function and psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), respectively. Blood samples were collected to measure serum total thyroxine (TT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-way ANOVA were used to compare clinical characteristics and sex differences. Pearson correlation and hierarchical linear regression were conducted to assess the relationships between thyroid hormone levels, cognitive impairments, and clinical symptoms. People with schizophrenia exhibited lower levels of thyroid hormones compared to the healthy control group (both P < 0.01). Male patients had higher TT3 and FT3 levels than female patients (both P < 0.01). The cognitive scores of the healthy controls were generally higher than those of people with schizophrenia (P < 0.001). Additionally, there were significant sex differences in visuospatial/constructive abilities and language (both P < 0.01) among people with schizophrenia, with males scoring higher than females. The linear regression found that in the cognitive domain, TT4 was negatively associated with Visuospatial/Constructive abilities and RBANS total scores in male patients (both P < 0.05), whereas TT4 was positively associated with these abilities and attention in female patients (all P < 0.05). Additionally, in male patients, TT3 was negatively associated with most of PANSS scale (all P < 0.05). In female, TT3 was only negatively associated with the PANSS Negative scale (P < 0.05). Sex differences exist in thyroid hormone T3 levels in people with schizophrenia. The association between thyroid hormones and cognitive performance varies by sex in chronic schizophrenia.

A predictive model based on the gut microbiota improves the diagnostic effect in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, destructive autoimmune disorder predominantly targeting the joints, with gut microbiota dysbiosis being intricately associated with its progression. The aim of the present study was to develop of effective early diagnostic methods for early RA based on gut microbiota. A cohort comprising 262 RA patients and 475 healthy controls (HCs) was recruited. Faecal samples were collected from all participants, and microbial DNA was subsequently extracted. The V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subjected to high-throughput sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Additionally, a dataset with the accession number PRJNA450340 from the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) was incorporated into the study. The sequencing data underwent processing and analysis utilizing QIIME2. To construct microbiome-based diagnostic models, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Generalized Linear Model (GLM) methodologies were employed, with the self-test data functioning as the training set and the PRJNA450340 dataset serving as the validation set. The results indicated that patients with RA exhibited a significantly reduced gut microbial α-diversity compared with the HCs group. The β-diversity analysis demonstrated notable distinctions in the gut microbiota structure between RA patients and HCs. Variations in the gut microbiome composition between RA patients and HCs were evident at both the phylum and genus levels. LEfSe analysis revealed a substantial number of significantly different microbiota between RA patients and HC, and 7 key genera were obtained by intersection of the different flora in the two data sets: Ruminococcus_gnavus_group, Fusicatenibacter, Butyricicoccus, Subdoligranulum, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, Romboutsia, and Dorea. Utilizing these seven core genera, RA diagnostic models were developed employing RF, SVM, and GLM methodologies. The GLM model exhibited consistent performance, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 71.03% in the training set and 74.71% in the validation set. Notable differences in gut microbiota exist between RA patients and healthy individuals. Diagnostic models based on key microbial genera hold potential for aiding in the early identification of individuals at risk for developing RA, thereby suggesting new avenues for its diagnosis.

Evaluation of Meibography Findings and Ocular Surface Parameters in Children with Atopic Dermatitis Without Eye Complaints

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the meibomian gland (MG) morphology and ocular surface parameters of children with atopic dermatitis (AD) without ocular symptoms. Materials and Method: Forty-five eyes of 24 children with AD and 44 eyes of 27 healthy children were included in the study. Upper and lower eyelid meibography measurements were performed for all cases and the rate of MG loss and the amount of tortuosity were evaluated. A Schirmer 1 test, tear break-up time (TBUT) test, and corneal staining scoring (CSS) were applied to all cases. Results: MG loss in the upper eyelid was 15.51 ± 10.39% in the AD group, while it was 9.30 ± 5.30% in the control group (p = 0.002). MG loss in the lower eyelid was 15.79 ± 10.93% in the AD group, while it was 9.23 ± 6.90% in the control group (p = 0.002). The rate of tortuosity in 26–50% of the upper and lower eyelid MGs was significantly higher in the AD group than in the healthy control group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.007, respectively). The Schirmer 1 test values were 10.98 ± 3.89 in the AD group and 17.41 ± 3.73 in the healthy control group (p &lt; 0.0001). The TBUT values were found to be 9.18 ± 1.99 in the AD group and 11.40 ± 1.82 in the healthy control group (p &lt; 0.0001). The CSS result was found to be significantly higher in the AD group than in the control group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Significant MG loss was detected in patients with AD without eye complaints, which may cause the early deterioration of ocular surface parameters. We believe that close follow-up examinations of children with AD in terms of ocular surface complications may be necessary.

Cognitive representation of gait: differences in memory structures between individuals after total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty.

The objective was to examine differences in the gait-specific cognitive representation structures between individuals after total knee- (TKA) and after total hip-joint arthroplasty (THA). The cognitive representation structure was compared between three groups: 1. three months after TKA (n = 12), 2. three months after THA (n = 12), and 3. healthy control group (CG) (n = 12) using the structural dimensional analysis of mental representation (SDA-M). Additionally, perceived joint function was rated by either the KOOS, JR. or HOOS, JR. Mean distribution of perceived joint function was not significantly different between the TKA (60.35 ± 11.2) and THA group (68.01 ± 13.8) (t = - 1.425; p = .173). In the cognitive representation structure, the THA group exhibited functional differences from the TKA group and control group, both of which showed a functional structure. Three months after hip joint replacement the gait-specific cognitive representation structure seems to reflect joint function-specific deviations. Therefore, focussing on functional recovery of cognitive gait representation may facilitate gait rehabilitation in individuals after hip replacement.

T-cell immune status in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a case-control study

IntroductionImmune inflammatory response plays an important role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the cellular immune status of patients with COPD at different phases is unclear. Herein, we aim to investigate the distribution and functional status of T cell subsets in different phases of COPD (acute exacerbation of COPD [AECOPD] and stable COPD [SCOPD]).MethodsThis is an observational case-control study undertaken in West China Hospital. The distribution of T cell subsets in peripheral blood of AECOPD, SCOPD, and healthy controls (HCs) was measured using multi-color flow cytometry, and the functional status was analyzed by additional staining of activation markers.ResultsA total of 43 HCs, 43 SCOPD patients, and 64 AECOPD patients were evaluated. The total number and percentage of lymphocytes and the CD4+/CD8+ T cells ratio were significantly lower in AECOPD patients when compared to HCs. HLA-DR expression in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD8+ TCR aβ, and CD4+ TCR aβ T cells was upregulated in the AECOPD group. Similarly, the expressions of HLA-DR, CD57, and PD-1 were higher in T cell subsets in the AECOPD group. Compared with the SCOPD and HC groups, the AECOPD had a significantly lower proportion of CD4+CD27+CD28+ T cells, but opposite results were found for CD4+CD27-CD28- T cells. In addition, the proportion of CD4+CD39+ T cells and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells was significantly higher in the AECOPD and SCOPD groups when compared to the HC group (P &amp;lt; 0.05).DiscussionThe distribution of nearly half the T cell subsets in AECOPD patients was significantly different from that in SCOPD patients and HCs. AECOPD patients may have cellular immune suppression, immune dysfunction, abnormal activation, and higher senescence depletion of T cells.

Prevalence of Theileria Equi and Babesia Caballi and Associated Hemato-Biochemical Changes in Racing Horses in Erbil Province, Iraq.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Theileria equi (T. equi) and Babesia caballi (B. caballi) in racing horses in Erbil Province, Iraq, and to assess the associated hemato-biochemical changes in infected animals. A total of 196 horses, including 155 clinically healthy and 41 clinically suspected infected animals, were examined using Giemsa-stained blood films and PCR to determine the prevalence rates. Additionally, the hemato-biochemical parameters of infected horses were compared to a non-infected control group (n = 10). The prevalence of T. equi and B. caballi was determined using two diagnostic methods. Giemsa-stained blood smear analysis revealed prevalence rates of 15.8% (31/196) for T. equi and 5.1% (10/196) for B. caballi. In comparison, conventional PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene detected higher prevalence rates of 22.44% (44/196) for T. equi and 8.2% (16/196) for B. caballi. The prevalence of T. equi was significantly higher than that of B. caballi (P < 0.001). Infected horses exhibited significant hematological alterations, including microcytic anemia, with notable reductions in RBCs, Hb, and PCV, along with increased WBCs, lymphocytes and basophils compared to the healthy control group. Biochemical analysis revealed significant increases in AST, ALT, ALP, and total serum bilirubin, and decreases in total serum protein, albumin, calcium, and glucose in infected horses. These findings highlight the urgent need for heightened awareness, effective diagnostic methods, and targeted treatment strategies to combat equine piroplasmosis among racing horses in Erbil Province, Iraq.

Reduced white matter integrity and disrupted brain network in children with type 2 and 3 spinal muscular atrophy

BackgroundSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by reduced expression of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Previous studies indicated SMA causes not only lower motor neuron degeneration but also extensive brain involvement. This study aimed to investigate the changes of brain white matter and structural network using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in children with type 2 and 3 SMA.MethodsForty-two type 2 and 3 pediatric SMA patients and 42 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were prospectively enrolled in this study. The tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used to assess white matter integrity and the structural network properties were calculated based on DTI white matter fiber tracking and the graph theory approach. A partial correlation was performed to explore the relationship between white matter parameters and clinical characteristics.ResultsIn total, 42 patients (mean age, 10.86 ± 4.07 years; 23 men) were included. TBSS analysis revealed widespread white matter changes in SMA patients. The SMA patients showed changes in multiple small-world and network efficiency parameters. Compared to the HC group, SMA showed increased characteristic path length (Lp), normalized clustering coefficient (γ), small-world characteristic (σ), and decreased global efficiency (Eglob) (all p < 0.05). In the node properties, right supramarginal gyrus, right orbital part of superior frontal gyrus, right supplementary motor area, and left median cingulate and paracingulate gyri changed in SMA patients. A decreased axial diffusivity (AD) value was associated with lower Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded scores (r = 0.45, p = 0.02), which means that the symptoms of SMA patients are more severe.ConclusionsThis study found white matter and DTI-based brain network abnormalities in SMA patients, suggesting SMN protein deficiency may affect white matter development.

Limited evidence of association between dysregulated immune marker levels and telomere length in severe mental disorders.

Accelerated ageing indexed by telomere attrition is suggested in schizophrenia spectrum- (SCZ) and bipolar disorders (BD). While inflammation may promote telomere shortening, few studies have investigated the association between telomere length (TL) and markers of immune activation and inflammation in severe mental disorders. Leucocyte TL defined as telomere template/amount of single-copy gene template (T/S ratio), was determined in participants with SCZ (N = 301) or BD (N = 211) and a healthy control group (HC, N = 378). TL was analysed with linear regressions for associations with levels of 12 immune markers linked to SCZ or BD. Adjustments were made for a broad range of potential confounding variables. TL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and the immune markers were measured by enzyme immunoassays. A positive association between levels of soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor 1A (sTNF-R1) and TL in SCZ (β = 0.191, p = 0.012) was observed. Plasma levels of the other immune markers were not significantly associated with TL in the BD, SCZ or HC groups. There was limited evidence of association between immune markers and TL in SCZ and BD. The results provide little support for involvement of immune dysregulation, as reflected by current systemic markers, in telomere attrition-related accelerated ageing in severe mental disorders.