Deficiency Pattern Research Articles

Chinese Verbal Fluency Deficiency in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with and without Hippocampal Sclerosis: A Multiscale Study.

To test a Chinese character version of the phonemic verbal fluency task in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and assess the verbal fluency deficiency pattern in TLE with and without hippocampal sclerosis, a cross-sectional study was conducted including 30 patients with TLE and hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS), 28 patients with TLE and without hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-NHS), and 29 demographically matched healthy controls (HC). Both sexes were enrolled. Participants finished a Chinese character verbal fluency (VFC) task during functional MRI. The activation/deactivation maps, functional connectivity, degree centrality, and community features of the left frontal and temporal regions were compared. A neural network classification model was applied to differentiate TLE-HS and TLE-NHS using functional statistics. The VFC scores were correlated with semantic fluency in HC while correlated with phonemic fluency in TLE-NHS. Activation and deactivation deficiency was observed in TLE-HS and TLE-NHS (p < 0.001, k ≥ 10). Functional connectivity, degree centrality, and community features of anterior inferior temporal gyri were impaired in TLE-HS and retained or even enhanced in TLE-NHS (p < 0.05, FDR-corrected). The functional connectivity was correlated with phonemic fluency (p < 0.05, FDR-corrected). The neural network classification reached an area under the curve of 0.90 in diagnosing hippocampal sclerosis. The VFC task is a Chinese phonemic verbal fluency task suitable for clinical application in TLE. During the VFC task, functional connectivity of phonemic circuits was impaired in TLE-HS and was enhanced in TLE-NHS, representing a compensative phonemic searching strategy applied by patients with TLE-NHS.

Dietary patterns and association with Iron deficiency among children and adolescents aged 9-17 years in rural Guangzhou, China: a cross-sectional study.

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia cause a huge disease burden worldwide. Diet is an important factor affecting the iron levels. This study aims to explore the dietary patterns of school-aged children in rural areas of Guangzhou and their association with iron deficiency. Data on dietary surveys, lifestyle, demographic and laboratory tests were gathered from rural school-age children in Guangzhou. Factor analysis was applied to derive dietary patterns. Robust Poisson regression and subgroup analysis were used to analyze the association between dietary patterns and iron deficiency. A total of 2,530 children and adolescents aged 9-17 years were enrolled. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 13.36%. Four dietary patterns were identified including snack and fast-food pattern, fruit and vegetable pattern, cereal and tuber pattern and meat and offal pattern. Both children and adolescents in the Q4 group (the highest propensity) of snack and fast-food pattern and cereal and tuber pattern had a higher risk of iron deficiency than the Q1 group (the lowest propensity). Both children and adolescents in the Q4 group of meat and offal pattern and fruit and vegetable pattern had a lower risk of iron deficiency than the Q1 group. The results of stratified analysis showed the negative effect of snack and fast-food pattern and the protective benefits of meat and offal pattern are more obvious for boys, and the negative effect of cereal and tuber pattern were obvious for girls. The negative effect or protective benefits of the four dietary patterns were obvious for children aged 9-13. Females, older children, and those with shorter sleep duration are at higher risk of iron deficiency. Snack and fast-food pattern and cereal and tuber pattern are risk factors for iron deficiency, and fruit and vegetable pattern and meat and offal pattern are protective factors for iron deficiency. The impact of diet on body iron levels is more obvious in boys and younger children. The findings of this study can provide evidence for formulating prevention and control measures on children and adolescents iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.

Energy metabolism, immune function, and intestinal flora in rats with kidney-yin deficiency treated with raw or saltwater-processed Phellodendron chinense Schneid

ObjectiveTo clarify the specific mechanisms of action of raw Phellodendron chinense Schneid. (RPC) and saltwater-processed PC (SPC) in the treatment of rats with a kidney-yin deficiency pattern (KYDP). MethodsHealthy rats were administered hydrocortisone to establish a KYDP model. The rats were divided into seven groups: blank control, model, positive control (Liuwei Dihuang pills), high-dose RPC, low-dose RPC, high-dose SPC, and low-dose SPC. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of cAMP, cGMP, TRH, TSH, T3, T4, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and testosterone in the serum and the levels of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase in the liver. TRH mRNA expression in the rat hypothalamus was measured using RT-PCR. THRα1+2 protein expression in the hypothalamus of rats was measured using Western blot. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the expression levels of FAS, FasL, and TSHR. Flow cytometry was used to determine CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte levels. Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology was used to evaluate the diversity of intestinal flora in KYDP rats. ResultsThe cAMP/cGMP ratio was significantly higher in the model group than in the blank control group (P = .048). Compared with the model group, after administration, the levels of the above-mentioned serum and liver indexes decreased, except that of testosterone. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio also decreased. Compared with the RPC group, the levels of T3, IFN-γ, FAS, FasL, and TSHR in the SPC group decreased whereas that of testosterone increased. Additionally, immune function and intestinal flora diversity improved in the SPC group. SPC proved to be more effective in improving liver energy metabolism in KYDP rats than RPC. ConclusionSPC had a better therapeutic effect on KYDP than RPC. The underlying mechanism of action may be related to improvements in liver energy metabolism, immune function, and intestinal flora diversity.

Nutrient deficiency patterns and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in older adults with hypertension: a latent class analysis

BackgroundPrevious researches examining the impact of dietary nutrition on mortality risk have mainly focused on individual nutrients, however the interaction of these nutrients has not been considered. The purpose of this study was to identify of nutrient deficiencies patterns and analyze their potential impact on mortality risk in older adults with hypertension.MethodsWe included participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study. The latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to uncover specific malnutrition profiles within the sample. Risk of the end points across the phenogroups was compared using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression model. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the influencing factors of specific malnutrition profiles.ResultsA total of 6924 participants aged 60 years or older with hypertension from NHANES 2003–2014 was followed until December 31, 2019 with a median follow-up of 8.7 years. Various nutrients included vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, fiber, folate, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium, and LCA revealed 4 classes of malnutrition. Regarding all-cause mortality, “Nutrient Deprived” group showed the strongest hazard ratio (1.42 from 1.19 to 1.70) compared with “Adequate Nutrient” group, followed by “Inadequate Nutrient” group (1.29 from 1.10 to 1.50), and “Low Fiber, Magnesium, and Vit E” group (1.17 from 1.02 to 1.35). For cardiovascular mortality, “Nutrient Deprived” group showed the strongest hazard ratio (1.61 from 1.19 to 2.16) compared with “Adequate Nutrient” group, followed by “Low Fiber, Magnesium, and Vit E” group (1.51 from 1.04 to 2.20), and “Inadequate Nutrient” group (1.37 from 1.03 to 1.83).ConclusionsThe study revealed a significant association between nutrients deficiency patterns and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in older adults with hypertension. The findings suggested that nutrients deficiency pattern may be an important risk factor for mortality in older adults with hypertension.

Impact of Prevalent Dietary Pattern on Serum Vitamin B12 Status and Its Association With Inflammation Among Reproductive Age Women.

Association between vitamin B12 deficiency (VB12D) and dietary patterns being well documented has bearing on obstetrics and neonatal outcomes. However, relationship between VB12D and serum inflammatory markers (IMs), particularly in vegetarian diet and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), remains elusive. This cross-sectional study assesses VB12D and IMs among reproductive age women consuming different diets. Nonvegetarian (PCOS, n = 104; healthy, n = 148) and vegetarian women (PCOS n = 112; healthy, n = 186) are for evaluated clinical, biochemical, hormonal assessment, inflammatory, and four vitamin B 12 (VB12) markers. VB12D is defined by Fedosov's wellness quotient (4cB12). Using 4cB12, prevalence of VB12D is discerned in 54.4% (PCOS: 72.1%; healthy 36.5%) and 93.4% (PCOS: 95.9%; healthy: 91.9%) among nonvegetarians and vegetarians, respectively. Vegetarian PCOS women depict lowest median (interquartile range [IQR]) of serum B12 76.2(72.6) pgmL-1, holotranscobalamine (HTC) 37.9(11.3) and highest homocysteine (HCY) 40.32(6.0) µmolL-1, methylmalonic acid (MMA) 352.26(156.7) nmolL-1 with highest Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and IMs (Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α)and Interleukin 6 (IL-6)). Significant correlation of serum hs-CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 with VB12 markers is observed. The VB12D is rampant among reproductive age women that gets exacerbated by PCOS or vegetarian diet. It is directly correlated with magnitude of proinflammatory markers. The results carry substantial implications for public health policies aimed at improving preconception maternal VB12 status for better future pregnancy and offspring outcomes.

Relationship of serum and dietary vitamin D with high cardiometabolic risk in Mexican systemic lupus erythematosus patients: A cross-sectional study.

Objetive: Serum and dietary vitamin D could influence clinical disease activity and cardiometabolic outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to assess the relationship of serum and dietary vitamin D with cardiometabolic risk in Mexican SLE patients and healthy subjects (HS).Methods: 224 SLE patients and 201 HS were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum calcidiol was measured using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Vitamin D dietary intake was assessed by collecting three 24h food records. Dietary patterns (DPs) were identified using principal component analysis (PCA). Cardiometabolic status was analyzed through biochemical measurements and cardiometabolic indexes.Results: Calcidiol deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was associated with 1.66-fold higher risk of excess weight by body mass index (BMI) (≥25 kg/m2) (p = .02), 2.25-fold higher risk to low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (<40 mg/dL) (p < .001), and 1.74-fold higher risk to high triglycerides (TG) ≥150 mg/dL (p = .02). Inadequate vitamin D dietary intake was associated with 1.92-fold higher risk of presenting non-healthy waist circumference (WC) (>80 cm) (p < .01), 2.05-fold higher risk of android waist to hip ratio (WHR ≥85) (p < .01), and 1.72-fold higher risk to excess weight (p = .02). Non-adherence to a DP rich in vitamin D food sources was associated with higher WC, WHR, triglycerides, and lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C); furthermore, in HS, non-adherence to the DP rich in vitamin D food sources provided 2.11-fold higher risk to calcidiol deficiency.In Cconclusion: A pattern of Calcidiol deficiency, inadequate vitamin D dietary intake, and non-adherence to a DP rich in vitamin D food sources was related to high cardiometabolic risk in SLE patients and HS.

Splicing Switching of Alternative Last Exons Due to a Deletion Including Canonical Polyadenylation Site in COL6A2 Gene Causes Recessive UCMD.

Collagen VI-related myopathy spans a clinical continuum from severe Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy to milder Bethlem myopathy, caused by genetic variants in COL6A1, COL6A2, and COL6A3 genes. Our objective was to report a newly identified patient with the pathogenic variants restricted to a polyadenylation signal in the 3'-untranslated region, which have not been reported in hereditary muscle disease. We performed clinicopathologic diagnosis and analysis using whole-genome and RNA sequencing. We report Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy caused by a homozygous deletion, c.*198_*466del, which includes a polyadenylation signal in the canonical last exon of the COL6A2 gene. The parents were consanguineously married and had the heterozygous variant, but they were completely asymptomatic. In the patient's muscles, collagen VI was deficient in the sarcolemma, but present in the interstitium, showing the pattern of sarcolemma-specific collagen VI deficiency rather than a pattern of complete deficiency despite the lack of a polyadenylation signal. The RNA sequencing of the patient's muscle showed that alternative last exons were raised in COL6A2 transcript. Our case provides a valuable example of the mechanism of alternative splicing switches for polyadenylation selection.

Effects of supplementary Da Dingfeng Zhu therapy on patients with Parkinson's disease of liver-kidney yin deficiency pattern

BackgroundThis study aimed to verify whether the combined use of Da Dingfengzhu and Western medicine in treating Parkinson's disease (PD) can lead to therapeutic efficacy and symptom alleviation, thereby achieving a complementary and synergistic effect. MethodsIn this study, 158 patients were initially enrolled, with 116 eligible patients randomly divided into a control and an observation group. The control group received levodopa/benserazide and pramipexole, while the observation group received Da Dingfengzhu combined with levodopa/benserazide and pramipexole for 12 weeks. Baseline patient characteristics, adverse reactions, and blood samples were collected at baseline and 12 weeks post-treatment. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) was used to assess symptom severity at baseline, four weeks into treatment, and 12 weeks post-treatment. ResultsAdverse reactions during treatment were similar in both groups, suggesting that the combined therapy in the observation group did not increase adverse effects. Both groups showed improvements in UPDRS scores, with the observation group displaying more significant symptom alleviation at 4 and 12 weeks. Moreover, the observation group exhibited more pronounced increases in serum neurotrophic factor-3 and dopamine levels and greater reductions in oxidative stress and inflammatory response markers. ConclusionIn conclusion, the combination of Da Dingfengzhu with levodopa/benserazide and pramipexole for treating PD shows significant clinical potential and is worthy of broader application.

The Relationship between Chronic Energy Deficiency and the Incidence of Anemia in Female Adolescent in Stunting Locus Areas

Background: Adolescent girls are a group that is prone to anemia, so they are at risk of giving birth to stunted children. This study aims to analyze the factors most associated with the incidence of anemia in adolescent girls in the stunting locus area. Subjects and Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Patokaan Village, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi. A total of 50 adolescent girls were selected in this study. The dependent variable was anemia. The independent variables were nutritional status, Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED), nutrient intake (Fe, protein, vitamin C), body perception (Body Image), nutritional knowledge, and menstrual patterns based. The variables studied were anemia based on laboratory examination, nutritional status according to BMI/A and CED using anthropometric methods, nutrient intake (Fe, protein, vitamin C) using 24-hour recall, body perception (Body Image), nutritional knowledge, and menstrual patterns based on questionnaire interviews. Fisher's Exact Test was used for bivariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Results: Adolescent girls with CED have a 5.21 times risk of experiencing anemia compared to those without CED, and this result was statistically significant (aOR= 5.21; 95% CI= 1.01 to 26.83; p = 0.048). Conclusion: CED is associate with anemia in adolescent girls in the stunting locus area. This study is expected to be useful for the North Minahasa District Health Office as input for policy makers, planning, and implementing public health nutrition programs. Keywords: anemia, chronic energy deficiency, adolescent girls. Correspondence:Nancy S. H. Malonda. Study Program of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Sam Ratulangi, Manado, Indonesia. Email: nancymalonda@unsrat.ac.id.

Prediction of 3-Dimensional Coverage Surface Area of the Femoral Head in Hip Dysplasia Through Conventional Computed Tomography.

Assessment of 3-dimensional (3D) femoral head coverage is critical in evaluating, preoperative planning, and treating hip dysplasia. To (1) propose a mathematical model to establish 3D femoral head coverage using conventional computed tomography (CT), (2) determine the correlation of 2D parameters with 3D coverage, and (3) characterize the patterns of dysplasia based on 3D morphology. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. We identified 30 patients (n = hips) with symptomatic dysplasia and 30 patients (n = hips) without dysplasia. Patients with dysplastic hips were matched with regard to sex, age, and body mass index to those with nondysplastic hips. Preoperative CTs were analyzed using 3D software, and 3D femoral head surface area coverage (FHSAC; in %) was assessed in 4 quadrant zones: anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial, and posterolateral. To assess lateral coverage of the femoral head, we introduced the anterolateral femoral head coverage angle (ALFC) and the posterolateral femoral head coverage angle (PLFC). Reduced femoral head coverage was more pronounced in dysplastic versus nondysplastic hips in the anterolateral quadrant (18% vs 40.7%, respectively) and posterolateral quadrant (35.8% vs 56.9%, respectively) (P < .0001 for both). Dysplastic hips had smaller ALFC and PLFC (18.4° vs 38.7°; P < .0001; 47.2° vs 72.3°; P = .0002). Anterolateral and posterolateral FHSAC were strongly correlated with the ALFC (r = 0.88; P < .0001) and the PLFC (r = 0.82; P < .0001) along with the lateral center-edge angle (anterolateral, r = 0.75; P < .0001; posterolateral, r = 0.73; P < .0001). Prediction models established for FHSAC had strong agreement with explanatory CT variables (anterolateral: r = 0.91; P < .0001; posterolateral: r = 0.90; P < .0001). The cutoff values for anterolateral and posterolateral FHSAC were 25% and 41%, respectively. In dysplastic hips, global deficiency was most common (15/30 hips), 9 hips showed an anterolateral deficiency, and 4 hips had a posterolateral deficiency pattern. The ALFC and The PLFC were strongly correlated with 3D lateral FHSAC and were able to predict 3D coverage accurately.

Wenyang-Tianjing-Jieyu Decoction Improves Depression Rats of Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern by Regulating T Cell Homeostasis and Inflammation Level.

Chronic inflammation is one of the key mechanisms of depression. Wenyang-Tianjin-Jie Decoction (WTJD) is an effective antidepressant found in the course of diagnosis and treatment, but the mechanism of therapeutic effect is not clear. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of WTJD in the kidney yang deficiency (KYD) type of depression rats and reveal its mechanisms. We selected forty 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats for the study. We established a KYD [Phellodendron amurense Rupr (Huangbai) solution oral gavage and 4°C environments; 8 weeks] type of depression (chronic unpredictable mild stimulus; 6 weeks) rat model first. After successful modeling, we used WTJD or fluoxetine on rats for 3 weeks. Then we evaluated the depression and KYD behavior. Finally, we observed the expression of key inflammatory factors and proteins in peripheral blood and hippocampus, and further investigated the immune balance of Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cells and the activity of their main regulatory pathways JAK2/STAT3 and TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB. The imbalance of Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cells in rats were related to KYD and depressive symptoms. Through this study, we found that WTJD can inhibit the activity of JAK2/STAT3 and TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathways, balance Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cell homeostasis, regulate the levels of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus and peripheral blood, and reverse KYD and depression. This study confirmed that WTJD had a reliable effect on depression rats with KYD, and its mechanism was to regulate the immune homeostasis of hippocampal T cells and related inflammatory factors to improve KYD and depression symptoms in rats.

Characteristics of functional constipation and the need for treatment with traditional medicine of students in University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University

Background: Functional constipation (FC) is considered as a common functional bowel disorder that have substantial impact on patient quality of life. Objectives: To study characteristics of FC and the need for treatment with traditional medicine of students in University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University. Materials and method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 451 students from 9 academic majors at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University. Using the Bristol Stool Form (BSF) Scale to characterize human stool and ROME III Diagnostic Questionnaire to assess constipation symptoms, using anxiety, depression, stress rating scale - DASS-21. Results: The prevalence of FC among students was 8.9% (40/451) according to ROME III criteria, female are higher than male (85.0% vs 15.0%). According to traditional medicine, Deficiency accounts for 65.0%, Excess 60.0%, Cold 42.5% and Heat 57.5%. Qi stagnation pattern accounts for 42.5%, Qi deficiency pattern 25.0%, large intestinal heat bind pattern 20.0%, blood deficiency pattern 10.0% and yang deficiency pattern 2.5%. The proportion of students who need for treatment with traditional medicine is 52.5%, acupress massage and traditional medicines are the two methods with the highest demand for treatment. Conclusion: FC among students in University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University are with relatively high prevalence. Most of them have manifestations of Excess and Deficiency, Qi stagnation pattern and Qi deficiency pattern are higher than the other. Demand for treatment of FC with traditional medicine is quite high, most of them need treatment with acupress massage and traditional medicines. Key words: functional constipation, students, the need for treatment, ROME III criteria.

Xiaoyi Yusi decoction improves fertilization and embryo transfer outcomes in patients with endometriosis.

To investigate the effect of - Xiaoyi Yusi decoction (XYYSD, ), a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), on fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in patients with endometriosis, and to study the mechanism underpinning the action. Women who underwent IVF-ET were divided into three groups by simple randomization: the treatment ( 32; with TCM treatment), patient (28; with endometriosis alone), and control (33; with male factor alone) groups. The luteal phase short-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist prolonged protocol was used in all three groups. To compare the changes in TCM scores and reproductive outcomes before and after TCM intervention in patients with endometriosis, partial least-squares discriminant analysis was used to analyze the follicular fluid samples of each group and screen and compare metabolites using the MetaboAnalyst software. The clinical data indicated that following TCM intervention, kidney deficiency and blood stasis symptom patterns improved dramatically in patients with endometriosis and that their clinical pregnancy rate increased significantly (71.9% 57.1%, 0.05). Metabolomics showed that the two groups of samples were separated before and after TCM intervention. After TCM intervention, the intervention group was close to the control group, indicating that the TCM had a certain effect. Pathway analysis revealed that after TCM intervention, the metabolism of glycerin phospholipid, pyruvate, and citric acid was regulated. Through the pyruvate and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways and tricarboxylic acid cycle, the TCM XYYSD successfully improved kidney deficiency and blood stasis symptom pattern, as well as the clinical reproductive outcomes of patients with endometriosis-related infertility.

Distribution of Pattern Identification According to BMI in Functional Dyspepsia Patients and Analysis of Frequently Used Herbal Medicines: A Retrospective Chart Review

Objectives: This study analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) who received Korean medicine treatment.Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to investigate sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and prescribed treatments. The clinical records of 192 patients who visited Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital for FD from May 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, were analyzed. In addition, the distribution of pattern identification and symptom type according to body mass index (BMI), as well as prescription history, were analyzed.Results: As the degree of obesity increased, the proportion of Spleen-Qi deficiency pattern patients decreased (p=0.012), and the proportion of damp-phlegm pattern patients increased (p=0.000). Additionally, as the degree of obesity increased, the proportion of patients with excess differentiation increased (p=0.002). The PDS (Postprandial distress syndrome) symptom type was significantly more frequent in the underweight and normal groups than in the overweight and obese groups, and the EPS (Epigastric pain syndrome) symptom type was more frequent in the overweight and obese groups. Regardless of the type of pattern identification, the most frequently used prescriptions were &lt;i&gt;Naesowhajung-tang&lt;/i&gt;, Hanshin &lt;i&gt;Naeso-san&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;Sojeokgunbi-hwan&lt;/i&gt; granule.Conclusion: This study analyzed the medical records of patients with FD to elucidate the use of Korean medicine treatments. Our study is meaningful in that we found that the distribution of pattern identification and symptom patterns are linked to the degree of obesity in FD patients and identified the tendency for herbal medicine treatments to be prescribed in clinical practice.

Prevalence and pattern of iron deficiency and its correlation with different hematological parameters in a segment of patients coming to a tertiary care hospital in Lahore

Background: Iron is an essential micronutrient, abundantly present in nature. Very low quantities of iron are required in our daily diet to prevent its deficiency. But paradoxically, its deficiency is very common all around the world. In keeping with its wide and varied functions in the body, the deficiency of iron also has multiple manifestations. This study aimed to study the prevalence and pattern of iron deficiency in a segment of our population. The effect on various hematological parameters was also studied.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Fifty cases including both genders and all ages were included in the study. The parameters analyzed were iron status and hematological indices. The status of serum iron levels was compared with total iron binding capacity (TIBC). Blood examination included total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, hemoglobin level, total RBC count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet count. The correlation of serum iron levels with the different hematological indices was analyzed.&#x0D; Results: Iron deficiency was even more prevalent than previously reported (70%). It was seen in both genders and all age groups. Only the elderly male group showed a mean that was in the normal range. Females were affected more severely than males in all age groups. Red cell indices showed expected correlation with serum iron levels. Platelet counts showed an increase with falling iron levels.&#x0D; Discussion: Iron deficiency continues to be rampant despite decades of public health measures to correct it. Iron deficiency anemia impacts multiple body functions with a myriad of health consequences. The ensuing symptoms are those classically related to anemia as well as some that are both unexpected and hard to explain. Increase in platelet count seen in iron deficiency carries the risk of creation of a thrombogenic state. The factors contributing to iron deficiency need to be identified and addressed.&#x0D; Key words: Serum iron levels, Complete Blood Count, iron deficiency, platelet count.

Decoding of translation-regulating entities reveals heterogeneous translation deficiency patterns in cellular senescence.

Cellular senescence constitutes a generally irreversible proliferation barrier, accompanied by macromolecular damage and metabolic rewiring. Several senescence types have been identified based on the initiating stimulus, such as replicative (RS), stress-induced (SIS) and oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). These senescence subtypes are heterogeneous and often develop subset-specific phenotypes. Reduced protein synthesis is considered a senescence hallmark, but whether this trait pertains to various senescence subtypes and if distinct molecular mechanisms are involved remain largely unknown. Here, we analyze large published or experimentally produced RNA-seq and Ribo-seq datasets to determine whether major translation-regulating entities such as ribosome stalling, the presence of uORFs/dORFs and IRES elements may differentially contribute to translation deficiency in senescence subsets. We show that translation-regulating mechanisms may not be directly relevant to RS, however uORFs are significantly enriched in SIS. Interestingly, ribosome stalling, uORF/dORF patterns and IRES elements comprise predominant mechanisms upon OIS, strongly correlating with Notch pathway activation. Our study provides for the first time evidence that major translation dysregulation mechanisms/patterns occur during cellular senescence, but at different rates depending on the stimulus type. The degree at which those mechanisms accumulate directly correlates with translation deficiency levels. Our thorough analysis contributes to elucidating crucial and so far unknown differences in the translation machinery between senescence subsets.

Altered gut microbiota–host bile acid metabolism in IBS-D patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency pattern

BackgroundDysregulation of gut microbiota–host bile acid (BA) co-metabolism is a critical pathogenic factor of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), instructed by pattern differentiation, is effective in treating IBS-D, in which liver depression and spleen deficiency (LDSD) is the most prevalent pattern. Still, it is unclear the linkage between the LDSD pattern and the BA metabolic phenotype.PurposeThis study aimed to uncover the biological basis of the LDSD pattern from the BA metabolic perspective.MethodsPatients with IBS-D completed questionnaires regarding the irritable bowel severity scoring system (IBS-SSS), stool frequency, Stool Bristol scale, and Self-Rating Scales of mental health. Fasting blood and morning feces were collected to analyze the gut metagenome and BA-related indices/metabolites.ResultsIBS-D patients with LDSD had a higher incidence of BA overexcretion (41% vs. 23% non-LDSD) with significant elevations in fecal total BAs and serum BA precursor 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one levels. Compared to controls or non-LDSD patients, LDSD patients had a featured fecal BA profile, with higher proportions of deoxycholic acid (DCA), 7-ketodeoxycholic acid, and lithocholic acid. It is consistent with the BA-metabolizing genomic changes in the LDSD gut microbiota characterized by overabundances of 7-dehydroxylating bacteria and BA-inducible genes (baiCD/E/H). The score of bowel symptoms (stool frequency and abdominal pain) showing greater severity in the LDSD pattern were positively correlated with bai-expressing bacterial abundances and fecal DCA levels separately.ConclusionWe clarified a differed BA metabolic phenotype in IBS patients with LDSD, which closely correlates with the severity of bowel symptoms. It demonstrates that gut microbiota and host co-metabolism of BAs would provide crucial insight into the biology of the LDSD pattern and its internal relationship with IBS progression.

Influence of Vitamin D Deficiency on the Expression of Genes and Proteins in Patients With Medium Rotator Cuff Tears.

Whether vitamin D deficiency is related to rotator cuff muscle and tendon physiology is controversial. To assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and various gene expression patterns in patients with rotator cuff tears. Controlled laboratory study. During arthroscopic surgery, samples from the supraspinatus muscle, deltoid muscle, and supraspinatus tendon were acquired from 12 patients with vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration <20 ng/dL) and 12 patients with sufficient vitamin D levels (control group, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration ≥30 ng/dL) who were matched for age, sex, and tear size. Alterations in the expression of genes and proteins associated with myogenesis, muscle atrophy, adipogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as in vitamin D receptor expression, were assessed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry and were compared between the 2 groups. Vitamin D receptor gene expression in the deltoid muscle was significantly lower in the vitamin D deficiency group than in the control group (P = .043). Additionally, in the deltoid muscle, myoDgene expression levels were lower and atrogin levels were higher in the vitamin D deficiency group than in the control group (P = .034 and P = .011, respectively). However, in the supraspinatus muscle, no differences were observed between groups in the expression of myogenesis- or atrophy-related genes (all P > .05). The expression of inflammation-related genes (interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6) was significantly higher in the vitamin D deficiency group, in both the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles (all P < .05). The supraspinatus tendon tissue did not show any significant differences in any gene expression evaluated (all P > .05). A correlation between gene and protein expression was observed for atrogin and IL-1β in the deltoid muscle (P = .019 and P = .037, respectively) and for IL-6 in the supraspinatus muscle (P = .044). Vitamin D deficiency was not associated with the expression of myogenesis-related or muscle atrophy-related genes in the supraspinatus muscle of patients with rotator cuff tears, unlike in the deltoid muscle; rather, vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased proinflammatory cytokine expression. In patients with rotator cuff tears, vitamin D deficiency was observed to be associated with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the rotator cuff muscles, without significant changes in gene expression related to myogenesis or muscle atrophy.

Noninvasive identificational diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy and non-diabetic renal disease based on clinical characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine symptom pattern and conventional medicine.

To study the clinical characteristics relating to differential diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD). The subjects were patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Western medical history data and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom pattern were collected, and logistic regression was used to analyze. Blood deficiency pattern [odds ratio () = 2.269, 0.017] and stagnation pattern ( = 1.999, 0.041) are independently related to DN. TCM factors blood deficiency pattern and stagnation pattern are relating to differential diagnosis of DN and NDRD.

Intelligent ship inspection analytics: Ship deficiency data mining for port state control

To provide safe, secure, and environment-friendly maritime transport, it is an essential point to define and take appropriate countermeasures against the substandard ships in maritime transport. Port State Control (PSC) is one of the critical inspection regimes recognized worldwide to define substandard ships. However, one of the biggest challenge faced in ship inspection is the necessity of checking many items through limited time and qualified human resources. Therefore, in this study, it is aimed to develop a decision support system to increase the effectiveness of ship inspections. In accordance with this, we proposed an intelligent ship inspection analytics (I-SIA) model based on the Knowledge Discovery in Database (KDD) process by utilizing fuzzy c-means clustering and apriori algorithms. The I-SIA model provides the determination of ship deficiency patterns based on specific ship attributes, and subsequently predicts main/sub inspection items to be focused on through former inspection records of the ship to be inspected. In the case study performed for a selected ship, I-SIA predicts critical 5 main and 23 sub-inspection items that need to be checked with high priority, among 17 main inspection items and out of more than 500 sub-inspection items. Herewith, I-SIA provides a ship-specific and dynamic ship inspection based on deficiencies recorded in previous inspections and detected during inspection. Thus, it becomes possible to enhance the effectiveness of the inspection via defined deficiency patterns.