Normal Group Research Articles

Clinical characteristics of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis and eosinophilic esophageal myositis based on esophageal motility.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) presents with various esophageal motility disorders, and some cases of hypercontractile esophagus (HE) are associated with eosinophilic esophageal myositis (EoEM). This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of patients with EoE and EoEM according to their esophageal motility. The 28 patients with EoE and 2 patients with EoEM were divided into three groups based on esophageal motility: normal motility group, hypomotility group, and spastic contraction group. The clinical characteristics of the three groups were retrospectively compared. Among the 28 patients with EoE, there were 15 with normal esophageal motility, 9 with hypomotility (2 with absent contractility, 7 with ineffective esophageal motility), and 4 with spastic contractions (1 with type III achalasia, 1 with HE, 2 with unclassifiable multipeak contractions). The two patients with EoEM had HE. Most patients in the normal and hypomotility groups had typical endoscopic findings of EoE, whereas these typical findings were less common in the spastic contraction group (P < 0.001). Four of the five patients with esophageal stricture were in the hypomotility group (P = 0.036). The therapy method significantly differed between the three groups: the normal group had more patients that responded to a proton pump inhibitor or potassium-competitive acid blocker, the hypomotility group had more patients that responded to steroids, and the spastic contraction group contained two patients treated with per-oral endoscopic myotomy (P = 0.021). The endoscopic findings and therapy methods differ between patients with EoE and EoEM based on the esophageal motility.

Expression Profile and Prognostic Significance of Pivotal Regulators for N7-Methylguanosine Methylation in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

N7-methylguanosine (m7G) occurs by adding a methyl group to the N7 atom of the RNA guanine. Emerging evidence suggests that m7G modification has emerged as a crucial regulator of tumorigenesis, progression, invasion, and metastasis in multiple cancers. Nevertheless, the utility of m7G modification in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains undefined, notably the interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we aimed to identify the expression profile of m7G regulators in DLBCL, construct a novel risk model, and explore their connection with TME. We initially investigated the difference and correlation in m7G regulators' expression in normal and tumor groups, classified patients by consistent clustering analysis, investigated the functional and prognostic significance of the resulting subtypes, and identified prognosis-associated genes by one-way Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)regression calculations, and constructed a risk model. Further analysis showed that correlation among immune cell infiltration with m7G risk score and determined that it impacts the prognosis of DLBCL patients. Our research demonstrated the relevance of m7G regulators to DLBCL prognosis, providing theoretical support for precise prognostic stratification and immunotherapeutic assessment in DLBCL.

Chirped fiber Bragg gratings directly inscribed by a femtosecond laser in an ytterbium-doped fiber for spectrum recovery, loss compensation and effective use in a CPA scheme

Point-by-point femtosecond laser inscribed chirped Bragg gratings are good candidates for use in fiber chirped pulse amplification systems due to the high flexibility of their dispersion properties, low cost, and no length limitation. However, such gratings have two significant drawbacks: high losses and distortions of the short-wavelength part of the spectrum when operating in the normal group velocity dispersion mode. We propose a novel approach based on writing such gratings in a highly doped active fiber, which allows us to correct both shortcomings. We have also demonstrated, for the first time to our knowledge, a successful use of such gratings as stretchers in a fiber chirped pulse amplification system.

Preoperative hyperamylasemia relates to renal dysfunction and hyperamylasemia in cardiac surgery: an observational study.

The role of preoperative hyperamylasemia in the perioperative enzyme levels in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is unclear. The primary outcome of this observational clinical study was to determine whether patients with preoperative hyperamylasemia undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery document an increase in serum amylase levels perioperatively compared with patients with normal serum amylase levels preoperatively. This prospective study evaluated serum total, pancreatic, and salivary amylase levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and serum creatinine before the operation at postoperative days (POD) 1, 2, 3, and 7. We also followed up on any perioperative symptoms, including abdominal pain and lower ear or jaw swelling. We preoperatively had 157 patients with normal amylase levels (Normal group) and 45 with hyperamylasemia (Hyperamylasemia group). The Hyperamylasemia group demonstrated continuously lower eGFR and higher creatinine values at the preoperative time, postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and 7, compared with the Normal group. The Hyperamylasemia group showed higher serum total, pancreatic, and salivary amylase levels at preoperative (total 70 [55-90] [Normal] vs. 142 [107 to 162] [Hyperamylasemia] IU/L, median [25-75th percentile], P < 0.001) and postoperative periods compared with the Normal group. The relationship between renal dysfunction and serum amylase levels in all patients was significant in the preoperative, but not postoperative, periods. We noted no patients demonstrating clinical symptoms. Preoperative hyperamylasemia in patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery was associated with renal dysfunction without needing hemodialysis. However, whether the relation affects postoperative serum amylase levels is inconclusive.

Evaluation of anterior teeth crown-root morphology and alveolar bone structure in patients with closed deep overbite using cone beam computed tomography

This retrospective study used cone-beam computed tomography to investigated the crown-root morphology and alveolar bone structure in incisors region in subjects with closed deep overbite and comparison the difference between gender and age. The CBCT images for 40 subjects (group C) with Angle II division 2 were selected from patients of the HeFei Stomatological Hospital from November 2023 to March 2024.20 individual normal occlusion subjects (group A),20 patients with Angle II division 1(group B) were included. The crown-root ratio of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, crown-root angle and alveolar bone structure were measured on the CBCT images, the data were statistically analyzed. In addition to mandibular lateral incisor, the crown-root ratio of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth in the Class II division 2 group was higher than that in the individual normal occlusion group and the Class II division 1 (P < 0. 05). The crown-root angle of maxillary anterior teeth in the Class II division 2 group was smaller than that in the individual normal occlusion group and the Class II division 1 (P < 0. 05). The alveolar bone thickness of the maxillary central incisor was comparatively smaller, while the alveolar bone height was relatively higher in the Class II division 2 group. Age and gender were associated with change in root lengths and crown-root angle for the Class II division 2 group (P < 0. 05). Patients with closed deep overbite malocclusion exhibit a significant difference compared to the controls for most measurements. The patients presenting with Class II division 2 malocclusion exhibit excessive inward positioning of the anterior teeth, resulting in evident crown-root angle, a large crown-root ratio, and minimal labial alveolar bone. In order to keep the tooth movement within the safe range of alveolar bone movement, it is necessary to strictly control the torque and use appropriate orthodontic force to reduce the risk of bone fenestration, bone dehiscence, gingival recession and root resorption.

Hematologic Parameters Cut-off Assessment of Adult Alpha-Thalassemia Patients in Iran

Background: Thalassemia is one of the most common blood disorders in Iran. Alpha-thalassemia is caused by the deletion of the alpha-globin gene. The frequency of deletions in the alpha-globin gene is associated with microcytosis and hypochromia, making hematological parameters valuable predictive tools in the initial identification of alpha-thalassemia patients. This study aimed to compare hematologic parameters such as Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), red blood cell (RBC) count, and hemoglobin (HGB) levels in silent and minor patients, whose genotypes were genetically characterized, with normal patients to establish cut-off points for these groups. Materials and Methods: The study involved a total of 860 patients with alpha-thalassemia, including 267 cases of silent, 261 cases of minor, and 332 cases of normal alpha-thalassemia. Results: Analysis of blood indices based on sex revealed that the male group had higher values than the female group. Assessment of alpha-thalassemia in minor patients showed that the Cis form (—/αα) had higher microcytosis than the Trans form (–α/–α) in this group. This difference was also observed between α-3.7α/ α-3.7α and (αα)-MED/αα as two different genetic forms in minor patients, with (αα)-MED/αα being in the Cis form. Data indicated that the cut-off value was insignificant in silent patients compared to the normal group. However, minor patients with MCH≤23.7 and MCV≤74.9 had an AUC greater than 0.9 (p-value&lt; 0.01), distinguishing them from the normal group. Conclusion: Comparing hematological parameters in these groups illustrated that MCV and MCH are the best predictor parameters for distinguishing between groups.

Impact of Cyclophosphamide on Testis and Sexual Glands of Adult Albino Rats and Probable Recovery After Drug Withdrawal: A Histological and Immunohistochemical study

Background: Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy and an immune-suppressive drug which is used for treatment of malignant and immune –related disease. The current work was conducted to evaluate the histological structure of the male gonad and sexual glands during treatment and after discontinuation of cyclophosphamide. Material and Methods: Thirty male albino- rats were classified into three groups. The first one was treated by normal saline, the second and third groups received cyclophosphamide 150 mg/kg intra peritoneal every two days for one week. The third group regarded as recovery group and divided into two subgroups with one- or two-months’ recovery period. At the accomplishment of the work, blood was drowning for hormonal analysis (testosterone) then the animals were sacrificed. The testis, prostate and seminal vesicle were removed and prepare for histological and immunohistochemical staining. Results: The cyclophosphamide treated group (GII) showed reduction of serum testosterone level, the testicular and sexual glands sections revealed atrophic and degenerative changes of their lining epithelium with reduction of their function and changes of their Ki67 expression which indicate abnormal proliferative pattern of the cells. However, the histopathological changes of treated group showed no improvement after one or even two months of drug withdrawal. Conclusion: The present study pointed out the risk of infertility and gonadal toxicity during cyclophosphamide treatment which may be permanent even after termination of the treatment.

A comparative retrospective longitudinal study of arthritis risk and cognitive decline in older adults

Arthritis often results in unmet healthcare needs for older adults with cognitive decline, who may struggle to communicate pain or recall symptoms. However, the risk factors for arthritis in this group remain underexplored. We addressed this gap by identifying and comparing arthritis risk factors among older adults with varying cognitive statuses. Data from 334 participants with cognitive decline and 808 participants with normal cognition were analysed using the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, tracking arthritis diagnoses over 12 years with Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results showed 47.6% of older adults with cognitive decline developed arthritis, compared with 30.1% with normal cognition. Key risk factors for the cognitive decline group included depressive symptoms (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.87), living alone (HR: 1.66), infrequent social interactions (HR: 1.42), and greater dependency in daily activities (HR: 1.41). In the normal cognition group, additional chronic illnesses (HR: 1.41) and higher body mass index (HR: 1.09) were significant risk factors. Understanding these distinct risk factors is crucial for preventing and managing arthritis among at risk groups. Moreover, these findings can assist in developing comprehensive public health strategies integrating mental health and social support to improve health outcomes for older adults with cognitive decline.

Myocardial Protective Effect of Xuebijing Injection on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Perfused Isolated Langendorff Heart Based on the PI3K/AKT Pathway

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the myocardial protective effect of Xuebijing injection in a model of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) isolated heart perfusion and determine the role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway. Methods: To establish an ECMO isolated heart perfusion model, Guangxi Bama miniature pigs were randomly divided into two groups: (1) a normal saline group (NS group), in which 50 mL of normal saline was added to the perfusion solution; and (2) a Xuebijing injection group (XBJI group), in which 10 mL of XBJI was added to the perfusion solution and then continuously pumped at 5 mL/h. Perfusion was maintained for 8 h. The hemodynamic changes, inflammatory response, and myocardial enzyme levels at T0, T2, T4, T6, and T8 were evaluated. The protein expression level of the PI3K/AKT pathway was analyzed by Western blot analysis and Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the pathological morphology and ultrastructure of T8 cardiomyopathy. Results: There was no significant difference in hemodynamics between the two groups. XBJI could reduce serum inflammatory factors and myocardial enzyme levels. XBJI also upregulated the expression of PI3K and AKT mRNA and the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT proteins. The results of pathological and electron microscopy showed that XBJI effectively reduced myocardial cell and mitochondrial damage. Conclusion: XBJI can reduce myocardial inflammation and myocardial cell and mitochondrial damage in isolated heart perfusion. XBJI may play a role in the myocardial protection of ECMO isolated heart perfusion by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Quantitative detection of miR-25 for early diagnosis, postoperative assessment and TNM staging of pancreatic cancer

Objectives: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract. Due to its strong concealment and rapid disease progress, it is characterized by high mortality and low cure rate. Current research focuses on screening high-risk populations, preventing the occurrence of pancreatic cancer and developing imaging technology and tumor markers for early diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the absolute quantitative detection of microRNA-25 (miR-25) and reveal its quantitative changes in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. We compared serum miR-25 level between pancreatic cancer patients and other tumor patients, especially those with gastrointestinal cancer, to provide further evidence for early diagnosis, differential diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Methods: We collected serum samples from 51 pancreatic cancer patients (including 21 patients with preoperative and postoperative samples), 52 pancreatitis patients, 141 other tumor patients, and 50 healthy individuals from Huashan Hospital, Fudan University. The serum levels of miR-25, Carbohydrate Antigen 19–9 (CA19–9), Carbohydrate Antigen 125 (CA125) and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in these populations were measured to analyze the value of miR-25 quantitative detection in the diagnosis, postoperative assessment and Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) staging of pancreatic cancer. Results: Among the 51 pancreatic cancer patients, 50 cases (98.04 %) showed miR-25 levels above the threshold (3333 copies/μl), while all samples in normal group showed negative. The mean level of miR-25 in serum was 5707.45 ± 361.02 copies/μl. In other tumor groups, 21/141 (14.89 %) patients showed positive results and the mean miR-25 level was 847.09 ± 125.97 copies/μl. Comparing before and after operation in 21 paired samples, the level of miR-25 declined significantly after operation, with an average decline rate of 86.36 %. Conclusions: Serum miR-25 levels were significantly higher in pancreatic cancer patients compared to both normal and other tumor groups and decreased significantly after surgery. In addition, miR-25 showed higher sensitivity than common tumor markers (CA19–9, CA125, CEA) in early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, and proved to be of significant value in evaluating the effect of surgical treatment.

Effect of different delayed cooling time on organ injuries in rat models of exertional heat stroke

To investigate how the timing of cooling therapy affects organ injuries in rats with exertional heat stroke (EHS) and explore the possible mechanisms. A total of 60 adult male Wistar rat models of EHS were randomized into model group without active cooling after modeling, immediate cooling group with cold water bath immediately after modeling, delayed cooling groups with cold water bath at 5, 15 and 30 min after modeling, with another 12 mice without EHS as the normal control group. The changes in core body temperature of the mice were recorded and the cooling rate was calculated. After observation for 24 h, the mice were euthanized and blood samples were collected for detection of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and interferon-γ, followed by pathological examination of the vital organs. The rats that died within 24 h were immediately dissected for examination. The number of deaths of the model rats within 24 h increased significantly with the time of delay of cooling treatment. The delay of cooling was positively correlated (r=0.996, P=0.004) while the cooling rate negatively correlated with the mortality rate (r=-0.961, P=0.009). The inflammatory cytokine levels presented with different patterns of variations among the cooling intervention groups. All the rat models of EHS had significant organ damages characterized mainly by epithelial shedding, edema, effusion, and inflammatory cell infiltration, and brain and renal injuries reached the peak level at 24 h after EHS. EHS causes significant nonspecific pathologies of varying severities in the vital organs of rats, and the injuries worsen progressively with the delay of cooling. There is a significant heterogeneity in changes of serum inflammatory cytokines in rats with different timing of cooling intervention following EHS.

Plasma protein binding of arsenic species in acute promyelocytic leukemia patients and their relationships with hepatic and renal function

ABSTRACT Objectives Percentage protein binding (%PB) of arsenic species in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients treated with arsenic trioxide remains unclear. It can be different depending on the status of hepatic or renal function. Methods This study obtained steady-state blood samples from normal APL patients and those with hepatic or renal impairment. %PB of inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethylarsonic acid (MMAV), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV) was determined by analyzing free and total plasma concentrations using ultrafiltration method by HPLC-HG-AFS. Results There is a linear relationship between free and total plasma concentrations for iAs (r2 = 0.952), MMAV (r2 = 0.603), and DMAV (r2 = 0.945). For patients with normal hepatic and renal function, mean %PB was as follows: iAs at 26.7 ± 14.3%, MMAV at 53.3 ± 11.9%, and DMAV at 24.7 ± 7.8%. %PB decreased in patients with renal impairment, with MMAV and DMAV showing statistically significant differences (p < 0.05 for MMAV, p < 0.01 for DMAV). No significant differences in %PB between normal and hepatic impairment group were observed. Conclusion Free arsenic species fraction can be estimated by total concentration. DMAV and iAs present low %PB, while MMAV exhibits a relatively high %PB in plasma. Level of %PB is more likely to be affected by renal function and age.

Assessment of Condylar Changes in Patients with Degenerative Joint Disease of the TMJ After Stabilizing Splint Therapy: A Retrospective CBCT Study.

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the TMJ can impact patients' quality of life and complicate orthodontic treatment. Stabilizing splints are a common conservative treatment in managing TMDs symptoms, although their long-term effects on condylar morphology are poorly studied. This study aimed to assess the impact of stabilizing splints on condyle morphology using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with various stages of DJD. Forty-two condyles with pre- (T1) and post- (T2) splint therapy scans were analyzed. CBCT scans were sectioned into sagittal and coronal slices for condyle classification and measurement. T1 and T2 CBCTs were superimposed before linear and area measurements at different poles. Our results indicate that condyles in the normal group remain unchanged after splint therapy. The majority of subjects in the degenerative groups remained in the same classification group: six out of fourteen degenerative-active patients became degenerative-repair, while three out of twenty-two degenerative-repair patients progressed to degenerative-active. There is no significant remodeling of condylar width pre- and post-splint therapy. On average, there is more bone deposition than reduction in condylar height after splint therapy, although individual variation exists. Stabilizing splints offer a low-risk intervention for managing DJD and may contribute to favorable adaptive changes in the condyles.

Poor oral status at stroke onset negatively affects activities of daily living at discharge: A propensity-score analysis

Background & AimsPoor oral status during stroke recovery can cause malnutrition, which can markedly affect activities of daily living and prevent patients from being discharged home. Therefore, prompt evaluation and treatment of oral disorders immediately after stroke is essential. This study aimed to examine the impact of poor oral status on the post-stroke recovery of independence in activities of daily living and home discharge. MethodsThis single-center retrospective observational study included 137 patients with acute stroke, divided into two groups based on their Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) scores: the normal OAG group (score=8) and the impaired OAG group (scores ≥9). Propensity-score matching was performed to minimize confounding variables. The χ2 test and odds ratios were used to compare the percentage of independence and home discharges between the two groups. ResultsThe normal and impaired OAG groups exhibited no difference in neurological severity or nutritional intake after matching. The percentage of patients achieving independence in activities of daily living in the normal OAG group (86.8%) was significantly higher than that in the impaired OAG group (65.8%) (p=0.03, odds ratio [OR] 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09–0.92). Conversely, no significant difference in the percentage of patients discharged home was found (p=0.15, OR 0.49, 95%CI 0.19–1.29). ConclusionsThis study found that poor oral status after stroke onset was an independent factor affecting independence in activities of daily living at discharge, irrespective of neurological severity and dietary intake.

Four-Dimensional Impedance Manometry in Esophageal Motility Disorders.

Four-dimensional high-resolution impedance manometry (4D HRM) uses impedance to estimate esophageal luminal cross-sectional area and track nadir impedance to measure intrabolus pressure (IBP). We aimed to determine whether 4D HRM metrics could define abnormal esophagogastric junction (EGJ) opening between Chicago Classification version 4.0 motility disorders and compare 4D HRM with functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) metrics. Symptomatic adult patients who completed high-resolution impedance manometry and FLIP were included and compared with an asymptomatic control group. 4D HRM analysis used custom-built software to measure IBP, maximum EGJ diameter, and distensibility index on supine test swallows. 4D HRM metrics were compared with FLIP EGJ metrics. Ninety patients (31 normal motility, 16 ineffective esophageal manometry, 9 absent contractility, 8 conclusive EGJ outflow obstruction [EGJOO], 12 type I achalasia, 14 type II achalasia, 12 type III achalasia, and 34 asymptomatic controls) were included. Phase 2 and 3 IBP was higher in type II and III achalasia compared with controls and normal motility groups ( P < 0.03). Maximum EGJ diameter and EGJ-distensibility index in the conclusive EGJOO and achalasia groups were significantly lower than in controls and normal motility groups ( P < 0.03). 4D HRM identified 37 of 44 (84%) subjects with normal EGJ opening and 29 of 39 (74%) subjects with reduced EGJ opening on FLIP. 4D HRM metrics correlated with expected clinical observations across a spectrum of esophageal motility disorders and defined EGJ obstruction. 4D HRM metrics may have value in defining EGJ obstruction in equivocal cases related to EGJOO or absent peristalsis.

Association between blood microplastic levels and severity of extracranial artery stenosis

Microplastics (MPs) contamination raises concerns about their impact on human health, particularly cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the blood MPs levels in patients with extracranial artery stenosis (ECAS) and their possible link to disease severity. 20 ECAS and 10 control patients were recruited. Blood samples, collected before the digital subtract angiography (DSA) procedure, were analyzed by pyrolysis–gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), laser direct infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Demographic and clinical information was also examined. Strict quality controls were implemented to prevent contamination. MPs were detected by Py-GC/MS in all blood samples, with concentrations significantly higher in ECAS group compared to control (174.89 ± 24.95 vs 79.82 ± 31.73 μg/g, p < 0.001), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide 66 (PA66) were the most abundant among the detected polymers. Further analyses suggested that higher concentrations of MPs may be associated with more severe artery stenosis (p < 0.001). Compared with the normal group, ECAS group had a higher level of D-dimer (0.61 ± 0.6 μg/L vs 0.28 ± 0.09 μg/L, p < 0.05) and longer Thrombin Time (sec) (18.30 ± 3.43 μg/L vs 16.25 ± 1.74 μg/L, p < 0.05). Additionally, LDIR and SEM detected the shape and physical properties of the MPs. In this study, we revealed significant higher blood MPs levels in ECAS patients, with a notable correlation between MPs concentrations and arterial stenosis severity.

From Diabetes to Dementia: Identifying Key Genes in the Progression of Cognitive Impairment.

To provide a basis for further research on the molecular mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes-associated mild cognitive impairment (DCI) using two bioinformatics methods to screen key genes involved in the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and type 2 diabetes. RNA sequencing data of MCI and normal cognition groups, as well as expression profile and sample information data of clinical characteristic data of GSE63060, which contains 160 MCI samples and 104 normal samples, were downloaded from the GEO database. Hub genes were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, combined with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, was used to verify the genes. Moreover, RNA sequencing and clinical characteristic data for GSE166502 of 13 type 2 diabetes samples and 13 normal controls were downloaded from the GEO database, and the correlation between the screened genes and type 2 diabetes was verified by difference and ROC curve analyses. In addition, we collected clinical biopsies to validate the results. Based on WGCNA, 10 modules were integrated, and six were correlated with MCI. Six hub genes associated with MCI (TOMM7, SNRPG, COX7C, UQCRQ, RPL31, and RPS24) were identified using the LASSO algorithm. The ROC curve was screened by integrating the GEO database, and revealed COX7C, SNRPG, TOMM7, and RPS24 as key genes in the progression of type 2 diabetes. COX7C, SNRPG, TOMM7, and RPS24 are involved in MCI and type 2 diabetes progression. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms of these four genes in the development of type 2 diabetes-associated MCI should be studied.

Inhibition of viability of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells by vialinin A under high glucose condition.

To investigate the effects of vialinin A on viability of human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) under high glucose condition and its potential mechanism. The HRECs were divided into four groups: normal glucose control group (NG, 5 mmol/L D-glucose), high glucose group (HG, 30 mmol/L D-glucose), HG+1 µmol/L vialinin A group, and HG+5 µmol/L vialinin A group. The cell viabilities were measured with cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay for proliferation, with scratch assay for migration, and tube formation, for evaluation of the impact of vialinin A on cellular behaviour. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The proliferative capacity and migration of HRECs was reduced by 5 µmol/L vialinin A in high glucose environment (both P<0.05). Vialinin A also inhibited high-glucose-induced tube formation of HRECs. The expression level of VEGF and PI3K in HRECs was also significantly decreased by vialinin A (P<0.05). Vialinin A inhibits the cell viability of HRECs. It may serve as a potential target for anti-angiogenic therapy.

Radical-directed dissociation mass spectrometry for differentiation and relative quantitation of isomeric ether-linked phosphatidylcholines

BackgroundEther-linked phosphatidylcholines (PCs) include both plasmanyl and plasmenyl PCs, which contain an ether or a vinyl ether bond at the sn-1 linkage position, respectively. Profiling and quantifying ether PCs with accurate structural information is challenging because of the common presence of isomeric and isobaric species in a lipidome. ResultsIn the present study, radical directed dissociation (RDD) from collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the bicarbonate anion adduct of ether PCs has been investigated to differentiate and relatively quantify ether PCs. Alkyl- and alkenyl- PCs give diagnostic characteristic fragment patterns that enable their confident identification and isomer differentiation. Additionally, the sn-position specific product ions have proven effective for relative quantitation among isomers in ether PCs and their isobaric PC species. Using this methodology, we successfully identified a total of 30 PC-O species, 21 PC-P species at the chain composition level, and 22 species of isobaric PC at the sn-position level in the human plasma lipid extract. The quantitative analysis revealed that ether PCs with a 20:4 fatty acyl chain are relatively more abundant in human plasma. Finally, the profile of ether PCs in type 2 diabetic (T2D) groups compared to normal control groups revealed a significant decrease in PC-O 18:1/20:5. We also found it is the PC species containing a 17-carbon fatty acyl chain, rather than their isobaric ether PCs, that shows a decreasing trend in the T2D groups. Significanceether-linked PCs are firstly investigated by RDD mass spectrometry.

Identifying the ‘Miserable Minority’ Among Pediatric Patients Following Concussion

ObjectivesTo investigate whether there are empirically-detectable subgroups of concussion severity and recovery across three consecutive concussions, as well as to define risk factor and clinical assessment differences across subgroups. MethodsThe present study was a retrospective chart review of 202 adolescents 13.17 ± 1.99 years old who presented to a concussion specialty clinic within 30 days of injury for multiple injuries between 2019 and 2020. Participants included patients from a specialty clinic for two (n = 202) or three (n = 68) total concussions. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify subgroups based upon concussion symptom severity and recovery time. Risk factors (sex, age at first injury, and histories of anxiety, depression, migraine, motion sickness, ocular dysfunction, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] or learning disability [LD]) were compared across subgroups. ResultsA two-class solution yielded one group of 163 participants characterized by lower symptoms and shorter recovery times (80.7%, “normal”) and 39 participants (19.3%, “miserable minority”) characterized by higher symptoms and longer recovery times. Only female sex (OR = 4.91, p = 0.005) was a significant predictor of class membership. The miserable group presented for treatment nearly 4 days later (9.41 days) compared to the normal group (5.74 days) for the first injury, and almost 2 days later for the second injury (7.33 vs 5.26 days). ConclusionsApproximately 1 in 5 patients who presented to a concussion specialty clinic for a repeat concussion were classified in the miserable minority subgroup. This subgroup was characterized by markedly higher initial symptom burdens and over double the recovery time. Level of EvidenceRetrospective cohort study, Level III evidence.