Organ Systems Research Articles

Recent advances of organic long persistent luminescence: Design strategy and internal mechanism

AbstractOrganic afterglow materials have drawn increasing attention for their great potential in practical applications. Until now, most of them just show the lifetimes in milliseconds or seconds, while the realization of long persistent luminescence (LPL) lasting for minutes or even hours is difficult. In 2017, Adachi and Kabe successfully realize the LPL with a duration longer than 1 hour in a purely organic system, which can be even comparable to some excellent inorganic materials. However, partially for the unclear structure‐property relationship, organic LPL materials are still rather scarce, especially for the stable ones in air or aqueous solution. In this review, we present the recent progress in organic LPL, mainly focusing on the material design strategy and internal mechanism. It is anticipated that the deep understanding can be beneficial for the further development of organic LPL materials with good stability in air and even aqueous phase.

Unveiling the Disease Patterns and Infection Categories in MDRO-Infected Patients: Insights from a Comprehensive Study at Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Semarang

Background: Multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO) pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Understanding the disease patterns and infection categories associated with MDRO infections is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies. This study aims to unveil the prevalent diseases and infection categories among MDRO-infected patients at Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Semarang in Indonesia.Methods: A comprehensive retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of patients diagnosed with MDRO infections. Clinical characteristics were collected and analyzed. The diseases were classified into broader categories based on their organ system or common medical classification.Result: The study included 100 MDRO-infected patients and they presented with 81 various medical conditions/diseases. The most common diseases associated with MDRO infections were Covid-19, and Bronchopneumonia. Among the infection categories, gastrointestinal disorders, and Neoplastic Diseases were the predominant categories. The study revealed a high prevalence of MDRO infections in patients with these conditions while as the category of Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases accounted for the smallest proportion of cases with only one case.Conclusion : This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the disease patterns and infection categories in MDRO-infected patients at Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Semarang. The findings highlight the need for targeted surveillance, infection control measures, and antimicrobial stewardship programs to effectively manage MDRO infections. Understanding the most prevalent diseases and infection categories associated with MDROs can aid in early detection, appropriate treatment, and the development of preventive strategies.

Plastic induced urinary tract disease and dysfunction: a scoping review.

In 2019 the World Health Organisation published a report which concluded microplastics in drinking water did not present a threat to human health. Since this time a plethora of research has emerged demonstrating the presence of plastic in various organ systems and their deleterious pathophysiological effects. A scoping review was undertaken in line with recommendations from the Johanna Briggs Institute. Five databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Web of Science and EMBASE) were systematically searched in addition to a further grey literature search. Eighteen articles were identified, six of which investigated and characterised the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the human urinary tract. Microplastics were found to be present in kidney, urine and bladder cancer samples. Twelve articles investigated the effect of MNPs on human cell lines associated with the human urinary tract. These articles suggest MNPs have a cytotoxic effect, increase inflammation, decrease cell viability and alter mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signalling pathways. Given the reported presence MNPs in human tissues and organs, these plastics may have potential health implications in bladder disease and dysfunction. As a result, institutions such as the World Health Organisation need to urgently re-evaluate their position on the threat of microplastics to public health. This scoping review highlights the rapidly emerging threat of microplastic contamination within the human urinary tract, challenging the World Health Organisation's assertion that microplastics pose no risk to public health. The documented cytotoxic effects of microplastics, alongside their ability to induce inflammation, reduce cell viability and disrupt signalling pathways, raise significant public health concerns relating to bladder cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic urinary tract infections and incontinence. As a result, this study emphasises the pressing need for further research and policy development to address the challenges surrounding microplastic contamination.

The Role of Organic Farming for Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Development: A Review

Climate Change, exacerbated by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2), is a pressing global crisis that disrupts long-term weather patterns, ecosystems, and human well-being. Organic agriculture offers a viable solution to mitigate these effects. By lowering greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing soil carbon sequestration, organic farming strengthens ecosystem resilience. Practices such as eliminating synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, rotating crops, and utilizing organic waste foster robust agricultural systems capable of enduring extreme weather and water scarcity. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of how organic farming contributes to climate change mitigation, detailing practices that support soil carbon sequestration, reduce nitrogen oxide (N2O) emissions, and boost biodiversity. It also addresses challenges such as emissions measurement and consumer behaviour, emphasizing the need for further research and supportive policies. Organic agriculture not only advances sustainable development but also promotes food security and environmental sustainability in the face of climate change.

Physiological responses to heat exposure in a general population cohort in Denmark: the Lolland-Falster Health Study.

Rising global temperatures due to climate change pose a health risk. Mortality and morbidity increase during heat events affects various organ systems. While warmer countries face higher risks, even colder regions show elevated mortality during hot periods. This study examines physiological responses to heat exposure using data from the general Danish population cohort Lolland-Falster Health Study (LOFUS) during the summers of 2016-2019. In this cross-sectional study, we analysed health data from 3804 individuals aged ≥15 years. Data were analysed across organ systems: cardiovascular system, lung function, renal system, inflammation, coagulation, and liver function. Meteorological data from the Danish Meteorological Institute provided information on temperature and humidity. Heat exposure was defined as one day ≥28°C heat index the day prior to examination. Adjusted multiple linear regression was applied to analyse differences between the two groups. There were 46 of 368 days with temperatures ≥28°C heat index. In total, 396 participants were heat-exposed (exposure group), while 3408 constituted the unexposed group. Heat exposure was associated with lower systolic blood pressure (-3.82 mm Hg [-5.72; -1.93]), higher heart rate (1.71 beats/min [0.45; 2.98]), lower oxygen saturation (-0.28% [-0.45; -0.10]), higher sodium (0.56 mmol/l [0.33; 0.79]), and higher urine albumin (0.14 mg/l [0.02; 0.27]). No significant differences were observed in inflammation, coagulation, or liver function. This study reveals early physiological responses to heat with one day of heat exposure ≥28°C, particularly in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal systems. These findings underline the need for tailored strategies to mitigate health risks associated with rising temperatures.

Integrative bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomic data from CD8 + T cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

IntroductionSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by extensive inflammation that affects nearly all organ systems in the body. It is primarily mediated by auto-antibodies and immune complexes, and it predominantly affects women more than men. This study employs an in-silico approach to identify key genes potentially involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. ObjectivesTo identify key genes potentially involved in SLE pathogenesis using in-silico approach. MethodsHigh-throughput sequencing dataset GSE97264, from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, which contains RNA transcriptome data from CD8 + T-cells of 18 SLE patients and 14 healthy controls was utilized for the analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Bioconductor DESeq2 package in R platform. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the ToppGene suite. Motif analysis of the genes’ promoter regions was conducted using HOMER software. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and Reactome functional interaction (FI) networks were created using Cytoscape plugins StringApp and ReactomeFIViz, and analysed to identify hub genes. ResultsOur analysis identified 931 DEGs, with 577 upregulated and 354 downregulated. GO and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that upregulated genes were associated with immune responses, including cytokine production and receptor activation. Motif analysis identified key regulatory motifs linked to immune regulation in upregulated genes and T-cell activation in downregulated genes. PPI and FI networks analyses revealed 29 cell cycle-associated hub genes, with 10 genes—CDK1, TPX2, BIRC5, CCNA2, BUB1, BUB1B, AURKA, KIF2C, PLK1, and CDCA8—common to both biological networks, suggesting their crucial role in SLE pathogenesis. ConclusionThis study suggests that dysregulation of the identified 10 genes may impact immune responses and contribute to the autoimmune-like conditions observed in SLE. Several of these genes are also implicated in other autoimmune diseases, highlighting their potential as SLE biomarkers. Despite their known roles in other immune-related diseases involving CD8 + T cells, their direct association with SLE had not been previously established. This novel finding underscores the potential of these genes as therapeutic targets and may contribute to the development of diagnostic tools.

Preparation of stable and biocompatible MOF@SiO2 nanoparticles for Oxybutynin loading and pelvic floor muscle repair

The pelvic floor muscle (PFM) is a critical structure maintaining the support system of pelvic organs, primarily composed of the anal support belt. Structural abnormalities and functional disorders may lead to clinical pathological changes, resulting in pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), significantly impacting patient health. To address the challenges in PFD treatment, we first constructed a novel Zn4L2 (phen)4 for drug delivery and characterized its structure and fluorescence properties. Subsequently, we developed a stable and biocompatible drug, MOFs@SiO2 nanoparticles, loaded with Oxybutynin. Detailed characterization of their structure was performed. An in vitro cellular model of PFD was established through mechanical injury, and our synthesized novel Zn4L2 (phen)4@SiO2-Oxybutynin particles successfully alleviated the induced upregulation of MDA and downregulation of GPX4 associated with PFD, demonstrating the particle's efficacy in treating PFD by regulating ferroptosis. This study highlights the significant potential of this novel preparation strategy in the biomedical field.

LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK AND TRANSPLANTATION SYSTEM IN UKRAINE NOWADAYS

Introduction. In Ukraine, the system of human organ and anatomical material transplantation is still developing. The advancement of this process is partly hindered by complex legal issues related to human organ and tissue transplantation. Moreover, the transplantation mechanism is further complicated by the requirements for reporting, medical examinations, and multiple administrative inspections. The current functioning of the transplantation system necessitates a thorough review and critical analysis to facilitate its improvement. Aim. To study the legal framework and socio-ethical prerequisites for the further development of the transplantation in Ukraine. Materials and methods. The authors use systematic, comparative, and critical methods, as well as analytical generalization, to describe the current state and legislative prerequisites for the development of the transplantation in Ukraine. Conclusions. A review of the legal framework and socio-ethical prerequisites for the operation of the human organ and tissue transplantation system in Ukraine has revealed numerous administrative, legislative, and informational gaps that hinder the development of the Ukrainian transplantation. However, there have been recent indications of positive changes. Consequently, there is an urgent need to establish special funds with such primary goal as the financing, technical, and technological re-equipment of healthcare institutions, specifically for the needs of transplantation centres. Equally important is the implementation of various measures to incorporate foreign experience to improve the qualification of medical professionals.

The Effects of a Cultivar and Production System on the Qualitative and Quantitative Composition of Bioactive Compounds in Spring Wheat (Triticum sp.).

Spelt Triticum aestivum L. subsp. spelta (cv. Wirtas), einkorn Triticum monococcum L. (cv. Samopsza) and emmer Triticum dicoccum Schrank (Schuebl) (cv. Płaskurka biała and Płaskurka ciemna) spring wheat cultivars were analyzed and compared to common wheat Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum (cv. Harenda, Kandela, Mandaryna, Serenada, Goplana, Kamelia, Nimfa, Rusałka, Struna, Zadra) cultivated in an organic production system. Moreover, the performance of four common wheat cultivars (cv. Harenda, Kandela, Mandaryna, Serenada) grown in organic, conventional and integrated production systems were compared. The UHPLC-DAD-MS and TLC-DPPH• analyses of specific substances (phenolic acids and alkylresorcinols) were evaluated to ascertain the potential of spring wheat cultivars for promoting human health and suitability for cultivation in an organic production system. The highest yield was observed for the T. aestivum L. subsp. aestivum (modern hull-less) cv. Nimfa (4.45 t/ha), which also demonstrated the lowest resistance to Fusarium spp. infection. Among the contemporary hull-less cultivars, cv. Mandaryna and cv. Harenda exhibited the highest resistance to this pathogen (2.4% and 3.7% of grains infected by Fusarium, respectively), while simultaneously displaying the highest organic phenolic acid content (900.92 and 984.55 µg/g of the grain) and the highest antioxidant potential. It is noteworthy that the cereal hulls of T. monococcum L. (old hulled) (cv. Samopsza) exhibited a markedly elevated content of phenolic acids (approximately 4000 µg/g of the grain). This may have contributed to the reduced incidence of Fusarium infection (9.3% of grains infected) observed in the grains of this cultivar. Furthermore, the hulls proved to be a rich source of phenolics with high antioxidant activity, which is beneficial for human and animal health.

Identifying leverage points using material flow analysis to circularise resources from urban wastewater and organic waste

Anthropogenic systems are synonymous with linear economies that cause widespread resource waste and environmental degradation. Urban areas are hotspots for this behaviour due to their high population density and resource consumption. Changing this situation is limited by the lack of a holistic but sufficiently detailed understanding of system units where resource waste occurs. The objectives of this study were: (1) to develop and apply a model of the material and substance (nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon) flows of organic waste and wastewater systems at a local scale, taking Christchurch, New Zealand, as a study case, and (2) to identify leverage points within the system to achieve resource circularisation. Results show that groundwater, infiltrated water, and industrial wastewater are the predominant material flows into the system. Nitrogen and phosphorus inputs predominantly come from food products, detergents, green waste, and industrial wastewater. The Christchurch wastewater system is a prime example of a linear economy, where ∼66 % of the nitrogen and ∼63 % of the phosphorus entering the wastewater system is discharged to the ocean. Leakage from the water supply system reduces water resource efficiency, while water infiltration into the wastewater network inflates the quantity of wastewater treated at the centralised treatment plant, limiting nutrient recovery. In the compost facility, 86 % of the waste is composted, with 33% of the nitrogen and all the phosphorus exiting as compost, while ∼66 % of the nitrogen treated exits through volatilisation. The remaining 14 % of the organic waste entering the treatment plant is deemed unsuitable for composting and is landfilled. The material and substance flow analysis allowed the identification of flows with leverage points in the system where there are opportunities to reduce, reuse, or recover materials and substances to encourage circularisation. These flows include food products, detergents, unsuitable materials for composting, domestic water supply leakages, wastewater network infiltration, and wastewater treatment plant's nutrient recovery.

Experimental analysis of a pilot plant in Organic Rankine Cycle configuration with regenerator and thermal energy storage (TES-RORC)

Applying thermal energy storage in a Regenerative Organic Rankine Cycle system is a possible combination of energy storage for renewable and waste energy sources. This research presents an experimental analysis of a regenerative organic Rankine cycle pilot plant, incorporating a thermal energy storage chamber based on a phase change materials to obtain thermal inertia in the system. The primary heat source is the residual heat of combustion gases at a temperature of approximately 320 °C coming from a generating set that operates within a thermal power generation plant. The prototype uses a twin-screw expander modified to work as a turbine. Novec 649 was used as the working fluid which is an organic compound. The experimental evaluation of the regenerative organic Rankine cycle with thermal energy storage has been carried out through energy and exergetic efficiency analysis to verify the operation of the pilot plant. Values of 13.2 % were obtained for the exergetic efficiency and 2.67 % for the global efficiency of the cycle, with a maximum expander work of 11.8 kW. It was demonstrated that the thermal energy storage system provides energy in response to the plant's operating inertia for 17.5 min, sufficient time for the gradual shutdown of the plant equipment, maintaining the working power of the regenerative organic Rankine cycle.

Experimental investigation of a small-scale reversible high-temperature heat pump − organic Rankine cycle system for industrial waste heat recovery

Innovative technologies are required to mitigate the challenges of climate change. A reversible high-temperature heat pump (HTHP) − organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system can be used for effective utilisation of industrial waste heat in the lower temperature band <100 °C. The system can provide useful process heat for industrial processes by operating in HTHP mode or generating power in ORC mode. This paper presents the experimental investigation of the reversible system in both HTHP and ORC modes. A single scroll unit was selected for the compressor (HTHP) and expander (ORC) roles, keeping the system compact. A HCFO refrigerant, R1233zd(E), with a low GWP value, was chosen as the working fluid for both operating modes. When operated in HTHP mode, a maximum compressor overall isentropic efficiency of 73.4 % and a COPmech of 4.8 (ΔTlift,rside = 41 K, Tsf,ev,in = 60 °C) was obtained. In ORC mode, the maximum net power output was 512.4 W (Tsf,ev,in = 90 °C, rp = 2.3), overall cycle efficiency was 3.01 %, and overall isentropic efficiency of the expander was 54.6 %. The technical limitations encountered, and solutions put in place during the experimental testing campaign are discussed in detail.

Clinical health outcomes of Ebola virus disease survivors eight years post recovery: a cross-sectional study in Sierra Leone.

The West African Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic that occurred between 2013-2016 resulted in >28,000 confirmed cases and >11,000 fatalities. Thousands of survivors necessitate an understanding of the long-term health effects and future medical needs of these patients. A cross-sectional study of 595 EVD survivors from Sierra Leone and 403 close contacts (n=998). An in-person survey conducted between November 2021 and March 2022 included demographics, clinical health symptomology assessment of each organ system and a reproductive health assessment including sexual dysfunction question sets. The frequency of each disorder was examined and the association of each disorder with EVD survival was assessed. Of 12 number of symptom types, five were reported by >50% of EVD survivors (Ocular, Neurological, Constitutional, Genitourinary, Dermatological), and all but one were reported by >40% of EVD survivors. Symptom types associated with EVD survival included ENT symptoms (AOR: 8.75, 95% CI: 5.63 - 13.60, p < 0.001), ocular symptoms (AOR: 7.18, 95% CI: 5.02 - 10.25, p < 0.001), dermatological symptoms (AOR: 4.16, 95% CI: 3.06 - 5.65, p < 0.001) and cardiovascular symptoms (AOR: 2.96, 95% CI: 2.12 - 4.13, p < 0.001). The West Africa EVD epidemic resulted in a high prevalence of persistent health issues among disease survivors. Continued support for survivor services in West Africa is crucial, and future outbreak response planning should include dedicated funding to ensure adequate care for survivors, both during the acute phase of infection and throughout the post recovery period.

Gastrointestinal disease in systemic sclerosis: the neglected organ system?

Identifying outcomes and clinical trial endpoints enabled the discovery of new inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatments. Herein, we describe efforts to advance the study of gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Insights into the scope of the problem, as well as advancements in the measurement and treatment of SSc-GI, are underway. Proposed SSc esophageal endophenotypes are now defined, risk stratification methods are growing, and imaging and functional studies are now employed to guide therapeutic interventions. Additional progress is being made in characterizing the gut microbiome in patients with SSc. Research into the role of the immune response in the pathogenesis of SSc-GI disease is also ongoing, evolving simultaneously with the development of methods to facilitate data collection with real-time capture of diet, exercise, and medication data. Multidisciplinary teams are working to deepen our understanding of SSc-GI disease pathogenesis, to identify biomarkers for risk stratification and the assessment of disease activity, and to develop and validate outcomes and clinical trial endpoints to pave the way toward effective therapy for SSc-GI disease.

Thrombotic Consequences of COVID-19 Infection on Microsurgical Reconstruction.

Evidence has shown increased morbidity and mortality for patients with COVID-19 infection within 7 weeks of surgery. However, no studies have specifically investigated the effects of COVID-19 in microsurgical outcomes. This study evaluated thrombotic and overall complications after free tissue transfer for a variety of indications in patients with and without previous COVID-19 infection. A retrospective cohort study was performed in adult patients with or without a history of COVID-19 infection who underwent microsurgical reconstruction between 2017 and 2022. Patients with a history of COVID-19 infection were matched to controls based on age, gender, race, body mass index, history of diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, Caprini score, tobacco use, and flap indication. From 2017 to 2022, 35 patients had a documented history of COVID-19. Matched case analysis determined a 4.8 times increased odds ratio of postoperative complications in the COVID-19 group compared with controls (p = 0.002). Significantly, more patients with COVID-19 experienced total or partial flap loss and anastomotic issues (COVID-19: 7/35, Control: 0/35; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in incidence of VTE (COVID-19: 1/35, Control: 0/35; p = 0.493). Of note, 62.9% of the COVID-19 group were discharged on anticoagulants (versus 14.3% in the control group [p < 0.001]). COVID-19 has dire, long-lasting effects on virtually every organ system, chief among them, the microcirculation. Further studies are needed to fully determine the extent and influence of COVID-19 on complex procedures such as free tissue transfer and how to optimize the screening, workup, and postoperative care to guard against the associated thrombotic consequences.

Abdominal ultrasound has inconsistent agreement with subsequent surgery or necropsy findings in dogs and cats with septic peritonitis.

To evaluate whether abdominal ultrasound correctly diagnosed septic peritonitis and correctly identified its causative lesion in dogs and cats. 84 client-owned dogs and 10 cats that underwent an abdominal ultrasound and had confirmation of septic peritonitis via exploratory laparotomy or necropsy. This retrospective case series documented abdominal ultrasound findings, surgical or necropsy findings, and method for initial diagnosis of septic peritonitis, if different from surgery or necropsy. The surgical report and necropsy findings were compared to sonography results to confirm a diagnosis of septic peritonitis. The frequency at which sonography diagnosed septic peritonitis and its causative lesion was calculated for each type of lesion pathology and organ system. Secondary aims included evaluating the effect of patient characteristics (body weight and species) on sonographic results and whether lesion type or location affected mortality. Most lesions causing septic peritonitis (70.2%) were gastrointestinal in origin and were nonneoplastic ulcerations or perforations (50%). Abdominal ultrasound diagnosed 56.3% of cases of subsequently confirmed septic peritonitis and correctly identified 67% of the causative lesions. Lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and ulcerations/perforations were the most frequent correct sonographic diagnoses and most likely to lead to a correct sonographic diagnosis of septic peritonitis. Lesions located in the hepatobiliary system and lesion types other than neoplasia or ulcerations/perforations were the most frequently missed by abdominal ultrasound. Abdominal ultrasound often fails to diagnose septic peritonitis or the underlying causative lesion, and its accuracy depends on the affected organ and type of lesion.

Leverage points for the uptake of organic food production and consumption in the United Kingdom

Organic food systems are recognised as an important component in meeting United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. A leverage points perspective can help to identify approaches which have the potential to facilitate transformative systemic change towards organic and sustainable farming. Using fuzzy cognitive maps developed from expert stakeholder opinions, we modelled a system of drivers of organic food production and consumption in the United Kingdom, according to the UN Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture systems framework. The most influential concepts in the uptake of organic systems were related to system norms and values and social structures, such as short-term economic thinking, landowner engagement, and relationships with certification bodies. However, in a scenario analysis, organic stakeholders identified relatively shallower leverage points as more likely to change under a sustainable future, resulting in limited systemic change. This demonstrates the need for policies targeting system norms, values and social structures relating to food systems to facilitate the transition to organic and sustainable farming.

Health comorbidities in children with down syndrome (DS) at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta

Down syndrome (DS) is a disease caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. The phenotype in DS leads to manifestations in several organ systems. This study aimed to identify the pattern of comorbidities in DS patients. It was a single-center, cross-sectional study at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta. Medical records of pediatric patients with DS from a period of January 2022 to May 2023 were included. Descriptive analysis was performed to demonstrate demographic and clinical characteristics. A total of 355 pediatric patients with DS were found at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital and the majority were male (196 children or 55.2%). As much as 339 children (95.49%) had comorbidities. The highest comorbidity was congenital heart disease (230 patients or 67.84%) in specifics were atrial septal defect (41 patients or 12.39%), atrioventricular septal defect (29 patients or 8.17%), and patent ductus arteriosus (28 patients or 7.88%). The second highest comorbidity was endocrine system disorders (102 patients or 30.09%), with 100 patients (28.16%) children suffering hypothyroidism. The number of children who had one comorbidity was 248 patients (69.86%), 74 patients (20.48%) had two comorbidities, and 17 patients (4.79%) had three or more comorbidities. The highest co-prevalence of the two comorbidities was congenital heart disease and endocrine system disorders (36 patients or 10.14%). The highest co-prevalence of 3 or more comorbidities was a combination of congenital heart disease, visual impairment, and hearing impairment (6 patients or 1.69%). In conclusion, 95.49% of children with DS have comorbidities. The most common comorbidity was heart defects. About 25.63% of patients had more than one comorbidity. Children with DS who have comorbidities require more attention to prevent complications and to reduce morbidity.

Therapeutic intervention of vitamin B12 in mitigating chronic alcoholism induced alterations in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio): a holistic in vivo approach

Background Chronic alcoholism refers to the unpleasant symptoms directly resulting from excessive drinking. Increased alcohol metabolites and an unbalanced oxidative state are likely to blame for the reported effects under these circumstances. According to preclinical and clinical research, vitamin B12 can act on several organ systems with demonstrated neuroprotective, antioxidant, and glutamate modulating properties. Objective This research sought to examine the ameliorative effects of vitamin B12 (VtB12) in persistent alcohol (AlOH) exposed adult zebrafish with the help of following parameters like the anxiety related behavior test, Oxidative stress, and antioxidant assays, histological and immunofluorescence analysis. Methods Zebrafish pretreated with 0.40% AlOH (v/v) for 120 min (+AlOH) or not (−AlOH), were exposed for 6 h to home tank water (−VtB12) or to 59 µg-VtB12/kg-fish food (+VtB12) to analyze anxiety behavior in the geotaxis (novel tank) test as well as the oxidative brain damage in the adult zebrafish. Results Adult zebrafish exposed to chronic AlOH showed a decrease in the distance travelled, average and mobility speed, and increased the average frozen time, the explored area, and total no. of the site explored in the trapezoid tank. AlOH exposure also resulted in oxidative damage, enhanced lipid peroxidation, advanced oxidative protein products, decreased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, and enhanced reactive oxygen species generation. Additionally, VtB12 supplementation improved neurogenesis, evident in increased Nissl cell numbers and NeuN expression in the brain. Conclusion Chronic alcoholism may be effect on the brain cells as well as on the neuro-behavior of zebrafish. This research demonstrated that VtB12 shows promise as a neuroprotective agent against chronic alcoholism induced alterations in zebrafish’s brain.

Identification of Senkyunolide I as a novel modulator of hepatic steatosis and PPARα signaling in zebrafish and hamster models

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality, with hepatic steatosis being the hallmark symptom. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Smil, Dan-Shen) and Ligusticum striatum DC (Lstr, Chuan-Xiong) are commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases and have the potential to regulate lipid metabolism. However, whether Smil/Lstr combo can be used to treat NAFLD and the mechanisms underlying its lipid-regulating properties remain unclear. PurposeTo assess the feasibility and reliability of a short-term high-fat diet (HFD) induced zebrafish model for evaluating hepatic steatosis phenotype and to investigate the liver lipid-lowering effects of Smil/Lstr, as well as its active components. MethodsThe phenotypic alterations of liver and multiple other organ systems were examined in the HFD zebrafish model using fluorescence imaging and histochemistry. The liver-specific lipid-lowering effects of Smil/Lstr combo were evaluated endogenously. The active molecules and functional mechanisms were further explored in zebrafish, human hepatocytes, and hamster models. ResultsIn 5-day HFD zebrafish, significant lipid accumulation was detected in the blood vessels and the liver, as evidenced by increased staining with Oil Red O and fluorescent lipid probes. Hepatic hypertrophy was observed in the model, along with macrovesicular steatosis. Smil/Lstr combo administration effectively restored the lipid profile and alleviated hepatic hypertrophy in the HFD zebrafish. In oleic-acid stimulated hepatocytes, Smil/Lstr combo markedly reduced lipid accumulation and cell damage. Subsequently, based on zebrafish phenotypic screening, the natural phthalide senkyunolide I (SEI) was identified as a major molecule mediating the lipid-lowering activities of Smil/Lstr combo in the liver. Moreover, SEI upregulated the expression of the lipid metabolism regulator PPARα and downregulated fatty acid translocase CD36, while a PPARα antagonist sufficiently blocked the regulatory effect of SEI on hepatic steatosis. Finally, the roles of SEI on hepatic lipid accumulation and PPARα signaling were further verified in the hamster model. ConclusionsWe proposed a zebrafish-based screening strategy for modulators of hepatic steatosis and discovered the regulatory roles of Smil/Lstr combo and its component SEI on liver lipid accumulation and PPARα signaling, suggesting their potential value as novel candidates for NAFLD treatment.