Potential Triggers Research Articles

Elastogenesis in Focus: Navigating Elastic Fibers Synthesis for Advanced Dermal Biomaterial Formulation.

Elastin, a fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, is the main component of elastic fibers that are involved in tissues' elasticity and resilience, enabling them to undergo reversible extensibility and to endure repetitive mechanical stress. After wounding, it is challenging to regenerate elastic fibers and biomaterials developed thus far have struggled to induce its biosynthesis. This review provides a comprehensive summary of elastic fibers synthesis at the cellular level and its implications for biomaterial formulation, with a particular focus on dermal substitutes. The review delves into the intricate process of elastogenesis by cells and investigates potential triggers for elastogenesis encompassing elastin-related compounds, ECM components, and other molecules for their potential role in inducing elastin formation. Understanding of the elastogenic processes is essential for developing biomaterials that trigger not only the synthesis of the elastin protein, but also the formation of a functional and branched elastic fiber network.

Assessing adherence to treatment guidelines and complications among atrial fibrillation patients in the United Arab Emirates.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), a potential trigger for stroke development, is considered a modifiable condition that can halt complications, decrease mortality, and prevent morbidity. The CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores are categorized as risk assessment tools used to estimate the risk of thrombosis development and assess major bleeding among atrial fibrillation patients. Our study aims to assess the adherence to post-discharge treatment recommendations according to CHA₂DS₂-VASc score risk group and evaluate the impact of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and HAS-BLED score risk categories on death, length of hospital stay, complications, and hospital readmission among United Arab Emirates (UAE) patients. This was a multicenter retrospective study conducted from November 2022 to April 2023 in the United Arab Emirates. Medical charts for AF patients were assessed for possible enrolment in the study. A total number of 400 patients were included with a mean age of 55 (±14.5) years. The majority were females (67.8%), and most had high CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores (60% and 57.3%, respectively). Our study showed that adherence to treatment recommendations upon discharge was 71.8%. The bivariate analysis showed that patients with a high CHA₂DS₂-VASc score had a significantly higher risk of death (p-value of 0.001), hospital readmission (p-value of 0.007), and complications (p-value of 0.044) vs. the low and moderate risk group with a p-value of <0.05. Furthermore, our findings showed that the risk of death (0.001), complications (0.057), and mean hospital stay (0.003) were significantly higher in the high HAS-BLED risk score compared to both the low- and moderate-risk categories. Hospital stay was significantly higher in CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED high-risk score categories compared to the low-risk score category with a p-value of <0.001. Our study concluded that the adherence to treatment guidelines in atrial fibrillation patients was high and showed that patients received the most effective and patient-centered treatment. In addition, our study concluded that the risk of complications and mortality was higher in high-risk category patients.

Black bodies in phenomenological bioethics: cultural othering, ‘Corporeal Uncanny’ and ethical quandaries of black nurses in Take My Hand and Small Great Things

The aims of the present article are twofold. First, it attempts to theorise the thematic and ontological intersection between phenomenological and black bioethics and proposes ‘Ontic-Black Bioethics’, a neologism to...

Urological Challenges during Pregnancy: Current Status and Future Perspective on Ureteric Stent Encrustation.

The management of ureter hydronephrosis and urolithiasis during pregnancy has been changed by the adoption of ureteric stents. Despite their broad use for several other conditions, from emergency to elective settings, their complications cannot be ignored. Being most prevalent during pregnancy, urinary tract infections and stent encrustations are particularly common and can affect either fetal growth or maternal-fetal homeostasis, leading to obstetric complications. The main concern associated with ureteric stents is the indwelling time, which could represent the potential trigger of those complications. However, to ensure the optimal management of a ureteric stent during pregnancy, factors such as the grading of encrustations and the presence, size, and location of stones should be evaluated in pre-operative planning. As a consequence, a multimodal approach, including obstetrics, gynecologists, urologists, and nurses, is essential to ensure a complication-free procedure and successful ureteric stent removal. Finally, future research should focus on utilizing biodegradable and biocompatible materials to reduce and even eliminate the complications related to forgotten stents in order to reduce the financial burden associated with stent replacement and the management of stent-encrustation-related complications.

Fate, inducibility, and behavior of Latilactobacillus curvatus temperate phage TMW 1.591 P1 during sausage fermentation.

Temperate phages insert their genome into the host's chromosome. As prophages, they remain latent in the genome until an induction event leads to lytic phage production. When this occurs in a starter culture that has been added to food fermentation, this can impair the fermentation success. This study aimed to analyze prophage inducibility in the Latilactobacillus curvatus TMW 1.591 strain during meat fermentation and investigate whether an induction signal before cryopreservation is maintained during storage and can lead to phage-induced lysis after culture activation. A prophage-free isogenic derivative of the model starter organism, L. curvatus TMW 1.591, was developed as a negative control (L. curvatus TMW 1.2406). Raw meat fermentation was performed with the wild-type (WT) and phage-cured strains. The WT strain produced high numbers of phages (5.2±1.8×107 plaque-forming units g-1) in the meat batter. However, the prophage did not significantly affect the meat fermentation process. Induction experiments suggested an acidic environment as a potential trigger for prophage induction. Phage induction by ultraviolet light before strain cryopreservation remains functional for at least 10 weeks of storage. Intact prophages are active during meat fermentation. However, in this study, this has no measurable consequences for fermentation, suggesting a high resiliency of meat fermentation against phages. Inadequate handling of lysogenic starter strains, even before preservation, can lead to phage introduction into food fermentation and unintended host lysis.

Atopic Dermatitis: Clinical Aspects and Treatments.

To review issues related to atopic dermatitis, including its classification, clinical presentation, potential triggers, and treatment options. This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Synthesize a differential diagnosis for atopic dermatitis (AD).2. Explain the classification of AD cases.3. Select triggers or exacerbating factors for AD.4. Explain pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options for patients with AD.

Exploring diverse aspects of celiac disease - A review

Celiac disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten-containing foods in genetically susceptible individuals. This multifactorial disease has both genetic and environmental components, with gluten serving as the environmental trigger and specific genetic variations in the major histocompatibility complex region contributing to the genetic predisposition. Contrary to previous assumptions, celiac disease is not a rare disorder, with a global prevalence estimated at approximately 1%. However, it often remains under-recognized because many affected individuals do not exhibit the classic gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the condition. Instead, they may present with nonspecific manifestations of nutritional deficiencies or may be entirely asymptomatic. Celiac disease is associated with an increased incidence of autoimmune disorders, and its identification in asymptomatic or silent cases is crucial for managing associated conditions and preventing long-term complications such as lymphoma. The relationship between celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders, particularly type 1 diabetes, suggests a potential trigger role for gluten. In this article we review the development of celiac disease, including its types, pathogenesis, clinical features, and associated diseases or complications. We will also discuss available tests, treatments, and preventive approaches related to this subject.

Modulating in vitro lung fibroblast activation via senolysis of senescent human alveolar epithelial cells.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an age-related disease with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Activation of lung fibroblasts and differentiation to myofibroblasts are the principal effectors of disease pathology, but damage and senescence of alveolar epithelial cells, specifically type II (ATII) cells, has recently been identified as a potential trigger event for the progressive disease cycle. Targeting ATII senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) is an attractive therapeutic strategy; however, translatable primary human cell models that enable mechanistic studies and drug development are lacking. Here, we describe a novel system of conditioned medium (CM) transfer from bleomycin-induced senescent primary alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) onto normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF) that demonstrates an enhanced fibrotic transcriptional and secretory phenotype compared to non-senescent AEC CM treatment or direct bleomycin damage of the NHLFs. In this system, the bleomycin-treated AECs exhibit classical hallmarks of cellular senescence, including SASP and a gene expression profile that resembles aberrant epithelial cells of the IPF lung. Fibroblast activation by CM transfer is attenuated by pre-treatment of senescent AECs with the senolytic Navitoclax and AD80, but not with the standard of care agent Nintedanib or senomorphic JAK-targeting drugs (e.g., ABT-317, ruxolitinib). This model provides a relevant human system for profiling novel senescence-targeting therapeutics for IPF drug development.

Indicative features of tissue and microbial sensitization in the pathogenesis of generalized parodontitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis

In the literature, there are not enough studies that reflect the role and place of tissue and microbial sensitization in patients with generalized parodontitis (GP) associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In our opinion, the research of these components will help to better understand the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of development of GP against the background of RA, which will improve the formation of preventive and therapeutic measures for this disease treatment. The purpose of the research was to determine the location and integration features of tissue and microbial sensitization in the pathogenesis of generalized parodontitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Immunological studies were carried out in 335 people, who were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 – the main – consisted of 136 patients with GP on the background of RA; Group 2 – control – 71 people with GP without signs of RA; Group 3 – comparison – 128 people without GP, but with diseases of the musculoskeletal system not related to RA and Group 4 – 30 practically healthy people. To determine microbial and tissue sensitization, we used inhibition reaction of migrating lymphocytes with microbial antigens of streptococci and staphylococci, tissue antigens (bone and synovial). A high frequency of microbial sensitization to streptococcal and staphylococcal antigens was established in patients with GP on the background of RA and in patients with GP without signs of RA. The parodontal focus turned out to be an active focus of microbial sensitization in patients with GP associated with RA and in patients with GP without signs of RA. Established sensitization to bone antigen in a small number of patients (27-33%) with GP, which was significantly more frequent (61-80%) in patients with GP associated with RA, indicates that in the latter, allergy is to a greater extent due to tissue systemic damage to connective tissue than GP. However, a certain allergy to bone tissue in GP may indicate the inclusion of an immune component in the pathogenesis of GP. The presence of microbial and tissue sensitization in patients with GP and RA indicates that similar and cross antigens of streptococcal and staphylococcal microorganisms with connective tissue are a potential trigger for the development of both GP and RA, which is a reason to consider GP and RA comorbid diseases with similar pathogenetic mechanisms of development.

A self‐assembled nanomedicine for glucose supply interruption‐amplified low‐temperature photothermal therapy and anti‐prometastatic inflammatory processes of triple‐negative breast cancer

AbstractThe poor prognosis of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) results from its high metastasis, whereas inflammation accompanied by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) is prone to aggravate tumor metastasis. Although photothermal therapy (PTT) has extremely high therapeutic efficiency, the crafty tumor cells allow an increase in the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) to limit its effect, and PTT‐induced inflammation is also thought to be a potential trigger for tumor metastasis. Herein, myricetin, iron ions, and polyvinylpyrrolidone were utilized to develop nanomedicines by self‐assembly strategy for the treatment of metastatic TNBC. The nanomedicines with marvelous water solubility and dispersion can inhibit glucose transporter 1 and interfere with mitochondrial function to block the energy supply of tumor cells, achieving starvation therapy on TNBC cells. Nanomedicines with excellent photothermal conversion properties allow down‐regulating the expression of HSPs to enhance the effect of PTT. Interestingly, the broad spectrum of ROS scavenging ability of nanomedicines successfully attenuates PTT‐induced inflammation as well as influences hypoxia‐inducible factors‐1α/3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase 1 related pathway through glycometabolism inhibition to reduce tumor cell metastasis. Moreover, the nanomedicines have negligible side effects and good clinical application prospects, which provides a valuable paradigm for the treatment of metastatic TNBC through glycometabolism interference, anti‐inflammation, starvation, and photothermal synergistic therapy.

Central Giant Cell Granuloma of the Mandible and Maxilla: A Clinicopathological Study of 21 Cases.

Background Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) presents as a locally invasive, intraosseous lesion characterized by the accumulation of multinucleated giant cells amidst a matrix of hemorrhage and reactive fibrous tissue that infiltrates bone trabeculae. This idiopathic non-neoplastic proliferative lesion primarily affects the mandible, typically presenting as either unilocular or multilocular radiolucencies on X-rays. Although trauma or intraosseous hemorrhages are potential triggers, the precise histogenesis and etiology remain unclear. CGCG predominantly occurs in children and young adults, with a slight female predilection. Methods and materials A retrospective analysis of 21 cases of CGCG diagnosed at the Oral Pathology/Pathology department of Temple University Hospital between 2015 and 2022 was conducted. Each case was evaluated based on various parameters, including age, gender, presenting symptoms, radiographic findings, clinical differential diagnosis, and histological confirmation. The primary radiographic technique employed for diagnosis was X-ray imaging of the mandible and maxilla. The histological examination involved cutting paraffin-embedded tissue into 5-micrometer-thick sections, which were then stained using routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. Notably, no specialized histochemical or immunohistochemical stains were utilized in the evaluation process. Results In our study, we reviewed 21 cases; 9 were male, 11 were female, and one had no available gender data.The age range was 15-76 years, with a mean of 50 years. The mandible was the most commonly affected location (17 cases; 81%)while the maxilla was less commonly involved (4 cases; 19%). Many CGCG lesions were asymptomatic (13 cases; 62%); eight cases (38%) were symptomatic, with painand fullness of the affected dental region being the main manifestations. In a few cases, conditions such as brown tumor (severe hyperparathyroidism) and odontogenic neoplasms, such as ameloblastoma, were suspected clinically and radiographically. The diagnosis of CGCG with associated acute and chronic inflammation was confirmed in all the cases. Histological evaluation of routinely stained slides was the main diagnostic tool utilized. No special stains or molecular studies were required to establish the final diagnosis. Conclusions Our investigation has determined that CGCG exhibits a non-neoplastic nature, displaying a spectrum of behaviors ranging from non-aggressive to aggressive tendencies. While CGCG is predominantly observed in the mandible, rare instances of involvement in the maxilla have also been documented. Importantly, no confirmed association with neoplastic lesions was identified during our analysis. The clinical course of CGCG tends to be indolent, with some cases presenting in association with impacted teeth. It's noteworthy that CGCG can present features mimicking neoplastic conditions, such as ameloblastoma, or localized lesions linked to systemic disorderssuch as hyperparathyroidism (brown tumor).

Declining Incidence of Kawasaki Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Time Series Analysis.

In 2020, Taiwan experienced a dramatic disruption of daily life due to measures aimed at limiting the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), although domestic COVID-19 cases were extremely rare. This provided a chance to investigate the change of incidence and possible triggers of Kawasaki disease (KD) without the interference of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. This population-based study used Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. To detect the change in KD incidence in children less than 6 years old during the period of social distancing policy in 2020, the autoregressive integrated moving average model was used based on seasonal variation and the increasing trend of KD incidence over the past 10 years. The trends in population mobility and common infectious diseases were also analyzed to observe their effects on KD incidence. The predicted monthly incidence [95% confidence interval (CI)] of KD in April, May and June 2020 were 5.26 (3.58-6.94), 5.45 (3.70-7.20) and 5.41 (3.61-7.21) per 100,000 person-months. The actual observed incidences were 2.41, 2.67 and 2.60 per 100,000 person-months, respectively, representing a 51.2%, 51.0% and 51.9% reduction in incident rates in the 3-month period of stringent COVID-19 mitigation measures. The trend was not proportionate to the profound decline of common infectious cases. KD incidence decreased by approximately 50% during the period of stringent COVID-19 mitigation measures in 2020 in Taiwan. Human-to-human contact may be a potential KD trigger, but there are likely other contributing factors aside from infection.

Deformation structures as key hints for interpretation of ice sheet dynamics - A case study from northeastern Estonia

Late Pleistocene glaciolacustrine sediments in the northern part of Estonia show a wide spectrum of ductile and brittle deformation structures like: (1) injection structures, dish structures, load casts, pseudonodules, ball-and-pillow structures, flame structures and fragments of broken-up sandy laminae all occurring in three internally deformed layers separated by undeformed layers, (2) large-scale upright gentle folds of outcrop size, (3) faults and fractures, and (4) water-escape structures (hydrofractures). We investigate the potential trigger mechanisms for the development of these deformation structures, their relationship in space and time as well as the lithological and geometrical features of soft-sediment deformation structures necessary to recognise deformation mechanisms. Based on comprehensive geological and numerical investigations, we link their origin to two major processes: (1) glacial rebound of Earth's crust causing earthquakes and (2) proglacial and submarginal glaciotectonic processes related to local oscillation of the ice-sheet front. We suggest criteria which allow us to recognise these two trigger mechanisms and propose a new proxy for reconstructing glacigenic processes and environments based on recognised soft-sediment deformation structures and their interrelationships. Our findings also highlight the significance of water saturation levels in glacigenic sediments and their impact on deformation processes. Furthermore, we introduce new types of water-escape structures that develop in proglacial marginal and/or submarginal settings. Our results contribute to a more nuanced interpretation of glacial activity and environmental conditions during the Late Pleistocene period in the study area.

Identifying trigger cues for hospital blood transfusions based on ensemble of machine learning methods

BackgroundTraumatic shock is the leading cause of preventable death with most patients dying within the first six hours from arriving to the hospital. This underscores the importance of prehospital interventions, and growing evidence suggests prehospital transfusion improves survival. Optimizing transfusion triggers in the prehospital setting is key to improving outcomes for patients in hemorrhagic shock. Our objective was to identify factors associated with early in-hospital transfusion requirements available to prehospital clinicians in the field to develop a simple algorithm for prehospital transfusion, particularly for patients with occult shock.MethodsWe included trauma patients transported by a single critical care transport service to a level I trauma center between 2012 and 2019. We used logistic regression, Fast and Frugal Trees (FFTs), and Bayesian analysis to identify factors associated with early in-hospital blood transfusion as a potential trigger for prehospital transfusion.ResultsWe included 2,157 patients transported from the scene or emergency department (ED) of whom 207 (9.60%) required blood transfusion within four hours of admission. The mean age was 47 (IQR = 28 – 62) and 1,480 (68.6%) patients were male. From 13 clinically relevant factors for early hospital transfusions, four were incorporated into the FFT in following order: 1) SBP, 2) prehospital lactate concentration, 3) Shock Index, 4) AIS of chest (sensitivity = 0.81, specificity = 0.71). The chosen thresholds were similar to conventional ones. Using conventional thresholds resulted in lower model sensitivity. Consistently, prehospital lactate was among most decisive factors of hospital transfusions identified by Bayesian analysis (OR = 2.31; 95% CI 1.55 – 3.37).ConclusionsUsing an ensemble of frequentist statistics, Bayesian analysis and machine learning, we developed a simple, clinically relevant prehospital algorithm to help identify patients requiring transfusion within 4 h of hospital arrival.

Two ethylene-responsive transcription factors, AdVAL2 and AdKAN2, regulate early steps in kiwifruit starch degradation

Starch degradation is considered as an early step in the initiation of kiwifruit postharvest ripening and softening after ethylene treatment, which is driven by various transcription factors (TFs) and genes in the carbohydrate pathway. Studies regarding starch degradation have been conducted after ethylene treatment then removal, but early ethylene responsive genes and their function in triggering starch degradation remains unclear. In this study, a continuous sampling approach was conducted with 2 h intervals throughout 24 h treatment. As a result, starch degradation and accumulation of total soluble solid were accelerated after 10 h ethylene treatment. Based on RNA-seq and Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) data, three β-Amylase genes, AdBAM3, AdBAM3.1 and AdBAM3L, were significantly up-regulated in ethylene treated samples. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified TFs that are highly correlated with these three BAM genes, based on gene expression patterns. AdVAL2 (a B3 domain-containing transcription factor) and AdKAN2 (a MYB-like domain-containing transcription factor) were found to transcriptionally repress the promoter activity of AdBAM3 and AdBAM3L, respectively. Additionally, the expression of both AdVAL2 and AdKAN2 was observed to be repressed by ethylene treatment. Transient overexpression analysis confirmed the inhibitory effect of AdVAL2 and AdKAN2 on the expression of BAM genes, resulting in starch accumulation in kiwifruit. Altogether, continuous sampling during ethylene exposure has revealed that these early ethylene responsive TFs could be the potential triggers for starch degradation.

The Geomechanics of the Dangkhar Landslide, Himachal Pradesh, India

The Dangkhar Landslide is an extremely large landslide located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. The landslide is situated in a remote high mountain desert within the Tethys Himalaya at elevations between 3400 m and 5600 m. It is amongst the five largest continental landslides on earth, covering an area of approximately 54 km2 and having an estimated volume of 15–20 km3. Geomechanical evaluations based on the block theory indicate that the Dangkhar Landslide formed as a result of unfavorable combinations of structural geological features and complex surface morphology. A massive kinematically removable block is created by a regional synclinal flexure that is crosscut and kinematically liberated by bounding side valleys. Three-dimensional block kinematics are necessary to permit the release of the giant block and its sliding along the synclinal flexure. Pseudostatic slope stability sensitivity analyses incorporating estimates of site seismicity and shear strength parameters suggest that earthquake shaking could have triggered instability if the static factor of safety was less than or in the range of about 1.5–1.9. Considering the glacial history of the region, ice debuttressing represents an additional potential triggering mechanism.

Brain-immune interactions: implication for cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease and autoimmune disorders.

Progressive memory loss and cognitive dysfunction, encompassing deficits in learning, memory, problem solving, spatial reasoning, and verbal expression, are characteristics of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. A wealth of studies has described multiple roles of the immune system in the development or exacerbation of dementia. Individuals with autoimmune disorders can also develop cognitive dysfunction, a phenomenon termed "autoimmune dementia." Together, these findings underscore the pivotal role of the neuroimmune axis in both Alzheimer's disease and related dementia and autoimmune dementia. The dynamic interplay between adaptive and innate immunity, both in and outside the brain, significantly affects the etiology and progression of these conditions. Multidisciplinary research shows that cognitive dysfunction arises from a bidirectional relationship between the nervous and immune systems, though the specific mechanisms that drive cognitive impairments are not fully understood. Intriguingly, this reciprocal regulation occurs at multiple levels, where neuronal signals can modulate immune responses, and immune system-related processes can influence neuronal viability and function. In this review, we consider the implications of autoimmune responses in various autoimmune disorders and Alzheimer's disease and explore their effects on brain function. We also discuss the diverse cellular and molecular crosstalk between the brain and the immune system, as they may shed light on potential triggers of peripheral inflammation, their effect on the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, and brain function. Additionally, we assess challenges and possibilities associated with developing immune-based therapies for the treatment of cognitive decline.

Mutations in Helicobacter pylori infected patients with chronic gastritis, intestinal type of gastric cancer and familial gastric cancer

BackgroundDevelopment of sequential changes of mucous leading to gastric cancer and familial cases of gastric cancer of intestinal type is widely connected with Helicobacter pylori infections. In this study we analysed variants of genes involved in cancerogenesis and inflammatory processes of intestines in patients infected with H.pylori. Our goal was to test whether mutations in these genes predestinate to development of gastric cancer, and whether there is a genetic factor that makes it more likely for infections with H.pylori to cause gastric cancer. As infections with H. pylori are relatively common, discovering such genetic predispositions could be used for establishing risk-groups and for planning treatments.MethodsOur studies cover analysis of variants in genes involved in cancerogenesis: TP53 (rs11540652, rs587782329, COSM10771), MSH2 (rs193922376), MLH1 (rs63750217), and inflammatory processes of intestine: NOD2 (rs2066847, rs2066842), IL1A (rs1800587) and IL1B (rs1143634) from H.pylori-infected patients.ResultsMutations were more common in the group of patients with gastric cancer of intestinal type and familial cases of gastric cancer in comparison with patients with chronic gastritis, chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia or gastric cancer (p-value = 0.00824), with the prevalence of p53 mutations in patients with familial gastric cancer vs. patients with other changes of mucosa (p-value = 0.000049). Additionally, gastric cancer patients have mainly genotype TT or CT of the rs2066842 variant of the NOD2 gene.ConclusionsThe lack of statistically significant changes of other interleukin genes involved in inflammatory processes may suggest the presence of H.pylori infection as a potential trigger for the development of the inflammatory process of the mucosa, leading through microbiota dysbiosis to the development of enteric gastric cancer. Mutations in analysed genes correlated with more severe mucosal changes, with a much more frequent presence of TP53 gene mutations, with a limited presence of other mutations in the familial history of gastric cancer.

An exceptional record of soft-sediment deformation within Pliocene deposits of Faro Drift (SW Iberia margin) - IODP Expedition 339 Sites U1386 and U1387

The occurrence of soft-sediment deformation structures (SSDS) have long been recognized in several types of sedimentary environments and deposits. However, their presence in contourite drift deposits is still unreported in the literature. In this work, we present the first detailed description of SSDS found within the Pliocene sedimentary record of the Faro Drift, recovered during the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 339. The Faro Drift is the largest contourite drift of the Contourite Drift Depositional System developed in the Gulf of Cadiz since the Late Miocene by the circulation of the Mediterranean Outflow Water. The SSDS were identified in archive-halves of core sections located between ∼458 and ∼ 510 m below seafloor (mbsf) (hole U1386C), and between ∼599 and ∼ 670 mbsf (hole U1387C). Their identification and characterization was made by visual core description, structural geometrical analysis in core-scan high-resolution images, and scanning electron microcopy (SEM) analysis in selected intervals. The SSDS were classified based on the exhibited geometry, structural configuration and respective kinematics. The main deformation process and potential trigger were inferred from the geometrical and kinematics analysis. We identified five categories of SSDS: i) microfaults (normal and thrust faults), ii) slump sheet (formed by several types of folds, such as eye-folds, fish-hook folds, spiral folds), iii) convolute bedding, iv) folds within debrite mudclasts', and v) sigmoidal-like structures. Although the first three are well known types of SSDS, the folds within debrite mudclasts' and sigmoid-like structures have been scarcely recognized and described at core-scale. The inferred deformation processes responsible for the formation of these SSDS were i) brittle deformation by hydrofracturing and compaction faulting (microfaults), ii) hydroplastic (ductile) deformation (slump folds, folds within debrite mudclasts'), iii) liquefaction (convolute bedding), iv) shearing by flow movement (sigmoid-like structures). The most probable triggering agents seem to have been overloading, downslope movement of slump sheet and debris flow, and shearing by currents.

Neuropsychology intervention for managing invisible symptoms of MS (NIMIS-MS) group: A pilot effectiveness and acceptability study

BackgroundPeople with MS (pwMS) commonly experience a range of hidden symptoms, including cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression, fatigue, pain, and sensory difficulties. These “invisible” symptoms can significantly impact wellbeing, relationships, employment and life goals. We developed a novel bespoke online group neuropsychological intervention combining psychoeducation and cognitive rehabilitation with an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-informed approach for pwMS in an acute tertiary hospital. This ‘Neuropsychological Intervention for Managing Invisible Symptoms’ in MS (NIMIS-MS) consisted of 6 sessions, each with a psychoeducation and ACT component. The content included psychoeducation around managing cognitive difficulties, fatigue, pain, sleep and other unpleasant sensations in MS with the general approach of understanding, monitoring, and recognising patterns and potential triggers. Specific cognitive rehabilitation and fatigue management strategies were introduced. The ACT-informed component focussed on three core ACT areas of the ‘Triflex’ of psychological flexibility (Harris, 2019): Being Present, Opening Up, and Doing What Matters. Methods118 pwMS attended the NIMIS-MS group intervention which was delivered 14 times in six-week blocks over an 18-month period. To evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability, participants completed measures of depression and anxiety (HADS), functional impairment (WSAS), Values- Progress (VQ) and Values- Obstruction (VQ), and Acceptance of MS (MSAS) pre and post NIMIs-MS group intervention. Qualitative feedback was obtained during focus groups after the final session and via online feedback questionnaires ResultsPre-post analysis showed that symptoms of depression and anxiety were significantly lower and acceptance of MS was significantly higher following completion of the NIMIS-MS group. Qualitative feedback showed that participants reported that they felt more equipped to manage the “invisible” symptoms of MS following completion of the group, and benefited from using ACT-based strategies and techniques. Participants highly valued the peer support that evolved during the NIMIS-MS groups. The online format was considered more accessible than in-person groups, due to less concerns of travel time, cost, fatigue, and comfort and infection. ConclusionEvaluation suggests that our novel NIMIS-MS groups is an acceptable, beneficial and feasible approach for providing neuropsychological interventions to individuals with MS.