Role In Triggering Research Articles

Ferroptosis in the Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta of Mice: Triggering Role of Ultrafine Diesel Exhaust Particles and Mitigation by α-Lipoic Acid.

Recent epidemiological and experimental studies have increasingly highlighted the association between environmental pollution, especially ultrafine particulate matter (PM), and the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). These previous studies suggest a potential mechanism by which ultrafine PM contributes to neuronal damage through processes, such as iron accumulation and oxidative stress. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of ultrafine PM on ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, in the mouse substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and to evaluate the protective role of α-lipoic acid (ALA). Mice were exposed to ultrafine diesel exhaust particles (ufDEP), a type of ultrafine PM, intranasally and injected ALA intraperitoneally for seven consecutive days. Iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation were significantly increased, and antioxidant capacity was significantly decreased in the SNc after ufDEP exposure, highlighting the deleterious effects of ufDEP on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons. In contrast, ALA treatment effectively mitigated these effects by reducing iron accumulation, decreasing lipid peroxidation, and restoring antioxidant levels, resulting in the protection of TH-positive neurons from ferroptotic damage. Our results provide evidence that ufDEP can induce ferroptosis in dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, potentially contributing to PD pathogenesis. Furthermore, ALA showed protective effects against ufDEP-induced ferroptotic damage, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for PD.

Clinical Characteristics and Some Related Factors in Children with Prurigo Nodularis in Vietnam

BACKGROUND: Prurigo nodularis in children can become chronic, lasting from several months to many years, triggered and sustained by environmental allergens. In Vietnam, prurigo nodularis is relatively common; however, few studies have been conducted on pediatric populations. AIMS: This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and related factors of prurigo nodularis in children. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology from December 2023 to June 2024. A total of 117 children participated in the study. Data were collected according to the study’s medical record template. RESULTS: The results showed that the proportion of male patients was higher than that of female patients (62.4% vs. 37.6%), with the highest proportion of cases in the under-6 age group (47%). Most patients lived in urban areas (88%). Nearly half of the cases had disease duration of < 12 months (42.2%). The onset rate on the legs was the highest (58.2%). Some related factors were herbal baths (1.7%), food allergies (8.5%), pet keeping (22.2%), insect bites (23.1%), family history of prurigo (24.8%), long fingernails (59.8%), and self-medication (73.5%). The rate of regular deworming was 93.2% of the children. Most patients experienced severe itching (97.4%), with the severity and activity level of the disease mainly at moderate levels (96.6% and 97.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Prurigo nodularis in children presents with diverse clinical characteristics. Factors such as food allergies, pet keeping, insect bites, and family history may play a role in triggering and maintaining the disease, but further research is needed.

PINK1-mediated mitophagy attenuates pathological cardiac hypertrophy by suppressing the mtDNA release-activated cGAS-STING pathway.

Sterile inflammation is implicated in the development of heart failure (HF). Mitochondria plays important roles in triggering and maintaining inflammation. Mitophagy is important for regulation of mitochondrial quality and maintenance of cardiac function under pressure overload. The association of mitophagy with inflammation in HF is largely unclear. As PINK1 is a central mediator of mitophagy, our objective was to investigate its involvement in cardiac hypertrophy, and the effect of PINK1-mediated mitophagy on cGAS-STING activation during cardiac hypertrophy. PINK1 knockout and cardiac-specific PINK1-overexpressing transgenic mice were created and subsequently subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery. In order to explore whether PINK1 regulates STING-mediated inflammation during HF, PINK1/STING (stimulator of interferon genes) double-knockout mice were created. Pressure overload was induced by TAC. Our findings indicate a significantly decline in PINK1 expression in TAC-induced hypertrophy. Cardiac hypertrophic stimuli caused the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the cytosol, activating the cGAS-STING signaling, which in turn initiated cardiac inflammation and promoted the progression of cardiac hypertrophy. PINK1 deficiency inhibited mitophagy activity, promoted mtDNA release, and then drove the overactivation of cGAS-STING signaling, exacerbating cardiac hypertrophy. Conversely, cardiac-specific PINK1 overexpression protected against hypertrophy thorough inhibition of the cGAS-STING signaling. Double-knockout mice revealed that the effects of PINK1 on hypertrophy were dependent on STING. Our findings suggest that PINK1-mediated mitophagy plays a protective role in pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy via inhibiting the mtDNA-cGAS-STING pathway.

Influence of stressful life events in postpartum mothers on the incidence of postpartum depression

The main objective of the study was to explore and document the influence of the stressful life events experienced by postpartum mothers on the incidence of postpartum depression. A systematic review of literature was performed to examine prior research. All major databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science were used. The search is limited to publications from 2018-2023. The results illustrate the diversity of stressful events which include the experience of miscarriage, labour complications, or sudden changes in the baby's health condition. Thematic analysis revealed that these events played significant roles in triggering or exacerbating postpartum depression, amplifying the emotional complexity and psychological well-being of postpartum mothers. We conclude that there is a need for approaches for designing psychological interventions that can provide timely and contextualized support to postpartum women who experience stressful life events

Astragaloside IV Improves Muscle Atrophy by Modulating the Activity of UPS and ALP via Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Denervated Mice.

Peripheral nerve injury is common clinically and can lead to neuronal degeneration and atrophy and fibrosis of the target muscle. The molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy induced by denervation are complex and not fully understood. Inflammation and oxidative stress play an important triggering role in denervated muscle atrophy. Astragaloside IV (ASIV), a monomeric compound purified from astragalus membranaceus, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ASIV on denervated muscle atrophy and its molecular mechanism, so as to provide a new potential therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of denervated muscle atrophy. In this study, an ICR mouse model of muscle atrophy was generated through sciatic nerve dissection. We found that ASIV significantly inhibited the reduction of tibialis anterior muscle mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area in denervated mice, reducing ROS and oxidative stress-related protein levels. Furthermore, ASIV inhibits the increase in inflammation-associated proteins and infiltration of inflammatory cells, protecting the denervated microvessels in skeletal muscle. We also found that ASIV reduced the expression levels of MAFbx, MuRF1 and FoxO3a, while decreasing the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins, it inhibited the activation of ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy-lysosome hydrolysis systems and the slow-to-fast myofiber shift. Our results show that ASIV inhibits oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in skeletal muscle due to denervation, inhibits mitophagy and proteolysis, improves microvascular circulation and reverses the transition of muscle fiber types; Therefore, the process of skeletal muscle atrophy caused by denervation can be effectively delayed.

Post-transplant glomerular diseases: update on pathophysiology, risk factors, and management strategies

Abstract In recent years, advancements in immunosuppressive medications and post-transplant management have led to a significant decrease in acute rejection rates in renal allografts and consequent improvement in short-term graft survival. In contrast, recent data have shown an increased incidence of post-transplant glomerular diseases, which currently represent a leading cause of allograft loss. Although pathogenesis is not fully understood, growing evidence supports the role of inherited and immunological factors and has identified potential pre- and post-transplant predictors. In this review, we illustrate recent advancements in the pathogenesis of post-transplant glomerular disease and the role of risk factors and immunological triggers. In addition, we discuss potential prevention and management strategies.

Embryological Classification of Arrhythmogenic Triggers Initiating Atrial Fibrillation

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent multifactorial arrhythmia associated with specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is an established treatment for AF; however, recurrence risk remains caused by AF triggers beyond the PVs. Understanding the embryological origins of these triggers could improve treatment outcomes. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the association between embryologically categorized AF triggers, clinical and genetic backgrounds, and postablation prognosis. MethodsIn cohort 1, comprising 3,067 patients with AF undergoing PV isolation, the clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. Among them, 815 patients underwent genetic analysis using AF-associated SNPs (cohort 2). Patients were delineated based on the developmental origin of the AF triggers: common PV, sinus venosus (SV), and primitive atrium (PA). ResultsSV-origin extra-PV AF triggers occurred in 20.3% (n = 622) of patients, whereas PA-origin triggers occurred in 11.9% (n = 365) of patients in cohort 1. Multivariate analysis of cohort 2 revealed that female sex, lower body mass index, absence of hypertension, rs2634073 near PITX2, and rs6584555 in NEURL1 were associated with SV-AF, whereas nonparoxysmal AF and rs2634073 near PITX2 were predictors of PA-AF. The PA group had a significantly higher arrhythmia recurrence rate after repeated procedures than the common PV (HR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.34-2.29; P < 0.001) and SV-AF (HR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.19-1.45; P < 0.001) groups with more de novo AF triggers. However, the incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly among the 3 groups. ConclusionsSV-derived AF triggers may have hereditary factors with a favorable postablation prognosis, whereas PA-derived triggers are linked to AF persistence and poor ablation response. Variants near PITX2 may play a pivotal role in extra-PV triggers.

Organ-protective effects of the alternative renin-angiotensin system and prospects for therapeutic treatment. Review

The article is devoted to review the data regarding the identification of biochemical and functional features of the components of the renin‑angiotensin system using the tools of bibliometric analysis of scientific literature. A modern interpretation by the dividing of the multifunctional complex into two systems, namely the classical renin‑angiotensin system and alternative renin‑angiotensin system, in accordance with the definition of biological effects, is given. The enzymatic cascade involved in the production and metabolism of peptides in both classical and non‑classical pathways of renin‑angiotensin systems is shown from the point of view of the evolution of scientific concepts. The triggering role of components of the classical renin‑angiotensin system in pathophysiological processes with transformation into cardiovascular diseases and metabolic dysfunction has been proven. The history of the creation of pharmacological drugs for the correction of the classic renin‑angiotensin system is presented. In view of the achievement of recent years, the revision of the alternative renin‑angiotensin system is emphasized due to the discovery of the counter‑regulatory action of the angiotensin‑converting enzyme 2, angiotensin‑(1—7), the Mas receptor in relation to their correction of metabolic processes, regulation of blood pressure, and the presence of anti‑fibrotic, anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The positive effect of the components of the non‑classical renin‑angiotensin system on the protection of the cardiovascular system and kidney is presented based on the results of experimental studies on animals. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics characteristics of recombinant angiotensin‑converting enzyme 2 in experiments on healthy volunteers are highlighted. The potential protective effects of angiotensin‑converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin‑(1—7) concerning cardiometabolic risk are presented. The available data indicate the need for further comprehensive scientific investigations of the components of alternative renin‑angiotensin system to create a new class of pharmacological agents with their implementation in medical practice.

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: indications and future perspective.

Recent advances in techniques, technologies and proven superiority over anti-arrhythmic drugs have made catheter ablation the cornerstone of management for atrial fibrillation (AF), which has shown a steady increase in prevalence in the ageing population worldwide. The aim of therapeutic interventions is to achieve stable sinus rhythm that would improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of AF-associated complications. Pulmonary veins (PVs) were first described as the source of initiation of ectopic triggers driving AF, which led to the establishment of PV isolation (PVI) as the most widely practiced procedure to treat AF. Antral PVI is still recognized as the stand-alone ablation strategy for newly diagnosed paroxysmal AF (PAF). However, in non-PAF patients, PVI seems to be inadequate and several adjunctive strategies, including ablation of left atrial posterior wall and non-PV triggers, AF mapping and ablation of rotors and drivers, ethanol infusion of vein of Marshall and renal denervation, etc. have been reported with mixed results. Recent trials have also documented the benefits of early rhythm control in preventing cardiovascular events in addition to slowing the progression of PAF to more persistent forms. Similarly, very late relapse of the arrhythmia after successful PVI has drawn attention to the critical role of non-PV triggers and highlighted their relevance as potential ablation targets during repeat procedures. Ablation technology is also under constant evolution with the introduction of non-thermal energy sources and new tools to create durable lesions. This review summarizes the indications, advancements, and future perspective of AF ablation.

Vesicle docking and fusion pore modulation by the neuronal calcium sensor Synaptotagmin-1.

Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1) is a major calcium sensor for rapid neurotransmitter release in neurons and hormone release in many neuroendocrine cells. It possesses two tandem cytosolic C2 domains that bind calcium, negatively charged phospholipids, and the neuronal SNARE complex. Calcium binding to Syt1 triggers exocytosis, but how this occurs is not well understood. Syt1 has additional roles in docking dense core vesicles (DCV) and synaptic vesicles (SV) to the plasma membrane (PM) and in regulating fusion pore dynamics. Thus, Syt1 perturbations could affect release through vesicle docking, fusion triggering, fusion pore regulation, or a combination of these. Here, using a human neuroendocrine cell line, we show that neutralization of highly conserved polybasic patches in either C2 domain of Syt1 impairs both DCV docking and efficient release of serotonin from DCVs. Interestingly, the same mutations resulted in larger fusion pores and faster release of serotonin during individual fusion events. Thus, Syt1's roles in vesicle docking, fusion triggering, and fusion pore control may be functionally related.

Assessment of the relational strength between triggers detected in physiological signals and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation episodes.

Despite the growing interest in understanding the role of triggers in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), solutions beyond questionnaires to identify a broader range of triggers remain lacking. This study aims to investigate the relation between triggers detected in wearable-based physiological signals and the occurrence of AF episodes.&#xD; &#xD;Methods: Week-long physiological signals were collected during everyday activities from 35 patients with paroxysmal AF, employing an ECG patch attached to the chest and a photoplethysmogram (PPG)-based wrist-worn device. The signals acquired by the patch were used for detecting triggers of physical exertion, psychophysiological stress, lying on the left side, and sleep disturbances, as well as to annotate AF episodes. To assess the relation between detected triggers and the occurrence of AF episodes, a measure of relational strength is employed accounting for pre- and post-trigger AF burden. The utility of ECG- and PPG-based AF detectors in determining AF burden and assessing the relational strength is also analyzed.&#xD; &#xD;Results: Physical exertion emerged as the trigger associated with the largest increase in relational strength for the largest number of patients (p< 0.01). On the other hand, no significant difference was observed for psychophysiological stress and sleep disorders. When AF episodes are captured using AF detectors, the relational strength exhibits a moderate correlation with the relational strength of the annotated AF, withr= 0.66 for ECG-based AF detection andr= 0.62 for PPG-based AF detection.&#xD; &#xD;Conclusions: The findings indicate a patient-specific increase in relational strength for all four types of triggers.&#xD; &#xD;Significance: The proposed approach has the potential to facilitate the implementation of longitudinal studies and can serve as a less biased alternative to questionnaire-based AF trigger detection.

A conserved protein family in mirid bug Riptortus pedestris plays dual roles in regulating plant immunity.

The mirid bug (Riptortus pedestris), a major soybean pest, migrates into soybean fields during the pod filling stage and causes staygreen syndrome, which leads to substantial yield losses. The mechanism by which R. pedestris elicits soybean (Glycine max) defenses and counter-defenses remains largely unexplored. In this study, we characterized a protein family from R. pedestris, designated Riptortus pedestris HAMP 1 (RPH1) and its putative paralogs (RPH1L1, 2, 3, 4, and 5), whose members exhibit dual roles in triggering and inhibiting plant immunity. RPH1 and RPH1L1 function as herbivore-associated molecular patterns (HAMPs), activating pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) and G. max. Furthermore, RPH1 stimulates jasmonic acid and ethylene biosynthesis in G. max, thereby enhancing its resistance to R. pedestris feeding. Additionally, RPH1 homologs are universally conserved across various herbivorous species, with many homologs also acting as HAMPs that trigger plant immunity. Interestingly, the remaining RPH1 putative paralogs (RPH1L2-5) serve as effectors that counteract RPH1-induced PTI, likely by disrupting the extracellular perception of RPH1. This research uncovers a HAMP whose homologs are conserved in both chewing and piercing-sucking insects. Moreover, it unveils an extracellular evasion mechanism utilized by herbivores to circumvent plant immunity using functionally differentiated paralogs.

Cholesterol to saturated fat index (CSI), metabolic parameters and inflammatory factors among obese individuals

BackgroundThe role of dietary fat quality in promotion of cardiovascular diseases is studies before. However, the results are inconsistent. Recently, cholesterol to saturated fatty acid index (CSI) is suggested as a novel indicator of the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity potential of a diet. However, due to limited number of studies, in the current cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the role of CSI in metabolic and inflammatory response among obese individuals.MethodsIn the current cross-sectional study 488 obese individuals aged 18–50 years old were involved in volunteer based invitation from outpatient obesity clinics. Subjects underwent anthropometric assays including weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and body composition and their fasting blood sample were obtained for biochemical assessments including blood sugar, serum lipids, hs-CRP and IL-6 concentrations by commercial kits. Physical activity was also assessed by short form of international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ).ResultsAccording to our results, being at the top tetile of CSI was associated with higher anthropometric indices including weight, height, WC, FFM, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) compared with those at the lowest tertile (P < 0.05). Similarly, those at the highest category of CSI had significantly higher levels of serum glucose and hs-CRP both in crude and adjusted models in ANCOVA and in multinomial logistic regression models (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn the current study, for the first time, we identified the possible triggering role of dietary cholesterol to saturated fat index in increasing serum glucose and hs-CRP levels. due to cross-sectional design of the current study, causal inference is impossible. Further studies will help for better scientific justification.

К вопросу об осложнениях сахарного диабета: систематический обзор литературы

INTRODUCTION. The article presents an overview of the trigger role of diabetes mellitus in the development of periodontal pathology in patients aged 40-70 years. During the analytical systematic review, the emphasis was placed on the currently studied issues related to the characteristics of the clinic, glycemic status and risks of a complicated course, including with regard to microvascular, neurological and other disorders. The focus is on the dental status and glycemic profile of patients with diabetes mellitus and its role in regulating the adaptive potential of patients with diabetes mellitus. AIM. To assess the risks of diabetes in the regulation of periodontal pathology and other most significant complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS. the search was conducted in the database on evidence-based physiotherapy (PEDro), by keywords: "diabetes mellitus", "rehabilitation", "microvascular and other complications", "periodontal pathology" from 2000 to 2024. A total of 284 sources were selected as of March 2024, of which 26 were systematic reviews, 9 were Cochrane reviews, 17 – Clinical recommendations (American Association for Diabetes Mellitus), as well as Clinical recommendations for diabetes mellitus (70.5%). The search was conducted in the sources Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus in accordance with the principles of PRISMA and initially revealed 185 entries. Of these, 40 articles were included in the 2013-2024 publication study. Keywords were used: "periodontal pathology", "diabetes mellitus", "rehabilitation", "microvascular and other complications". RESULTS: the analysis of the collected Russian and foreign literature allowed us to summarize that in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes with periodontal pathology, the participation of specialists (endocrinologist, dentist, rehabilitologist, hygienist, neurologist) of a multidisciplinary team is necessary to compile an optimal rehabilitation program aimed at preventing the occurrence of complications and their progression, to achieve a speedy and complete restoration of lost dental functions and reduce glycemic risks. CONCLUSION. A personalized approach, individually selected therapies with an assessment of the dental status and glycemic profile in patients with diabetes mellitus and periodontal pathology will help to achieve the best results in recovery and elimination of complications. KEYWORDS: diabetes mellitus patients, dental status, glycemic profile, microvascular, neurological disorders

Distinguishing Extreme Precipitation Mechanisms Associated with Atmospheric Rivers and Nonatmospheric Rivers in the Lower Yangtze River Basin

Abstract This study investigates the disparity in quantitative moisture contribution and synoptic-scale vertical motion in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin (LYRB) for different extreme precipitation (EP) types, which are categorized as EP associated with atmospheric river (AR&amp;EP) or EP associated with nonatmospheric river (non-AR&amp;EP). To analyze moisture contribution, backward tracking using the Water Accounting Model-2layers is performed. In general, the remote moisture contribution is 9.7 times greater than the local contribution, with the ocean contribution being 1.67 times stronger than the land contribution. However, terrestrial and oceanic contributions obviously increase in the EP types, especially for oceanic contribution being double in magnitude. Notably, the west Pacific (WP) contribution emerges as the dominant differentia between the EP types, playing a crucial role in the AR formation. By solving the quasigeostrophic omega equation, the upper-level jet (ULJ) stream acts as the primary dynamic forcing for transverse vertical motion in AR&amp;EP, while the baroclinic trough exhibits a relatively weaker influence. However, both systems have a nearly equal impact on vertical velocity in non-AR&amp;EP. The enhanced shearwise elevation in the non-AR&amp;EP type is the response of the stronger upper-level ridge over the Tibetan Plateau (TP), which induces enhanced Q vector, the divergence pointing toward the LYRB. However, the main dynamic difference is the location of ULJ, which serves as the trigger role although weak. Diabatic forcing proves to be the decisive factor for vertical motion development, the difference attributed to the released excessive latent heating with excess moisture contribution from the WP in AR&amp;EP with enhanced precipitation. Significance Statement The main objective of this study is to investigate quantitative moisture contribution by applying Water Accounting Model-2layers and vertical motion attribution using the quasigeostrophic omega equation for extreme precipitation types based on the presence or absence of atmospheric river. Our findings reveal excessive moisture from the west Pacific serving not only as key in atmospheric river formation but also as the primary trigger for intensified diabatic vertical motion, inducing enhanced precipitation. The direction of strong winds in the north of the Tibetan Plateau holds crucial forecasting implications, which determine the location of the upper-level jet stream downstream. The transverse vertical motion, induced by the upper-level jet stream, plays the dominant dynamic role in both extreme precipitation (EP) types.

Uneventful Days? A Cautionary Tale About the Underestimated Role of Triggers of Employee Silence

Uneventful Days? A Cautionary Tale About the Underestimated Role of Triggers of Employee Silence

Comparative evaluation of culture results and composition of microbiome of removed tonsils due to distant focal disease or other reasons. Aprospective pilot study.

The aim of this prospective pilot study was to compare culture and microbiome results of the removed tonsils of patients with assumed distant focal disease (11 patients) and those who underwent a tonsillectomy, due to other reasons, such as recurrent tonsillitis, tonsil stones or snoring (nine patients). Aerobic culture was carried out for samples taken from the surface of the tonsils by swabs before tonsillectomy for all 20 patients. The squeezed detritus and the tissue samples of removed tonsils, taken separately for the right and left tonsils, were incubated aerobically and anaerobically. The microbiome composition of tissue samples of removed tonsils was also evaluated. Based on the culture results of the deep samples Staphylococcus aureus was the dominating pathogen, besides a great variety of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria present in the oral microbiota in those patients who underwent tonsillectomy due to distant focal diseases. Microbiome study of the core tissue samples showed a great diversity on genus and species level among patients of the two groups however, S. aureus and Prevotella nigrescens were present in higher proportion in those, whose tonsils were removed due to distant focal diseases. Our results may support previous findings about the possible triggering role of S. aureus and P.nigrescens leading to distant focal diseases. Samples taken by squeezing the tonsils could give more information about the possible pathogenic/triggering bacteria than the surface samples cultured only aerobically.

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.

Probabilistic fragility assessment of slopes considering uncertainty associated with temporal patterns of rainfall intensity

The temporal patterns of rainfall intensity, characterized by the variability of rainfall intensity over time during a single rainfall event, play a crucial role in landslide triggering and evolution. However, the influence of temporal patterns of rainfall intensity on the fragility and reliability assessment of slope instability has received limited attention. This study presents a novel methodology for probabilistic slope fragility assessment accounting for uncertainty associated with the temporal patterns of rainfall intensity. Hourly-scale random time series for the rainfall event are generated, considering uncertainties in temporal patterns of rainfall intensity, using the statistical concepts of skewness and kurtosis within the Pearson system of distributions. A time-dependent seepage-stability mechanical model coupling the finite element method and limit equilibrium method for the slope under hourly-scale rainfall time series is established. Slope fragility assessment under rainfall is conducted, accounting for uncertainties in temporal patterns of rainfall intensity based on Monte Carlo simulation. An illustrative example is provided, focusing on a hypothetical soil slope in the southeastern coastal area of China, susceptible to rainfall-induced landslides. The impact of skewness and kurtosis of rainfall time series on the slope failure probability and failure time are examined.

&lt;I&gt;Helicobacter pylori&lt;/I&gt; infection and dermatological diseases

Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori), microaerophilic spiral-shaped Gram-negative bacteria which colonize the gastric mucosa of human population, is the leading causal factor in the development of a whole range of diseases of the gastroduodenal region (chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer disease, MALT lymphoma and gastric adenocarcinoma). Since the discovery of H. pylori infection and the identification of its leading role in the development of a range of gastroenterological diseases, researchers have begun to actively study the potential trigger significance of this pathogen in the development of extragastric pathology. At the epidemiological level, H. pylori infection has been shown to be frequently associated with skin diseases such as rosacea, acne, chronic urticaria and psoriasis, although the clinical significance of these associations remains clouded. In fact, recent meta-analytic studies (2019–2024) demonstrate an increased risk of developing the above diseases in H. pylori-infected individuals with odds ratios ranging from 1.19 to 3.00. On the other hand, not all studies have showed that eradication therapy of this microorganism helps reduce the clinical severity of symptoms of skin diseases, which is hypothetically explained only by the trigger role of infection within the complex pathogenesis. In a modern light, such associations can be viewed in terms of pathogenetic findings through the implementation of the syndrome of increased epithelial permeability (SIEP). The chronic gastritis caused by H. pylori infection is believed to lead to increased permeability of the epithelial lining of the stomach, as well as the walls of the mucosal vessels and a higher exposure of bacterial and nutritional antigens in the systemic circulation, which can induce both local release of inflammatory mediators in tissues and systemic immunological reactions (autoimmune and inflammatory processes, formation of molecular mimicry-induced immune complexes and cross-reactive antibodies).