Laura S Kupke, Ivor Dropco, Markus Götz, Paul Kupke, Friedrich Jung, Christian Stroszczynski, Ernst-Michael Jung
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and the impact of contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (CE-IOUS) on intraoperative decision-making, as there is still no standardized protocol for its use. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed multiple CE-IOUS performed in hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery with respect to pre- and postoperative imaging and histopathological findings.
Methods: Data of 50 patients who underwent hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery between 03/2022 and 03/2024 were retrospectively collected. CE-IOUS was performed with a linear 6-9 MHz multifrequency probe connected to a high-resolution device. The ultrasound contrast agent used was a stabilized aqueous suspension of sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles.
Results: In total, all 50 lesions indicated for surgery were correctly identified. In 30 cases, CE-IOUS was used to localize the primary lesion and to define the resection margins. In the remaining 20 cases, CE-IOUS identified an additional lesion. Fifteen of these findings were identified as malignant. In eight of these cases, the additional malignant lesion was subsequently resected. In the remaining seven cases, CE-IOUS again revealed an inoperable situation. In summary, CE-IOUS diagnostics resulted in a high correct classification rate of 95.7%, with positive and negative predictive values of 95.2% and 100.0%, respectively.
Conclusions: CE-IOUS shows excellent performance in describing intraoperative findings in hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery, leading to a substantial impact on intraoperative decision-making.
{"title":"Contrast-Enhanced Intraoperative Ultrasound Shows Excellent Performance in Improving Intraoperative Decision-Making.","authors":"Laura S Kupke, Ivor Dropco, Markus Götz, Paul Kupke, Friedrich Jung, Christian Stroszczynski, Ernst-Michael Jung","doi":"10.3390/life14091199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091199","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and the impact of contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (CE-IOUS) on intraoperative decision-making, as there is still no standardized protocol for its use. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed multiple CE-IOUS performed in hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery with respect to pre- and postoperative imaging and histopathological findings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data of 50 patients who underwent hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery between 03/2022 and 03/2024 were retrospectively collected. CE-IOUS was performed with a linear 6-9 MHz multifrequency probe connected to a high-resolution device. The ultrasound contrast agent used was a stabilized aqueous suspension of sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, all 50 lesions indicated for surgery were correctly identified. In 30 cases, CE-IOUS was used to localize the primary lesion and to define the resection margins. In the remaining 20 cases, CE-IOUS identified an additional lesion. Fifteen of these findings were identified as malignant. In eight of these cases, the additional malignant lesion was subsequently resected. In the remaining seven cases, CE-IOUS again revealed an inoperable situation. In summary, CE-IOUS diagnostics resulted in a high correct classification rate of 95.7%, with positive and negative predictive values of 95.2% and 100.0%, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CE-IOUS shows excellent performance in describing intraoperative findings in hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery, leading to a substantial impact on intraoperative decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433090/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Catalina Mihaela Anastasescu, Veronica Gheorman, Eugen-Cristi Stoicanescu, Florica Popescu, Victor Gheorman, Ion Udriștoiu
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has seen a rise in prevalence, and the immune system's role in brain development is increasingly recognized. This study investigates the relationship between immune dysregulation and ASD by examining serum concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (CXCL8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in children.
Methods: Serum samples from 45 children with ASD and 30 controls, aged 2 to 12 years, were analyzed using electrochemiluminescence, chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, and chemiluminescent immunoassay. ASD symptoms were assessed using the Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS) and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ).
Results: No significant correlation was observed between CXCL8 levels and ASD. IL-6 levels showed a trend toward elevation in boys with ASD. TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in children with ASD under 5 years compared to older children and controls, though no correlation with symptom severity was found.
Conclusions: TNF-alpha may be a potential biomarker for early ASD detection, especially in younger children. Further research on larger cohorts is needed to understand the role of immune dysregulation in ASD.
{"title":"Immunological Biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of TNF-Alpha and Dependent Trends in Serum IL-6 and CXCL8.","authors":"Catalina Mihaela Anastasescu, Veronica Gheorman, Eugen-Cristi Stoicanescu, Florica Popescu, Victor Gheorman, Ion Udriștoiu","doi":"10.3390/life14091201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091201","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has seen a rise in prevalence, and the immune system's role in brain development is increasingly recognized. This study investigates the relationship between immune dysregulation and ASD by examining serum concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (CXCL8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Serum samples from 45 children with ASD and 30 controls, aged 2 to 12 years, were analyzed using electrochemiluminescence, chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, and chemiluminescent immunoassay. ASD symptoms were assessed using the Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS) and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant correlation was observed between CXCL8 levels and ASD. IL-6 levels showed a trend toward elevation in boys with ASD. TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in children with ASD under 5 years compared to older children and controls, though no correlation with symptom severity was found.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>TNF-alpha may be a potential biomarker for early ASD detection, especially in younger children. Further research on larger cohorts is needed to understand the role of immune dysregulation in ASD.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11432970/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ursula Ladinig, Elvira Hörandl, Simone Klatt, Johanna Wagner
Previous studies on the mountain plant Ranunculus kuepferi concluded that apomictic self-compatible tetraploids have experienced a niche shift toward a colder climate during the Holocene, which suggests a fitness advantage over the sexual, self-sterile diploid parents under cold and stressful high-mountain conditions. However, there is still a lack of information on whether reproductive development would be advantageous for tetraploids. Here, we report on microsporogenesis, megagametogenesis, the dynamics of flower and seed development, and the consequences for reproductive success in a common garden experiment along a 1000 m climatic elevation gradient and in natural populations. Flower buds were initiated in the year preceding anthesis and passed winter in a pre-meiotic stage. Flower morphology differed in the known cytotype-specific way in that tetraploid flowers produced about twice as many carpels and fewer petals, stamens, and pollen grains than diploid flowers. Tetraploids developed precociously aposporous embryo sacs and showed a high rate of developmental disturbances. Sexual seed formation prevailed in diploids and pseudogamous apomixis in tetraploids. Along the elevation gradient, stigma pollen load, pollen performance, and seed output decreased. Combinations of reproductive traits, namely, bypass of meiosis irregularities and uniparental reproduction, might have promoted the vast expansion of apomictic R. kuepferi lines across the European Alps.
之前对山地植物 Ranunculus kuepferi 的研究得出结论,在全新世期间,无性自交的四倍体经历了向寒冷气候的生态位转移,这表明在寒冷和压力巨大的高山条件下,有性自交的二倍体亲本具有适应优势。然而,关于生殖发育对四倍体是否有利的信息仍然缺乏。在此,我们报告了沿 1000 米气候海拔梯度的普通花园实验和自然种群中的微孢子发生、巨雄蕊发生、花和种子发育动态以及对繁殖成功率的影响。花芽在开花前一年萌发,并在减数分裂前期过冬。四倍体花朵的心皮数量是二倍体花朵的两倍,花瓣、雄蕊和花粉粒数量则少于二倍体花朵。四倍体的胚囊早熟,发育障碍率高。二倍体中以有性种子形成为主,四倍体中以假两性无性繁殖为主。沿着海拔梯度,柱头花粉量、花粉性能和种子产量都有所下降。减数分裂的不规则性和单亲繁殖的结合可能促进了无性繁殖 R. kuepferi 品系在欧洲阿尔卑斯山的大规模扩展。
{"title":"Reproductive Performance of the Alpine Plant Species <i>Ranunculus kuepferi</i> in a Climatic Elevation Gradient: Apomictic Tetraploids Do Not Show a General Fitness Advantage over Sexual Diploids.","authors":"Ursula Ladinig, Elvira Hörandl, Simone Klatt, Johanna Wagner","doi":"10.3390/life14091202","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091202","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Previous studies on the mountain plant <i>Ranunculus kuepferi</i> concluded that apomictic self-compatible tetraploids have experienced a niche shift toward a colder climate during the Holocene, which suggests a fitness advantage over the sexual, self-sterile diploid parents under cold and stressful high-mountain conditions. However, there is still a lack of information on whether reproductive development would be advantageous for tetraploids. Here, we report on microsporogenesis, megagametogenesis, the dynamics of flower and seed development, and the consequences for reproductive success in a common garden experiment along a 1000 m climatic elevation gradient and in natural populations. Flower buds were initiated in the year preceding anthesis and passed winter in a pre-meiotic stage. Flower morphology differed in the known cytotype-specific way in that tetraploid flowers produced about twice as many carpels and fewer petals, stamens, and pollen grains than diploid flowers. Tetraploids developed precociously aposporous embryo sacs and showed a high rate of developmental disturbances. Sexual seed formation prevailed in diploids and pseudogamous apomixis in tetraploids. Along the elevation gradient, stigma pollen load, pollen performance, and seed output decreased. Combinations of reproductive traits, namely, bypass of meiosis irregularities and uniparental reproduction, might have promoted the vast expansion of apomictic <i>R. kuepferi</i> lines across the European Alps.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433044/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and insulin resistance (IR) are widespread yet often undetected in their early stages, contributing to a silent epidemic. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is also highly prevalent, increasing the chronic disease burden. Annual check-ups are inadequate for early detection due to conventional result formats that lack specific markers and comprehensive visualization. The aim of this study was to evaluate low-budget biochemical and hematological parameters, with data visualization, for identifying IR and MetS in a community-based laboratory. In a cross-sectional study with 1870 participants in Patras, Greece, blood samples were analyzed for key cardiovascular and inflammatory markers. IR diagnostic markers (TyG-Index, TyG-BMI, Triglycerides/HDL ratio, NLR) were compared with HOMA-IR. Innovative data visualization techniques were used to present metabolic profiles. Notable differences in parameters of cardiovascular risk and inflammation were observed between normal-weight and obese people, highlighting BMI as a significant risk factor. Also, the inflammation marker NHR (Neutrophils to HDL-Cholesterol Ratio) Index was successful at distinguishing the obese individuals and those with MetS from normal individuals. Additionally, a new diagnostic index of IR, combining BMI (Body Mass Index) and NHR Index, demonstrated better performance than other well-known indices. Lastly, data visualization significantly helped individuals understand their metabolic health patterns more clearly. BMI and NHR Index could play an essential role in assessing metabolic health patterns. Integrating specific markers and data visualization in routine check-ups enhances the early detection of IR and MetS, aiding in better patient awareness and adherence.
2 型糖尿病、糖尿病前期和胰岛素抵抗(IR)普遍存在,但在早期阶段往往未被发现,造成了一种无声的流行病。代谢综合征(MetS)也非常普遍,加重了慢性疾病的负担。由于传统的体检结果缺乏特异性指标和全面的可视化,年度体检不足以实现早期检测。本研究的目的是评估低成本的生化和血液学参数,并将数据可视化,以便在社区实验室中识别 IR 和 MetS。在一项针对希腊帕特雷 1870 名参与者的横断面研究中,对血液样本进行了关键心血管和炎症标志物分析。IR诊断指标(TyG-Index、TyG-BMI、甘油三酯/高密度脂蛋白比率、NLR)与HOMA-IR进行了比较。创新的数据可视化技术被用于展示代谢概况。在正常体重者和肥胖者之间观察到心血管风险和炎症参数的显著差异,突出表明体重指数是一个重要的风险因素。此外,炎症标志物 NHR(中性粒细胞与高密度脂蛋白胆固醇比率)指数成功地将肥胖者和 MetS 患者与正常人区分开来。此外,结合 BMI(体重指数)和 NHR 指数的新 IR 诊断指数比其他知名指数表现得更好。最后,数据可视化极大地帮助人们更清楚地了解自己的代谢健康模式。BMI 和 NHR 指数可在评估代谢健康模式方面发挥重要作用。将特定指标和数据可视化整合到常规体检中,可加强对 IR 和 MetS 的早期检测,有助于提高患者的认识和坚持治疗。
{"title":"Biomarkers and Data Visualization of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome: An Applicable Approach.","authors":"Christos Sotiropoulos, Nikolaos Giormezis, Vayianos Pertsas, Theodoros Tsirkas","doi":"10.3390/life14091197","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091197","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and insulin resistance (IR) are widespread yet often undetected in their early stages, contributing to a silent epidemic. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is also highly prevalent, increasing the chronic disease burden. Annual check-ups are inadequate for early detection due to conventional result formats that lack specific markers and comprehensive visualization. The aim of this study was to evaluate low-budget biochemical and hematological parameters, with data visualization, for identifying IR and MetS in a community-based laboratory. In a cross-sectional study with 1870 participants in Patras, Greece, blood samples were analyzed for key cardiovascular and inflammatory markers. IR diagnostic markers (TyG-Index, TyG-BMI, Triglycerides/HDL ratio, NLR) were compared with HOMA-IR. Innovative data visualization techniques were used to present metabolic profiles. Notable differences in parameters of cardiovascular risk and inflammation were observed between normal-weight and obese people, highlighting BMI as a significant risk factor. Also, the inflammation marker NHR (Neutrophils to HDL-Cholesterol Ratio) Index was successful at distinguishing the obese individuals and those with MetS from normal individuals. Additionally, a new diagnostic index of IR, combining BMI (Body Mass Index) and NHR Index, demonstrated better performance than other well-known indices. Lastly, data visualization significantly helped individuals understand their metabolic health patterns more clearly. BMI and NHR Index could play an essential role in assessing metabolic health patterns. Integrating specific markers and data visualization in routine check-ups enhances the early detection of IR and MetS, aiding in better patient awareness and adherence.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433343/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hamed Mohammadi, Hamid Reza Marateb, Mohammadreza Momenzadeh, Martin Wolkewitz, Manuel Rubio-Rivas
This study aims to develop and apply multistate models to estimate, forecast, and manage hospital length of stay during the COVID-19 epidemic without using any external packages. Data from Bellvitge University Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, were analyzed, involving 2285 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe conditions. The implemented multistate model includes transition probabilities and risk rates calculated from transitions between defined states, such as admission, ICU transfer, discharge, and death. In addition to examining key factors like age and gender, diabetes, lymphocyte count, comorbidity burden, symptom duration, and different COVID-19 waves were analyzed. Based on the model, patients hospitalized stay an average of 11.90 days before discharge, 2.84 days before moving to the ICU, or 34.21 days before death. ICU patients remain for about 24.08 days, with subsequent stays of 124.30 days before discharge and 35.44 days before death. These results highlight hospital stays' varying durations and trajectories, providing critical insights into patient flow and healthcare resource utilization. Additionally, it can predict ICU peak loads for specific subgroups, aiding in preparedness. Future work will integrate the developed code into the hospital's Health Information System (HIS) following ISO 13606 EHR standards and implement recursive methods to enhance the model's efficiency and accuracy.
{"title":"Tracing In-Hospital COVID-19 Outcomes: A Multistate Model Exploration (TRACE).","authors":"Hamed Mohammadi, Hamid Reza Marateb, Mohammadreza Momenzadeh, Martin Wolkewitz, Manuel Rubio-Rivas","doi":"10.3390/life14091195","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091195","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aims to develop and apply multistate models to estimate, forecast, and manage hospital length of stay during the COVID-19 epidemic without using any external packages. Data from Bellvitge University Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, were analyzed, involving 2285 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe conditions. The implemented multistate model includes transition probabilities and risk rates calculated from transitions between defined states, such as admission, ICU transfer, discharge, and death. In addition to examining key factors like age and gender, diabetes, lymphocyte count, comorbidity burden, symptom duration, and different COVID-19 waves were analyzed. Based on the model, patients hospitalized stay an average of 11.90 days before discharge, 2.84 days before moving to the ICU, or 34.21 days before death. ICU patients remain for about 24.08 days, with subsequent stays of 124.30 days before discharge and 35.44 days before death. These results highlight hospital stays' varying durations and trajectories, providing critical insights into patient flow and healthcare resource utilization. Additionally, it can predict ICU peak loads for specific subgroups, aiding in preparedness. Future work will integrate the developed code into the hospital's Health Information System (HIS) following ISO 13606 EHR standards and implement recursive methods to enhance the model's efficiency and accuracy.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433282/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Katarzyna Rychlik, Julia Sternicka, Monika Zabłotna, Roman J Nowicki, Leszek Bieniaszewski, Dorota Purzycka-Bohdan
The presence of Demodex spp. mites on the skin is a common phenomenon in the human population. In most people, it is an asymptomatic infestation, but in some patients, it can contribute to the occurrence of diseases such as demodicosis, rosacea, or blepharitis, as well as non-specific symptoms. In this study, the results of tests assessing the presence of Demodex spp. by direct microscopic examination (DME) in 2508 patients from northern Poland with the suspicion of demodicosis were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 3684 tests were performed. Among them, only 1585 (43.02%) revealed the presence of Demodex spp., while 2099 (56.98%) were negative. It was shown that in the analyzed population of patients with clinical suspicion of demodicosis, the degree of confirmation of the presence of Demodex spp. positively correlated with the patient's age (p = 0.001) and the mite was mainly found on the edges of eyelids and on the facial skin. Additionally, in men, the presence of Demodex was more often confirmed than in women (p = 0.004). In conclusion, the proper diagnosis of demodicosis still constitutes an important clinical problem due to the non-specificity of symptoms and the low confirmation of clinical suspicions of infestation by DME, especially in lower age groups.
{"title":"The Prevalence of <i>Demodex</i> spp. Infestation in Dermatological Patients in Northern Poland.","authors":"Katarzyna Rychlik, Julia Sternicka, Monika Zabłotna, Roman J Nowicki, Leszek Bieniaszewski, Dorota Purzycka-Bohdan","doi":"10.3390/life14091196","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091196","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The presence of <i>Demodex</i> spp. mites on the skin is a common phenomenon in the human population. In most people, it is an asymptomatic infestation, but in some patients, it can contribute to the occurrence of diseases such as demodicosis, rosacea, or blepharitis, as well as non-specific symptoms. In this study, the results of tests assessing the presence of <i>Demodex</i> spp. by direct microscopic examination (DME) in 2508 patients from northern Poland with the suspicion of demodicosis were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 3684 tests were performed. Among them, only 1585 (43.02%) revealed the presence of <i>Demodex</i> spp., while 2099 (56.98%) were negative. It was shown that in the analyzed population of patients with clinical suspicion of demodicosis, the degree of confirmation of the presence of <i>Demodex</i> spp. positively correlated with the patient's age (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and the mite was mainly found on the edges of eyelids and on the facial skin. Additionally, in men, the presence of <i>Demodex</i> was more often confirmed than in women (<i>p</i> = 0.004). In conclusion, the proper diagnosis of demodicosis still constitutes an important clinical problem due to the non-specificity of symptoms and the low confirmation of clinical suspicions of infestation by DME, especially in lower age groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433365/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Valeria Calcaterra, Vittoria Carlotta Magenes, Alice Bianchi, Virginia Rossi, Alessandro Gatti, Luca Marin, Matteo Vandoni, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
Skeletal muscle secretome, through its paracrine and endocrine functions, contributes to the maintenance and regulation of overall physiological health. We conducted a narrative review on the role of skeletal muscle and exercise in maintaining glucose homeostasis, driving insulin resistance (IR), and preventing type 2 diabetes in pediatric populations, especially in the context of overweight and obesity. Myokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-15, as well as irisin, myonectin, and myostatin, appear to play a crucial role in IR. Skeletal muscle can also become a target of obesity-induced and IR-induced inflammation. In the correlation between muscle, IR, and inflammation, the role of infiltration of the immune cells and the microvasculature may also be considered. It remains unclear which exercise approach is the best; however, combining aerobic exercise with resistance training seems to be the most effective strategy for managing IR, with high-intensity activities offering superior metabolic benefits and long-term adherence. Encouraging daily participation in enjoyable and engaging exercise is key for long-term commitment and effective glucose metabolism management. Promoting physical activity in children and adolescents must be a top priority for public health, not only in terms of individual quality of life and well-being but also for community health.
骨骼肌分泌组通过其旁分泌和内分泌功能,有助于维持和调节整体生理健康。我们对骨骼肌和运动在维持葡萄糖稳态、驱动胰岛素抵抗(IR)和预防儿童 2 型糖尿病(尤其是在超重和肥胖的情况下)中的作用进行了叙述性综述。白细胞介素 (IL)-6、IL-8 和 IL-15 等肌因子以及鸢尾素、肌连蛋白和肌生成素似乎在胰岛素抵抗中起着至关重要的作用。骨骼肌也可能成为肥胖和红外诱发炎症的目标。在肌肉、IR 和炎症之间的关联中,免疫细胞和微血管的浸润作用也可能被考虑在内。目前仍不清楚哪种运动方法最好;不过,将有氧运动与阻力训练相结合似乎是控制 IR 的最有效策略,高强度的活动可提供更好的代谢益处和长期坚持性。鼓励每天参加愉快而有吸引力的运动是长期坚持和有效控制糖代谢的关键。促进儿童和青少年的体育锻炼必须成为公共卫生工作的重中之重,这不仅关系到个人的生活质量和福祉,也关系到社区的健康。
{"title":"How Can Promoting Skeletal Muscle Health and Exercise in Children and Adolescents Prevent Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes?","authors":"Valeria Calcaterra, Vittoria Carlotta Magenes, Alice Bianchi, Virginia Rossi, Alessandro Gatti, Luca Marin, Matteo Vandoni, Gianvincenzo Zuccotti","doi":"10.3390/life14091198","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091198","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skeletal muscle secretome, through its paracrine and endocrine functions, contributes to the maintenance and regulation of overall physiological health. We conducted a narrative review on the role of skeletal muscle and exercise in maintaining glucose homeostasis, driving insulin resistance (IR), and preventing type 2 diabetes in pediatric populations, especially in the context of overweight and obesity. Myokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-15, as well as irisin, myonectin, and myostatin, appear to play a crucial role in IR. Skeletal muscle can also become a target of obesity-induced and IR-induced inflammation. In the correlation between muscle, IR, and inflammation, the role of infiltration of the immune cells and the microvasculature may also be considered. It remains unclear which exercise approach is the best; however, combining aerobic exercise with resistance training seems to be the most effective strategy for managing IR, with high-intensity activities offering superior metabolic benefits and long-term adherence. Encouraging daily participation in enjoyable and engaging exercise is key for long-term commitment and effective glucose metabolism management. Promoting physical activity in children and adolescents must be a top priority for public health, not only in terms of individual quality of life and well-being but also for community health.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433096/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142336700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objectives: Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic challenges and management of relapsing polychondritis (RP) with airway involvement, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and effective intervention to prevent severe complications.
Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records from January 2011 through June 2024 at a single tertiary-care institution were reviewed. This study was approved by the institutional review board. A total of 34 patients were diagnosed with RP, among whom 4 presented with significant airway complications. This study focused on these four patients, detailing their clinical presentations, diagnostic processes, and outcomes following various interventions.
Results: All patients were initially misdiagnosed with asthma and later developed severe airway issues necessitating interventions such as tracheotomy and endotracheal intubation. Diagnostic imaging, microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (MLB) were crucial for identifying subglottic stenosis and other airway alterations. Treatments included high-dose steroids, rituximab, and surgical interventions such as balloon dilation and tracheostomy. Only one patient could be decannulated; the other three remained dependent on tracheostomy and experienced significant complications due to emergency medical interventions.
Conclusions: RP can manifest with nonspecific respiratory symptoms similar to asthma, which may delay correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment, leading to critical airway complications. The early, precise identification of RP, particularly with airway involvement, is vital. MLB and dynamic expiratory CT scans play significant roles in clinical diagnosis and management. A multidisciplinary approach involving otolaryngologists, rheumatologists, and pulmonologists is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing complications.
{"title":"Diagnostic Challenges and Management of Relapsing Polychondritis with Large-Airway Involvement: A Case Series and Literature Review.","authors":"I-Chun Kuo, Chen-I Hsieh, Yi-Chan Lee, Li-Jen Hsin, Wan-Ni Lin, Michael J Rutter","doi":"10.3390/life14091194","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091194","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic challenges and management of relapsing polychondritis (RP) with airway involvement, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and effective intervention to prevent severe complications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this retrospective study, medical records from January 2011 through June 2024 at a single tertiary-care institution were reviewed. This study was approved by the institutional review board. A total of 34 patients were diagnosed with RP, among whom 4 presented with significant airway complications. This study focused on these four patients, detailing their clinical presentations, diagnostic processes, and outcomes following various interventions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All patients were initially misdiagnosed with asthma and later developed severe airway issues necessitating interventions such as tracheotomy and endotracheal intubation. Diagnostic imaging, microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (MLB) were crucial for identifying subglottic stenosis and other airway alterations. Treatments included high-dose steroids, rituximab, and surgical interventions such as balloon dilation and tracheostomy. Only one patient could be decannulated; the other three remained dependent on tracheostomy and experienced significant complications due to emergency medical interventions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>RP can manifest with nonspecific respiratory symptoms similar to asthma, which may delay correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment, leading to critical airway complications. The early, precise identification of RP, particularly with airway involvement, is vital. MLB and dynamic expiratory CT scans play significant roles in clinical diagnosis and management. A multidisciplinary approach involving otolaryngologists, rheumatologists, and pulmonologists is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433057/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Urte Griskeviciene, Justina Dambrauskiene, Mindaugas Marksa, Zaneta Mazeliene, Rimanta Vainoriene, Liudas Ivanauskas
Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. is a plant from the Asteraceae family that is commonly used in traditional medicine. The purpose of this work was to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics of phenolic compounds found in ethanol and dry extracts of C. vulgare leaves, inflorescence, and roots during various phenological stages. Apigenin-7-O-glucoside and chlorogenic acid were identified in practically all C. vulgare extracts. Extracts from leaves collected at the end of the phenological dormancy period and in the first growing year had the highest antioxidant (cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity of 12,938 Trolox equivalents/g dry weight) and antimicrobial activity (against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, and Candida albicans) with MIC values of ethanol extract from 16.7 mg/mL to 8.35 mg/mL. These extracts included a high concentration of chlorogenic acid and apigenin-7-O-glucoside. Also, dry extracts from C. vulgare roots and inflorescences showed a higher antimicrobial effect compared to ethanolic extracts with MIC values from 5.57 mg/mL to 3 mg/mL. The study emphasizes the critical role of phenological stages and raw material composition in the accumulation of phenolic compounds and their biological activity in C. vulgare. The findings suggest that extracts from C. vulgare leaves, especially those collected at the end of the phonological dormancy period, are promising candidates for further research into bioactive compounds with potential medicinal applications. The strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties of these extracts highlight their potential for development into natural pharmaceutical products.
Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten.是一种菊科植物,常用于传统医学。这项研究的目的是调查不同物候期 C. vulgare 叶、花序和根的乙醇和干提取物中发现的酚类化合物的抗氧化和抗菌特性。芹菜苷-7-O-葡萄糖苷和绿原酸在几乎所有芹菜提取物中都得到了鉴定。表皮休眠期结束时和生长第一年采集的叶片提取物具有最高的抗氧化性(铜离子还原抗氧化能力为 12,938 托罗克斯当量/克干重)和抗菌活性(针对金黄色葡萄球菌、表皮葡萄球菌、绿脓杆菌、普通变形杆菌和白色念珠菌),乙醇提取物的 MIC 值从 16.7 毫克/毫升到 8.35 毫克/毫升不等。这些提取物中含有高浓度的绿原酸和芹菜素-7-O-葡萄糖苷。此外,与乙醇提取物相比,硫华菊根和花序的干提取物显示出更高的抗菌效果,其 MIC 值从 5.57 毫克/毫升到 3 毫克/毫升不等。该研究强调了物候期和原料成分在芹菜酚类化合物的积累及其生物活性中的关键作用。研究结果表明,从莴苣叶中提取物,尤其是在语音休眠期结束时采集的莴苣叶提取物,有望进一步研究具有潜在药用价值的生物活性化合物。这些提取物具有很强的抗氧化和抗菌特性,突出了其开发成天然药物产品的潜力。
{"title":"Effect of the Phenological Stage on the Phenolic Composition, and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of <i>Cirsium vulgare</i> (Savi) Ten. Extracts.","authors":"Urte Griskeviciene, Justina Dambrauskiene, Mindaugas Marksa, Zaneta Mazeliene, Rimanta Vainoriene, Liudas Ivanauskas","doi":"10.3390/life14091191","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091191","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Cirsium vulgare</i> (Savi) Ten. is a plant from the <i>Asteraceae</i> family that is commonly used in traditional medicine. The purpose of this work was to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics of phenolic compounds found in ethanol and dry extracts of <i>C. vulgare</i> leaves, inflorescence, and roots during various phenological stages. Apigenin-7-<i>O</i>-glucoside and chlorogenic acid were identified in practically all <i>C. vulgare</i> extracts. Extracts from leaves collected at the end of the phenological dormancy period and in the first growing year had the highest antioxidant (cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity of 12,938 Trolox equivalents/g dry weight) and antimicrobial activity (against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, <i>Proteus vulgaris</i>, and <i>Candida albicans</i>) with MIC values of ethanol extract from 16.7 mg/mL to 8.35 mg/mL. These extracts included a high concentration of chlorogenic acid and apigenin-7-<i>O</i>-glucoside. Also, dry extracts from <i>C. vulgare</i> roots and inflorescences showed a higher antimicrobial effect compared to ethanolic extracts with MIC values from 5.57 mg/mL to 3 mg/mL. The study emphasizes the critical role of phenological stages and raw material composition in the accumulation of phenolic compounds and their biological activity in <i>C. vulgare</i>. The findings suggest that extracts from <i>C. vulgare</i> leaves, especially those collected at the end of the phonological dormancy period, are promising candidates for further research into bioactive compounds with potential medicinal applications. The strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties of these extracts highlight their potential for development into natural pharmaceutical products.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11432979/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laurent Schwartz, Jules Schwartz, Marc Henry, Ashraf Bakkar
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is both a poorly understood and devastating disease. Here, we analyze the physico-chemical forces at stake, including osmolarity, redox shift, and pressure due to inflammation. Hyperosmolarity plays a key role in diseases of the anterior segment of the eye such as glaucoma, cataracts or dry eyes, and corneal ulceration. However, its role in macular degeneration has been largely overlooked. Hyperosmolarity is responsible for metabolic shifts such as aerobic glycolysis which increases lactate secretion by Muller cells. Increased osmolarity will also cause neoangiogenesis and cell death. Because of its unique energetic demands, the macula is very sensitive to metabolic shifts. As a proof of concept, subretinal injection of drugs increasing hyperosmolarity such as polyethylene glycol causes neoangiogenesis and drusen-like structures in rodents. The link between AMD and hyperosmolarity is reinforced by the fact that treatments aiming to restore mitochondrial activity, such as lipoic acid and/or methylene blue, have been experimentally shown to be effective. We suggest that metabolic shift, inflammation, and hyperosmolarity are hallmarks in the pathogenesis and treatment of AMD.
{"title":"Metabolic Shift and Hyperosmolarity Underlie Age-Related Macular Degeneration.","authors":"Laurent Schwartz, Jules Schwartz, Marc Henry, Ashraf Bakkar","doi":"10.3390/life14091189","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091189","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is both a poorly understood and devastating disease. Here, we analyze the physico-chemical forces at stake, including osmolarity, redox shift, and pressure due to inflammation. Hyperosmolarity plays a key role in diseases of the anterior segment of the eye such as glaucoma, cataracts or dry eyes, and corneal ulceration. However, its role in macular degeneration has been largely overlooked. Hyperosmolarity is responsible for metabolic shifts such as aerobic glycolysis which increases lactate secretion by Muller cells. Increased osmolarity will also cause neoangiogenesis and cell death. Because of its unique energetic demands, the macula is very sensitive to metabolic shifts. As a proof of concept, subretinal injection of drugs increasing hyperosmolarity such as polyethylene glycol causes neoangiogenesis and drusen-like structures in rodents. The link between AMD and hyperosmolarity is reinforced by the fact that treatments aiming to restore mitochondrial activity, such as lipoic acid and/or methylene blue, have been experimentally shown to be effective. We suggest that metabolic shift, inflammation, and hyperosmolarity are hallmarks in the pathogenesis and treatment of AMD.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11432886/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}