Evaluating the Causal Association between Circulating Plasma Proteins, 731 Immune Cell Phenotypes, and Atopic Dermatitis: A Mediation Mendelian Randomization Study.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by eczematous lesions and severe itching. However, its pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between plasma proteins and AD, as well as to identify and quantify the potential roles of immune cell phenotypes as mediators.

Smoking Cessation and Utilization of Cessation Assistance in 13 low- and middle-income countries - changes between Two Survey Rounds of Global Adult Tobacco Surveys, 2009-2021.

Introduction: Monitoring changes in cessation behaviors and cessation assistance is critical for policymaking.

Methods: We analyzed two rounds (2009-2014 and 2015-2021) of Global Adult Tobacco Surveys in 13 countries. We estimated the quit ratio, quit attempt, and utilization of cessation assistance.

Recombinant FOXN1 fusion protein increases T cell generation in old mice.

T cell development in the thymus is dependent on the thymic microenvironment, in which thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are the major component. However, TECs undergo both a qualitative and quantitative loss during aging, which is believed to be the major factor responsible for age-dependent thymic atrophy. FOXN1 plays a critical role in TEC development and adult TECs maintenance.

The role of T cells and shared genes in psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease based on single-cell RNA and comprehensive analysis.

Psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a similar etiology, including abnormal activation of T cells. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis was used to search for shared genes. GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis were then performed.

Administration of Recombinant TAPBPL Protein Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease distinguished by synovial hyperplasia and a progressive destruction of joints. T cells are critical players in the pathogenesis of RA. We have previously identified a novel immune checkpoint molecule, TAPBPL, that inhibits T cell functions in vitro.

A comprehensive analysis of type 1 interferon gene signatures in systematic lupus erythematosus and prediction of the crucial susceptible factor for Sjögren syndrome.

This study aimed to determine the role of IFN-1 gene signatures in SLE and their association with Sjögren syndrome (SS). Publicly available data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to construct the models. The random forest tree model was used to screen key IFN-1 gene signatures, and consensus clustering algorithms were used for unsupervised cluster analysis of these signatures.

Administration of recombinant FOXN1 protein attenuates Alzheimer's pathology in mice.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in older adults and characterized by progressive loss of memory and cognitive functions that are associated with amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Immune cells play an important role in the clearance of Aβ deposits and neurofibrillary tangles. T cells are the major component of the immune system.

Recombinant FOXN1 fusion protein increases T cell generation in aged mice.

Background: Although the thymus continues to export T cells throughout life, it undergoes a profound involution/atrophy with age, resulting in decreased numbers of T cells in the older adult, which has direct etiological linkages with many diseases. T cell development in the thymus is dependent on the thymic microenvironment, in which thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are the major component. However, TECs undergo both a qualitative and quantitative loss during aging, which is believed to be the major factor responsible for age-dependent thymic atrophy.

Identification of potential biomarkers for systemic lupus erythematosus by integrated analysis of gene expression and methylation data.

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous and chronic autoimmune disease. Aberrant DNA methylation occurs during various processes of SLE development regulating the mRNA expression of interrelated genes. This study aims to screen potential DNA methylation markers for SLE.

miR-20a Overexpression in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Therapeutic Efficacy in Murine Lupus Nephritis by Regulating Autophagy.

Objective: Lupus nephritis is the most common and severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. The aim of our study was to investigate the efficacy of miR-20a overexpressing adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) transplantation in murine lupus nephritis (LN) and explore potential molecular mechanisms.

Methods: Mouse ADSCs were transfected with a miR-20a lentiviral vector to obtain miR-20a overexpression ADSCs (miR-20a-ADSCs).

mTOR pathway regulates the differentiation of peripheral blood Th2/Treg cell subsets in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic and potentially life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease. Aberrant mTOR pathway activity is involved in many autoimmune diseases. This study investigated the correlation of mTOR pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K) activity with the loss of balance in T helper 2/regulatory T (Th2/Treg) cells in the peripheral blood of PV patients.

Short-Term Intravenous Infusion of Cyclophosphamide in the Treatment of Refractory Pemphigus Vulgaris: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease of the skin and mucous membranes. Glucocorticoids have been the most effective drug for the treatment of pemphigus; however, some patients are insensitive to glucocorticoid therapy. Cyclophosphamide has been extensively used in the treatment of pemphigus.

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A 7-year Retrospective Study in China.

Background: The study was a retrospective case-controlled study. We aimed to determine the clinical and laboratory features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and compared the features of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) with those of SLE.

Materials And Methods: The study included 38 patients with SLE with AITD (SLE-AITD) and 190 age- and gender-matched SLE patients.

Syphilis gastritis: a case report.

Awareness of the spectrum of clinical manifestations of syphilis, especially uncommon changes, is essential for diagnosis and effective management of patients. A 48-year-old Han businessman presented to the ear, nose and throat surgeons with an eight-week history of epigastric pain, a four-week history of a widespread non-itchy rash including the scrotal skin and a one-week history of tinnitus and dizziness. On examination, he was afebrile with widespread lymphadenopathy and a maculopapular rash affecting his trunk and scrotum.

Autologous peripheral blood haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for systemic lupus erythematosus: the observation of long-term outcomes in a Chinese centre.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of autologous peripheral blood haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (APHSCT).

Methods: We did not want to evaluate the efficacy of antibodies but rather the clinical response by investigating progression-free survival and serologic response by assessing autoantibody titres and complement levels.

Results: Overall, 22 patients with SLE (17 females; median age, 23 years) undergoing APHSCT were included.

Application of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for pemphigus.

Background: Pemphigus is a rare and fatal autoimmune disease for which the treatment options are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of autologous peripheral hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (APHSCT) for pemphigus.

Methods: We conducted APHSCT for 12 pemphigus patients (seven males and five females, mean age 23.

Suppression of interleukin 17 contributes to the immunomodulatory effects of adipose-derived stem cells in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Due to roles in immunoregulation and low immunogenicity, mesenchymal stem cells have been suggested to be potent regulators of the immune response and may represent promising treatments for autoimmune disease. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), stromal cells derived from adipose tissue, were investigated with allogeneic ADSCs in B6.MRL/lpr mice, a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Hypertension in Malaysia: An Analysis of Trends From the National Surveys 1996 to 2011.

This study aimed to determine trends in prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension in Malaysia and to assess the relationship between socioeconomic determinants and prevalence of hypertension in Malaysia.The distribution of hypertension in Malaysia was assessed based on available data in 3 National Health and Morbidity Surveys (NHMSs) and 1 large scale non-NHMS during the period of 1996 to 2011. Summary statistics was used to characterize the included surveys.

[Expression of BATF, a member of the activator protein-1 family, in renal tissues of MRL/lpr mice].

Objective: To investigate the expression of BATF, a member of the activator protein-1 family, in the renal tissues of mice with lupus nephritis.

Methods: The renal tissues from 24-week-old female MRL/lpr mice and age- and sex-matched C57BL/6 mice were examined for BATF protein expressions using Western blotting and for expressions of BATF, RORγt and IL-17A mRNA using quantitative real-time PCR. The results of laboratory examinations were analyzed in relation with the histopathology of the mice.

A rapid and efficient method for primary culture of human adipose-derived stem cells.

Adipose tissue contains some populations, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) which can differentiate into adipogenic, chondrogenic, osteogenic, myogenic, and endothelial cells. Furthermore, adipose tissue can be easily obtained in large quantities through a simple liposuction. ADSCs are thought to be an alternate source of autologous adult stem cells for cell-based therapy.

Allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells suppress Th17 lymphocytes in patients with active lupus in vitro.

Interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing CD4(+) T cells (Th17 cells) have been proven to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To shed light on the mechanism of immunoregulation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), we investigated the effects of allogeneic ADSCs on the Th17 lymphocytes of patients with active SLE by co-culturing ADSCs and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of these patients in vitro. The results indicated that ADSCs from passage 3 (P3) down-regulated the proportion of Th17 cells and their abilities to produce IL-17, whereas ADSCs from passage 8 (P8) had contrasting effect.

Granulomatous skin infection caused by Malassezia pachydermatis in a dog owner.

Background: Malassezia pachydermatis is part of the normal cutaneous microflora of dogs and many other mammals. M pachydermatis has not yet been reported as an agent that causes skin infection in humans, although it has been found to cause fungemia and other nosocomial infections in preterm newborns and immunocompromised adults.

Observations: Malassezia pachydermatis was isolated from the facial granuloma of a healthy woman and her dog's skin scrapings and cerumen.