Amelioration of Cigarette Smoke-Induced Mucus Hypersecretion and Viscosity by Polysaccharides and .

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, in which cigarette smoke (CS) is the major risk factor. polysaccharides (DOPs) are the main active ingredients extracted from , which have been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as well as inhibition of mucin gene expression. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of DOPs on CS-induced mucus hypersecretion and viscosity and .

Hydrogen Bond Donor Catalyzed Cationic Polymerization of Vinyl Ethers.

The synthesis of high-molecular-weight poly(vinyl ethers) under mild conditions is a significant challenge, since cationic polymerization reactions are highly sensitive to chain-transfer and termination events. We identified a novel and highly effective hydrogen bond donor (HBD)-organic acid pair that can facilitate controlled cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers under ambient conditions with excellent monomer compatibility. Poly(vinyl ethers) of molar masses exceeding 50 kg mol can be produced within 1 h without elaborate reagent purification.

Deprivation is associated with anxiety and stress. A population-based longitudinal household survey among Chinese adults in Hong Kong.

Background: Mental illness is a major disease burden in the world and disproportionately affects the socially disadvantaged, but studies on the longitudinal association of poverty with anxiety and stress are rare, especially in Asia. Using data from Hong Kong, we aimed to (1) assess the cross-sectional association of poverty with anxiety and stress at baseline, and (2) to examine whether baseline poverty and change in poverty status over time are associated with a subsequent change in anxiety and stress.

Methods: Data were obtained from two waves of a territory-wide longitudinal survey in Hong Kong, with sample sizes of n=1970 and n=1224 for baseline and follow-up, respectively.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Which IBD Patients Need to Be Scoped-Who Gets Scoped Now, Who Can Wait, and how to Resume to Normal.

Endoscopy is an essential component in the management of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. There is a risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission during endoscopic procedures. The International Organization for the study of IBD [IOIBD] has developed 11 position statements, based on an online survey, that focus on how to prioritise endoscopies in IBD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, alternative modes for disease monitoring, and ways to triage the high number of postponed endoscopies after the pandemic.

EEG-based Neglect Detection for Stroke Patients.

Spatial neglect (SN) is a neurological syndrome in stroke patients, commonly due to unilateral brain injury. It results in inattention to stimuli in the contralesional visual field. The current gold standard for SN assessment is the behavioral inattention test (BIT).

Elucidation of Proteus mirabilis as a Key Bacterium in Crohn's Disease Inflammation.

Background & Aims: Proteus spp, Gram-negative facultative anaerobic bacilli, have recently been associated with Crohn's disease (CD) recurrence after intestinal resection. We investigated the genomic and functional role of Proteus as a gut pathogen in CD.

Methods: Proteus spp abundance was assessed by ure gene-specific polymerase chain in 54 pairs of fecal samples and 101 intestinal biopsies from patients with CD and healthy controls.

Endoplasmic reticulum chaperones stabilize ligand-receptive MR1 molecules for efficient presentation of metabolite antigens.

The antigen-presenting molecule MR1 (MHC class I-related protein 1) presents metabolite antigens derived from microbial vitamin B synthesis to activate mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. Key aspects of this evolutionarily conserved pathway remain uncharacterized, including where MR1 acquires ligands and what accessory proteins assist ligand binding. We answer these questions by using a fluorophore-labeled stable MR1 antigen analog, a conformation-specific MR1 mAb, proteomic analysis, and a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 library screen.

Challenges to pre-migration interventions to prevent human trafficking: Results from a before-and-after learning assessment of training for prospective female migrants in Odisha, India.

Background: Awareness-raising and pre-migration training are popular strategies to prevent human trafficking. Programmatic theories assume that when prospective migrants are equipped with information about risks, they will make more-informed choices, ultimately resulting in safe migration. In 2016, India was estimated to have 8 million people in modern slavery, including those who migrate internally for work.

Impact of Physicians' and Patients' Compliance on Outcomes of Colonoscopic Polypectomy With Anti-Thrombotic Therapy.

Background & Aims: Although there are international guidelines on the management of antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing colonoscopic polypectomy, whether clinicians and patients follow these recommendations are largely unknown. We aimed to evaluate clinician adherence and patient compliance to periendoscopic management of antithrombotic therapy and their impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods: Consecutive patients on antithrombotic therapy scheduled for elective colonoscopy in a tertiary referral center were recruited prospectively.

Epidemiology and Natural History of Elderly-onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results From a Territory-wide Hong Kong IBD Registry.

Background: Elderly-onset inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], defined as age ≥60 at diagnosis, is increasing worldwide. We aimed to compare clinical characteristics and natural history of elderly-onset IBD patients with those of adult-onset IBD patients.

Methods: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of IBD from 1981 to 2016 were identified from a territory-wide Hong Kong IBD registry involving 13 hospitals.

Incidence and clinical course of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatologic diseases: A population-based study.

Objectives: Patients with rheumatologic diseases might be more susceptible to COVID-19 and carry a poorer prognosis. The aim of this study is to examine the incidence and outcomes of all COVID-19 patients with rheumatologic conditions in Hong Kong.

Methods: This is a population-based retrospective study.

CXCL16 Stimulates Antigen-Induced MAIT Cell Accumulation but Trafficking During Lung Infection Is CXCR6-Independent.

Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a unique T cell subset that contributes to protective immunity against microbial pathogens, but little is known about the role of chemokines in recruiting MAIT cells to the site of infection. Pulmonary infection with live vaccine strain (LVS) stimulates the accrual of large numbers of MAIT cells in the lungs of mice. Using this infection model, we find that MAIT cells are predominantly CXCR6 but do not require CXCR6 for accumulation in the lungs.

Embryo migration following ART documented by 2D/3D ultrasound.

Embryos have traditionally been thought to implant at the exact site they are transferred during assisted reproductive technology (ART). The introduction of 2D/3D ultrasound has allowed for mapping of the transfer site using air bubbles as a surrogate marker of embryo location. This study's aim was to compare the location of embryo transfer (ET) on ultrasound to that of embryo implantation.

Artificially induced MAIT cells inhibit M. bovis BCG but not M. tuberculosis during in vivo pulmonary infection.

There is significant interest in targeting MAIT cells with immunostimulatory agents to enhance immune responses. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb.

Hybrid integrated InP-SiN diode laser with a 40-Hz intrinsic linewidth.

We demonstrate a hybrid integrated and widely tunable diode laser with an intrinsic linewidth as narrow as 40 Hz, achieved with a single roundtrip through a low-loss feedback circuit that extends the cavity length to 0.5 meter on a chip. Employing solely dielectrics for single-roundtrip, single-mode resolved feedback filtering enables linewidth narrowing with increasing laser power, without limitations through nonlinear loss.

Absence of mucosal-associated invariant T cells in a person with a homozygous point mutation in .

The role unconventional T cells play in protective immunity in humans is unclear. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an unconventional T cell subset restricted to the antigen-presenting molecule MR1. Here, we report the discovery of a patient homozygous for a rare Arg31His (R9H in the mature protein) mutation in MR1 who has a history of difficult-to-treat viral and bacterial infections.

Complications in Post-mastectomy Immediate Breast Reconstruction: A Ten-year Analysis of Outcomes.

Introduction: Immediate breast reconstruction offers cosmetic and psychological advantages post-mastectomy. There are various options of reconstruction, and this study aims to evaluate the associated complications.

Patients And Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study analyzing data from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017 for immediate breast reconstruction procedures post-mastectomy performed at an academic breast unit.

Zero COVID-19 infection in inflammatory bowel disease patients: Findings from population-based inflammatory bowel disease registries in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Background And Aim: It is unsure whether inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a risk factor for novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Methods: IBD patients were identified from population-based databases in Hong Kong and Taiwan from January 21, 2020, until April 15, 2020.

Results: Total 2954 and 2554 IBD patients were identified in Hong Kong and Taiwan, respectively.

Virtual reality for acute pain in outpatient hysteroscopy: a randomised controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality as a distraction technique in the management of acute pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy.

Design: Parallel group, prospective randomised controlled trial.

Setting: UK University Hospital.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test for diagnosis of uncomplicated malaria in endemic areas: a meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy.

Background: The global malaria decline has stalled and only a few countries are pushing towards pre-elimination. The aim of the malaria elimination phase is interruption of local transmission of a specified malaria parasite in a defined geographical area. New and improved screening tools and strategies are required for detection and management of very low-density parasitaemia in the field.

Review article: bugs, inflammation and mood-a microbiota-based approach to psychiatric symptoms in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Background: Psychiatric co-morbidities including depression and anxiety are common in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Emerging evidence suggests that interactions between the gut microbiota and brain may play a role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric symptoms in IBD.

Aim: To review the literature on microbiota-brain-gut interactions in gut inflammation, psychosocial stress and mental disorders and to discuss the putative mediating role of gut microbiota in the development of psychiatric symptoms or co-morbidities in IBD.

Human MAIT cell cytolytic effector proteins synergize to overcome carbapenem resistance in Escherichia coli.

Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are abundant antimicrobial T cells in humans and recognize antigens derived from the microbial riboflavin biosynthetic pathway presented by the MHC-Ib-related protein (MR1). However, the mechanisms responsible for MAIT cell antimicrobial activity are not fully understood, and the efficacy of these mechanisms against antibiotic resistant bacteria has not been explored. Here, we show that MAIT cells mediate MR1-restricted antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli clinical strains in a manner dependent on the activity of cytolytic proteins but independent of production of pro-inflammatory cytokines or induction of apoptosis in infected cells.