A-kinase anchor protein 12 promotes oligodendrogenesis and cognitive recovery in carbon monoxide therapy for traumatic brain injury.

Therapeutic drug development for central nervous system injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), presents significant challenges. TBI results in primary mechanical damage followed by secondary injury, leading to cognitive dysfunction and memory loss. Our recent study demonstrated the potential of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) to improve TBI recovery by enhancing neurogenesis.

'It is scary to pause treatment': perspectives on HIV cure-related research and analytical treatment interruptions from women diagnosed during acute HIV in Durban, South Africa.

Background: HIV remains a major challenge in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, particularly for young women who face disproportionate risks and barriers to prevention and treatment. Most HIV cure trials, however, occur in high-income countries.

Objective: To examine the perspectives of young women diagnosed with acute HIV in a longitudinal study, focusing on their perceptions on ATI-inclusive HIV cure trials and the barriers and facilitators to participation.

Melatonin protects aged oocytes from depalmitoylation-mediated quality reduction by promoting PPT1 degradation and antioxidation.

Oocyte aging is closely related to a decline in female fertility, accompanied by increased reactive oxygen species levels and changes in protein posttranslational modifications. However, the role of protein palmitoylation in oocyte aging has not been investigated. In the present study, a new association between redox and palmitoylation in aging oocytes was found.

A preliminary study of microwave ablation (MWA) for Bethesda IV follicular neoplasms (≤3 cm).

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of patients with Bethesda IV follicular neoplasms (FNs) (≤3 cm).

Methods: In the retrospective study, patients who underwent MWA for Bethesda IV follicular neoplasms (≤3 cm) were included. Technical success, volume reduction, disease progression, and adverse event (AE) rates were analyzed postablation.

The Hao-Fountain syndrome protein USP7 regulates neuronal connectivity in the brain via a novel p53-independent ubiquitin signaling pathway.

Mutation or deletion of the deubiquitinase USP7 causes Hao-Fountain syndrome (HAFOUS), which is characterized by speech delay, intellectual disability, and aggressive behavior and highlights important unknown roles of USP7 in the nervous system. Here, we conditionally delete USP7 in glutamatergic neurons in the mouse forebrain, triggering disease-relevant phenotypes, including sensorimotor deficits, impaired cognition, and aggressive behavior. Although USP7 deletion induces p53-dependent neuronal apoptosis, most behavioral abnormalities in USP7 conditional knockout mice persist following p53 loss.

Protocol for assessing and visualizing cell microaggregate formation in whole blood by imaging flow cytometry.

Blood cell aggregates are clinically useful biomarkers in a number of medical disorders. This protocol provides accurate and quantitative analysis of cell aggregates using a small volume of whole blood and imaging flow cytometry. We describe steps for sample collection, staining, and measurement.

A 2D cell segmentation protocol for monitoring multiple STAT signaling pathways by fluorescence microscopy.

Microscopic cell segmentation typically requires complex imaging, staining, and computational steps to achieve acceptable consistency. Here, we describe a protocol for the high-fidelity segmentation of the nucleus and cytoplasm in cell culture and apply it to monitor interferon-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling. We provide guidelines for sample preparation, image acquisition, and segmentation.

Trabecular bone deficits predominate in the appendicular skeleton of midlife women living with HIV: findings from a cross-sectional study in Zimbabwe.

HIV-related mortality has fallen due to scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), so more women living with HIV (WLH) now live to reach menopause. Menopausal estrogen loss causes bone loss, as do HIV and certain ART regimens. However, quantitative bone data from WLH are few in Africa.

Imaging tests as predictors of progression to rheumatoid arthritis in clinically suspect arthralgia: A systematic review & meta-analysis.

Objectives: To determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of imaging tests for the prediction of RA progression in people with inflammatory joint pain or CSA.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science from 1987 to March 2024. Studies evaluating any imaging tests in participants with inflammatory joint pain or CSA, without clinical synovitis were eligible.

Development of START, a novel multimedia-based symptom appraisal tool for autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Objectives: To facilitate earlier diagnosis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), we aimed to 1) develop START, a novel multimedia-based symptom appraisal tool for ARDs and 2) pilot test START among established ARD cases and non-ARD controls.

Methods: We developed START using a social cognitive theory-based theoretical framework and consensus-based lists of ARDs and manifestations from our previous work. START was revised through reviews by an expert panel of rheumatologists and cognitive debriefing interviews (CDIs) with patients newly referred for assessment of ARDs.

Osteogenic Effects of Bioactive Compounds Found in Fruits on Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Review.

Phytochemicals, which are bioactive compounds contained in fruits, vegetables, and teas, have a positive effect on human health by having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic effects. Several studies have highlighted the ability of bioactive compounds to activate key cellular enzymes associated with important signaling pathways related to cell division and proliferation, as well as their role in inflammatory and immunological responses. Some phytochemicals are associated with increased proliferation, differentiation, and expression of markers related to osteogenesis, bone formation, and mineralization by activating various signaling pathways.

SLC39A10 is a key zinc transporter in T cells and its loss mitigates autoimmune disease.

Zinc homeostasis plays an essential role in maintaining immune function and is tightly regulated by zinc transporters. We previously reported that the zinc transporter SLC39A10, located in the cell membrane, critically regulates the susceptibility of macrophages to inflammatory stimuli; however, the functional role of SLC39A10 in T cells is currently unknown. Here, we identified two SNPs in SLC39A10 that are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Endocan as a marker of endotheliitis in COVID-19 patients: modulation by veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, arterial hypertension and previous treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.

Background And Aims: Endocan has been scarcely explored in COVID-19, especially regarding its modulation by veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO), hypertension or previous renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors treatment. We compared endocan and other endotheliitis markers in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and assessed their modulation by VV-ECMO, hypertension and previous RAAS inhibitors treatment.

Material And Methods: Serum endocan, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin were measured in "severe" (n = 27), "critically ill" (n = 17) and "critically ill on VV-ECMO" (n = 17) COVID-19 patients at admission, days 3-4, 5-8 and weekly thereafter, and in controls (n = 23) at a single time point.

MicroRNAs' Significance in Retinoblastoma Diagnosis and Treatment: The Little Heroes.

One in 16, 000 live births is affected by the retinal tumor RB (retinoblastoma), which is frequently found in a child's early years. Both of the RB1 alleles that have been locally mutated in the affected retina are present in 60 percent of cases. Retinoblastoma (RB) can be detected using a variety of techniques, including imaging of the brain and orbits, eye examinations under anesthesia (EUAs), and the discovery of cell-free tumor DNA in samples of aqueous humor or plasma.

The contribution of cognitive disengagement syndrome symptoms to depressive symptoms among pediatric brain tumor survivors.

Objective: Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at risk for neurocognitive late effects that can resemble symptoms of cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS). In the current study, we compared the CDS symptoms of PBTS to those of healthy comparison classmates (CC) and examined whether CDS might explain group differences in depressive symptoms. We also explored whether CDS symptoms were associated with engagement-based coping strategies and stress responses, thereby testing one mechanism by which CDS could lead to affective difficulties.

Abdominopelvic imaging in the follow-up of testicular germ-cell tumors in adults: recommendations of the Scrotal and Penile Imaging Working Group of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology.

Objectives: The Scrotal and Penile Imaging Working Group (SPIWG) of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) aimed to formulate recommendations on the imaging modalities and minimal technical requirements for abdominopelvic imaging in the follow-up of adult patients treated for testicular germ-cell tumors (TGCT).

Methods: The SPIWG members performed an extensive literature search, reviewed the current clinical practice, and reached a consensus based on the opinions of experts in the field.

Results: Recurrence in patients treated for TGCT mainly occurs in retroperitoneal lymph nodes (LNs).

HIF-1α and VEGF Immunophenotypes as Potential Biomarkers in the Prognosis and Evaluation of Treatment Efficacy of Atherosclerosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and its related vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may play a significant role in atherosclerosis and their targeting is a strategic approach that may affect multiple pathways influencing disease progression. This study aimed to perform a systematic review to reveal current evidence on the role of HIF-1α and VEGF immunophenotypes with other prognostic markers as potential biomarkers of atherosclerosis prognosis and treatment efficacy.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of the current literature to explore the role of HIF-1α and VEGF protein expression along with the relation to the prognosis and therapeutic strategies of atherosclerosis.

Oxidative and Excitatory Neurotoxic Stresses in CRISPR/Cas9-Induced Kynurenine Aminotransferase Knockout Mice: A Novel Model for Despair-Based Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Backgrounds: Memory and emotion are especially vulnerable to psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is linked to disruptions in serotonin (5-HT) metabolism. Over 90% of the 5-HT precursor tryptophan (Trp) is metabolized via the Trp-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic pathway, which generates a variety of bioactive molecules. Dysregulation of KYN metabolism, particularly low levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), appears to be linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.

Hyperactivity and Pro-inflammatory Functions of Platelets in Diabetes.

Cardiovascular complications claim the lives of up to 70% of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The mechanisms increasing cardiovascular risk in DM remain to be fully understood and successfully addressed. Nonetheless, there is increasing evidence in the scientific literature of the participation of platelets in the cardiovascular complications of DM.

Use of the Adaptive Behaviour Dementia Questionnaire in a Down Syndrome Specialty Clinic.

Objective: To study the use of a dementia screening tool in our clinic cohort of adults with Down syndrome.

Study Design: A retrospective chart review of patients with Down syndrome was conducted to follow the use of the Adaptive Behaviour Dementia Questionnaire (ABDQ) in a dementia screening protocol. The ABDQ results for patients aged 40 years and older at a Down syndrome specialty clinic program were assessed.

Prediction of Survival Outcomes in Patients with Glioma Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Glioma is the most common malignancy in the central nervous system. Even with optimal therapies, glioblastoma (the most aggressive form of glioma) is incurable, with only 26.5% of patients having a 2-year survival rate.

Melanoma-derived versican reactivates tumor-associated macrophages by upregulating pyruvate carboxylase through TLR2-MyD88-RelB axis under normoxia.

Relieving hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment (TME) promotes innate and adaptive immunity. Our previous research demonstrated that reoxygenation of the TME promotes the phagocytosis and tumor-killing functions of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) by upregulating pyruvate carboxylase (PCB). However, the mechanism remains obscure.

Effects of Capsaicin on Masticatory and Swallowing Function.

Introduction: Recent studies have shown that capsaicin improves the pharyngeal swallowing reflex. However, the mechanism by which capsaicin alters mastication and oesophageal function remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of capsaicin on masticatory and oesophageal function.