Antisense oligonucleotides provide optimism to the therapeutic landscape for tauopathies

Tauopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by abnormal metabolism of the misfolded tau protein. Tau is encoded by the microtubule-associated protein tau gene(MAPT) and can be classified as either 3-repeat(3R) or 4-repeat(4R) based on the number of repeat domains from alternative splicing of exon 10 of the MAPT gene.

Data-driven analysis of chemicals,proteins and pathways associated with peanut allergy:from molecular networking to biological interpretation

Peanut allergy is majorly related to severe food induced allergic reactions.Several food including cow's milk,hen's eggs,soy,wheat,peanuts,tree nuts(walnuts,hazelnuts,almonds,cashews,pecans and pistachios),fish and shellfish are responsible for more than 90%of food allergies.Here,we provide promising insights using a large-scale data-driven analysis,comparing the mechanistic feature and biological relevance of different ingredients presents in peanuts,tree nuts(walnuts,almonds,cashews,pecans and pistachios)and soybean.Additionally,we have analysed the chemical compositions of peanuts in different processed form raw,boiled and dry-roasted.Using the data-driven approach we are able to generate new hypotheses to explain why nuclear receptors like the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(PPARs)and its isoform and their interaction with dietary lipids may have significant effect on allergic response.The results obtained from this study will direct future experimeantal and clinical studies to understand the role of dietary lipids and PPARisoforms to exert pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory functions on cells of the innate immunity and influence antigen presentation to the cells of the adaptive immunity.

距骨外侧突骨折的损伤机制、诊治及预后研究进展

距骨外侧突骨折(FLPT)在所有骨折类型中占比较低,容易漏诊或误诊。FLPT损伤机制多样,足部背屈、内翻、外翻、外旋、轴向撞击等都可导致。FLPT常用的分型方法包括Hawkins分型、McCrory-Bladin分型、Boack分型、Tinner-Sommer分型以及最新的张英泽分型。临床上对FLPT的诊断首选X线检查,但由于足部副骨和骨赘较为常见,在X线片上与其他骨折鉴别困难,因此常常需要进一步通过CT检查进行判断。FLPT的主要治疗方式包括石膏外固定、闭合或切开复位内固定、骨块切除和关节融合等。大部分患者FLPT经治疗后预后良好,并且随着关节镜技术日益成熟,患者预后优良率明显提升。

Management and classification of the fracture of lateral process of talus:An overview and literature update

Fracture of the lateral process of the talus(FLPT)is uncommon in clinical practice and can be easily missed or misdiagnosed.In recent years,as researchers from all over the world have further deepened their research on FLPT,there has been a breakthrough in the classification,and the methods and principles of clinical management have changed accordingly;however,there is still no standardized guideline for the diagnosis and management of FLPT,and there have been few relevant literature review articles related to this kind of fracture in the past at least 5 years.In this article,we review the clinical classification,classification-based therapeutic recommendations,and prognosis of FLPT,with the aim of providing a reference for the clinical diagnosis and management of this infrequent fracture.

Overview of perspectives on cancer,newer therapies,and future directions

Theword“cancer”is associated with terrifying situations,and there is often an aggressive intent to cure.Uncertainty about survival and fear of disfigurement cause major turmoil in the minds of patients and relatives.Teamwork with multimodal care is the key to achieving satisfactory outcomes.Advanced imaging modalities have aided in early detection and derivation of optimal treatment plans.Although radical excision of tumors with neoadjuvant or concurrent chemotherapy/radiotherapy has long been the best management option,we have moved froma radical to a conservative approach.In advanced disease,the plan should be to provide supportive care and improve quality of life.Compassion and counseling play important roles.Nutritional support for correcting cancer cachexia is equally important during tumor excision.Newer therapies such as targeted therapy,stem cell therapy,and chemodynamic therapy are all focused on ensuring safe and efficient outcomes;however,the war against cancer continues to oscillate between hope and despair.

Prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths among women of reproductive age in Mwaluphamba,Kwale

Objective:To assess the epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis among women of reproductive age in Mwaluphamba,Kwale County,Kenya.Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed to randomly sample 422 women of reproductive age(15-<50 years)from four villages in Mwaluphamba location.Stool specimens were collected and examined using the Kato-Katz method,while filtration technique was used to analyze urine specimens.Participants’sociodemographic details were obtained using a standardized questionnaire.Results:Urinary schistosomiasis prevalence was at 4.7%(20/422,95%CI 2.8%-6.9%)while the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infection was 4.5%(19/422,95%CI 2.6%-6.7%).The infection intensities of urinary schistosomiasis among the study participants ranged from 1 to 120 eggs/10 mL of urine with median egg count of 18.45 eggs/10 mL.The patients were diagnosed with light infection,of 56.16 egg/gram and 48.48 egg/gram for Trichuris trichiura and hookworms,respectively.Women without latrines had 15.7 times higher risk of having urinary schistosomiasis compared to those with a latrine.Similarly,use of surface water(aOR=1.0,95%CI 0.2-1.4,P=0.010)and crossing the river to go to a place(aOR=1.1,95%CI 0.3-1.6,P=0.009)were statistically significant risk factors for getting urinary schistosomiasis.In bivariable regression analysis,defecating around the water source(OR=4.3,95%CI 1.5-12.9)had a statistically significant association with the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis(P=0.008).Conclusions:This study has given an insight on the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Mwaluphamba location that form a basis for strengthening the control and elimination programmes for these neglected tropical diseases.

Graphene-calcium carbonate coating to improve the degradation resistance and mechanical integrity of a biodegradable implant

Biodegradable implants are critical for regenerative orthopaedic procedures,but they may suffer from too fast corrosion in human-body environment.This necessitates the synthesis of a suitable coating that may improve the corrosion resistance of these implants without compromising their mechanical integrity.In this study,an AZ91 magnesium alloy,as a representative for a biodegradable Mg implant material,was modified with a thin reduced graphene oxide(RGO)-calcium carbonate(CaCO_(3))composite coating.Detailed analytical and in-vitro electrochemical characterization reveals that this coating significantly improves the corrosion resistance and mechanical integrity,and thus has the potential to greatly extend the related application field.

Acupuncture in diabetic peripheral neuropathy-neurological outcomes of the randomized acupuncture in diabetic peripheral neuropathy trial

BACKGROUND Diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN)is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and can lead to serious complications.Therapeutic strategies for pain control are available but there are few approaches that influence neurological deficits such as numbness.AIM To investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture on improving neurological deficits in patients suffering from type 2 DPN.METHODS The acupuncture in DPN(ACUDPN)study was a two-armed,randomized,controlled,parallel group,open,multicenter clinical trial.Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups:The acupuncture group received 12 acupuncture treatments over 8 wk,and the control group was on a waiting list during the first 16 wk,before it received the same treatment as the other group.Both groups received routine care.Outcome parameters were evaluated after 8,16 and 24 wk and included neurological scores,such as an 11-point numeric rating scale(NRS)11 for hypesthesia,neuropathic pain symptom inventory(NPSI),neuropathy deficit score(NDS),neuropathy symptom score(NSS);nerve conduction studies(NCS)were assessed with a handheld point-of-care device.RESULTSSixty-two participants were included.The NRS for numbness showed a difference of 2.3(P<0.001)in favor of theacupuncture group,the effect persisted until week 16 with a difference of 2.2(P<0.001)between groups and 1.8points at week 24 compared to baseline.The NPSI was improved in the acupuncture group by 12.6 points(P<0.001)at week 8,the NSS score at week 8 with a difference of 1.3(P<0.001);the NDS and the TNSc score improvedfor the acupuncture group in week 8,with a difference of 2.0 points(P<0.001)compared to the control group.Effects were persistent in week 16 with a difference of 1.8 points(P<0.05).The NCS showed no meaningfulchanges.In both groups only minor side effects were reported.CONCLUSION Study results suggest that acupuncture may be beneficial in type 2 diabetic DPN and seems to lead to a reductionin neurological deficits.No serious adverse events were recorded and the adherence to treatment was high.Confirmatory randomized sham-controlled clinical studies with adequate patient numbers are needed to confirmthe results.

Sensitivity and specificity of hearing tests for screening hearing loss in older adults

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the most appropriate hearing screening test to identify disabling hearing loss for adults aged 65 years or older.Methods: This study included 577 older adults. Four hearing screening tests were considered in the study, including the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly Screening(HHIE-s), three single question tests, the whisper test, and the finger rub test. The sensitivity and specificity of these tests referenced to the hearing threshold of disabling hearing loss were estimated.Results: Among all tests, only the single self-perception question(0.7064 for sensitivity;0.7225 for specificity) and whisper test(0.7833 for sensitivity;0.7708 for specificity) could obtain both sensitivity and specificity higher than 70% for adults aged ≥65 years.Conclusion: Overall, we suggest using the whisper test to identify disabling hearing loss(>40 dB HL at the better ear) for adults aged 65 years or older. However, if the conditions do not permit, the single selfperception question is also acceptable. Moreover, HHIE-s might not be a good test to detect disabling hearing loss for adults aged 80 years or older.

Protocadherin gamma C3:a new player in regulating vascular barrier function

Defects in the endothelial cell barrier accompany diverse malfunctions of the central nervous system such as neurodegenerative diseases,stroke,traumatic brain injury,and systemic diseases such as sepsis,viral and bacterial infections,and cancer.Compromised endothelial sealing leads to leaking blood vessels,followed by vasogenic edema.Brain edema as the most common complication caused by stroke and traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death.Brain microvascular endothelial cells,together with astrocytes,pericytes,microglia,and neurons form a selective barrier,the so-called blood-brain barrier,which regulates the movement of molecules inside and outside of the brain.Mechanisms that regulate blood-brain barrier permeability in health and disease are complex and not fully understood.Several newly discovered molecules that are involved in the regulation of cellular processes in brain microvascular endothelial cells have been described in the literature in recent years.One of these molecules that are highly expressed in brain microvascular endothelial cells is protocadherin gamma C3.In this review,we discuss recent evidence that protocadherin gamma C3 is a newly identified key player involved in the regulation of vascular barrier function.

The Role of Pyridoxine in the Prevention and Treatment of Neuropathy and Neurotoxicity Associated with Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment Regimens: A Topic Review

Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) is a global public health problem caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to Rifampicin. Drug-induced peripheral neuropathy and neurotoxicity are well-known adverse effects of treatment regimens that cause significant morbidity. Pyridoxine is often added to treatment regimens for the prevention and/or treatment of these side effects. The basis and effectiveness of this practice are unclear. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of pyridoxine in preventing and/or treating neuropathy and neurotoxicity associated with RR-TB treatment. We included studies with patients with RR-TB who experienced neuropathy or neurotoxicity attributed to RR-TB regimens and were given pyridoxine. Our findings showed contradicting evidence on the use of pyridoxine for preventing or treating neurotoxicity due to cycloserine in the treatment of RR-TB. Moreover, pyridoxine did not have a protective effect against neuropathy and/or neurotoxicity caused by other RR-TB regimens that do not contain isoniazid. In conclusion, we found that withdrawing or withholding medications such as linezolid, cycloserine, thioamides, fluoroquinolones, and ethambutol, implicated in causing neuropathy or neurotoxicity was more effective than using pyridoxine to stop the progression of symptoms, and in some instances, led to their reversal over time.

Minor Pressure Differences within the Fontan-Anastomosis in Patients with Total Cavopulmonary Connection by 4D-Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Pressure measurement in total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) patients is a domain of cardiaccatheterization. 4D velocity encoded cardiovascular magnetic resonance (4D–flow MRI) offers an alternative forassessment of even minor pressure differences. The scope of this study was to measure even minor pressure differencesin the anastomosis of TCPC patients, who are clinically uncompromised. Methods: Twenty-four patients(median 15 years [8;34]) with TCPC were studied prospectively by 4D-flow MRI. Pressure differences betweensuperior vena cava (SVC) and extracardiac conduit (C) to both right pulmonary artery (RPA) and left pulmonaryartery (LPA) were assessed. Small fluid obstructions as vortices within the anastomosis were detected by flowpathlines from 4D-flow MRI. In two patients pressure differences were calculated also by computational flowdynamics (CFD) as a plausibility check for the order of magnitude. Results: Median values of pressure differencesin the anastomosis between SVC and RPA were 0.63 (0.21–2.1) mmHg, between C and RPA 0.67 (0.3–2.2)mmHg, between SVC and LPA 0.8 (0.3–2.4) mmHg and between C and LPA 0.7 (0.2–1.9) mmHg. Patients withpotential flow obstruction (stents, occluder, vortices) had significantly higher gradients at the anastomosis (p <0.05) than patients without potential obstructions, although the absolute values were small. CFD- and measurement-based pressure difference showed good agreement. Conclusion: 4D-flow MRI is able to detect minor pressuredifferences within the Fontan circuit even in patients with apparently satisfactory TCPC. Slightly higherpressure differences are due to the presence of small flow obstruction.

Explanation of disability by ADHD core symptoms or concomitant minimal cerebral dysfunctions

Background:Examine the degree of disability in adult ADHD patients in relation to the core symptoms attention deficits and hyperactivity and concomitant minimal cerebral dysfunctions.Methods:Patients from a psychosomatic rehabilitation hospital(N=1,453)had answered the“ADHS-SB(attention deficit hyperactivity scale)”,the“MCD-scale(minimal cerebral dysfunction self rating scale)”,the“SCL-90R(Symptom Checklist)”,and reported about impairment at work.Results:Psychological distress and the ability to work are primarily related to problems of orientation,cognitive impairment,vegetative lability,emotional problems,disorders of motor function,but only to a lesser degree to hyperactivity and attention deficit.Conclusion:When dealing with ADHD patients,clinicians should take into account the full variety of MCD symptoms as these are decisive in regard to participation and problems in life.

Association of mineral and bone biomarkers with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in the German Chronic Kidney Disease(GCKD)cohort

Mineral and bone disorder(MBD)in chronic kidney disease(CKD)is tightly linked to cardiovascular disease(CVD).In this study,we aimed to compare the prognostic value of nine MBD biomarkers to determine those associated best with adverse cardiovascular(CV)outcomes and mortality.In 5217 participants of the German CKD(GCKD)study enrolled with an estimated glomerular filtration rate(eG FR)between 30–60 mL·min-1 per 1.73 m2 or overt proteinuria,serum osteoprotegerin(OPG),C-terminal fibroblast growth factor-23(FGF23),intact parathyroid hormone(iP TH),bone alkaline phosphatase(BAP),cross-linked C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen(CTX1),procollagen 1intact N-terminal propeptide(P1NP),phosphate,calcium,and 25-OH vitamin D were measured at baseline.Participants with missing values among these parameters(n=971)were excluded,leaving a total of 4246 participants for analysis.During a median follow-up of6.5 years,387 non-CV deaths,173 CV deaths,645 nonfatal major adverse CV events(MACEs)and 368 hospitalizations for congestive heart failure(CHF)were observed.OPG and FGF23 were associated with all outcomes,with the highest hazard ratios(HRs)for OPG.In the final Cox regression model,adjusted for CV risk factors,including kidney function and all other investigated biomarkers,each standard deviation increase in OPG was associated with non-CV death(HR 1.76,95%CI:1.35–2.30),CV death(HR 2.18,95%CI:1.50–3.16),MACE(HR 1.38,95%CI:1.12–1.71)and hospitalization for CHF(HR 2.05,95%CI:1.56–2.69).Out of the nine biomarkers examined,stratification based on serum OPG best identified the CKD patients who were at the highest risk for any adverse CV outcome and mortality.

Alzheimer’s Disease Aβ-Amyloid Plaque Morphology Varies According to APOE Isotype

Background: The apolipoprotein E (APOE, gene;apoE, protein) ε4 allele is the most commonly identified genetic risk factor for typical late-onset sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Each APOE ε4 allele roughly triples the relative risk for AD compared to that of the reference allele, APOE ε3. Methods: We have employed hyperspectral fluorescence imaging with an amyloid-specific, conformation-sensing probe, p-FTAA, to elucidate protein aggregate structure and morphology in fresh frozen prefrontal cortex samples from human postmortem AD brain tissue samples from patients homozygous for either APOE ε3 or APOE ε4. Results: As expected APOE ε4/ε4 tissues had a significantly larger load of CAA than APOE ε3/ε3. APOE isoform-dependent morphological differences in amyloid plaques were also observed. Amyloid plaques in APOE ε3/ε3 tissue had small spherical cores and large coronas while amyloid plaques in APOE ε4/ε4 tissues had large irregular and multi-lobulated plaques with relatively smaller coronas. Despite the different morphologies of their cores, the p-FTAA stained APOE ε3/ε3 amyloid plaque cores had spectral properties identical to those of APOE ε4/ε4 plaque cores. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that one mechanism by which the APOE ε4 allele affects AD is by modulating the macrostructure of pathological protein deposits in the brain. APOE ε4 is associated with a higher density of amyloid plaques (as compared to APOE ε3). We speculate that multilobulated APOE ε4-associated plaques arise from multiple initiation foci that coalesce as the plaques grow.

多囊卵巢综合征无排卵的胰岛素信号和雄激素合成的新遗传风险和代谢特征

促排卵是多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)不孕症的一线治疗方案。卵巢对促排卵治疗的排卵应答差被认为与胰岛素抵抗和高雄激素血症相关。在一个包含1000名PCOS不孕妇女(PCOSAct)的前瞻性队列中,我们开展了一项全外显子联合靶向单核苷酸多态性(SNP)测序以及代谢组学研究。在全基因组水平找出与无排卵显著相关的常见变异和罕见突变,并通过机器学习算法构建排卵预测模型。研究发现,ZNF438基因中标记为rs2994652(p=2.47×10^(-8))的常见变异和REC114基因中的一个罕见功能突变(rs182542888,p=5.79×10^(-6))与促排卵治疗失败显著相关。携带rs2994652 A等位基因和REC114 p.Val101Leu(rs182542888)的PCOS不孕妇女进行促排卵治疗的总排卵率更低(分别为比值比(OR)=1.96,95%置信区间(CI)[1.55~2.49];OR=11.52,95%CI[3.08~43.05]),出现排卵的间隔时间更长(平均56.7天vs.49.0天,p<0.001;78.1天vs.68.6天,p=0.014)。对于rs2994652突变者,L-苯丙氨酸水平升高并与胰岛素抵抗稳态模型(HOMA-IR)指数(r=0.22,p=0.05)和空腹血糖(r=0.33,p=0.003)呈正相关;对于rs182542888突变者,花生四烯酸代谢产物水平下降并与升高的抗苗勒管激素(r=-0.51,p=0.01)和总睾酮(r=-0.71,p=0.02)呈负相关。整合基因变异位点、代谢产物及临床特征的联合预测模型可提高对排卵的预测能力[曲线下面积(AUC)=76.7%]。ZNF438基因的一个常见变异和REC114基因的一个罕见功能突变,以及与二者相关的苯丙氨酸和花生四烯酸代谢物改变,与PCOS女性不孕症的促排卵治疗失败相关。

实时荧光定量PCR分析雌激素受体相关受体α,β,γ与雌激素受体α,β在卵巢癌中mRNA的表达模式

目的:明确孤儿受体—雌激素受体相关受体(estrogen receptor-related recep-tor,ERRs)各亚型以及雌激素受体亚型在卵巢癌中mRNA的表达模式。方法:采用Light-Cycler-PCR定量检测40例卵巢癌标本以及15例正常卵巢组织中各种ERRs亚型和ERs亚型mRNA的表达丰度。采用ELISA方法分析各样本血清CA-125水平。结果:卵巢癌组织中ERRαmRNA表达的丰度和阳性表达率显著高于正常卵巢组织(P=0.04和P=0.02),ERRβ在卵巢癌组织和正常卵巢组织中的RNA表达的丰度和阳性表达率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);ERRγmRNA在正常卵巢以及卵巢癌组织中表达的丰度差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但卵巢癌组织中ERRγ的阳性表达率显著增高(P=0.045)。ERRs家族和ERs家族在卵巢癌中有很高的共同表达率,ERα/ERRα的比率在卵巢癌组织中明显下降(P=0.0412)。结论:ERRs与ERs在卵巢癌中有共同表达,两个家族间的相互作用可能是卵巢癌复杂的肿瘤内分泌生物学行为的分子基础。

德国护养院居住者主观生活质量量表中文译本的可行性、信度、效度评价

目的探讨德国护养院居住者主观生活质量量表中文译本用于上海护养院居住者主观生活质量测量的可行性、信度和效度。方法通过分层整群抽样的方法,对330名护养院居住者进行问卷调查,对其中56名被调查者进行重测,评价量表的可行性、内部一致性信度、重测信度、结构效度、标准关联效度和区分效度。结果被调查者完成量表的平均时间为(24.14±9.53)min(<30 min),可行性良好。量表总分的内部一致性信度系数(Cronbach'α)为0.776,各个维度的Cronbach'α均>0.7,提示量表内部一致性信度良好,可用于本次生活质量测量。量表总分的重测相关系数(ICC)为0.698(P<0.001)。在验证性因子分析中,近似误差均方根(RMSEA)为0.080,拟合优度指数(CFI)为0.601(χ2=2 931.5,P<0.001),说明测量结果符合量表的构想,有较好的结构效度。以被调查者自评生活满意度为标准,生活质量总分与生活满意度相关系数为0.234 7(P<0.001),表示生活质量总分与生活满意度呈正相关,量表的标准关联效度可以接受。非参数检验结果显示,不同心情对被调查者生活质量总分有显著影响(χ2=7.961,P<0.001),每两个相邻等级的Cohen's d值都在0.5以上,表明量表有良好的区分效度。结论德国护养院居住者主观生活质量量表中文译本具有良好的可行性、内部一致性信度、重测信度、结构效度和区分效度,具有可以接受的标准关联效度。但在广泛应用之前,尚需在更多地区人群中进行研究。

眶骨的改变在眶部疾病HR-MRI诊断中的作用

目的 探讨眶骨的影像学所见及其在眶部疾病诊断中的作用。方法 回顾性分析诊断明确的眶部疾病80例的HR -MRI影像表现。 80例中良性囊肿 18例 ,外伤 6例 ,炎性疾病 6例 ,蝶骨嵴脑膜瘤 9例 ,其他肿瘤 41例。磁共振扫描采用 1 5TGESigna及SiemensMagnetomSp63磁共振扫描机 ,用眶部表面线圈 ,SE系列常规轴位、冠状位及矢状位扫描 ,部分病例行脂肪抑制及增强扫描。结果 正常眶骨的HR -MR表现为结构完整 ,边缘光整 ,皮质骨在T1WI及T2WI上均为无信号区。 15例眶骨受压迫性改变全见于良性囊肿的病例 ,骨质增生改变主要见于蝶骨脑膜瘤 ,2例骨折见于外伤病例 ,2 1例骨质破坏大多见于不同的恶性肿瘤病变中。结论 不同的眶部病变对眶骨的影响有差异 ,良性囊肿主要表现为眶骨受压迫性改变 ,蝶骨脑膜瘤多表现为骨质增生 ,外伤病例伴有眶骨骨折 ,恶性肿瘤病例常伴有眶骨的破坏。眶骨的改变对眶部疾病HR -MRI的诊断和鉴别诊断有重要作用。