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Thrombosis Research Oct 2023
Topics: Humans; Neutrophil Activation; Complement System Proteins; Antiphospholipid Syndrome; Gene Expression Profiling; Complement Activation
PubMed: 37660437
DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.08.014 -
Archives of Rehabilitation Research and... Sep 2023To investigate the differences between erector spinae muscle activation in healthy individuals and patients with Chronic Lower Back Pain (CLBP) by conducting (a)... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the differences between erector spinae muscle activation in healthy individuals and patients with Chronic Lower Back Pain (CLBP) by conducting (a) systematic review and (b) meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, ScienceDirect, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar were used to conduct the searches, which included studies up to the 31st of March 2023 with no start date specified.
STUDY SELECTION
Any study otherwise meeting eligibility criteria was included if it reported either (1) a standard mean difference effect size; or (2) the means, SDs, and sample sizes for both the patient group and the comparator group.
DATA EXTRACTION
A total of 7 case control trials were used for the systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SYNTHESIS
The systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that total standardized mean difference in erector spinae muscle activation between healthy individuals vs patients with CLBP expressed in % maximum voluntary isometric contraction was 0.48 (95% confidence interval=0.21-0.74; <.001) with the heterogeneity being I=0% (=.890). The electromyography (EMG) outputs showed significant differences in activation levels between the healthy and CLBP cohorts (<.001).
CONCLUSIONS
A small effect size was found in the meta-analysis. The muscle activation levels of the erector spinae during forward propulsion were higher in CLBP individuals compared with healthy cohorts. The findings provide more clarity about the muscles that were the focus of previous research, what procedures were used to evaluate muscular contributions and what speeds the participants were moving at during the test sessions. Given the limited methodological quality of the included studies, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Future research should evaluate the effect of other factors such as walking distance and any changes in walking surfaces and gradients (ie, non-flat surfaces).
PubMed: 37744192
DOI: 10.1016/j.arrct.2023.100280 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic complex protein network that provides structural integrity and plays an active role in shaping fibroblast behavior both in...
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic complex protein network that provides structural integrity and plays an active role in shaping fibroblast behavior both in health and disease. Despite its essential functions, the impact of age-associated post-translational modifications on ECM-driven fibroblast activities such as proliferation, survival, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation (FMT), and extracellular matrix production remains largely unknown. Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) is one of the well-characterized advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that can occur on lysine residues within ECM proteins through non-enzymatic glycation. In this study, we determined the accumulation and the effects of the CML-modified ECM (CML-ECM) on fibroblast activation. Immunostainings and immunoblot analysis demonstrated significant increases in CML-AGE content in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) compared to age-matched healthy lungs. Gene expression analysis and fibroblast activation assays collectively implicate the ECM as a negative regulator of fibroblast activation. Notably, the CML modification of the ECM resulted in a significant decrease in its anti-fibrotic effects including proliferation, FMT, apoptosis, and ECM production. Together, the results of this study revealed an unexplored pathological role played by the CML-ECM on fibroblast activation, which has wide implications in IPF and other fibrotic diseases.
Topics: Humans; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Lysine; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Extracellular Matrix; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Fibrosis; Fibroblasts
PubMed: 37958795
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115811 -
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine 2023The use and generation of gene signatures have been established as a method to define molecular endotypes in complex diseases such as severe asthma. Bioinformatic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The use and generation of gene signatures have been established as a method to define molecular endotypes in complex diseases such as severe asthma. Bioinformatic approaches have now been applied to large omics datasets to define the various co-existing inflammatory and cellular functional pathways driving or characterizing a particular molecular endotype.
AREAS COVERED
Molecular phenotypes and endotypes of Type 2 inflammatory pathways and also of non-Type 2 inflammatory pathways, such as IL-6 trans-signaling, IL-17 activation, and IL-22 activation, have been defined in the Unbiased Biomarkers for the Prediction of Respiratory Disease Outcomes dataset. There has also been the identification of the role of mast cell activation and of macrophage dysfunction in various phenotypes of severe asthma.
EXPERT OPINION
Phenotyping on the basis of clinical treatable traits is not sufficient for understanding of mechanisms driving the disease in severe asthma. It is time to consider whether certain patients with severe asthma, such as those non-responsive to current therapies, including Type 2 biologics, would be better served using an approach of molecular endotyping using gene signatures for management purposes rather than the current sole reliance on blood eosinophil counts or exhaled nitric oxide measurements.
Topics: Humans; Precision Medicine; Asthma; Biomarkers; Phenotype; Eosinophils
PubMed: 37997709
DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2023.2278606 -
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear... Aug 2023Three-dimensional printing and casting materials were analyzed by prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) to determine their suitability as human tissue surrogates...
Three-dimensional printing and casting materials were analyzed by prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) to determine their suitability as human tissue surrogates for the fabrication of phantoms for medical imaging and radiation dosimetry applications. Measured elemental compositions and densities of five surrogate materials simulating soft tissue and bone were used to determine radiological properties (x-ray mass attenuation coefficient and electron stopping power). When compared with radiological properties of International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) materials, it was determined that urethane rubber and PLA plastic yielded the best match for soft tissue, while silicone rubber and urethane resin best simulated the properties of bone.
PubMed: 37545764
DOI: 10.1007/s10967-023-08967-5 -
Experimental Neurology Feb 2024Neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) releases blood products into the lateral ventricles and brain parenchyma. There are currently no medical treatments for IVH...
Neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) releases blood products into the lateral ventricles and brain parenchyma. There are currently no medical treatments for IVH and surgery is used to treat a delayed effect of IVH, post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus. However, surgery is not a cure for intrinsic brain injury from IVH, and is performed in a subacute time frame. Like many neurological diseases and injuries, innate immune activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of IVH. Innate immune activation is a pharmaceutically targetable mechanism to reduce brain injury and post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus after IVH. Here, we tested the macrolide antibiotic azithromycin, which has immunomodulatory properties, to reduce innate immune activation in an in vitro model of microglial activation using the blood product hemoglobin (Hgb). We then utilized azithromycin in our in vivo model of IVH, using intraventricular blood injection into the lateral ventricle of post-natal day 5 rat pups. In both models, azithromycin modulated innate immune activation by several outcome measures including mitochondrial bioenergetic analysis, cytokine expression and flow cytometric analysis. This suggests that azithromycin, which is safe for neonates, could hold promise for modulating innate immune activation after IVH.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Azithromycin; Brain; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Hydrocephalus; Brain Injuries; Hemoglobins
PubMed: 37852468
DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114574 -
Digestive Diseases and Sciences Aug 2023
Topics: Humans; Mast Cell Activation Syndrome; Mastocytosis; Mast Cells
PubMed: 37071243
DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07923-3 -
Water Environment Research : a Research... Oct 2023In recent years, the synergistic degradation of water pollutants through advanced oxidation technology has emerged as a prominent research area due to its integration of... (Review)
Review
In recent years, the synergistic degradation of water pollutants through advanced oxidation technology has emerged as a prominent research area due to its integration of various advanced oxidation technologies. The combined utilization of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation technology and photocatalysis demonstrates mild and nontoxic characteristics, enabling the degradation of water pollutants across a wide pH range. Moreover, this approach reduces the efficiency of electron hole recombination, broadens the catalyst's light response range, facilitates electron transfer of PMS, and ultimately improves its photocatalytic performance. The paper reviews the current research status of photocatalytic technology and PMS activation technology, respectively, while highlighting the advancements achieved through the integration of photocatalytic synergetic PMS activation technology for water pollutant degradation. Furthermore, this review delves into the mechanisms involving both free radicals and nonradicals in the reaction process and presents a promising prospect for future development in water treatment technology. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Degradation of water pollutants by photocatalysis and PMS synergistic action has emerged. Synergism can enhance the generation of free radicals. This technology can provide theoretical support for actual wastewater treatment.
Topics: Environmental Pollutants; Peroxides; Oxidation-Reduction; Water Pollutants; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 37723660
DOI: 10.1002/wer.10927 -
Genome Biology Dec 2023The coordinated transcriptional regulation of activated T-cells is based on a complex dynamic behavior of signaling networks. Given an external stimulus, T-cell gene... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The coordinated transcriptional regulation of activated T-cells is based on a complex dynamic behavior of signaling networks. Given an external stimulus, T-cell gene expression is characterized by impulse and sustained patterns over the course. Here, we analyze the temporal pattern of activation across different T-cell populations to develop consensus gene signatures for T-cell activation.
RESULTS
Here, we identify and verify general biomarker signatures robustly evaluating T-cell activation in a time-resolved manner. We identify time-resolved gene expression profiles comprising 521 genes of up to 10 disjunct time points during activation and different polarization conditions. The gene signatures include central transcriptional regulators of T-cell activation, representing successive waves as well as sustained patterns of induction. They cover sustained repressed, intermediate, and late response expression rates across multiple T-cell populations, thus defining consensus biomarker signatures for T-cell activation. In addition, intermediate and late response activation signatures in CAR T-cell infusion products are correlated to immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome.
CONCLUSION
This study is the first to describe temporally resolved gene expression patterns across T-cell populations. These biomarker signatures are a valuable source, e.g., monitoring transcriptional changes during T-cell activation with a reasonable number of genes, annotating T-cell states in single-cell transcriptome studies, or assessing dysregulated functions of human T-cell immunity.
Topics: Humans; Transcriptome; Gene Expression Profiling; Consensus; Gene Expression Regulation; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38098113
DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03120-7 -
Medicina Intensiva Aug 2023To analyze the factors associated with the activation of the severe trauma care team (STAT) in patients admitted to the ICU, to measure its impact on care times, and to...
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the factors associated with the activation of the severe trauma care team (STAT) in patients admitted to the ICU, to measure its impact on care times, and to analyze the groups of patients according to activation and level of anatomical involvement.
DESIGN
Prospective cohort study of severe trauma admitted to the ICU. From June 2017 to May 2019. Risk factors for the activation of the STAT analysed with logistic regression and CART type classification tree.
SETTING
Second level hospital ICU.
PATIENTS
Patients admitted consecutively.
INTERVENTIONS
No.
MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST
STAT activation. Demographic variables. Injury severity (ISS), intentionality, mechanism, assistance times, evolutionary complications, and mortality.
RESULTS
A total of 188 patients were admitted (46.8% of STAT activation), median age of 52 (37-64) years (activated 47 (27-62) vs not activated 55 (42-67) P = 0.023), males 84.0%. No difference in mortality according to activation. The logistic model finds as factors: care (16.6 (2.1-13.2)) and prehospital intubation (4.2 (1.8-9.8)) and severe lower extremity injury (4.4 (1.6-12.3)). Accidental fall (0.2 (0.1-0.6)) makes activation less likely. The CART model selects the type of trauma mechanism and can separate high and low energy trauma.
CONCLUSIONS
Factors associated with STAT activation were prehospital care, requiring prior intubation, high-energy mechanisms, and severe lower extremity injuries. Shorter care times if activated without influencing mortality. We must improve activation in older patients with low-energy trauma and without prehospital care.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Injury Severity Score; Retrospective Studies; Hospitalization; Intensive Care Units
PubMed: 36470735
DOI: 10.1016/j.medine.2022.10.008