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Genetics Jun 2024Since the days of Ramón y Cajal, the vast diversity of neuronal and particularly dendrite morphology has been used to catalog neurons into different classes. Dendrite... (Review)
Review
Since the days of Ramón y Cajal, the vast diversity of neuronal and particularly dendrite morphology has been used to catalog neurons into different classes. Dendrite morphology varies greatly and reflects the different functions performed by different types of neurons. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of how dendrites form and the molecular factors and forces that shape these often elaborately sculpted structures. Here, we review work in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that has shed light on the developmental mechanisms that mediate dendrite morphogenesis with a focus on studies investigating ciliated sensory neurons and the highly elaborated dendritic trees of somatosensory neurons. These studies, which combine time-lapse imaging, genetics, and biochemistry, reveal an intricate network of factors that function both intrinsically in dendrites and extrinsically from surrounding tissues. Therefore, dendrite morphogenesis is the result of multiple tissue interactions, which ultimately determine the shape of dendritic arbors.
Topics: Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans; Dendrites; Morphogenesis; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; Sensory Receptor Cells
PubMed: 38785371
DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae056 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease whose clinical and imaging manifestations are non-specific, characterized by the deposition of microliths,...
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease whose clinical and imaging manifestations are non-specific, characterized by the deposition of microliths, which primarily consist of calcium and phosphorus, within the alveoli. In the cases of PAM, patients combined with calcification of other organs such as gastric mucosal calcification are less common.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 59-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to cough producing white, foamy sputum, accompanied by dyspnea and fever for 20 days. The CT scan showed diffuse ground-glass opacities and calcification of the gastric mucosa. Lung tissue biopsy revealed the presence of calcification and granulomatous foreign bodies in the interstitium and alveolar cavity. In the later stages, she developed painful skin petechiae. For this patient, the diagnosis of PAM, gastric mucosal calcification, and purpura fulminans was made. However, the genetic test results hinted that the patient and her son had a heterozygous mutation in the gene, but her daughter's genetic test results were normal. Although the patient received anti-infection treatment, steroids, and oxygen therapy, her condition did not improve.
CONCLUSION
We reported a rare case of PAM combined with calcification of other organs and purpura fulminans. Treatment of steroids did not show any benefit. The causative mechanism and effective treatment of this disease remain unclear. More treatments need to be explored.
PubMed: 38784230
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1357260 -
JAMA Network Open May 2024SARS-CoV-2 viral load (VL) in the nasopharynx is difficult to quantify and standardize across settings, but it may inform transmission potential and disease severity.
IMPORTANCE
SARS-CoV-2 viral load (VL) in the nasopharynx is difficult to quantify and standardize across settings, but it may inform transmission potential and disease severity.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize VL at COVID-19 diagnosis among previously uninfected and unvaccinated individuals by evaluating the association of demographic and clinical characteristics, viral variant, and trial with VL, as well as the ability of VL to predict severe disease.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This secondary cross-protocol analysis used individual-level data from placebo recipients from 4 harmonized, phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine efficacy trials sponsored by Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen, and Novavax. Participants were SARS-CoV-2 negative at baseline and acquired COVID-19 during the blinded phase of the trials. The setting included the US, Brazil, South Africa, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Mexico; start dates were July 27, 2020, to December 27, 2020; data cutoff dates were March 26, 2021, to July 30, 2021. Statistical analysis was performed from November 2022 to June 2023.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Linear regression was used to assess the association of demographic and clinical characteristics, viral variant, and trial with polymerase chain reaction-measured log10 VL in nasal and/or nasopharyngeal swabs taken at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis.
RESULTS
Among 1667 participants studied (886 [53.1%] male; 995 [59.7%] enrolled in the US; mean [SD] age, 46.7 [14.7] years; 204 [12.2%] aged 65 years or older; 196 [11.8%] American Indian or Alaska Native, 150 [9%] Black or African American, 1112 [66.7%] White; 762 [45.7%] Hispanic or Latino), median (IQR) log10 VL at diagnosis was 6.18 (4.66-7.12) log10 copies/mL. Participant characteristics and viral variant explained only 5.9% of the variability in VL. The independent factor with the highest observed differences was trial: Janssen participants had 0.54 log10 copies/mL lower mean VL vs Moderna participants (95% CI, 0.20 to 0.87 log10 copies/mL lower). In the Janssen study, which captured the largest number of COVID-19 events and variants and used the most intensive post-COVID surveillance, neither VL at diagnosis nor averaged over days 1 to 28 post diagnosis was associated with COVID-19 severity.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this study of placebo recipients from 4 randomized phase 3 trials, high variability was observed in SARS-CoV-2 VL at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis, and only a fraction was explained by individual participant characteristics or viral variant. These results suggest challenges for future studies of interventions seeking to influence VL and elevates the importance of standardized methods for specimen collection and viral load quantitation.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Nasopharynx; Viral Load; Male; SARS-CoV-2; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; COVID-19 Vaccines; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; United States; Aged
PubMed: 38780941
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12835 -
Epilepsia Open May 2024
PubMed: 38780493
DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12962 -
Cureus Apr 2024Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV), also known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), is a disease that causes inflammation and bleeding in small blood vessels in the skin,...
Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV), also known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), is a disease that causes inflammation and bleeding in small blood vessels in the skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys. Although various infections and chemicals are known to be triggers, the underlying cause of IgAV remains unknown. Here, we describe a case of an 86-year-old male patient with IgAV that developed after anti-tuberculosis treatment for tuberculous pleurisy. There have been several case reports implicating and other acid-fast bacterium in the development of IgAV, but only a few case reports implicating anti-tuberculous drugs. This case highlights the importance of recognizing that IgAV can be caused by anti-tuberculous drugs.
PubMed: 38779276
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58707 -
Cureus Apr 2024Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare disease caused by uncontrolled complement activation due to complement dysregulation. It is often triggered by...
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare disease caused by uncontrolled complement activation due to complement dysregulation. It is often triggered by precipitating events such as infections, inflammation, pregnancy, or medications. Dengue, an endemic viral infection in Southeast Asia, can activate the complement pathway, thereby triggering aHUS in genetically susceptible individuals. Here, we present the case of a 33-year-old male who presented with Dengue fever and subsequently developed aHUS. Plasma exchange (PLEX) successfully normalized his neurological status and hematological parameters. Although his renal function improved, it failed to normalize. Eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits C5, was administered for a total of six months. The treatment was successfully discontinued without evidence of relapse after six months of follow-up. This case report demonstrates the safety of discontinuing eculizumab in patients who do not possess pathogenic mutations or variants in complement factors.
PubMed: 38779250
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58731 -
PloS One 2024Bayesian models have proven effective in characterizing perception, behavior, and neural encoding across diverse species and systems. The neural implementation of...
Bayesian models have proven effective in characterizing perception, behavior, and neural encoding across diverse species and systems. The neural implementation of Bayesian inference in the barn owl's sound localization system and behavior has been previously explained by a non-uniform population code model. This model specifies the neural population activity pattern required for a population vector readout to match the optimal Bayesian estimate. While prior analyses focused on trial-averaged comparisons of model predictions with behavior and single-neuron responses, it remains unknown whether this model can accurately approximate Bayesian inference on single trials under varying sensory reliability, a fundamental condition for natural perception and behavior. In this study, we utilized mathematical analysis and simulations to demonstrate that decoding a non-uniform population code via a population vector readout approximates the Bayesian estimate on single trials for varying sensory reliabilities. Our findings provide additional support for the non-uniform population code model as a viable explanation for the barn owl's sound localization pathway and behavior.
Topics: Animals; Bayes Theorem; Strigiformes; Sound Localization; Models, Neurological; Neurons
PubMed: 38771860
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303843 -
Clinical Case Reports May 2024Unlike most cases, the lesions were localized to the dorsum of the hand, lacked pruritus (itching), and did not exhibit "sperm-like blood vessels," which are typically...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
Unlike most cases, the lesions were localized to the dorsum of the hand, lacked pruritus (itching), and did not exhibit "sperm-like blood vessels," which are typically pathognomonic to classical MF.
ABSTRACT
The study presents a rare case involving a 44-year-old woman who developed a skin condition on the base of her left thumb. Initially misdiagnosed as pigmented purpura, the need for further investigation arose to determine the nature of the condition accurately. The medical evaluation encompassed a comprehensive analysis of the patient's skin ailment. A series of diagnostic examinations were conducted to ascertain the underlying cause. Although routine blood tests yielded unremarkable results, the distinct characteristics of the rash prompted a more thorough investigation. Subsequent assessment revealed that the skin condition was not pigmented purpura, as initially presumed, but rather a manifestation of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) known as mycosis fungoides (MF). MF is an infrequent lymphoma predominantly affecting individuals aged 45-65, exhibiting a male-to-female sex ratio of 2:1. The annual incidence of MF ranges from 0.3 to 0.96 cases per 100,000 individuals. The woman's skin exhibited discrete patches adorned with colored dots, progressively thickening and pigmentation. Notably, the absence of pruritus did not dispel suspicion. This case underscores the significance of accurately diagnosing uncommon dermatological disorders to facilitate appropriate medical intervention. The unique appearance of the rash and its distinctive features, despite normal blood results, enabled the identification of MF. The patient's treatment encompassed a combination of steroids and narrowband UV therapy. Vigilance, continued research, and heightened awareness are paramount for early intervention and improved patient outcomes. Such efforts contribute to an enhanced understanding of the complexities of this condition.
PubMed: 38770416
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8847 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Jun 2024To explore the early hemostatic mechanism of Jianpi Yiqi Shexue decoction (, JYSD) in treating immune thrombocytopathy (ITP), based on the functional homeostasis of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To explore the early hemostatic mechanism of Jianpi Yiqi Shexue decoction (, JYSD) in treating immune thrombocytopathy (ITP), based on the functional homeostasis of brain-intestine axis and blood neurotransmitter METHODS: Non-drug treatment cases: Healthy volunteers were selected as normal control group and compared with patients with dysfunctional uterine bleeding, gastrointestinal tumors with bleeding and ITP, to detect the changes of blood 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), β-endorphin (β-EP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and compare the changes of blood neuro-transmitters in patients with different disease symptoms. Drug treatment cases: According to the randomized controlled multicenter clinical trial, 272 ITP patients were randomly divided into three groups: treatment group (JYSD) combined group (JYSD + Prednisone) control group (Prednisone). The changes of blood neuro-transmitter (5-HT, β-EP, VIP) before and after treatment were detected on the basis of peripheral blood platelet (PLT) and grade score.
RESULTS
Non-drug treatment cases: compared with the normal control group, the 5-HT level was higher, and the VIP and β-EP levels were both lower in the ITP group ( < 0.001), and the 5-HT, VIP and β-EP levels in the Gastrointestinal tumors with bleeding group were also lower compared with the normal control group ( < 0.05, 0.001). Drug treatment cases: The PLT grading scores of the combination group and the control group after treatment were lower than that before treatment ( < 0.05, 0.001). The PLT grading score of the 3 groups were compared in pairs after treatment: the combination group was the lowest among the 3 groups, which was better than the treatment group, but no better than the control group ( the treatment group, = 0.005, the control group, = 0.709). The statistical results of full analysis set (FAS) and per protocol set (PPS) were consistent. The bleeding symptom scores of the treatment and combination groups began to drop 7 d after treatment, and kept dropping 14 d after treatment until the end of the study ( < 0.05). On the other hand, the control group started to show favorable results 14 d after treatment ( < 0.05). The FAS and PPS analysis results were consistent. In the control group, the 5-HT level was higher and VIP level was lower after treatment, compared with those before treatment ( < 0.05, 0.001). The β-EP levels were both increased in the treatment and combination group after treatment, compared with those before treatment ( < 0.05). After treatment, the β-EP levels in the treatment and control groups were significantly lower compared with the combination groups ( < 0.05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the VIP levels in the treatment and combination groups were up-regulated, and the differences were statistically significant by rank sum test ( < 0.01), and by -test ( = 0.0002, 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
The prednisone tablet is better than the JYSD in increasing the level of PLT, while prednisone tablet combined with JYSD has more advantages in improving patients' peripheral blood PLT levels. However, in improving the bleeding time of ITP patients, the combination of the two drugs was significantly delayed compared with the single usage, showing the characteristics and advantages of traditional Chinese medicine. JYSD can regulate the neurotransmitter level of ITP patients through the function of the brain-gut axis, mobilize 5-HT in the blood of ITP patients to promote the contraction of blood vessels and smooth muscles, and activate the coagulation mechanism are the early hemostatic mechanisms of JYSD. Up-regulate the levels of β-EP and balancing VIP levels may be an important part of the immune mechanism of JYSD for regulating ITP patients.
Topics: Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Male; Serotonin; Aged; Young Adult; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic; beta-Endorphin; Adolescent; Hemostatics; Hemostasis
PubMed: 38767638
DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20240423.003 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2024Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), a naturally occurring epidemic disease, is primarily caused by hantaviruses. It frequently involves the lungs and is...
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), a naturally occurring epidemic disease, is primarily caused by hantaviruses. It frequently involves the lungs and is characterized by symptoms such as fever, hemorrhage, and renal failure. However, the occurrence of acute pancreatitis (AP) in HFRS patients can be neglected, and high intraocular pressure (IOP) is exceedingly uncommon. In this report, we discuss the case of a 30-year-old male who presented with fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed extremity petechiae rashes and elevated IOP. Laboratory tests indicated coagulopathy and renal failure. A computed tomography scan confirmed AP. Further testing revealed a positive anti-hantavirus IgM antibody. The patient received supportive care, fluid hydration, hemofiltration, mannitol, brinzolamide, and brimonidine to reduce IOP. Three days post-admission, the patient developed shortness of breath and chest pain. Subsequent chest computed tomography revealed pulmonary edema and bilateral pleural effusion. Treatment included oxygen supply, respiratory support, and thoracentesis, with continued hemofiltration. The patient recovered, regaining normal pulmonary and renal functions and normalized IOP. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluations and vigilant monitoring in HFRS patients, particularly measuring IOP in those with visual complaints, to save lives and reduce morbidity.
PubMed: 38766677
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S454049