A Comparative Analysis of the Anti-Tumor Activity of Sixteen Polysaccharide Fractions from Three Large Brown Seaweed, Sargassum horneri, Scytosiphon lomentaria, and Undaria pinnatifida.

Searching for natural products with anti-tumor activity is an important aspect of cancer research. Seaweed polysaccharides from brown seaweed have shown promising anti-tumor activity; however, their structure, composition, and biological activity vary considerably, depending on many factors. In this study, 16 polysaccharide fractions were extracted and purified from three large brown seaweed species (Sargassum horneri, Scytosiphon lomentaria, and Undaria pinnatifida). The chemical composition analysis revealed that the polysaccharide fractions have varying molecular weights ranging from 8.889 to 729.67 kDa, and sulfate contents ranging from 0.50% to 10.77%. Additionally, they exhibit different monosaccharide compositions and secondary structures. Subsequently, their anti-tumor activity was compared against five tumor cell lines (A549, B16, HeLa, HepG2, and SH-SY5Y). The results showed that different fractions exhibited distinct anti-tumor properties against tumor cells. Flow cytometry and cytoplasmic fluorescence staining (Hoechst/AO staining) further confirmed that these effective fractions significantly induce tumor cell apoptosis without cytotoxicity. qRT-RCR results demonstrated that the polysaccharide fractions up-regulated the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Bax while down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and CDK-2. This study comprehensively compared the anti-tumor activity of polysaccharide fractions from large brown seaweed, providing valuable insights into the potent combinations of brown seaweed polysaccharides as anti-tumor agents.

Revolutionizing cancer treatment: Harnessing the power of terrestrial microbial polysaccharides.

Cancer treatment faces numerous challenges, such as inadequate drug targeting, steep price tags, grave toxic side effects, and limited therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a safe and effective new drug to combat cancer. Microbial polysaccharides, complex and diverse biological macromolecules, exhibit significant microbial variability and uniqueness. Studies have shown that terrestrial microbial polysaccharides possess a wide range of biological activities, including immune enhancement, antioxidant properties, antiviral effects, anti-tumour potential, and hypoglycemic functions. To delve deeper into the structure-activity relationship of these land-based microbial polysaccharides against cancer, we conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of anti-cancer literature published between 2020 and 2024. The anticancer efficacy of terrestrial microbial polysaccharides is influenced by multiple factors, including the microbial species, existing form, chemical structure, and polysaccharide purity. According to the literature, an optimal molecular weight and good water solubility are essential for demonstrating anticancer activity. Furthermore, the addition of mannose and galactose has been found to significantly enhance the anticancer properties of these polysaccharides. These insights will serve as a valuable reference for future research and progress in the field of cancer drug therapy, particularly with regards to terrestrial microbial polysaccharides.

The serological IgG and neutralizing antibody of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant reinfection in Jiangsu Province, China.

Background: It is important to figure out the immunity of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection to understand the response of humans to viruses. A serological survey for previously infected populations in Jiangsu Province was conducted to compare the antibody level of SARS-CoV-2 in reinfection by Omicron or not. Methods: Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 was defined as an individual being infected again after 90 days of the initial infection. Telephone surveys and face-to-face interviews were implemented to collect information. Experimental and control serum samples were collected from age-sex-matched reinfected and non-reinfected cases, respectively. IgG anti-S and neutralizing antibodies (Nab) concentrations were detected by the Magnetism Particulate Immunochemistry Luminescence Method (MCLIA). Antibody titers were log(2)-transformed and analyzed by a two-tailed Mann-Whitney U test. Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between the strain type of primary infection, SARS-Cov-2 vaccination status, and antibody levels. Multivariate linear regression models were used to identify associations between reinfection with IgG and Nab levels. Results: Six hundred thirty-one individuals were enrolled in this study, including 327 reinfected cases and 304 non-reinfected cases. The reinfection group had higher IgG (5.65 AU/mL vs. 5.22 AU/mL) and Nab (8.02 AU/mL vs. 7.25 AU/mL) levels compared to the non-reinfection group (p < 0.001). Particularly, individuals who had received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or were initially infected with the Wild type and Delta variant showed a significant increase in antibody levels after reinfection. After adjusting demographic variables, vaccination status and the type of primary infection together, IgG and Nab levels in the reinfected group increased by log(2)-transformed 0.71 and 0.64 units, respectively (p < 0.001). This revealed that reinfection is an important factor that affects IgG and Nab levels in the population. Conclusion: Reinfection with Omicron in individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 enhances IgG and Nab immune responses.

The cellular response and molecular mechanism of superoxide dismutase interacting with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.

This study explored the response of superoxide dismutase (SOD) under superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs)-induced oxidative stress using combined cellular and molecular methods. Results found that SPIONs induced the inhibition of catalase activity, the U-inverted change of SOD activity and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative damage and cytotoxicity. The change of intracellular SOD activity was resulted from the increase of molecular activity induced by directly interacting with SPIONs and ROS-inhibition of activity. The increase of molecular activity could be attributed to the structural and conformational changes of SOD, which were caused by the direct interaction of SOD with SPIONs. The SOD-SPIONs interaction and its interacting mechanism were explored by multi-spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry and zeta potential assays. SOD binds to SPIONs majorly via hydrophobic forces with the involvement of electrostatic forces. SPIONs approximately adsorb 11 units of SOD molecule with the binding affinity of 2.99 × 106 M-1. The binding sites on SOD were located around Tyr residues, whose hydrophilicity increased upon interacting with SPIONs. The binding to SPIONs loosened the peptide chains, changed the secondary structure and reduced the aggregation state of SOD.

Diagnostic value of combined ultrasound contrast and elastography for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules: a meta-analysis.

The diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with ultrasound elastography for benign and malignant thyroid nodules is still controversial, so we used meta-analysis to seek controversial answers. The PubMed, OVID, and CNKI databases were searched according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature was selected from the establishment of each database to February 2024. The QUADAS-2 tool assessed diagnostic test accuracy. SROC curves and Spearman's correlation coefficient were made by Review Manager 5.4 software to assess the presence of threshold effects in the literature. Meta-Disc1.4 software was used for Cochrane-Q and χ2 tests, which be used to evaluate heterogeneity, with P-values and I2 indicating heterogeneity levels. The appropriate effect model was selected based on the results of the heterogeneity test. Stata18.0 software was used to evaluate publication bias. The diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with ultrasound elastography for benign and malignant thyroid nodules was evaluated by calculating the combined sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, DOR, and area under the SROC curve. A total of 31 studies included 3811 patients with 4718 nodules were analyzed. There is no heterogeneity caused by the threshold effect, but there is significant non-threshold heterogeneity. Combined diagnostic metrics were: sensitivity = 0.93, specificity = 0.91, DOR = 168.41, positive likelihood ratio = 10.60, and negative likelihood ratio = 0.07. The SROC curve area was 0.97. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography show high diagnostic accuracy for thyroid nodules, offering a solid foundation for early diagnosis and treatment.Trial registration. CRD42024509462.

Development of mobile CAT for patient feedback on pediatric consultations based on Rasch analysis of online techniques.

The Rasch Rating Scale Model (RSM) is widely used in questionnaire analysis, providing insights into how individuals respond to item-level stimuli. Existing software for Rasch RSM parameter estimation, while powerful, often presents a steep learning curve. An accessible online tool can greatly benefit novice users, particularly students and clinicians, by simplifying the analytical process. This study introduces an online tool, an intuitive online RSM analysis tool designed to facilitate questionnaire data analysis for applied researchers, students, and clinicians. The online tool employs the joint maximum likelihood method for estimation, yielding estimates, standard errors (SE), and fit statistics iteratively. A unique feature of the tool is its ability to visualize estimates on Google Maps with an opacity setting of 0, enhancing data interpretation through a user-friendly interface. This study outlines the estimation process and key features, employing data from 200 proxy participants who answered 20 5-point questions regarding doctor-patient and doctor-family interactions in pediatric consultations. Mobile computerized adaptive testing (CAT) was employed. The online tool offers 5 essential visual displays often utilized in Rasch analyses, including the Wright Map, KIDMAP, category probability curve, performance plot, and differential item functioning (DIF) graph. DIF analysis revealed that 2 items, concerning the doctor attentiveness and empathy toward the child illness, exhibited differences in female proxy participants' responses, indicating lower satisfaction with pediatricians. The online tool emerges as a user-friendly and efficient RSM analysis tool with notable advantages for newcomers, improving data visualization and comprehension. Its capacity to pinpoint key areas of concern, such as gender-related satisfaction disparities among proxy participants, enhances its utility in questionnaire analysis. The online tool holds promise as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and clinicians seeking accessible Rasch analysis solutions.

Alterations of Myocardial Mitochondrial Morphology and Function in a Canine Model of Premature Ventricular Contractions-Induced Cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: Changes in myocardial mitochondrial morphology and function in premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)-induced cardiomyopathy (PVCCM) remain poorly studied. Here, we investigated the effects of PVCs with different coupling intervals (CIs) on myocardial mitochondrial remodelling in a canine model of PVCCM. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-one beagles underwent pacemaker implantation and were randomised into the sham (n = 7), short-coupled PVCs (SCP, n = 7), and long-coupled PVCs (LCP, n = 7) groups. Right ventricular (RV) apical bigeminy was produced for 12-week to induce PVCCM in the SCP (CI, 250 ms) and LCP (CI, 350 ms) groups. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and biweekly thereafter to evaluate cardiac function. Masson's trichrome staining measured ventricular interstitial fibrosis. The ultrastructural morphology of the myocardial mitochondria was analysed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, membrane potential, and electron transport chain (ETC) complex activity were measured to assess myocardial mitochondrial function. Twelve-week-PVCs led to left ventricular (LV) enlargement with systolic dysfunction, disrupted mitochondrial morphology, increased mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration and ROS levels, decreased mitochondrial ATP content and membrane potential, and impaired ETC complex activity in both the SCP and LCP groups (all p < 0.01 vs the sham group). Ventricular fibrosis was observed only in canines with LCP. Worse cardiac function and more pronounced abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology and function were observed in the LCP group than to the SCP group (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated myocardial mitochondrial abnormalities in dogs with PVCCM, characterised by abnormal mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, oxidative stress, and impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism. Compared to SCP, long-term LCP exposure resulted in more severe mitochondrial remodelling and cardiac dysfunction in dogs.

Changes in prevalence of anxiety and depression among COVID-19 patients during a two-year recovery period: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trend of anxiety and depression prevalences up to 2 years of follow-up for COVID-19 patients during the recovery period and to compare regional differences. METHODS: We performed a systematic review from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP using keywords such as "COVID-19", "anxiety", "depression", and "cohort study". Meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of anxiety and depression at five follow-up time intervals. Subgroup analyses were conducted by different regions. RESULTS: 34 cohort studies were included in the meta-analyses. The pooled anxiety prevalence rates at 0-1 month, 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months and 12-24 months were 18% (95% CI: 11% to 28%), 18% (95% CI: 12% to 28%), 22% (95% CI: 16% to 29%), 15% (95% CI: 11% to 21%), and 10% (95% CI: 0.05% to 20%), respectively, and the pooled depression prevalence rates were 22% (95%CI: 15% to 33%), 19% (95% CI: 13% to 29%), 21% (95% CI: 15% to 28%), 15% (95% CI: 11% to 20%), and 9% (95% CI: 0.4% to 21%) respectively. The prevalence of depression in Asian and non-Asian countries was statistically different at 0-1 month (χ2 = 15.248, P < 0.001) and 1-3 months (χ2 = 28.298, P < 0.001), and prevalence of anxiety was statistically different at 3-6 months (χ2 = 9.986, P = 0.002) and 6-12 months (χ2 = 7.378, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anxiety and depression in COVID-19 patients generally tends to decrease after 2 years of recovery, but may temporarily increase at 3-6 months. There are regional differences in the changes in prevalence of anxiety and depression.

Association between dietary patterns and chronic kidney disease combined with hyperuricemia.

Background and aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) combined with hyperuricemia is a concerning health issue, but the association between this condition and dietary patterns remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between dietary patterns and CKD combined with hyperuricemia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted involving 12 318 participants aged 18-79 years during 2018-2020. Dietary intake information was collected using a validated 110-item food frequency questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns. CKD was defined as the presence of albuminuria or an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL min-1 1.73 m-2. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid levels >420 µmol L-1 both in men and women. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between dietary patterns and the risk of CKD combined with hyperuricemia. Results: Five major dietary patterns were identified: 'healthy pattern', 'traditional pattern', 'animal foods pattern', 'sweet foods pattern', and 'tea-alcohol pattern', which together explained 38.93% of the variance in the diet. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest quartile of the traditional pattern had a lower risk of CKD combined with hyperuricemia (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32-0.74, Pfor trend < 0.01). Conversely, participants in the highest quartile of the sweet foods pattern had a higher risk compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.18-2.42, Pfor trend < 0.01). However, no significant association was observed between the healthy pattern, animal foods pattern and tea-alcohol pattern and the risk of CKD combined with hyperuricemia. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the traditional pattern is associated with a reduced risk of CKD combined with hyperuricemia, whereas the sweet foods pattern is associated with an increased risk.

Recent development of carrier materials in anthocyanins encapsulation applications: A comprehensive literature review.

Anthocyanins are natural polyphenols belonging to the flavonoid family that possess a variety of putative health benefits when consumed in a balanced diet. However, applications of anthocyanins in, for example, functional foods are limited due to poor stability, degradation, and low transmembrane efficiency. To maintain bioactivities of anthocyanins and optimize their use, various carrier materials have been developed. Here, we reviewed the uses of the different carrier materials (organic/inorganic, micro/nano) for anthocyanin encapsulation and delivery over the past five years. The performance of different materials and interactions between anthocyanins and these materials are described. Lastly, we give our perspective on the future development trend of anthocyanin encapsulation strategies.

Disease spectrum and pathogenic genes of inherited metabolic disorder in Gansu Province of China / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the disease spectrum and pathogenic genes of inherited metabolic disorder (IMD) among neonates in Gansu Province of China.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on the tandem mass spectrometry data of 286 682 neonates who received IMD screening in Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021. A genetic analysis was conducted on the neonates with positive results in tandem mass spectrometry during primary screening and reexamination.@*RESULTS@#A total of 23 types of IMD caused by 28 pathogenic genes were found in the 286 682 neonates, and the overall prevalence rate of IMD was 0.63 (1/1 593), among which phenylketonuria showed the highest prevalence rate of 0.32 (1/3 083), followed by methylmalonic acidemia (0.11, 1/8 959) and tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency (0.06, 1/15 927). In this study, 166 variants were identified in the 28 pathogenic genes, with 13 novel variants found in 9 genes. According to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, 5 novel variants were classified as pathogenic variants, 7 were classified as likely pathogenic variants, and 1 was classified as the variant of uncertain significance.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study enriches the database of pathogenic gene variants for IMD and provides basic data for establishing an accurate screening and diagnosis system for IMD in this region.

Comprehensive analysis of different types of ginsenosides in the different parts of American ginseng by targeted and nontargeted MS/MS scanning.

To comprehensively study the ginsenosides distribution in the various tissues of American ginseng, the qualitative and quantitative-targeted and nontargeted mass spectroscopic methods were established using the high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Qtrap triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-QtrapQQQ-MS). The total ginsenosides of the root, stem, and leaf of American ginseng were determined by a colorimetric method, and the contents showed the order from high to low root, stem, and leaf. Eighty-two kinds of ginsenosides were detected in the different parts of American ginseng by enhanced mass scan-information-dependent data acquisition (IDA)-enhanced product ion (EPI) scan mode, including 69 from the root, 62 from the stem, and 48 from the leaf. An HPLC-multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method was established, and 28 representative ginsenosides were further quantified in the three parts. Nearly all ginsenosides had the highest contents in the root and the lowest content in the leaf. Three types of ginsenosides (protopanaxadiol [PPD]-, protopanaxatiol [PPT]-, and oleanolic acid [OA]-types) were analyzed by precursor ion-IDA-EPI and MRM-IDA-EPI scan modes. Root had the most abundant ginsenosides in PPD- and PPT-type ginsenosides. Meanwhile, the OA-type ginsenosides are significantly enriched in the stem and leaf of American ginseng. The results provided a supplement to the quality assessment of American ginseng. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The distribution profile of ginsenosides in the parts of American ginseng is different. Except for the root, the stem, and leaf of American ginseng have the most abundant ginsenosides in oleanolic acid type. The results reported herein can help the manufacturers choose appropriate materials to extract the ginsenosides.

Serinc2 deficiency exacerbates sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy by enhancing necroptosis and apoptosis.

In critical care medicine, sepsis is a potentially fatal syndrome characterized by multi-organ dysfunction and eventual failure. Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is characterized by decreased venstricular contractility. Serine incorporator 2 (Serinc2) is a protein involved in phosphatidylserine biosynthesis and membrane incorporation. It may also be a protective factor in septic lung injury. However, it is unknown whether Serinc2 influences SIC onset or progression. In the present study, we found that Serinc2 was downregulated in the cardiomyocytes of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced SIC and in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Serinc2 knockout (KO) exacerbated sepsis-induced myocardial inflammation, necroptosis, apoptosis, myocardial damage, and contractility impairment. Furthermore, the lack of Serinc2 in cardiomyocytes aggravated LPS-induced cardiomyopathic inflammation, necroptosis, and apoptosis. An adenovirus overexpressing Serinc2 inhibited the inflammatory response and favored cardiomyocyte survival. A mechanistic analysis revealed that Serinc2 deficiency exacerbated LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction by inhibiting the protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3ß) signaling pathway that regulates necrotic complex formation and apoptotic pathways in cardiomyopathy. The findings of the present work demonstrated that Serinc2 plays an essential role in SIC and is, therefore, promising as a prophylactic and therapeutic target for this condition.

Highly Recyclable and Tough Elastic Vitrimers from a Defined Polydimethylsiloxane Network.

Despite intensive research on sustainable elastomers, achieving elastic vitrimers with significantly improved mechanical properties and recyclability remains a scientific challenge. Herein, inspired by the classical elasticity theory, we present a design principle for ultra-tough and highly recyclable elastic vitrimers with a defined network constructed by chemically crosslinking the pre-synthesized disulfide-containing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chains with tetra-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG). The defined network is achieved by the reduced dangling short chains and the relatively uniform molecular weight of network strands. Such elastic vitrimers with the defined network, i.e., PDMS-disulfide-D, exhibit significantly improved mechanical performance than random analogous, previously reported PDMS vitrimers, and even commercial silicone-based thermosets. Moreover, unlike the vitrimers with random network that show obvious loss in mechanical properties after recycling, those with the defined network enable excellent thermal recyclability. The PDMS-disulfide-D also deliver comparable electrochemical signals if utilized as substrates for electromyography sensors after the recycling. The multiple relaxation processes are revealed via a unique physical approach. Multiple techniques are also applied to unravel the microscopic mechanism of the excellent mechanical performance and recyclability of such defined network.

Co-Encapsulation of Curcumin and Diosmetin in Nanoparticles Formed by Plant-Food-Protein Interaction Using a pH-Driven Method.

In this work, a pH-driven method was used to prepare zein-soy protein isolate (SPI) composite nanoparticles (NPs). The mass ratio of SPI to zein influenced the Z-average size (Z-ave). Once the zeta potential stabilized, SPI was completely coated on the periphery of the zein NPs. The optimal mass ratio of zein:SPI was found to be 2:3. After determining the structure using TEM, curcumin (Cur) and/or diosmetin (Dio) were loaded into zein-SPI NPs for co-encapsulation or individual delivery. The co-encapsulation of Cur and Dio altered their protein conformations, and both Cur and Dio transformed from a crystalline structure to an amorphous form. The protein conformation change increased the number of binding sites between Dio and zein NPs. As a result, the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of Dio improved from 43.07% to 73.41%, and thereby increased the loading efficiency (LE%) of zein-SPI NPs to 16.54%. Compared to Dio-loaded zein-SPI NPs, Cur/Dio-loaded zein-SPI NPs improved the storage stability of Dio from 61.96% to 82.41% within four weeks. The extended release of bioactive substances in the intestine during simulated gastrointestinal digestion improved the bioavailability. When exposed to a concentration of 0-800 µg/mL blank-loaded zein-SPI NPs, the viability of HepG2 and LO-2 cells was more than 90%, as shown in MTT assay tests. The zein-SPI NPs are non-toxic, biocompatible, and have potential applications in the food industry.

Construction of a Ternary Composite Colloidal Structure of Zein/Soy Protein Isolate/Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose to Deliver Curcumin and Improve Its Bioavailability.

This work presents the fabrication of ternary nanoparticles (Z/S/C NPs) comprising zein (Z), soy protein isolate (SPI) and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na) through a pH-driven method. The results showed that the smallest particle size (71.41 nm) and the most stable zeta potential, measuring -49.97 mV, were achieved with the following ratio of ternary nanoparticles Z/SPI/CMC-Na (2:3:3). The surface morphology of the nanoparticles was further analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, and the synthesized nanoparticles were utilized to encapsulate curcumin (Cur), a hydrophobic, bioactive compound. The nanoparticles were characterized using a particle size analyzer, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results revealed that the formation of nanoparticles and the encapsulation of Cur were driven by electrostatic, hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The drug loading efficiency (EE%) of Z/S/C-cur nanoparticles reached 90.90%. The Z/S/C ternary nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced storage stability, photostability and simulated the gastrointestinal digestion of Cur. The release of Cur and variations in the particle size of nanoparticles were investigated across different stages of digestion. The biocompatibility of the Z/S/C ternary nanoparticles was assessed by conducting cell viability assays on HepG2 and L-O2 cells, which showed no signs of cytotoxicity. These results suggested that the ternary composite nanoparticles have potential in delivering nutritional foods and health-promoting bioactive substances.

Diagnostic performance of IOTA SR and O-RADS combined with CA125, HE4, and risk of malignancy algorithm to distinguish benign and malignant adnexal masses.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performance of International Ovarian Tumour Analysis Simple Rules (IOTA SR) and Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS), and to analyse whether combining IOTA SR and O-RADS with the biomarkers cancer antigen 125 (CA125), human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), and risk of malignancy algorithm (ROMA) further improves diagnostic performance in women with different menopause status. METHODS: This study retrospectively included patients with ovarian adnexal masses confirmed by surgical pathology between September 2021 and February 2022. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of IOTA SR, O-RADS, and their combination with CA125, HE4, and ROMA. RESULTS: This study included 1,179 ovarian adnexal masses. In all women, the AUC of IOTA SR was comparable to O-RADS (0.879 vs. 0.889, P = 0.361), and O-RADS had a significantly higher sensitivity than IOTA SR (95.77 % vs. 87.32 %, P < 0.001). In premenopausal women, O-RADS had a significantly higher AUC than other diagnostic strategies (all P < 0.05), and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 93.33 %, 84.74 %, and 85.59 %, respectively. In postmenopausal women, IOTA SR + ROMA had a significantly higher AUC than other diagnostic strategies (all P < 0.05), and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 85.37 %, 93.88 %, and 90.00 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the high diagnostic value of IOTA SR or O-RADS alone in all women, and O-RADS was more sensitive than IOTA SR. In premenopausal women, O-RADS had the highest diagnostic value. In postmenopausal women, IOTA SR outperformed O-RADS, and IOTA SR + ROMA had the highest diagnostic value.

Carnosic acid protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through enhancing the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is used extensively in anticancer therapy, but its clinical application is limited due to its cardiotoxicity. Carnosic acid (CA) is a bioactive compound found in rosemary. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and reactive oxygen species. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential cardioprotective effects of CA in response to DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Here, C57BL/6 mice were administered an intraperitoneal injection of DOX (5 mg kg-1, ip) once a week for three consecutive weeks and treated with CA (40 mg kg-1, ig) for a three-week experimental period. For in vitro study, neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were used to validate the protective effects of CA (20 µM) in response to DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. CA markedly suppressed oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pyroptosis responses in the mouse hearts, eventually improving cardiac function. CA showed its antioxidant effect by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and its downstream heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); CA also reduced oxidative stress by lowering the MDA and lipid ROS levels and raising the SOD and GSH-px levels. Additionally, CA treatment significantly increased Bcl-2 and inhibited Bax and Caspase-3 cleavage in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Moreover, CA suppressed the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway to mitigate pyroptosis, as evidenced by lowered caspase1, interleukin-18, and interleukin-1ß. Consistently, the transfection of Nrf2-siRNA eliminated the protective effects of CA on cardiomyocytes. Altogether, our findings demonstrated that CA inhibited NLRP3 inflammasomes via activating the Nrf2-related cytoprotective system and protected the heart from oxidative damage, apoptosis, and pyroptosis, implying that the use of CA could be a potential therapeutic strategy in the prevention of DOX-associated myocardiopathy.

[Effect and safety of double plasma molecular absorption in treatment of patients with severe wasp stings injury: a multicenter historical cohort study].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect and safety of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH)+double plasma molecular absorption (DPMA)+hemoperfusion (HP), CVVH+HP, and CVVH+plasma exchange (PE) in treatment of patient with severe wasp stings injury. METHODS: Multicenter, historical cohort study and superiority test were used. From July 2020 to October 2022, patients with wasp sting injury and multiple organ damage admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) of five hospitals were consecutively screened and recruited into the CVVH+DPMA+HP group (intervention group). Propensity score matching was used to establish historical cohorts. Patients with severe wasp sting injury who hospitalized from January 2016 to June 2020 in each ICU were collected and matched 1:1 with the intervention group, and divided into CVVH+HP group and CVVH+PE group according to their actual hemopurification protocols (historical control groups). The primary outcome was the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score on days 3 and 7 after initiation of treatment. Secondary outcomes included complications, length of ICU and hospital stays, and all-cause mortality. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression was used to analyze the prognosis of patients. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, 56 patients in intervention group and each of the two historical control groups were matched successfully. There were no significant differences in age, gender, comorbidities, biochemical test indices and critical illness scores among the groups. After treatment, APACHE II score markedly declined in all groups, and the decrease was faster in the intervention group; treatment with DPMA [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.02-1.08, P = 0.00], the decreased levels of body temperature (HR = 1.02, 95%CI was 1.00-1.03, P = 0.02), serum creatine kinase (CK; HR = 0.98, 95%CI was 0.96-1.00, P = 0.05) and myoglobin (MYO; HR = 2.88, 95%CI was 1.24-6.69, P = 0.01) were independent risk factors for APACHE II score decline to the target value (15 scores). There were no significant differences in the incidence of bleeding complications, filter or perfusion thrombosis, blood pressure reduction, catheter-related infection and anaphylaxis among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: CVVH+DPMA+HP regimen can significantly reduce the APACHE II score of patients with severe wasp sting injury, and the efficacy is superior to CVVH+HP and CVVH+PE regimens, with safety.

Iron and atrial fibrillation: A review.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), one of the most common arrhythmias in clinical practice, is classified into paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent AF according to its duration. The development of AF is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the exact etiology of this disease remains poorly understood. Recent studies found disorders of iron metabolism might be involved in the progression of AF. Abnormal iron metabolism in cardiomyocytes provides arrhythmogenic substrates through a variety of mechanisms, including calcium mishandling, ion channel remodeling, and oxidative stress overaction. Interestingly, in AF patients with iron overload, interventions on iron metabolism, such as iron chelators and ferroptosis inhibitors, has been shown to prevent AF via reducing ferroptosis. Herein, we review the possible mechanisms, consequences, and therapeutic implications of altered atrial iron handling for AF pathophysiology.