Novel insights into non-coding RNAs and their role in hydrocephalus

A large body of evidence has highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs in neurodevelopment and neuroinflammation. This evidence has led to increasing speculation that non-coding RNAs may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hydrocephalus, one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide. In this review, we first outline the basic concepts and incidence of hydrocephalus along with the limitations of existing treatments for this condition. Then, we outline the definition, classification, and biological role of non-coding RNAs. Subsequently, we analyze the roles of non-coding RNAs in the formation of hydrocephalus in detail. Specifically, we have focused on the potential significance of non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus, including glymphatic pathways, neuroinflammatory processes, and neurological dysplasia, on the basis of the existing evidence. Lastly, we review the potential of non-coding RNAs as biomarkers of hydrocephalus and for the creation of innovative treatments.

Transcriptomic insights into Mycobacterium orygis infection-associated pulmonary granulomas reveal multicellular immune networks and tuberculosis biomarkers in cattle

Mycobacterium orygis, a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), has emerged as a significant contributor to tuberculosis (TB) in cattle, wildlife, and humans. However, understanding about its pathogenesis and severity is limited, compounded by the lack of reliable TB biomarkers in cattle. This study delves into the comparative pathology and transcriptomic landscape of pulmonary granulomas in cattle naturally infected with M. orygis, using high-throughput RNA sequencing. Histopathological analysis revealed extensive, multistage granulomatous, necrotic, and cavitary lesions, indicative of severe lung pathology induced by M. orygis. Transcriptomic profiling highlighted numerous differentially expressed genes and dysregulated pathways related to immune response modulation and extracellular matrix remodelling. Additionally, cell type enrichment analysis provided insights into the multicellularity of the granulomatous niche, emphasising complex cell-cell interactions within TB granulomas. Via comparative transcriptomics leveraging publicly available bovine and human TB omics datasets, 14 key immunomodulators (SOD2, IL1α/β, IL15, IL18, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, CCL8/MCP-2, CCL20/MIP-3α, CXCL2/MIP-2, CXCL10/IP-10, CXCL11, and IFN-γ) were identified as potential biomarkers for active TB in cattle. These findings significantly advance our understanding of M. orygis pathogenesis in bovine TB and highlight potential targets for the development of diagnostic tools for managing and controlling the disease.

Risk assessment of 2024 cattle H5N1 using age-stratified serosurveillance data

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b has caused a human outbreak in North America since March 2024. Here, we conducted a serosurveillance study to determine the risk of A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b (2024 cattle H5N1) to general population. In the initial screening of 180 serum specimens encompassing all age groups, 2.2% (4/180) had detectable neutralizing antibody (nAb) titres against reverse genetics-derived 2024 cattle H5N1, with all collected from older adults aged ≥60 years old. Further screening showed that 4.2% (19/450) of adults aged ≥60 years old had detectable nAb titres against the 2024 cattle H5N1. 80% (4/5) of serum specimens with nAb titre of ≥40 had detectable Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titre, and there was a positive correlation between nAb titre and HA binding (r = 0.3325, 95% confidence interval 0.2477-0.4123; P < 0.0001). For individuals aged ≥60 years old, the nAb titre against seasonal H1N1 virus was 4.2-fold higher for those with detectable H5N1 nAb titre than those ≥60 years old ones without (geometric mean titre: 89.3 [95% CI 42.9-185.7] vs 21.3 [95% CI 17.3-26.1], P < 0.0001), but there was no statistically significant difference between H5N1 and H3N2 nAb titre. There was no difference in demographics, comorbidities and clinical frailty scores between individuals with detectable H5N1 nAb and those without. Our findings suggest that most individuals lack nAb response against 2024 cattle H5N1 and there is an urgency to develop and evaluate H5N1 vaccine or prophylactic monoclonal antibodies. Immune imprinting may be responsible for the cross neutralization between H5N1 and H1N1 among older adults.

Ginsenoside compound K-based multifunctional liposomes for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

The clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with first-line therapeutic drugs is hindered by the poor solubility, low bioavailability, off-target toxicity, and insufficient accumulation in inflamed joints. Liposomes have been shown to mitigate some of these limitations in drug delivery systems. However, the use of cholesterol to stabilize liposomal structures remains controversial due to its potential association with cardiovascular diseases. Here, we developed a novel liposome based on ginsenoside compound K (CK), which not only serves as an effective therapeutic agent for RA but also replaces cholesterol as a membrane stabilizer to address these challenges. Compared with conventional liposomes, ginsenoside CK Liposomes (CK@Lipo) are excellent nanoparticles, with CK stabilizing the liposomal structure and providing targeting functionality toward inflamed joints. When encapsulated with dexamethasone (Dex), CK@Lipo exhibits a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect, slowing the progression of RA. This study provides a theoretical basis for the future development of multifunctional novel ginsenoside CK@Lipo.

The interplay between sleep and cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer: A casual and computer-simulated network analysis

Objective

Sleep problems and cancer-related fatigue are common symptoms in women for breast cancer, during and after treatment. Identifying key intervention targets for this symptom cluster may improve patient reported outcomes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between sleep and cancer-related fatigue to identify optimal intervention targets.

Methods

In the "Be Resilient to Breast Cancer" program, self report data were collected on sleep and cancer-related fatigue the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Gaussian network analysis was employed to identify central symptoms and nodes, while a Bayesian network explored their causal relationships. Computer-simulated interventions were used to identify core symptoms as targets for intervention.

Results

General fatigue (Str ​= ​0.95, Bet ​= ​7, Clo ​= ​0.007) was considered the node with the strongest centrality. The daytime dysfunction item on the Pittsburgh sleep quality index had the strongest bridge strength. Core symptoms were identified as targets for intervention by the computer-simulated analysis.

Conclusions

Sleep quality is the strongest predictor of cancer-related fatigue from a casual networking perspective. Sleep latency and daytime dysfunction should be targeted to break the chained symptom interaction between sleep and cancer-related fatigue.

Peptides rapidly transport antibiotic across the intact tympanic membrane to treat a middle ear infection

The tympanic membrane (TM) forms an impenetrable barrier to medical therapies for middle ear (ME) diseases like otitis media. By screening a phage-displayed peptide library, we have previously discovered rare peptides that mediate the active transport of cargo across the intact membrane of animals and humans. Since the M13 filamentous bacteriophage on which the peptides are expressed are large (nearly 1 µm in length), this offers the possibility of noninvasively delivering drugs, large drug packages, or gene therapy to the ME. To evaluate this possibility, EDC chemistry was employed to covalently attach amoxicillin, or neomycin molecules to phage bearing a trans-TM peptide, as a model for large drug packages. Eight hours after application of antibiotic-phage to the TM of infected rats, ME bacterial titers were substantially reduced compared to untreated animals. As a control, antibiotic was linked to wild-type phage, not bearing any peptide, and application to the TM did not affect ME bacteria. The results support the ability of rare peptides to actively deliver pharmacologically relevant amounts of drugs through the intact TM and into the ME. Moreover, since bacteriophage engineered to express peptides are viral vectors, the trans-TM peptides could also transport other viral vectors into the ME.

Successful targeting of multidrug-resistant tumors with bispecific antibodies

Multidrug resistance (MDR) hinders efficacious cancer chemotherapy. Overexpression of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux pump (EP) on cancer cells is a primary cause of MDR since it expels numerous anticancer drugs. Small molecule intracellular P-gp antagonists have been investigated clinically to redress MDR but have failed primarily due to adverse effects on P-gp in normal tissue. We used a new approach to counteract P-gp with bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) that simultaneously bound P-gp and CD47 in cis on MDR cells but not normal tissue. Affinities of the individual arms of the BsAbs were low enough to minimize normal tissue binding, but, when the two targets were co-located on MDR cancer cells, both arms of the BsAb engaged with effective avidity. Proof-of-concept was shown in three different MDR xenograft tumor models with a non-humanized chimeric BsAb (targeting P-gp and CD47) that potently restored tumor sensitivity to paclitaxel. Fully humanized variants were successfully developed and characterized. Significant anti-tumor efficacy was observed with the BsAbs both when combined with paclitaxel and as single agents in the absence of paclitaxel. Treatment of MDR cancers with BsAbs using this novel approach has several distinct advantages over prior efforts with small molecule antagonists, including 1) invoking a direct immune attack on the tumors, 2) multimodal mechanisms of action, 3) tumor-specific targeting (with reduced toxicity to normal tissue), and 4) broad applicability as single agents and compatibility with other therapeutics.

PMA1-containing extracellular vesicles of Candida albicans triggers immune responses and colitis progression

Candida albicans (C. albicans) exhibits aberrant changes in patients with colitis, and it has been reported to dominate the colonic mucosal immune response. Here, we found that PMA1 expression was significantly increased in C. albicans from patients with IBD compared to that in healthy controls. A Crispr-Cas9-based fungal strain editing system was then used to knock out PMA1 expression in C. albicans. Compared to WT-C.a, ΔPMA1-C.a could not aggravate colitis. Proteomic analysis showed that PMA1 was transported by extracellular vesicles (EVs) of C. albicans. PMA1-containing EVs aggravated colitis, modulated the migration of cDC2 from the lamina propria to mesenteric lymph nodes, and induced TH17 cell differentiation. Moreover, the adaptor protein CARD9 was critical in PMA1-containing EV-induced colitis, and CARD9-deficient DCs did not induce TH17 cell differentiation or IL-17A production. Mechanically, CARD9 combines with the glycolytic protein GAPDH (aa2-146 domain) through its CARD region. CARD9 deficiency led to decreased enzyme activity of GAPDH and decreased glycolysis of DCs. These findings indicate that PMA1 is a potential virulence factor responsible for the pathogenesis of C. albicans colitis.

Exploring parents' knowledge, attitudes and practices on honey and botulism in the West Bank, Palestine: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Although nutritionally beneficial, honey may harbor Clostridium botulinum spores, posing risks to infant botulism (IB). Infants under one year are vulnerable due to immature gut flora, with IB potentially causing severe symptoms, such as respiratory failure. Despite global awareness, cultural beliefs influenced caregivers' practices in Palestine. This study evaluated Palestinian parents' knowledge, beliefs, and feeding practices regarding honey to guide targeted interventions.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study  (August-September 2024) surveyed 469 Palestinian parents (aged ≥18 years) from 10 West Bank cities, excluding 88 ineligible responses. A validated questionnaire assessed their knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Data were analyzed using the R software (frequency, Chi-squared/Fisher's tests; p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Most participants were female (89%), under 30 years old (53%), and highly educated (77%). While 58% knew of honey-linked IB, only 32% identified C. botulinum as the causative agent. Notably, 15.8% fed honey to infants aged <12 months and 62.5% introduced complementary feeding at 6-12 months. Age and income-influenced practices, with many believing that honey aids digestion or supplements nutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings reveal gaps in knowledge and widespread cultural beliefs about the benefits of honey, which contribute to unsafe feeding practices. Health interventions in Palestine should incorporate these insights to improve awareness and to prevent IB.

Impact of COVID-19 on chronic kidney disease progression in non-dialysis patients: a retrospective cohort study in Palestine

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the progression of CKD in non-dialysis patients and its relation to clinical outcomes in Palestine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study that followed non-dialysis CKD patients receiving treatment at outpatient clinics in governmental hospitals. Out of the 248 CKD patients who met the inclusion criteria, 98 were diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 2020 and March 2022. We collected data at three distinct time intervals, both prior to and after their COVID-19 infection. We examined the decline in eGFR and gathered demographic information, hospitalization, and mortality rates. The drop in eGFR was recorded 15 months from baseline.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 55 years, with 55.6% being male. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 faced a significantly higher risk of rapid deterioration in eGFR, with a 3.7-fold increase compared to those without COVID-19 (ap-value: <0.001; aOR: 3.7; 95% CI: 2.1-6.3). Additionally, COVID-19 patients had 4.4 times higher mortality rates (ap-value: 0.005; aOR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.6-12.4), 13.3 times higher rates of dialysis initiation within 15 months post-baseline (ap-value: <0.001; aOR: 13.3; 95% CI: 6.1-28.7), and 3.5 times higher rates of hospital admissions (ap-value: <0.001; aOR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.8-6.7) compared to the COVID-19 negative group.

CONCLUSION

CKD patients who contract COVID-19 experience a more rapid decline in kidney function, leading to worse health outcomes, including increased mortality rates, a greater need for dialysis, and higher hospitalization rates.

Heart rate variability in patients with atrial fibrillation of sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation: chaos or merit?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia characterized by consistently irregular atrial and ventricular contractions. Heart rate variability (HRV) refers to the changes in the intervals between consecutive ventricular heartbeats. In sinus rhythm, HRV may be subtle and is quantitatively reflecting the dynamic interplay of the cardiac autonomic nervous system, which plays a crucial role in the onset, development, and maintenance of AF. HRV metrics, consisting of time-domain, frequency-domain, and nonlinear parameters, have been verified to vary significantly before and after AF episodes, and AF treatment-related procedures such as electrical cardioversion, ablation, and surgery of AF. Therefore, HRV may serve as a digital biomarker in predicting AF risk in long-term and acute risk period, identification of patients with AF risk in sinus rhythm and recurrence risk stratification after procedures. HRV in AF rhythm, predominantly influenced by dynamic atrioventricular node conduction under the onslaught of irregular atrial impulses, shows a huge disparity compared to that in sinus rhythm. Despite this, HRV in AF rhythm still provides valuable prognostic information, as reduced HRV may indicate a poor heart function and outcomes in patients with AF. Despite being influenced by lots of variables, HRV can still serve as an independent digital biomarker in the clinical management of AF throughout its entire lifecycle.

Exploring socio-economic dimensions in HIV research: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis (1992-2024)

The socio-economic burden of HIV infection remains a critical global health concern. This study was conducted to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the socio-economic burden of HIV infection, highlighting research trends, collaboration networks, and the evolving focus on social determinants of health over the past 32 years. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection databases, covering publications from 1992 to 2024. The analysis was performed using RStudio and Biblioshiny, focusing on 1,054 studies from 422 publications. This study revealed a steady annual growth rate of 16.72% in publications on the socio-economic burden of HIV from 1992 to 2024, with the USA and Canada leading in contributions. The University of Toronto emerged as the top institution, while 'social determinants of health' and 'HIV infections' were identified as pivotal research themes. Collaboration networks were predominantly among high-income countries, with limited engagement from high-burden regions like sub-Saharan Africa. Key journals, such as AIDS and Behavior, were identified as central to advancing the field. Thematic analysis highlighted a shift from biomedical to socio-economic factors, emphasizing the need for equitable global collaboration and research addressing disparities in HIV management. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of HIV socio-economic burden research, emphasizing the need for increased collaboration with high-burden regions and a continued focus on addressing social determinants of health in HIV management.

SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology, kinetics, and evolution: A narrative review

Since winter 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has emerged, spread, and evolved all around the globe. We explore 4 y of evolutionary epidemiology of this virus, ranging from the applied public health challenges to the more conceptual evolutionary biology perspectives. Through this review, we first present the spread and lethality of the infections it causes, starting from its emergence in Wuhan (China) from the initial epidemics all around the world, compare the virus to other betacoronaviruses, focus on its airborne transmission, compare containment strategies ("zero-COVID" vs. "herd immunity"), explain its phylogeographical tracking, underline the importance of natural selection on the epidemics, mention its within-host population dynamics. Finally, we discuss how the pandemic has transformed (or should transform) the surveillance and prevention of viral respiratory infections and identify perspectives for the research on epidemiology of COVID-19.

Vitexin enhances mitophagy and improves renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating the p38/MAPK pathway

Vitexin (VI) is a naturally occurring flavonoid derived from the leaves and seeds of Vitex, recognized for its strong antioxidant properties. This study aims to explore its effects on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and investigate the underlying mechanisms. We utilized hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) models with HK-2 cell lines and renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) models in mice, applying vitexin preconditioning to assess its influence on renal IRI. Our findings reveal that vitexin mitigated oxidative stress, decreased cell apoptosis, and reduced the expression of renal damage indicators such as kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), along with an overall improvement in renal function. To further investigate the mechanism, we used network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques to predict potential vitexin targets in renal IRI. Results from Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays indicate that vitexin may promote mitophagy by suppressing the phosphorylation of the pivotal p38 protein in the p38/MAPK signaling pathway, offering protection against renal IRI. The findings indicate that vitexin could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent to alleviate renal IRI.

Incidence of cytomegalovirus infection after kidney transplantation in the modern era of immunosuppression: the VINTAGE study

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a frequent complication following kidney transplantation that affects transplant outcomes. This study aimed to (i) estimate the 12-month cumulative incidence of CMV antigenemia (AG) in adult kidney transplant recipients not receiving antiviral prophylaxis, (ii) identify the risk factors for CMV AG, and (iii) assess the impact of CMV AG on transplant outcomes. This study included 128 living donor kidney recipients (aged ≥20 years) who underwent transplantation between 2012 and 2020. The mean recipient age was 52.8 ± 13.0 years. The overall positive CMV AG rates were 10.9%, 35.9%, 45.3%, 53.1%, and 59.4% (95% confidence interval (CI), 50.9-67.9) at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months posttransplantation, respectively. The 12-month incidence rates in D-/R-, D-/R+, D+/R+, and D+/R - were 0%, 25.0%, 62.2%, and 81.3%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that the risk of CMV AG increased with a stepwise increase in CMV serostatus risk category (hazard ratio (HR), 2.65; 95% CI, 1.66-4.21; p < .001) and recipient age (HR, 1.37 per 10-year increase; 95% CI, 1.14-1.65; p < .001). Positive CMV AG was associated with an increased risk of antibody-mediated rejection (HR, 21.40; 95% CI, 2.59-176.2; p = .005) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = .026). The risk of CMV AG is highest within the first 3 months posttransplant and persists for approximately 7-8 months in D + recipients. These findings underscore the importance of regular CMV monitoring for at least 6 months posttransplantation, particularly in centers employing preemptive therapy.

Gut dysbiosis was inevitable, but tolerance was not: temporal responses of the murine microbiota that maintain its capacity for butyrate production correlate with sustained antinociception to chronic morphine

The therapeutic benefits of opioids are compromised by the development of analgesic tolerance, which necessitates higher dosing for pain management thereby increasing the liability for drug dependence and addiction. Rodent models indicate opposing roles of the gut microbiota in tolerance: morphine-induced gut dysbiosis exacerbates tolerance, whereas probiotics ameliorate tolerance. Not all individuals develop tolerance, which could be influenced by differences in microbiota, and yet no study design has capitalized upon this natural variation. We leveraged natural behavioral variation in a murine model of voluntary oral morphine self-administration to elucidate the mechanisms by which microbiota influences tolerance. Although all mice shared similar morphine-driven microbiota changes that largely masked informative associations with variability in tolerance, our high-resolution temporal analyses revealed a divergence in the progression of dysbiosis that best explained sustained antinociception. Mice that did not develop tolerance maintained a higher capacity for production of the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate known to bolster intestinal barriers and promote neuronal homeostasis. Both fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) from donor mice that did not develop tolerance and dietary butyrate supplementation significantly reduced the development of tolerance independently of suppression of systemic inflammation. These findings could inform immediate therapies to extend the analgesic efficacy of opioids.

Precision nanomedicine for pneumonocyte-targeting: Emerging strategies and clinical prospects in refractory pulmonary disease therapy

Refractory pulmonary diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis (TB), pose a critical global health challenge due to the limitations of conventional therapies in advanced stages, such as poor drug penetration, systemic side effects, and inability to eradicate pathogens in protected microenvironments. While the lung's complex structure is essential for respiratory function, it also facilitates persistent damage from environmental and infectious agents. Nanomedicine provides a transformative approach by utilizing customizable carriers (e.g., ligand-gated targeting, stimuli-responsive payload release) to bypass physiological barriers through both passive mechanisms such as enhanced vascular permeability and active-targeting. Such platforms achieve hierarchical drug deposition-from organ-level accumulation to pneumonocyte-targeting-thereby addressing the spatial heterogeneity of therapy-resistant lesions. Besides, A unique advantage of nanomedicine lies in its intrinsic interactions with lung immune cells (e.g., macrophages), allowing dual-functional systems that not only deliver therapeutics to disease sites but also modulate local immune responses-such as reducing inflammation in COPD or enhancing bacterial clearance in TB. This targeted approach improves treatment efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. Furthermore, nanomedicine ensures the stability of encapsulated drugs, particularly nucleic acid therapeutics (siRNA, mRNA), which are crucial for treating genetic defect-related pulmonary diseases. Building on the relationship between malignant pulmonary conditions and lung cells, this review summarizes nanoplatform-based strategies for precise targeting and examines ongoing clinical trials. By bridging the gap between preclinical research and clinical application, this review aims to guide the development of novel therapeutic approaches and accelerate the clinical translation of nanomedicines for refractory pulmonary diseases.

Association of mean arterial pressure and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with acute pancreatitis-associated acute kidney injury: a retrospective cohort study

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common gastrointestinal disorder, and acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and severe complication, significantly increasing mortality risk. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is crucial for maintaining organ perfusion in critically ill patients. However, the optimal MAP target for minimizing mortality in AP patients complicated by AKI (AP-AKI) remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from the MIMIC-IV database, including 934 critically ill adult patients diagnosed with AP-AKI between 2008 and 2019. We investigated the relationship between MAP and in-hospital mortality using logistic regression models, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, disease severity scores and intensive care interventions. Smooth curve fitting was used to explore potential non-linear associations. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the impact of MAP across different clinical and demographic groups. Our analysis revealed a non-linear, L-shaped relationship between MAP and in-hospital mortality, with an inflection point at 71.32 mmHg. Below this threshold, increasing MAP was associated with significantly decreased odds of mortality (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.99, p = 0.026). However, above this threshold, the association was no longer significant (OR: 1.015, 95% CI: 0.98-1.03, p = 0.699). Subgroup analyses showed consistent trends across most subgroups, with the benefit of maintaining MAP above the threshold being most pronounced in AKI stage 1 and 2 patients. This study suggests a potential association between maintaining specific MAP levels, particularly above 71.32 mmHg, and reduced in-hospital mortality in critically ill AP-AKI patients.

Research trends in anti-rabies virus monoclonal antibody: A bibliometric analysis

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic infectious disease primarily caused by the rabies virus. Anti-rabies monoclonal antibody (mAb) is developed using modern genetic engineering technology. However, no bibliometric assessment has been conducted to evaluate the scientific progress in this area. A search of articles in the Web of Science (WoS) from January 1, 1991, to November 17, 2024, yielded 455 papers that were analyzed using various online analysis tools. The cumulative publications from 1991 to 2023 followed a linear distribution. The United States and China led this research initiative. Keywords were divided into two clusters, including "monoclonal-antibody" and "post-exposure prophylaxis." This systematic bibliometric analysis of the literature on anti-rabies monoclonal antibodies will help to reveal the internal relationship of the whole research and development network and promote the perfection of related research and development work to a considerable extent. This study not only delineates the historical trajectory and current status of mAb research but also provides valuable insights and concrete recommendations for future directions.

The role of the early-life gut microbiome in childhood asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease affecting millions of children worldwide, and in severe cases requires hospitalization. The etiology of asthma is multifactorial, caused by both genetic and environmental factors. In recent years, the role of the early-life gut microbiome in relation to asthma has become apparent, supported by an increasing number of population studies, in vivo research, and intervention trials. Numerous early-life factors, which for decades have been associated with the risk of developing childhood asthma, are now being linked to the disease through alterations of the gut microbiome. These factors include cesarean birth, antibiotic use, breastfeeding, and having siblings or pets, among others. Association studies have highlighted several specific microbes that are altered in children developing asthma, but these can vary between studies and disease phenotype. This demonstrates the importance of the gut microbial ecosystem in asthma, and the necessity of well-designed studies to validate the underlying mechanisms and guide future clinical applications. In this review, we examine the current literature on the role of the gut microbiome in childhood asthma and identify research gaps to allow for future microbial-focused therapeutic applications in asthma.

Gut microbiota and microbial metabolites for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is an age-related bone metabolic disease. As an essential endocrine organ, the skeletal system is intricately connected with extraosseous organs. The crosstalk between bones and other organs supports this view. In recent years, the link between the gut microecology and bone metabolism has become an important research topic, both in preclinical studies and in clinical trials. Many studies have shown that skeletal changes are accompanied by changes in the composition and structure of the gut microbiota (GM). At the same time, natural or artificial interventions targeting the GM can subsequently affect bone metabolism. Moreover, microbiome-related metabolites may have important effects on bone metabolism. We aim to review the relationships among the GM, microbial metabolites, and bone metabolism and to summarize the potential mechanisms involved and the theory of the gut‒bone axis. We also describe existing bottlenecks in laboratory studies, as well as existing challenges in clinical settings, and propose possible future research directions.

Preeclampsia pathogenesis and prediction - where are we now: the focus on the role of galectins and miRNAs

Preeclampsia is a complex, progressive multisystem hypertensive disorder during pregnancy that significantly contributes to increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Two screening algorithms are in clinical use for detecting preeclampsia: first-trimester screening, which has been developed and validated for predicting early-onset preeclampsia but is less effective for late-onset disease; and the sFlt-1:PlGF biomarker ratio (soluble tyrosine kinase and placental growth factor) used in suspected cases of preeclampsia. This ratio has a high negative predictive value, allowing for the reliable exclusion of the disease. Both of these screening tests have not met expectations. This review attempts to summarize the current knowledge on the pathogenesis and prediction of preeclampsia and to draw attention to novel biomarkers with a focus on microRNAs and galectins. Although these molecules belong to two distinct biological classes, they functionally converge in regulating placental and immune pathways. Ample evidence supports their involvement in the molecular mechanisms underlying preeclampsia. Based on current knowledge, galectin-13, C19MC members, and miRNA-210 are associated with the trophoblast/placenta and conditions of placental ischemia or hypoxia. Their levels differ significantly in pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia as early as the late first and early second trimester, making them potential markers for predicting preeclampsia.

Organoids at the forefront of global health: accelerated research and ethical implications in the cases of Zika and COVID-19

Bioengineering technologies are increasingly important in global health research, yet their applications beyond vaccines and diagnostics remain underexplored. Our paper examines the role of organoids - advanced stem cell technologies used to model human organs, such as lungs and brains - in the context of infectious disease research. Organoids became crucial during the Zika and COVID-19 outbreaks. These new model systems enabled rapid insights into pathogen behaviour. We analyse how the urgency of Zika and Covid-19 accelerated organoid research, tracing its rise and subsequent slowdown. Our investigation reveals that while organoid technologies experienced a burst of activity during these emergencies, their momentum has waned, with ongoing research predominantly focusing on diseases prevalent in the Global North. We argue that the uneven acceleration and subsequent deceleration of organoid research underscores a critical need for equitable integration of bioengineering in global health priorities, particularly in the context of pandemic preparedness. Our findings advocate for a balanced and inclusive strategy to enhance pandemic preparedness and address global health disparities effectively.

Global burden and trends of the Clostridioides difficile infection-associated diseases from 1990 to 2021: an observational trend study

BACKGROUND

This study was aimed to explore the global burden and trends of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) associated diseases.

METHODS

Data for this study were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The burden of CDI was assessed using the age-standardized rates of disability-adjusted life years (ASR-DALYs) and deaths (ASDRs). Trends in the burden of CDI were presented using average annual percentage changes (AAPCs).

RESULTS

The ASR-DALYs for CDI increased from 1.83 (95% UI: 1.53-2.18) per 100,000 in 1990 to 3.46 (95% UI: 3.04-3.96) per 100,000 in 2021, with an AAPC of 2.03% (95% CI: 1.67-2.4%). The ASDRs for CDI rose from 0.10 (95% UI: 0.08-0.11) per 100,000 in 1990 to 0.19 (95% UI: 0.16-0.23) per 100,000 in 2021, with an AAPC of 2.26% (95% CI: 1.74-2.79%). In 2021, higher burdens of ASR-DALYs (10.7 per 100,000) and ASDRs (0.53 per 100,000) were observed in high socio-demographic index (SDI) areas, and among age group over 70 years (31.62/100,000 for ASR-DALYs and 2.45/100,000 for ASDRs). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the global ASR-DALYs and ASDRs slightly decreased. However, in regions with low SDI, low-middle and middle SDI, those rates slightly increased.

CONCLUSION

The global burden of CDI has significantly increased, particularly in regions with high SDI and among individuals aged 70 years and above. During the COVID-19 pandemic period from 2020 to 2021, the burden of CDI further increased in regions with low, low-middle, and middle SDI. These findings underscore the need for increased attention and intervention, especially in specific countries and populations.

Targeting oxidative stress in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a complex condition characterized by elevated blood pressure and organ damage involving kidneys or liver, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the fetus. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress, often caused by mitochondrial dysfunction within fetal trophoblast cells may play a major role in the development and progression of preeclampsia. Oxidative stress occurs as a result of an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the capacity of antioxidant defenses, which can lead to placental cellular damage and endothelial cell dysfunction. Targeting oxidative stress appears to be a promising therapeutic approach that has the potential to improve both short- and long-term maternal and fetal outcomes, thus reducing the global burden of preeclampsia. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive account of the mechanisms of oxidative stress in preeclampsia. Furthermore, it also examines potential interventions for reducing oxidative stress in preeclampsia, including natural antioxidant supplements, lifestyle modifications, mitochondrial targeting antioxidants, and pharmacological agents.A better understanding of the mechanism of action of proposed therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress is essential for the identification of companion biomarkers and personalized medicine approaches for the development of effective treatments of preeclampsia.

Sodium aescinate protects renal ischemia-reperfusion and pyroptosis through AKT/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) is a common cause of acute renal injury. Studies have shown that sodium aescinate (SA) may serve as a potential therapeutic agent, although its exact mechanism remains unclear. This study first evaluated the efficacy of SA using a mouse renal ischemia-reperfusion model. Subsequently, its mechanism was elucidated through systematic bioinformatics, and finally validated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results demonstrated that SA has a protective effect on renal function in mice with RIRI. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the pyroptosis pathway is significantly activated during renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, and immunohistochemistry showed that the level of renal pyroptosis is upregulated during ischemia-reperfusion injury. Administration of SA was able to reduce the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (GSDMD, NLRP3, IL-1β) in RIRI. In vitro and in vivo experiments further confirmed that SA exerts an anti-pyroptotic effect by inhibiting the AKT/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Ultimately, SA mitigates kidney injury in IRI mice by suppressing renal failure through inhibition of the AKT/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

An mRNA-based seasonal influenza vaccine in adults: Results of two phase 3 randomized clinical trials and correlate of protection analysis of hemagglutination inhibition titers

The safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of the original formulation of the investigational mRNA-1010 vaccine for seasonal influenza were investigated in two randomized, active-controlled, phase 3 trials in adults (NCT05415462 and NCT05566639), and the results were used to evaluate hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titers as correlates of risk and protection against influenza-like illness. mRNA-1010 (50-µg) demonstrated an acceptable reactogenicity and safety profile among the >14,000 adult participants vaccinated in both trials. The efficacy profile of mRNA-1010 was generally reflective of immunogenicity findings, with higher immune responses against influenza A strains and lower responses against influenza B strains relative to an active comparator (licensed inactivated influenza vaccine). An analysis of HAI titers as a correlate of protection against influenza infection provided support for its use as a surrogate endpoint for mRNA-1010, similar to licensed influenza vaccines. These findings support further optimization and development of mRNA-1010 against seasonal influenza.

Role of microvascular pericyte dysfunction in antibody-mediated rejection following kidney transplantation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of microvascular pericyte dysfunction in antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) of transplanted kidneys.

METHODS

A total of 160 patients who underwent kidney transplantation in our hospital from 2004 to 2020 were enrolled, divided into 4 groups: ABMR group (n = 79), TCMR group (n = 20), mixed rejection group (n = 25) and control group (n = 36). Postoperative renal function indicators were compared, and immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining was performed on graft tissues and mice models using the pericyte marker PDGFR-β. An in vitro pericyte dysfunction model was co-cultured with vascular endothelial cells for functional assessment through Western blotting, PCR, and wound healing tests. KEGG pathway analysis from the GEO database identified gene expression changes in pericytes, which were further analyzed using electron microscopy and Western blot techniques.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences in creatinine, urea nitrogen, urine protein, and eGFR among the groups over time, with ABMR displaying the poorest outcomes. Immunohistochemistry revealed lower pericyte expression in ABMR, which was confirmed in mouse model studies showing reduced PDGFR-β expression in ABMR. KEGG analysis highlighted decreased autophagy in pericyte dysfunction, supported by electron microscopy and Western blot findings indicating reduced autophagy and pericyte damage, which could be reversed by chloroquine.

CONCLUSION

ABMR episodes worsened the long-term prognosis of transplanted kidneys. pericyte dysfunction appears to be one of the crucial causes of poor prognosis in ABMR patients. In vitro studies demonstrated that dysfunction of microvascular pericytes can result in damage to vascular endothelial cells, with autophagy impairment being a significant mechanism contributing to pericyte dysfunction.

Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma: an umbrella review of systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Numerous meta-analyses have identified various risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), prompting a comprehensive study to synthesize evidence quality and strength.

METHODS

This umbrella review of meta-analyses was conducted throughout PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Evidence strength was evaluated according to the evidence categories criteria.

RESULTS

We identified 101 risk factors throughout 175 meta-analyses. 31 risk factors were classified as evidence levels of class I, II, or III. HBV and HCV infections increase HCC risk by 12.5-fold and 11.2-fold, respectively. These risks are moderated by antiviral treatments and virological responses but are exacerbated by higher HBsAg levels, anti-HBc positivity, and co-infection. Smoking, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, low platelet, elevated liver enzymes and liver fluke infection increase HCC risk, while coffee consumption, a healthy diet, and bariatric surgery lower it. Medications like metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), aspirin, statins, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors reduce HCC risk, while acid suppressive agents, particularly proton pump inhibitors, elevate it. Blood type O reduces the risk of HCC, while male gender and older age increase the risk.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV and HCV are major HCC risk factors, with risk mitigation through antiviral treatments. Lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol use significantly increase HCC risk, highlighting the importance of cessation. Certain drugs like aspirin, statins, GLP-1 RAs, and metformin may reduce HCC occurrence, but further research is needed to confirm these effects.

Examining attentional avoidance in post-traumatic stress disorder: an exploratory 'Face in the Crowd' paradigm using eye-tracking

Background: Maladaptive patterns of attention to emotional stimuli are a clinical feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using eye-tracking-based methodology, research points out the presence of sustained attention to threatening stimuli in individuals with PTSD. However, most eye-tracking studies in this field used free-viewing tasks on negative stimuli.Methods: PTSD patients (n = 38), trauma-exposed healthy controls (TEHC; n = 30), and non-trauma-exposed healthy controls (HC; n = 33) performed a Face in the Crowd (FiC) task. The FiC task was chosen to explore specific responses to emotional stimuli within a competitive visual environment, thus providing insights into visual search patterns. Both reaction time and gaze patterns (dwell time, scanpath length, first fixation duration, and latency) were recorded.Results: Individuals with a provisional PTSD diagnosis presented decreased dwell time on both positive and negative targets in comparison with HC and TEHC, as well as shorter scanpath length for all matrixes when no targets were present. No evidence of attentional bias was observed in the TEHC group based on reaction times or eye-tracking measures in response to positive, negative, or neutral cues.Discussion: We found an attentional avoidance pattern among PTSD patients, along with indexes of lowered perceptual threshold for all emotional information. This study allows raising the question of cognitive load on the emergence of differential attentional strategies presented by PTSD participants. We discuss the generalization of fear processes across different emotional stimuli and underscore the need for incorporating a variety of emotional stimuli in PTSD research.

The gut microbiota: an emerging modulator of drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In addition to the lack of effective treatment options, resistance to therapeutic drugs is a major clinical challenge. The gut microbiota has recently been recognized as one of the key factors regulating host health. The microbiota and its metabolites can directly or indirectly regulate gene expression in the liver, leading to gut-liver axis dysregulation, which is closely related to liver cancer occurrence and the treatment response. Gut microbiota disturbance may participate in tumor progression and drug resistance through metabolite production, gene transfer, immune regulation, and other mechanisms. However, systematic reviews on the role of the gut microbiota in drug resistance in liver cancer are lacking. Herein, we review the relationships between the gut microbiota and the occurrence and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma, summarize the emerging mechanisms underlying gut microbiota-mediated drug resistance, and propose new personalized treatment options to overcome this resistance.

Unreliable information and fear: Barriers to vaccination among IBD patients in China

Vaccination plays a crucial role in safeguarding individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from potential epidemics. In light of the resurgence of COVID-19 in China, unvaccinated IBD patients are vulnerable to infection and potentially serious complications. The aim of this study is to assess the vaccination uptake and willingness among IBD patients, as well as to explore the factors influencing their decision to decline vaccination. An online questionnaire was distributed and analyzed. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were used to identify relevant factors. Two hundred and three patients from 243 non-vaccinated respondents were included in the analysis. A total of 167 (82.3%) respondents continued to decline vaccination, with individuals holding stable employment and higher family income displaying significantly lower intent (p < .05). The primary factors contributing to their hesitancy were misinformation and apprehension regarding potential side effects. Obtaining vaccine information from online sources, particularly text-based content, and apprehensions surrounding the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination were also found to significantly diminish willingness to receive the vaccine (p < .01). The present study revealed that unreliable information about vaccines is a key factor of hesitancy among non-vaccinated IBD patients. Making efforts to spread true information about the COVID-19 vaccine is of great importance.

Gut microbiota and associated metabolites: key players in high-fat diet-induced chronic diseases

Excessive intake of dietary fats is strongly associated with an increased risk of various chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, hepatic metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, chronic intestinal inflammation, and certain cancers. A significant portion of the adverse effects of high-fat diet on disease risk is mediated through modifications in the gut microbiota. Specifically, high-fat diets are linked to reduced microbial diversity, an overgrowth of gram-negative bacteria, an elevated Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, and alterations at various taxonomic levels. These microbial alterations influence the intestinal metabolism of small molecules, which subsequently increases intestinal permeability, exacerbates inflammatory responses, disrupts metabolic functions, and impairs signal transduction pathways in the host. Consequently, diet-induced changes in the gut microbiota play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of chronic diseases. This review explores the relationship between high-fat diets and gut microbiota, highlighting their roles and underlying mechanisms in the development of chronic metabolic diseases. Additionally, we propose probiotic interventions may serve as a promising adjunctive therapy to counteract the negative effects of high-fat diet-induced alterations in gut microbiota composition.

One-year metreleptin in Colombian sisters with congenital leptin deficiency

We discovered two adult sisters in Colombia, lineally consanguineous, with severe obesity and undetectable serum leptin levels despite markedly elevated body fat. Their clinical profile included childhood-onset extreme weight gain, intense hunger, hyperphagia, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and family history of obesity. Direct sequencing of the LEP gene revealed a novel homozygous missense mutation in exon 3 (c.350G>T [p.C117F]). The presence of this mutation, undetectable leptin, and severe obesity confirmed a diagnosis of monogenic leptin deficiency. Here we describe the clinical outcomes of a 12-month treatment with recombinant human leptin (metreleptin). Metabolic and endocrine assessments were conducted before and after therapy. Metreleptin therapy significantly reduced BMI: from 59 to 38 kg/m2 (OBX1, age 27) and 60 to 48 kg/m2 (OBX2, age 24). Total body fat mass decreased, serum lipids normalized, and insulin sensitivity improved. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism reversed, and menstruation resumed. Thus, metreleptin reversed the major metabolic and endocrine abnormalities associated with leptin deficiency in these sisters. Limitations include the small sample size, absence of a control group, and lack of anti-metreleptin antibody measurements. Nevertheless, our findings support that leptin replacement with metreleptin is currently the only effective hormonal treatment for this monogenic form of human obesity.

Dihydromyricetin protects against cisplatin-induced renal injury and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis via the EGFR/HSP27/STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (CP) has been used as an effective chemotherapy drug for different types of cancers. Despite its therapeutic benefits, the clinical utility of CP is often hindered by adverse effects, notably acute kidney injury (AKI), which restricts its widespread application. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a flavonoid acquired from Ampelopsis grossedentata, exhibiting a range of pharmacological activities. The major objective of this research was to examine the possible molecular mechanism involved in CP-induced AKI and the protective function of DHM.

METHODS

In this study, the protective function of DHM against CP-induced AKI was assessed in both mice and HK-2 cells. Kidney dysfunction parameters and renal morphology were evaluated to ascertain the extent of protection. Additionally, proteomics techniques were employed to investigate the protective effect of DHM and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in mitigating CP-induced AKI. In addition, protein levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p-EGFR, heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), p-HSP27, STAT3, and p-STAT3 in renal tissues were investigated. Furthermore, an EGFR-blocking agent (gefitinib) or si-RNA of HSP27 was used to study the effects of inhibiting EGFR or HSP27 on CP-induced renal injury.

RESULTS

DHM decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine in serum, alleviated renal morphological injury and downregulated the expression of CP-induced kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-related lipocalin. Proteomic data revealed HSP27 as a potential therapeutic target for AKI. DHM treatment resulted in the downregulation of EGFR, HSP27, and STAT3 phosphorylation, ultimately mitigating CP-induced AKI. In addition, the inhibition of EGFR or HSP27 reduced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and CP-induced cell damage in HK-2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

DHM effectively inhibited CP-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis through the EGFR/HSP27/STAT3 pathway.

Assessment for antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori: A practical and interpretable machine learning model based on genome-wide genetic variation

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibiotic resistance poses a global health threat. Accurate identification of antibiotic resistant strains is essential for the control of infection. In the present study, our goal is to leverage the whole-genome data of H. pylori to develop practical and interpretable machine learning (ML) models for comprehensive antibiotic resistance assessment. A total of 296 H. pylori isolates with genome-wide data were downloaded from the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center (BV-BRC) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) databases. By training ML models on feature sets of single nucleotide polymorphisms from SNP calling (SNPs-1), antibiotic-resistance SNP annotated by the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (SNPs-2), gene presence or absence (GPA), we generated predictive models for four antibiotics and multidrug-resistance (MDR). Among them, the models that combined SNPs-1, SNPs-2, and GPA data demonstrated the best performance, with the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) consistently outperforming others. And then we utilized the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method to interpret the ML models. Furthermore, a free web application for the MDR model was deployed to the GitHub repository (https://H.pylori/MDR/App/). Our study demonstrated the promise of employing whole-genome data in conjunction with ML algorithms to forecast H. pylori antibiotic resistance. In the future, the application of this approach for predicting H. pylori antibiotic resistance would hold the potential to mitigate the empiric administration.

Evaluation of waning of IgG antibody responses after rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP and Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo Ebola virus disease vaccines: a modelling study from the PREVAC randomized trial

rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP and Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo are WHO-prequalified vaccination regimens against Ebola virus disease (EVD). Challenges associated with measuring long-term clinical protection warrant the evaluation of immune response kinetics after vaccination. Data from a large phase 2 randomized double-blind clinical trial (PREVAC) were used to evaluate waning of anti-Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein (GP1,2) antibody concentrations after rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP or Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo vaccination with linear mixed-effect regression models. After a post-vaccination peak, each vaccination strategy was associated with a decrease of anti-EBOV GP1,2 antibody concentrations with distinct kinetics, highlighting a less-rapid decline in antibody levels after vaccination by rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP. One year after administration of the vaccine, antibody concentrations were higher in children compared to adults for both vaccines, although with different effect sizes: 1.74-fold higher concentrations (95% confidence interval [CI] [1.48; 2.02]) for children 12-17 years old to 3.10-fold higher concentrations (95% CI [2.58; 3.69]) for those 1-4 years old compared to adults for Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo versus 1.36-fold (95% CI [1.12; 1.61]) to 1.41-fold (95% CI [1.21; 1.62]) higher than these values for adults, with relatively small changes from one age category of children to another, for rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP. Antibody concentrations also differed according to geographical location, pre-vaccination antibody concentration, and sex. In combination with knowledge on memory response, characterization of the major determinants of immune response durability of both vaccinations may guide future EVD control protocols.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02876328.

Exploring the causal role of pathogen-derived antibodies in major urinary and kidney diseases: Insights from generalized summary data-based Mendelian randomization

Chronic kidney and urinary tract diseases, including glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), present significant global health challenges. Recent studies suggest a complex interplay between infectious pathogens and immune-mediated kidney damage. This study employs Generalized Summary data-based Mendelian Randomization (GSMR) to explore causal relationships between pathogen-derived antibodies and major urinary and kidney diseases.We conducted a two-sample MR analysis using summary statistics from large-scale Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) to assess associations between 46 pathogen-specific antibodies and seven urinary system diseases. We utilized robust statistical methods, including inverse variance weighting, to ascertain causal effects while controlling for potential confounders.Significant associations were identified between several pathogen-specific antibodies and disease risk. Notably, Epstein-Barr virus (EBNA-1) antibody levels were inversely associated with glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome, indicating a potential protective effect. Conversely, Anti-Merkel cell polyomavirus IgG seropositivity was linked to increased risks of CKD and glomerulonephritis. Additionally, immune-mediated mechanisms were highlighted, with certain antibodies exhibiting dual roles as risk factors or protective agents.This study underscores the complex role of pathogen antibodies in the pathogenesis of kidney and urinary tract diseases, revealing significant implications for future research and potential therapeutic strategies. The findings advocate for further investigation into specific pathogen interactions with the immune system, aiming to inform targeted interventions.

Hailey-Hailey disease successfully treated with naloxone: 2 case reports and Review of the literature on efficacy of opioid receptor antagonist in Hailey-Hailey disease patients

BACKGROUND

Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD), a genetic blistering disease, is caused by a mutation in a calcium transporter protein in the Golgi apparatus encoded by the ATP2C1 gene. Clinically, HHD is characterized by flaccid vesicles, blisters, erosions, fissures, and maceration mainly in intertriginous regions. Some patients remain refractory to conventional treatments. Previously, a series of reports have confirmed naltrexone as an effective option for those patients. However, in China, naltrexone is unavailable in some hospitals and unaffordable for some patients.

OBJECTIVE

To confirm naloxone as a treatment option for HHD, and assess the efficacy rate and safety of naltrexone for patients with HHD.

METHODS

Two patients with biopsy-proven HHD received naloxone (2 mg/d, via intravenous infusion). We followed up with the two patients, assessing the change of skin lesions and obtaining photographs. We searched the PubMed databases using the keywords 'Hailey-Hailey disease' or 'benign familial pemphigus', and 'naltrexone' or 'naloxone', and reviewed English publications of reports and analyzed the efficacy and safety of naltrexone.

RESULTS

Two patients prescribed naloxone showed completely remission in two weeks without any adverse reactions. The total remission rate of naltrexone for HHD is approximately 80%, without severe adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Naltrexone is effective and safe in the treatment of HHD. Naloxone, an analog of naltrexone, can also effectively and safely treat HHD, potentially offering a new therapeutic option for patients with refractory HHD.

Biotinylated nanoparticles: A new frontier in nanomedicine and targeted cancer therapy

The development of targeted drug delivery systems has become a cornerstone of modern cancer therapy which provides a pathway to maximize treatment effectiveness while reducing side effects. Among the plethora of innovative strategies, biotinylated nanoparticles have evolved as a hopeful tool due to their ability to exploit the elevated expression of biotin receptors on cancerous cells. The design, synthesis, and functionalization of biotinylated nanoparticles for cancer treatment are thoroughly examined in this review article. By leveraging biotin's high affinity for biotin receptors, these nanoparticles achieve selective cancerous cell targeting, leading to enhanced drug bioavailability and cellular uptake. The discussion extends to the underlying mechanisms of drug release, receptor-mediated endocytosis, and strategies for achieving endosomal escape or pH-sensitive drug activation. Furthermore, the article also emphasizes how biotinylation in combination therapy allows for synergistic effects with immunomodulators, nucleic acids, and chemotherapeutic drugs. Preclinical studies are examined to underscore the translational potential of these systems. The review concludes by addressing current challenges, including scalability, and potential immunogenicity, while proposing future directions for optimizing biotinylated nanoparticles as a transformative approach in cancer treatment.

Antenna effect-modulated luminescent lanthanide complexes for biological sensing

With the discovery and further exploitation of the antenna effect, the optical properties of luminescent lanthanide complexes (LLCs) have been greatly improved. Antenna effect-modulated LLCs exhibit long luminescence lifetimes, large Stokes shifts, narrow emission spectra, pure chromaticity, and high photostability. Meanwhile, LLCs have garnered considerable attention in recent years and are widely used as biosensors in the fields of food safety, environmental monitoring, clinical diagnosis, and drug analysis. In this review, we first systematically review the design of antenna effect-modulated LLC sensors, including the construction principle of antenna effect in LLCs and the selection of antenna ligands. Secondly, the classification of antenna ligands was discussed in detail. Thirdly, biological sensing applications of antenna effect-modulated LLCs in the past three years are described in terms of the role of LLCs in fluorescence sensors and electrochemiluminescence sensors. Finally, we also discussed the challenges and emerging opportunities of antenna effect-modulated LLCs in future sensing applications.

Engineering adeno-associated viral vectors for CRISPR/Cas based in vivo therapeutic genome editing

The recent approval of the first gene editing therapy for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) demonstrates the immense potential of CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technologies to treat patients with genetic disorders that were previously considered incurable. While significant advancements have been made with ex vivo gene editing approaches, the development of in vivo CRISPR/Cas gene editing therapies has not progressed as rapidly due to significant challenges in achieving highly efficient and specific in vivo delivery. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have shown great promise in clinical trials as vehicles for delivering therapeutic transgenes and other cargos but currently face multiple limitations for effective delivery of gene editing machineries. This review elucidates these challenges and highlights the latest engineering strategies aimed at improving the efficiency, specificity, and safety profiles of AAV-packaged CRISPR/Cas systems (AAV-CRISPR) to enhance their clinical utility.

Autism spectrum disorder: difficulties in diagnosis and microRNA biomarkers

We performed a PubMed search for microRNAs in autism spectrum disorder that could serve as diagnostic biomarkers in patients and selected 17 articles published from January 2008 to December 2023, of which 4 studies were performed with whole blood, 4 with blood plasma, 5 with blood serum, 1 with serum neural cell adhesion molecule L1-captured extracellular vesicles, 1 with blood cells, and 2 with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Most of the studies involved children and the study cohorts were largely males. Many of the studies had performed microRNA sequencing or quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays to measure microRNA expression. Only five studies had used real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to validate microRNA expression in autism spectrum disorder subjects compared to controls. The microRNAs that were validated in these studies may be considered as potential candidate biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder and include miR-500a-5p, -197-5p, -424-5p, -664a-3p, -365a-3p, -619-5p, -664a-3p, -3135a, -328-3p, and -500a-5p in blood plasma and miR-151a-3p, -181b-5p, -320a, -328, -433, -489, -572, -663a, -101-3p, -106b-5p, -19b-3p, -195-5p, and -130a-3p in blood serum of children, and miR-15b-5p and -6126 in whole blood of adults. Several important limitations were identified in the studies reviewed, and need to be taken into account in future studies. Further studies are warranted with children and adults having different levels of autism spectrum disorder severity and consideration should be given to using animal models of autism spectrum disorder to investigate the effects of suppressing or overexpressing specific microRNAs as a novel therapy.

Therapeutic potential of urinary extracellular vesicles in delivering functional proteins and modulating gene expression for genetic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread health concern, impacting approximately 600 million individuals worldwide and marked by a progressive decline in kidney function. A common form of CKD is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which is the most inherited genetic kidney disease and affects greater than 12.5 million individuals globally. Given that there are over 400 pathogenic PKD1/PKD2 mutations in patients with ADPKD, relying solely on small molecule drugs targeting a single signaling pathway has not been effective in treating ADPKD. Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) are naturally released by cells from the kidneys and the urinary tract, and uEVs isolated from non-disease sources have been reported to carry functional polycystin-1 (PC1) and polycystin-2 (PC2), the respective products of PKD1 and PKD2 genes that are mutated in ADPKD. uEVs from non-disease sources, as a result, have the potential to provide a direct solution to the root of the disease by delivering functional proteins that are mutated in ADPKD. To test our hypothesis, we first isolated uEVs from healthy mice urine and conducted a comprehensive characterization of uEVs. Then, PC1 levels and EV markers CD63 and TSG101 of uEVs were confirmed via ELISA and Western blot. Following characterization of uEVs, the in vitro cellular uptake, inhibition of cyst growth, and gene rescue ability of uEVs were demonstrated in kidney cells. Next, upon administration of uEVs in vivo, uEVs showed bioavailability and accumulation in the kidneys. Lastly, uEV treatment in ADPKD mice (Pkd1fl/fl;Pax8-rtTA;Tet-O-Cre) showed smaller kidney size, lower cyst index, and enhanced PC1 levels without affecting safety despite repeated treatment. In summary, we demonstrate the potential of uEVs as natural nanoparticles to deliver protein and gene therapies for the treatment of chronic and genetic kidney diseases such as ADPKD.

Time-resolved T1 and T2 contrast for enhanced accuracy in MRI tumor detection

Stimuli-responsive contrast agents (CAs) have shown great promise in enhancing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for more accurate tumor diagnosis. However, current CAs still face challenges in achieving high accuracy due to their low specificity and contrast signals being confounded by potential endogenous MRI artifacts. Herein, an extremely small iron oxide nanoparticle (ESIONP)-based smart responsive MRI contrast agent (LESPH) is proposed, which is meticulously designed with sequential dual biochemical stimuli-initiated, time-resolved T1 and T2 contrast presentation, ensuring high tumor specificity while minimizing interference from endogenous artifacts. LESPH is constructed using emulsion solvent evaporation by assembling poly(2-(hexamethyleneimino) ethyl methacrylate) terminally conjugated with a disulfide bond-linked catechol group (DSPH)-modified ESIONPs, with lauryl betaine serving as a surfactant. When LESPH undergoes sequential responses to the weak acidity and high-concentration glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment, it experiences an extremely rapid transition from sparse ESIONP assemblies to dispersed ESIONPs, followed by a slower transition to closely aggregated ones, concomitantly providing distinguishable brightening and darkening contrast enhancement at the tumor location on different time scales. By virtue of its sequential dual responsiveness and time-resolved distinguishable contrast enhancements, LESPH successfully detects tumors with extremely high accuracy, providing a novel paradigm for the precise medical diagnosis of cancer.

Changes regarding solid organ transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and emerged in Wuhan, China. It affects millions of people all over the world and has caused the deaths of thousands of people. Mortality rates were higher in transplant recipients and patients awaiting transplantation due to social and psychological issues. It also affected candidates who would be transplant providers and caused the transplant chain to be broken worldwide. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has significantly affected solid organ transplantation procedures and led to various changes in protocols and practices to ensure patient safety and increase transplant success. These include challenges in screening protocols, prioritization of cases, telemedicine and virtual consultations, modified surgical procedures, immunosuppression management, updated research and guidelines, post-transplantation process and difficulties to control side effects, difficulties in organ procurement, and patient education/support. It requires a multidisciplinary approach, close collaboration between transplant teams, and adherence to strict infection control measures to ensure the safety of both transplant recipients and healthcare providers. In this article, we compiled the most important points in an overview of this process.

Development of a microarray microfluidic chip mass spectrometry platform based on UV curable 3D hepatocellular sphere bio-ink for rapid screening inhibitors of advanced glycosylation end products from natural compounds

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the unwanted by-products of excessive sugar intake, and their generation and accumulation promote aging and disease occurrence. However, the lack of robust biology model and platform for fast evaluating AGE generation and accumulation under intervention of drugs hampers AGEs-targeted therapeutic development. This work described a novel biological high AGEs recombinant extracellular matrix 3D human hepatocellular spheres model was built, under the same cell numbers, this 3D hepatocellular spheres expressed more AGEs over an order of magnitude than monolayer culture cells. Combined with UV curable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), biological 3D human hepatocellular sphere were made into a extruded type bio-ink with high AGEs, simply encapsulated in a hepatic lobule shaped micro array polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microfluidic chip successfully. Due to this biomimetic fluid microreactor environment, our biological microfluidic chip enables effectively determine the inhibition capacity of compounds on endogenous AGE accumulation with a high sensitivity and in a short time, total determination workflow less than 2.5 h, it takes 1/200 of the time required by mainstream methods. The evaluation results showed that alisol B 23-monoacetate and chlorogenic acid were potential natural AGEs inhibitors. Moreover, the integration of high AGEs bio-ink and microfluidic chip provides a promising tool for AGE-related drug discovery and liver disease research.

Insights of affinity-based probes for target identification in drug discovery

Identifying molecular targets of physiologically active organic compounds remains a major challenge in contemporary biomedical research and drug discovery. In recent years, the development of activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) techniques has proven to be superior to classical molecular target identification methods. ABPP can be classified into activity-based probes (AcBPs) and affinity-based probes (AfBPs). AfBPs bind to target proteins through reversible non-covalent interactions, thus minimizing the impact on the natural biological functions of the protein. The development of AfBPs has great potential for studying drug targets, optimizing drugs, and improving therapeutic efficacy. As a result, there has been a dramatic increase in research and development focused on affinity probes with the use of a wide range of AfBPs such as biotin probes, FITC probes, BRET probes, and radiolabeled probes. This tutorial describes the process of designing and synthesizing different types of AfBPs from biologically active compounds, and then utilizing the probes to identify the target proteins. It also provides insights for subsequent drug discovery and development.

Novel approaches in CRISPR/Cas12a-based sensing for HCC diagnosis - A review (2020-2025)

Early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for improving patient survival and treatment outcomes and the early detection of biomarkers for HCC is key to achieving this goal. However, conventional detection methods often lack sufficient specificity and sensitivity. In recent years, CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensing has gained significant attention due to its ease of use and high sensitivity, demonstrating its potential to address the limitations of conventional detection methods. This paper primarily reviews the research progress of CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensors for HCC detection, introducing their fluorescence, electrochemical, colorimetric, and other detection principles, as well as practical applications in detail. Additionally, the differences in sensitivity, specificity, and detection speed among different types of CRISPR/Cas12a biosensors are comparatively analyzed. Finally, the potential future directions for the development and application of CRISPR/Cas12a technology in clinical settings are explored.

Nanocarrier-mediated siRNA delivery: a new approach for the treatment of traumatic brain injury-related Alzheimer's disease

Traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease share pathological similarities, including neuronal loss, amyloid-β deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits. Furthermore, traumatic brain injury can exacerbate Alzheimer's disease-like pathologies, potentially leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Nanocarriers offer a potential solution by facilitating the delivery of small interfering RNAs across the blood-brain barrier for the targeted silencing of key pathological genes implicated in traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease. Unlike traditional approaches to neuroregeneration, this is a molecular-targeted strategy, thus avoiding non-specific drug actions. This review focuses on the use of nanocarrier systems for the efficient and precise delivery of siRNAs, discussing the advantages, challenges, and future directions. In principle, siRNAs have the potential to target all genes and non-targetable proteins, holding significant promise for treating various diseases. Among the various therapeutic approaches currently available for neurological diseases, siRNA gene silencing can precisely "turn off" the expression of any gene at the genetic level, thus radically inhibiting disease progression; however, a significant challenge lies in delivering siRNAs across the blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles have received increasing attention as an innovative drug delivery tool for the treatment of brain diseases. They are considered a potential therapeutic strategy with the advantages of being able to cross the blood-brain barrier, targeted drug delivery, enhanced drug stability, and multifunctional therapy. The use of nanoparticles to deliver specific modified siRNAs to the injured brain is gradually being recognized as a feasible and effective approach. Although this strategy is still in the preclinical exploration stage, it is expected to achieve clinical translation in the future, creating a new field of molecular targeted therapy and precision medicine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease associated with traumatic brain injury.