Search Results (45,398)

The goal of this study was to assess health of male Common Carp (carp, Cyprinus carpio) at four sites with a wide range in environmental organic contaminant (EOC) concentrations and water temperatures in Lake Mead National Recreation Area NV/AZ, US, and the potential influence of regional drought. Histological and reproductive biomarkers were measured in 17–30 carp at four sites and 130 EOCs in water per site were analyzed using passive samplers in 2010. Wide ranges among sites were noted in total EOC concentrations (>10Xs) and water temperature/degree days (10Xs). In 2007/08, total polychlorinated biphenyls (tPCBs) in fish whole bodies from Willow Beach (WB) in the free-flowing Colorado River below Hoover Dam were clearly higher than at the other sites. This was most likely due to longer exposures in colder water (12–14 °C) and fish there having the longest lifespan (up to 54 years) for carp reported in the Colorado River Basin. Calculated estrogenicity in water exceeded long-term, environmentally safe criteria of 0.1–0.4 ng/L by one to three orders of magnitude at all sites except the reference site. Low ecological screening values for four contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in water were exceeded for one CEC in the reference site, two in WB and Las Vegas Bay and three in the most contaminated site LVW. Fish health biomarkers in WB carp had 25% lower liver glycogen, 10Xs higher testicular pigmented cell aggregates and higher sperm abnormalities than the reference site. Sperm from LVW fish also had significantly higher fragmentation of DNA, lower motility and testis had lower percent of spermatozoa, all of which can impair reproduction. Projections from a 3D water quality model performed for WB showed that EOC concentrations due to prolonged regional drought and reduced water levels could increase as high as 135%. Water temperatures by late 21st century are predicted to rise between 0.7 and 2.1 °C that could increase eutrophication, algal blooms, spread disease and decrease dissolved oxygen over 5%. Full article

Large language models (LLMs) are transforming the medical landscape by enhancing access to information, diagnostics, treatment customization, and medical education, especially in areas like Gastroenterology. LLMs utilize extensive medical data to improve decision-making, leading to better patient outcomes and personalized medicine. These models are instrumental in interpreting medical literature and synthesizing patient data, facilitating real-time knowledge for physicians and supporting educational pursuits in medicine. Despite their potential, the complete integration of LLMs in real-life remains ongoing, particularly requiring further study and regulation. This review highlights the existing evidence supporting LLMs’ use in Gastroenterology, addressing both their potential and limitations. Recent studies demonstrate LLMs’ ability to answer questions from physicians and patients accurately. Specific applications in this field, such as colonoscopy, screening for colorectal cancer, and hepatobiliary and inflammatory bowel diseases, underscore LLMs’ promise in improving the communication and understanding of complex medical scenarios. Moreover, the review discusses LLMs’ efficacy in clinical contexts, providing guideline-based recommendations and supporting decision-making processes. Despite these advancements, challenges such as data completeness, reference suitability, variability in response accuracy, dependency on input phrasing, and a lack of patient-generated questions underscore limitations in reproducibility and generalizability. The effective integration of LLMs into medical practice demands refinement tailored to specific medical contexts and guidelines. Overall, while LLMs hold significant potential in transforming medical practice, ongoing development and contextual training are essential to fully realize their benefits. Full article

This study focused on the isolation of actinobacteria capable of producing extracellular keratinase from keratin-rich residues, which led to the selection of an actinobacterial strain referenced as Streptomyces strain DZ 06 (ES41). The Plackett–Burman screening plan was used for the statistical optimization of the enzymatic production medium, leading to the identification of five key parameters that achieved a maximum activity of 180.1 U/mL. Further refinement using response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken design enhanced enzyme production to approximately 458 U/mL. Model validation, based on the statistical predictions, demonstrated that optimal keratinase activity of 489.24 U/mL could be attained with 6.13 g/L of chicken feather meal, a pH of 6.25, incubation at 40.65 °C for 4.11 days, and an inoculum size of 3.98 × 10⁷ spores/mL. The optimized culture conditions yielded a 21.67-fold increase in keratinase compared with the initial non-optimized standard conditions. The results show that this bacterium is an excellent candidate for industrial applications when optimal conditions are used to minimize the overall costs of the enzyme production process. Full article

Background: Gliomas, the most prevalent type of primary brain tumor, stand out as one of the most aggressive and lethal types of human cancer. Methods & Results: To uncover potential prognostic markers, we employed the weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) on the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) 693 dataset to reveal four modules significantly associated with glioma clinical traits, primarily involved in immune function, cell cycle regulation, and ribosome biogenesis. Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm, we identified 11 key genes and developed a prognostic risk score model, which exhibits precise prognostic prediction in the CGGA 325 dataset. More importantly, we also validated the model in 12 glioma patients with overall survival (OS) ranging from 4 to 132 months using mRNA sequencing and immunohistochemical analysis. The analysis of immune infiltration revealed that patients with high-risk scores exhibit a heightened immune infiltration, particularly immune suppression cells, along with increased expression of immune checkpoints. Furthermore, we explored potentially effective drugs targeting 11 key genes for gliomas using the library of integrated network-based cellular signatures (LINCS) L1000 database, identifying that in vitro, both torin-1 and clofarabine exhibit promising anti-glioma activity and inhibitory effect on the cell cycle, a significant pathway enriched in the identified glioma modules. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into molecular mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets for gliomas. Full article

Objective: The objective was to identify validated instruments from the literature that assess the mental health of police officers. Methods: This is a systematic review of validated instruments used to assess the mental health of police officers. Searches were conducted in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL/EBSCO, and Virtual Health Library databases. This review follows the JBI Manual for Systematic Reviews and the PRISMA statement. The methodological quality of the articles and the risk of bias were assessed. Results: A total of 1530 studies were identified across the six databases, with 158 studies read in full by the authors after excluding duplicates and those that did not meet the inclusion criteria. The final 29 studies were analyzed for methodological quality and risk of bias using the AXIS and SFS-D tools. Conclusion: This review identified 27 self-administered validated instruments useful for assessing various mental health outcomes in police officers, with the most frequently used being the Police Stress Questionnaire. These findings may help guide security force administration, occupational health professionals, and mental health researchers in selecting and implementing psychometrically reliable instruments for screening the mental health of police officers. Full article

Surface texture parameters are a quantitative way of characterising surface topographical features and are closely related to tribological properties. In this paper, the correlation between surface topographic features and friction coefficient is investigated on the basis of the proposed improved correlation analysis model for high-speed milling surface topography of hardened steel. It was found that the friction coefficient could not be accurately reflected by a single parameter, so a prediction model for the friction coefficient based on Sxp, Sq, Sp, Sz, Sku and Sdq was developed. In this paper, the parameter screening was completed based on the changing characteristics of the data, and a multi-parameter prediction model of the friction coefficient in the stable wear stage was established, which provides a new idea to investigate the influence of the characteristics of surface topography on tribological performance Full article

Maurotoxin (MTX) is a 34-residue peptide from Scorpio maurus venom. It is reticulated by four disulfide bridges with a unique arrangement compared to other scorpion toxins that target potassium (K⁺) channels. Structure–activity relationship studies have not been well performed for this toxin family. The screening of Scorpio maurus venom was performed by different steps of fractionation, followed by the ELISA test, using MTX antibodies, to isolate an MTX-like peptide. In vitro, in vivo and computational studies were performed to study the structure–activity relationship of the new isolated peptide. We isolated a new peptide designated MTX1, structurally related to MTX. It demonstrated toxicity on mice eight times more effectively than MTX. MTX1 blocks the Kv1.2 and Kv1.3 channels, expressed in Xenopus oocytes, with IC₅₀ values of 0.26 and 180 nM, respectively. Moreover, MTX1 competitively interacts with both ¹²⁵I-apamin (IC₅₀ = 1.7 nM) and ¹²⁵I-charybdotoxin (IC₅₀ = 5 nM) for binding to rat brain synaptosomes. Despite its high sequence similarity (85%) to MTX, MTX1 exhibits a higher binding affinity towards the Kv1.2 and SKCa channels. Computational analysis highlights the significance of specific residues in the β-sheet region, particularly the R27, in enhancing the binding affinity of MTX1 towards the Kv1.2 and SKCa channels. Full article

Background: Less than 25% of gastric cancers (GC) are discovered early, leading to limited treatment options and poor outcomes (27.8% mortality, 3.7% 5-year survival). Screening programs have improved cure rates, yet post-diagnosis treatment guidelines remain unclear (systemic chemotherapy versus surgery). The optimal type of palliative surgery (palliative gastrectomy (PG), surgical bypass (SB), endoscopic stenting (ES)) for long-term outcomes is also debated. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases along with Google Scholar with the search terms “gastric cancer” and “palliative surgery” for studies post-1985. From the initial 1018 articles, multiple screenings narrowed it to 92 articles meeting criteria such as “metastatic, stage IV GC”, and intervention (surgery or chemotherapy). Data regarding survival and other long-term outcomes were recorded. Results: Overall, there was significant variation between studies but there were similarities of the conclusions reached. ES provided quick symptom relief, while PG showed improved overall survival (OS) only with adjuvant chemotherapy in a selective population. PG had higher mortality rates compared to SB, with ES having a reported 0% mortality, but OS improved with chemotherapy across both SB and PG. Conclusions: Less frail patients may experience an improvement in OS with palliative resection under limited circumstances. However, operative intervention without systemic chemotherapy is unlikely to demonstrate a survival benefit. Further research is needed to explore any correlations. Full article

Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) screening and treatment in pregnancy allows the opportunity to reduce adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes worldwide. Although C. trachomatis infection is easily treated and cured with antibiotics, only some countries have routine pregnancy screening and treatment programs. We therefore evaluated whether just one maternal screening for C. trachomatis is enough to prevent adverse pregnancy and negative neonatal outcomes. Among the 4087 first-time gynecological–obstetric consultations granted at the National Institute of Perinatology in 2018, we selected the study population according to a case–cohort design. Antenatal C. trachomatis screening and treatment interventions were performed on 628 pregnant women using COBAS^® TaqMan CT. C. trachomatis DNA was also detected in samples from 157 infants of these mothers. In the maternal cohort, incidence of C. trachomatis infection was 10.5%. The vertical transmission rate was 1.5% for the cohort of mothers who tested positive for C. trachomatis and received treatment, and 29.7% for those with a negative test. By evaluating symptomatic neonatal infection, the hazard rate of perinatal pneumonia was 3.6 times higher in C. trachomatis-positive babies than in C. trachomatis-negative babies. Despite the low rate of mother-to-child transmission in women positive for C. trachomatis, possible maternal infection that is not detected in pregnancy significantly increases the risk of neonatal infection with consequent perinatal pneumonia. Full article

The authors propose a novel approach to a comprehensive evaluation of neuroprotective effects using both in vitro and in vivo methods. This approach allows for the initial screening of numerous newly synthesized chemical compounds and substances from plant and animal sources while saving animal life by reducing the number of animals used in research. In vitro techniques, including mitochondrial suspensions and neuronal cell cultures, enable the assessment of neuroprotective activity, which can be challenging in intact organisms. The preliminary methods help outline the neuroprotection mechanism depending on the neurodestruction agent. The authors have validated a model of acute cerebrovascular accident, which simulates key cerebrovascular phenomena such as reduced cerebral blood flow, energy deficit, glutamate–calcium excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and early gene expression. A significant advantage of this model is its ability to reproduce the clinical picture of cerebral ischemia: impaired motor activity; signs of neurological deficits (paresis, paralysis, etc.); as well as disturbances in attention, learning, and memory. Crucial to this approach is the selection of biochemical, molecular, and cellular markers to evaluate nerve tissue damage and characterize potential neuroprotective agents. Additionally, a comprehensive set of molecular, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical methods is proposed for evaluating neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of potential pharmaceutical compounds. Full article

Most patients with metastatic prostate cancer eventually develop resistance to primary androgen deprivation therapy. To identify predictive biomarker for Abiraterone acetate/prednisone resistance, we screened alternative splice variants between responders and non-responders from the PROMOTE clinical study and pinned down the most significant variant, CENPK–delta8. Through preclinical patient-derived mouse xenograft (PDX) and 3D organoids obtained from responders and non-responders, as well as in vitro models, aberrant CENPK–delta8 expression was determined to link to drug resistance via enhanced migration and proliferation. The FLNA and FLOT1 were observed to specifically bind to CENK–delta8 rather than wild-type CENPK, underscoring the role of CENPK–delta8 in cytoskeleton organization and cell migration. Our study, leveraging data from the PROMOTE study, TCGA, and TCGA SpliceReq databases, highlights the important function of alternative splice variants in drug response and their potential to be prognostic biomarkers for improving individual therapeutic outcomes in precision medicine. Full article

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant public health challenge in European countries. Historically, healthcare-related procedures were the primary source of HCV infection in Europe. However, with the implementation of blood safety programs, injection drug use has become the main transmission route. The infection’s distribution and genotype prevalence vary widely across the continent. Even with the availability of highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies, HCV infection is far from being controlled. A significant proportion of patients remain undiagnosed, contributing to the ongoing transmission of the virus. Additionally, several barriers hinder the widespread use of DAAs, including high treatment costs, stigma, poor linkage to care, and considerable geographical variations in prevalence and transmission routes. The World Health Organization has set ambitious targets to reduce liver-related deaths, decrease new viral hepatitis infections, and ensure that 90% of infected individuals are diagnosed by 2030. However, most European countries face challenges, highlighting the need for screening programs, funding mechanisms, and public health strategies to effectively control HCV infection in Europe. Full article

Single nucleotide variant (SNV) detection is pivotal in various fields, including disease diagnosis, viral screening, genetically modified organism (GMO) identification, and genotyping. However, detecting SNVs presents significant challenges due to the fragmentation of nucleic acids caused by cellular apoptosis, molecular shearing, and physical degradation processes such as heating. Fragmented nucleic acids often exhibit variable lengths and inconsistent breakpoints, complicating the accurate detection of SNVs. This article delves into the underlying causes of nucleic acid fragmentation and synthesizes the strengths and limitations of next-generation sequencing technology, high-resolution melting curves, molecular probes, and CRISPR-based approaches for SNV detection in fragmented nucleic acids. By providing a detailed comparative analysis, it seeks to offer valuable insights for researchers working to overcome the challenges of SNV detection in fragmented samples, ultimately advancing the accurate and efficient detection of single nucleotide variants across diverse applications. Full article

In this study, different approaches for detecting of beach litter (BL) items in coastal environments are applied: the direct in situ survey, an indirect image analysis based on the manual visual screening approach, and two different automatic segmentation and classification tools. One is a Mask-RCNN based-algorithm, already used in a previous work, but specifically improved in this study for multi-class analysis. Test cases were carried out at the Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area (Apulia Region, southern Italy), using a novel dataset from images acquired in different coastal environments by tailored photogrammetric Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) surveys. The analysis of the overall methodologies used in this study highlights the potential exhibited by the two machine learning (ML) techniques (Mask-RCCN-based and SVM algorithms), but they still show some limitations concerning direct methodologies. The results of the analysis show that the Mask-RCNN-based algorithm requires further improvements and a consistent increase in the number of training elements, while the SVM algorithm shows limitations related to pixel-based classification. Furthermore, the outcomes of this research highlight the high suitability of ML tools for assessing BL pollution and contributing to coastal conservation efforts. Full article

Background: Historically used as a marker for inherited disorders, the current interest in plasma homocysteine measurement lies in its ability to provide valuable information about the metabolic and nutritional status of patients. Specifically, nitrous oxide (N₂O) abuse can lead to functional vitamin B12 deficiency by oxidation and increase oxidative stress, resulting in elevated plasma homocysteine levels, which mimic neurological conditions such as Guillain–Barré syndrome. Rapid identification of hyperhomocysteinemia is crucial for timely intervention and avoiding costly, unnecessary treatments. Objective: This study evaluates the performance of a rapid immunoassay technique (Snibe) compared to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for measuring plasma homocysteine levels in patients with nitrous oxide abuse and non-inherited caused of elevated homocysteine, aiming to enhance differential diagnosis related to oxidative stress. Methods: 235 patients from Lille University Hospital were included. EDTA blood samples were collected and analyzed using both rapid immunoassay (Snibe) and LC-MS/MS. Neurological assessment was performed using the peripheral neuropathy disability (PND) score. Results: Firstly, significant elevations in plasma homocysteine levels were observed in patients abusing nitrous oxide measured by LC-MS/MS. Secondly, the immunoassay provided rapid results, essential for early clinical decision-making, but tended to underestimate high values compared to LC-MS/MS. A good correlation was found between the methods for low and moderate values. Conclusion: The immunoassay tended to underestimate high-value samples compared to LC-MS/MS, which is a common problem with the competitive methodology. The rapid immunoassay technique is effective for initial screening and early intervention, aiding in the differential diagnosis of conditions related to oxidative stress. Therefore, it is recommended to use the CLIA method for initial screening and confirm with mass spectrometry if there are abnormal samples. Integrating both techniques can enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes. Full article