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Aging, cancer, and longevity have been linked to intracellular Ca 2+ signaling and nociceptive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. We found that TRP canonical 7 (TRPC7) is a nociceptive mechanoreceptor and that TRPC7 channels specifically mediate the initiation of ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin aging and tumor development due to p53 gene family mutations. Within 30 min after UVB irradiation, TRPC7 mediated UVB-induced Ca 2+ influx and the subsequent production of reactive oxygen species in skin cells. Notably, this function was unique to TRPC7 and was not observed for other TRP channels. In TRPC7 knockout mice, we did not observe the significant UVB-associated pathology seen in wild-type mice, including epidermal thickening, abnormal keratinocyte differentiation, and DNA damage response activation. TRPC7 knockout mice also had significantly fewer UVB-induced cancerous tumors than did wild-type mice, and UVB-induced p53 gene family mutations were prevented in TRPC7 knockout mice. These results indicate that TRPC7 activity is pivotal in the initiation of UVB-induced skin aging and tumorigenesis and that the reduction in TRPC7 activity suppresses the UVB-induced aging process and tumor development. Our findings support that TRPC7 is a potential tumor initiator gene and that it causes cell aging and genomic instability, followed by a change in the activity of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes to promote tumorigenesis., (© 2019 The Authors. Aging Cell published by the Anatomical Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Dysregulation of plasma lipids is associated with age-related cardiovascular diseases. L5, the most electronegative subfraction of chromatographically resolved low-density lipoprotein (LDL), induces endothelial dysfunction, whereas the least electronegative subfraction, L1, does not. In this study, we examined the effects of L5 on endothelial senescence and its underlying mechanisms. C57B6/J mice were intravenously injected with L5 or L1 (2 mg kg -1  day -1 ) from human plasma. After 4 weeks, nuclear γH2AX deposition and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining indicative of DNA damage and premature senescence, respectively, were increased in the aortic endothelium of L5-treated but not L1-treated mice. Similar to that, in Syrian hamsters with elevated serum L5 levels induced by a high-fat diet, nuclear γH2AX deposition and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining were increased in the aortic endothelium. This phenomenon was blocked in the presence of N-acetyl-cysteine (free-radical scavenger) or caffeine (ATM blocker), as well as in lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) knockout mice. In cultured human aortic endothelial cells, L5 augmented mitochondrial oxygen consumption and mitochondrial free-radical production, which led to ATM activation, nuclear γH2AX deposition, Chk2 phosphorylation, and TP53 stabilization. L5 also decreased human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) protein levels and activity. Pharmacologic or genetic manipulation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/ATM/Chk2/TP53 pathway efficiently blocked L5-induced endothelial senescence. In conclusion, L5 may promote mitochondrial free-radical production and activate the DNA damage response to induce premature vascular endothelial senescence that leads to atherosclerosis. Novel therapeutic strategies that target L5-induced endothelial senescence may be used to prevent and treat atherosclerotic vascular disease., (© 2018 The Authors. Aging Cell published by the Anatomical Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Recipients of radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) are at significantly increased risk for carotid artery stenosis (CAS) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). We sought to determine (1) cumulative incidences of CAS and CVD among HNC survivors after RT and (2) whether CAS is associated with a RT dose response effect. Methods: This single‐institution retrospective cohort study examined patients with nonmetastatic HNC who completed (chemo)RT from January 2000 through October 2020 and subsequently received carotid imaging surveillance ≤2 years following RT completion and, in the absence of CAS, every 3 years thereafter. Exclusion criteria included history of known CAS/CVD. Asymptomatic CAS was defined as ≥50% reduction of luminal diameter, symptomatic CAS as stroke or transient ischemic attack, and composite CAS as asymptomatic or symptomatic CAS. Results: Of 628 patients undergoing curative intent RT for HNC, median follow‐up was 4.8 years (interquartile range, 2.6–8.3), with 97 patients followed ≥10 years. Median age was 61 years and 69% of patients received concurrent chemotherapy and 28% were treated postoperatively. Actuarial 10‐year incidences of asymptomatic, symptomatic, and composite CAS were 29.6% (95% CI, 23.9–35.5), 10.1% (95% CI, 7.0–13.9), and 27.2% (95% CI, 22.5–32.1), respectively. Multivariable Cox models significant association between asymptomatic CAS and absolute carotid artery volume receiving ≥10 Gy (per mL: hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02–1.16). Conclusions: HNC survivors are at high risk for post‐RT CAS. A dose response effect was observed for asymptomatic CAS at doses as low as 10 Gy. Plain Language Summary: Recipients of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer are at significantly increased risk for carotid artery stenosis and cerebrovascular disease. However, carotid artery screening is not routinely performed among head and neck survivors following radiation therapy.In this single‐institution retrospective cohort study, patients with head and neck cancer were initially screened for carotid artery stenosis ≤2 years following radiation therapy completion, then every 3 years thereafter.The 10‐year actuarial incidence of carotid artery stenosis was >25% and stroke/transient ischemic attack >10%. Multivariable analysis demonstrated significant associations between asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and artery volumes receiving ≥10 Gy. Actuarial 10‐year incidences of carotid artery stenosis and cerebrovascular disease were >25% and >10%, respectively. A dose response effect was observed for carotid artery stenosis and was most pronounced for absolute carotid artery volumes receiving ≥30–50 Gy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT Reflux oesophagitis is a common clinical disorder associated with significant morbidity. Proton pump inhibitors are the current pharmacotherapy of choice, but not all treated patients achieve symptom relief. Little is known about the efficacy of mosapride, a prokinetic agent which decreases episodes of gastro-oesophageal reflux, as an adjunct to proton pump inhibitors in improving the symptoms of reflux oesophagitis. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS Mosapride was generally not more effective than placebo as an adjunct therapy to a standard dose of lansoprazole in decreasing the symptom burden of patients with reflux oesophagitis. However, in a subgroup with more severe symptoms, combination therapy with lansoprazole and mosapride was possibly superior to monotherapy with lansoprazole. AIMS To investigate if mosapride, a prokinetic agent, was an effective adjunct to acid suppression in improving the symptoms of reflux oesophagitis. METHODS Patients (n= 96) with reflux oesophagitis were randomly assigned to either mosapride (5 mg three times daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. Symptom severity was assessed by a validated questionnaire at enrolment, 4 and 8 weeks after medication. The primary outcome for the first 4 weeks was decrease in symptom scores. After a 3 day washout period, patients initially allocated to mosapride crossed over to placebo and vice versa for the next 4 weeks. The outcome of the second phase was maintenance of symptom control. All patients received lansoprazole (30 mg once daily) throughout study. RESULTS The decreased symptom score after 4 weeks of treatment with lansoprazole and mosapride (n= 50) was 13.42 +/- 1.16 (mean +/- SEM), similar to that of lansoprazole plus placebo (10.85 +/- 1.03, n= 46), with an insignificant difference of 2.57 (95% CI -0.53, 5.67, P= 0.103). However, a sub-group analysis for patients with pre-treatment scores of >18 points (n= 48) revealed that lansoprazole plus mosapride achieved a greater reduction of symptom score than lansoprazole plus placebo (18.22 +/- 1.91 vs. 12.88 +/- 1.65; mean difference of 5.34, 95% CI 0.28, 10.40, P= 0.039). In the second phase, there was no difference between lansoprazole with mosapride or placebo in maintaining symptom control (39/44 or 86.64% vs. 41/50 or 82%, P= 0.401). Subgroup analysis for those with substantial residual symptoms revealed similar results. CONCLUSION Compared with placebo, mosapride generally does not provide additional benefit to a standard dose of lansoprazole in patients with reflux oesophagitis, except possibly in the subgroup of severely symptomatic patients.

Aim: The optimal dosage of proton pump inhibitor in bleeding peptic ulcers remains controversial. The aim was to compare the clinical effectiveness of two doses of infusional pantoprazole in peptic ulcer bleeding., Methods: Peptic ulcer patients (n= 120) with bleeding stigmata were enrolled after successful endoscopic therapy. After an initial bolus injection of 80 mg pantoprazole, patients were randomized to receive continuously infused pantoprazole at either 192 mg day(-1) or 40 mg every 6 h (i.e. 160 mg day(-1)) for 3 days. Clinical outcomes between the two groups within 14 days were compared, with 14-day recurrent bleeding regarded as the primary end-point., Results: Both groups (n= 60 each) were well matched in demographic and clinical factors upon entry. Bleeding totally recurred in 11 (9.2%) patients, with six (10%) in the 192 mg day(-1) group and five (8.3%) in the 160 mg day(-1) group (relative risk of bleeding recurrence between two treatments 1.2; 95% CI 0.39, 3.72). All secondary outcomes between the two groups were similar, including the amount of blood transfusion (mean 1179 ml vs. 1203 ml, P > 0.1), hospital stay (mean 9.5 days vs. 9.9 days, P > 0.1), need for surgery (n= 1 vs. n= 0, P > 0.1), and mortality (n= 1 vs. n= 0, P > 0.1)., Conclusions: Following endoscopic haemostasis, infusional pantoprazole at either 192 mg day(-1) or 40 mg every 6 h appear similar.

Objective: To evaluate the risk of preterm delivery in patients with adenomyosis., Design: A 1:2 nested case-control study., Setting: Tertiary-care institution., Population: A base cohort population of 2138 pregnant women who attended routine prenatal check-up between July 1999 and June 2005., Methods: From this base cohort population, gravid women with singleton pregnancy who delivered prior to the completion of 37 weeks of gestation were identified and formed the study group. Singleton gravid women who had term delivery and who matched with age, body mass index, smoking, and status of previous preterm delivery were recruited concurrently and served as control group. Preterm delivery cases were further divided into spontaneous preterm delivery and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) cases., Main Outcome Measures: Risk analysis of preterm delivery between gravid women with and without adenomyosis., Results: One-hundred and four preterm delivery case subjects and 208 control subjects were assessed. Overall, gravid women with adenomyosis were associated with significantly increased risk of preterm delivery (adjusted odds ratio 1.96, 95% CI 1.23-4.47, P=0.022). For subgroup analysis, gravid women with adenomyosis had an adjusted 1.84-fold risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (95% CI 1.32-4.31, P=0.012) and an adjusted 1.98-fold risk of PPROM (95% CI 1.39-3.15, P=0.017)., Conclusions: Gravid women with adenomyosis were associated with increased risk of both spontaneous preterm delivery and PPROM. A common pathophysiological pathway may exist in these two disorders. Further in-depth biochemical and molecular studies are necessary to explore this phenomenon.

Background: Insulin sensitivity (SI), glucose sensitivity (SG), acute insulin response to glucose load (AIR), and obesity in adolescent type 2 diabetes patients (young diabetes, YDM) in Taiwan were studied., Methods: Forty patients diagnosed at <22 years of age were enrolled and divided into non-obese (NOYDM, BMI < 27 kg/m(2)) and obese groups (OBYDM BMI > 27 kg/m(2)). Adult-onset type 2 diabetes patients (ADM) >40 years old (n = 41) and nondiabetic young adults (N) (n = 23) served as controls. Fasting plasma lipids, insulin, and glucose were measured. Homeostasis model assessment was calculated to estimate insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function. A frequent-sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed to evaluate SI, SG, and AIR., Results: SI and AIR were significantly lower in YDM and ADM than in N (0.92 +/- 0.13, 0.8 +/- 0.15 and 3.24 +/- 0.47 x 10(-4)/U/mL for SI; 40.3 +/- 20.3, 107.3 +/- 50.2, 1208 +/- 306.3 uU/min for AIR). SG of YDM and ADM were lower compared with N (0.014 +/- 0.00138, 0.0292 +/- 0.0058 vs 0.034 +/- 0.0086 min(-1) respectively). No difference was noted between YDM and ADM. SI and SG were not different in NOYDM and OBYDM. AIR was higher in OBYDM (83.6 +/- 34.3 vs -7.6 +/- 13.66 uU/min)., Conclusions: YDM had defects in SI, SG, and AIR compared to N, which was similar to the pathophysiology of ADM. The results imply that YDM may be either a different subtype of diabetes or the same type of diabetes as ADM, with severe defects associated with earlier age of onset. OBYDM had higher AIR than NOYDM., (Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

We have previously demonstrated that the serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase (sgk) gene plays a causal role in facilitating memory performance in rats. Environment enrichment is known to facilitate spatial learning. We therefore examined the effect of enrichment on sgk expression. We also examined the role of sgk in spatial and nonspatial learning and the regulation of sgk expression by activation of different glutamate receptors. Both real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses revealed that enrichment training preferentially increased sgk mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus. Transfection of sgk mutant DNA to the hippocampal CA1 area markedly impaired spatial learning, fear-conditioning learning and novel object-recognition learning in rats, but enrichment training effectively reversed these learning deficits. Meanwhile, S422A mutant DNA transfection prevented enrichment-induced spatial learning facilitation. In studying glutamate receptor regulation of sgk expression, we found that blockade of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in general, and the NR2B subunit in particular both effectively blocked enrichment-induced spatial learning facilitation, but they did not block enrichment-induced sgk expression. Upon various glutamate agonist infusions, only alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) increased sgk mRNA levels significantly in the hippocampus. Furthermore, blockade of AMPA receptors effectively blocked both enrichment-induced spatial learning facilitation and sgk expression. These results indicate that there is a dissociation between NMDA receptor activation and sgk expression. Enrichment enhanced spatial learning through both NMDA and AMPA receptor activation, whereas enrichment-induced sgk expression is specifically mediated through AMPA receptors. These results suggest that sgk could serve as a novel molecular mechanism, in addition to the NMDA receptor NR2B, underlying enrichment-induced learning facilitation.

Background: Cell cycle arrest biomarkers (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐2 [uTIMP‐2] and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 7 [uIGFBP7]), and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) variables are valuable biomarkers for early diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in people. Objectives: To evaluate uTIMP‐2, uIGFBP7, fractional excretion of NGAL (FeNGAL), and urinary to serum NGAL ratio (u/sNGAL) in healthy dogs, dogs with AKI, dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and critically ill (CI) dogs. Animals: Forty‐two client‐owned dogs (healthy, n = 10; AKI, n = 11; CKD, n = 11; CI, n = 10). Methods: Prospective, observational study. After assessment of routine renal biomarkers, stress (uTIMP‐2, uIGFBP7) and damage (NGAL) biomarkers were measured, using ELISA kits, and normalized to urinary creatinine (uCr). Results: Normalized uTIMP‐2 and [uTIMP‐2] × [uIGFBP7]/uCr were significantly higher in the AKI group (median 151.9 [range, 2.2‐534.2] and 62.9 [1.1‐266.8] pg/mL respectively), compared to healthy dogs (0.3 [0.2‐74.7]; P <.001 and 0.16 [0.1‐58.1] pg/mL; P <.001), dogs with CKD (0.7 [0.3‐742.5]; P =.04 and 0.37 [0.2‐180.1] pg/mL; P =.03) and CI dogs (1.9 [0.2‐37.0]; P =.03 and 0.8 [0.1‐16.1] pg/mL; P =.02). Fractional excretion of NGAL was significantly higher in dogs with AKI (54.17 [7.93‐155.32] %), than in healthy (0.03 [0.01‐0.21] %; P <.001) and CI dogs (3.05 [0.05‐28.86] %; P =.02). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Normalized uTIMP‐2, [uTIMP‐2] × [uIGFBP7]/uCr, and FeNGAL can be valuable renal biomarkers for early diagnosis of AKI in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this consensus statement is to summarize and appraise scientific evidence and combine this with the clinical experience of a panel of experts to optimize recommendations on how to recognize and manage kidney disease in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Age-related vocal atrophy (ARVA) negatively impacts voice and quality of life (QOL). This study aims to determine utility-based QOL in ARVA patients, correlate findings with traditional patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and generate utility-based inferences., Methods: Forty ARVA patients were prospectively recruited from a tertiary care center. Health utility was measured using standard gamble, time trade-off, and visual analog scale, assessing participants' current health states relative to defined comparison states (blindness/death). Traditional PROMs (Voice Handicap Index-10 [VHI-10] and Voice-Related Quality of Life Scale [V-RQOL]) were also collected. Descriptive and paired statistics were performed to determine health utility, and Pearson correlation assessed the association between PROMs and health utilities., Results: Mean health utility in ARVA was 0.84 ± 0.22, 0.88 ± 0.17, and 0.62 ± 0.25 using standard gamble, time trade-off, and visual analog scale, respectively. There were positive correlations between V-RQOL and time trade-off (r = 0.66; p < 0.0001) as well as with standard gamble (r = 0.47; p = 0.002). Participants with ARVA reported no difference in health utility impact between their voice impairment and monocular blindness (Mean dif 10.9; 95% CI -1.6, 23.5; p = 0.101). Patients with ARVA were willing to part with an average 4.6 ± 6.1 years of life to restore normal voice., Conclusions: ARVA patients view their voice impairment as a significant health decrement, comparable to monocular blindness. These findings underscore the substantial impact of ARVA on QOL and highlight the need for continued research and new therapies., Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 135:1143-1147, 2025., (© 2024 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are often mediated by short linear motifs (SLiMs) in one protein and domain in another, known as domain–motif interactions (DMIs). During the past decade, SLiMs have been studied to find their role in cellular functions such as post‐translational modifications, regulatory processes, protein scaffolding, cell cycle progression, cell adhesion, cell signalling and substrate selection for proteasomal degradation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current PPI detection techniques and resources, focusing on their relevance to capturing interactions mediated by SLiMs. We also address the challenges associated with capturing DMIs. Moreover, a case study analysing the BioGrid database as a source of DMI prediction revealed significant known DMI enrichment in different PPI detection methods. Overall, it can be said that current high‐throughput PPI detection methods can be a reliable source for predicting DMIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of cis‐1,4 and 3,4(+1,2) units is important to the overall properties of polyisoprene. Nevertheless, polymerization to prepare such polymer via coordinative‐insertion method has less reported. In the present study, 2,6‐bis(1H'‐allyl‐benzimidazolyl)pyridine has been installed onto the iron and cobalt prior to heterogeneous supporting. They are shown to be amenable to homogeneous polymerization of isoprene, affording 3,4(+1,2) units enriched polymer. The addition of disulfide carbon into cobalt catalyst is decisive for boosting productivity and elevating 3,4 (+1,2) insertion. Whereas, diethylphosphite external donor merely behaves as a chain transfer agent in iron catalyzed polymerization. The produced polymer with a controlled 3,4(+1,2) ratio and molar mass may find application as a single rubber, in polymer blends, composites, adhesives, and as a versatile platform for transforming to a wide range of functional polymer. Highlights: Novel iron and cobalt complexes are made.High activities toward isoprene polymerization are achieved.3,4(+1,2) incorporated polyisoprene is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene is a highly conductive and exceptional material that has shown potential for significantly improving the piezoelectric and mechanical properties of piezoelectric matrix. This paper examines the stability of composite plates surface bonded with graphene‐reinforced composite piezoelectric (GRCP) actuators. However, the significant differences in material characteristics at the interfaces will pose some challenges in analyzing the buckling behavior of piezoelectric composite plates by means of existing higher‐order shear deformation theories. To address this issue, a refined plate theory is developed for the buckling analysis of piezoelectric composite plates. The developed theory includes a new interlaminar shear stress field that precisely describes the distribution of interlaminar shear stresses, which differs from earlier higher‐order theories. It should be emphasized that the finite element formulation can be simplified by removing the second‐order derivatives of in‐plane displacement parameters from interlaminar shear stresses. In terms of the developed theory, a four‐node C0 quadrilateral plate element is introduced to examine the buckling behavior of piezoelectric composite plates. Furthermore, the modified interlaminar shear stress field is absorbed into the strain energy, significantly improving the ability to predict the critical loads of composite plates with GRCP actuators. The refined plate model is evaluated through the utilization of three‐dimensional (3D) elasticity solutions and results obtained from other associated theories. Numerical results demonstrate that the refined plate model is capable of producing favorable results, and a comprehensive examination is conducted to analyze the effects of significant parameters on the buckling behaviors of piezoelectric composite plates. This study sets a solid foundation for future research and development on the application of graphene‐reinforced composite piezoelectric actuators in composite structures. Highlights: Buckling analysis of composite plates with GRCP actuators is conducted.A refined plate theory with modified interlaminar shear stresses is developed.The ability to predict critical loads can be significantly improved.The finite element formulation can be simplified based on the proposed model.Comprehensive parametric studies on buckling behavior are caried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diagnosis of head and neck (HN) squamous dysplasias and carcinomas is critical for patient care, cure, and follow‐up. It can be challenging, especially for grading intraepithelial lesions. Despite recent simplification in the last WHO grading system, the inter‐ and intraobserver variability remains substantial, particularly for nonspecialized pathologists, exhibiting the need for new tools to support pathologists. Methods: In this study we investigated the potential of deep learning to assist the pathologist with automatic and reliable classification of HN lesions following the 2022 WHO classification system. We created, for the first time, a large‐scale database of histological samples (>2000 slides) intended for developing an automatic diagnostic tool. We developed and trained a weakly supervised model performing classification from whole‐slide images (WSI). We evaluated our model on both internal and external test sets and we defined and validated a new confidence score to assess the predictions that can be used to identify difficult cases. Results: Our model demonstrated high classification accuracy across all lesion types on both internal and external test sets (respectively average area under the curve [AUC]: 0.878 (95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.834–0.918]) and 0.886 (95% CI: [0.813–0.947])) and the confidence score allowed for accurate differentiation between reliable and uncertain predictions. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the model, associated with confidence measurements, can help in the difficult task of classifying HN squamous lesions by limiting variability and detecting ambiguous cases, taking us one step closer to a wider adoption of AI‐based assistive tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigates the reduction rate and failure predictors of hydrostatic enema reduction for intussusception. The procedure typically begins with a water‐soluble contrast medium at 90 cm above the patient, subsequently elevated to 120 cm. Our focus is on the reduction rate during initial attempts when the contrast medium is positioned at or below 120 cm from the patient. Methods: Hydrostatic enema reductions for intussusception, performed between March 2010 and May 2022 at Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, were investigated retrospectively. The initial attempts involved one or more trials. The clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of failure when the reduction was performed with the water‐soluble contrast medium at a height of 120 cm or less. Results: Reduction was achieved successfully with the water‐soluble contrast medium at a height at or below 120 cm in 77.5% of 351 patients. When reductions performed at heights greater than 120 cm were included, 333 (94.9%) were successful during the initial attempts and were unaccompanied by complications. Predictors of failure of reductions performed at or below 120 cm were age less than 12 months and the presence of trapped fluid. Conclusion: The present study found a successful reduction rate of 77.5% during the initial attempts, suggesting that a height greater than 120 cm may yield an even greater success rate. Children aged below 12 months and those with trapped fluid may have a greater failure risk during the initial attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the clinical benefit of routine esophageal screening in newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary medical center. Methods: This retrospective study selected newly diagnosed HNSCC patients from the Chang Gung Research Database between January 2007 and December 2019. Patients who underwent endoscopic esophageal examinations within 2 months of the initial diagnosis of HNSCC were included in the screening group. The clinical outcomes of the screening and nonscreening groups were analyzed. Results: In total, 13,627 HNSCC patients were included, comprising 1032 females and 12,640 males (mean age 55.0 years), and the esophageal screening group included 7033 (51.4%) patients. The prevalence rate of esophageal tumors was 4.5%. Hypopharyngeal cancer patients were the most likely to have (13.4%) second primary esophageal tumors. The American Joint Committee on Cancer stage of the esophageal tumor was lower in the esophageal screening group than in the nonesophageal screening group. The oral, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancer patients in the esophageal screening group had better survival outcomes than their counterparts in the nonesophageal screening group. Conclusion: Endoscopic esophageal screening of newly diagnosed HNSCC patients can detect esophageal tumors at an early stage and improve overall survival. Esophageal screening could be a routine survey in HNSCC patients, particularly those with lifestyle risk factors and in countries with a high prevalence of esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease affecting approximately 25% of adults in the western world. Intragastric balloon (IGB) is an endoscopic bariatric therapy ‐a therapeutic endoscopic tool that has shown promise in inducing weight loss. Its role in the treatment of NAFLD is yet to be established. Aim: To evaluate the effect of IGB as a treatment option in NAFLD. Methods: We searched MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE from inception to September 2022. We included studies evaluating the impact of IGB on obesity with the assessment of one or more liver‐related outcomes and studies primarily evaluating the impact of IGB on NAFLD. We included comparative and non‐comparative studies; primary outcomes were liver‐related NAFLD surrogates. Results: We included 19 studies with 911 patients. IGB demonstrated an effect on NAFLD parameters including NAFLD activity score (NAS): mean difference (MD): −3.0 [95% CI: −2.41 to −3.59], ALT: MD: −10.40 U/L [95% CI: −7.31 to −13.49], liver volume: MD ‐397.9 [95% CI: −212.78 to 1008.58] and liver steatosis: MD: −37.76 dB/m [95% CI: −21.59 to −53.92]. There were significant reductions in non‐liver‐related outcomes of body weight, BMI, glycated haemoglobin and HOMA‐IR. Conclusion: Intragastric balloons may play an important role in addressing the treatment gap in NAFLD management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study analyzes nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from 1990 to 2021 across 204 countries, focusing on prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). It examines gender disparities, regional variations, age dynamics, and temporal trends to provide insights for health policy and resource allocation., Methods: We used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) approach to assess NPC's health burden, including incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. Trends from 1990 to 2021 were illustrated using estimated annual percent change (EAPC). Subgroup analysis revealed variations by gender, age, Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), GBD classification, and country. Age-period-cohort (APC) and Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) models predicted future trends., Results: In 2021, there were 118,878 new NPC cases globally (1.38 per 100,000), with a prevalence of 525,219 cases (6.14 per 100,000), 75,359 deaths (0.87 per 100,000), and 249,019 DALYs (28.91 per 100,000). Males had higher rates across all metrics. Incidence peaked at ages 50-54, mortality at 70-74, and DALYs at 50-54. High SDI regions, especially East and Southeast Asia, showed higher burdens. Despite decreasing age-standardized incidence rates, absolute cases are rising, necessitating improved prevention and treatment strategies., Conclusions: NPC prevalence has increased due to better diagnosis and aging populations, despite decreasing age-adjusted incidence rates. Lower mortality rates indicate improved treatment. Males, especially in East and Southeast Asia, bear a higher NPC burden. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and tailored public health policies in high-risk regions., Level of Evidence: III Laryngoscope, 2024., (© 2024 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Background: Hematological parameters have been associated with prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The present meta‐analysis investigated the utility of neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the prognosis of patients with NPC. Methods: Multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science, were systematically searched for studies assessing the association between NLR and NPC from 2011 to 2021. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to estimate effect size. Use of a fixed effect or random effect model was based on heterogeneity stability was tested by sensitivity analysis, and the risk of bias was assessed by funnel plots. Random effects models were used based on the actual results. Because the NLR grouping criteria for the included studies differed, subgroup analyses were performed. Results: A search of the electronic databases identified 14 studies, encompassing 6693 patients, that met the selection criteria. NLR higher than the cutoff value was significantly associated with poorer OS [HR 1.760, 95% CI 1.470–2.120, p <0.00001] and PFS [HR 1.850, 95% CI 1.430–2.390, p =.006]. Sensitivity analysis showed that the results of the meta‐analysis were relatively stable, and funnel plots were used to exclude the risk of bias. Conclusions: Elevated pretreatment NLR in peripheral blood is predictive of poorer OS and PFS in patients with NPC. NLR is an easily measured and important prognostic factor in patients with NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the quality of assessment and the utilisation of optical low vision aids (OLVAs) among people with visual impairment (VI) in Taiwan. Methods: The study included 577 participants between 4 and 100 years of age (314 males and 263 females). All participants had been certified by the Ministry of the Interior of Taiwan, indicating that they had undergone a thorough and comprehensive low vision assessment, including evaluation of visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity, colour vision, visual fields and glare disability. Furthermore, all participants who consented to refraction had received prescriptions for OLVAs. Result: All participants were prescribed one or more OLVAs such as eyeglasses, tinted lenses, magnifiers, closed‐circuit television magnifiers, telescopes, or screen magnifiers. Among the 577 individuals, 515 received correction for refractive errors, providing the best‐corrected VA (BCVA). The improvement in VA was significant at both distance and near, improving from 1.29 ± 0.55 to 1.01 ± 0.52 logMAR (p < 0.001) and from 1.29 ± 0.56 to 1.01 ± 0.52 logMAR (p < 0.001), respectively. Eyeglasses were the primary OLVAs chosen by 333 participants (64.7%), while 53.3%–80.3% of participants combined eyeglasses with other OLVAs to enhance their visual performance. Conclusions: The most commonly used and effective OLVA was eyeglasses. Skilfully utilising appropriate refractive and VA measurements is crucial for determining the most suitable and beneficial OLVA for individuals with VI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low positive predictive value (PPV) of early screening of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the problems that need to be solved urgently. The combination of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) methylation testing and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) serological testing is the key to solve this problem. This paper reviews recent advances in early screening for NPC and cfDNA methylation, with future perspectives. Pubmed was searched for the literature related to early screening of NPC and cfDNA methylation in the past 5 years. The results of these studies were summarized. Despite these efforts, the PPV is still low (10%). Previous studies have shown that cfDNA methylation analysis has good specificity and accuracy across a variety of tumors. The combination of cfDNA methylation and EBV detection helps to improve the PPV for early screening of NPC. The combination of cfDNA methylation and EBV serological testing is key to addressing the low PPV of NPC early screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the era of precision preventive medicine, susceptible genetic markers for oro‐/hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) have been investigated for genome‐wide associations. Materials and Methods: A case–control study including 659 male head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, including 331 oropharyngeal cancer, treated between March 1996 and December 2016 and 2400 normal controls was performed. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array was used to determine genetic loci that increase susceptibility to OPSCC. Results: We analyzed the allele frequencies of 664,994 autosomal SNPs in 659 HNSCC cases; 7 SNPs scattered in loci of chromosomes 5, 7, 9, 11, and 19 were significant in genome‐wide association analysis (Pc < 1.0669 × 10−7). In OPSCCs (n = 331), two clustered regions in chromosomes 4 and 6 were significantly different from the controls. We successfully identified a missense alteration of the SNP region in alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) (https://genome.ucsc.edu; hg38); the top correlated locus was rs1229984 (p = 1 × 10−11). Adjusted for environmental exposure, including smoking, alcohol, and areca quid, a region in chromosome 12, related to alcohol metabolism, was found to independently increase the susceptibility to OPSCC. The ADH1B rs1229984 AA genotype had better overall survival compared to the AG and GG genotypes (p = 0.042) in OPSCC. The GG genotype in rs1229984 was significantly associated with a younger age of onset than other genotypes (p = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively) in OPSCC patients who consumed alcohol. Conclusion: ADH1B was an important genetic locus that significantly correlated with the development of OPSCCs and patient survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human angiosarcoma and canine hemangiosarcoma reveal similarities not only in their aggressive clinical behaviour, but especially in molecular landscape and genetic alterations involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis formation. Currently, no satisfying treatment that allows for achieving long overall survival or even prolonged time to progression does not exist. Due to the progress that has been made in targeted therapies and precision medicine the basis for a new treatment design is to uncover mutations and their functions as possible targets to provide tailored drugs for individual cases. Whole exome or genome sequencing studies and immunohistochemistry brought in the last few years important discoveries and identified the most common mutations with probably crucial role in this tumour development. Also, despite a lack of mutation in some of the culprit genes, the cancerogenesis cause may be buried in main cellular pathways connected with proteins encoded by those genes and involving, for example, pathological angiogenesis. The aim of this review is to highlight the most promising molecular targets for precision oncology treatment from the veterinary perspective aided by the principles of comparative science. Some of the drugs are only undergoing laboratory in vitro studies and others entered the clinic in the management of other cancer types in humans, but those used in dogs with promising responses have been mentioned as priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be used in canine mast cell tumours (MCTs) to optimise surgical margins or to enable marginal excision in challenging locations. The objective of this study was to describe the outcome of dogs with cutaneous and subcutaneous MCTs treated with neoadjuvant vinblastine‐prednisolone (NA‐VP). Records of treatment‐naïve dogs with cutaneous/subcutaneous MCT that received NA‐VP were reviewed including signalment, indication for NA‐VP, staging results, clinical response, surgical data and histopathology reports. For dogs with post‐operative follow‐up ≥365 days, predictive factors for local recurrence (LR) were evaluated. Forty‐four dogs were included. NA‐VP was indicated to optimise surgical margins (group MARG) in 19 dogs (43.2%) and to enable surgery (group MORB) in 25 dogs (56.8%). Complete and partial response were documented in 40.9% of dogs and 30 dogs (68.2%) underwent surgery. The indication for NA‐VP was significantly associated with undergoing surgery (p <.001) on multivariable analysis. Twelve (48%) and 18 dogs (94.7%) underwent surgery in the group MORB and MARG, respectively. Five dogs (16.7%) experienced wound dehiscence. Complete excision was achieved in 14 dogs (46.7%). In dogs undergoing surgery with ≥365 days of follow‐up, LR was documented in five cases (20.8%). None of the factors analysed including mitotic count, completeness of excision and response to NA‐VP were associated with LR; notably, LR occurred in 3/11 (27.2%) completely excised MCTs. In a pre‐operative setting, NA‐VP appears safe and could be beneficial in selected cases. Prognostic factors such as clinical response, mitotic count and completeness of excision should be interpreted with caution following NA‐VP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a new entity, Epstein Barr virus (EBV) + Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS). Traces of EBV transcripts were described in lymphomas, including DLBCL, that were diagnosed as EBV negative by conventional methods. The aim of this study was to detect viral genome by qPCR, as well as LMP1 and EBNA2 transcripts, with a more sensitive method in DLBCL cases from Argentina. Fourteen cases originally considered as EBV negative expressed LMP1 and/or EBNA2 transcripts. In addition, LMP1 and/or EBNA2 transcripts were also observed in bystander cells. However, EBERs+ cells cases by conventional ISH showed higher numbers of cells with LMP1 transcripts and LMP1 protein. In the cases that were EBERS− in tumor cells but with expression of LMP1 and/or EBNA2 transcripts, the viral load was below the limit of detection. This study provides further evidence that EBV could be detected in tumor cells by more sensitive methods. However, higher expression of the most important oncogenic protein, LMP1, as well as increased viral load, are only observed in cases with EBERs+ cells by conventional ISH, suggesting that traces of EBV might not display a key role in DLBCL pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a crucial part of the innate immune system, have been exploited as promising candidates for antibacterial agents. Many researchers have been devoting their efforts to develop novel AMPs in recent decades. In this term, many computational approaches have been developed to identify potential AMPs accurately. However, finding peptides specific to a particular bacterial species is challenging. Streptococcus mutans is a pathogen with an apparent cariogenic effect, and it is of great significance to study AMP that inhibit S. mutans for the prevention and treatment of caries. In this study, we proposed a sequence‐based machine learning model, namely iASMP, to exactly identify potential anti‐S. mutans peptides (ASMPs). After collecting ASMPs, the performances of models were compared by utilizing multiple feature descriptors and different classification algorithms. Among the baseline predictors, the model integrating the extra trees (ET) algorithm and the hybrid features exhibited optimal results. The feature selection method was utilized to remove redundant feature information to improve the model performance further. Finally, the proposed model achieved the maximum accuracy (ACC) of 0.962 on the training dataset and performed on the testing dataset with an ACC of 0.750. The results demonstrated that iASMP had an excellent predictive performance and was suitable for identifying potential ASMP. Furthermore, we also visualized the selected features and rationally explained the impact of individual features on the model output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Although DELLA protein destabilization mediated by post‐translational modifications is essential for gibberellin (GA) signal transduction and GA‐regulated anthocyanin biosynthesis, the related mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we report the ubiquitination and phosphorylation of an apple DELLA protein MdRGL2a in response to GA signaling and its regulatory role in anthocyanin biosynthesis.MdRGL2a could interact with MdWRKY75 to enhance the MdWRKY75‐activated transcription of anthocyanin activator MdMYB1 and interfere with the interaction between anthocyanin repressor MdMYB308 and MdbHLH3 or MdbHLH33, thereby promoting anthocyanin accumulation.A protein kinase MdCIPK20 was found to phosphorylate and protect MdRGL2a from degradation, and it was essential for MdRGL2a‐promoting anthocyanin accumulation. However, MdRGL2a and MdCIPK20 were ubiquitinated and degraded by E3 ubiquitin ligases MdSINA1 and MdSINA2, respectively, both of which were activated in the presence of GA.Our results display the integration of SINA1/2 with CIPK20 to dynamically regulate GA signaling and will be helpful toward understanding the mechanism of GA signal transduction and GA‐inhibited anthocyanin biosynthesis. The discovery of extensive interactions between DELLA and SINA and CIPK proteins in apple will provide reference for the study of ubiquitination and phosphorylation of DELLA proteins in other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral cancer is a commonmalignant tumour in the head and neck region, with over 90% of cases being oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Lymphnodemetastasis (LNM) is a significant adverseprognostic factor inOSCC; however, the mechanism of LNM in OSCC remains unclear, while the strategies for managing cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) in OSCC continue to evolve. At present, neck dissection is necessary for the vast majority of OSCC patients, but complications of surgery can significantly impair patients' postoperative quality of life. A recent clinical trial discovery indicates that immunotherapy can activate anti-tumour T cells in nearby lymph nodes, leading to vibrant discussions among clinicians about the importance of preserving lymph nodes during surgical treatment. Aim: This review aims to provide an overview of where we are: the current knowledge of OSCC LNM patterns and management strategies, and where we are going: prospects for clinical and basic research on the issue of OSCC LNM in the era of cancer immunotherapy. Result: We summarize the general patterns and management strategies of OSCC LNM. The process of LNM in OSCC encompasses four stages: Preparation, Unleash,Migration, and Planting ('PUMP' principle).We propose adopting the 'PRECISE' model, an overall workflow that includes seven elements--prevention, radiology, preoperative evaluation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and postoperative evaluation--for neck management in OSCC, promoting personalized precision medicine augmented by neoadjuvant therapy. We further discussed recent advances in clinical and basic research on OSCC LNM and provided an outlook on future research directions. Conclusion: Over the past two centuries, our understanding and management strategies of LNM in OSCC have evolved, seekingmore precise and personalized approaches to reduce patient burden and enhance survival and quality of life. Further research should explore lymph nodes' role in cancer immunotherapy and OSCC interactions, leading to better, less invasive treatments and improved outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although hypertension is considered high intravascular pressure, impairing circadian blood pressure (BP) has been shown to potentially contribute to poor clinical outcomes. Systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII), based on platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, has been established as a strong prognostic marker in cardiovascular disease. The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of hypertension is a well‐known issue and inflammatory markers are associated with BP variability. We aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between circadian BP changes and SII in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. The study population consisted of 196 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients without LVH. In total, 76 (38%) patients had a dipper BP pattern, 60 (31%) patients had a non‐dipper BP pattern, and 60 (31%) patients had a reverse‐dipper BP pattern. SII was calculated according to Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed SII and HDL‐C as an independent predictors of reverse‐dipper circadian pattern in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. The cut‐off value of the SII for reverse‐dipper hypertension in a ROC curve analysis was >639.73 with 63.3% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity. Our study showed that the SII level was higher in the reverse‐dipper hypertension patient group than in the dipper and non‐dipper hypertension groups. Furthermore, SII was an independent predictor of newly diagnosed reverse‐dipper hypertensive patients. The high SII value in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients can be used as an early warning parameter to identify reverse‐dipper hypertension patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of elderly with mental disorders is increasing, but few studies have been concerned with the physical condition and activities of daily living (ADL) of these patients. This study aims to describe the physical condition and ADL of patients with mental illnesses (PMI) from different age groups, which provides evidence to improve mental health services for PMI. Methods: In this prospective cross‐sectional study, the samples were divided into three groups of less than 60 years old (group 1), 60–74 years old (group 2), and over 75 years old (group 3) for comparison. Participants' ADL and physical condition were measure by Barthel Index (BI), Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), Standardised swallowing assessment (SSA) and Short Form of Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA‐SF). The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to measure psychological condition. Results: Totally, 392 participants had been recruited, meanwhile 86% of them were diagnosed with at least one physical disease. There were statistically significant differences in the three groups of participants in BI (F = 50.603, P < 0.001), FAQ (F = 40.332, P < 0.001), SSA (F = 28.574, P < 0.001), and MNA‐SF (F = 18.366, P < 0.001). Group 2 and group 3 had significantly lower scores in BI and FAQ than group 1, and the SSA scores were significantly higher than the participants in group 1. In the negative symptoms subscale of BPRS, the mean score of group 3 was significantly higher than groups 1 and 2. Negative symptom subscale has different degrees of correlation with BI (r = −0.537), FAQ (r = 0.643), SSA (r = 0.480), MNA (r = −0.325) and MMSE (r = 0.607). In addition, the participants with comorbidities were related to BI (r = ‐0.364). Conclusion: Somatic comorbidities play a pivotal role in the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with mental illness, thus greater effort should be paid to elderly patients suffering from mental illness with dysphagia, malnutrition, and cognitive decline. Further, the negative symptoms of elderly patients with mental disorders also deserve attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of flexible endoscopy‐guided tracer injection for sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification in patients with laryngeal and pharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: Sixteen cT1‐4N0‐2M0 patients with laryngeal or pharyngeal carcinoma underwent intra‐ and peritumoral [99mTc]Tc‐nanocolloid injections after topical anesthesia under endoscopic guidance. SPECT–CT scans were performed at two time points. Results: Tracer injection and visualization of SLNs was successful in 15/16 (94%) patients. Median number of tracer injections was 1 intratumoral and 3 peritumoral. The median duration of the endoscopic procedure including tracer injection after biopsy taking was 7 min (range 4–16 min). A total of 28 SLNs were identified which were all visualized on the early and late SPECT–CT. Most SLNs were visualized in neck levels II and III. Conclusions: Flexible endoscopy‐guided tracer injection for SLN identification is a feasible and fast procedure in laryngeal and pharyngeal carcinoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are essential for presenting Epstein−Barr virus (EBV) antigens and are closely related to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aims to systematically investigate the association between HLA‐bound EBV peptides and NPC risk through in silico HLA‐peptide binding prediction. A total of 455 NPC patients and 463 healthy individuals in NPC endemic areas were recruited, and HLA‐target sequencing was performed. HLA‐peptide binding prediction for EBV, followed by peptidome‐wide logistic regression and motif analysis, was applied. Binding affinity changes for EBV peptides carrying high‐risk mutations were analyzed. We found that NPC‐associated EBV peptides were significantly enriched in immunogenic proteins and core linkage disequilibrium (LD) proteins related to evolution, especially those binding HLA‐A alleles (p = 3.10 × 10−4 for immunogenic proteins and p = 8.10 × 10−5 for core LD proteins related to evolution). These peptides were clustered and showed binding motifs of HLA supertypes, among which supertype A02 presented an NPC‐risk effect (padj = 3.77 × 10−4) and supertype A03 presented an NPC‐protective effect (padj = 4.89 × 10−4). Moreover, a decreased binding affinity toward risk HLA supertype A02 was observed for the peptide carrying the NPC‐risk mutation BNRF1 V1222I (p = 0.0078), and an increased binding affinity toward protective HLA supertype A03 was observed for the peptide carrying the NPC‐risk mutation BALF2 I613V (p = 0.022). This study revealed the distinct preference of EBV peptides for binding HLA supertypes, which may contribute to shaping EBV population structure and be involved in NPC development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection is prevalent in global population and associated with multiple malignancies and autoimmune diseases. During the infection, EBV‐harbored or infected cell‐expressing antigen could elicit a variety of antibodies with significant role in viral host response and pathogenesis. These antibodies have been extensively evaluated and found to be valuable in predicting disease diagnosis and prognosis, exploring disease mechanisms, and developing antiviral agents. In this review, we discuss the versatile roles of EBV antibodies as important biomarkers for EBV‐related diseases, potential driving factors of autoimmunity, and promising therapeutic agents for viral infection and pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), a novel coronavirus, causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) which led to neurological damage and increased mortality worldwide in its second and third waves. It is associated with systemic inflammation, myocardial infarction, neurological illness including ischemic strokes (e.g., cardiac and cerebral ischemia), and even death through multi‐organ failure. At the early stage, the virus infects the lung epithelial cells and is slowly transmitted to the other organs including the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, kidneys, heart, and brain. The neurological effect of the virus is mainly due to hypoxia‐driven reactive oxygen species (ROS) and generated cytokine storm. Internalization of SARS‐CoV‐2 triggers ROS production and modulation of the immunological cascade which ultimately initiates the hypercoagulable state and vascular thrombosis. Suppression of immunological machinery and inhibition of ROS play an important role in neurological disturbances. So, COVID‐19 associated damage to the central nervous system, patients need special care to prevent multi‐organ failure at later stages of disease progression. Here in this review, we are selectively discussing these issues and possible antioxidant‐based prevention therapies for COVID‐19‐associated neurological damage that leads to multi‐organ failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on catalysts for the efficient conversion of NO2 to NO is of great significance for the accurate determination of NO2 concentration and the reduction of environmental pollution. The present work investigated the synergistic interaction between coconut shell activated carbon (AC) and Mo2C, along with the catalytic performance of NO2 to NO. The aim of this study was to prepare a composite catalyst with activated carbon as the support to improve the conversion of NO2 at low temperatures. The effect of Mo loading w(Mo) on the reaction performance of NO2 to NO was studied by technical analysis, and the internal mechanism of Mo2C/AC for improving the reaction activity of the catalyst was revealed to provide a reference for the development of new efficient NO2 converting agents. Results: Commercially available Mo2C, AC, and Mo2C/AC catalysts can convert NO2 to NO under reaction test conditions. When the gas flow rate is 1.5 L/min and the temperature is 250°C, the NO2 conversion rates of 5‐Mo2C/AC, 10‐Mo2C/AC, 15‐Mo2C/AC, and 20‐Mo2C/AC are 96.1%, 97.8%, 97.0%, and 93.2%, respectively. The NO2 conversion rates of 10‐Mo2C/AC is about 4 times that of Mo2C and 1.1 times that of AC at 250 °C. Conclusion: The Mo2C/AC catalyst is rich in micropores and provides a reaction vessel for the conversion of NO2 to NO. AC with high specific surface area can not only change the dispersion and particle size of Mo2C species on the catalyst surface, but also adjust the NOx desorption performance of the catalyst. The synergism between the AC and Mo2C of Mo2C/AC provides more active sites for NO2 to NO, improving the reaction performance of the catalyst. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]