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Objective: To prospectively investigatethe incidence and influencing factors of Subsyndromal delirium (SSD) in elderly patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. Methods: According to a prospective observational study, elderly patients (aged ≥60 years) who underwent pancreatic surgery in the pancreatic center of our hospital from August 2023 to February 2024 were selected. Patients were divided into SSD and Normal groups based on the evaluation of the Delirium Rating Scale-revised-98 in the first 1-4 days postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the influencing factors, and subject operating characteristic curves were used to assess the predictive effect of risk factors for subsyndromal delirium. Results: A total of 179 elderly pancreatic surgery patients were included in this study. 67 elderly patients developed subsyndromal delirium with an incidence of 37.43%. Multivariable Logistic regression revealed that risk factors for SSD included age, age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (aCCI), and postoperative fever, while and education level with senior high school or above was found to be protective factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the combination of age and aCCI predicted SSD in elderly pancreatic surgery patients (Area Under Curve = 0.815, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.752 - 0.878), with sensitivity and specificity of 80.6% and 75.9%, respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of subsyndromal delirium after elderly pancreatic surgery was as high as 37.43%. Effective assessment and prevention of subsyndromal delirium are crucial. In the early postoperative period, special attention should be given to elderly patients with more preoperative comorbidities and lower education levels, and their temperature should be monitored in a timely manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the use of dopamine D2-like receptor agonists in treating dysglycemia in autoimmune diabetes. A case study showed that cabergoline, an agonist of DA D2-like receptors, improved glycemic control in a patient with autoimmune diabetes. The study suggests that D2-like receptor agonists may act on central nervous system and peripheral targets, such as the endocrine pancreas, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and T cells, to improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. The findings highlight the potential of D2-like receptor agonists as a novel treatment approach for autoimmune diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus. [Extracted from the article]

Pancreatic development is a complex process vital for maintaining metabolic balance, requiring intricate interactions among different cell types and signaling pathways. Fibroblast growth factor receptors 2b (FGFR2b)-ligands signaling from adjacent mesenchymal cells is crucial in initiating pancreatic development and differentiating exocrine and endocrine cells through a paracrine mechanism. However, the precise critical time window that affects pancreatic development remains unclear. To explore the roles of FGFR2b-ligands and identify the narrow window of time during which FGFR2b-ligand signaling affects pancreatic development, we used an inducible mouse model to control the expression of soluble dominant-negative FGFR2b (sFGFR2b) at various stages of pancreatic development. Our findings revealed a significant effect of FGFR2b-ligand signaling on epithelial morphology, lumen formation, and pancreatic branching during primary and secondary transition stages. Additionally, sFGFR2b expression reduced the number of Pdx1+ progenitor cells and altered the pancreatic islet structure. Furthermore, we examined the effect of mutation in FGF10, an FGFR2b ligand, on embryonic pancreatic β-cell function. FGF10 null mutant embryos exhibited reduced pancreatic size and a decrease number of islet-like structure. Although neonatal mice with haploinsufficiency for FGF10 exhibited abnormal glucose tolerance test results, indicating a potential diabetes predisposition, these abnormalities normalized with age, aligning with observations in wild type mice. Our study underscores the critical role of FGFR2b-ligand signaling in pancreatic development and postnatal islet function, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets for pancreatic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals. Development and application of new forms of Se sources with lower toxicity and higher bioavailability has been attracting more attention. However, the bioavailabilities of Se from several new Se sources for broilers remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relative bioavailabilities of Se from Se yeast (SY), selenomethionine (SM), hydroxyl-selenomethionine (SO) and nano-Se (NS) relative to sodium selenite (SS) for broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal diet. A total of 576 one-day-old Arbor Acres commercial male broilers were randomly assigned to 16 treatments with 6 replicate cages per treatment in a completely randomized design involving a 5 (Se sources: SY, SM, SO, NS and SS) × 3 (added Se levels: 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 mg Se/kg) factorial design of treatments plus 1 (a Se-unsupplemented control) for 21 d. The relative bioavailabilities of Se sources were estimated based on plasma or tissue Se concentrations as well as selenoprotein mRNA expressions and activities in broilers. The results showed that the Se concentrations and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in plasma, liver, breast muscle, pancreas and kidney as well as Se concentration in erythrocytes of broilers, and Gpx1 and Selenop mRNA expressions in pancreas increased linearly (p < 0.03) as added Se level increased. Furthermore, the differences (p < 0.05) among different Se sources were detected for the Se concentrations in liver, breast muscle, pancreas and erythrocytes, GPX activities in pancreas and kidney. Based on slope ratios from the multiple linear regressions of the above indices, the Se bioavailabilities of SY, SM, SO, NS relative to SS (100%) were 78 to 367%, 67.8 to 471%, 57 to 372%, and 45 to 92%, respectively. The results from this study indicated that the Se from SM, SY and SO are more available to broilers than the Se from SS in enhancing the Se concentrations in liver, breast muscle, pancreas and erythrocytes and GPX activity in pancreas, and the Se from SM had the highest while the Se from NS had the lowest relative bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulinoma is the most common pancreatic tumor diagnosed in dogs. This study aimed to report incidence risk, breed predispositions and other demographic risk factors for insulinoma diagnosed in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. The VetCompass Program supports research on anonymized electronic health records (EHRs) from dogs under UK veterinary care. This study included all VetCompass EHRs from dogs under primary veterinary care during 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate demographic risk factors for insulinoma diagnosis. Of 2,250,741 study dogs, 278 were confirmed as insulinoma cases at any date. The estimated 2019 incidence risk was 0.003% (95% CI 0.002–0.004%). Compared to crossbreeds, predisposed breeds included Dogue de Bordeaux, German Pointer, Flat Coated Retriever, Boxer and West Highland White Terrier. The Labrador Retriever showed decreased odds for insulinoma diagnosis. Additionally, being a terrier breed and being a breed predisposed to other endocrine cancers were associated with increased odds for insulinoma diagnosis. Other risk factors associated with increased odds for insulinoma diagnosis included being female neutered, being 9 - <15 years of age, having an adult median bodyweight of 20 - <30 kg and having a bodyweight above the median for the sex/breed. This is the first study to report the epidemiology of canine insulinoma in dogs under primary veterinary care, resulting in crucial leads for further research in the epidemiology and etiology of canine insulinoma and possible links of canine insulinoma with other canine endocrine cancers. Additionally, the results can aid veterinarians to identify dogs at greater risk of insulinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a promising minimally invasive technique for the treatment of pancreatic lesions. This review first focuses on the technical aspects in EUS-RFA: the procedure typically employs EUS probes with integrated radiofrequency electrodes, enabling accurate targeting and ablation of pancreatic lesions. Different types of RFA devices, monopolar and bipolar energy delivery systems, are discussed, along with considerations for optimal ablation, including energy settings, procedure time, and pre- and post-procedural management. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of EUS-RFA applied to both solid and cystic pancreatic lesions, including functioning and non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs), pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and pancreatic metastases (PMs), discussing current evidence on safety, efficacy, clinical outcomes, and adverse events (AEs). EUS-RFA is an emerging technique with expanding potential for the treatment of both benign and malignant conditions; however, further studies are needed to better define patient selection criteria, assess long-term benefits, and establish definitive indications for its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This Phase 2 trial investigated the combination of nanoliposomal irinotecan (Nal-IRI), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and leucovorin (LV) in patients with advanced, refractory neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) or unknown origin. Eleven patients were enrolled, with nine evaluable for response. The treatment showed a partial response in one patient, stable disease in six, and progressive disease in two. The median overall survival was 9.4 months, and progression-free survival was 4.4 months. Common side effects included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Genetic analysis revealed that mutations in TP53, CHEK2, and APC were common, with CHEK2 and APC mutations linked to longer progression-free survival. The study found no significant association between the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism and treatment outcomes or toxicity. Overall, Nal-IRI with 5-FU/LV was found to be a safe and promising treatment option for refractory high-grade NECs, warranting further investigation in future trials. Background: Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are treated with a frontline platinum–etoposide combination with no standard second-line therapies. We explored a novel combination of nanoliposomal irinotecan (Nal-IRI), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and leucovorin (LV) in advanced refractory NECs and investigated the impact of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism on treatment outcomes and toxicity. Methods: We conducted an open-label, single-arm, multi-center Phase 2 trial in advanced NEC patients of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) or unknown origin with progression or intolerance to first-line therapy. Eligible patients received nal-IRI 70 mg/m2 and leucovorin 400 mg/m2, followed by 5-FU 2400 mg/m2 biweekly till disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on blood/tissue samples at baseline and during treatment. Results: Eleven patients were enrolled, with nine evaluable for the primary endpoint. Seven were male, the median age was 66.7 years, and the median Ki-67 was 90%. We observed partial response in one patient, stable disease in six patients, and progressive disease in two patients. The median OS was 9.4 months (95% CI 2.9–29.3), and the median PFS was 4.4 months (95% CI 1.7–6.7). The most common adverse events were diarrhea (45%), nausea (45%), vomiting (45%), and fatigue (45%). The most common genetic mutations on NGS were TP53 (88.9%), CHEK2 (88.9%), and APC (33.3%). Patients with CHEK2 and APC mutation had longer PFS (p = 0.005 and p = 0.013, respectively). UGT1A1*28 polymorphism was not associated with OS, PFS, or toxicity. Conclusion: Nal-IRI with 5-FU/LV is a safe and effective treatment for refractory high-grade NECs of GEP or unknown origin. Future studies should explore novel combinations with Nal-IRI in high-grade NECs both in frontline and refractory settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We have already demonstrated that an SBRT-escalated protocol allows for very high doses per fraction (11Gy/fraction), up to total dose up to 55Gy, which is safe and feasible in a standard LINAC-platform for patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) or locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that after neoadjuvant Cht and escalated dose SBRT, resection was indicated in 84.6% of BRPC and 20% of LAPC. Furthermore, all evaluable patients after surgery had complete or minimal disease resection (R0/R1), with objective pathological responses of 81.8% (TRS0-2). The present follow-up (FUP) was closed on 1 November 2024. The actuarial 1- and 2-year rates for freedom from local relapse as a first cause of disease failure were 92.3% (87.7–93.3%) and 79.7% (79.7–87.7%), respectively. This study shows that neoadjuvant ChT-SBRT, particularly with BED > 100, is highly effective in converting BRPC/LAPC to resectable status, providing a pathway to potentially curative surgery in a subset of patients. Objective: We demonstrated for the first time the safety and feasibility of escalating up to 55 Gy/11 Gy/fr/5fr in borderline (BRPC)/unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), using the standard LINAC platform. The aim of the present study is to assess for the first time the impact of this high-dose neoadjuvant stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABRT) protocol on tumor resectability and pathological responses. Materials/Methods: From June 2017 to December 2022, patients with BRPC/LAPC were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (ChT) and SABRT-escalated doses of SIB at 45 Gy, 50 Gy, and up to 55 Gy (BED ≥ 100). Radiological evaluation was conducted with a CT scan 6-8 weeks post-treatment to determine resectability status based on established criteria (SAR/APA2014). Surgical decisions were made by the multidisciplinary tumor board of the participating institutions. Pathological assessments post-surgery used criteria from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), categorizing resection status as R0 (negative margins), R1 (microscopic tumor margins), and R2 (macroscopic tumor margins). Tumor response was evaluated with the Tumor Response Scoring (TRS) system, as G0 (no viable cancer cells), G1 (single cells or rare small groups), G2 (residual cancer with evident regression), and G3 (extensive residual cancer). Results: Thirty-three patients (p) were included: 39.4% (13p) BRPC/60.6% (20p) LAPC. After ChT-SABRT, 45.5% (15p) were considered resectable, with 11/13 (84.6%) BRPC and 4/20 (20%) LAPC (p < 0.0001). One patient refused surgery and other patient died of COVID sepsis. Two more patients had disseminated disease at surgery. Among the 11 patients who underwent full surgery, all patients achieved either clean margins R0: 72.7% (8p) or microscopic affected margins R1: 27.3% (3p). TRS scores were G1: 27.3% (3p), G2: 54.5% (6p), and G3: 18.2% (2p). The present follow-up (FUP) was closed on 1 November 2024 (23.55 months, range: 6–71 months). The mean freedom from local progression as the first cause of disease failure was 43.30 ± 3.09 (37.23–49.38), and the median was not reached. The actuarial 1- and 2-year rates for freedom from local relapse as a first cause of disease failure were 92.3% (87.7–93.3%) and 79.7% (79.7–87.7%), respectively. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant ChT-SABRT in LAPC improves resectability rates and induces relevant tumor regression. These promising findings should be validated by larger sample sizes and extended follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Jianwei Xiaoshi oral liquid (JWXS), a classical traditional prescription comprising various edible medicinal plants, has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating paediatric indigestion. It originates from Jianpi Pill, which is developed in the Ming Dynasty and nourishes the spleen and regulates gastrointestinal function. However, the specific molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. Methods: To elucidate the material base of JWXS and its underlying mechanism in treating dyspepsia, the UHPLC–Q–Orbitrap HRMS method and network pharmacology were utilized. This was followed by pharmacological experiments, transcriptomics analyses and gut microbiota studies to further investigate the effects of JWXS on dyspepsia. Results: A total of 105 compounds, mainly flavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids and cyclic peptides, were identified. According to the five principles of generic drug properties, 43 candidate compounds were screened out. Their efficacy was verified through gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion experiments. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that JWXS primarily alleviated dyspepsia symptoms by regulating the secretion of 8 key proteins in the pancreatic secretion pathway. The differences in the gut microbiota, as identified through 16S rRNA and ITS2 sequencing, were subsequently more pronounced than those observed in the bacterial microbiota of the model group. In total, 15 differential bacteria and 16 differential fungi were identified. Targeted metabolomics analysis of SCFAs revealed a significant decrease in valeric acid (VA), acetic acid (AA), and isovaleric acid (IVA) levels in the model group, which were restored to the corresponding levels after the administration of JWXS. Correlation analysis revealed that VA, AA, and IVA were positively correlated with Lactobacillus and Bacteroides, and negatively correlated with Aspergillus and Candida. This further suggested that JWXS might alleviate symptoms of indigestion by regulating the composition of the microbiota, increasing the variety and quantity of beneficial bacteria, reducing fungal contamination, and further increasing the levels of SCFAs in the body. Conclusion: JWXS improved functional dyspepsia in immature rats via a mechanism involving the regulation of the secretion of 8 key proteins in the pancreatic secretion pathway and the amelioration of flora disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex disease driven by the immune system attacking the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Understanding the role of different T cell subpopulations in the development and progression of T1D is crucial. By employing flow cytometry to compare the characteristics of T cells, we can pinpoint potential indicators of treatment response or therapeutic inefficacy. Our study reveals elevated prolactin (PRL) levels in T1D patients, along with a decreased production of key cytokines. Additionally, PD1 appears to play a significant role in T1D. Notably, PRL levels correlate with an earlier disease onset and a specific T cell phenotype, hinting at the potential influence of PRL. These findings highlight the need for further research to identify promising cellular targets for more effective and tailored therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi-hormonal islet endocrine cells have been proposed to represent an intermediate state of cellular transdifferentiation, enabling an increase in beta-cell mass in response to severe metabolic stress. Beta-cell plasticity and regenerative capacity are thought to decrease with age. We investigated the ontogeny of bi-hormonal islet endocrine cell populations throughout the human lifespan. Immunofluorescence microscopy was performed for insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin presence on paraffin-embedded sections of pancreata from 20 donors without diabetes aged between 11 days and 79 years of age. The mean proportional presence of glucagon-, insulin-, and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells within islets was 27.5%, 62.1%, and 12.1%, respectively. There was no change in the relative presence of alpha- or beta-cells with advancing age, but delta-cell presence showed a decline with age (R2 = 0.59, p < 0.001). The most abundant bi-hormonal cell phenotype observed co-stained for glucagon and insulin, representing 3.1 ± 0.3% of all islet cells. Glucagon/somatostatin and insulin/somatostatin bi-hormonal cells were also observed representing 2–3% abundance relative to islet cell number. Glucagon/insulin bi-hormonal cells increased with age (R2 = 0.30, p < 0.05) whilst insulin/somatostatin (R2 = 0.50, p < 0.01) and glucagon/somatostatin (R2 = 0.35, p < 0.05) cells decreased with age of donor. Findings show that bi-hormonal cells are present within human pancreatic islets throughout life, perhaps reflecting an ongoing potential for endocrine cell plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increasing trend of cholecystectomy, it is imperative to reassess surgical and surveillance strategies in consideration of the potential long-term risks for digestive tract cancers. The objective of this study was to assess the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) and hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) cancer incidence after cholecystectomy. The data for this cohort study was obtained from the National Health Insurance Service database in Korea. 715,872 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 2004 and 2020 were compared to 1,431,728 individuals who did not underwent cholecystectomy after age, sex, and year of cholecystectomy was matched. The overall incidence rate ratio (IRR) for all GI and HBP cancers was 1.08 (95% C.I., 1.06–1.10). Specifically, the risk of diagnosis of extrahepatic bile duct cancer (IRR 1.92), intrahepatic bile duct cancer (1.78), hepatocellular carcinoma (1.22), and pancreatic cancer (1.13) was significantly increased in the cholecystectomy group. The highest IRR was observed within the 1–3 years following cholecystectomy. Subsequently, the risk of diagnosis gradually decreased and returned to a level comparable to that of the matched control group after 5 to 10 years. In conclusion, hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer are frequently diagnosed subsequent to cholecystectomy. Too short period of post-cholecystectomy follow-up may hinder monitoring of hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, the role of neurotrophins and their receptors in peripheral tissues has been of great interest. At a metabolic level, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor trkB have been reported to participate in insulin secretion from the pancreas in response to increases in circulating blood glucose. Objetive: To determines the role of the BDNF-trkB pathway in insulin secretion and pancreatic morphology in rats fed a cafeteria-style diet for 16 weeks. Methods: For the study, male rats of the Wistar strain were divided into three groups as follows: (1) control group (standard diet), (2) CAF group (cafeteria-style diet) and (3) CAF group treated with ANA-12 (TrkB receptor antagonist). After 4 months of intervention, the glucose and insulin tolerance curves, serum insulin levels, body fat and hematoxylin-eosin staining pancreas were evaluated. Results: The results showed that the cafeteria-style diet induced an increase in the amount of body fat, alterations in the glucose tolerance curve, increased insulin circulation levels, increased HOMA indices and increased pancreatic islet size. The antagonism of the trkB receptor in the rats fed a cafeteria-style diet enhanced some effects such as the accumulation of body fat and insulin secretion and induced a greater increase in the pancreas islet size. Conclusions: Under conditions of cafeteria-style diet-induced obesity, the antagonism of the BDNF-trkB pathway had no enhanced effect on the increase in insulin secretion or pancreatic islet size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular HLA epitope mismatch is an advanced measure for developing de novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA) after kidney transplantation. Its relevance in simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplant recipients (SPKTRs) remains unclear. We investigated dnDSA development in 72 SPKTRs and 383 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and used the Predicted Indirectly Recognizable HLA-Epitopes (PIRCHE-II) algorithm to calculate the mismatch load of HLA-derived epitopes in total, per HLA-class, and per HLA-locus. At 1 year post-transplant, SPKTRs exhibited an increased dnDSA incidence (11.2% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.011); but not at 10 years post-transplant. In SPKTRs, preformed DSA (HR 2.872, p = 0.039) and younger donor age (HR 0.943, p = 0.017) were independent risk factors for developing dnDSA. PIRCHE-II scores for HLA-DQ correlated with dnDSA development upon univariate analysis (p = 0.044). Among 455 KTRs/SPKTRs, multivariate analysis identified PIRCHE-II scores for HLA-DQ (HR 1.023, p = 0.025) and ciclosporine use (HR 2.440, p = 0.001) as independent predictors of dnDSA development. Simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplantation (SPK) was an independent risk factor in case of preformed DSA only (HR 2.782, p = 0.037). High PIRCHE-II scores for HLA-DQ are crucial for dnDSA development in both SPKTRs and KTRs. The lack of an independent association of total PIRCHE-II scores urges caution in implementing it in post-transplantation risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meglumine antimoniate is used to treat canine leishmaniosis. In humans, it has been associated with pancreatitis. Although a few case reports have described acute pancreatitis secondary to antimonial treatment in dogs, some studies have concluded that pancreatitis is not an adverse effect of this medication. The objective was to evaluate whether treatment with meglumine antimoniate could induce pancreatitis in dogs with leishmaniosis, on the basis of clinical signs, canine serum specific quantitative pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) concentration, and ultrasonographic abnormalities. Methods: A prospective, observational, longitudinal, and multicentric study was conducted from April 2021 through February 2023. Results: A total of 33 dogs with leishmaniosis were included and classified into LeishVet clinical stages; 13 (39.4%) were included in stage II, 11 (33.3%) in stage III, and 9 in stage IV (27.3%). and 14 (42.4%) developed pancreatitis, 10 during treatment with meglumine antimoniate, and 4 at the end of the treatment. Advanced LeishVet clinical stage was statistically associated with development of pancreatitis. In addition, nine dogs received prednisone at the beginning of treatment, but it was not statistically associated with the prevention of pancreatitis. Conclusions: Meglumine antimoniate remains the first line leishmanicidal treatment option for canine leishmaniosis, but it appears to induce pancreatitis in a significant percentage of dogs. Monitoring serum cPLI levels and performing an abdominal ultrasound should be considered when pancreatitis-associated clinical signs are observed, or when there is a high suspicion of circulating immune complexes in dogs with advanced LeishVet clinical stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Digestive cancers are still important contributors to the global burden of cancer in our society, and diet may play a role in their development. In our study, we observed an association between dairy products, especially fermented ones, and a lower risk of esophageal and stomach cancers, whereas high intake of sugary dairy desserts was linked to a higher risk of stomach cancer. Fermented dairy products, which contain beneficial compounds, such as probiotics, appear to offer a protective effect, particularly at higher levels of consumption. In contrast, high consumption of sugary dairy desserts, commonly rich in free sugars and unhealthy fats, was associated with a higher risk of stomach cancer. No significant association was found with milk consumption. These findings suggest that the risk of upper digestive tract cancers may be mitigated by consuming fermented dairy, while high intake of sugary dairy desserts could elevate this risk. Background/Objectives: This study explored the association between dairy products consumption (total and subgroups) and cancer of the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas within the PANESOES case–control study. Methods: Data from 1229 participants, including 774 incident cases of cancer and 455 controls matched by age, sex, and region, were analyzed. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire, categorizing dairy intake by total and subgroups (fermented dairy, sugary dairy desserts, and milk). Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate relative risk ratios (RRRs), adjusting for confounders. Results: We found an inverse association between moderate dairy consumption (T2) and esophageal cancer (RRR T2 vs. T1 = 0.59 (95%CI: 0.37–0.96)). The highest tertile (T3) of fermented dairy was associated with a lower risk of esophageal (RRR T3 vs. T1 = 0.55 (0.33–0.90)) and stomach cancers (RRR T3 vs. T1 = 0.68 (0.47–0.97)). By contrast, the highest tertile of consumption of sugary dairy desserts was associated with a higher risk of stomach cancer (RRR T3 vs. T1 = 1.85 (1.30–2.64)). No association was found for milk. Conclusions: This study suggests that fermented dairy may reduce the risk of esophageal and stomach cancers, while sugary dairy desserts may increase the risk of stomach cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical image segmentation is crucial for diagnostics and treatment planning, yet traditional methods often struggle with the variability of real-world clinical data. Deep learning models, like the Segment Anything Model (SAM), have been proposed as a powerful tool that helps to delimit regions using a prompt. This work proposes a methodology to improve the quality of the segmentation by integrating test-time augmentation (TTA) with the SAM for medical applications (MedSAM) by using random circular shifts, addressing challenges such as misalignments and imaging variability. The method generates several input variations during inference that are combined after, improving robustness and segmentation accuracy without requiring retraining. Evaluated across diverse computed tomography (CT) datasets, including Medical Segmentation Decathlon (MSD), KiTS, and COVID-19-20, the proposed method demonstrated consistent improvements in Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and Normalized Surface Dice (NSD) metrics. The highest performances were 93.6% DSC and 97% NSD. Notably, it achieved superior boundary precision and surface alignment in complex regions like the pancreas and colon, outperforming baseline models, including MedSAM and DeepLabv3+. The approach is computationally feasible, leveraging a balance of augmentation intensity and segmentation accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Advanced deep learning methods can be applied to accurately measure pancreatic fat from multi-echo MR images. Pancreatic steatosis and metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease are characterised by fat accumulation in abdominal organs, but their correlation remains inconclusive. Recently proposed deep learning (DL) for proton density fat fraction (PDFF) estimation, which quantifies organ fat, has primarily been assessed for quantifying liver fat. This study aims to validate DL models for pancreatic PDFF quantification and compare pancreas and liver fat content. We evaluated three DL models—Non-Linear Variables Neural Network (NLV-Net), U-Net, and Multi-Decoder Water-Fat separation Network—against a reference PDFF measured using a graph-cut-based method. NLV-Net showed a strong correlation (Spearman rho) with the reference PDFF in the six-echo pancreatic head (slope: 1.02, rho: 0.95) and body (slope: 1.04, rho: 0.94) and a moderate correlation in the three-echo pancreatic head (slope: 0.44, rho: 0.40) and body (slope: 0.49, rho: 0.34). Weak correlations were found between liver and pancreatic body PDFF using graph cut in six-echo (slope: −0.041, rho: −0.12) and three-echo images (slope: 0.0014, rho: 0.073) and using NLV-Net in six-echo (slope: −0.053, rho: −0.12) and three-echo images (slope: −0.014, rho: −0.033). In conclusion, NLV-Net showed the best agreement with the reference for pancreatic fat quantification, and no correlation was found between liver and pancreas fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mucinous epithelial pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are premalignant lesions detectable through imaging techniques; however, distinguishing them from other PCLs with lower malignancy potential is challenging. Current methods like biochemical markers and genomic studies are not always reliable. Thermal liquid biopsy (TLB) is an innovative tool that analyzes the thermal profile of biological samples to detect disease-related alterations. In a retrospective study of 35 intracystic fluid samples obtained via fine needle aspiration, predictive models were developed using machine learning algorithms. Two classification models were created: TLB1, which differentiates mucinous from non-mucinous PCLs, demonstrating 92% sensitivity and 86% negative predictive value, and TLB2, which identifies benign and malignant mucinous lesions, achieving an area under the curve of 1.00. TLB shows promise in improving the differential diagnosis of PCLs and in detecting malignant transformations. Background/Objectives: Mucinous epithelial pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are premalignant lesions readily detectable through imaging techniques such as multidetector computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). However, distinguishing these from other PCLs with lower or no malignant potential, and the early identification of those undergoing malignant transformation, remains a diagnostic challenge. Current methods, including biochemical markers in intracystic fluid (ICF) and genomic studies, offer some assistance but are not always reliable or accessible. Thermal liquid biopsy (TLB) is a novel diagnostic tool that examines the thermal profile (thermogram) of biological samples, reflecting their response to heat and thereby revealing characteristics of their overall composition or disease-induced alterations. Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 35 ICF samples (49% mucinous) obtained via EUS-FNA (fine needle aspiration) were analyzed using TLB. Thermogram data were utilized to develop predictive models for differential diagnosis between mucinous and non-mucinous PCLs or malignancy detection through machine learning algorithms. Results: Two classification models were developed: TLB1 ("mucinous" vs. "non-mucinous" PCLs) and TLB2 ("benign mucinous" vs. "malignant mucinous" PCLs). The TLB1 model demonstrated a sensitivity of 92% and a negative predictive value of 86%, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79 (0.59–0.99), indicating good discriminative ability between the two groups. The TLB2 model exhibited excellent predictive capability, with an AUC of 1.00. Conclusions: TLB analysis of PCLs is a promising tool that could significantly enhance the differential diagnosis of PCLs, enabling the efficient identification of mucinous lesions and even those undergoing malignant transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Activating apoptosis and oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes. Evening primrose oil (EPO) has been shown to regulate lipid profiles and hyperglycemia under metabolic conditions. This study aimed to examine the effect of EPO on miR-21 expression, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and histological changes in the pancreas of male rats with experimental diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four distinct groups: control, diabetic, diabetic + EPO, and EPO. EPO was administered orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg, and STZ was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 35 mg/kg for 28 days. In the end, the effects of treatments were assessed by measuring expressions of miR-21 in the pancreas with real-time PCR, pancreatic histological and immunohistochemical changes examinations, and oxidative stress assessment. Results: In the diabetic group, miR-21 expression and the levels of caspase-3 and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased compared to the control group, while insulin expression and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) levels were decreased significantly. Treatment with EPO resulted in a reduction of miR-21 and caspase-3 expression, as well as MDA levels, and an increase in insulin expression and SOD levels compared to the diabetic group. Additionally, supplementation with EPO demonstrated the ability to restore pancreatic tissue features, serum insulin levels, and blood glucose fluctuations. Conclusion: Collectively, the protective impacts of EPO in diabetic rats may be linked to the inhibition of miR-21/caspase-3/oxidative stress pathway, leading to the restoration of pancreatic β-cell function and structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) has a millennia-long history, with early references dating back to ancient Egypt and India. However, it was not until the 20th century that the connection between diabetes and insulin was fully understood. The sequencing of insulin in the 1950s initiated the convergence of biotechnology and diabetes management, leading to the development of recombinant human insulin in 1982. This marked the start of peptide-based therapies in DM. Recombinant peptides for DM treatment: Numerous recombinant peptides have been developed since, starting with modified insulin molecules, with the aim of bettering DM management through fine-tuning the glycemic response to insulin. Peptide-based therapies in DM have expanded substantially beyond insulin to include agonists of Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor and Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor, glucagon receptor antagonists, and even peptides exerting multiple receptor agonist effects, for better metabolic control. Insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring, and automated insulin delivery systems: The development of modern delivery systems combined with real-time glucose monitoring has significantly advanced diabetes care. Insulin pumps evolved from early large devices to modern sensor-augmented pumps with automated shutoff features and hybrid closed-loop systems, requiring minimal user input. The second-generation systems have demonstrated superior outcomes, proving highly effective in diabetes management. Islet cell transplantation, organoids, and biological pancreas augmentation represent innovative approaches to diabetes management. Islet cell transplantation aims to restore insulin production by transplanting donor beta cells, though challenges persist regarding graft survival and the need for immunosuppression. Organoids are a promising platform for generating insulin-producing cells, although far from clinical use. Biological pancreas augmentation relies on therapies that promote beta-cell (re)generation, reduce stress, and induce immune tolerance. Further biotechnology-driven perspectives in DM will include metabolic control via biotechnology-enabled tools such as custom-designed insulin hybrid molecules, machine-learning algorithms to control peptide release, and engineering cells for optimal peptide production and secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment is to investigate whether interspecies differences exist in the effects of leucine (Leu) on digestive enzyme secretion in pancreatic tissues through in vitro. Five healthy Simmental cattle and Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire growing-finishing pigs were selected, and pancreatic tissues were taken for culture after slaughter. Leu levels of 0, 2.62, 5.24, 10.48 mg/mL. Leu levels of 0, 5.24 mg/mL were selected to determine the expression of mRNA and proteins in the signaling pathways. The results showed that Leu increased the activity of digestive enzyme in cattle and pig, and there was an interaction was found on trypsin and chymotrypsin (P < 0.05). Leu had a significant effect on the mRNA (PKB, S6K1, 4E-BP1 and ATF4) and protein expression (PKB and 4E-BP1) and the phosphorylation (PKB, S6K1 and ATF4) levels (P < 0.05). Animal species had significant effects on the mRNA (PKB, S6K1 and ATF4) and protein (S6K1 and 4E-BP1) expression, and the phosphorylation (4E-BP1) levels (P < 0.05). There was an interaction between animal species and Leu on the expression of protein (PKB and S6K1) (P < 0.05). In summary, interspecies differences exist in the regulation of Leu on digestive enzyme secretion in pancreatic tissues in vitro of different animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic diseases, typically including pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes, pose enormous threats to people's lives and health. To date, therapeutics with high therapeutic efficacy and low side effects are still challenging. With the development of nanotechnology, nanomaterials have successfully been applied in pancretic disease treatment. Here, we first introduce the diversity of nanomaterials and the effects of their different physicochemical properties on pancreatic function. Following this, we analyze the potential of nanomaterials to enhance pancreatic targeting by overcoming the challenges of traditional delivery methods through surface modifications, structural adjustments, and optimized drug loading. Then, we introduce the application of structurally optimized nanomaterials to pancreatic-related diseases. For instance, on pancreatic cancer (as drug delivery platforms, for the promotion of radiation therapy, and as multifunctional tools), pancreatitis (as drug delivery systems, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agents), and diabetes (as insulin delivery carriers, for protecting pancreatic β cells, and for improving insulin resistance). Through analysis of the progress of current research, we summarize how nanomaterials can enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects. Finally, we look forward to the prospects of nanomaterials in pancreatic disease treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ewing sarcomas are rare tumors arising mainly in the bones and the surrounding soft tissues. Primary extraosseous Ewing sarcomas have also been described in several other organs and locations other than bones, including the pancreas. These tumors have well-defined histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular characteristics. In this manuscript, we present a case of primary Ewing sarcoma of the pancreas in a 29-year-old patient, and we systematically review the literature on both primary and metastatic Ewing sarcomas of the pancreas, describing their clinicopathological characteristics. We also discuss the differential diagnosis and the treatment of this rare entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is inevitable during the perioperative period. The pancreas is susceptible to I/R injury. Autophagy, a self-digestion process, is upregulated during I/R injury and strongly induced by hypoxia. This study aims to determine whether dexmedetomidine can decrease pancreatic ß-cell damage by regulating autophagy under hypoxia. Methods: INS-1 rat insulinoma cells were cultured in dexmedetomidine before being exposed to cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-induced hypoxia. Cell viability and the expression of autophagy-related proteins (light chain 3B [LC3B]-II, p62, and ATGs) were assessed. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins (BCL-2 and P-BAD) were also evaluated. Co-Cl2-treated INS-1 cells were pretreated with the autophagosome formation inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), to compare its effects with those of dexmedetomidine. Bafilomycin-A1 (Baf-A1) that inhibits autophagosome degradation was used to confirm the changes in autophagosome formation induced by dexmedetomidine. Results: Dexmedetomidine attenuated the increased expression of autophagic proteins (LC3B-II, p62, and ATGs) and reversed the CoCl2-induced reduction in the proliferation of INS-1 cells after hypoxia. Dexmedetomidine also alleviated the decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic protein (BCL-2) and the increased expression of apoptotic protein (BAX). Dexmedetomidine reduces the activation of autophagy through inhibiting autophagosome formation, as confirmed by a decrease in LC3B-II/I ratio, a marker of autophagosome formation, in LC3B turnover assay combined with Baf-A1. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine alleviates the degree of cellular damage in INS-1 cells against CoCl2-induced hypoxia by regulating autophagosome formation. These results provide a basis for further studies to confirm these effects in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few decades, poor prognosis of pancreatic tumor has been an issue of concern in spite of the recent advancements in the different imaging modalities. Small size, similar attenuation to normal sized pancreas or concealed position of pancreas during CT scans are the factors that leads to failure in early diagnosis of pancreatic tumor. In this research, an organized framework is proposed for monitoring, classifying and diagnosing of pancreatic tumor. The suggested model integrates the technique of Deep Neural Network (DNN) and optimistic aspects of nature-inspired algorithms; this model aims to achieve a harmonious combination of both the techniques. The proposed model examines the medical images obtained from CT scans for the presence of pancreatic tumor using SSA-ML image segmentation on CT dataset. Evaluation of suggested model in comparison to other contemporary models IDLDMS, ODL, weighted KLM, Kernel-ELM, and ELM models is also performed in reference to sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and F1 score. The classification accuracy of our model is 99.44 % which reflects its supremacy over other recent models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The human gastrointestinal system hosts a rich and diverse microbial community, surpassing a staggering 10[ 14 ] bacteria, collectively harbouring more than 5,000,000 genes. The aim of this study is to carry out a systematic review of human studies in order to investigate the correlation between the gut microbiota and pancreatic disorders. Materials and Methods: To systematically compile relevant research between 2011 and 2022, a thorough exploration of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was executed. The initial search results, encompassing all identified studies, were meticulously scrutinised, including a comprehensive review of their reference lists to ensure the completeness of our search. Initially, our search strategy yielded a total of 114 items. Subsequent refinement involved the removal of 58 duplicate articles identified in both searches. Following a meticulous screening process involving title, abstract and keyword assessments, 36 studies progressed to the next phase of evaluation. However, this cohort underwent further scrutiny, leading to the exclusion of 11 studies categorised as reviews or case reports, 5 in languages other than English that have been published and 20 that did not investigate the microbiome. As a result, a focused set of 20 papers emerged for in-depth evaluation for eligibility. Results: The demographic profile of the patients revealed that nearly half were men, with an average age of 52 years (interquartile range of 44-56). The interquartile range further ranged from 45% to 52%, reflecting the distribution of ages within the group. Among the studies scrutinising acute pancreatitis, gallstones emerged as the predominant cause in 9 out of 15, while 7 studies focusing on chronic pancreatitis found no evidence of gallstones. Conclusion: This comprehensive, systematic investigation has furnished robust evidence substantiating the intricate connection between pancreatitis and the microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Acute heart failure (AHF) is associated with end‐organ dysfunction. The effect of AHF on the pancreas has not been studied. We aim to evaluate serum markers of pancreatic damage during hospitalization for AHF. Methods and results: In data from the Pragmatic Urinary Sodium‐based treatment algoritHm in Acute Heart Failure (PUSH‐AHF) study, amylase and lipase values were extracted from available serum samples at baseline, and at 24 and 72 h after hospitalization. The differences between pancreatic enzymes between timepoints were evaluated using the Friedman test. Associations with N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were tested using linear regression analysis. The study population consisted of 274 patients. Mean age was 73 ± 11 years, and 117 (43%) were women. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 38 ± 14%; 53 (19%) patients had HF with a preserved LVEF (≥50%). At baseline, median amylase and lipase were within normal range (47 [33–63] U/L and 30 [21–44] U/L, respectively). Both enzymes significantly increased in the first 72 h (P‐value for trend <0.001); mean change was 9 ± 22 U/L for amylase, and 10 ± 22 U/L for lipase. Moreover, NT‐proBNP at baseline showed a positive correlation with mean change in pancreatic enzymes in 72 h (P = 0.02 for amylase and P = 0.006 for lipase). Conclusion: Patients admitted for AHF exhibited a significant increase in serum values of pancreatic enzymes in the first 72 h, suggesting that an episode of AHF affects the pancreatic tissue. This rise in pancreatic enzymes was associated with HF severity, as reflected by NT‐proBNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate pancreas segmentation is essential for the diagnosis of pancreas disease, while it is still challenging due to the variable structure and small size of the pancreas. In this paper, we propose a Multi-scale Deformable U-Net with Cos-spatial and Channel Hybrid Transformer (MDHT-Net) for pancreas segmentation. To mitigate the ambiguity between the codec stages, the Cos-spatial and Channel Hybrid Transformer (CCHT) module is designed as a novel skip connection, enhancing the network's ability to perceive spatial information and reveal the inter-channel relationships within different layers' features. Furthermore, the CCHT efficiently aggregates multi-stage contextual information by improving the self-attention mechanism in two different manners, overcoming the limitation of computational complexity. In addition, to comprehensively understand deep semantic information, the Multi-scale Feature Adaptive-extraction (MFA) module is proposed to dynamically enhance the network's receptive field by integrating the pancreas characteristics of scale variations. The experimental results present that our proposed MDHT-Net achieves superior performance compared to other existing state-of-the-art methods on two public pancreas datasets, with the mean Dice coefficient of 91.07 ± 1.19 % for NIH and 91.52 ± 0.66 % for MSD, respectively. Given the effectiveness and advantages of our proposed MDHT-Net, it is expected to be a potential tool to assist clinicians in detecting pancreas disease and making reasonable treatment plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune condition characterized by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells, necessitating insulin therapy to prevent life-threatening complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Despite advancements in glucose monitoring and pharmacological treatments, managing this disease remains challenging, often leading to long-term complications and psychological burdens, including diabetes distress. Advanced treatment options, such as whole-pancreas transplantation and islet transplantation, aim to restore insulin production and improve glucose control in selected patients with diabetes. The risk of transplant rejection necessitates immunosuppressive therapy, which increases susceptibility to infections and other adverse effects. Additionally, surgical complications, including infection and bleeding, are significant concerns, particularly for whole-pancreas transplantation. Recently, stem cell-derived therapies for type 1 diabetes have emerged as a promising alternative, offering potential solutions to overcome the limitations of formerly established transplantation methods. The purpose of this scoping review was to: (1) summarize the current evidence on achieved insulin independence following various transplantation methods of insulin-producing cells in patients with type 1 diabetes; (2) compare insulin independence rates among whole-pancreas transplantation, islet cell transplantation, and stem cell transplantation; and (3) identify limitations, challenges and potential future directions associated with these techniques. We systematically searched three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from inception to November 2024, focusing on English-language, peer-reviewed clinical studies. The search terms used were 'transplantation' AND 'type 1 diabetes' AND 'insulin independence'. Studies were included if they reported on achieved insulin independence, involved more than 10 patients with type 1 diabetes, and had a mean follow-up period of at least one year. Reviewers screened citations and extracted data on transplant type, study population size, follow-up duration, and insulin independence rates. We identified 1380 papers, and after removing duplicates, 705 papers remained for title and abstract screening. A total of 139 English-language papers were retrieved for full-text review, of which 48 studies were included in this review. The findings of this scoping review indicate a growing body of literature on transplantation therapy for type 1 diabetes. However, significant limitations and challenges, like insufficient rates of achieved insulin independence, risks related to immunosuppression, malignant diseases, and ethical issues remain with each of the established techniques, highlighting the need for innovative approaches such as stem cell-derived islet transplantation to promote β-cell regeneration and protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current research was to characterize the correlation of Forkhead transcription factor and histopathologic findings of dogs’ pancreatic lesions. The study revealed a negative linear correlation (Correlation Coefficient 0.96) between lesions frequences and FOXO1 (lesions frequences move in opposing directions). Lesion frequences reduce as FOXO1 rises. Samples collected from the necropsy unit of veterinary teaching hospital at University of Mosul, college of veterinary medicine, to determine and confirm any histopathologic evidence of specific lesions these specimens histologically examined. In dogs, pancreatic lesions can range from mild inflammation (pancreatitis) to more severe conditions such as pancreatic cancer. Focusing on histopathological changes can help identify the correlation with FOXO1 expression. Various types of lesions were observed in the 17 pancreatic samples from dogs; however, none have been showed any evidence of neoplasia. Despite a lack of gross lesions, 14 samples (82.35%) exhibited microscopic pathological changes. Three samples (17.64%) revealed normal histology. In total, 12 types of microscopic lesions were identified. Among the 14 samples, degenerative changes, congestion, edema, coagulative and fat necrosis, as well as inflammation were detected in some samples. Multiple lesions, including fibrosis, hyperplasia, and atrophy, were observed in other samples. Additionally, cyst formations, metaplasia, and granulation tissue were determined. Dogs were randomly chosen, and all pancreatic samples were assessed through histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. This study concludes that lesions frequences move in opposing directions. Lesion frequences increase as FOX01 descend.

Abstract Lectins are produced in almost all life forms, can interact with targets (glycans) in a cross-kingdom manner and have served as valuable tools for studying glycobiology. Previously, a bacterial lectin, named Streptomyces hemagglutinin (SHA), was found to agglutinate human type B erythrocytes. However, the binding of SHA to mammalian cell types other than human erythrocytes has not been explored. To address this, we produced a recombinant fusion protein, with the mCherry reporter protein proceeding the SHA protein (referred to as mCherry-SHA), and performed co-immunofluorescence staining analysis. We focused on the normal pancreas in this study because glycans on pancreatic cells have been associated with initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer, a deadly disease. We found that only acinar, but not ductal or endocrine cells were stained positively with mCherry-SHA from embryonic day (E) 18.5 to 35 weeks old mice; in contrast, E12.5 and E15.5 pancreas display minimal mCherry-SHA binding. In adult humans, mCherry-SHA also targeted acinar cells specifically; however, only tissue from blood type B donors, but not type A or O donors, showed positivity. Together, these results demonstrate that SHA can bind to normal murine and human pancreatic acinar cells and that SHA-binding glycans are developmentally regulated.

To examine the hypoglycemic effects and myocardial protection of Sanghuangporus vaninii polysaccharide (SP) in T2DM rats, these effects were assessed in rats fed a high glucose and high fat diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were randomly assigned to one of the following six groups: the diabetes mellitus (DM), metformin (MET), low-, medium-, and high-dose SP (SPL, SPM, and SPH), and control (CN) groups. Following 4 weeks of continuous intervention by gavage, the weights and multiple physiological and biochemical indicators of rats were measured and recorded, and performed pathological observations of the pancreatic and myocardial tissues of rats. Results revealed that SP at all assessed doses could reduce weight loss in T2DM rats compared to the DM group, significantly reduce fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels, and improve glucose tolerance (P

ObjectiveTo analyze the associations between aging and fat deposition in the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and spleen. MethodsA total of 40 subjects were enrolled in the study. Fasting venous blood was collected and abdominal 3T MRI with the six-point Dixon-VIBE subsequence was performed. Fat fraction (FF) was quantified, and biochemical indexes related to glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and liver and kidney functions were determined. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlations among variables. ResultsPancreatic fat fraction (PFF) had an independent positive correlation with age and a non-independently positive correlation with body mass index (BMI, P＜0.05); liver fat fraction (LFF) had an independently positive correlation with BMI and a non-independent association with age (P＜0.05); kidney fat fraction (KFF) had a non-independently positive correlations with both age and BMI (P＜0.05). There were positive correlations between PFF and LFF or KFF (P＜0.05); after adjusted PFF, there was no correlation between LFF and KFF. PFF was positively correlated with fasting C-peptide (FCP) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c, P＜0.05); LFF was positively correlated with fasting plasma insulin (FPI) and FCP, and was negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, P＜0.05); KFF was positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG) and was negatively correlated with HDL-C (P＜0.05). Spleen fat fraction (SFF) had no correlation with age, BMI and either metabolic parameters. ConclusionsAging significantly affects fat deposition in the pancreas, and may affect fat deposition in the liver and kidneys, with little effect on spleen metabolism.

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, manifesting during fasting or after meals. According to projections by the International Diabetes Federation, the global incidence of diabetes was approximately 366 million individuals in 2011, with an anticipated increase to 552 million by 2030. The pancreatic islets play an essential role in regulating blood glucose concentrations. The intercellular communication between α- and β-cells within the pancreatic islets plays a critical role, which is more intricate and less understood than their systemic hormonal effects on preserving glucose homeostasis and balancing the secretion of glucagon and insulin. Research has identified several substances within insulin vesicles that modulate α- and β-cell populations through paracrine interactions, thereby intricately regulating the secretion of insulin and glucagon. These substances encompass insulin-like growth factors, macrophage migration inhibitory factors, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, preptin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In normal individuals, insulin in α-cells, through insulin receptors and the mammalian target of rapamycin/protein kinase B/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway, causes α-cells to proliferate and ultimately increase blood glucagon. Nonetheless, GABA is secreted in addition to insulin. GABA via GABA-A receptors causes α-cells to be hyperpolarized and balance the proliferation of α-cells. This regulates the ratio of the number of α-cells to β-cells, which ultimately fine tune blood glucose. This review indicates that GABA, as a medicinal compound that has no prominent side effects, can have effects on reducing blood glucose and improving other diabetic markers similar to insulin.

Aims Acute heart failure (AHF) is associated with end‐organ dysfunction. The effect of AHF on the pancreas has not been studied. We aim to evaluate serum markers of pancreatic damage during hospitalization for AHF. Methods and results In data from the Pragmatic Urinary Sodium‐based treatment algoritHm in Acute Heart Failure (PUSH‐AHF) study, amylase and lipase values were extracted from available serum samples at baseline, and at 24 and 72 h after hospitalization. The differences between pancreatic enzymes between timepoints were evaluated using the Friedman test. Associations with N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were tested using linear regression analysis. The study population consisted of 274 patients. Mean age was 73 ± 11 years, and 117 (43%) were women. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 38 ± 14%; 53 (19%) patients had HF with a preserved LVEF (≥50%). At baseline, median amylase and lipase were within normal range (47 [33–63] U/L and 30 [21–44] U/L, respectively). Both enzymes significantly increased in the first 72 h (P‐value for trend

Normal hepatic arterial anatomy consists of the right hepatic artery and left hepatic artery branching from the common hepatic artery. Despite this being the most common configuration, many variations have been described. Here, we present a rare variant of hepatic arterial anatomy- a replaced right hepatic artery with direct aortic origin. Additionally, the patient was found to have a dorsal pancreatic artery originating from the replaced right hepatic artery This was angiographically identified during mapping for transarterial radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. The unique anatomy in this case and the effect it had on transarterial radioembolization planning described herein demonstrates the necessity of understanding variant hepatic arterial anatomy in endovascular hepatic interventions.

BACKGROUND: After approval for clinical use in 2017 early investigations of ultra-high-field abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have demonstrated the feasibility as well as diagnostic capabilities of liver, kidney, and prostate MRI at 7-Tesla. However, the elevation of the field strength to 7-Tesla not only brought advantages to abdominal MRI but also presented considerable challenges and drawbacks, primarily stemming from heightened artifacts and limitations in Specific Absorption Rate, etc. Furthermore, evidence in the literature is relatively scarce concerning human studies in comparison to phantom/animal studies which necessitates an investigation into the evidence so far in humans and summarizing all relevant evidence. AIM: To offer a comprehensive overview of current literature on clinical abdominal 7T MRI that emphasizes current trends, details relevant challenges, and provides a concise set of potential solutions. METHODS: This systematic review adheres to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A PubMed search, utilizing Medical Subject Headings terms such as 7-Tesla and organ-specific terms, was conducted for articles published between January 1, 1985, and July 25, 2023. Eligibility criteria included studies exploring 7T MRI for imaging human abdominal organs, encompassing various study types (in-vivo/ex-vivo, method development, reviews/meta-analyses). Exclusion criteria involved animal studies and those lacking extractable data. Study selection involved initial identification via title/abstract, followed by a full-text review by two researchers, with discrepancies resolved through discussion. Data extraction covered publication details, study design, population, sample size, 7T MRI protocol, image characteristics, endpoints, and conclusions. RESULTS: The systematic review included a total of 21 studies. The distribution of clinical 7T abdominal imaging studies revealed a predominant focus on the prostate (n = 8), followed by the kidney (n = 6) and the hepatobiliary system (n = 5). Studies on these organs, and in the pancreas, demonstrated clear advantages at 7T. However, small bowel studies showed no significant improvements compared to traditional MRI at 1.5T. The majority of studies evaluated originated from Germany (n = 10), followed by the Netherlands (n = 5), the United States (n = 5), Austria (n = 2), the United Kingdom (n = 1), and Italy (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Further increase of abdominal clinical MRI field strength to 7T demonstrated high imaging potential, yet also limitations mainly due to the inhomogeneous radiofrequency (RF) excitation field relative to lower field strengths. Hence, further optimization of dedicated RF coil elements and pulse sequences are expected to better optimize clinical imaging at high magnetic field strength.