Search

Abstract Background Changes in gene expression related to obesity are linked to microRNAs, such as miR‐141, which play a crucial role in metabolic homeostasis. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an enzyme that plays a crucial role in regulating various cellular functions and metabolism, is implicated in obesity and the ensuing non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this research was to evaluate the levels of miR‐141 and its relationship with SIRT1 and NAFLD. Methods A group of 100 adults (50 with obesity and 50 with normal‐weight) were selected and underwent complete clinical evaluation and anthropometric measurements. Biochemical parameters were assessed in blood serum, and the levels of miR‐141 in plasma were measured by real‐time PCR. The expression of the SIRT1 gene was also evaluated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells using Real‐time PCR. The ELISA technique was used to determine insulin levels. Liver steatosis was assessed by ultrasound. Results The results showed that levels of miR‐141 were significantly increased in participants with obesity compared with the control group. Conversely, the expression of the SIRT1 gene in individuals with obesity was lower than that in control participants. A strong negative correlation was observed between miR‐141 and SIRT1 and a strong positive association was observed between miR‐141 and metabolic parameters. Furthermore, participants with fatty liver had significantly elevated levels of miR‐141 gene expression and lower expression of SIRT1 gene, compared to those without fatty liver. Conclusion elevated levels of miR‐141 in individuals with obesity might be a contributing factor in the repression of SIRT1 in obesity and its consequences, including NAFLD. Therefore, miR‐141 might serve as a suitable diagnostic and therapeutic target in obesity and NAFLD.

Abstract Indirect Drive Inertial Confinement Fusion Experiments on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) have achieved a burning plasma state with neutron yields exceeding 170 kJ, roughly 3 times the prior record and a necessary stage for igniting plasmas. The results are achieved despite multiple sources of degradations that lead to high variability in performance. Results shown here, for the first time, include an empirical correction factor for mode-2 asymmetry in the burning plasma regime in addition to previously determined corrections for radiative mix and mode-1. Analysis shows that including these three corrections alone accounts for the measured fusion performance variability in the two highest performing experimental campaigns on the NIF to within error. Here we quantify the performance sensitivity to mode-2 symmetry in the burning plasma regime and apply the results, in the form of an empirical correction to a 1D performance model. Furthermore, we find the sensitivity to mode-2 determined through a series of integrated 2D radiation hydrodynamic simulations to be consistent with the experimentally determined sensitivity only when including alpha-heating.

Abstract Introduction Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is a crucial enzyme responsible for the release of fatty acids from various tissues. The expression of ATGL is regulated by insulin and this enzyme is linked to Insulin resistance (IR). On the other hand, ATGL‐mediated lipolysis is connected to macrophage function and thus, ATGL is involved in inflammation and the pathogenesis of lipid‐related disorders. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between ATGL, obesity, Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), and inflammation. Methods A total of 100 participants, including 50 individuals with obesity and 50 healthy participants, were recruited for this study and underwent comprehensive clinical evaluations. Blood samples were collected to measure plasma lipid profiles, glycemic indices, and liver function tests. Additionally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and used for the assessment of the gene expression of ATGL, using real‐time PCR. Furthermore, PBMCs were cultured and exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with simultaneous ATGL inhibition, and the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, along with the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), were measured. Results The gene expression of ATGL was significantly elevated in PBMCs obtained from participants with obesity and was particularly higher in those diagnosed with MetS. It exhibited a correlation with insulin levels and Homeostatic Model Assessment for IR (HOMA‐IR), and it was associated with lipid accumulation in the liver. Stimulation with LPS increased ATGL expression in PBMCs, while inhibition of ATGL attenuated the inflammatory responses induced by LPS. Conclusions Obesity and MetS were associated with dysregulation of ATGL. ATGL might play a role in the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and act as a significant contributor to the development of metabolic abnormalities related to obesity.

Compression is an essential component of achieving high gain in inertial confinement fusion. However, increasing compression with crystalline ablator-based implosions had not succeeded up to now, attributed to increased hydrodynamic instability growth. We present experimental results demonstrating record high compression of stagnated fuel in indirectly driven implosions that use a high-density carbon ablator at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) [Spaeth et al., Fusion Sci. Technol. 69, 25 (2016)]1536-105510.13182/FST15-144 by the use of a modified drive pulse (and capsule design). Specifically, the SQ-n design [Clark et al., Phys. Plasmas 29, 052710 (2022)1070-664X10.1063/5.0087052] replaces the second and the third shock phase with a more gently ramped rise designed to reduce in-flight fuel adiabat and instability growth at both the ablation front and the ablator-DT fuel interface and hence promote increased compression. Comparing the results from a large set of experiments, we show that SQ-n achieves ≈15%–30% higher compression than prior designs, a finding that may chart a path toward increased compression and higher gain at the NIF [Abu-Shawareb et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 075001 (2022)0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001.].

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in sleep quality of students with test anxiety. Materials and Methods: The study population included all in the academic year of 2015-2016. In the present study, 150 high school female students in Birjand-Iran, completed the Sarason Test Anxiety Questionnaire. Thirty-six students were randomly selected among students with anxiety scores above 20 and divided into three groups. Then, they fulfilled the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (1989). One group received Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and another group received cognitive therapy based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The control group did not receive any treatment. Data were analyzed using MANCOVA, and SPSS version 22. Results: The results indicated that sleep problems were decreased significantly in both experimental groups (P< 0.05). In addition, the effectiveness of MBCT was significantly higher than ACT (P< 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy effectively improved sleep quality in students with test anxiety.

The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) mainly consisting of paper/cardboard can be used as feedstock for the production of cellulosic ethanol. In this paper, an efficient technology is described to convert waste paper/cardboard into cellulosic ethanol. The process involves separation of the OF from the other components in the waste stream. An acid pretreatment is used to liberate the cellulosic fibers and the accessibility of the enzyme Cellic CTEC3 loading 3.75–11.25 FPU/g paper in a fed-batch addition up to 22.5% solid yield, 15 g sugars/l with a saccharification yield up to 90%. A semi-simultaneous fermentation process (SSFP) with a saccharomyces cerevisae strain MDS130 capable of fermenting both pentoses and hexoses are growing an ethanol titer (%v/v) of 8.4% on pilon-plant scale.

Specialty palliative care (PC) is underused for patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). We sought to examine attitudes of hepatologists and gastroenterologists about PC for patients with ESLD. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of these specialists who provide care to patients with ESLD. Participants were recruited from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases membership directory. Using a questionnaire adapted from prior studies, we examined physicians' attitudes about PC and whether these attitudes varied based on patients' candidacy for liver transplantation. We identified predictors of physicians' attitudes about PC using linear regression. Approximately one-third of eligible physicians (396/1236, 32%) completed the survey. Most (95%) believed that centers providing care to patients with ESLD should have PC services, and 86% trusted PC clinicians to care for their patients. Only a minority reported collaborating frequently with inpatient (32%) or outpatient (11%) PC services. Most believed that when patients hear the term PC, they feel scared (94%) and anxious (87%). Most (83%) believed that patients would think nothing more could be done for their underlying disease if a PC referral was suggested. Physicians who believed that ESLD is a terminal condition (B = 1.09; P = 0.006) reported more positive attitudes about PC. Conversely, physicians with negative perceptions of PC for transplant candidates (B = -0.22; standard error = 0.05; P

Background: Changes in gene expression related to obesity are linked to microRNAs, such as miR‐141, which play a crucial role in metabolic homeostasis. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an enzyme that plays a crucial role in regulating various cellular functions and metabolism, is implicated in obesity and the ensuing non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this research was to evaluate the levels of miR‐141 and its relationship with SIRT1 and NAFLD. Methods: A group of 100 adults (50 with obesity and 50 with normal‐weight) were selected and underwent complete clinical evaluation and anthropometric measurements. Biochemical parameters were assessed in blood serum, and the levels of miR‐141 in plasma were measured by real‐time PCR. The expression of the SIRT1 gene was also evaluated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells using Real‐time PCR. The ELISA technique was used to determine insulin levels. Liver steatosis was assessed by ultrasound. Results: The results showed that levels of miR‐141 were significantly increased in participants with obesity compared with the control group. Conversely, the expression of the SIRT1 gene in individuals with obesity was lower than that in control participants. A strong negative correlation was observed between miR‐141 and SIRT1 and a strong positive association was observed between miR‐141 and metabolic parameters. Furthermore, participants with fatty liver had significantly elevated levels of miR‐141 gene expression and lower expression of SIRT1 gene, compared to those without fatty liver. Conclusion: elevated levels of miR‐141 in individuals with obesity might be a contributing factor in the repression of SIRT1 in obesity and its consequences, including NAFLD. Therefore, miR‐141 might serve as a suitable diagnostic and therapeutic target in obesity and NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) primarily affects the elderly, with its etiology largely unknown. It is hypothesized that hematopoietic stem cells may acquire mutations over time, such as the BCL-2 mutation, leading to disruptions in the apoptotic process. Dangui Luhui Wan , a mixture of 11 herbs used in Chinese Medicine, has shown antitumor activities across various cancer cell types. Indirubin-3'-monoxime (I3M), derived from Dangui Luhui Wan , functions as a selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and can induce apoptosis in cells. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of I3M against CLL cells in vitro. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 14 patients were treated with I3M at concentrations ranging from 0.1 μM to 80 μM over periods of 24, 48, and 72 hours. The optimal dose was determined using Annexin V and MTT assays. The expression of apoptotic genes Bcl-2/Bax and CDK1/2 was assessed using real-time PCR. Results: The results indicated that a 20 µM concentration of I3M exhibited the highest cytotoxicity after 48 hours compared to controls (P = 0.005). Post-treatment, a decrease in Bcl-2 gene expression was observed, while changes in the Bax gene were not significant. However, an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 gene ratio was noted, suggesting involvement of the mitochondrial pathway in I3M's apoptotic mechanism. Notably, I3M inhibited the expression of the CDK2 gene but did not affect CDK1 gene expression. Conclusions: I3M appears to exert anti-tumor effects by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the CDK2 gene. Further research is required to elucidate the precise mechanism of action of I3M in CLL and potentially other tumor cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rehospitalizations with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) have declined over the last years, but there is a remaining need for potential further reduction of rehospitalization after ACS to determine the most predominant predictors that can guide strategies to reduce re-hospitalizations burden. Aim: This multi-center study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical characteristics, and medications of rehospitalized patients who suffered a new cardiac event in 12 months after admission due to ACS. Material and Methods: Patients age >18 years who have been hospitalized between November 1 2017, and April 1 2018, for ACS within12 months before the readmission for a new acute coronary event were enrolled. Results: The present study included a total of 628 (65.9% from Turkey) consecutive patients rehospitalized with ACS (ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI], 23.0%; ACS without ST-elevation [NSTE-ACS], 76.9%) from 15 different countries. The majority of the rehospitalized patients were men (67.9%), and the mean age was 63.1 ± 12.53 years. 406 (64.6%) had typical, 209 (33.2%) of patients had atypical chest pain and 13 (2.07%) had not any chest pain complaint during readmission. 304 (48.41%) of patients were discharged from hospital earlier than 3 days and 107 (17.04%) of patients stayed more than 7 days. The subcategories of first index diagnosis were 227 (36.1%) STEMI; 401 (63.8%) NSTE-ACS. The mean time from index discharge to rehospitalization was 189.25 ± 118 days. 248 (39.4%) patients were re-hospitalized more than once after index discharge. The most common risk factors were diabetes mellitus (471, 75.0%). 175 (27.87%) of patients stopped taking medication before re-hospitalization. Most of the patients (69.4%) had multivessel disease. Conclusion: Several factors identify patients at higher risk of rehospitalization with ACS. Understanding and preventing these causes can prevent rehospitalization and improve their outcome.

Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness and adherence to medications is vital to manage the illness. The purpose of this study was to examine the prediction of medication adherence based on personality factors in a group of individuals with type 2 diabetes in Yasuj. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty individuals with type 2 diabetes who visited health centers were selected for this study through convenience sampling. The participants completed the NEO-Five Factor Inventory and Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). The data were analyzed by mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS software. Results: The results showed that among the big-five personality factors, only neuroticisms significantly predicted adherence to medications (β= -0.31, P-value< 0.003). Furthermore, the model explained only 19% of the variance in medication adherence (R2= 0.19, P-value< 0.01). Conclusion: This study indicated that a large proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes did not adhere to their medications. This study highlighted that the personality trait of neuroticism was important in predicting medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Advanced hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis are absolute contraindications to lung transplantation. [ 1] However, whether fatty liver disease with mild–moderate fibrosis contributes to increased adverse outcomes post-lung transplantation remains unknown. We present a retrospective analysis of patients transplanted at Brigham and Women's Hospital between 2015 and 2017 to identify whether patients with mild–moderate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) experience increased short-term complications compared to patients with normal liver architecture. Patients with advanced (F3–F4) fibrosis and/or cirrhosis were considered non-suitable transplant candidates, a priori. This study was powered for a difference in index hospital-free days within the first 30 days of 25% (α=0.05, β=0.8). Secondary outcomes included index intensive care unit (ICU)-free days within the first 10 days post-transplant, perioperative blood product transfusion, incidence of index hospitalisation arrhythmias and delirium, need for insulin on discharge post-transplant, tacrolimus dose required to maintain a trough of 8–12 ng·mL−1 at index hospital discharge, and 1-year post-transplant incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes, acute kidney injury, acute cellular rejection, unplanned hospital readmissions and infection. 150 patients underwent lung transplantation between 2015 and 2017 and were included in the analysis; of these patients 40 (27%) had evidence of NAFLD. Median index hospital-free days for patients with NAFLD were non-inferior to those without (16 days, IQR 10.5–19.5 versus 12 days, IQR 0–18.0, p=0.03). Regarding secondary outcomes, both index hospitalisation and 1-year outcomes were non-inferior between patients with NAFLD and those with normal liver architecture. This study demonstrates that mild–moderate severity NAFLD may not be a contraindication to lung transplantation.