METHODS: Using a retroviral method, we first ectopically expressed DOC2B in SiHa cells, which do not normally express DOC2B.
RESULTS: We observed that ectopically expressed DOC2B significantly altered the global metabolite profile of EVs. Metabolomics identified significant enrichment of palmitoylcarnitine (PC) in EVs upon ectopic expression of DOC2B. We identified that SiHa and HeLa cells exhibited greater cytotoxicity to PC than gingival fibroblast, HaCaT, Cal27, and MCF7. PC treatment reduced the growth, proliferation, and migration of SiHa and HeLa cells, via increasing apoptosis and decreasing S-Phase cells. PC treatment resulted in morphological alterations, decreased length and number of filopodia, and expression of proteins related to cell cycle progression, proliferation, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Further, PC treatment caused mitochondrial morphological changes, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreased mtDNA content. The decreased GSH activity, glucose consumption rate, and lactate production upon PC treatment suggest that PC can induce metabolic reprogramming in CC cells. Increased oxidative stress, calcium overload, lipid droplet accumulation, mitochondrial lipotoxicity, and mitophagy suggest that PC can cause mitochondrial dysfunction. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) treatment reversed the cytotoxic effect of PC, via decreasing lipid peroxidation rate and increasing GSH activity. PC treatment enhanced the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin in CC.
CONCLUSION: DOC2B restoration or the use of PC may be employed as a novel therapeutic approach for CC.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Streptomyces sp. P-10's supernatant and mycelial pellets demonstrated potent algicidal effects against P. donghaiense, with 95% and 80% lysis rates within 96 hours, respectively. The supernatant contained N-acetyltryptamine, which at an IC50 of 37.88 μg·L-1, significantly inhibited algal photosynthesis. It also exhibited cellulase activity as 201.37 μg· (mL·min)-1, degrading algal cell walls. Both N-acetyltryptamine and cellulase, alone or in concert, hindered photosynthesis. SEM and TEM analyses revealed that P-10 mycelia enwrapped and lysed algal cells, while supernatant components compromised cell wall integrity and induced cytoplasmic vacuolation. Notably, P-10 sustained growth in algal cultures and bloom waters without additional nutrients.
CONCLUSIONS: Streptomyces sp. P-10 effectively kills P. donghaiense via direct mycelial encasement and indirect bioactive compounds and cellulase activity, inhibiting algal growth and photosynthesis.
METHOD: This retrospective single-center study analyzed patients with severe and rigid scoliosis treated surgically using the triple-rod technique. Inclusion criteria included a main coronal curve of >90° and a flexibility index of <25%, excluding those with prior traction or spinal surgery. Pre-operative and post-operative radiographs were used to measure curve angles and assess surgical correction. Post-operatively, all patients were monitored for complications, including neurological function, intra-operative neuromonitoring changes, wound infections, and thromboembolic events. Neurological assessments were conducted at regular intervals, evaluating muscle strength, deep tendon reflexes, and sensory responses. Post-operative radiographs were obtained to assess implant positioning, hardware-related issues, curve correction maintenance, and overall spinal alignment.
RESULT: Eight patients with severe rigid scoliosis underwent surgical correction using the triple-rod technique. The mean age at surgery was 16.3 years (range: 13-24 years). The major coronal Cobb angle improved significantly from a pre-operative mean of 97.9°±7.1° to 51.6°±10.9° post-operatively, while the sagittal Cobb angle improved from 53.9°±23.5° to 35.6°±9.5°. The triple-rod technique demonstrated significant correction, with the main thoracic curve showing the greatest improvement. All cases were completed without complications, including neurological deficits, intra-operative monitoring changes, infections, thromboembolic events, or hardware-related issues.
CONCLUSION: The triple-rod technique offers an effective solution, providing substantial correction of coronal and sagittal deformities associated with severe rigid scoliosis. Its primary advantage is the ability to achieve a gradual and controlled correction of spinal deformity. This technique helps minimize the risk of neurological complications and other surgical morbidities associated with severe rigid scoliosis surgery.
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 2147 individuals, using a stratified random sampling method, aged 13-19, from various selected schools and colleges spread across Bangladesh using a Google form questionnaire consisting of sections on socio-demographic factors, body mass index (BMI), eating attitude test scale, and internet addiction test scale. Descriptive analysis, Pearson Chi-square test, logistic regression model, and a bivariate correlation analysis were fit to determine the relationship and factors.
RESULTS: We found that 24.1% of students had IA, 23.2% were at risk of EDs, 6.6% were underweight, 1.9% were overweight, 24% were obese and the remainder were normal. The relationship between IA, BMI, and risk of EDs was significant and positively co-related. Moreover, we found gender, the purpose of internet use, daily internet usage, physical exercise, literature reading habits, and victims of bullying were significantly associated with IA.
CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the need for further research and strategies to diagnose and treat EDs and IA, among adolescents. Promoting physical activity, healthy habits, and awareness at the institutional and parental levels is crucial for mitigating these risks and addressing sociodemographic, internet usage, and emotional health factors.
METHODS: A retrospective case control study was conducted. A total of 100 subjects were included. Data was gathered from the databases of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia and Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, respectively. Cone beam computed tomography scans of both cleft and non-cleft individuals were utilized to determine the MPS maturation stages. Romexis software version 3.8.2 was used to analyze the images.
RESULTS: The results of the binary logistic regression model were utilized to establish the relationship between the probability (P) of a specific event of interest (P(Y = 1)) and a linear combination of independent variables (Xs) using the logit link function. Potential factors such as age, gender, cleft, category of malocclusion, and MPS were chosen which could play a role in predicting the technique of RME in children with UCLP and non-UCLP. A subset of these variables was validated via multilayer feed forward neural network (MLFFNN).
CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of the hybrid biometric model created in this work, which combines bootstrap and BLR with R-syntax was evaluated in terms of how accurately it predicted a binary response variable. A validation method based on an MLFFNN was used to evaluate the precision of the generated model. This leads to a good outcome.
METHODS: A qualitative exploratory design was employed in four public hospitals in Shanxi Province, China. Seventeen obstetric nurses and eight pregnant women participated in semi-structured interviews between March and August 2024. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify commonalities and divergences between nurse-driven and patient-driven experiences.
RESULTS: Nurses perceived WeChat as extending their professional reach beyond physical clinic hours and enhancing patient education, aligning with the Technology Acceptance Model constructs of perceived usefulness and ease of use. However, organizational constraints, digital training gaps, and blurred work-life boundaries posed challenges. Pregnant women similarly recognized WeChat's convenience for quick clarifications and access to nurse-vetted information, yet wide variations in digital health literacy led to uneven engagement. Cultural factors, such as extended family involvement and preferences for in-person consultations, further influenced both nurse and patient usage patterns. Despite these challenges, participants converged on WeChat's value as a complementary platform that could reduce clinic visits, offer immediate reassurance, and bolster continuity of care.
CONCLUSION: WeChat-based prenatal education holds significant promise for improving maternal health outcomes by facilitating frequent, real-time communication between nurses and expectant mothers. Nonetheless, the findings underscore the need for hospital-level policies, structured training programs, and culturally sensitive strategies to address privacy concerns, manage workloads, and reduce digital disparities. An integrated approach that combines nurse acceptance and patient digital literacy is essential to fully harness WeChat's potential in public hospital contexts.
IMPLICATIONS: The study highlights practical steps for enhancing digital prenatal interventions, including standardized protocols for WeChat-based interactions, comprehensive nurse training in eHealth communication, and tailored support for pregnant women with limited digital skills. Such interventions can inform wider policymaking on telehealth and guide technology developers in creating user-friendly, secure digital platforms that optimize maternal care and reduce health inequities.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
OBJECTIVES: This review aims to explore recent advancements in antibody biomarker discovery and their applications in diagnosing and monitoring diverse health conditions. It also examines the role of antibody surveillance in public health and epidemiological studies.
METHODS: A comprehensive analysis of recent literature was conducted, focusing on studies that identify and characterize disease-specific antibodies. Particular attention was given to their relevance in autoimmune diseases, infections, cancers, and neurological disorders.
CONTENT: The review highlights disease-specific antibody biomarkers and their clinical significance. It also discusses the utility and challenges of antibody-based surveillance in assessing disease prevalence, tracking immunity trends, and supporting One Health strategies.
CONCLUSIONS: Recent advancements in antibody biomarker discovery demonstrate significant potential in improving early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and population-level health management. Antibody surveillance continues to play a pivotal role in guiding public health responses and understanding disease dynamics.