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Causal association between endocrine diseases and lymphoid malignancies explored through two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis

Optimized CUT&RUN protocol for activated primary mouse B cells

ChIP-seq has long been the standard for study of chromatin-protein interactions. However, development of a new technique, CUT&RUN, showed substantial advantages compared to ChIP-seq including higher quality signal while using substantially less sample. While a powerful technique, the original protocol was designed using cell lines and histones as targets. Due to their fragility, this was unsuitable for obtaining high-quality data from activated primary B lymphocytes. To adapt this protocol for B cells, cells were fixed prior to nuclear isolation, and several critical adjustments were introduced to the procedure and reagents. We measured binding of H3K4me3 histone and RNA Polymerase II, detecting robust peaks with as little as 100k nuclei. Additionally, freeze-thaw of B cells prior to processing did not affect results, emphasizing the flexibility of this modified technique. Using the protocol described here will allow one to quantify non-histone proteins bound to DNA from limited numbers of B cells with more efficiency than can be achieved from the current standard, ChIP-seq.

Novel modified magnetic graphene oxide as an efficient and green catalyst for one-pot synthesis of pyrazoles

CO2 geological storage site selection and long-term potential assessment framework based on TOUGH2/ECO2N

Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technology is considered a crucial tactic for achieving the “dual carbon” goals. However, current CCS technologies face several challenges, such as the absence of a comprehensive and systematic set of criteria for site selection, coupled with the lack of a universally applicable evaluation framework.To address these issues, this study proposes a regional-scale CO2 geological storage suitability assessment and potential estimation framework that can be adapted to similar regions. Using the Yellow River Delta as a case study, a geological storage site selection indicator system was developed, and a model for assessing site suitability was constructed.The model was employed to evaluate the appropriateness of CO2 geological sequestration sites within the study region, and numerical simulations of CO2 storage were performed utilizing the TOUGH2/ECO2N simulator for prospective target zones. This research examines the migration dynamics of CO2 in saline aquifers, the progression of storage mechanisms, and the carbon sequestration capacity of various storage configurations. The research addresses key questions such as: How can the optimal CO2 geological storage target area be selected? How can the best storage strategy matching the target area be determined? How can the migration and distribution characteristics of CO2 after storage be simulated? Are there potential risks in the future?

Yeast modifies the nonlinear behavior of the electrode electrolyte interface under high voltage stimulation

Pig livers for people: US regulator greenlights first safety trial

Understanding social work’s role in abortion care: A comprehensive scoping review

Background Social workers have played a crucial role in abortion care for decades, addressing clients’ diverse abortion care needs. Social workers have ethical duties to provide unimpeded access to information and supports to clients, in pursuit of social justice. This scoping review comprehensively synthesizes published literature on social work’s role in abortion care. Methods The review adhered to Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework. The following databases were searched for literature published between 1973–2023: PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Social Work Abstracts, Social Services Abstracts, and Scopus. Search results were uploaded to Covidence for de-duplication and screening. Out of 2,980 articles screened in title and abstract review, followed by full-text review, 78 articles were included. Results A majority the 78 studies (n = 67) were set in the United States. The remainder were from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and two studies involved multiple countries. Six themes emerged to summarize the literature base: (1) Social workers’ attitudes regarding abortion and abortion-seekers; (2) Abortion stigma and barriers in social work; (3) Social work and reproductive justice; (4) Social work and ethical considerations regarding abortion; (5) Social work and abortion policy and advocacy; and (6) Social work and family planning: roles, approaches, and practice frameworks. Discussion Social workers have long played intrinsic roles in abortion care, including counseling, providing access to concrete supports and mitigating barriers to abortion care, and abortion rights advocacy. Social justice and professional ethical commitments underpin social work’s role in abortion care. However, existing gaps in abortion education, training, and practice frameworks are impeded by the dynamic legal landscape and stigma attached to people seeking abortion care. Reproductive justice offers a framework, that overlaps with the field’s social justice tenets, to raise consciousness among social work students, professionals, and researchers, and to address gaps in abortion education, training, and scholarship.

Author Correction: Osthole induces accumulation of impaired autophagosome against pancreatic cancer cells

Anemia-driven heterogeneity in TG-UA Association: A DDML approach to precision management of hyperuricemia in hospitalized patients aged 50–65

Hyperuricemia has posed a great threat in the globe and is also linked with serious health risks such as hyperlipidemia. Extensive researches have explored the relationship between hypertriglyceridemia and serum uric acid (UA), but the results are mixed due to multiple demographic and cardiovascular-related factors. Our research aims to delve into the relationship between triglyceride (TG) and serum UA across various demographic groups and groups with different anemic conditions. Our research concentrated on patients admitted to Beijing Fengtai Youanmen Hospital from August 2016 to June 2023, the final dataset encompassed clinical data from 43,758 patients, providing a robust basis for our analysis. Data analysis was conducted using Stata MP version 17.1 (Stata Corp LLC, College Station, TX, USA). By using double debiased machine learning method to delve into the relationship between TG and UA. Our findings indicate a strong association between elevated TG levels and increased UA levels among individuals aged 50–65 years (P < 0.001). Our results showed a positive relationship between TG and UA in non-anemic males aged 50–65 when TG levels were 1.1–1.90 mmol/L, and similarly among non-anemic females aged 50–65, TG-UA correlation persisted with TG levels below 2.30 mmol/L. Conversely, among anemic patients aged 50–65, both in male and female groups, there is no significant association between TG and UA levels. Our research suggests that to address hyperuricemia, reducing blood TG levels may be an effective strategy. However, this strategy should not be applied to anemic patients aged 50–65.

Enzyme-containing-hydrogel/TiO2 hybrid photonic crystal for label-free detection of small molecules

Serum phosphate and 28-day mortality in adult sepsis with E.Coli infection: A critical care database study

Objective In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between serum phosphate and clinical outcomes in sepsis with E.Coli infection based on a public database in order to help physicians do individualized medical decisions. Methods We performed this retrospective study based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV(MIMIC-IV) database (https://mimic.mit.edu/iv/). All the patients were hospitalized and serum phosphate was measured in 24 hours after hospitalization. E.Coli infection was confirmed by the positive blood culture of E.Coli in the database. Three models were utilized to investigate the relationship between serum phosphate and mortality in sepsis as follows: crude model (adjusted for none), model I (adjusted for age and gender) and model II (adjusted for all potential confounders). The smooth fitting curve was performed by the generalized additive model. Results 421 adult sepsis patients with E.Coli infection were included. The 28-day mortality was 10.69%(n=45). The median age was 70 and the proportion of males was 47.51%(n=200). The smooth fitting curve showed that the relationship between serum phosphate and 28-day mortality in sepsis with E.Coli infection was positive. When serum phosphate >2.1mg/dl, the relationship was significantly positive (OR=1.55, 95%CI:1.01–2.36, P=0.043). Conclusion The positive relationship between serum phosphate and 28-day mortality in adult sepsis patients with E.Coli infection was found based on MIMIC-IV database.

Consequences of vitamin D deficiency or overdosage on follicular development and steroidogenesis in Normo and hypo calcemic mouse models

Size-segregated analysis of PAHs in Urban air: Source apportionment and health risk assessment in an Urban canal-adjacent environment

This study examines the distribution, origins, and health hazards of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) across six particle size fractions obtained from an urban rooftop location in Bangkok, Thailand. We collected PM samples using a six-stage cascade impactor at a canal boat port, trapping PAHs in particle sizes ranging from ultrafine (PM0.65–1.1) to coarse (PM7.0 and beyond) over an 11-week period. We utilized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to quantify twelve PAH congeners. Results indicated that PAHs primarily concentrate in fine particles (PM2.1–3.3), with traffic emissions from gasoline and gasoline cars being the principal sources, augmented by emissions from diesel canal boats and industrial activities. The health risk assessment showed that the lifetime lung cancer risk (LLCR) values for all particle sizes were less than 1×10−6. This means that PAH exposure in this area has a very low cancer risk. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) found traffic and industrial emissions as the primary sources of PAHs, with canal boats accounting for 5% of the total. These findings highlight the necessity of specific emission control regulations and advocate for the implementation of cleaner fuel alternatives and electric propulsion in canal transit to enhance urban air quality in Bangkok.

Exploring the anti-inflammatory activity of fupenzic acid using network pharmacology and experimental validation

Bullying victimization and associated factors among school-aged adolescents in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Bullying victimization during school age is a global public health concern. School-aged adolescents experiencing bullying victimization are more likely to encounter physical, cognitive, and mental health issues; including greater rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of bullying victimization and its determinants among school-aged adolescents in Africa. Methods All studies reporting the prevalence of bullying victimization and its determinants among African school-aged adolescents were included based on the predefined eligibility criteria. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA), a guideline for reporting a systematic review and meta-analysis. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled effect size of bullying victimization and its determinants with their odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval(CI). Funnel plots analysis and Egger’s regression test were conducted to assess publication bias. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Results Twenty-five studies involving 41,716 school-aged adolescents were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of bullying victimization among school-aged adolescents in Africa was 46.35%, with a 95% CI (41.45, 51.24). According to the subgroup analysis of the study region, 49.17% of bullying victimization was reported in the Eastern region of Africa whereas, 32.73% was reported in the Southern region. Engaging in physical fights [OR=1.86; 95% CI: 1.66, 2.07], current substance use [OR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.31, 2.62], feeling lonely [OR=1.98; 95% CI: 1.49, 2.65], and being worried [OR=2.56; 95% CI: 2.12, 3.1] were significantly associated with bullying victimization. Conclusion and recommendation This review revealed that the pooled prevalence of bullying victimization among school-aged adolescents in Africa was high. To ensure adolescents’ mental health and cultivate productive manpower, fostering a supportive environment in schools is mandatory.

Age–period–cohort effects of adult cigarette smoking in the United States, 1971–2020

Long-term alterations of collagen reconstruction and basement membrane regeneration after corneal full-thickness penetrating injury in rabbits

Purpose To investigate the long-term alterations of collagen reconstruction and basement membrane (BM) regeneration after corneal full-thickness penetrating injury in rabbits. Methods The corneal full-thickness penetrating injury model was established in the left eye of New Zealand White rabbits using a 2.0 mm trephine. All corneas were evaluated using slit-lamp photography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescent staining for collagen types I and III (Col I, III), and transmission electron microscopy for collagen fibers and basement membrane. Results Between 3 days and 3 weeks, Col I and III expression were documented, exhibiting a largely disorganized distribution throughout the stromal thickness. At 3 weeks, the epithelial basement membrane (EBM) partially regenerated. From 3 weeks to 2 months, Col III was undetectable in the anterior stroma but present in the posterior stroma; Col I was disorganized in the posterior stroma. At 2 months, Descemet’s membrane (DM) exhibited incomplete regeneration. From 3 to 4 months, Col I was disorganized in only a small part of the posterior stroma; Col III persisted in the posterior stroma; the EBM fully regenerated while DM exhibited incomplete regeneration. Conclusions Following full-thickness corneal injury, persistent fibrosis within the posterior stroma appears to be primarily responsible for the persistence of corneal scarring. Notably, regeneration of the EBM coincides with remodeling of the anterior stroma, whereas incomplete regeneration of DM is associated with posterior stromal fibrosis.

Comparison of Esmolol and Nicardipine treatment in hypertensive acute ıschemic stroke patients

Lung signals drive cancer-associated blood clots

Research-informed decision-making for empowering integrated care system development: Co-creating innovative solutions to facilitate enhanced service provision

Integrated care has emerged as a vital approach to addressing complex health and social care challenges through attempting to foster collaborative provision in healthcare settings. Yet as demand for services often outstrips supply, hospitals, as anchor institutions in communities, are constantly seeking to innovate to align their resources with needs and policy priorities. As hospitals are often viewed as a conduit for creating and embracing innovation to enhance organisational performance, this paper outlines one such innovation, which was co-created as a partnership between a university and hospital to help it with its transition to an integrated care system (ICS). By developing a full hospital system model in partnership not only with hospital stakeholders but also out-of-hospital services - such as community and primary care - for an integrated care model, this study helps to translate an innovative model into practice at an ICS level. To achieve this, decision support tools (DSTs) were used to foster evidence-based assessment of the hospital system, and key opinion leaders (KOLs) were provided with a versatile toolset with which to optimise workforce productivity and deployment, innovate service provision, and enhance community health.