Conventional treatment techniques have limited efficacy and more side effects in the treatment of prurigo nodularis. The better alternative treatment option for better outcomes of the disease is ...dupilumab.
The objective of this study was to systematically review dupilumab-related treatment outcomes in prurigo nodularis.
Several databases like Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library were searched for data acquisition on October 8, 2022. Based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, 24 publications were included in this study.
After 4,12,16 and more than 16 weeks of dupilumab treatment, 8.3% (n=5/60), 34.4% (n=11/32), 3.6% (n=2/56), and 45.3% (n=29/64) of patients had complete remission, respectively. In addition, 85.0% (n=51/60), 59.4% (n=19/32), 83.9% (n=47/56), and 43.8% (n=28/64) had partial remission, respectively. Moreover, 6.7% (n=4/60), 6.3% (n=2/32), 12.5% (n=7/56), and 10.9% (n=7/64) showed no remission, respectively, and significant reduction of numeric rating scale itch intensity (from 9.0 to 4.9, 2.1, 2.8, 0.9) was attained. There were no serious adverse events observed during treatment, but the most common event observed was conjunctivitis (12.6%, n=15/119).
Dupilumab has definite effectiveness and safety in prurigo nodularis treatment.
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier (CRD42022365802).
Using the daily 2 m maximum temperature (Tmax), 2 m minimum temperature (Tmin) and cloud cover data measured at ground sites of the China Meteorological Administration in North China from 2000 to ...2017, this study investigates the influence of clouds on the daily temperature range (DTR) defined as the difference between Tmax and Tmin. As expected, the cloud cover shows the similar averaged spatial distribution and monthly variation with Tmin. Surprisingly, it also shows the similar average spatial distribution and monthly variation with Tmax, suggesting the more important roles of regions (latitude) and seasons associated with the variations of land surface temperature, which is further related to solar radiation absorbed and surface heat capacity. By comparing monthly variations of temperature between cloudy and clear skies, we find that clouds can weaken Tmax and increase Tmin, and thus decrease DTR. As a result, the spatial distribution of DTR is opposite to the cloud cover. The clouds have relatively stronger impact on Tmin and DTR over mountain region, which is most likely caused by the stronger longwave cloud radiative forcing associated with higher cloud tops over the mountain region.
Cloud weakens Tmax and increases Tmin, and thus decreases daily temperature range (DTR), which is mainly due to the blocking effects of clouds to downwelling solar radiation and trapping effects to upwelling longwave radiation. However, the relative impacts of clouds on Tmax and Tmin vary with locations, with relatively stronger impact on Tmin and DTR over mountain regions than over plain regions.
BACKGROUNDAlthough abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is associated with life-threatening complications, there are still limited reliable biomarkers for diagnostic purpose. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been ...proposed as the potential diagnostic and risk stratification markers of AAA patients, and we aim to evaluate the serum level of miR-1-3p and its diagnostic value in AAA. METHODSThis study included 200 AAA patients and 200 controls. Demographic data and clinical information were collected from the subjects' medical records. Individual image analyses of AAA morphology were determined based on computed tomography angiography (CTA). The levels of serum miRNA expression were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Bioinformatics tools were used to identify the target genes of miR-1-3p and their potential biological functions were further enriched. RESULTSSerum miR-1-3p levels in the AAA group were significantly lower when compared with those in the control group in overall and subgroup comparisons. It was negatively related to WBC, CRP, maximal aneurysm diameter, area, and volume in AAA patients. Circulating miR-1-3p levels could significantly discriminate between AAA patients and healthy individuals with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.672 (95% CI = 0.619-0.724, p < 0.001), a sensitivity of 84.5% and a specificity of 45.5%. Serum miR-1-3p was associated with a reduced risk of AAA even after adjustment for possible risk factors (OR = 0.440 per unit increase, 95% CI = 0.301-0.643, p < 0.001). And low levels of serum miR-1-3p could significantly elevate the risk of AAA in both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with ORs of 4.076 and 4.136, respectively (all p < 0.001). Further GO enrichment analysis revealed that miR-1-3p was mainly involved in negative regulation of apoptotic process, sprouting angiogenesis, angiogenesis, positive regulation of blood vessel endothelial cell migration, positive regulation of cell proliferation, regulation of cell shape, etc. CONCLUSIONSMiR-1-3p can be used as a promising circulating biomarker in the development of AAA, and it may participate in multiple biological processes to play a crucial role in AAA pathogenesis.
Associated with the outbreak of new coronavirus in 2019 (COVID-19), lockdown measures were taken in spring 2020 in China, providing an ideal experiment to investigate the effects of emission controls ...on air quality. Using the observation data at 56 stations in Hebei province from the China National Environmental Monitoring Center from January 2019 to May 2020, along with the reanalysis meteorology data from ERA5, this study investigates the spatial and temporal variations of six air pollutants, and the clean and pollution events in COVID-19 period. Compared with the same periods in day and month in 2019 (SP19), the concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 μm (PM10), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5), and carbon monoxide (CO) decreased by 39.2%, 38.2%, 42.1%, 39.8%, and 24.8% for lockdown period, respectively; and decreased by 13.7%, 8.9%, 16.8%, 13.4%, and 10.6% for post-lockdown period, respectively. In contrast, ozone (O3) increased by 8.0% and 5.5% for lockdown and post-lockdown periods, respectively. The diurnal variation analysis shows that the air pollutants other than O3 decrease more in the morning time (6:00–10:00 local time) than in the afternoon time (14:00–18:00 local time) during both lockdown and post-lockdown periods compared to SP19, implying the potential contribution from pollution-meteorology interaction. After lockdown period, SO2 and NO2 resumed quickly in most cities other than in Zhangjiakou, which is a city with few industries making it more sensitive to meteorology. The significant improvement of air quality during the lockdown period suggests that the whole air quality is highly dependent on the pollutant emissions, while the relatively weak reduction of pollution events imply that the pollution events are more dependent on adverse weather conditions.
Infertility is defined as failure to achieve pregnancy within 12 months of unprotected intercourse in women. Trace elements, a kind of micronutrient that is very important to female reproductive ...function, are affected by intestinal absorption, which is regulated by gut microbiota. Enterotype is the classification of an intestinal microbiome based on its characteristics. Whether or not Prevotella-enterotype and Bacteroides-enterotype are associated with blood trace elements among infertile women remains unclear. The study aimed to explore the relationship between five main whole blood trace elements and these two enterotypes in women with infertility. This retrospective cross-sectional study recruited 651 Chinese women. Whole blood copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron levels were measured. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed on all fecal samples. Patients were categorized according to whole blood trace elements (low levels group, <5th percentile; normal levels group, 5th‒95th percentile; high levels group, >95th percentile). There were no significant differences in trace elements between the two enterotypes within the control population, while in infertile participants, copper (P = 0.033), zinc (P < 0.001), magnesium (P < 0.001), and iron (P < 0.001) in Prevotella-enterotype was significantly lower than in Bacteroides-enterotype. The Chi-square test showed that only the iron group had a significant difference in the two enterotypes (P = 0.001). Among infertile patients, Prevotella-enterotype (Log(P/B) > −0.27) predicted the low levels of whole blood iron in the obesity population (AUC = 0.894; P = 0.042). For the high levels of iron, Bacteroides-enterotype (Log(P/B) <−2.76) had a predictive power in the lean/normal group (AUC = 0.648; P = 0.041) and Log(P/B) <−3.99 in the overweight group (AUC = 0.863; P = 0.013). We can infer that these two enterotypes may have an effect on the iron metabolism in patients with infertility, highlighting the importance of further research into the interaction between enterotypes and trace elements in reproductive function.
PurposeThe world has been forced to implement movement restriction strategy because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and industries have to embrace online technologies and social media marketing activities ...(SMMAs) to continue their business operations. Considering the aftermath of COVID-19 on the business world, this study aims to explore the determining elements of SMMAs and analyse how these factors affect brand equity (BE), relationship equity (RE) and purchase intention (PI) among smartphone consumers in China. Five constructs of SMMAs, namely, entertainment (EN), interactivity (IN), trendiness (TR), customisation (CU) and electronic word-of-mouth (WM), were examined to examine the effects of SMMAs on BE and RE. Subsequently, the mediation effects of BE and RE on the relationships of all constructs of SMMAs with PI were analysed.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted with the participation of 347 Chinese consumers who used social media platform managed by the smartphone brands as their marketing activities during COVID-19. The data were analysed via structural equation modelling using SmartPLS.FindingsThis study’s result showed the significant and positive influence of CU, TR and WM on BE and the strong and positive influence of CU, IN and TR on RE. Furthermore, BE was found to fully mediate the relationships of CU, TR and WM with PI, while RE was found to mediate the relationships of TR and CU with PI. The performance and impact factor analysis revealed RE as the most important factor for PI, followed by BE, CU and TR.Originality/valueThis study extended the authors’ knowledge and understanding about social media marketing, BE and smart phone PI during COVID-19. Findings of this study can assist smartphone brands in China to develop the most effective strategies for SMMAs, which can be tailored for consumers to maximise profits, even during any crisis when physical business activities are deemed difficult. Moreover, this study’s findings can benefit the government and policymakers in developing and regulating rules and regulations for e-commerce and social media commerce for all industries and areas.
Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) accelerates cervical cancer metastasis, while the detailed mechanism remains largely unknown. Recent evidence indicates that microRNA play a crucial role ...in controlling cancer cell invasiveness. In the present study, we investigated the role of miR-326 in VEGF-C-induced cervical cancer cell invasion. VEGF-C expression was higher and miR-326 was much lower in primary cervical cancer specimens than that in non-cancerous specimens, and a negative correlation between VEGF-C and miR-326 was found. On cervical carcinoma cell line SiHa cells, treatment with VEGF-C downregulated miR-326 level and increased cortactin protein expression. Transfection with miR-326 mimic reversed cortactin expression induced by VEGF-C, suggesting that VEGF-C increased cortactin via downregulation of miR-326. VEGF-C activated c-Src and c-Src inhibitor PP2 abolished VEGF-C effect on miR-326 and cortactin expression, implying that VEGF-C regulated miR-326/cortactin via c-Src signaling. VEGF-C promoted SiHa cell invasion index, which was largely inhibited by transfection with miR-326 antagonist or by siRNA against cortactin. In conclusion, our findings implied that VEGF-C reduced miR-326 expression and increased cortactin expression through c-Src signaling, leading to enhanced cervical cancer invasiveness. This may shed light on potential therapeutic strategies for cervical cancer therapy.
This study aimed to accurately segment teeth under complex oral conditions, including complex structural interference among adjacent teeth or malocclusion conditions, such as tooth rotation and ...displacement caused by dental crowding.
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained from 19 patients with complex oral conditions, and a three-step solution was proposed. This study used a global convex level-set model to extract bony tissue and developed a flexible curve extraction method for separating neighbouring teeth under complex structural interference. In addition, a local level-set model with adaptive edge feature enhancement was proposed to segment individual teeth precisely. This model adaptively enhances edge features based on the structure of the root boundary and accurately distinguishes between the close-contact root and alveolar bone resulting from tooth rotation or displacement.
The experimental results showed that the average Dice similarity coefficient values for incisors, canines, premolars, and molars were 93.30%, 93.47%, 93.24%, and 93.89%, respectively, and the average tooth centroid distances were 0.66, 0.61, 0.87, and 0.80 mm, respectively.
The proposed method can effectively segment teeth without relying on highly precise annotated datasets, yielding satisfactory results even under complex structural interference between adjacent teeth or tooth rotation and displacement caused by dental crowding. It is more robust than the other methods and provides valuable data for further research and clinical practice.
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) is a major molecular mediator of the hypoxic response. In the endometrium, local hypoxic conditions induced by hormonal fluctuations and endometrial vascular ...remodeling contribute to the production of HIF-1α, which plays an indispensable role in a series of physiological activities, such as menstruation and metamorphosis. The sensitive regulation of HIF-1α maintains the cellular viability and regenerative capacity of the endometrium against cellular stresses induced by hypoxia and excess reactive oxygen species. In contrast, abnormal HIF-1α levels exacerbate the development of various endometrial pathologies. This knowledge opens important possibilities for the development of promising HIF-1α-centered strategies to ameliorate endometrial disease. Nonetheless, additional efforts are required to elucidate the regulatory network of endometrial HIF-1α and promote the applications of HIF-1α-centered strategies in the human endometrium. Here, we summarize the role of the HIF-1α-mediated pathway in endometrial physiology and pathology, highlight the latest HIF-1α-centered strategies for treating endometrial diseases, and improve endometrial receptivity.
Display omitted
•Abnormal HIF-1α levels exacerbate development of various endometrial pathologies.•Existing intervention methods regulate endometrial HIF-1α at various levels.•Hypoxia-induced redox imbalance is associated to disease via HIF-1α activation.•More efforts needed in understanding regulatory network of endometrial HIF-1α.
Background. Autoimmune disorders are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women who were positive for thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb). Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and ...soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sCD25) are abnormally expressed in autoimmune diseases and are reliable markers of inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sCD40L and sCD25 in early pregnancy and investigate their correlation with GDM and TPOAb. Methods. A total of 126 pregnant women in the first trimester were enrolled for analysis: 93 were positive for TPOAb and 33 were negative for TPOAb. Demographical and clinical data in early pregnancy were collected. A total of 123 participants underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test in the second trimester. Serum sCD40L and sCD25 levels were measured by ELISA. Results. The incidence of GDM was 24.4% in pregnant women with isolated TPOAb positivity in our study. Both sCD40L and sCD25 were positively correlated with TPOAb (r = 0.476, P<0.001; r = 0.188, P<0.05). sCD40L was highest in (P<0.001) Ab-positive women with GDM group (P<0.05). After adjusting for TPOAb, age, TSH, FT4, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sCD40L was an independent risk factor for GDM in pregnant women with TPOAb positivity (odds ratio = 3.235, 95% confidence interval 1.024–10.218, P<0.05). Conclusions. About a quarter of pregnant women with isolated positive TPOAb might have GDM. sCD40L was an independent risk factor for GDM in women with isolated TPOAb positivity.
PDF
