The shared links between Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus:Alzheimer’s disease(AD)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)are two prevalent conditions that come with substantial daily struggles.Emerging evi...The shared links between Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus:Alzheimer’s disease(AD)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)are two prevalent conditions that come with substantial daily struggles.Emerging evidence highlights that these diseases share similar pathophysiological features,including insulin resistance and chronic inflammation,which contribute to their rapid progression(Chen et al.,2022).Insulin resistance,a hallmark of T2DM,has been suggested to exacerbate neurodegeneration in AD.Similarly,chronic low-grade inflammation in T2DM parallels with neuroinflammation,which is observed in AD,suggesting overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms in T2DM and AD.展开更多
Objective:To analyse the prevalence of serotypes,antibiotic resistance,and virulence genes of Group B Streptococcus(GBS)strains isolated from pregnant women at 35-37 weeks of gestation in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam,from...Objective:To analyse the prevalence of serotypes,antibiotic resistance,and virulence genes of Group B Streptococcus(GBS)strains isolated from pregnant women at 35-37 weeks of gestation in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam,from January 2022 to January 2023.Methods:GBS strains were isolated through selective culture methods and confirmed by PCR.Serotyping,virulence gene detection,and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using PCR,gel electrophoresis techniques and Kirby-Bauer test.Results:Totally,61 GBS isolated from 300 participants have been identified including seven GBS serotypes(Ⅰa,Ⅰb,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ,andⅥ).SerotypesⅦ,Ⅷ,andⅨwere not detected in the study population.Antibiotic resistance patterns varied:13.1%of isolates were fully susceptible,while the majority showed multi-drug resistance,with 34.4%resistant to three antibiotics.SerotypeⅠa demonstrated high susceptibility(35.7%),while serotypeⅢshowed extensive resistance,with 87.5%being resistant to at least three antibiotics.All strains are susceptible to vancomycin andβ-lactams susceptibility also remained high,but resistance to clindamycin,erythromycin,and tetracycline was high(>65%).The virulence genes scpB,cylB,fbsB,and cfb were highly prevalent(90%-100%),indicating their potential for vaccine and diagnostic development.Conclusions:Our findings provide valuable insights into GBS serotypes,resistance,and virulence factors,contributing to community monitoring,preventive measures,diagnostics,and vaccine development.However,the limited sample size necessitates further research.展开更多
The major aim of stroke therapy is to stimulate brain repair and improve behavioral recovery after cerebral ischemia.One option is to stimulate endogenous neurogenesis in the subventricular zone and direct the newly f...The major aim of stroke therapy is to stimulate brain repair and improve behavioral recovery after cerebral ischemia.One option is to stimulate endogenous neurogenesis in the subventricular zone and direct the newly formed neurons to the damaged area.However,only a small percentage of these neurons survive,and many do not reach the damaged area,possibly because the corpus callosum impedes the migration of subventricular zone-derived stem cells into the lesioned cortex.A second major obstacle to stem cell therapy is the strong inflammatory reaction induced by cerebral ischemia,whereby the associated phagocytic activity of brain macrophages removes both therapeutic cells and/or cell-based drug carriers.To address these issues,neurogenesis was electrically stimulated in the subventricular zone,followed by isolation of proliferating cells,including newly formed neurons,which were subsequently mixed with a nutritional hydrogel.This mixture was then transferred to the stroke cavity of day 14 post-stroke mice.We found that the performance of the treated animals improved in behavioral tests,including novel object,open field,hole board,grooming,and“time-to-feel”adhesive tape tests.Furthermore,immunostaining revealed that the stem cell marker nestin,the neuroepithelial marker Mash1,and the immature neuronal marker doublecortin-positive cells survived in the transplanted area for 2 weeks,possibly due to reduced phagocytic activity and supportive angiogenesis.These results clearly indicate that the transplantation of committed subventricular zone stem cells combined with a protective nutritional gel directly into the infarct cavity after the peak of stroke-induced neuroinflammation represents a feasible approach to improve neurorestoration after cerebral ischemia.展开更多
CT-scan is the most irradiating tool in diagnostic radiology. For 5% - 10% of diagnostic X-ray procedures, it is responsible for 34% of irradiation according to UNSCEAR. Patients radiation protection must therefore be...CT-scan is the most irradiating tool in diagnostic radiology. For 5% - 10% of diagnostic X-ray procedures, it is responsible for 34% of irradiation according to UNSCEAR. Patients radiation protection must therefore be increased during CT-scan procedures. This requires the rigorous application of optimization principle which imposes to have “diagnostic reference levels”. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) of the four most frequent CT-scans examinations of adults in Cameroon. Material and Method: It was a cross-sectional pilot study carried out from April to September 2015 in five health facilities using CT-scan in Cameroon. The studied variables were: patients age and sex, type of CT-scan examination (cerebral, chest, abdomino-pelvic, lumbar spine), Used of IV contrast (IV﹣/ IV+), acquisition length, time of tube rotation, voltage (kV), mAs, pitch, thickness of slices, CTDIvol and DLP. For each type of examination, at least 30 patients were included per center, consecutively on the randomly predetermined days. The DRL for each type of examination was defined as the 75th percentile of its PDL and CTDIvol. Results: Of the 696 examinations, 41.2% were cerebral, 26.9% abdomino-pelvic, 17.7% lumbar spine and 14.2% chest. The mean age of patients was 52 ± 15 years [20 - 90 years], 58.9% were 50 years and older. The sex-ratio was 1.26 (55.9% males). The CT machines were 4, 8 and 16 multidetectors. The 75th percentile of DLP or DRLs [standard deviation] was: [1150 ± 278 mGy·cm], [770 ± 477 mGy·cm], [720 ± 170 mGy·cm] and [715 ± 187 mGy·cm] respectively for cerebral, lumbar spine, abdominopelvic and chest CT-scans. Taking in consideration the number of detectors, the 75th percentile of the Dose-Length product decreased with the increase number of detectors for cerebral examinations but was the highest with 16 MDCT for the abdominopelvic, lumbar spine and chest CT-scans. For the chest and lumbar spine examinations, there was a significant increase in patient-dose with the increase in the number of detectors. Conclusion: Our DRLs values lie between the norms of some European countries and those of some African countries. There is remarquable variation in dose for the commonest CT-scans examinations in Cameroon, requiring then an optimization process from these determined DRLs and establishment of national DRLs. Special attention to optimization should be paid when using 16 MDCT.展开更多
The aim of this paper is to analyze differences between incidence, characteristics and out-comes of patients with Influenza Like Illness (ILI) presenting to a teaching public hospital in Central Italy during pandemic ...The aim of this paper is to analyze differences between incidence, characteristics and out-comes of patients with Influenza Like Illness (ILI) presenting to a teaching public hospital in Central Italy during pandemic influenza season (2009-2010) and during the post-pandemic outbreak (2010-2011). We performed a retrospective descriptive study, and we identified Emergency Department (ED) presentations for ILI, relying on hospital discharge data administrative database. Bivariate analyses for the outcome of hospital admission were performed for both seasons and a multiple logistic regression model has been developed to evaluate which factors were independently associated with hospital admission. Among all the ED presentations (51,757), visits for ILI were respectively 821 (3.1%) during the pandemic season, and 704 (2.8%) during the post-pandemic one. The pandemic cohort differs significantly from the post-pandemic cohort for every characteristic investigated, with the exception of the length of stay in the ED. Overall in 2009-2010 there were more ED presentations compared to the following season, but hospital admission rates were less than in 2010-2011. Further studies are needed to assess if other variables may affect the use of the ED for ILI in order to try to plan staff and hospital organization.展开更多
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence implicates Candida albicans(C.albicans)in human oncogenesis.Notably,studies have supported its involvement in regulating outcomes in colorectal cancer(CRC).This study investigated the para...BACKGROUND Emerging evidence implicates Candida albicans(C.albicans)in human oncogenesis.Notably,studies have supported its involvement in regulating outcomes in colorectal cancer(CRC).This study investigated the paradoxical role of C.albicans in CRC,aiming to determine whether it promotes or suppresses tumor development,with a focus on the mechanistic basis linked to its metabolic profile.AIM To investigate the dual role of C.albicans in the development and progression of CRC through metabolite profiling and to establish a prognostic model that integrates the microbial and metabolic interactions in CRC,providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies and clinical outcomes.METHODSA prognostic model integrating C. albicans with CRC was developed, incorporating enrichment analysis, immuneinfiltration profiling, survival analysis, Mendelian randomization, single-cell sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics.The effects of the C. albicans metabolite mixture on CRC cells were subsequently validated in vitro. Theprimary metabolite composition was characterized using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.RESULTSA prognostic model based on five specific mRNA markers, EHD4, LIME1, GADD45B, TIMP1, and FDFT1, wasestablished. The C. albicans metabolite mixture significantly reduced CRC cell viability. Post-treatment analysisrevealed a significant decrease in gene expression in HT29 cells, while the expression levels of TIMP1, EHD4, andGADD45B were significantly elevated in HCT116 cells. Conversely, LIME1 expression and that of other CRC celllines showed reductions. In normal colonic epithelial cells (NCM460), GADD45B, TIMP1, and FDFT1 expressionlevels were significantly increased, while LIME1 and EHD4 levels were markedly reduced. Following metabolitetreatment, the invasive and migratory capabilities of NCM460, HT29, and HCT116 cells were reduced. Quantitativeanalysis of extracellular ATP post-treatment showed a significant elevation (P < 0.01). The C. albicans metabolitemixture had no effect on reactive oxygen species accumulation in CRC cells but led to a reduction in mitochondrialmembrane potential, increased intracellular lipid peroxidation, and induced apoptosis. Metabolomic profilingrevealed significant alterations, with 516 metabolites upregulated and 531 downregulated.CONCLUSIONThis study introduced a novel prognostic model for CRC risk assessment. The findings suggested that the C.albicans metabolite mixture exerted an inhibitory effect on CRC initiation.展开更多
Biliary system,which is responsible for transporting bile from the liver into the intestine,is commonly damaged by inflammation or tumors eventually causing liver failure or death.The implantation of biliary stents ca...Biliary system,which is responsible for transporting bile from the liver into the intestine,is commonly damaged by inflammation or tumors eventually causing liver failure or death.The implantation of biliary stents can effectively alleviate both benign and malignant biliary strictures,but the plastic and metal stents that are currently used cannot degrade and nearly has no beneficial biological effects,therefore their long-term service can result into inflammation,the formation of sludges and re-obstruction of bile duct.In recent years,magnesium(Mg)metal has been received increasing attention in the field of biomedical application due to its excellent biocompatibility,adequate mechanical properties,biodegradability and other advantages,such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.The research on biliary stents made of magnesium metals(BSMM)has also made significant progress and a series of experiments in vitro and vivo has proved their possibility.However,there are still some problems holding back BSMM’s clinical use,including rapid corrosion rate and potential harmful reaction.In this review,we would summarize the current research of BSMM,evaluate their clinical benefits,find the choke points,and discuss the solving method.展开更多
Neuroinflammation has been identified as a crucial element in several neurological disorders. Glial cells play a critical role in directing neuroinflammation, both in deleterious and beneficial ways.
Concerns about air quality in dental clinics where aerosol generation during procedures poses significant health risks,have prompted investigations on advanced disinfection technologies.This editorial describes the st...Concerns about air quality in dental clinics where aerosol generation during procedures poses significant health risks,have prompted investigations on advanced disinfection technologies.This editorial describes the strengths and limitations of ventilation and aerosol control measures in dental offices,especially with respect to the use of graphene nanocomposites.The potential of graphene nanocomposites as an innovative solution to aerosol-associated health risks is examined in this review due to the unique properties of graphene(e.g.,high con-ductivity,mechanical strength,and antimicrobial activity).These properties have produced promising results in various fields,but the application of graphene in dentistry remains unexplored.The recent study by Ju et al which was published in World Journal of Clinical Cases evaluated the effectiveness of graphene-based air disinfection systems in dental clinics.The study demonstrated that graphene-based disinfection techniques produced significant reductions in suspended particulate matter and bacterial colony counts,when co-mpared with traditional methods.Despite these positive results,challenges such as material saturation,frequency of filter replacement,and associated costs must be addressed before widespread adoption of graphene-based disinfection techniques in clinical practice.Therefore,there is need for further research on material structure optimization,long-term safety evaluations,and broader clinical applications,in order to maximize their positive impact on public health.展开更多
The issue of plastic pollutants has become a growing concern.Both microplastics(MPs)(particle size<5 mm)and nanoplastics(NPs)(particle size<1μm)can cause DNA damage,cytotoxicity,and oxidative stress in various ...The issue of plastic pollutants has become a growing concern.Both microplastics(MPs)(particle size<5 mm)and nanoplastics(NPs)(particle size<1μm)can cause DNA damage,cytotoxicity,and oxidative stress in various organisms.The primary known impacts of microplastic/nanoplastic are observed in the liver and respiratory system,leading to hepatotoxicity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Although research on the effects of MPs and NPs on diabetes is still in its early stages,there are potential concerns.This editorial highlights the risk to diabetics from co-exposure to contaminants and MPs/NPs,supported by evidence from animal studies and the various chemical compositions of MPs/NPs.展开更多
Polystyrene nanoparticles pose significant toxicological risks to aquatic ecosystems,yet their impact on zebrafish(Danio rerio)embryonic development,particularly erythropoiesis,remains underexplored.This study used si...Polystyrene nanoparticles pose significant toxicological risks to aquatic ecosystems,yet their impact on zebrafish(Danio rerio)embryonic development,particularly erythropoiesis,remains underexplored.This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to comprehensively evaluate the effects of polystyrene nanoparticle exposure on erythropoiesis in zebrafish embryos.In vivo validation experiments corroborated the transcriptomic findings,revealing that polystyrene nanoparticle exposure disrupted erythrocyte differentiation,as evidenced by the decrease in mature erythrocytes and concomitant increase in immature erythrocytes.Additionally,impaired heme synthesis further contributed to the diminished erythrocyte population.These findings underscore the toxic effects of polystyrene nanoparticles on hematopoietic processes,highlighting their potential to compromise organismal health in aquatic environments.展开更多
Candida albicans(C.albicans)represents one of the most prevalent opportunistic fungal pathogens in cancer patients.Although the association between C.albicans and cancer has been recognized for decades,the causal rela...Candida albicans(C.albicans)represents one of the most prevalent opportunistic fungal pathogens in cancer patients.Although the association between C.albicans and cancer has been recognized for decades,the causal relationship,whether C.albicans infection is a consequence of cancer or a direct contributor to cancer development-remains a subject of intensive investigation.Recently,the complex interplay between microbes and cancer has garnered significant attention within the scientific community,with growing interest in elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms.This review systematically examines the biological characteristics of C.albicans,its multifaceted interactions with the host,and its relationship with the intestinal microbiota.Additionally,it provides a comprehensive analysis of the association between C.albicans and the development of various malignancies,with particular emphasis on digestive tract cancers.The review also identifies critical knowledge gaps and apparent contradictions in existing research,highlighting potential avenues for breakthroughs that will advance the efficient and accurate screening,diagnosis,and treatment of cancer.展开更多
Pamiparib is a potent and selective oral poly(adenosine diphosphate(ADP)-ribose)-polymerase(PARP)1/2inhibitor(PARPi).Pamiparib has good bioavailability and shows greater cytotoxic potency and similar DNA-trapping capa...Pamiparib is a potent and selective oral poly(adenosine diphosphate(ADP)-ribose)-polymerase(PARP)1/2inhibitor(PARPi).Pamiparib has good bioavailability and shows greater cytotoxic potency and similar DNA-trapping capacity compared to olaparib.It is not affected by adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-binding cassette transporters.展开更多
Photon-counting computed tomography(PCCT)represents a transformative advancement in neuroimaging,offering superior spatial resolution,spectral imaging capabilities,reduced radiation dose,and enhanced contrast-to-noise...Photon-counting computed tomography(PCCT)represents a transformative advancement in neuroimaging,offering superior spatial resolution,spectral imaging capabilities,reduced radiation dose,and enhanced contrast-to-noise ratios.This review explores the technical foundations of PCCT,its advantages over conventional CT,and its growing applications in neuroimaging.PCCT has shown promise in improving neurovascular imaging,detecting small vessels,and reducing artifacts near metallic implants.It also enhances the visualization of spontaneous intracranial hypotension and cerebrospinal fluid leaks and provides superior diagnostic accuracy in acute ischemic stroke imaging.However,current limitations,including protocol complexity,high data volume,and the absence of integrated artificial intelligence noise reduction algorithms,pose challenges to widespread adoption.Future research should address these limitations and refine PCCT’s applications to unlock its full clinical potential.展开更多
Aesthetic medicine is a branch of medicine dedicated to improve an individual’s appearance and overall visual appeal.Conventional aesthetic treatments have limitations,including the risk of complications,allergic rea...Aesthetic medicine is a branch of medicine dedicated to improve an individual’s appearance and overall visual appeal.Conventional aesthetic treatments have limitations,including the risk of complications,allergic reactions,and temporary benefits.Adipose tissue offers a promising alternative to conventional aesthetic treatments.The regenerative properties,accessibility and versatility of adipose tissue make it an attractive option for individuals seeking natural and long-lasting aesthetic results.Adipose tissue is rich source of adipose tissue derived stem cells(ASCs),growth factors and extracellular matrix.It can restore and rejuvenate the damaged and aged tissues.Adipose tissue can be used in different formats such as pure adipose tissue grafts,stromal vascular fraction,nanofat,macrofat,microfat and as a pure population of ASCs.In addition,ASC derived exosomes offer a unique cell-free therapy advantages bioactive molecules like growth factors,cytokines,and microRNAs to stimulate collagen production,improve skin texture,and address pigmentation issues.This review highlights the multifaceted potential of adipose tissue in aesthetic medicine.It discusses its diverse applications,the biological mechanisms involved,and emerging therapeutic approaches.Moreover,this review also highlights the challenges and future direction of using adipose tissue-based therapies for aesthetic treatments.展开更多
Celiac disease(CD)is a systemic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion ingenetically predisposed individuals.It is characterized by intestinal histological damage and the production of specific autoantibodi...Celiac disease(CD)is a systemic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion ingenetically predisposed individuals.It is characterized by intestinal histological damage and the production of specific autoantibodies.The latest European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology,Hepatology,and Nutrition(ESPGHAN)2020 guidelines have excluded human leukocyte antigen(HLA)genotyping from the no-biopsy diagnostic approach due to its weak positive predictive value,limited availability,and high cost in some countries.However,HLA genetic testing remains valuable in certain clinical contexts.This study provided practical indications for when to request and how to interpret HLA genotyping,emphasizing its continued relevance for CD diagnosis in specific cases.We also proposed a strategy for monitoring the risk of developing type 1 diabetes(T1D)in patients with CD,based on the risk stratification carried by different HLA genotypes.A retrospective analysis of 746 patients with CD and 627 controls was conducted at our hospital starting in2012,when HLA genotyping became mandatory for the diagnosis of CD.We identified key clinical scenarios where HLA testing remains useful.Several high risk HLA-DQ genotypes strongly associated with CD were highlighted,including HLA-DQ2.5/HLA-DQ2.2and HLA-DQ2.5/HLA-DQ2.5.Notably,while the HLA-DQ2.5/HLA-DQ2.2 genotype is linked to CD,it appears to confer protection against T1D.To support clinical practice,we presented a table clarifying commonly used HLA terminology,and another summarized the main clinical situations in which HLAgenotyping should still be considered.These findings underscore the dual role of HLA testing:Not only can it help rule out CD in selected cases,but it also identifies patients with CD at risk for T1D,guiding personalized monitoring strategies.展开更多
Many prey species rely on publicly available personal and social information regarding local predation threats to assess risks and make contextappropriate behavioral decisions.However,in sexually dimorphic species,mal...Many prey species rely on publicly available personal and social information regarding local predation threats to assess risks and make contextappropriate behavioral decisions.However,in sexually dimorphic species,males and females are expected to differ in the perceived costs and/orbenefts associated with predator avoidance decisions.Recent studies suggest that male Trinidadian guppies(Poecilia reticulata)show reducedor absent responses to acute personal information cues,placing them at greater risk of predation relative to females.Our goal here was totest the hypothesis that adult(reproductively active)male guppies rely on social information to limit potential costs associated with their lack ofresponse to risky personal cues.Adult male guppies were exposed to personal chemosensory cues(either conspecifc alarm cues(AC),a novelodor,or a water control)in the presence of a shoal of three females inside a holding container that allowed the transmission of visual but notchemical cues.At the same time,we exposed females to either risk from AC or no risk,resulting in the display of a range of female behavior,from calm to alarmed,available as social information for males.Alarmed females caused male fright activity to increase and male interest infemales to decrease,regardless of the personal cue treatment.These results indicate that male guppies rely more on female information regarding predation risk than their own personal information,probably to balance trade-offs between reproduction and predator avoidance.展开更多
Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors that mediate bidirectional interactions between the intracellular cytoskeletal array and the extracellularmatrix.These interactions are critical in tissue developmen...Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors that mediate bidirectional interactions between the intracellular cytoskeletal array and the extracellularmatrix.These interactions are critical in tissue development and function by regulating gene expression and sustaining tissue architecture.In humans,the integrin family is composed of 18 alpha(α)and 8 beta(β)subunits,constituting 24 distinctαβcombinations.Based on their structure and ligandbinding properties,only a subset of integrins,8 out of 24,recognizes the arginine-glycine-aspartate(RGD)tripeptide motif in the native ligand.One of the major RGD binding integrins is integrin alpha 8 beta 1(α8β1),a central Ras homolog gene familymemberA(RHOA)-dependentmodulator highly expressed in cells with contractile function.This review focuses on the recent advances regardingα8β1 function during organ development,with a particular interest in kidney and inner ear development.We alsodiscussα8β1’s role ininjury anddisease and its importance formesenchymal to epithelial transition during cancer development.Finally,we highlightα8β1’s importance for hearing function and its future use as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool for disease elimination.展开更多
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2(SGLT-2)inhibitors represent a cutting-edge class of oral antidiabetic therapeutics that operate through selective inhibition of glucose reabsorption in proximal renal tubules,consequentl...Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2(SGLT-2)inhibitors represent a cutting-edge class of oral antidiabetic therapeutics that operate through selective inhibition of glucose reabsorption in proximal renal tubules,consequently augmenting urinary glucose excretion and attenuating blood glucose levels.Extensive clinical investigations have demonstrated their profound cardiovascular efficacy.Parallel basic science research has elucidated the mechanistic pathways through which diverse SGLT-2 inhibitors beneficially modulate pulmonary vascular cells and arterial remodeling.Specifically,these inhibitors exhibit promising potential in enhancing pulmonary vascular endothelial cell function,suppressing pulmonary smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration,reversing pulmonary arterial remodeling,and maintaining hemodynamic equilibrium.This comprehensive review synthesizes current literature to delineate the mechanisms by which SGLT-2 inhibitors enhance pulmonary vascular cell function and reverse pulmonary remodeling,thereby offering novel therapeutic perspectives for pulmonary vascular diseases.展开更多
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),hepatic fibrosis,and cirrhosis are major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),yet current blood-based diagnostic assays lack suffici...BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),hepatic fibrosis,and cirrhosis are major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),yet current blood-based diagnostic assays lack sufficient accuracy for routine clinical use.Identifying a non-invasive molecular signature that accurately detects liver disease could improve early diagnosis and monitoring.We hypothesized that the Liver FibraChek Dx■serum assay could discriminate MASLD and HCC from healthy controls using a multiplex biomarker-based algorithm.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Liver FibraChek Dx■assay for detecting MASLD and HCC.METHODS This was a prospective,single-center study conducted in a United States tertiary care setting.Serum samples were collected from 45 participants(14 MASLD,19 HCC,12 healthy controls)with liver histology confirmed by biopsy.The Liver FibraChek Dx■algorithm integrates weighted values of aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,taurocholic acid,L-tyrosine,platelet count,and patient age to generate a risk score.Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to assess associations with histologic diagnosis,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves quantified diagnostic performance.RESULTS Liver FibraChek Dx■risk scores were significantly elevated in MASLD and HCC compared to controls(median:6.92±3.86 vs 3.61±1.67,P<0.001).The area under the ROC curve was 0.890(95%CI:0.776-1.000)for distinguishing diseased from healthy individuals.Sensitivity was 93.9%,specificity 75.0%,positive predictive value 91.1%,negative predictive value 81.8%,and overall accuracy 88.9%.CONCLUSION The Liver FibraChek Dx■assay accurately detects liver disease and shows promise as a non-invasive tool for diagnosing and monitoring MASLD and HCC.展开更多
基金supported by grants from NIH T32(DK007260,to WC)the Steno North American Fellowship awarded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation(NNF23OC0087108,to WC).
文摘The shared links between Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus:Alzheimer’s disease(AD)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)are two prevalent conditions that come with substantial daily struggles.Emerging evidence highlights that these diseases share similar pathophysiological features,including insulin resistance and chronic inflammation,which contribute to their rapid progression(Chen et al.,2022).Insulin resistance,a hallmark of T2DM,has been suggested to exacerbate neurodegeneration in AD.Similarly,chronic low-grade inflammation in T2DM parallels with neuroinflammation,which is observed in AD,suggesting overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms in T2DM and AD.
文摘Objective:To analyse the prevalence of serotypes,antibiotic resistance,and virulence genes of Group B Streptococcus(GBS)strains isolated from pregnant women at 35-37 weeks of gestation in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam,from January 2022 to January 2023.Methods:GBS strains were isolated through selective culture methods and confirmed by PCR.Serotyping,virulence gene detection,and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using PCR,gel electrophoresis techniques and Kirby-Bauer test.Results:Totally,61 GBS isolated from 300 participants have been identified including seven GBS serotypes(Ⅰa,Ⅰb,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ,andⅥ).SerotypesⅦ,Ⅷ,andⅨwere not detected in the study population.Antibiotic resistance patterns varied:13.1%of isolates were fully susceptible,while the majority showed multi-drug resistance,with 34.4%resistant to three antibiotics.SerotypeⅠa demonstrated high susceptibility(35.7%),while serotypeⅢshowed extensive resistance,with 87.5%being resistant to at least three antibiotics.All strains are susceptible to vancomycin andβ-lactams susceptibility also remained high,but resistance to clindamycin,erythromycin,and tetracycline was high(>65%).The virulence genes scpB,cylB,fbsB,and cfb were highly prevalent(90%-100%),indicating their potential for vaccine and diagnostic development.Conclusions:Our findings provide valuable insights into GBS serotypes,resistance,and virulence factors,contributing to community monitoring,preventive measures,diagnostics,and vaccine development.However,the limited sample size necessitates further research.
基金supported by European Union Funding Programme,PNRR,No. 760058(to DMH)the UEFISCDI Project,No. PN-III-P4-IDPCE-2020-059(to APW)
文摘The major aim of stroke therapy is to stimulate brain repair and improve behavioral recovery after cerebral ischemia.One option is to stimulate endogenous neurogenesis in the subventricular zone and direct the newly formed neurons to the damaged area.However,only a small percentage of these neurons survive,and many do not reach the damaged area,possibly because the corpus callosum impedes the migration of subventricular zone-derived stem cells into the lesioned cortex.A second major obstacle to stem cell therapy is the strong inflammatory reaction induced by cerebral ischemia,whereby the associated phagocytic activity of brain macrophages removes both therapeutic cells and/or cell-based drug carriers.To address these issues,neurogenesis was electrically stimulated in the subventricular zone,followed by isolation of proliferating cells,including newly formed neurons,which were subsequently mixed with a nutritional hydrogel.This mixture was then transferred to the stroke cavity of day 14 post-stroke mice.We found that the performance of the treated animals improved in behavioral tests,including novel object,open field,hole board,grooming,and“time-to-feel”adhesive tape tests.Furthermore,immunostaining revealed that the stem cell marker nestin,the neuroepithelial marker Mash1,and the immature neuronal marker doublecortin-positive cells survived in the transplanted area for 2 weeks,possibly due to reduced phagocytic activity and supportive angiogenesis.These results clearly indicate that the transplantation of committed subventricular zone stem cells combined with a protective nutritional gel directly into the infarct cavity after the peak of stroke-induced neuroinflammation represents a feasible approach to improve neurorestoration after cerebral ischemia.
文摘CT-scan is the most irradiating tool in diagnostic radiology. For 5% - 10% of diagnostic X-ray procedures, it is responsible for 34% of irradiation according to UNSCEAR. Patients radiation protection must therefore be increased during CT-scan procedures. This requires the rigorous application of optimization principle which imposes to have “diagnostic reference levels”. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) of the four most frequent CT-scans examinations of adults in Cameroon. Material and Method: It was a cross-sectional pilot study carried out from April to September 2015 in five health facilities using CT-scan in Cameroon. The studied variables were: patients age and sex, type of CT-scan examination (cerebral, chest, abdomino-pelvic, lumbar spine), Used of IV contrast (IV﹣/ IV+), acquisition length, time of tube rotation, voltage (kV), mAs, pitch, thickness of slices, CTDIvol and DLP. For each type of examination, at least 30 patients were included per center, consecutively on the randomly predetermined days. The DRL for each type of examination was defined as the 75th percentile of its PDL and CTDIvol. Results: Of the 696 examinations, 41.2% were cerebral, 26.9% abdomino-pelvic, 17.7% lumbar spine and 14.2% chest. The mean age of patients was 52 ± 15 years [20 - 90 years], 58.9% were 50 years and older. The sex-ratio was 1.26 (55.9% males). The CT machines were 4, 8 and 16 multidetectors. The 75th percentile of DLP or DRLs [standard deviation] was: [1150 ± 278 mGy·cm], [770 ± 477 mGy·cm], [720 ± 170 mGy·cm] and [715 ± 187 mGy·cm] respectively for cerebral, lumbar spine, abdominopelvic and chest CT-scans. Taking in consideration the number of detectors, the 75th percentile of the Dose-Length product decreased with the increase number of detectors for cerebral examinations but was the highest with 16 MDCT for the abdominopelvic, lumbar spine and chest CT-scans. For the chest and lumbar spine examinations, there was a significant increase in patient-dose with the increase in the number of detectors. Conclusion: Our DRLs values lie between the norms of some European countries and those of some African countries. There is remarquable variation in dose for the commonest CT-scans examinations in Cameroon, requiring then an optimization process from these determined DRLs and establishment of national DRLs. Special attention to optimization should be paid when using 16 MDCT.
文摘The aim of this paper is to analyze differences between incidence, characteristics and out-comes of patients with Influenza Like Illness (ILI) presenting to a teaching public hospital in Central Italy during pandemic influenza season (2009-2010) and during the post-pandemic outbreak (2010-2011). We performed a retrospective descriptive study, and we identified Emergency Department (ED) presentations for ILI, relying on hospital discharge data administrative database. Bivariate analyses for the outcome of hospital admission were performed for both seasons and a multiple logistic regression model has been developed to evaluate which factors were independently associated with hospital admission. Among all the ED presentations (51,757), visits for ILI were respectively 821 (3.1%) during the pandemic season, and 704 (2.8%) during the post-pandemic one. The pandemic cohort differs significantly from the post-pandemic cohort for every characteristic investigated, with the exception of the length of stay in the ED. Overall in 2009-2010 there were more ED presentations compared to the following season, but hospital admission rates were less than in 2010-2011. Further studies are needed to assess if other variables may affect the use of the ED for ILI in order to try to plan staff and hospital organization.
基金Supported by Gansu Province Joint Fund General Program,No.24JRRA878Gansu Provincial Science and Technology Program Project,No.24JRRA1020+2 种基金Gansu Province Key Talent Program,No.2025RCXM006Teaching Research and Reform Program for Postgraduate Education at Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(GUSTCM),No.YBXM-202406Special Fund for Mentors of“Qihuang Talents”in the First-Level Discipline of Chinese Medicine,No.ZYXKBD-202415。
文摘BACKGROUND Emerging evidence implicates Candida albicans(C.albicans)in human oncogenesis.Notably,studies have supported its involvement in regulating outcomes in colorectal cancer(CRC).This study investigated the paradoxical role of C.albicans in CRC,aiming to determine whether it promotes or suppresses tumor development,with a focus on the mechanistic basis linked to its metabolic profile.AIM To investigate the dual role of C.albicans in the development and progression of CRC through metabolite profiling and to establish a prognostic model that integrates the microbial and metabolic interactions in CRC,providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies and clinical outcomes.METHODSA prognostic model integrating C. albicans with CRC was developed, incorporating enrichment analysis, immuneinfiltration profiling, survival analysis, Mendelian randomization, single-cell sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics.The effects of the C. albicans metabolite mixture on CRC cells were subsequently validated in vitro. Theprimary metabolite composition was characterized using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.RESULTSA prognostic model based on five specific mRNA markers, EHD4, LIME1, GADD45B, TIMP1, and FDFT1, wasestablished. The C. albicans metabolite mixture significantly reduced CRC cell viability. Post-treatment analysisrevealed a significant decrease in gene expression in HT29 cells, while the expression levels of TIMP1, EHD4, andGADD45B were significantly elevated in HCT116 cells. Conversely, LIME1 expression and that of other CRC celllines showed reductions. In normal colonic epithelial cells (NCM460), GADD45B, TIMP1, and FDFT1 expressionlevels were significantly increased, while LIME1 and EHD4 levels were markedly reduced. Following metabolitetreatment, the invasive and migratory capabilities of NCM460, HT29, and HCT116 cells were reduced. Quantitativeanalysis of extracellular ATP post-treatment showed a significant elevation (P < 0.01). The C. albicans metabolitemixture had no effect on reactive oxygen species accumulation in CRC cells but led to a reduction in mitochondrialmembrane potential, increased intracellular lipid peroxidation, and induced apoptosis. Metabolomic profilingrevealed significant alterations, with 516 metabolites upregulated and 531 downregulated.CONCLUSIONThis study introduced a novel prognostic model for CRC risk assessment. The findings suggested that the C.albicans metabolite mixture exerted an inhibitory effect on CRC initiation.
基金supported by Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(2021JJ31081,2024JJ5619)the Science Fund of State Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Manufacturing Technology for Vehicle(No 32215004).
文摘Biliary system,which is responsible for transporting bile from the liver into the intestine,is commonly damaged by inflammation or tumors eventually causing liver failure or death.The implantation of biliary stents can effectively alleviate both benign and malignant biliary strictures,but the plastic and metal stents that are currently used cannot degrade and nearly has no beneficial biological effects,therefore their long-term service can result into inflammation,the formation of sludges and re-obstruction of bile duct.In recent years,magnesium(Mg)metal has been received increasing attention in the field of biomedical application due to its excellent biocompatibility,adequate mechanical properties,biodegradability and other advantages,such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.The research on biliary stents made of magnesium metals(BSMM)has also made significant progress and a series of experiments in vitro and vivo has proved their possibility.However,there are still some problems holding back BSMM’s clinical use,including rapid corrosion rate and potential harmful reaction.In this review,we would summarize the current research of BSMM,evaluate their clinical benefits,find the choke points,and discuss the solving method.
基金supported by a grant from the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation(NRF),which is funded by the Korean government(MSIP)(NRF-2020M3E5D9079764)(to KS)。
文摘Neuroinflammation has been identified as a crucial element in several neurological disorders. Glial cells play a critical role in directing neuroinflammation, both in deleterious and beneficial ways.
文摘Concerns about air quality in dental clinics where aerosol generation during procedures poses significant health risks,have prompted investigations on advanced disinfection technologies.This editorial describes the strengths and limitations of ventilation and aerosol control measures in dental offices,especially with respect to the use of graphene nanocomposites.The potential of graphene nanocomposites as an innovative solution to aerosol-associated health risks is examined in this review due to the unique properties of graphene(e.g.,high con-ductivity,mechanical strength,and antimicrobial activity).These properties have produced promising results in various fields,but the application of graphene in dentistry remains unexplored.The recent study by Ju et al which was published in World Journal of Clinical Cases evaluated the effectiveness of graphene-based air disinfection systems in dental clinics.The study demonstrated that graphene-based disinfection techniques produced significant reductions in suspended particulate matter and bacterial colony counts,when co-mpared with traditional methods.Despite these positive results,challenges such as material saturation,frequency of filter replacement,and associated costs must be addressed before widespread adoption of graphene-based disinfection techniques in clinical practice.Therefore,there is need for further research on material structure optimization,long-term safety evaluations,and broader clinical applications,in order to maximize their positive impact on public health.
基金Supported by Research grant from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital,Linkou,Taiwan,No.CMRPG3N0622.
文摘The issue of plastic pollutants has become a growing concern.Both microplastics(MPs)(particle size<5 mm)and nanoplastics(NPs)(particle size<1μm)can cause DNA damage,cytotoxicity,and oxidative stress in various organisms.The primary known impacts of microplastic/nanoplastic are observed in the liver and respiratory system,leading to hepatotoxicity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Although research on the effects of MPs and NPs on diabetes is still in its early stages,there are potential concerns.This editorial highlights the risk to diabetics from co-exposure to contaminants and MPs/NPs,supported by evidence from animal studies and the various chemical compositions of MPs/NPs.
基金supported by the Institute for Basic Science (IBS-R022-D1)Global Learning&Academic Research Institution for Master’s/Ph D students and Post-Doc Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Ministry of Education (RS-2023-00301938)+1 种基金National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean government (RS-2024-00406152,MSIT)Additional financial support was provided by the 2024 Post-Doc Development Program of Pusan National University,Korea Medical Institute,and KREONET。
文摘Polystyrene nanoparticles pose significant toxicological risks to aquatic ecosystems,yet their impact on zebrafish(Danio rerio)embryonic development,particularly erythropoiesis,remains underexplored.This study used single-cell RNA sequencing to comprehensively evaluate the effects of polystyrene nanoparticle exposure on erythropoiesis in zebrafish embryos.In vivo validation experiments corroborated the transcriptomic findings,revealing that polystyrene nanoparticle exposure disrupted erythrocyte differentiation,as evidenced by the decrease in mature erythrocytes and concomitant increase in immature erythrocytes.Additionally,impaired heme synthesis further contributed to the diminished erythrocyte population.These findings underscore the toxic effects of polystyrene nanoparticles on hematopoietic processes,highlighting their potential to compromise organismal health in aquatic environments.
文摘Candida albicans(C.albicans)represents one of the most prevalent opportunistic fungal pathogens in cancer patients.Although the association between C.albicans and cancer has been recognized for decades,the causal relationship,whether C.albicans infection is a consequence of cancer or a direct contributor to cancer development-remains a subject of intensive investigation.Recently,the complex interplay between microbes and cancer has garnered significant attention within the scientific community,with growing interest in elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms.This review systematically examines the biological characteristics of C.albicans,its multifaceted interactions with the host,and its relationship with the intestinal microbiota.Additionally,it provides a comprehensive analysis of the association between C.albicans and the development of various malignancies,with particular emphasis on digestive tract cancers.The review also identifies critical knowledge gaps and apparent contradictions in existing research,highlighting potential avenues for breakthroughs that will advance the efficient and accurate screening,diagnosis,and treatment of cancer.
基金supported in part by funding from BeiGene,Ltd.,USA(Grant No.:KPR081)with additional support from the Alessandra Bono Foundation,Italy.
文摘Pamiparib is a potent and selective oral poly(adenosine diphosphate(ADP)-ribose)-polymerase(PARP)1/2inhibitor(PARPi).Pamiparib has good bioavailability and shows greater cytotoxic potency and similar DNA-trapping capacity compared to olaparib.It is not affected by adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-binding cassette transporters.
文摘Photon-counting computed tomography(PCCT)represents a transformative advancement in neuroimaging,offering superior spatial resolution,spectral imaging capabilities,reduced radiation dose,and enhanced contrast-to-noise ratios.This review explores the technical foundations of PCCT,its advantages over conventional CT,and its growing applications in neuroimaging.PCCT has shown promise in improving neurovascular imaging,detecting small vessels,and reducing artifacts near metallic implants.It also enhances the visualization of spontaneous intracranial hypotension and cerebrospinal fluid leaks and provides superior diagnostic accuracy in acute ischemic stroke imaging.However,current limitations,including protocol complexity,high data volume,and the absence of integrated artificial intelligence noise reduction algorithms,pose challenges to widespread adoption.Future research should address these limitations and refine PCCT’s applications to unlock its full clinical potential.
文摘Aesthetic medicine is a branch of medicine dedicated to improve an individual’s appearance and overall visual appeal.Conventional aesthetic treatments have limitations,including the risk of complications,allergic reactions,and temporary benefits.Adipose tissue offers a promising alternative to conventional aesthetic treatments.The regenerative properties,accessibility and versatility of adipose tissue make it an attractive option for individuals seeking natural and long-lasting aesthetic results.Adipose tissue is rich source of adipose tissue derived stem cells(ASCs),growth factors and extracellular matrix.It can restore and rejuvenate the damaged and aged tissues.Adipose tissue can be used in different formats such as pure adipose tissue grafts,stromal vascular fraction,nanofat,macrofat,microfat and as a pure population of ASCs.In addition,ASC derived exosomes offer a unique cell-free therapy advantages bioactive molecules like growth factors,cytokines,and microRNAs to stimulate collagen production,improve skin texture,and address pigmentation issues.This review highlights the multifaceted potential of adipose tissue in aesthetic medicine.It discusses its diverse applications,the biological mechanisms involved,and emerging therapeutic approaches.Moreover,this review also highlights the challenges and future direction of using adipose tissue-based therapies for aesthetic treatments.
基金Supported by Fondazione di Sardegna,No.2020.2284.
文摘Celiac disease(CD)is a systemic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion ingenetically predisposed individuals.It is characterized by intestinal histological damage and the production of specific autoantibodies.The latest European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology,Hepatology,and Nutrition(ESPGHAN)2020 guidelines have excluded human leukocyte antigen(HLA)genotyping from the no-biopsy diagnostic approach due to its weak positive predictive value,limited availability,and high cost in some countries.However,HLA genetic testing remains valuable in certain clinical contexts.This study provided practical indications for when to request and how to interpret HLA genotyping,emphasizing its continued relevance for CD diagnosis in specific cases.We also proposed a strategy for monitoring the risk of developing type 1 diabetes(T1D)in patients with CD,based on the risk stratification carried by different HLA genotypes.A retrospective analysis of 746 patients with CD and 627 controls was conducted at our hospital starting in2012,when HLA genotyping became mandatory for the diagnosis of CD.We identified key clinical scenarios where HLA testing remains useful.Several high risk HLA-DQ genotypes strongly associated with CD were highlighted,including HLA-DQ2.5/HLA-DQ2.2and HLA-DQ2.5/HLA-DQ2.5.Notably,while the HLA-DQ2.5/HLA-DQ2.2 genotype is linked to CD,it appears to confer protection against T1D.To support clinical practice,we presented a table clarifying commonly used HLA terminology,and another summarized the main clinical situations in which HLAgenotyping should still be considered.These findings underscore the dual role of HLA testing:Not only can it help rule out CD in selected cases,but it also identifies patients with CD at risk for T1D,guiding personalized monitoring strategies.
基金supported by Concordia University and funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada(Discovery Grant to G.E.B.,and an E.W.R.SteacieMemorial Fellowship to M.C.O.F.).
文摘Many prey species rely on publicly available personal and social information regarding local predation threats to assess risks and make contextappropriate behavioral decisions.However,in sexually dimorphic species,males and females are expected to differ in the perceived costs and/orbenefts associated with predator avoidance decisions.Recent studies suggest that male Trinidadian guppies(Poecilia reticulata)show reducedor absent responses to acute personal information cues,placing them at greater risk of predation relative to females.Our goal here was totest the hypothesis that adult(reproductively active)male guppies rely on social information to limit potential costs associated with their lack ofresponse to risky personal cues.Adult male guppies were exposed to personal chemosensory cues(either conspecifc alarm cues(AC),a novelodor,or a water control)in the presence of a shoal of three females inside a holding container that allowed the transmission of visual but notchemical cues.At the same time,we exposed females to either risk from AC or no risk,resulting in the display of a range of female behavior,from calm to alarmed,available as social information for males.Alarmed females caused male fright activity to increase and male interest infemales to decrease,regardless of the personal cue treatment.These results indicate that male guppies rely more on female information regarding predation risk than their own personal information,probably to balance trade-offs between reproduction and predator avoidance.
基金supported by NIH-NIDCD,5R01DC21070-0,and Creighton University’s Start-up funds to MZMs.Iman Ezzat was supported by the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Creighton University and the Bellucci Foundation pre-doctoral award.
文摘Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors that mediate bidirectional interactions between the intracellular cytoskeletal array and the extracellularmatrix.These interactions are critical in tissue development and function by regulating gene expression and sustaining tissue architecture.In humans,the integrin family is composed of 18 alpha(α)and 8 beta(β)subunits,constituting 24 distinctαβcombinations.Based on their structure and ligandbinding properties,only a subset of integrins,8 out of 24,recognizes the arginine-glycine-aspartate(RGD)tripeptide motif in the native ligand.One of the major RGD binding integrins is integrin alpha 8 beta 1(α8β1),a central Ras homolog gene familymemberA(RHOA)-dependentmodulator highly expressed in cells with contractile function.This review focuses on the recent advances regardingα8β1 function during organ development,with a particular interest in kidney and inner ear development.We alsodiscussα8β1’s role ininjury anddisease and its importance formesenchymal to epithelial transition during cancer development.Finally,we highlightα8β1’s importance for hearing function and its future use as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool for disease elimination.
基金Supported by Science and Technology Department of Yunnan Province-Kunming Medical University,Kunming Medical Joint Special Project-Surface Project,No.202401AY070001-164Yunnan Provincial Clinical Research Center Cardiovascular Diseases-New Technology Research for Development Project for Diagnosis and Treatment Cardiovascular Diseases,No.202102AA310002the Key Technology Research and Device Development Project for Innovative Diagnosis and Treatment of Structural Heart Disease in the Southwest Plateau Region,No.202302AA310045.
文摘Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2(SGLT-2)inhibitors represent a cutting-edge class of oral antidiabetic therapeutics that operate through selective inhibition of glucose reabsorption in proximal renal tubules,consequently augmenting urinary glucose excretion and attenuating blood glucose levels.Extensive clinical investigations have demonstrated their profound cardiovascular efficacy.Parallel basic science research has elucidated the mechanistic pathways through which diverse SGLT-2 inhibitors beneficially modulate pulmonary vascular cells and arterial remodeling.Specifically,these inhibitors exhibit promising potential in enhancing pulmonary vascular endothelial cell function,suppressing pulmonary smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration,reversing pulmonary arterial remodeling,and maintaining hemodynamic equilibrium.This comprehensive review synthesizes current literature to delineate the mechanisms by which SGLT-2 inhibitors enhance pulmonary vascular cell function and reverse pulmonary remodeling,thereby offering novel therapeutic perspectives for pulmonary vascular diseases.
文摘BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),hepatic fibrosis,and cirrhosis are major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),yet current blood-based diagnostic assays lack sufficient accuracy for routine clinical use.Identifying a non-invasive molecular signature that accurately detects liver disease could improve early diagnosis and monitoring.We hypothesized that the Liver FibraChek Dx■serum assay could discriminate MASLD and HCC from healthy controls using a multiplex biomarker-based algorithm.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Liver FibraChek Dx■assay for detecting MASLD and HCC.METHODS This was a prospective,single-center study conducted in a United States tertiary care setting.Serum samples were collected from 45 participants(14 MASLD,19 HCC,12 healthy controls)with liver histology confirmed by biopsy.The Liver FibraChek Dx■algorithm integrates weighted values of aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,taurocholic acid,L-tyrosine,platelet count,and patient age to generate a risk score.Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to assess associations with histologic diagnosis,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves quantified diagnostic performance.RESULTS Liver FibraChek Dx■risk scores were significantly elevated in MASLD and HCC compared to controls(median:6.92±3.86 vs 3.61±1.67,P<0.001).The area under the ROC curve was 0.890(95%CI:0.776-1.000)for distinguishing diseased from healthy individuals.Sensitivity was 93.9%,specificity 75.0%,positive predictive value 91.1%,negative predictive value 81.8%,and overall accuracy 88.9%.CONCLUSION The Liver FibraChek Dx■assay accurately detects liver disease and shows promise as a non-invasive tool for diagnosing and monitoring MASLD and HCC.
