Multispecialty
Neurosciences
Diffusion tensor imaging revealed brain abnormalities in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
Diffusion tensor imaging parameters were used to investigate microstructural abnormalities of brain tissue in individuals diagnosed with ME/CFS
Selective inhibition of NHE1, a pH-regulatory protein, improved locomotor and cognitive recovery in a mouse model of repetitive mild TBI
Inhibition of NHE1, an important pH-regulating plasma membrane protein, resulted in a reduction of pathological signatures and improved locomotor and cognitive recovery in a mouse model of repetitive mild TBI.
Anti-GABAA receptor encephalitis developed after double autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for multiple myeloma (case report)
This case report presented a patient who developed autoimmune anti-GABAA receptor encephalitis after double autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for multiple myeloma.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was found in 41% of brain samples of young athletes who died before 30 years of age
41% of of deceased young athletes who played contact sports and were exposed to repeated head impacts had chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Neuroplasticity of the maternal brain during pregnancy and postpartum
The specific changes in physiology and neuroplasticity in the maternal brain during pregnancy prepare the mother for the challenges of motherhood and contribute to the survival of the offspring.
Brain neurons form excitatory glutamatergic synapses with metastatic cells of non-neural cancers, mediated by AMPA glutamate receptors, with metastatic cancer cells on the postsynaptic side of the synapses
This study has shown, for the first time, that neurons can form physiologically relevant excitatory glutamatergic synapses with metastatic cells of non-neural cancers.
Transfer of fecal materials from patients with Alzheimer’s disease to healthy rats resulted in cognitive deficit and impaired hippocampal neurogenesis
Transfer of fecal materials from Alzheimer’s disease patients to healthy young adult rats resulted in cognitive deficits and impaired hippocampal neurogenesis.
Progress in tissue engineering: production of human two-layer cerebral cortical tissue and its ex vivo integration in mouse brainÂ
The authors fabricated the two-layer cerebral cortical tissue containing simplified cortical columns by a droplet-based 3D printing technique with human-induced pluripotent stem cells.
Structural brain changes in adolescents who had experienced childhood sexual abuse
This MRI study has shown that volumes of the amygdala and hippocampus, as well as the cortical thickness of the prefrontal cortex, were altered in sexually abused adolescents compared to non-abused adolescents.
Functional outcomes in patients with locked-in syndrome (Norwegian National Study)
The majority of patients with locked-in syndrome remain severely disabled, but, even small improvements in function can significantly increase the potential for activity and participation.
Semorinemab, an anti-tau monoclonal antibody, did not improve functional and global outcomes in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (the phase II Lauriet study)
Results showed that semorinemab had a modest positive cognitive effect in patients with mild to moderate AD, but, did not result in improved functional or global outcomes.
IL-6 receptor blocker-tocilizumab rapidly improved condition in two children with severe myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD)
IL-6 receptor blocker tocilizumab rapidly improved the condition in two children with severe, acute manifestations of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).
An unusual outbreak of Guillain Barré Syndrome in Peru
The Pan American Health Organization as the regional office for the World Health Organization in the Americas issued a briefing note on July 10, 2023, regarding the unusual increase of cases of Guillain Barré Syndrome in different parts of Peru.
Healthy older people treated with daily low-dose aspirin had higher rates of intracranial hemorrhage compared to the placebo group (the ASPREE randomized clinical trial)
The totals of intracranial hemorrhage resulting from a combination of hemorrhagic stroke and other causes of intracerebral hemorrhage, such as subdural, extradural, and subarachnoid bleeding, were significantly higher among individuals treated with aspirin than in individuals assigned to placebo.
Recurrent aseptic meningitis associated with a rare heterozygous complement regulatory factor (CFI) I gene mutation (case report)
This case report presented an association between a rare heterozygous CFI mutation and neurological manifestations with more than 15 episodes of aseptic neutrophilic meningitis, seizures, and persistent cognitive impairments.
Plasma and tear fluid concentrations of calcitonin gene-related peptide are related to the endogenous sex hormone levels during the menstrual cycle phases in women suffering from episodic migraine
The increased CGRP release from the trigeminal-vascular system during menstruation could explain the biological predisposition to more frequent, severe, and prolonged migraine attacks during this period
Sex-specific differences in functional brain connectivity are present in utero
Sex-specific differences in brain functional connectivity are present in utero in a way that is consistent and reliable enough to be highly identifiable.
Female college athletes are more likely to have a longer recovery after a sport-related brain concussion
Participants who experienced slow recovery after sport-related brain concussion were more likely to be women and have more symptoms immediately after injury.
The influence of callosal fibers on the degree of language lateralization is anatomically specific
This first tractography study investigated the relationship between the volumes and microstructural properties of callosal subregions and the degree of language lateralization.
Selected topic: Multiple Sclerosis
In patients with newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis, an altered IgA-bound fecal microbiota and an altered abundance and prevalence of specific gut bacterial strains were found before and after B-cell depletion therapy
This study demonstrated that, both before and after six months of B-cell depletion therapy, healthy people and MS patients had different host immunologic responses, particularly IgA-binding patterns to the gut microbiome.
Intrathecally synthesized IgG1/CXCL10 axis is a potential predictor of multiple sclerosis activity
A specific signaling axis, immunoglobulin (Ig)G1-CXC motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), is a potential predictor of MS disease activity and/or conversion from clinically isolated syndrome to relapsing-remitting MS.
HERV expression in pregnant women with multiple sclerosis is reduced compared to healthy pregnant women
The expression of HERVs in pregnant women with MS was reduced compared to healthy pregnant women.
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 32 patients with aggressive relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
This study reports the results of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 32 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Autoreactive T-cells migrate into the bone marrow and augment myelopoiesis which can accelerate inflammation and demyelination in multiple sclerosis
This study revealed that bone marrow, as the primary site of hematopoiesis, has an unrecognized role in MS, promoting intimate interactions between autoreactive T-cells and hematopoietic cells.
Infectious Diseases
Genomic analyses of Staphylococcus aureus isolates show bacterial adaptation to COVID-19 selective pressure
Comparative genomic analysis of a collection of 339 S. aureus isolates from patients with bacteremia highlighted bacterial adaptation to COVID-19 selective pressure.
The attachment pattern, replication, and infection of the upper and lower human respiratory tract differ between the H5N1 virus of clade 2.3.4.4b, the H5N1 virus of clade 2.1.3.2 and a seasonal H3N2 virus
Currently circulating the HPAI H5N1 virus of clade 2.3.4.4b attached better to the human respiratory tract than the H5N1 virus of clade 2.1.3.2. More abundant attachment to the human respiratory tract of the H5N12022 virus was associated with its more effective replication.
The risk of transmission of influenza A H5N1 virus through direct contact with raw milk from infected dairy cows (the mammary gland of cows abundantly displays receptors for circulating 2.3.4.4b H5 viruses)
Recent studies have investigated the ongoing risk of transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus to humans through direct contact with raw milk from infected dairy cows, the binding of 2.3.4.4b H5 influenza A viruses to available receptors in the mammary gland tissue samples from cows.
SARS-CoV-2 enters human erythrocytes but does not affect the development of Plasmodium falciparum
SARS-CoV-2 enters human erythrocytes, but in a low percentage of cells (10.9%) compared to SARS-CoV-2 permissive cell lines. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in blood culture did not affect the survival or growth rate of the malaria parasite.
Immune response in people from malaria-endemic regions of Ghana, exposed to Plasmodium falciparum and positive for SARS-CoV-2
Immune modulation associated with exposure to Plasmodium falciparum may contribute to a reduced severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection among people living in malaria-endemic regions.
Rise in cryptosporidiosis cases in Australia
The Department of Health and National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System of the Australian Government reported a rise in the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in Australia.
A rise of toxic shock syndrome in Japan
The Japanese National Institute of Infectious Diseases reports a rise in the number of patients with toxic shock syndrome in Japan.
Anthrax outbreak in Zambia (The WHO announcement)
On December 8th, 2023, the World Health Organization announced that Zambia had reported its largest anthrax outbreak for a decade.
Tuberculous pericarditis with pericardial tamponade in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients (Two case reports)
These case reports presented individuals who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and who developed tuberculous pericarditis with tamponade.
Systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide reduced the number of hippocampal GABA-ergic synapses and caused memory impairment
A short time after systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide, microglia were activated, followed by a reduced number of hippocampal γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic synapses and long-lasting cognitive impairment.
Bat coronavirus TyRo-CoV-162275, found in southern China, has a furin protease cleavage site in the spike protein
Bat coronavirus TyRo-CoV-162275 has a putative furin protease cleavage site in its spike protein, and similar to MERS-CoV, likely utilizes human dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (hDPP4) as a receptor for cell entry.
A diversity of intracellular microbes in immune cells of SARS-CoV-2-positive and COVID-19-recovered individuals
This study demonstrates diversity of intracellular microbes in immune cells of healthy individuals, SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, and COVID-19 recovered individuals.
Leprosy following COVID-19 vaccination
This study investigated leprosy or immune-mediated complications known as leprosy reactions diagnosed in the Leprosy Clinic at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, within 12 weeks following COVID-19 vaccination.
Concurrent infection with different intracellular pathogens can lead to accelerated T-cell exhaustion and potentially severe consequences
This paper discusses the possible interactions between the first and the second intracellular pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoan parasites, when they concurrently infect the same host cells.
The third case of HIV-1 cure after allogeneic CCR5Δ32/Δ32 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
This study reports the third case of HIV-1 cure after allogeneic CCR5Δ32/Δ32 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and provides detailed information about the virological and immunological signature before and after analytical treatment interruption.
Other Medical Specialties
The study of first-onset psychiatric disorders in a large sample size of more than 120,000 women showed that the perimenopause is a period of increased risk of first-onset major depressive disorder and mania
The results showed that the perimenopause (2 years prior and 2 years after the final menstrual period) is a period of increased risk of first-onset major depressive disorder and mania.
Azithromycin is in vitro superior to other macrolides in the respiratory epithelial barrier enhancement, phospholipid retention, vesicle build-up, and its effect on gene sets related to keratinocyte differentiation
Azithromycin treatment was distinct in terms of enhancement of the epithelial barrier, retention of phospholipids, vesicle build-up, and its effect on gene sets related to keratinocyte differentiation and establishment of skin barrier.
Elevated levels of arthroplasty-relevant metals were found in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with arthroplasty implants
This cross-sectional study showed that chronic exposure to arthroplasty implants was associated with increased blood levels of cobalt, chromium, titanium, niobium, and zirconium. Arthroprosthetic cobalt, chromium, titanium, niobium, and zirconium seemed to cross blood-brain barrier and accumulate in CSF.
Alcohol-associated end-organ complications among adolescents and young adults
Among adolescents and young adults, alcohol-associated pancreatic complications were more frequent than liver-related complications (29% versus 19% respectively), and the most frequent pancreatic complications were acute pancreatitis (92%).
According to a nationwide Swedish study, the use of antidepressants is associated with faster cognitive deterioration in patients with dementia
This nationwide cohort study showed that the current use of antidepressants, in particular SSRIs (i.e., citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram) and mirtazapine was associated with faster cognitive decline in patients with dementia.
In a 7-year follow-up, 61% of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who had no cardiovascular disease were found to have subclinical left ventricular dysfunction
Type 2 diabetes is an independent risk factor for subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic patients without cardiovascular diseases.
A low level of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in liver cirrhosis is an independent risk factor for decompensation, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and liver-related mortality
Lower levels of IGF-1 were an independent risk factor for further decompensation, acute-on-chronic liver failure and liver-related mortality, highlighting the clinical significance of low IGF-1 in liver cirrhosis.
Radial artery thrombosis occurred in 13% of individuals who underwent coronary angiography via the proximal transradial route
This study investigated the occurrence of radial artery thrombosis following the transradial route of coronary angiography and related risk factors for its occurrence.
Treatment of postpartum constipation using Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (TTNS)
Bilateral TTNS, integrated with traditional physical therapy with diaphragmatic and abdominal exercises, improved constipation symptoms and quality of life in postpartum women.
Sex-specific proteomic profiles of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction
Circulating proteins associated with extracellular matrix organization were overrepresented in women, while those reflecting apoptotic processes were overrepresented in men. The predictive value of circulating proteins measured repeatedly did not differ between sexes, except for endothelin-1 and somatostatin.
The accumulation of nanoparticles in the reproductive organs of female mice
The accumulation of nanoparticles in the female reproductive organs impairs the development of oocytes and can compromise fertility. In addition, cancer treatment with nanomedicines appears to be influenced by the specific biodistribution of nanoparticles in the female reproductive system.
Certain bacterial species in colorectal cancer can resist the toxicity of 5-fluorouracil and reduce drug efficacy
In some patients with colorectal cancer, the intratumoral microbiota possesses the ability to deplete 5-FU, thereby reducing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agent within the colonized microniches.
The American Heart Association recently defined the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome
AHA presidental advisory provides the definition of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome syndrome and guides how to better detect, prevent, and manage it.
A possible role of tau protein dysregulation in the pathogenesis of glaucoma
This review article discusses the new perspective of glaucoma as a tau-associated disorder, and analyzes the recent findings on the link between tau protein dysregulation and glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
The risk of cardiac arrhythmias is increased in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (nationwide Swedish cohort study)
The patients with inflammatory bowel disease had an increased long-term risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias, with the exception of bradyarrhythmias
Sex-specific association between depressive symptoms and specific forms of childhood trauma in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders
This study revealed a gender-specific association between depressive symptoms and specific forms of childhood trauma in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In women, the severity of depressive symptoms was associated with childhood sexual abuse, which was three times as often as in men.
AEF0117, a signaling-specific inhibitor of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor, is a safe and potentially effective treatment for cannabis use disorder
This study showed that AEF0117 reduced the positive subjective effects of cannabis and self-administration of cannabis in individuals with cannabis use disorder in comparison to placebo. It seems that AEF0117 decreases the abuse-related effects of cannabis not affecting normal behavior or activities.
Treatment with ADHD medications is associated with reduced risk of suicide in patients with borderline personality disorder (a nationwide Swedish study)
The use of ADHD medications was associated with a reduced risk of attempted or completed suicide. On the contrary, the use of benzodiazepines was associated with a marked increase in suicide risk.
The neurogenic cardiac injury
This review discusses the main pathophysiological mechanisms of heart-brain interaction leading to the neurogenic cardiac injury.
Selected topic: Sex-specific differences in human medicine
The study of first-onset psychiatric disorders in a large sample size of more than 120,000 women showed that the perimenopause is a period of increased risk of first-onset major depressive disorder and mania
The results showed that the perimenopause (2 years prior and 2 years after the final menstrual period) is a period of increased risk of first-onset major depressive disorder and mania.
Differences in gene transcriptomics in peripheral blood cells of vaccinated patients with post-COVID syndrome are sex-specific
Sex-specific differences in the transcriptome of peripheral blood cells in vaccinated patients with PACS indicate possible sex-specific differences in the pathophysiology of PACS.
A Korean nationwide study conducted on more than 44 million vaccinated individuals found that the incidence of myocarditis associated with COVID vaccination was highest in males aged 12 to 17 years, and the most serious adverse effect was sudden cardiac death
The authors concluded that the findings of sudden cardiac deaths attributable to COVID vaccine-related myocarditis warrant the careful monitoring or warning of sudden cardiac death as a potentially fatal complication of COVID-19 vaccination, especially in individuals younger than 45 years of age who received the mRNA vaccines.
Sex-specific proteomic profiles of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction
Circulating proteins associated with extracellular matrix organization were overrepresented in women, while those reflecting apoptotic processes were overrepresented in men. The predictive value of circulating proteins measured repeatedly did not differ between sexes, except for endothelin-1 and somatostatin.
Neuroplasticity of the maternal brain during pregnancy and postpartum
The specific changes in physiology and neuroplasticity in the maternal brain during pregnancy prepare the mother for the challenges of motherhood and contribute to the survival of the offspring.
Hypotestosteronemia in COVID-19 or post COVID syndrome could be of hypothalamic origin
A persistent hypotestosteronemia in certain patients with COVID-19 or long COVID syndrome could be of hypothalamic origin due to impaired GnRH function, or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
HERV expression in pregnant women with multiple sclerosis is reduced compared to healthy pregnant women
The expression of HERVs in pregnant women with MS was reduced compared to healthy pregnant women.
The VAERS reporting rates of myocarditis/pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination demonstrate a higher reporting rate mainly after the second dose, particularly among young males
In this retrospective pharmacovigilance study of safety signals associated with myocarditis/pericarditis after the primary and up to three booster doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, the second dose of the vaccines showed the strongest signal in vaccinated individuals under 25 years old.
Sex-specific association between depressive symptoms and specific forms of childhood trauma in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders
This study revealed a gender-specific association between depressive symptoms and specific forms of childhood trauma in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In women, the severity of depressive symptoms was associated with childhood sexual abuse, which was three times as often as in men.
Sex-specific association between ultra-processed foods and the increased risk of colorectal cancer
This study found a positive association between the overall consumption of ultra-processed foods and the increased risk of colorectal cancer in men. The association was limited to distal colon cancer.
Plasma and tear fluid concentrations of calcitonin gene-related peptide are related to the endogenous sex hormone levels during the menstrual cycle phases in women suffering from episodic migraine
The increased CGRP release from the trigeminal-vascular system during menstruation could explain the biological predisposition to more frequent, severe, and prolonged migraine attacks during this period
Sex-specific differences in functional brain connectivity are present in utero
Sex-specific differences in brain functional connectivity are present in utero in a way that is consistent and reliable enough to be highly identifiable.
Female college athletes are more likely to have a longer recovery after a sport-related brain concussion
Participants who experienced slow recovery after sport-related brain concussion were more likely to be women and have more symptoms immediately after injury.
Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements
By blocking the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, pomegranate peel extract reduces inflammation and alleviates symptoms in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome
These findings underline the potential of PPE in the treatment of intestinal diseases.
Relationship between the metabolic pathways associated with low serum vitamin D levels and the neurodevelopment measure (the ASQ communication score)
Low levels of vitamin D were associated with changes in the metabolic networks of tryptophan metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis.
Positive effects of the flavonol quercetin in COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 syndrome
Numerous studies demonstrated the positive effects of quercetin in in COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 syndrome, including direct inhibition of viral entry into the host cells, inhibition of viral replication, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects.Â
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties of natural products derived from plants, honey, and marine sponges
This study analyzes recent research on natural products derived from plants, honey, and marine sponges with properties against the SARS-CoV-2, as well as several potential mechanisms of their action,
Rosmarinic acid displayed a protective effect in an animal model of inflammatory bowel disease
The rosmarinic acid effectively reduces intestinal inflammation, intestinal flora dysbiosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, cell death, and intestinal smooth muscle contraction abnormalities in an animal model of inflammatory bowel disease.
Breastfeeding restores microbial shift in the infant’s gut microbiota caused by the mode of delivery
Breastfeeding restored perturbation in the infant’s gut microbiota caused by the mode of delivery (Cesarean section), and reduced susceptibility to respiratory infections in the first months of the infant’s life.
Sex-specific association between ultra-processed foods and the increased risk of colorectal cancer
This study found a positive association between the overall consumption of ultra-processed foods and the increased risk of colorectal cancer in men. The association was limited to distal colon cancer.
The Western-type diet contributes to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in a clinically relevant mouse model
This study identified Blautia producta and its metabolite, 2-oleoylglycerol, as clinically relevant bacterial and metabolic mediators that promote the onset and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Selected topic: The Mediterranean diet and olive oil
Consumption of olive oil reduces the risk of dementia-related mortality
This study, conducted in two large US prospective cohorts, found that the risk of dementia-related mortality was 28% lower in participants who consumed more than 7 grams per day of olive oil than in participants who never or rarely consumed olive oil.
The Mediterranean diet changed the gut microbiome and decreased the fecal calprotectin concentration in patients in remission of ulcerative colitis
In patients with remission of ulcerative colitis, the Mediterranean diet, compared to the habitual diet, induced changes in the gut microbiome, reduced fecal calprotectin concentrations, and increased fecal short-chain fatty acid levels.
The Mediterranean and low-fat diets reduce the risk of all cause mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction in patients at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
This network meta-analysis determined the relative efficacy of structured diet and health behavior programs (dietary programs) for preventing mortality and major cardiovascular events in patients at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.Â
The Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk for all-cause dementia
Participants with the highest adherence to the Mediterranean diet had a 23% lower risk to develop dementia than those with the lowest level of adherence.