Search Results (54)

Background: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is characterized by excessive microbial colonization of the small intestine and is commonly diagnosed using hydrogen breath tests. However, most studies focus primarily on diagnostic thresholds rather than the overall dynamics of hydrogen production during the test. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 162 adults with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms who underwent a lactulose hydrogen breath test. Hydrogen concentrations were measured every 20 min over a 180 min period. Total hydrogen production was quantified using the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC), and hydrogen levels during the early (0–60 min) and late (>60 min) phases of the test were analyzed. Results: Among the participants, 100 (61.7%) were classified as SIBO-positive and 62 (38.3%) as SIBO-negative. Individuals with SIBO exhibited significantly higher total hydrogen production compared with those with a negative breath test result (mean AUC: 6938 vs. 2292 ppm × min, p < 0.001). Early hydrogen levels were also higher in the SIBO-positive group (8.7 vs. 4.5 ppm, p < 0.001). The most pronounced difference was observed during the late phase of the test, where hydrogen concentrations were markedly elevated in SIBO-positive individuals (52.7 vs. 12.0 ppm, p < 0.001). Conclusions: SIBO is associated with markedly increased hydrogen production during lactulose breath testing, particularly during the later stages of the test. These findings improve understanding of hydrogen production dynamics during lactulose breath testing and provide additional descriptive information regarding hydrogen response patterns; however, further studies are needed before clinical application. The observed differences should also be interpreted within the applied breath test classification framework. Full article

The Barker hypothesis links intrauterine conditions, mainly low birth weight, subject to poor nutrition with paradoxically improved standards of living and nutrition after World War II in Western countries, to adult disease, mainly coronary heart disease. The limitations of his hypothesis include the fact that it is based only on human epidemiological data and animal studies, and also that it is difficult to isolate the effect of the intrauterine environment from postnatal conditions, familial and genetic background. In the last 20 years, the introduction of ultrasound and Doppler techniques in the assessment of fetal and maternal vascularity added a major contribution to the evaluation of the intrauterine environment. Studies based on ultrasound and Doppler assist in differentiating between prematurity and fetal growth restriction (FGR), mainly in those with placental insufficiency, and postnatal morbidity and even mortality. In addition, the Pedersen hypothesis regarding fetuses with overgrowth, mainly with diabetic mothers, states that they are also prone to postnatal morbidity. However, most of the studies on the issue do not emphasize the effects of the intrauterine environment on fetal organs, such as the brain, heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas in FGR and fetal overgrowth, that may impose a different prognosis in later life. This narrative review aims to summarize current evidence from animal and human studies regarding the impact of intrauterine undernutrition and overnutrition on fetal organ development, and to evaluate how ultrasound and Doppler findings may contribute to understanding the link between the intrauterine environment and postnatal morbidity. Full article

Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly conceptualized as a neurodevelopmental condition with prenatal origins. Advances in fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including high-resolution structural imaging and resting-state functional connectivity analysis, now enable in vivo characterization of the developing human brain before birth. This review examines whether fetal MRI biomarkers are associated with later ASD diagnosis or autistic traits. Methods: We conducted a PRISMA-informed narrative review of human studies identified through MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. Eligible studies included original human investigations using fetal MRI to assess brain structure and/or function, with postnatal ASD diagnosis or standardized autistic-trait outcomes. Results: Eight eligible studies provide converging evidence that neurodevelopmental divergence associated with ASD may be detectable in utero. Structural analyses consistently report prenatal volumetric alterations, particularly enlargement of the insular cortex between the second and third trimesters. Additional findings of regional overgrowth and hemispheric asymmetries suggest distributed deviations in cortical maturation. Functional fetal MRI studies further demonstrate atypical large-scale network organization prior to birth. Altered connectivity within cingulate, prefrontal, temporal, and cerebellar circuits has been prospectively associated with later autistic traits, indicating that network-level integration may diverge before behavioral symptoms emerge. Evidence from high-risk conditions, including isolated ventriculomegaly and tuberous sclerosis complex, reinforces the association between prenatal structural abnormalities and increased ASD risk. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that structural and functional brain alterations identifiable by fetal MRI may precede the clinical manifestation of ASD. These findings support a model of ASD as a condition potentially rooted in prenatal neurodevelopmental divergence. However, larger, standardized, multicenter studies are required before fetal MRI biomarkers can be translated into predictive or clinical applications. Full article

Glycogen metabolism plays a key role in bacterial adaptation. In Streptococcus pneumoniae, the glycogen-degrading enzyme SpuA is widely conserved, but its physiological significance remains unclear. In this study, we investigated how SpuA affects bacterial growth and response to acid stress. We found that the spuA deletion strain (ΔspuA) produced more acidic metabolites under anaerobic conditions than the wild-type strain. In a mouse infection model, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from ΔspuA-infected mice was more acidic on day 1 post-infection, showing a lower bacterial load than wild-type infection—a finding consistent with the early growth delay observed in vitro—but the mutant later exhibited enhanced persistence at 72 h. ΔspuA strains also showed greater tolerance to formic acid and higher intake of serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), which may further contribute to their survival in acidic environments. Transcriptomic analysis revealed reduced utilization of certain amino acids, particularly cysteine, in ΔspuA strains. However, the addition of 0.05% (v/v) formic acid restored amino acid utilization in ΔspuA strains, and co-supplementation with formic acid and cysteine significantly enhanced ΔspuA growth in vitro. These findings suggest that in the absence of SpuA, S. pneumoniae shifts its metabolism toward formic acid production, which may act both as a metabolic signal and a stressor that influences bacterial gene expression. This shift is accompanied by increased expression of tRNAs and growth rescue, suggesting enhanced amino acid utilization capacity. Although our findings reveal a potential link between formic acid metabolism and amino acid utilization through tRNA regulation, further validation using metabolic flux analyses or targeted metabolomics will be required to confirm this relationship. These observations imply a metabolic adaptation that facilitates bacterial growth under low-oxygen, acidic conditions during infection. Our results also raise the possibility that SpuA plays a role in restraining bacterial overgrowth in the host, thereby promoting a more balanced coexistence between pathogen and host. Full article

Uterine adenosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth (ASSO) is an exceptionally rare and aggressive subtype of uterine sarcomas, characterized by high mitotic activity, deep myometrial invasion, and an elevated risk of recurrence and metastasis. We report the case of a 79-year-old institutionalized woman with a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, chronic hepatitis B, and mild Alzheimer’s disease. During routine hepatic ultrasound surveillance, an incidental 26 mm endometrial lesion was detected. Initial diagnostic hysteroscopy revealed a benign endometrial polyp. However, due to the patient’s institutionalization and absence of gynecologic symptoms, no specialized follow-up was conducted. Four years later, she presented with profuse postmenopausal bleeding. Imaging revealed a markedly enlarged uterus with a 12–13 cm heterogeneous endometrial mass containing cystic and hemorrhagic areas, demonstrating diffusion restriction and significant contrast enhancement on MRI, with no radiologically suspicious lymphadenopathy. Hysteroscopy demonstrated a giant polyp with a broad implantation base; histology suggested sarcomatous transformation. Definitive diagnosis after total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy confirmed high-grade ASSO with homologous sarcomatoid overgrowth, consistent with endometrial stromal sarcoma. This case illustrates the progressive malignant transformation of an initially benign-appearing lesion in a patient with significant comorbidities and limited follow-up. It underscores the importance of clinical vigilance, regular monitoring, and interdisciplinary coordination in the evaluation of uterine enlargement in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. Full article

Researchers are increasingly focusing on understanding the microbiota’s influence on disease susceptibility and overall health. The vast number of microorganisms in our gastrointestinal tract and their extensive surface area underscore their undeniable impact on well-being. Viewing the gut microbiome as a distinct pool of microbial genetic information that interacts with the human genome highlights its pivotal role in genetically predisposed diseases. Investigating this complex crosstalk may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies—such as targeting dysbiosis—to complement conventional treatments and improve patient care. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a multifactorial condition originating from a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. Compelling evidence points to the enteric nervous system as an initial site of pathological processes that later extend to the brain—a pattern known as the ‘body-first’ model. Furthermore, most patients with PD exhibit both qualitative and quantitative alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota, including dysbiosis and small intestinal overgrowth. Nonetheless, the existing literature predominantly addresses fecal microbiota, while knowledge of upper intestinal sections, like the duodenum, remains scarce. Given the potential for microbiota modulation to impact both motor and gastrointestinal symptoms, further research exploring the therapeutic roles of balanced diets, probiotics, and fecal transplants in PD is warranted. Full article

Cowden syndrome (CS) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by benign overgrowth in various tissues and a high risk of breast and thyroid cancer. CS is closely associated with pathogenic variants (PVs) in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) tumor suppressor gene. PVs in PTEN are usually inherited and estimates of de novo frequencies remain inconclusive. The diagnosis of PTEN-associated syndromes remains a challenge in clinical practice, due to patients showing seemingly unrelated symptoms. We report on the clinical management of a now 18-year-old female CS patient, who initially presented with macrosomia, motor development delay and later, lipomas on the abdominal wall. Genetic testing revealed a de novo PTEN PV c.1003C>T(p.Arg335X). The PV was detected in leukocyte DNA of the patient. Using direct DNA sequencing, as well as NGS, the PV was not found in any of the tissues derived from immediate family members. However, the PV was detected in multiple samples representing other germ layers of the affected patient, which renders constitutional mosaicism unlikely. This case constitutes the first description of a de novo PTEN PV, in which constitutional mosaicism was systematically ruled out and underscores the importance of timely genetic testing of patients and their relatives. The diagnosis of a PTEN PV in early childhood allows for the implementation of a comprehensive, lifelong care plan that addresses both pediatric and adult medical needs as well as cancer risk surveillance and family planning. This not only accounts for the affected patients, but also their close family members who might be susceptible to the same PV. Full article

The sandstone sections in the Upper Jurassic red beds of the Yongjin area in the central Junggar Basin are important oil and gas reservoirs. The debate over whether red beds are of primary depositional or secondary diagenetic origin persists, leading to uncertainties in the interpretation of reservoir sedimentary facies. This study uses core samples and employs thin section microscope observations, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and major and trace element analyses to investigate the formation period and paleoclimate conditions of red beds and explore the origin of red sandstone. The Upper Jurassic red beds are mainly deposited in arid delta plain environments. The framework grains of the red sandstone are composed of quartz (averaging 22.6%), feldspar (averaging 16.3%), and rock fragments (averaging 36.7%). The rock fragments in the sandstone are mainly composed of intermediate basic volcanic rocks and cryptocrystalline acid volcanic rocks, which are rich in mafic silicate minerals such as olivine, pyroxene, ilmenite, and magnetite. In situ hematitization of ilmenite is observed in the rock fragments, suggesting that the in situ alteration of mafic silicate minerals in the parent rock is the main source of iron ions for hematite. Tiny hematite crystals (2.1 μm) are observed in clay mineral micropores via SEM. Abundant mixed-layer illite/smectite clay indicates early smectite transformation, providing a minor source of iron ions for hematite. Hematite in the red sandstone occurs as a grain-coating type, predating quartz overgrowth, feldspar overgrowth, and (ferroan) calcite and (ferroan) dolomite precipitation. Residual hematite coatings between detrital grain point contacts indicate that hematite is a product of syn-sedimentary or very early diagenetic precipitation, ruling out the possibility that red sandstone formation was caused by later atmospheric water leaching during the fold and thrust belt stage. The average chemical index of alteration (CIA) for the red sandstone is 52.2, whereas the CIA for the red mudstone averages 59.5, and the chemical index of weathering (CIW) reached a maximum of 69. These values indicate that the rocks have undergone mild chemical weathering in arid climates. Additionally, the ratios of trace elements indicate that the water bodies were in an oxidizing state during the sedimentary period. The arid climate and oxidative water conditions were ideal for hematite preservation, thus facilitating red bed formation. The red bed sediments in the study area represent a direct response to the Late Jurassic aridification event and can be compared to global climate change. The results have important implications for stratigraphic correlation and interpretation of reservoir sedimentary facies in the study area while also providing a valuable case study for global research on red beds. Full article

Background: Condylar hyperplasia (CH) leads to mandibular overgrowth with anatomical, aesthetic, and functional consequences, particularly affecting facial harmony. It is characterized by severe mandibular prognathism (MP) in bilateral cases. This study aims to propose a therapeutic algorithm for diagnosing and treating bilateral condylar hyperplasia (BCH) based on demographic, clinical, craniofacial growth, and clivus ratio uptake conditions. Methods: Ten patients with severe skeletal Class III by MP, whose alteration was clinically associated with BCH, were consecutively evaluated in a specialized dentofacial deformity center between the period of 2019 and 2024. A detailed protocol was followed to gather clinical history, assess anatomical features, evaluate malocclusion, and identify potential BCH. When suspicion arose, a nuclear medicine test measured condylar scintigraphy uptake. If the result was positive, patients underwent bilateral condylectomy, following one of three treatment protocols. Results: Severe PM, pronounced Class III with excessive negative overjet, elongated condyles of normal anatomy, absence of family history, and accelerated growth since preadolescence and adolescence were common characteristics in these patients. Regarding the treatment protocol chosen according to the characteristics of the patients, five cases followed treatment protocol A: condylectomy and surgical correction of the alteration in two surgical stages. Two cases followed protocol B: bilateral condylectomy and orthognathic surgery in the same surgical time, and three cases followed protocol C: condylectomy and later post-surgical orthopedics and/or orthodontics without a second surgical intervention. Histopathological results confirmed bilateral hyperplastic growth and stability in mandibular size, and occlusion was observed during follow-up. Conclusions: Specialists need to recognize the clinical signs of BCH and use scintigraphy tests to measure condylar metabolic activity when suspected. Early detection of BCH is crucial, as it influences treatment decisions and helps prevent relapses in orthodontic or surgical interventions aimed solely at correcting or compensating for Class III malocclusion caused by MP. Full article

The Yanchang Formation of the Triassic in the Ordos Basin comprises various stratigraphic intervals. The Chang 8 reservoir represents a significant oil-producing section of the Yanchang Formation, and its hydrocarbon accumulation mechanism is complex. In this study, we analyzed the diagenetic evolution and reservoir-forming stages of the Chang 8 member of the Yanchang Formation in the Late Triassic in the Fuxian area, the southern Ordos Basin, via thin-section casting, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and fluid inclusion petrology and homogenization temperature analyses. The relationship between the petrogenesis and hydrocarbon charging history was analyzed, which provided guidance for identifying and predicting the hydrocarbon reservoir distribution. The results show that the main diagenesis types of the Chang 8 reservoir are compaction, cementation, dissolution, and metasomatism. The comprehensive analysis of the reservoir mineral types, diagenesis, diagenetic sequence, and thermal evolution degree of organic matter shows that the Chang 8 reservoir of the Yanchang Formation is in the A stage of the middle diagenesis stage. Under the overpressure of hydrocarbon generation, oil and gas migrated into the Chang 8 reservoir along fractures and connected pores. The earlier-stage hydrocarbon charging occurred after compaction and later than the early clay film formation and early calcite precipitation, and it also occurred earlier than or simultaneously with the quartz overgrowth. The later hydrocarbon charging occurred after the significant quartz overgrowth and late calcite pore filling. Depending on the homogenization temperature and salinity, the fluid inclusions can be divided into two types: low-temperature, low-salt (90–105 °C, 1.4%–11.2%) fluid inclusions and high-temperature, high-salt (115–120 °C, 2.2%–12.5%) fluid inclusions. According to the analysis of the evolution of the burial history, hydrocarbon charging in the Chang 8 reservoir of the Yanchang Formation in the Fuxian area occurred in two consecutive periods: 133~126 Ma and 122~119 Ma, demonstrating one-scene, two-stage reservoir formation, characterized by simultaneous reservoir densification and hydrocarbon charging. In this research, we precisely ascertained the regional diagenetic characteristics and patterns and periods of hydrocarbon charging, thereby furnishing crucial evidence that deepens the comprehension of sedimentary basin evolution. Full article

An important issue in container nurseries is the production of seedlings of appropriate quality. These seedlings must meet specific biometric parameters and possess traits that ensure their suitability for later use in forest cultivation. One such traitis the ease of pulling the seedling out of the container cell, characterized by the pulling resistance. This resistance depends on many factors, including theseedling parameters, substrate, and container. In this work, a prototype measuring station was used to record seedling pull-out resistance as a function of their vertical displacement. Tests were conducted on 30 seedlings of each species: pine, beech, and oak. These were grown in polystyrene containers with cell volumes of 150 cm³ for pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and 300 cm³ for beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and oak (Quercus robur L.). Significant differences were observed in seedling extraction resistance between species, as well as between resistances associated with containers of different cell volumes. The maximum pull-out resistance of pine seedlingswas the lowest at 12.4 ± 8.58 N, followed by 22.5 ± 1.87 N for beech, and 33.5 ± 18.08 N for oak (extraction speed of 2.5 cm·s⁻¹).Similarly, the total energy required to extract pine seedlings was 0.358 ± 0.196 J, compared to 0.502 ± 0.316 J for beech and 1.479 ± 0.774 J for oak. The pattern of pull-out resistance regardingvertical displacement was consistent across all species. A correlation was found between the maximum pull-out resistance and the total energy required to extract the seedlings, along with biometric parameters such as root collar diameter, shoot height, dry mass of seedling parts, root volume, the extent of root ball overgrowth, and the volumetric density of the substrate within the cell.These relationships should be considered when designing devices for the automatic extraction of seedlings from polystyrene containers. Full article

Pediatric elbow fractures are quite common, accounting for up to 34% of bone fractures in children. Among these, acute lateral humeral condyle (LHC) fractures represent up to 22%. The accurate diagnosis and early treatment of LHC fractures are crucial due to the potential for abnormal growth and significant long-term impacts on joint motion. With the aim of enhancing the understanding of pediatric LHC fracture management among pediatric healthcare practitioners, we present a literature review combined with our technical recommendations based on our experience. Imaging through AP, lateral, and internal oblique X-rays remains the gold standard for diagnosis, although there is increasing focus on non-irradiating techniques, considering the skeletally immature nature of the patients. Several classification systems aid in fracture assessment, each varying in their simplicity, reproducibility, and inter- and intra-observer correlations. The treatment approaches for LHC fractures include conservative management with immobilization for minimally displaced fractures and surgical intervention for displaced fractures. The surgical options encompass closed and open reductions, using Kirschner wires or cannulated screws for fixation. While both methods show favorable outcomes, recent years have seen a growing interest in expanding the traditional indications for closed approaches. After a period of post-surgical immobilization of the limb, rehabilitation care is recommended to assist in the recovery of the range of motion. During the postoperative period, the most frequent complications are bony overgrowth, malunion, and infection, although with highly variable rates, which typically do not result in functional impairment if managed properly. Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential for optimal recovery and minimizing long-term complications. Full article

Bone regrowth commonly occurs following lumbar decompression surgery. Although it is rare for neurological symptoms to occur due to bone regrowth, this study describes two patients who underwent both decompression and fusion surgeries but experienced spinal canal restenosisthat was severe enough to induce neurological symptoms. A 32-year-old man underwent posterior decompression and posterior lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar canal stenosis at the L4/L5 level 5 years prior. However, the sudden onset of lower back pain occurred 5 years later. Bone overgrowth on the left side was observed at the L4/L5 level. A second surgery was performed, and the patient’s symptoms improved significantly. In the second case, a 56-year-old man underwent posterior decompression and posterior lumbar fusion at the L3/L4 and L4/L5 levels for an L4 burst fracture. One month later, he complained of lower back pain and underwent a second posterior decompression surgery. One year later, he presented to an outpatient clinic with lower back pain and neurological symptoms. Bone overgrowth was observed on both sides at the L4/L5 level. Thus, screw removal and laminectomy at the L3, L4, and L5 levels were performed as a third surgery. This study discusses the factors affecting bone regrowth and the methods that can be used to prevent it. Full article

The Awulale Iron Metallogenic Belt (AIMB) has developed many medium–large iron deposits, of which the Zhibo iron deposit is selected as the research object in this paper. The Zhibo deposit’s ore primarily consists of magnetite as the main mineral, accompanied by extensive epidotization. The mineral assemblage includes diopside, albite, actinolite, epidote, chlorite, K-feldspar, quartz, calcite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite. Magnetite is classified into two groups based on sulfide content and mineral assemblage (MagI for sulfide-free and MagII for sulfide-rich ores). Two-stage mineralization of magnetite has been identified based on mineral assemblages and paragenesis, including the magmatic stage MagI and hydrothermal stage MagII. Mag I shows inhomogeneous backscattered electron (BSE) textures and consists of BSE-light and -dark domains (Mag I-L and MagI-D). Seven subtypes of magnetite have been recognized in this deposit. MagI-L and MagI-D have formed in the magmatic stage and show BSE images in light and dark colors, respectively. MagI-L is anhedral to subhedral and is inclusion-free. MagI-D has mainly replaced MagI-L along fractures and contains inclusions and pores. MagII has formed in the hydrothermal stage and is characterized by coupled dissolution–reprecipitation (DRP) textures. It can be divided into five sub-generations, that is, MagII-1, MagII-2, MagII-3, MagII-L, and MagII-D. MagII-1, MagII-2, and MagII-3 comprise the core–mantle–rim texture, while MagII-L and MagII-D comprise the core–rim texture. MagII-1 is BSE-light and is enriched with inclusions and pores. MagII-2 has partly replaced MagII-1 and exhibits oscillatory zoning under BSE imaging. It also contains inclusions. BSE-light MagII-3 occurs as overgrowth along MagII-2 margins and is inclusion-free. MagI magnetite is enriched with V, Cr, and Ni, whereas MagII is enriched with W, Ta, Nb, Sr, Sb, Sn, Y, Zr, Mg, Al, and Ti, indicating a decreased temperature of magnetite formation. MagI-L crystallizes from the original magma, while MagI-D is formed from the residual magma enriched with incompatible elements. MagII crystallizes from later multiple hydrothermal activities through the dissolution of early magnetite and the re-precipitation of later magnetite or from MagI-D which has later undergone a hydrothermal overprinting process. According to the texture and chemical composition of magnetite from the Zhibo deposit, we suggest that the Zhibo iron deposit was formed from the initial magmatic origin and then underwent a hydrothermal overprinting process. Full article

Double buffer layers composed of (Al_xGa_1−x)₂O₃/Ga₂O₃ structures were employed to grow a Sn-doped α-Ga₂O₃ epitaxial thin film on a sapphire substrate using mist chemical vapor deposition. The insertion of double buffer layers improved the crystal quality of the upper-grown Sn-doped α-Ga₂O₃ thin films by blocking dislocation generated by the substrates. Rapid thermal annealing was conducted for the double buffer layers at phase transition temperatures of 700–800 °C. The slight mixing of κ and β phases further improved the crystallinity of the grown Sn-Ga₂O₃ thin film through local lateral overgrowth. The electron mobility of the Sn-Ga₂O₃ thin films was also significantly improved due to the smoothened interface and the diffusion of Al. Therefore, rapid thermal annealing with the double buffer layer proved advantageous in achieving strong electrical properties for Ga₂O₃ semiconductor devices within a shorter processing time. Full article