Single-nucleus RNA sequencing uncovers cell type-specific alterations in OSA-related liver injury
Huang WS, Wang CQ, Huang YZ, Luo JM, Yang CD, Huang JF, Lin L and Chen LD
Single-nucleus RNA sequencing uncovers cell type-specific alterations in OSA-related liver injury
Huang WS, Wang CQ, Huang YZ, Luo JM, Yang CD, Huang JF, Lin L and Chen LD
Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), a hallmark feature of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is strongly implicated in the development of hepatic injury. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying CIH-induced liver dysfunction remain poorly understood. This study aimed to systematically characterize hepatic cellular responses to CIH at single-nucleus resolution. A rodent model of CIH was established and subjected to histological and transcriptomic analyses. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) was performed to delineate transcriptional alterations across liver cell populations. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to identify key biological processes and signaling networks affected by CIH exposure. CIH exposure resulted in marked hepatic injury characterized by spotty necrosis and prominent infiltration of inflammatory cells. SnRNA-seq identified ten major liver cell types with stable composition but revealed extensive transcriptional reprogramming across multiple hepatic subpopulations. CIH suppressed PPAR signaling and fatty acid metabolism in hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells and activated AMPK and PI3K-Akt pathways related to stress response and fibrogenic processes. Mononuclear phagocytes showed upregulation of NF-κB signaling and complement/coagulation cascades. Endothelial cells exhibited changes in genes associated with cytoskeletal organization and tight junctions. T cell subpopulations displayed altered expression of genes involved in metabolic regulation and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This study provides the first single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas of the liver under CIH, revealing cell type-specific molecular remodeling across hepatocytes, stromal, and immune cells. These findings elucidate the complex cellular interplay associated with CIH-induced hepatic injury and offer novel insights into potential therapeutic targets for OSA-related liver dysfunction.
Modifiable Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation: Clinical Implications and Pathophysiological Insights
Jagoda C
Modifiable Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation: Clinical Implications and Pathophysiological Insights
Jagoda C
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia worldwide, and its growing prevalence is increasingly driven by modifiable lifestyle and clinical factors. Understanding how obesity, hypertension, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), alcohol intake, and cardiorespiratory fitness each contribute to AF onset, progression, and recurrence is essential for developing comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Migraine and Dietary Advanced Glycation End Products
Demirer B, Ceylan D and Samur G
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Migraine and Dietary Advanced Glycation End Products
Demirer B, Ceylan D and Samur G
Migraine is one of the most common neurological conditions and nutrition is considered one of the critical environmental triggers. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may influence migraine pathogenesis through neuroinflammation and various mechanisms. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary AGEs (dAGEs) intake and sleep quality, dietary composition and Mediterranean diet adherence in individuals with migraine. This case-control study was conducted with adult individuals (n = 60 with migraine, n = 60 controls) aged 19-64 who applied to Karabük University Training and Research Hospital Neurology Clinic Headache Outpatient Clinic. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information. Participants completed the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screening (MEDAS), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) and 3-day food consumption record. The median MEDAS score of individuals in the control group (M = 6.0, min-max = 2.0-10.0) was higher than those with migraine (M = 5.0, min-max = 2.0-10.0) (p = 0.020). The median PSQI score was 7.0 in both groups and did not differ significantly (p = 0.484). In the model that included all confounding factors (age, gender, BMI), a unit increase in energy-adjusted dAGEs intake was associated with a 1.57-fold increased risk of migraine (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.178-2.099, p = 0.002). The study's results are important as they provide the first known data in the literature on the relationship between migraine and dAGEs. A comprehensive dietary history may be necessary for the assessment of migraines. However, future clinical studies with larger sample sizes should evaluate serum/skin AGEs in relation to dietary intake. ClinicalTrial number: NCT05747911.
Authors' reply to comments on "emerging monitoring techniques in oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea: a narrative review with a focus on mandibular jaw movement analysis"
Martinot JB, Tong B, Le-Dong NN, Pépin JL and Cistulli PA
Authors' reply to comments on "emerging monitoring techniques in oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea: a narrative review with a focus on mandibular jaw movement analysis"
Martinot JB, Tong B, Le-Dong NN, Pépin JL and Cistulli PA
Neck pain is associated with working from home and reported postures in workers who frequently use computers: A cross-sectional survey
Snodgrass SJ, Salem T, Edwards S, Heneghan NR, Puentedura EJ and James C
Neck pain is associated with working from home and reported postures in workers who frequently use computers: A cross-sectional survey
Snodgrass SJ, Salem T, Edwards S, Heneghan NR, Puentedura EJ and James C
To determine factors associated with neck pain in computer workers, focusing on working from home and body postures.
Irregularity in Daily Activities Predicts Depression via Reduced Perceived Control: A Daily Diary Study
Jang J and Yoon S
Irregularity in Daily Activities Predicts Depression via Reduced Perceived Control: A Daily Diary Study
Jang J and Yoon S
Disruptions in social rhythm-referring to irregularities in daily activities such as meals, work, and social interactions-have been associated with increased psychological distress, including depression. While circadian rhythm-related factors (e.g., sleep quality) have been proposed as key mechanisms underlying this link, emerging evidence points to additional psychological pathways. This study aimed to examine perceived control as a potential psychological mediator between social rhythm irregularity and depression.
The effect of mindfulness meditation nursing on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer
Chen X and Ding L
The effect of mindfulness meditation nursing on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer
Chen X and Ding L
This study investigated the impact of mindfulness meditation (MM) nursing on outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). A total of 100 infertile patients undergoing IVF-ET were randomly assigned to either a conventional care group or an MM group, with 50 patients in each. While both groups received routine nursing, the MM group received additional MM-based nursing interventions. Compared to the conventional group, the MM group showed significantly lower postoperative pain scores (VAS) and better psychological outcomes, as evidenced by improvements in anxiety (SAS), depression (SDS), sleep quality (PSQI), and overall quality of life (WHO-QOL-BREF) (all P<0.001). Moreover, the MM group had higher numbers of punctured follicles and retrieved oocytes (P<0.001), more embryos transferred on day 3 post-retrieval (P=0.047), and a higher pregnancy rate (P=0.045). These findings suggest that incorporating MM into nursing care during IVF-ET can effectively reduce psychological stress, enhance well-being, and improve clinical outcomes.
Quality of life and associated determinants of chronic pain among patients attending a primary healthcare clinic in Gqeberha: A cross-sectional study
Dele-Ijagbulu KD, Ajudua FI and Cawe B
Quality of life and associated determinants of chronic pain among patients attending a primary healthcare clinic in Gqeberha: A cross-sectional study
Dele-Ijagbulu KD, Ajudua FI and Cawe B
Chronic pain is a major global health challenge that impairs quality of life through physical disability, psychological distress, and socioeconomic burden. Despite its prevalence, limited research examines its multidimensional impact in South African primary healthcare. This study evaluated the quality of life and factors influencing chronic pain in patients attending a primary healthcare clinic in Gqeberha, South Africa.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome in Children With Down Syndrome Treated at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northeastern Colombia
Suarez Mantilla SN, Mora Bautista VM, Africano Leon ML, Vergara Arenas DC, Rojas YE and Serrano-Gomez S
Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome in Children With Down Syndrome Treated at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northeastern Colombia
Suarez Mantilla SN, Mora Bautista VM, Africano Leon ML, Vergara Arenas DC, Rojas YE and Serrano-Gomez S
Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is frequent in children with Down Syndrome (DS), associated with anatomical characteristics such as midfacial hypoplasia, macroglossia, and hypotonia. It represents a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality among children with DS. Early identification of OSAHS in the DS population is essential, as untreated sleep breathing disorders are linked to severe complications, including pulmonary hypertension. Consequently, guidelines, such as the from the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend polysomnography (PSG) for all children with DS before age 4. This case-control study examined the profile of OSAHS in 124 patients with DS under 13 years of age who were treated at a tertiary care institution in northeastern Colombia from 2012 to 2023. Of the 124 patients, 19 (15.3%) were diagnosed with OSAHS. The only significant association identified was with place of residence, related to the fact that individuals (not patients) living in the city or its metropolitan area have greater access to PSG. Our observed frequency is lower than previously reported in the literature, indicating possible systematic underdiagnosis. Socioeconomic status and access to diagnostic evaluation, rather than clinical characteristics, appear to be the primary determinants for receiving a diagnosis. Expanding access to PSG, particularly in rural and low-income regions, and prioritizing universal screening in clinical protocols over symptom-based referral are essential steps.
Healthcare Workers' Views on Approaches to Discussing Alternative Treatment Options in Multidisciplinary Cancer Care
Santos Teles MA, Gayed G, Shteyler VM, Contrada RJ, Moore D, Barchi F, Duberstein PR and Mattes MD
Healthcare Workers' Views on Approaches to Discussing Alternative Treatment Options in Multidisciplinary Cancer Care
Santos Teles MA, Gayed G, Shteyler VM, Contrada RJ, Moore D, Barchi F, Duberstein PR and Mattes MD
Purpose Information about curative treatment options with comparable efficacy (e.g. surgery or radiation) is often not fully provided to patients when those options fall outside the scope of practice of the oncologist(s) who directly see a patient. This study evaluates healthcare workers' views on the acceptability of this approach compared to others. Methods An electronic survey was sent to all physicians, trainees, nurses, therapists, researchers, and administrators at a cancer center. Respondents were asked to imagine being diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening illness that can be treated and cured in two standard ways, with similar efficacy but different side-effect profiles and impact on short- and long-term quality-of-life (Procedure A performed by Doctor A; Procedure B performed by Doctor B). Likert-type scales ranging from one (completely unacceptable) to five (completely acceptable) assessed Doctor A's approach to discussing treatment options in each scenario. Results In this study, 266 individuals responded to the questionnaire (response rate 16%). The mean (standard deviation) Likert-type score was 1.58 (±0.93) for Approach #1 where Doctor A only presents Procedure A; 1.75 (±0.98) for Approach #2 where Doctor A presents both options but favors Procedure A; 2.54 (±1.35) for Approach #3 where Doctor A presents both options but favors Procedure A despite offering a referral to Doctor B to discuss Procedure B; and 4.75 (±0.76) for Approach #4 where Doctor A routinely refers all patients to Doctor B so each treatment option is discussed with the physician who performs each. Each of these differences were statistically significant (<0.01). Conclusion A balanced, multidisciplinary approach to discussing treatment options is strongly favored by a variety of sampled healthcare workers. This is consistent with improving quality of healthcare delivery and patients' experience.
