Association of CLDN molecules with sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome: new biomarker candidates

IntroductionObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder, and has become a serious threat to public health. Intermittent hypoxia caused by OSA results in a low-grade inflammatory response that leads to impaired mucosal barrier function. Claudin (CLDN) molecules are important for the permeability of the mucosal epithelium. This study aimed to explore whether CLDN molecules can be a potential biomarker of OSA.MethodsA total of 37 healthy controls and 40 OSA patients underwent a physical assessment for OSA and filled out the STOP-Bang Questionnaire (SBQ) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Clinical specimens of plasma and urine were obtained to observe the difference between OSA patients and healthy controls and diagnostic accuracy of CLDN molecules for OSA.ResultsCLDN1, CLDN2, and CLDN3 molecules in plasma and urine decreased in OSA patients (both p < 0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of urinary CLDN1, plasma CLDN1, urinary CLDN2, plasma CLDN2, urinary CLDN3, and plasma CLDN3 were 0.887, 0.724, 0.779, 0.676, 0.828, and 0.665, respectively. The AUC of urinary CLDN1 + CLDN2 + CLDN3 was 0.906 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.831–0.981). The AUC of plasma CLDN1 + CLDN2 + CLDN3 was 0.776 (95% CI, 0.645–0.878). The AUC of urinary CLDN3 + SBQ was 0.899 (95% CI, 0.832–0.967). The AUC of urinary CLDN3 + ESS was 0.896 (95% CI, 0.826–0.966). In addition, Urinary CLDN-3 was negative associated with the severity of OSA.ConclusionCLDN molecules are promising as useful biomarkers for OSA, which may be related to the impaired barrier function related to OSA

Potential biomarkers for diagnosis and disease evaluation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Abstract. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive lung disease characterized by progressive lung fibrogenesis and histological features of usual interstitial pneumonia. IPF has a poor prognosis and presents a spectrum of disease courses ranging from slow evolving disease to rapid deterioration; thus, a differential diagnosis remains challenging. Several biomarkers have been identified to achieve a differential diagnosis; however, comprehensive reviews are lacking. This review summarizes over 100 biomarkers which can be divided into six categories according to their functions: differentially expressed biomarkers in the IPF compared to healthy controls; biomarkers distinguishing IPF from other types of interstitial lung disease; biomarkers differentiating acute exacerbation of IPF from stable disease; biomarkers predicting disease progression; biomarkers related to disease severity; and biomarkers related to treatment. Specimen used for the diagnosis of IPF included serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung tissue, and sputum. IPF-specific biomarkers are of great clinical value for the differential diagnosis of IPF. Currently, the physiological measurements used to evaluate the occurrence of acute exacerbation, disease progression, and disease severity have limitations. Combining physiological measurements with biomarkers may increase the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnosis and disease evaluation of IPF. Most biomarkers described in this review are not routinely used in clinical practice. Future large-scale multicenter studies are required to design and validate suitable biomarker panels that have diagnostic utility for IPF

Chinese expert consensus on cone‐beam CT‐guided diagnosis, localization and treatment for pulmonary nodules

Abstract Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) system can provide real‐time 3D images and fluoroscopy images of the region of interest during the operation. Some systems can even offer augmented fluoroscopy and puncture guidance. The use of CBCT for interventional pulmonary procedures has grown significantly in recent years, and numerous clinical studies have confirmed the technology's efficacy and safety in the diagnosis, localization, and treatment of pulmonary nodules. In order to optimize and standardize the technical specifications of CBCT and guide its application in clinical practice, the consensus statement has been organized and written in a collaborative effort by the Professional Committee on Interventional Pulmonology of China Association for Promotion of Health Science and Technology

Preliminary conclusions of the Royal Society and Academia Sinica 1985 geotraverse of Tibet

The 1985 Chinese/British expedition to the Tibetan Plateau attempted to solve the question of the origin of the very thick crustal rocks in this region. Continuing northwards movement of the Indian plate over the past 38 Myr has given rise to severe folding and thrust faulting, causing crustal thickening by internal deformation. Previous collisions of microplate terranes derived from Gondwanaland occurred during Mesozoic times but the Kun Lun terrane of northern Tibet was already part of Laurasia by the Carboniferou