bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser speckle contrast imaging for blood flow monitoring in predicting outcomes after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice
Authors: Yin Lu , Yu Tengfei , Cheng Linggang , Liu Xinyao , Zhang Wei , Zhang Hongxia , Du Lijuan , He Wen
Published: December 2022

Background

In the treatment of ischemic cerebral stroke (ICS), most conventional treatments, including carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting, may cause cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). For treated ICS patients, changes in cerebral blood flow are directly related to brain function. At present, computed tomography perfusion, dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion weighted imaging and magnetic resonance arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging are used to monitor cerebral blood flow, but they still have some limitations. Our study aimed to monitor the changes in cerebral cortical blood flow by laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) in CIRI model mice and to propose a new method for predicting outcomes after CIRI. C57BL/6 N mice were used to establish a mouse CIRI model based on a modified thread-occlusion method and divided into a good outcome group and a poor outcome group according to survival within 7 days. The cerebral cortical blood flow of the area supplied by the left middle cerebral artery was monitored by LSCI at baseline (before modeling), 1 h after ischemia, immediately after reperfusion and 24 h after reperfusion. Then, the brains of the mice were removed immediately and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to observe the pathological changes in brain neurons.

Results

The cerebral cortical blood flow in the poor outcome group was obviously reduced compared with that less in the good outcome group at 24 h after reperfusion (180.8 ± 20.9 vs. 113.9 ± 6.4, p = 0.001), and at 24 h after reperfusion, the cerebral cortical blood flow was negatively correlated with the severity of brain tissue injury (p = − 0.710, p = 0.010).

Conclusions

LSCI can monitor the changes in cerebral cortical blood flow during CIRI in mice and could be used as a feasible method for predicting outcomes after CIRI in mice.
Perception and practices of depth of anesthesia monitoring and intraoperative awareness event rate among Jordanian anesthesiologists: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nawafleh Sager , Alrawashdeh Ahmad , Ababneh Omar , Bani-Hani Morad , Al Modanat Zaid , Hani Diab Bani , Bataineh Adel , Al-Salameh Faisal , Abuzaid Sajeda , Yasser Omer , Khairallah Khaled
Published: December 2022

Background

Intraoperative awareness is the second most common complication of surgeries, and it negatively affects patients and healthcare professionals. Based on the limited previous studies, there is a wide variation in the incidence of intraoperative awareness and in the practices and attitudes toward depth of anesthesia (DoA) monitoring among healthcare systems and anesthesiologists. This study aimed to evaluate the Jordanian anesthesiologists’ practice and attitudes toward DoA monitoring and estimate the event rate of intraoperative awareness among the participating anesthesiologists.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey of Jordanian anesthesiologists working in public, private, and university hospitals was utilized using a questionnaire developed based on previous studies. Practice and attitude in using DoA monitors were evaluated. Anesthesiologists were asked to best estimate the number of anesthesia procedures and frequency of intraoperative awareness events in the year before. Percentages and 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI) were reported and compared between groups using chi-square tests.

Results

A total of 107 anesthesiologists responded and completed the survey. About one-third of the respondents (34.6%; 95% CI 26.1–44.2) had never used a DoA monitor and only 6.5% (95% CI 3.1–13.2) reported using it as a “daily practice”. The use of a DoA monitor was associated with experience and type of health sector. However, 81.3% (95% CI 66.5–83.5) believed that currently available DoA monitors are effective for DoA monitoring and only 4.7% (95%CI 1.9–10.8) reported it as being “invalid”. Most respondents reported that the main purpose of using a DoA monitor was to prevent awareness (86.0%; 95%CI 77.9–91.4), guide the delivery of anesthetics (63.6%; 95%CI 53.9–72.2), and reduce recovery time (57%; 95%CI 47.4–66.1). The event rate of intraoperative awareness was estimated at 0.4% among participating anesthesiologists. Most Jordanian hospitals lacked policy intending to prevent intraoperative awareness.

Conclusions

Most anesthesiologists believed in the role of DoA monitors in preventing intraoperative awareness, however, their attitudes and knowledge are inadequate, and few use DoA monitors in routine practices. In Jordan, large efforts are needed to regulate the use of DoA monitoring and reduce the incidence of intraoperative awareness.
High MICAL1 expression correlates with cancer progression and immune infiltration in renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Yixing , Ye Fengwen , Xia Tianxiang , Wang Qianwen , Du Jun
Published: December 2022

Background

Molecule interacting with CasL 1 (MICAL1), a multidomain flavoprotein monooxygenase, is strongly involved in the biological processes related to cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. However, there were few reports on the clinical significance of MICAL1 in renal clear cell carcinoma.

Methods

The expression and prognostic value of MICAL1 in renal clear cell carcinoma were explored using immunohistochemical assays, public TCGA-KIRC databases and multiple analysis methods, including survival analysis, univariate and multivariate analyses, KEGG and GSEA. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to check the 786-O cell and Caki-1 cell migration abilities after knockdown of MICAL1. Western blotting was used to assess the regulatory effect of MICAL1 on the Rac1 activation. Additionally, the function of MICAL1 and the correlations between MICAL1 and immune infiltration levels in KIRC were investigated using TIMER and TISIDB.

Results

MICAL1 expression was significantly higher in carcinoma tissue compared with non-cancerous tissue. A survival analysis revealed that patients with high MICAL1 expression had shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) compared with patients with low MICAL1 expression. ROC analysis also confirmed that MICAL1 has a high diagnostic value in KIRC. Importantly, the univariate and multivariate Cox analysis further confirmed that high MICAL1 expression was an independent risk factor for OS in patients with KIRC. In accordance with this, knockdown of MICAL1 expression decreased Rac1 activation and cell migration. KEGG and GSEA analysis revealed that the immune infiltration and Ras signaling pathways were significantly upregulated in the high MICAL1 expression group. In terms of immune infiltrating levels, MICAL1 expression was positively associated with CD8+/Treg cell infiltration levels. Specifically, bioinformatic analysis showed that MICAL1 expression had strong relationships with various T cell exhaustion markers.

Conclusions

MICAL1 expression may act as a prognostic biomarker for determining the prognosis in renal clear cell carcinoma and plays an important role in regulating tumor immune microenvironment and cell migratory capacity.
Pediatric psychiatric emergency rooms during COVID-19: a multi-center study
Authors: Erez Galit , Yakubovich Sol , Sadeh Hadar , Shoval Gal , Schoen Gila , Meiri Gal , Hertz-Palmor Nimrod , Bretler Tali , Barzilai Yael , Mosheva Mariela , Gothelf Doron , Bloch Yuval
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been a major stressor for the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. Surveys and reports from hotlines indicate a significant rise in mental health problems. As the psychiatric emergency room (ER) is a first-line free-of-charge facility for psychiatric emergencies, we expected to see a significant increase in visits, specifically of new patients suffering from anxiety, depression, or stress-related disorders.

Methods

Data from two psychiatric hospital ERs and one general hospital were included. All visits of children and adolescents from the computerized files between March and December of 2019 were analyzed anonymously and compared to the same months in 2020, using multilevel linear modeling.

Results

There was a significant decline in the total number of visits (p = .017), specifically among those diagnosed as suffering from stress-related, anxiety, and mood disorder groups (p = .017), and an incline in the proportion of visits of severe mental disorders (p = .029).

Discussion

The limited use of child and adolescent psychiatric emergency facilities during the pandemic highlights the importance of tele-psychiatry as part of emergency services. It also suggests the importance of the timeline of the emergence of clinically relevant new psychiatric diagnoses related to the pandemic. Future studies are needed to establish the long-term effects of the pandemic and the expeditious use of tele-psychiatry.
Epidemiology of dental caries in permanent dentition: evidence from a population-based survey in Egypt
Authors: Abdel Fattah Mona Ahmed , Barghouth Muhammad Helmi , Wassel Mariem Osama , Deraz Omar Hassan , Khalil Ahmed Essam , Sarsik Hazem Magdy , Mohsen Ahmed Mohamed Ali , Qenawy Amr Shaaban , Abou El Fadl Reham Khaled
Published: December 2022

Background

In recognition of the risk factors common between oral diseases and various chronic conditions and the intersection between oral health and some sustainable development goals, the current cross-sectional study was designed to quantify the burden of dental caries and identify factors associated with its occurrence in permanent teeth.

Methods

Using data from Egypt's population-based survey (2013–2014), two individual-level outcomes; past caries experience (DMFT > 0) and presence of untreated carious lesions (DT > 0) were assessed using the WHO basic methods for oral health surveys. Information on potential explanatory variables including sociodemographic characteristics, exposure to fluoridated water, dental attendance, and dental anxiety was gathered using a structured questionnaire. Stratified multistage cluster random sampling was used to recruit survey participants. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify significant potential risk factors for caries in the permanent dentition of Egyptians.

Findings

A total of 9,457 participants were included of which 70.3% had at least one untreated carious lesion. After adjusting for all covariates, analphabetic Egyptians were found to have significantly higher odds of caries experience in permanent dentition DMFT > 0 (OR 1.54, 95% CI [1.20–1.98]), DT > 0 (OR 1.62, 95% CI [1.32–2.00]). Males, however, had significantly lower caries risk DMFT > 0 (OR 0.75, 95% CI [0.67–0.85]), DT > 0 (OR 0.81, 95% CI [0.73–0.89]) when compared to females. Regarding age, mean DMFT scores were significantly lower in age groups (6–15 years) (OR 0.03, 95% CI [0.014; 0.082]), (16– 20 years) (OR 0.09, 95% CI [0.037; 0.23]), and (21–35 years) (OR 0.22, 95% CI [0.09; 0.53]) than among people ≥ 60 years.

Conclusion

Addressing individual-level caries risk factors should be complemented by addressing upstream factors to reduce burden of untreated dental caries among Egyptians.
Importance of physician history taking in complementing patient-reported interstitial lung disease questionnaire
Authors: Perluk Tal Moshe , Friedman Regev Inbal , Freund Ophir , Kleinhendler Eyal , Hershko Tzlil , Ben-Ami Sharona , Bar-Shai Amir , Unterman Avraham
Published: December 2022

Background

Patient-reported interstitial lung disease (ILD) questionnaires are commonly used for the evaluation of ILD patients. However, research to test their performance is scarce.

Methods

This study aimed to assess the performance of the Chest Questionnaire in consecutive ILD patients presenting to a tertiary ILD center. The results of Chest Questionnaires routinely filled by patients were analyzed together with clinical and demographic data retrieved from the patients’ medical records. The ability of each questionnaire item to detect positive findings, such as environmental and occupational exposures, was examined relative to any additional findings detected by physician-acquired history. History was obtained by an experienced ILD pulmonologist who had access to the results of the questionnaire during the clinic visit.

Results

The final cohort for analysis included 62 patients. Shortness of breath frequency and duration were the questionnaire items with the lowest probability of being filled out by patients. The questionnaire performed well in identifying 96.2% of patients with a positive family history and 90.9% of patients with occupational exposures. However, exposures to mold or birds were frequently missed, self-reported by only 53.1% of exposed patients. Questionnaire’s performance was also lower for other exposures associated with ILD (48.3%). An ILD-related exposure was less likely to be identified by the questionnaire in males (p = 0.03), while age had no such effect.

Conclusions

The Chest Questionnaire performed well in several domains, while failing to detect some relevant exposures. Therefore, its use should be accompanied by careful history taking by the physician.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes of stand-alone oblique lateral interbody fusion in the treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Chen , Ge Xin
Published: December 2022

Background

Open fusion and posterior instrumentation has traditionally been the treatment for adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS). However, minimally invasive treatment such as oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) technique was developed as a new therapeutic method for the treatment of ADS. In addition, it is associated with decreased blood loss and shorter operative time without posterior instrument. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of stand-alone OLIF for the treatment of ADS in terms of clinical and radiological results.

Methods

A total of 30 patients diagnosed with ADS who underwent stand-alone OLIF in our hospital from July 2017 to September 2018 were enrolled in the study. Scores from the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) obtained preoperatively and at the final follow-up were compared. Radiography and computed tomography were performed preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The coronal cobb angle, lumbar lordosis, disc height, sacral slope, pelvic incidence and Pelvic tilt were recorded at each time point.

Results

The study cohort comprised 30 patients with a mean age of 64.5 ± 10.8 years and mean follow-up of 19.3 ± 4.2 months. The mean operative time was 96.8 ± 29.4 minutes and the mean estimated blood loss volume was 48.7 ± 9.4 ml. The mean coronal Cobb angle was corrected from 15.0° ± 3.7° preoperatively to 7.2° ± 3.1° postoperatively and 7.2° ± 3.3° at final follow-up (P < 0.0001). Lumbar lordosis significantly improved from 32.2° ± 11.3° preoperatively to 40.3° ± 11.8° postoperatively and 40.7° ± 11.0° at final follow-up (P < 0.01). The respective mean sacral slope and pelvic tilt improved from 26.1° ± 8.1° and 25.1° ± 6.9° preoperatively to 34.3° ± 7.4° and 19.2° ± 5.7° at final follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean disc height (defined as the mean of the anterior and posterior intervertebral disc heights) increased from 0.7 ± 0.3 cm preoperatively to 1.1 ± 0.2 cm at final follow-up (P < 0.0001). The interbody fusion rate on CT was 93.3%. The mean VAS pain score improved from 5.3 ± 0.6 before surgery to 2.3 ± 0.6 at final follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean ODI improved from 29.9% ± 6.8% preoperatively to 12.8% ± 2.4% at final follow-up (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Stand-alone OLIF is an effective and safe option for treating ADS in carefully selected patients.

Trial registration

The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100052419).
Recovery from diabetes mellitus in primary aldosteronism patients after adrenalectomy
Authors: Liu Yu , Lin Lede , Yuan Chi , Shen Sikui , Tang Yin , Liu Zhihong , Zhu Yuchun , Zhou Liang
Published: December 2022

Background

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) was higher in primary aldosteronism (PA) patients. We aimed to evaluate the outcome of DM after adrenalectomy and determine the factors associated with that in PA patients.

Methods

PA patients with DM (PA + DM patients) who received adrenalectomy were recruited into the study. The patients were classified into 3 groups based on their DM conditions after treatment, including “remission”, “improved” and “unchanged” groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to uncover the preoperative factors affecting the outcome of DM after adrenalectomy.

Results

A total of 54 PA + DM patients received adrenalectomy. After adrenalectomy, 16.7%, 33.3% and 50.0% of patients were classified into the “remission”, “improved” and “unchanged” groups, respectively. The factors negatively associated with remission or improvement from DM after adrenalectomy were longer duration of hypertension (P = 0.029). Higher concentration of urinary magnesium (P = 0.031) and higher 24 h urinary potassium (P = 0.049) were factors negatively associated with the “remission” from DM after adrenalectomy.

Conclusions

Adrenalectomy was beneficial for the remission and improvement from DM in the half of PA patients with DM. Longer duration of hypertension, higher concentration of urinary magnesium and higher 24 h urinary potassium may prevent the remission and improvement from DM after adrenalectomy in PA patients. Examination of urinary electrolyte could be considered in PA patients with DM for predicting the outcome of DM after adrenalectomy.
Thoracic surgery in the non-intubated spontaneously breathing patient
Authors: Grott Matthias , Eichhorn Martin , Eichhorn Florian , Schmidt Werner , Kreuter Michael , Winter Hauke
Published: December 2022

Background

The interest in non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS) has risen over the last decade and numerous terms have been used to describe this technique. They all have in common, that the surgical procedure is performed in a spontaneously breathing patient under locoregional anaesthesia in combination with intravenous sedation but have also been performed on awake patients without sedation. Evidence has been generated favouring NIVATS compared to one-lung-ventilation under general anaesthesia.

Main body

We want to give an overview of how NIVATS is performed, and which different techniques are possible. We discuss advantages such as shorter length of hospital stay or (relative) contraindications like airway difficulties. Technical aspects, for instance intraoperative handling of the vagus nerve, are considered from a thoracic surgeon’s point of view. Furthermore, special attention is paid to the cohort of patients with interstitial lung diseases, who seem to benefit from NIVATS due to the avoidance of positive pressure ventilation. Whenever a new technique is introduced, it must prove noninferiority to the state of the art. Under this aspect current literature on NIVATS for lung cancer surgery has been reviewed.

Conclusion

NIVATS technique may safely be applied to minor, moderate, and major thoracic procedures and is appropriate for a selected group of patients, especially in interstitial lung disease. However, prospective studies are urgently needed.
Accurate genome-wide genotyping from archival tissue to explore the contribution of common genetic variants to pre-cancer outcomes
Authors: Nachmanson Daniela , Pagadala Meghana , Steward Joseph , Cheung Callie , Bruce Lauryn Keeler , Lee Nicole Q. , O’Keefe Thomas J. , Lin Grace Y. , Hasteh Farnaz , Morris Gerald P. , Carter Hannah , Harismendy Olivier
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The contribution of common genetic variants to pre-cancer progression is understudied due to long follow-up time, rarity of poor outcomes and lack of available germline DNA collection. Alternatively, DNA from diagnostic archival tissue is available, but its somatic nature, limited quantity and suboptimal quality would require an accurate cost-effective genome-wide germline genotyping methodology.

Experimental design

Blood and tissue DNA from 10 individuals were used to benchmark the accuracy of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) genotypes, Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) or HLA haplotypes using low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (lc-WGS) and genotype imputation. Tissue-derived PRS were further evaluated for 36 breast cancer patients (11.7 years median follow-up time) diagnosed with DCIS and used to model the risk of Breast Cancer Subsequent Events (BCSE).

Results

Tissue-derived germline DNA profiling resulted in accurate genotypes at common SNPs (blood correlation r2 > 0.94) and across 22 disease-related polygenic risk scores (PRS, mean correlation r = 0.93). Imputed Class I and II HLA haplotypes were 96.7% and 82.5% concordant with clinical-grade blood HLA haplotypes, respectively. In DCIS patients, tissue-derived PRS was significantly associated with BCSE (HR = 2, 95% CI 1.2–3.8). The top and bottom decile patients had an estimated 28% and 5% chance of BCSE at 10 years, respectively.

Conclusions

Archival tissue DNA germline profiling using lc-WGS and imputation, represents a cost and resource-effective alternative in the retrospective design of long-term disease genetic studies. Initial results in breast cancer suggest that common risk variants contribute to pre-cancer progression.
Histological assessment of cortical bone changes in diabetic rats
Authors: Minami Masataka , Ikoma Kazuya , Onishi Okihiro , Horii Motoyuki , Itoh Kyoko , Takahashi Kenji
Published: December 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus weakens bone strength due to deterioration of bone quality; however, the histological mechanisms are still unknown. We hypothesized that histological assessment of cortical bone would enable us to determine the cause of the bone strength reduction associated with diabetes mellitus. Our aim was to evaluate the histomorphometric changes of cortical bone associated with deterioration of intrinsic bone properties and bone quality in diabetes mellitus.

Methods

We compared the outcomes of mechanical tests, bone mineral density measured using micro-computed tomography, and histological assessments, by applying Villanueva’s bone stain, to the tibial bones of 40-week-old diabetic and control male rats.

Results

With respect to mechanical testing, the maximum load and energy absorption were significantly lower in the diabetic than in the control group, although fracture displacement and stiffness were not significantly different between the two groups. Bone mineral density was significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the control group. Bone histomorphometry revealed that the diabetic rats had fewer osteocytes, greater cortical porosity, and increased mineralization in cortical bone compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Increased mineralization of the cortical bone with greater cortical porosity leads to a weakening of bone strength in diabetes mellitus.
Dicoumarol: from chemistry to antitumor benefits
Authors: Silva Vera L. M. , Silva-Reis Rita , Moreira-Pais Alexandra , Ferreira Tiago , Oliveira Paula A. , Ferreira Rita , Cardoso Susana M. , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Butnariu Monica , Costea Maria Alina , Grozea Ioana
Published: December 2022

Dicoumarol, a coumarin-like compound, is known for its anticoagulant properties associated with the ability to inhibit vitamin K, being prescribed as a drug for several decades. The pharmaceutical value of dicoumarol turned it into a focus of chemists’ attention, aiming its synthesis and of dicoumarol derivatives, bringing to light new methodologies. In recent years, several other bioactive effects have been claimed for dicoumarol and its derivatives, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer, although the mechanisms of action underlying them are mostly not disclosed and additional research is needed to unravel them. This review presents a state of the art on the chemistry of dicoumarols, and their potential anticancer characteristics, highlighting the mechanisms of action elucidated so far. In parallel, we draw attention to the lack of in vivo studies and clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy as drugs for later application.
Global neuropathologic severity of Alzheimer’s disease and locus coeruleus vulnerability influences plasma phosphorylated tau levels
Authors: Murray Melissa E. , Moloney Christina M. , Kouri Naomi , Syrjanen Jeremy A. , Matchett Billie J. , Rothberg Darren M. , Tranovich Jessica F. , Sirmans Tiffany N. Hicks , Wiste Heather J. , Boon Baayla D. C. , Nguyen Aivi T. , Reichard R. Ross , Dickson Dennis W. , Lowe Val J. , Dage Jeffrey L. , Petersen Ronald C. , Jack Clifford R. , Knopman David S. , Vemuri Prashanthi , Graff-Radford Jonathan , Mielke Michelle M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Advances in ultrasensitive detection of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) in plasma has enabled the use of blood tests to measure Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarker changes. Examination of postmortem brains of participants with antemortem plasma p-tau levels remains critical to understanding comorbid and AD-specific contribution to these biomarker changes.

Methods

We analyzed 35 population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging participants with plasma p-tau at threonine 181 and threonine 217 (p-tau181, p-tau217) available within 3 years of death. Autopsied participants included cognitively unimpaired, mild cognitive impairment, AD dementia, and non-AD neurodegenerative disorders. Global neuropathologic scales of tau, amyloid-β, TDP-43, and cerebrovascular disease were examined. Regional digital pathology measures of tau (phosphorylated threonine 181 and 217 [pT181, pT217]) and amyloid-β (6F/3D) were quantified in hippocampus and parietal cortex. Neurotransmitter hubs reported to influence development of tangles (nucleus basalis of Meynert) and amyloid-β plaques (locus coeruleus) were evaluated.

Results

The strongest regional associations were with parietal cortex for tau burden (p-tau181 R = 0.55, p = 0.003; p-tau217 R = 0.66, p < 0.001) and amyloid-β burden (p-tau181 R = 0.59, p < 0.001; p-tau217 R = 0.71, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis of global neuropathologic scales explained 31% of variability in plasma p-tau181 (Adj. R2 = 0.31) and 59% in plasma p-tau217 (Adj. R2 = 0.59). Neither TDP-43 nor cerebrovascular disease global scales independently contributed to variability. Global scales of tau pathology (β-coefficient = 0.060, p = 0.016) and amyloid-β pathology (β-coefficient = 0.080, p < 0.001) independently predicted plasma p-tau217 when modeled together with co-pathologies, but only amyloid-β (β-coefficient = 0.33, p = 0.021) significantly predicted plasma p-tau181. While nucleus basalis of Meynert neuron count/mm2 was not associated with plasma p-tau levels, a lower locus coeruleus neuron count/mm2 was associated with higher plasma p-tau181 (R = -0.50, p = 0.007) and higher plasma p-tau217 (R = -0.55, p = 0.002). Cognitive scores (Adj. R2 = 0.25–0.32) were predicted by the global tau scale, but not by the global amyloid-β scale or plasma p-tau when modeled simultaneously.

Conclusions

Higher soluble plasma p-tau levels may be the result of an intersection between insoluble deposits of amyloid-β and tau accumulation in brain, and may be associated with locus coeruleus degeneration.
Peer victimization, depression, and non-suicidal self-injury among Chinese adolescents: the moderating role of the 5-HTR2A gene rs6313 polymorphism
Authors: Li Meijin , Wang Huahua , Li Jingjing , Deng Yuting , Yu Chengfu
Published: December 2022

Background

Peer victimization is a crucial risk predictor for adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, adolescent NSSI reactions to peer victimization exhibit large individual differences. This study explored whether depression mediated the association between peer victimization and adolescent NSSI, and whether this mediating path was moderated by the 5-HTR2A gene rs6313 polymorphism.

Methods

A total of 667 adolescents (Meanage = 12.81, SD = 0.48) completed questionnaires regarding peer victimization, depression, and NSSI. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva and buccal cells from each participant.

Results

The results showed that the positive relation between peer victimization and adolescent NSSI was mediated by depression. Moreover, the triple interaction between peer victimization, rs6313 polymorphism, and gender on adolescent depression was significant. And the triple interaction between depression, rs6313 polymorphism, and gender on adolescent NSSI was also significant. Specifically, the risk effect of peer victimization on adolescent NSSI through increased depression was stronger for female adolescents with CC genotype than for female adolescents with CT or TT genotype, and male adolescents with CT or TT genotype. However, the indirect effect was nonsignificant for male adolescents with CC genotype.

Conclusions

These findings promote the etiological understanding of adolescent NSSI, highlighting the mediating and moderating effect between peer victimization and NSSI, and adding evidence supporting the relationship between the 5-HTR2A gene rs6313 polymorphism, depression and adolescent NSSI.
High throughput mutagenesis and screening for yeast engineering
Authors: Holland Kendreze , Blazeck John
Published: December 2022

The eukaryotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a model host utilized for whole cell biocatalytic conversions, protein evolution, and scientific inquiries into the pathogenesis of human disease. Over the past decade, the scale and pace of such studies has drastically increased alongside the advent of novel tools for both genome-wide studies and targeted genetic mutagenesis. In this review, we will detail past and present (e.g., CRISPR/Cas) genome-scale screening platforms, typically employed in the context of growth-based selections for improved whole cell phenotype or for mechanistic interrogations. We will further highlight recent advances that enable the rapid and often continuous evolution of biomolecules with improved function. Additionally, we will detail the corresponding advances in high throughput selection and screening strategies that are essential for assessing or isolating cellular and protein improvements. Finally, we will describe how future developments can continue to advance yeast high throughput engineering.
Promoting psychological well-being in preschool children: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness- and yoga-based socio-emotional learning intervention
Authors: Courbet O. , Daviot Q. , Kalamarides V. , Habib M. , Castillo M-C C , Villemonteix T.
Published: December 2022

Background

Mental health issues in youths have cascading negative effects on school outcomes, professional life, and physical health. Psychological well-being (P-WB) is an important protective factor against mental illness. Preliminary research suggests that mindfulness- and yoga-based socio-emotional learning (SEL) interventions can each have a positive impact on preschoolers P-WB. The objective of this trial is to rigorously evaluate the effect of a 24-week combined mindfulness- and yoga- based SEL intervention in preschool children from a French socio-economically disadvantaged area.

Methods

The P-WB promotion intervention is compared to a wait-list control condition in a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT). Sixty-four pre-Kindergarten classrooms are randomized to the intervention or control group. Primary outcomes measure self-management capacity and core P-WB components: connection, insight, engagement, and positive relationship. Secondary outcomes include measures of mental health, executive functioning, and school performance. Primary and secondary outcomes are assessed through teacher questionnaires, standardized observations of children in school context, and experimental tasks and by collecting results of the national evaluation at first grade. All children-level outcomes are evaluated at pre-intervention, at the end of the intervention, and 1 year later (follow-up analysis), to the exception of school performance which is evaluated at follow-up only. Intention-to-treat analyses, accounting for clustering within classes, will adopt a random effects linear regression model to examine outcomes for the intervention versus control children.

Discussion

This is the first trial to rigorously evaluate a combined mindfulness- and yoga-based P-WB promotion intervention, and the first RCT evaluating a SEL curriculum in French schools. Results may have key implications for P-WB promotion in preschool children.

Trial registration

https://www.drks.de/DRKS00028623. Retrospectively registered on 30 May 2022
Measuring the impact of a “Virtual Pediatric Trauma Center” (VPTC) model of care using telemedicine for acutely injured children versus the standard of care: study protocol for a prospective stepped-wedge trial
Authors: Marcin James P. , Tancredi Daniel J. , Galante Joseph M. , Rinderknecht Tanya N. , Haus Brian M. , Leshikar Holly B. , Zwienenberg Marike , Rosenthal Jennifer L. , Grether-Jones Kendra L. , Hamline Michelle Y. , Hoch Jeffrey S. , Kuppermann Nathan
Published: December 2022

Background

The current standard of care in the treatment of children with physical trauma presenting to non-designated pediatric trauma centers is consultation with a pediatric trauma center by telephone. This includes contacting a pediatric trauma specialist and transferring any child with a potentially serious injury to a regionalized level I pediatric trauma center. This approach to care frequently results in medically unnecessary transfers and may place undue burdens on families. A newer model of care, the “Virtual Pediatric Trauma Center” (VPTC), uses telemedicine to make the expertise of a level I pediatric trauma center virtually available to any hospital. While the use of the VPTC model of care is increasing, there have been no studies comparing the VPTC to standard care of injured children at non-designated trauma centers with respect to patient- and family-centered outcomes. The goal of this study is to compare the current standard of care to the VPTC with respect to family-centered outcomes developed by parents and community advisory boards.

Methods

We will use a stepped-wedge trial design to enroll children with physical trauma presenting to ten hospitals, including level II, level III, and non-designated trauma centers. The primary outcome measures are parent/family experience of care and distress 3 days following injury. Secondary aims include 30-day healthcare utilization, parent/family out-of-pocket costs at 3 days and 30 days after injury, transfer rates, and parent/family distress 30 days following injury. We expect at least 380 parents/families of children will be eligible for the study following an emergency department physician’s request for a level I pediatric trauma center consultation. We will evaluate parent/family experience of care and distress using previously validated instruments, healthcare utilization by family recollection and medical record abstraction, and out-of-pocket costs using standard economic analyses.

Discussion

We expect that the findings from this study will inform other level I pediatric trauma centers and non-pediatric trauma centers on how to improve their systems of care for injured children. The results will help to optimize communication, confidence, and shared decision-making between parents/families and clinical staff from both the transferring and receiving hospitals.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04469036. Registered July 13, 2020 before start of inclusion.
Photosynthetically produced sucrose by immobilized Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 drives biotransformation in E. coli
Authors: Tóth Gábor Szilveszter , Siitonen Vilja , Nikkanen Lauri , Sovic Lucija , Kallio Pauli , Kourist Robert , Kosourov Sergey , Allahverdiyeva Yagut
Published: December 2022

Background

Whole-cell biotransformation is a promising emerging technology for the production of chemicals. When using heterotrophic organisms such as E. coli and yeast as biocatalysts, the dependence on organic carbon source impairs the sustainability and economic viability of the process. As a promising alternative, photosynthetic cyanobacteria with low nutrient requirements and versatile metabolism, could offer a sustainable platform for the heterologous production of organic compounds directly from sunlight and CO2. This strategy has been applied for the photoautotrophic production of sucrose by a genetically engineered cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 strain S02. As the key concept in the current work, this can be further used to generate organic carbon compounds for different heterotrophic applications, including for the whole-cell biotransformation by yeast and bacteria.

Results

Entrapment of Synechocystis S02 cells in Ca2+-cross-linked alginate hydrogel beads improves the specific sucrose productivity by 86% compared to suspension cultures during 7 days of cultivation under salt stress. The process was further prolonged by periodically changing the medium in the vials for up to 17 days of efficient production, giving the final sucrose yield slightly above 3000 mg l−1. We successfully demonstrated that the medium enriched with photosynthetically produced sucrose by immobilized Synechocystis S02 cells supports the biotransformation of cyclohexanone to ε-caprolactone by the E. coli WΔcscR Inv:Parvi strain engineered to (i) utilize low concentrations of sucrose and (ii) perform biotransformation of cyclohexanone to ε-caprolactone.

Conclusion

We conclude that cell entrapment in Ca2+-alginate beads is an effective method to prolong sucrose production by the engineered cyanobacteria, while allowing efficient separation of the cells from the medium. This advantage opens up novel possibilities to create advanced autotroph–heterotroph coupled cultivation systems for solar-driven production of chemicals via biotransformation, as demonstrated in this work by utilizing the photosynthetically produced sucrose to drive the conversion of cyclohexanone to ε-caprolactone by engineered E. coli.
Gradient estimate of a Poisson equation under the almost Ricci solitons
Authors: Hajiaghasi Sakineh , Azami Shahroud
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we consider an n-dimensional manifold $M^{n}$

M
n

endowed with an almost Bakry–Émery Ricci curvature and study a special case of gradient estimate for the positive solutions of $\Delta u-X.u=f$
Δ
u
−
X
.
u
=
f
, for a smooth function f and a smooth vector field X under the almost Ricci solitons condition.
Analytical perception and kinesthetic engagement in evaluation of copper chloride crystallization patterns of wheat, grape juice and rocket samples from conventional, organic and biodynamic cultivation
Authors: Fritz Jürgen , Athmann Miriam , Bornhütter Roya , Buscher Nicolaas , Geier Uwe , Mergardt Gaby , Scherr Claudia , Doesburg Paul
Published: December 2022

Background

When a dihydrate cupric chloride solution is crystallized in a petri dish in the presence of extracts of food products, dendritic crystal patterns emerge. The degree of growth, ripening and decomposition of the product is reflected in these patterns as salient unities (gestalts) of phenomenological features. In the present study we evaluated wheat, grape, and rocket (arugula) samples grown under different farming systems, fertilization treatments or horn silica application. The hypothesis of the present study was: samples are more precisely differentiated with a kinesthetic engagement in the perception of the gestalt decomposition than with ranking solely based on analytical criteria.

Results

In six out of seven panel tests with three different agricultural products grown with different methods, the following rankings for accelerated decomposability were derived:

For wheat: biodynamic < organic < conventional (mineral fertilization and manure) < mineral (mineral fertilization only)

For grapes: biodynamic < organic < conventional (mineral fertilization and compost)

For rocket (arugula): biodynamic < organic < mineral

For rocket (arugula): with horn silica < without horn silica application.

Analytical assessment was compared with kinesthetic priming of the evaluation panel. In six out of seven tests kinesthetic assessments (i) yielded more highly significant differences in ranking between the cultivation methods; (ii) clearly improved matching of the samples in a confusion matrix to the ranking of the cultivation methods; and (iii) generated lower RMSE values.

Conclusions

Kinesthetic engagement in gestalt evaluation proved superior to an evaluation based on analytical perception. Highly significant differences between biodynamic and organic variants and also between treatments with and without horn silica application were found in six out of seven tests. In five of the six tests the only difference between organic and biodynamic variants was the application of the biodynamic preparations. The results indicate increased resistance to deterioration of the biodynamic variants, in terms of lower degradation in the crystallization images. This prompts additional research to establish whether the crystallization method can serve as a universal test to monitor the stress resistance of plants.

Graphical Abstract
Experimental evaluation of the antioxidant and antitumor activities of thyme and basil essential oils and their phenolic constituents: theoretical antioxidant evaluation
Authors: Ramadan Khaled M. A. , El-Beltagi Hossam S. , Bendary Eslam S. A. , Ali Hussein M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Identifying specific biological activities of natural products are of the main concerns worldwide for the use in safe functional food manufacture; essential oils and their components are good candidates in this respect. The present work aims to evaluate the biological activities of basil and thyme oils as well as their phenolic constituents. Using computational methods to predict biological activities are currently effective tools in minimizing and explaining experimental works.

Results

Chemical composition of thyme and basil oils were determined using GC–MS. The identified phenolic components were thymol (28.21%) and carvacrol (0.47%) in thyme oil and eugenol (11.37%) in basil oil. The antioxidant activity of both oils and their phenolic constituents as expressed by EC50 value were 535.01, 134.37, 176.57, 407.89 and 2.29 µg/mL against DPPH and 131.95, 56.65, 57.15, 82.71and 32.80 µg/mL against hydrogen peroxide, respectively. The order of activity is basil oil > thyme oil while phenolic compound order is eugenol > thymol > carvacrol; reducing power showed the same order. Basil oil showed also higher and good antitumor activity where it reduces the surviving fraction to 38.4% of brain tumor cells (U251) and 61.3% of liver tumor cells (HEPG2) at concentration 10 µg/mL. The antioxidant activity were evaluated theoretically according to the main three mechanisms, Hydrogen-Atom-Transfer (HAT), Single Electron Transfer–Proton Transfer (SET-PT) and the Sequential Proton Loss Electron-Transfer (SPLET); the results proved the experimental order of antioxidant and biological activities, and explained the remarkably higher activities of basil oil and its main phenolic component, eugenol.

Conclusion

Theoretical calculation can be used successfully to explain and predict the experimental biological activity results. Basil oil and its main phenolic component, eugenol, were found effective as antioxidants. Basil oil was also efficient in reducing the surviving fraction of liver and brain cancer cells where it reduces brain cells even lower than cells treated by doxorubicin, a known anti-cancer agent; thus, basil oil and its main phenolic components, eugenol, can be used safely in food preservation and functional food production.

Graphical Abstract
Vitamin D supplementation and cardiac tissue inflammation in obese rats
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Farnoosh , Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizad , Tausi Ayda Zahiri , Mahmoudinezhad Mahsa , Mesgari-Abbasi Mehran , Jafarzadeh Faria
Published: December 2022

Objective

The current study was aimed to evaluate the effects of active form of vitamin D on TGF- β, NF-κB and MCP-1 in heart tissue of obese rats.

Methods

Forty rats were allocated into groups of normal diet and high fat diet for sixteen weeks; then each group was divided into two groups that received either 500 IU/kg vitamin D or placebo for five weeks. Biochemical parameters were assessed by ELISA kits.

Results

Vitamin D reduced TGF-β in obese rats supplemented with vitamin D compared with other groups (P = 0.03). Moreover, vitamin D reduced MCP-1 concentrations in the heart tissues of both vitamin D administered groups compared to placebo one (P = 0.002). NF-κB in the heart of HFD + vitamin D group was significantly lower (P = 0.03). Current study also showed that vitamin D improves glycemic status and reduce insulin resistance significantly in HFD group (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Vitamin D was a potential anti- inflammatory mediator of cardiovascular disease and markers of glycemic status in obese rats. Further investigations are needed to better identify the therapeutic role of this vitamin in CVD and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
The association between meal-based diet quality index-international (DQI-I) with obesity in adults
Authors: Alipour Nosrani Esmail , Majd Maryam , Bazshahi Elham , Mohtashaminia Fatemeh , Moosavi Hanieh , Ramezani Reza , Shahinfar Hossein , Djafari Farhang , Shab-Bidar Sakineh , Djazayery Abolghassem
Published: December 2022

Background and objective

Due to the growing global trend of obesity, it is necessary to study the diet quality as a modifiable factor to reduce the dangerous consequences of obesity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between meal-based diet quality index-international (DQI-I) with obesity in adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 850 men and women in Tehran (aged 20–59 y). Dietary intakes were assessed using three 24-h dietary recalls. Meal-based Diet quality was assessed based on the construction of DQI-I. The total DQI-I score ranged from 0 to 100, with higher scores denoting better diet quality. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association of DQI-I and BMI in each meal and Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of DQI-I and obesity in each meal.

Results

The mean (± SD) of age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were 42.35(± 10.90) years, 27.32(± 5.61) kg/m2, 89.09 (± 12.04) cm and 0.86 (± 0.11), respectively. In none of the meals, after adjusting for confounders, no significant difference in BMI was observed in the both women and men groups. After controlling of confounders, there was not any relationship between meal-based DQI-I and BMI resulted from multiple linear regression analysis also there was not any significant association between meal-based DQI-I and obesity resulted from Logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion

In this study, we did not find any significant association between meal-specified DQI with obesity. To reach the better evaluation, more prospective studies with large sample size are needed.