bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol-dependent amyloid β production: space for multifarious interactions between amyloid precursor protein, secretases, and cholesterol
Authors: Rudajev Vladimir , Novotny Jiri
Published: September 2023

Amyloid β is considered a key player in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Many studies investigating the effect of statins on lowering cholesterol suggest that there may be a link between cholesterol levels and AD pathology. Since cholesterol is one of the most abundant lipid molecules, especially in brain tissue, it affects most membrane-related processes, including the formation of the most dangerous form of amyloid β, Aβ42. The entire Aβ production system, which includes the amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-secretase, and the complex of γ-secretase, is highly dependent on membrane cholesterol content. Moreover, cholesterol can affect amyloidogenesis in many ways. Cholesterol influences the stability and activity of secretases, but also dictates their partitioning into specific cellular compartments and cholesterol-enriched lipid rafts, where the amyloidogenic machinery is predominantly localized. The most complicated relationships have been found in the interaction between cholesterol and APP, where cholesterol affects not only APP localization but also the precise character of APP dimerization and APP processing by γ-secretase, which is important for the production of Aβ of different lengths. In this review, we describe the intricate web of interdependence between cellular cholesterol levels, cholesterol membrane distribution, and cholesterol-dependent production of Aβ, the major player in AD.
Early COVID-Related pandemic impacts and subsequent opioid outcomes among persons receiving medication for opioid use disorder: a secondary data analysis of a Type-3 hybrid trial
Authors: Janssen Tim , Garner Bryan R. , Yermash Julia , Yap Kimberly R. , Becker Sara J.
Published: September 2023

Background

Opioid overdoses have continued to increase since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pathways through which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected trajectories of opioid use and opioid-related problems are largely unknown. Using the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (EPII), a novel instrument that assess pandemic-related impacts across multiple life domains, we tested the hypothesis that COVID-related impacts (on e.g., interpersonal conflict, employment, infection exposure, and emotional health) experienced in the early months of the pandemic would predict changes in opioid use and opioid-related problems at follow-up.

Methods

This analysis was embedded within a cluster randomized type 3 implementation-effectiveness hybrid trial that had enrolled 188 patients across eight opioid treatments prior to the start of the pandemic. Participants had all been recently inducted on medication for opioid use disorder and were actively receiving treatment. Participants reported on their opioid use and opioid-related problems at baseline and 3-, 6-, and 9-month post-baseline assessments. Between May and August 2020, participants were sent an optional invitation to complete the EPII.

Results

One hundred thirty-three respondents completed the EPII and 129 had sufficient data to analyze the EPII and at least one subsequent follow-up. In logistic and zero-inflated negative binomial analyses adjusting for covariates, each endorsed pandemic impact in the interpersonal conflict domain was associated with 67% increased odds of endorsement of any opioid use, and each impact in the employment and infection exposure-domains was associated with 25% and 75% increases in number of endorsed opioid-related problems, respectively.

Conclusions

Mitigating the effect of the pandemic on patients’ interpersonal relationships and employment, and promoting greater infection control in opioid treatment programs, could be protective against negative opioid-related outcomes.

Trial registration The present study describes secondary data analysis on a previously registered clinical trial: clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03931174.
Cholesterol reprograms glucose and lipid metabolism to promote proliferation in colon cancer cells
Authors: Mayengbam Shyamananda Singh , Singh Abhijeet , Yaduvanshi Himanshi , Bhati Firoz Khan , Deshmukh Bhavana , Athavale Dipti , Ramteke Pranay L. , Bhat Manoj Kumar
Published: September 2023

Hypercholesterolemia is often correlated with obesity which is considered a risk factor for various cancers. With the growing population of hypercholesterolemic individuals, there is a need to understand the role of increased circulatory cholesterol or dietary cholesterol intake towards cancer etiology and pathology. Recently, abnormality in the blood cholesterol level of colon cancer patients has been reported. In the present study, we demonstrate that alteration in cholesterol levels (through a high-cholesterol or high-fat diet) increases the incidence of chemical carcinogen-induced colon polyp occurrence and tumor progression in mice. At the cellular level, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) promote colon cancer cell proliferation by tuning the cellular glucose and lipid metabolism. Mechanistically, supplementation of LDLc or HDLc promotes cellular glucose uptake, and utilization, thereby, causing an increase in lactate production by colon cancer cells. Moreover, LDLc or HDLc upregulates aerobic glycolysis, causing an increase in total ATP production through glycolysis, and a decrease in ATP generation by OXPHOS. Interestingly, the shift in the metabolic status towards a more glycolytic phenotype upon the availability of cholesterol supports rapid cell proliferation. Additionally, an alteration in the expression of the molecules involved in cholesterol uptake along with the increase in lipid and cholesterol accumulation was observed in cells supplemented with LDLc or HDLc. These results indicate that colon cancer cells directly utilize the cholesterol associated with LDLc or HDLc. Moreover, targeting glucose metabolism through LDH inhibitor (oxamate) drastically abrogates the cellular proliferation induced by LDLc or HDLc. Collectively, we illustrate the vital role of cholesterol in regulating the cellular glucose and lipid metabolism of cancer cells and its direct effect on the colon tumorigenesis.

Graphical Abstract
Sub-threshold or full-syndrome borderline personality disorder in adolescents with recurrent self-harm – distinctly or dimensionally different?
Authors: Brager-Larsen Anne , Zeiner Pål , Mehlum Lars
Published: September 2023

Background

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder frequently seen in individuals with recurrent self-harm behaviour. To what extent there are distinguishing characteristics between self-harming adolescents who meet the criteria for a full diagnosis of BPD, a sub-threshold number of BPD criteria and those who don’t have BPD, with respect to clinical characteristics, is still uncertain and could have important clinical implications.

Methods

Data from 103 adolescents with recurrent self-harm behaviour recruited from child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinics were collected through clinical interviews and self-reports. Bivariate analyses comparing participants with or without a diagnosis of BPD were performed. Group differences based on the number of BPD criteria fulfilled (few-if-any BPD: 0–2 criteria, sub-threshold BPD: 3–4 criteria, full-syndrome BPD: 5 or more criteria) were tested and regression analyses performed.

Results

Adolescents with a diagnosis of BPD (28.2%) had significantly higher numbers of co-morbid DSM-5 disorders, suicide attempts and self-harm methods. They also reported significantly higher levels of suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety and impulsivity, compared with adolescents without BPD. Adolescents with sub-threshold BPD (20.4%) place themselves in the intermediate position between participants with full-syndrome BPD and participants with few-if-any BPD, in terms of these symptoms. Higher levels of emotional regulation difficulties and a lower level of global functioning were significantly associated with fulfilling a higher number of BPD criteria.

Conclusion

Adolescents with recurrent self-harm who meet diagnostic criteria for a full-syndrome BPD or sub-threshold BPD seem to have difficulties within the same spectrum. They seem dimensionally, but not categorically, different with respect to the severity of their difficulties. These adolescents need interventions aimed at their dysfunctional self-harm behaviour, emotional regulation difficulties and BPD symptoms at an earlier, rather than at a later stage of symptom development.
Fabrication and evaluation of a flexible temperature sensor array using multi-layer ceramic capacitors for spatial temperature mapping
Authors: Yoon Ji-Sung , Yun Kwang-Seok
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the development of a flexible temperature sensor array using multi-layer ceramic capacitors. By integrating the capacitors into a 5 × 5 array on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate, we exploit the principle of changing dielectric constant with temperature, which results in a change in capacitance. Our sensor array demonstrates a consistent decrease in capacitance with increasing temperature, with a sensitivity ranging from 1.42 to 1.62 pF/°C. This sensitivity range is maintained even when measurements are taken using a capacitance-to-voltage conversion circuit, with a sensitivity of 1.1 to 1.5 mV/°C. The repeatability and hysteresis of the sensors were also investigated, with the latter revealing a maximum error of 12.7%. Our findings provide valuable insights for the development of efficient, flexible, and reliable temperature sensor arrays using ceramic capacitors.
Class size and teacher effects on non-cognitive outcomes in grades K-3: a fixed effects analysis of ECLS-K:2011 data
Authors: Konstantopoulos Spyros , Shen Ting
Published: September 2023

This study examines the association between class size, teacher characteristics and five non-cognitive student outcomes (i.e., self-control, interpersonal skills, approaches to learning, externalizing and internalizing problem behaviors) in grades K-3. Individual fixed-effects, that control for observed and unobserved time-invariant factors, including student and school time-constant variables, are employed to analyze national data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010–11 (ECLS-K:2011). Results suggest a significant linear association between reducing class size and interpersonal skills. Teacher experience is saliently, positively and significantly related with student self-control, interpersonal skills, and approaches to learning, and negatively associated with externalizing problem behaviors. Teacher education and certification were not associated with any of the five non-cognitive outcomes. Changing schools had a negative effect on student’s self-control.
Use of guidelines, checklists, frameworks, and recommendations in behavioral intervention preliminary studies and associations with reporting comprehensiveness: a scoping bibliometric review
Authors: Pfledderer Christopher D. , von Klinggraeff Lauren , Burkart Sarah , da Silva Bandeira Alexsandra , Armstrong Bridget , Weaver R. Glenn , Adams Elizabeth L. , Beets Michael W.
Published: September 2023

Background

Guidelines, checklists, frameworks, and recommendations (GCFRs) related to preliminary studies serve as essential resources to assist behavioral intervention researchers in reporting findings from preliminary studies, but their impact on preliminary study reporting comprehensiveness is unknown. The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping bibliometric review of recently published preliminary behavioral-focused intervention studies to (1) examine the prevalence of GCFR usage and (2) determine the associations between GCFR usage and reporting feasibility-related characteristics.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted for preliminary studies of behavioral-focused interventions published between 2018 and 2020. Studies were limited to the top 25 journals publishing behavioral-focused interventions, text mined to identify usage of GCFRs, and categorized as either not citing GCFRs or citing ≥ 2 GCFRs (Citers). A random sample of non-Citers was text mined to identify studies which cited other preliminary studies that cited GCFRs (Indirect Citers) and those that did not (Never Citers). The presence/absence of feasibility-related characteristics was compared between Citers, Indirect Citers, and Never Citers via univariate logistic regression.

Results

Studies (n = 4143) were identified, and 1316 were text mined to identify GCFR usage (n = 167 Citers). A random sample of 200 studies not citing a GCFR were selected and categorized into Indirect Citers (n = 71) and Never Citers (n = 129). Compared to Never Citers, Citers had higher odds of reporting retention, acceptability, adverse events, compliance, cost, data collection feasibility, and treatment fidelity (ORrange = 2.62–14.15, p < 0.005). Citers also had higher odds of mentioning feasibility in purpose statements, providing progression criteria, framing feasibility as the primary outcome, and mentioning feasibility in conclusions (ORrange = 6.31–17.04, p < 0.005) and lower odds of mentioning efficacy in purpose statements, testing for efficacy, mentioning efficacy in conclusions, and suggesting future testing (ORrange = 0.13–0.54, p < 0.05). Indirect Citers had higher odds of reporting acceptability and treatment fidelity (ORrange = 2.12–2.39, p < 0.05) but lower odds of testing for efficacy (OR = 0.36, p < 0.05) compared to Never Citers.

Conclusion

The citation of GCFRs is associated with greater reporting of feasibility-related characteristics in preliminary studies of behavioral-focused interventions. Researchers are encouraged to use and cite literature that provides guidance on design, implementation, analysis, and reporting to improve the comprehensiveness of reporting for preliminary studies.
A case of stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination of distal remaining aortic dissection after the ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement for acute aortic dissection
Authors: Shimizu Seito , Kawai Yujiro , Horinouchi Yuki , Yu Ayaka , Hayashi Masanori , Kobayashi Kanako , Itoh Takahito , Fujimura Naoki , Harada Hirohisa , Ohtsubo Satoshi
Published: September 2023

Background

The early survival rate of patients with acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) has improved remarkably over the past two decades. However, a false lumen may remain after proximal aortic repair and is a potential risk factor for aortic diameter enlargement, aortic rupture, and death in the chronic phase. In the stent-assisted balloon-induced intimal disruption and relamination of aortic dissection (STABILISE) technique, a stent graft is implanted at the proximal part of the aortic dissection, followed by bare-metal aortic stent placement over the distal aortic dissection. Next, an aortic balloon catheter is dilated inside the stent graft and the bare stent to disrupt the intima and collapse the false lumen, immediately restoring uniluminal thoracoabdominal aortic flow. This report describes our experience with the STABILISE technique for a residual aortic dissection after an ascending aorta, and partial aortic arch replacement for acute TAAD resulted in complications.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old man presented to our hospital with chest pain, paresthesia, and left lower-limb paralysis. He was diagnosed with acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) and malperfusion of the left lower limb by computed tomography (CT), and an emergent ascending aorta and partial aortic arch replacement were performed. Immediately after surgery, the left femoral arterial pulse improved, and left lower limb revascularization was deferred. The postoperative course was good; however, back pain and intermittent claudication recurred on the 9th day after surgery. A CT examination revealed persistent antegrade false lumen flow in the descending thoracic aorta through the left subclavian artery dissection and retrograde false lumen flow from the thoracoabdominal segment, resulting in aortic diameter enlargement and narrowing of the true lumen. The symptoms did not improve, and the STABILISE technique was performed on the 12th day after the initial aortic surgery. The patient’s subsequent course was good; the back pain and intermittent claudication resolved. The patient was discharged on the 8th day after the STABILISE technique.

Conclusions

The STABILISE technique can obliterate the false lumen and resolve symptoms associated with a residual false lumen after proximal aortic repair for acute TAAD.
Hymnic Placemaking: Samson Occom’sCollectionand Brothertown Orientations
Authors: Dubos Bradley
Published: September 2023

This article traces a long trajectory of hymnic placemaking within the Brothertown Indian Nation from the late eighteenth century to the present day. Since their tribe’s inception, Brothertown people have repurposed the forms and rituals of Christian hymnody in order to maintain connections to ancestral homelands, navigate and interpret unfamiliar terrain, and construct and shape tribal spaces. Samson Occom’s (Mohegan/Brothertown) A Choice Collection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs; Intended for the Edification of Sincere Christians, of all Denominations (1774) cultivated this distinctive mode of placemaking within the Native community that formed at Brothertown, New York. Opening up several key moments in the hymnal’s nearly two-hundred-and-fifty-year history, this article reads the Collection’s figures of place in relation to the embodied engagements it has prompted over time, from the daily travel it motivated across the eighteenth-century town to the hollow square formation Brothertown Indians used in 2018 when performing hymns at Yale. By foregrounding the bodily orientations toward place that are promoted by sung hymn-texts and develop alongside their sustained use, the article demonstrates how sonic expressions continue to supply materials for Indigenous placemaking among Brothertown singers today. This hymn-singing tradition, tied to specific homelands and yet remarkably portable, illuminates the situatedness of Indigenous poetic practice under the conditions of settler colonialism.
Stromal matrix directs corneal fibroblasts to re-express keratocan after injury and transplantation
Authors: Acosta Ana C. , Sun Mei , Zafrullah Nabeel , Avila Marcel Y. , Margo Curtis E. , Espana Edgar M.
Published: September 2023

Every tissue has an extracellular matrix (ECM) with certain properties unique to it – the tissue ‘niche’ – that are necessary for normal function. A distinct specific population of quiescent keratocan-expressing keratocytes populate the corneal stroma during homeostasis to maintain corneal function. However, during wound healing, when there is alteration of the niche conditions, keratocytes undergo apoptosis, and activated corneal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts attempt to restore tissue integrity and function. It is unknown what the fate of activated and temporary fibroblasts and myofibroblasts is after the wound healing process has resolved. In this study, we used several strategies to elucidate the cellular dynamics of corneal wound healing and the fate of corneal fibroblasts. We injured the cornea of a novel mouse model that allows cell-lineage tracing, and we transplanted a cell suspension of in vitro-expanded corneal fibroblasts that could be tracked after being relocated into normal stroma. These transplanted fibroblasts regained expression of keratocan in vivo when relocated to a normal stromal niche. These findings suggest that transformed fibroblasts maintain plasticity and can be induced to a keratocyte phenotype once relocated to an ECM with normal signaling ECM.
Are There Interindividual Responses of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Markers to Acute Exercise? A Replicate Crossover Trial
Authors: SHEN TONGHUI , THACKRAY ALICE E. , KING JAMES A. , ALOTAIBI TAREQ F. , ALANAZI TURKI M. , WILLIS SCOTT A. , ROBERTS MATTHEW J. , LOLLI LORENZO , ATKINSON GREG , STENSEL DAVID J.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Using a replicated crossover design, we quantified the response heterogeneity of postprandial cardiovascular disease risk marker responses to acute exercise.

Methods

Twenty men (mean (SD) age, 26 (6) yr; body mass index, 23.9 (2.4) kg·m−2) completed four 2-d conditions (two control, two exercise) in randomized orders. On days 1 and 2, participants rested and consumed two high-fat meals over 9 h. Participants ran for 60 min (61 (7)% of peak oxygen uptake) on day 1 (6.5 to 7.5 h) of both exercise conditions. Time-averaged total area under the curve (TAUC) for triacylglycerol, glucose, and insulin were calculated from 11 venous blood samples on day 2. Arterial stiffness and blood pressure responses were calculated from measurements at baseline on day 1 and at 2.5 h on day 2. Consistency of individual differences was explored by correlating the two replicates of control-adjusted exercise responses for each outcome. Within-participant covariate-adjusted linear mixed models quantified participant-by-condition interactions and individual response SDs.

Results

Acute exercise reduced mean TAUC-triacylglycerol (−0.27 mmol·L−1·h; Cohen’s d = 0.29, P = 0.017) and TAUC-insulin (−25 pmol·L−1·h; Cohen’s d = 0.35, P = 0.022) versus control, but led to negligible changes in TAUC-glucose and the vascular outcomes (Cohen’s d ≤ 0.36, P ≥ 0.106). Small-to-moderate, but nonsignificant, correlations were observed between the two response replicates (r = −0.42 to 0.15, P ≥ 0.066). We did not detect any individual response heterogeneity. All participant-by-condition interactions were P ≥ 0.137, and all individual response SDs were small with wide 95% confidence intervals overlapping zero.

Conclusions

Large trial-to-trial within-subject variability inhibited detection of consistent interindividual variability in postprandial metabolic and vascular responses to acute exercise.
Using Machine Learning–Based Algorithms to Identify and Quantify Exercise Limitations in Clinical Practice: Are We There Yet?
Authors: SCHWENDINGER FABIAN , BIEHLER ANN-KATHRIN , NAGY-HUBER MONIKA , KNAIER RAPHAEL , ROTH VOLKER , DUMITRESCU DANIEL , MEYER F. JOACHIM , HAGER ALFRED , SCHMIDT-TRUCKSÄSS ARNO
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Well-trained staff is needed to interpret cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET). We aimed to examine the accuracy of machine learning–based algorithms to classify exercise limitations and their severity in clinical practice compared with expert consensus using patients presenting at a pulmonary clinic.

Methods

This study included 200 historical CPET data sets (48.5% female) of patients older than 40 yr referred for CPET because of unexplained dyspnea, preoperative examination, and evaluation of therapy progress. Data sets were independently rated by experts according to the severity of pulmonary–vascular, mechanical–ventilatory, cardiocirculatory, and muscular limitations using a visual analog scale. Decision trees and random forests analyses were calculated.

Results

Mean deviations between experts in the respective limitation categories ranged from 1.0 to 1.1 points (SD, 1.2) before consensus. Random forests identified parameters of particular importance for detecting specific constraints. Central parameters were nadir ventilatory efficiency for CO2, ventilatory efficiency slope for CO2 (pulmonary–vascular limitations); breathing reserve, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and forced vital capacity (mechanical–ventilatory limitations); and peak oxygen uptake, O2 uptake/work rate slope, and % change of the latter (cardiocirculatory limitations). Thresholds differentiating between different limitation severities were reported. The accuracy of the most accurate decision tree of each category was comparable to expert ratings. Finally, a combined decision tree was created quantifying combined system limitations within one patient.

Conclusions

Machine learning–based algorithms may be a viable option to facilitate the interpretation of CPET and identify exercise limitations. Our findings may further support clinical decision making and aid the development of standardized rating instruments.
Neuromuscular and Metabolic Responses during Repeated Bouts of Loaded Downhill Walking
Authors: CHALCHAT EMERIC , SIRACUSA JULIEN , PEÑAILILLO LUIS , MALGOYRE ALEXANDRA , BOURRILHON CYPRIEN , CHARLOT KEYNE , MARTIN VINCENT , GARCIA-VICENCIO SEBASTIAN
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles for their nervous and mechanical adaptations during two bouts of downhill walking (DW) with load carriage performed 2 wk apart. Moreover, we investigated cardiometabolic and perceived exertion responses during both DW bouts.

Methods

Seventeen participants performed two 45-min sessions of loaded DW (30% of body mass; slope, −25%; speed, 4.5 km·h−1) separated by 2 wk. Rating of perceived exertion, cost of walking, heart rate, and EMG activity of thigh muscles were assessed during the DW. Muscle shear elastic modulus (μ) of RF and VL were assessed before each exercise bout. Maximal voluntary contraction torque was assessed before (PRE), immediately after (POST), and 24 and 48 h after the two exercise bouts.

Results

Maximal voluntary contraction torque decreased from POST (−23.7% ± 9.2%) to 48 h (−19.2% ± 11.9%) after the first exercise (Ex1), whereas it was significantly reduced only at POST (−14.6% ± 11.0%) after the second exercise (Ex2; P < 0.001). Rating of perceived exertion (Ex1: 12.3 ± 1.9; Ex2: 10.8 ± 2.0), heart rate (Ex1: 156 ± 23 bpm; Ex2: 145 ± 25 bpm), cost of walking (Ex1: 4.5 ± 0.9 J·m−1·kg−1; Ex2: 4.1 ± 0.7 J·m−1·kg−1), and RF EMG activity (Ex1: 0.071 ± 0.028 mV; Ex2: 0.041 ± 0.014 mV) were significantly decreased during Ex2 compared with Ex1 (P < 0.01). RF μ was significantly greater in Ex2 (0.44 ± 0.18) compared with Ex1 (0.56 ± 0.27; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The RF muscle displayed specific mechanical and nervous adaptations to repeated DW bouts as compared with VL. Moreover, the muscle adaptations conferred by the first bout of DW could have induced greater exercise efficiency, inducing lesser perceived exertion and cardiometabolic demand when the same exercise was repeated 2 wk later.
Signal Variability Comparative Analysis of Healthy Early- and Late-Pubertal Children during Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Authors: BLANKS ZACHARY , BROWN DONALD E. , COOPER DAN M. , AIZIK SHLOMIT RADOM , BAR-YOSEPH RONEN
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The kinetics of physiological responses to exercise have traditionally been characterized by estimating exponential equation parameters using iterative best-fit techniques of heart rate (HR) and gas exchange (respiratory rate, oxygen uptake (V̇O2), carbon dioxide output, and ventilation). In this study, we present a novel approach to characterizing the maturation of physiological responses to exercise in children by accounting for response uncertainty and variability.

Methods

Thirty-seven early-pubertal (17 females, 20 males) and 44 late-pubertal (25 females, 19 males) participants performed three multiple brief exercise bouts (MBEB). MBEB consisted of ten 2-min bouts of cycle ergometry at constant work rate interspersed by 1-min rest. Exercise intensity was categorized as low, moderate, or high, corresponding to 40%, 60%, and 80% of peak work rate, and performed in random order on 3 separate days. We evaluated sample entropy (SampEn), approximate entropy, detrended fluctuation analysis, and average absolute local variability of HR and gas exchange.

Results

SampEn of HR and gas-exchange responses to MBEB was greater in early- compared with late-pubertal participants (e.g., V̇O2 early-pubertal vs late-pubertal, 1.70 ± 0.023 vs 1.41 ± 0.027; P = 2.97 × 10−14), and decreased as MBEB intensity increased (e.g., 0.37 ± 0.01 HR for low-intensity compared with 0.21 ± 0.014 for high intensity, P = 3.56 × 10−17). Females tended to have higher SampEn than males (e.g., 1.61 ± 0.025 V̇O2 for females vs 1.46 ± 0.031 for males, P = 1.28 × 10−4). Average absolute local variability was higher in younger participants for both gas exchange and HR (e.g., early-pubertal vs late-pubertal V̇O2, 17.48 % ± 0.56% vs 10.24 % ± 0.34%; P = 1.18 × 10−21).

Conclusions

The greater entropy in signal response to a known, quantifiable exercise perturbation in the younger children might represent maturation-dependent, enhanced competition among physiological controlling mechanisms that originate at the autonomic, subconscious, and cognitive levels.
Accelerometer Metrics: Healthy Adult Reference Values, Associations with Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Clinical Implications
Authors: Schwendinger Fabian , Wagner Jonathan , Knaier Raphael , Infanger Denis , Rowlands Alex V. , Hinrichs Timo , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Accelerometer-assessed physical activity (PA) can be summarised using cut-point-free or population-specific cut-point-based outcomes. We aimed to: 1) examine the interrelationship between cut-point-free (intensity gradient [IG] and average acceleration [AvAcc]) and cut-point-based accelerometer metrics, 2) compare the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cut-point-free metrics to that with cut-point-based metrics in healthy adults aged 20 to 89 years and patients with heart failure, and 3) provide age-, sex-, and CRF-related reference values for healthy adults.

Methods

In the COmPLETE study, 463 healthy adults and 67 patients with heart failure wore GENEActiv accelerometers on their non-dominant wrist and underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Cut-point-free (IG: distribution of intensity of activity across the day; AvAcc: proxy of volume of activity) and traditional (moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous activity) metrics were generated. The ‘interpretablePA’ R-package was developed to translate findings into clinical practice.

Results

IG and AvAcc yield complementary information on PA with both IG (p = 0.009) and AvAcc (p < 0.001) independently associated with CRF in healthy individuals (adjusted R2 = 73.9%). Only IG was independently associated with CRF in patients with heart failure (p = 0.043, adjusted R2 = 38.4%). The best cut-point-free and cut-point-based model had similar predictive value for CRF in both cohorts. We produced age- and sex-specific reference values and percentile curves for IG, AvAcc, moderate-to-vigorous PA, and vigorous PA for healthy adults.

Conclusions

IG and AvAcc are strongly associated with CRF and, thus, indirectly with the risk of non-communicable diseases and mortality, in healthy adults and patients with heart failure. However, unlike cut-point-based metrics, IG and AvAcc are comparable across populations. Our reference values provide a healthy age- and sex-specific comparison that may enhance the translation and utility of cut-point-free metrics in clinical practice.
Common carotid artery dissection from sportive choking
Authors: Borg Dr Daniel , Crockett Dr Matthew
Published: September 2023

Tandem occlusions of the anterior circulation refer to the simultaneous presence of a cervical carotid artery occlusion or high-grade stenosis and an ipsilateral large vessel occlusion involving the intracranial internal carotid artery, M1 or proximal M2 middle cerebral artery. Whilst carotid occlusion usually results from progressive atherosclerotic disease, in younger individuals it may arise secondary to a dissection for which there are multiple aetiologies, with trauma being an important cause in patients having a relevant history. We present a rare case of traumatic left common carotid artery dissection in a young professional Jiu-Jitsu fighter presenting with delayed stroke symptoms and angiographic findings of a tandem occlusion. This case was successfully managed with endovascular clot retrieval and antiplatelet medication.
Role of autoimmunity in Neuronal damage in children with Autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Halepoto Dost Muhammad , AL-Ayadhi Laila Yousif , Alhowikan Abdulrahman Mohammed , Elamin Nadra Elyass
Published: September 2023

“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in three core behavioral: social deficits, impaired communication, and repetitive behaviors.” There is developing indication and emerging data that irregular autoimmune responses to the central nervous system may play a pathogenic role in patients with autism spectrum disorder.”The aim of this review was to discuss the updated research carried out at Autism research and treatment center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia particularly on the role of autoimmunity in Autism spectrum disorder. This review also present state of information available about the role of autoimmunity biomarkers involved in the neuronal damage of central nervous system in autistic children. The systematic literature search was carried out using Google Scholar, Science direct and PubMed databases on the role of autoimmunity in autism and reviewed all relevant articles published in peer reviewed journals by Autism research and treatment center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia till April, 2022. We searched relevant articles using key words Autism spectrum disorder, Autoimmunity, Neuroinflamation and Central nervous system. This review revealed that plasma levels of autoimmunity related factors/ markers were altered in patients with autism. Significant change in blood markers in subjects with ASD may resulted in several years of decreased neutrotrophic support along with increasing impairment in relationship with down-regulated inflammation that may play a role in the ASD.Overall, the role of autoimmunity in ASD subjects with excess of anti-brain antibodies suggest that in some patients, autoantibodies that target the CNS may be pathological factor in neuronal growth in autistic children. Large cohort studies with well-defined and specially pheno typed autistic groups and matched healthy controls are required to examine the role of autoantibodies in the pathology of subjects with ASD.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.6804

How to cite this: Halepoto DM, AL-Ayadhi LY, Alhowikan AM, Elamin NE. Role of autoimmunity in Neuronal damage in children with Autism spectrum disorder. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.6804

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Η ποινική προστασία των προσωπικών δεδομένων
Authors: Γανιάρης Νικόλαος
Published: September 2023

Η διατριβή επιδιώκει να προσεγγίσει το ζήτημα της προστασίας των δεδομένων προσωπικού χαρακτήρα μέσω του ποινικού δικαίου. Αρχικά, στην εργασία καταγράφονται οι βασικές παρεμβάσεις του Ευρωπαίου και του Έλληνα νομοθέτη στο πεδίο των προσωπικών δεδομένων και παρατίθενται οι βασικές ποινικές διατάξεις. Εν συνεχεία, παρουσιάζονται οι τρόποι προστασίας του ατομικού απορρήτου μέσα από τις ειδικές υποστάσεις του Ποινικού Κώδικα, η ερμηνεία και η ιστορική εξέλιξη των οποίων είναι σημαντική για την κατανόηση των ποινικών κανόνων για την προστασία των δεδομένων. Ακολούθως, αναλύονται οι βασικές δογματικές απόψεις που έχουν υποστηριχθεί στη ελληνική και διεθνή βιβλιογραφία και νομολογία για το προστατευόμενο έννομο αγαθό. Στην εργασία υποστηρίζεται η θέση ότι ως προστατευόμενο έννομο αγαθό των οικείων ποινικών διατάξεων πρέπει να θεωρηθεί η πληροφοριακή αυτοδιάθεση του υποκειμένου των δεδομένων. Περαιτέρω, στην εργασία αναλύονται de lege lata η βασική ποινική διάταξη του άρθρου 38 του Ν. 4624/2019 καθώς και οι επιμέρους ποινικές διατάξεις των Ν. 3471/2006, 3917/2011 και 4600/2019. Τέλος, στη διατριβή παρουσιάζεται εν συντομία το πρόβλημα της ποινικής ευθύνης του Υπεύθυνου Προστασίας Δεδομένων. Η εργασία ολοκληρώνεται με de lege ferenda προτάσεις για την αποτελεσματικότερη προστασία των προσωπικών δεδομένων.
The effect of coffee on contralateral suppression of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Srivastava Ishaan , Kalaiah Mohan Kumar , Roushan Ritik , Shastri Usha , Kumar Kaushlendra
Published: September 2023

Background: Coffee is a popular non-alcoholic beverage consumed by humans across the world. It contains caffeine, which is a type of stimulant of the central nervous system. In the auditory system, it has a positive effect on auditory brainstem response and perception of speech in noise. Further, caffeine has an inhibitory effect in the cochlea, but studies have rarely investigated its effect on otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) in humans. OAEs are low-intensity sounds produced by the cochlea, which could be recorded in the ear canal. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of coffee on transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and contralateral suppression of TEOAE.

Method: A total of 52 young adults participated in the study. A cross-over study design was used for the present investigation. The TEOAE and contralateral suppression of TEOAE were recorded before and after consumption of coffee and milk. The contralateral suppression of TEOAE was measured by presenting white noise to the contralateral ear at 40, 50, and 60 dB sound pressure level (SPL).

Results: The mean amplitude of TEOAE before and after consumption of coffee was similar in both ears. Further, the mean contralateral suppression of TEOAE was slightly larger after consumption of coffee in both ears. However, the mean difference was not significant in both the ears.

Conclusions: Based on the findings of present study, coffee has no significant effect on the amplitude of TEOAE and contralateral suppression of TEOAE.
Pathomechanisms Of Non-Coding RNAs, Hub Genes, and Lifestyle Related To The Oxidative Stress In Type 2 Diabetes And Cardiac Complications.
Authors: Hajibabaie Fatemeh , Aali Faranak , Abedpoor Navid
Published: September 2023

Cytokine storms, oxidative stress, and hyperglycemia can enhance the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Moreover, T2D may change the functional and structural heart. However, some signaling pathways, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia, can play in T2D, and various pathomechanics and pathophysiology involved in T2D are not understood. Moreover, it is well documented that the non-coding RNAs are potentially pivotal molecules in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death signaling pathways. Hence, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs may have vital roles in oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolism, T2D, and cardiovascular systems. Non-coding RNAs can target hub gene networks and suppress or trigger various cascades. Furthermore, lifestyle is the other factor that may affect the prevalence of T2D. A sedentary lifestyle and excessive sitting can enhance inflammation, oxidative stress, and hyperglycemia. Here, we attempt to comprehend the role of hub genes, non-coding RNAs, and unhealthy lifestyles on the pathomechanics and pathophysiology of diabetic vascular complications.
Validation of the suicidal ideation scale for Hijra (third gender) people in Bangladesh
Authors: Faruk Md. Omar , Rahaman Md. Ashiquir , Anik Asibul Islam , Alam Mohammad Zayeed Bin
Published: September 2023

Background: Hijra people, recognized as a third gender in Bangladesh, experience a variety of mental health problems, including suicidal ideation. However, there is no psychometric instrument to measure the suicidal ideation of hijra people. The aim of the study was to validate the suicidal ideation scale (SIS) for hijra people in Bangladesh.

Methods: Standard validation processes were followed to develop the initial Bangla version of the scale. After the pretest, the final version of the scale was prepared. A cross-sectional survey with a combination of purposive and snowball sampling was conducted. A total of 314 participants were recruited from Dhaka. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted besides the analysis of reliability and validity.

Results: The SIS was found to have a two-factor structure, collectively explaining 46.69% of the total variance during EFA. The measurement model was supported by a number of fit indices while conducting CFA. The higher Cronbach’s alpha (0.80) suggested internal consistency reliability. The scale demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability (0.89). Convergent and divergent validity was tested with the World Health Organisation WHO-5 Well-being Index, and Perceived Stress Scale, respectively.

Conclusions: The results suggested that the SIS is a psychometrically valid instrument to measure the suicidal ideation of hijra people in Bangladesh.
Emotional intelligence: An important skill to learn now more than ever
Authors: Anand Nikhilesh , Gorantla Vasavi Rakesh , Ranjan Rajeev , Morcos Hani
Published: September 2023

Emotional intelligence (EI) is defined as ability of an individual to perceive, understand, regulate, control and utilise emotions. EI is a relatively nascent concept from the 1900s that attempts to connect emotion to general intelligence. Several clinical studies and survey research have confirmed positive association between EI and optimal mental and physical health, overall well-being, and on-aggressive behaviours. In this review, a brief overview on evolutional theory of EI, various models associated with EI, methods of classifying measures, and comparing various EI measurement methods are described. Indeed, EI assessment measures such as Multifactor EI Scale, Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Tests, Self-report Test, Trait EI Questionnaire, Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory, The Situational Test of Emotional Management, The Situational Test of Emotional Understanding, Emotional and Social competence Inventory are also discussed. The key purpose of this review is to encapsulate important components of EI to audiences, reap the benefits of evaluating EI and implying attributes to improve their emotional health and general well-being.
Preliminary assessment of adjuvant activities of Glycine Max (L.) Merr saponin extract in BALB/c mice immunized with hepatitis B virus vaccine
Authors: Ndung'u Faith , Nyanjom Steven , Omari Samuel , Wainaina Eunice , Mugasiali Robinson , Kimotho James
Published: September 2023

Background: Vaccine adjuvants are used to increase the immunogenicity of weak antigens. Some saponins have adjuvant effects that are exerted via their immune-stimulatory effects and production of cytokines. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) contains saponins that could provide affordable vaccine adjuvants. This study aimed to assess the effect of the saponin extracts of soybean on the immune system in BALB/c mice immunized with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).

Methods: Saponins were extracted from soybean meal and their presence confirmed by foam generation and Fourier-transform infrared methods. A total of 51 mice were immunized in triplicate with 50 µL of various regimens of concentrations of the extracts and either HBV vaccine or HBsAg. The plasma anti-HBsAg antibody titre was determined using an enzyme immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 14 days post-immunization. Gene expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and haematological profile of the blood samples were determined.

Results: When the two immunogens were co-administered with the soybean extract, immune response was slightly higher (0.799 + 0.013 for HBsAg and 0.758 + 0.012 for vaccine) than with the Revac B vaccine used alone. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p-value > 0.467, and 0.416 respectively). Unexpectedly, mice immunized with the vaccine expressed less IL-6 levels than the untreated mice (0.603- and 1.469-fold change in transcription (FCT), respectively). Mice treated with the vaccine expressed higher TNF-α levels than the untreated group (28.84 –and 1.00 FCT respectively) while adding the extract significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α (p < 0.063). Administration of immunogens and extract reduced neutrophil (P-value = 0.027) and platelet (p-value > 0.592) counts.

Conclusions: The study demonstrated that soybean extract lacked marked adjuvant activity for HBV vaccine, that HBV vaccine suppressed expression of IL-6 and promoted expression of TNF-α.
The proximate composition, amino acid profile, fatty acid content, and mineral content of scale flour from three fish species as potential feeds for fish fry
Authors: Syandri Hafrijal , Azrita Azrita , Mardiah Ainul , Aryani Netti , Diharmi Andarini
Published: September 2023

Background: Fish scale waste is highly valued both as a food additive and as a functional food ingredient. This study aimed to analyse the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and mineral content in fish scale flour of Osphronemus (O) goramy, Cyprinus (C) carpio, and Oreochromis (O) niloticus as potential feed for fish fry.

Methods: Fish scales were cleaned with 10% w/v NaCl solution at a ratio of 1:10 (w/w) for 24 hours at 4 °C. Agitation was used every eight hours to remove excess protein. Fish scales were evenly arranged in a cooker and cooked at 121 °C for 10 minutes with 15 psi pressure. After cooking, 100 grams of wet fish scales was dried at 50 °C for four hours. Dried fish scales were processed into flour for analysis of proximatel composition, amino acid content, fatty acid content, and mineral content.

Results: The examined fish scale flour from three species displayed significant variations in chemical components, amino acids, and minerals (p<0.01). Crude protein content spanned 49.52% to 72.94%, and fat content ranged from 0.11% to 0.23%. Magnesium levels varied between 767.82 mg/kg and 816.50 mg/kg, calcium content ranged from 3.54 to 12.16 mg/kg, iron content was within 40.46 to 44.10 mg/kg, and zinc content ranged from 45.80 to 139.19 mg/kg. Predominantly, glycine emerged as the main free amino acid (FAA), varying from 13.70% to 16.08%, while histidine had the lowest content, at 0.39% to 0.71%. Conversely, fatty acid content was lowest among the species, ranging from 6.73% to 9.48%.

Conclusions: Scale flour from three farmed fish types showed potential for fish fry feed due to its chemical composition and amino acid and mineral contents. To enhance the essential fatty acid content, enriching the flour with oils containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and α-linolenic acid (ALA) is essential