bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychoanalytic psychotherapies and the free energy principle
Authors: Rabeyron Thomas
Published: August 2022

In this paper I propose a model of the fundamental components of psychoanalytic psychotherapies that I try to explicate with contemporary theories of the Bayesian brain and the Free Energy Principle (FEP). I first show that psychoanalytic therapies require a setting (made up of several envelopes), a particular psychic state and specific processes (transference, free association, dreaming, play, reflexivity and narrativity) in order to induce psychic transformations. I then analyze how these processes of transformations operate and how they can be enlightened by the FEP. I first underline the fact that psychoanalytic therapies imply non-linear processes taking time to unfold and require a setting containing high entropy processes. More precisely, these processes are characterized by an interplay between extension and reduction of free energy. This interplay also favors the emergence of new orders of subjective experience, which occur following states of disorder, according to a certain energetic threshold allowing the modification and improvement of mental functioning. These high entropy states are also characterized by random functioning and psychic malleability which favors the exploration of subjective experience in an original manner. Overall, the approach proposed in this paper support the dialogue between psychoanalysis and other fields of research while underlining how psychoanalytical theoretical and conceptual constructs can also be useful to other disciplines, in particular the neurosciences of subjectivity.
Cortical entrainment to speech produced by cochlear implant talkers and normal-hearing talkers
Authors: Raghavendra Shruthi , Lee Sungmin , Chun Hyungi , Martin Brett A. , Tan Chin-Tuan
Published: August 2022

Cochlear implants (CIs) are commonly used to restore the ability to hear in those with severe or profound hearing loss. CIs provide the necessary auditory feedback for them to monitor and control speech production. However, the speech produced by CI users may not be fully restored to achieve similar perceived sound quality to that produced by normal-hearing talkers and this difference is easily noticeable in their daily conversation. In this study, we attempt to address this difference as perceived by normal-hearing listeners, when listening to continuous speech produced by CI talkers and normal-hearing talkers. We used a regenerative model to decode and reconstruct the speech envelope from the single-trial electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded on the scalp of the normal-hearing listeners. Bootstrap Spearman correlation between the actual speech envelope and the envelope reconstructed from the EEG was computed as a metric to quantify the difference in response to the speech produced by the two talker groups. The same listeners were asked to rate the perceived sound quality of the speech produced by the two talker groups as a behavioral sound quality assessment. The results show that both the perceived sound quality ratings and the computed metric, which can be seen as the degree of cortical entrainment to the actual speech envelope across the normal-hearing listeners, were higher in value for speech produced by normal hearing talkers than that for CI talkers. The first purpose of the study was to determine how well the envelope of speech is represented neurophysiologically via its similarity to the envelope reconstructed from EEG. The second purpose was to show how well this representation of speech for both CI and normal hearing talker groups differentiates in term of perceived sound quality.
Behavioral and Molecular Responses to Exogenous Cannabinoids During Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Convulsions in Male and Female Rats
Authors: Zirotti Rosenberg Antonella , Méndez-Ruette Maxs , Gorziglia Mario , Alzerreca Benjamín , Cabello Javiera , Kaufmann Sofía , Rambousek Lukas , Iturriaga Jofré Andrés , Wyneken Ursula , Lafourcade Carlos A.
Published: August 2022

Epilepsy is a disabling, chronic brain disease,affecting ~1% of the World’s population, characterized by recurrent seizures (sudden, uncontrolled brain activity), which may manifest with motor symptoms (e.g., convulsions) or non-motor symptoms. Temporal lobe epilepsies (TLE) compromising the hippocampus are the most common form of focal epilepsies. Resistance in ~1/3 of epileptic patients to the first line of treatment, i.e., antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), has been an important motivation to seek alternative treatments. Among these, the plant Cannabis sativa (commonly known as marihuana) or compounds extracted from it (cannabinoids) have gained widespread popularity. Moreover, sex differences have been proposed in epilepsy syndromes and in cannabinoid action. In the hippocampus, cannabinoids interact with the CB1R receptor whose membrane levels are regulated by β-Arrestin2, a protein that promotes its endocytosis and causes its downregulation. In this article, we evaluate the modulatory role of WIN 55,212-2 (WIN), a synthetic exogenous cannabinoid on behavioral convulsions and on the levels of CB1R and β-Arrestin2 in female and male adolescent rats after a single injection of the proconvulsant pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). As epilepsies can have a considerable impact on synaptic proteins that regulate neuronal toxicity, plasticity, and cognition, we also measured the levels of key proteins markers of excitatory synapses, in order to examine whether exogenous cannabinoids may prevent such pathologic changes after acute seizures. We found that the exogenous administration of WIN prevented convulsions of medium severity in females and males and increased the levels of phosphorylated CaMKII in the hippocampus. Furthermore, we observed a higher degree of colocalization between CB1R and β-Arrestin2 in the granule cell layer.
ACTH-Modulated Membrane Guanylate Cyclase Signaling System: Origin and Creation
Authors: Sharma Rameshwar K.
Published: August 2022

The membrane guanylate cyclase (MGC) cellular signaling pathway consists of seven signaling pathways and is critical for the survival of prokaryotes eukaryotes, and highly complex vertebrate organisms. A sequel to the author's earlier comprehensive reviews, covering the field of MGC from its origin to its establishment to the year 2014, this article exclusively deals with the history of its development from the year 1963 to 1987. It narrates the efforts involved in building on small projects, brick by brick, and its emergence from the chasm of disbelief, through steady, continuous work. To make the presentation simple and chronologically continuous, the subject matters of the earlier reviews and publication of these authors have been freely borrowed with appropriate citations.
Assessment of cardiac function in rat endovascular perforation model of subarachnoid hemorrhage; A model of subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Munakata Masahito , Kanazawa Hideaki , Kimura Kensuke , Arai Takahide , Sukegawa Hiroaki , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: August 2022

Although the association between cardiac dysfunction and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been recognized, its precise underlying mechanism remains unknown. Furthermore, no suitable animal models are available to study this association. Here, we established an appropriate animal model of SAH-induced cardiac dysfunction and elucidated its mechanism. In this rat model, contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the brain confirmed successful induction of SAH. Electrocardiography detected abnormalities in 55% of the experimental animals, while echocardiography indicated cardiac dysfunction in 30% of them. Further evaluation of left ventriculography confirmed cardiac dysfunction, which was transient and recovered over time. Additionally, in this SAH model, the expression of the acute phase reaction protein, proto-oncogene c-Fos increased in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN), the sympathetic nerve center of the brain. Polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the SAH model with cardiac dysfunction had higher levels of the macrophage-associated chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL-1) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL-2) than the SAH model without cardiac dysfunction. Our results suggested that SAH caused inflammation and macrophage activation in the PVN, leading to sympathetic hyperexcitability that might cause cardiac dysfunction directly and indirectly. This animal model may represent a powerful tool to investigate the mechanisms of the brain-heart pathway.
Preclinical antibody-PET imaging of PD-L1
Authors: Brown Emma L. , DeWeerd Rachel A. , Zidel Abbey , Pereira Patricia M. R.
Published: August 2022

Programmed cell death protein-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) blockade, including antibody therapeutics, has transformed cancer treatment. However, a major challenge in the field relates to selecting patients who are likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Indeed, biopsy-based diagnostic tests to determine immune checkpoint protein levels do not accurately capture the inherent spatial and temporal heterogeneity of PD-L1 tumor expression. As a result, not all PD-L1-positive tumors respond to immunotherapies, and some patients with PD-L1-negative tumors have shown clinical benefits. In 2018, a first-in-human study of the clinically-approved anti-PD-L1 antibody Atezolizumab labeled with the positron emitter zirconium-89 validated the ability of positron emission tomography (PET) to visualize PD-L1 expression in vivo and predict tumor response to immunotherapy. These studies have triggered the expansion of PD-L1-targeted immunoPET to assess PD-L1 protein levels and PD-L1 expression heterogeneity in real time and across the whole tumor. First, this mini-review introduces new PD-L1 PET imaging studies of the last 4 years, focusing on the expansion of preclinical tumor models and anti-PD-L1 antibodies/antibody fragments in development. Then, the review discusses how these preclinical models and targeting agents can be utilized to study spatial and temporal heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression.
Relationship between maternal caffeine and coffee intake and pregnancy loss: A grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation-assessed, dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Jafari Alireza , Naghshi Sina , Shahinfar Hossein , Salehi Sayed Omid , Kiany Fateme , Askari Mohammadreza , Surkan Pamela J. , Azadbakht Leila
Published: August 2022

Background

Numerous studies report an association between coffee or caffeine consumption and pregnancy loss; however, the nature and strength of this relationship have not been clearly established. Based on recent studies, our meta-analysis aimed to test whether a dose–response relationship between coffee or caffeine consumption and pregnancy loss exists.

Methods

We searched for articles in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus published until May 2022. Two independent reviewers extracted data and rated the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. We applied a random-effects, one-stage dose–response meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 34 articles (18 cohort studies and 16 case-control studies) were included in this review. Results showed a significantly higher risk of pregnancy loss for coffee consumption before (Pooled ES: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.01–1.43) and during pregnancy (Pooled ES: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04–1.57), and for coffee consumption during pregnancy in case-control studies (Pooled ES: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.19–6.41). Findings from this meta-analysis demonstrated that caffeine intake during pregnancy was associated with a significantly higher risk of pregnancy loss in cohort (Pooled ES: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.23–2.01) and case-control studies (Pooled ES: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.69–3.37, P < 0.001), respectively. A dose–response analysis suggested that an increase of a cup of coffee per day during pregnancy was associated with 3% increased risk of pregnancy loss; 100 mg of caffeine per day during pregnancy was also associated with 14 and 26% increased risk of pregnancy loss in cohort and case-control studies, respectively. A non-linear dose–response association was observed between coffee intake and the risk of pregnancy loss.

Conclusion

This study confirms that coffee or caffeine consumption raises the risk of pregnancy loss. Researchers are encouraged to conduct more studies to explore the underlying mechanisms and active compounds in coffee and caffeine.

Systematic Review Registration

[www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021267731].
Successful treatment with docetaxel plus nintedanib in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma and pulmonary fibrosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zlatanova Tanya , Arabadjiev Jeliazko , Kirova-Nedyalkova Galina , Nikova Diana
Published: August 2022

Despite the rare incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), coexisting IPF and lung cancer is common. Both diseases have unfavorable outcomes and are often associated with impaired quality of life. In this study, we present a clinical case of a patient with coexisting IPF and lung adenocarcinoma who was successfully treated with nintedanib plus docetaxel as a second-line treatment, and achieved a substantial improvement in the quality of life. To our knowledge, very few cases in the literature address the concurrent treatment of both diseases, which makes this case a valuable illustration of a successful treatment strategy and a basis for future investigations.
Anti-PD-1 sintilimab-induced bilateral optic neuropathy in non-small cell lung cancer: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Jian , Xiao Xiaoyue , Dong Xiaorong , Wu Gang , Wang Xinghua , Zhang Ruiguang
Published: August 2022

Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy reactivates T-cell activity to boost the antitumor effect and may trigger autoimmune toxicity in various organ systems involving eyeball and periocular structures at the same time. The rarity of ocular immune-related adverse events should not prevent us from paying attention to this issue because of the bad consequences of visual impairment. This is the first case report of anti-PD-1 sintilimab-induced bilateral optic neuropathy in a 76-year-old man with squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The patient presented with sudden vision blurring without pain in both eyes after three therapeutic cycles of sintilimab plus chemotherapy. Based on the ophthalmic examination, laboratory, and radiological results, our patient was diagnosed with optic neuropathy complication secondary to anti-PD-1 sintilimab treatment. Consequently, sintilimab was held and systemic steroids were administered. The follow-up review showed that the vision recovered and the size of the primary tumor continued to decrease with the response assessment as the partial response. In conclusion, this case report suggested that patients with NSCLC undergoing anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy should be closely monitored for ophthalmic assessment and alert to the occurrence of sintilimab-induced optic neuropathy.
Fluorescein-guided surgery for the resection of pilocytic astrocytomas: A multicentric retrospective study
Authors: Falco Jacopo , Höhne Julius , Broggi Morgan , Rubiu Emanuele , Restelli Francesco , Vetrano Ignazio G. , Schiariti Marco , Mazzapicchi Elio , Bonomo Giulio , Ferroli Paolo , Schebesch Karl-Michael , Acerbi Francesco
Published: August 2022

Objective

Pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) are relatively benign tumors, usually enhancing on post-contrast MRI and often characterized by a mural nodule within a cystic component. Surgical resection represents the mainstay of treatment, and extent of resection (EOR) is associated with improved survival. In this study, we analyzed the effect of sodium fluorescein (SF) on the visualization and resection of these circumscribed astrocytic gliomas.

Methods

Surgical databases at two neurosurgical departments (Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy and Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany) were retrospectively reviewed to identify the cohort of patients with pilocytic astrocytoma who had undergone fluorescein-guided tumor resection at any of the centers between March 2016 and February 2022. SF was intravenously injected (5 mg/kg) immediately after the induction of general anesthesia. Tumors were removed using a microsurgical technique with the YELLOW 560 filter (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Oberkochen, Germany).

Results

Forty-four patients (25 males and 19 females; 26 pediatric patients, mean age of 9.77 years, range 2 to 17 years; and 18 adult patients, mean age of 34.39 years, range 18 to 58 years) underwent fluorescein-guided surgery. No side effects related to SF occurred. In all tumors, contrast enhancement on preoperative MRI was correlated with intense, heterogeneous yellow fluorescence with bright fluorescent cystic fluid. Fluorescein was considered helpful in distinguishing tumors from viable tissue in all cases except three patients due to faint fluorescein enhancement. Biopsy was intended in two operations, and partial resection was intended in three operations. Gross total resection was achieved in 24 cases out of 39 patients scheduled for tumor removal (61.54%), in five cases a minimal residual volume was highlighted by postoperative MRI despite the intraoperative subjective evaluation of complete tumor removal (12.82%); in the other 10 cases, the resection was subtotal with fluorescent residual spots to avoid neurological worsening (25.64%).

Conclusions

The use of SF is a valuable method for safe fluorescence-guided tumor resection. Our data showed a positive effect of fluorescein-guided surgery on intraoperative visualization during resection of Pas, suggesting a possible role in improving the extent of resection of these lesions.
BI 2536 induces gasdermin E-dependent pyroptosis in ovarian cancer
Authors: Huo Jianting , Shen Yuhong , Zhang Yuchen , Shen Lifei
Published: August 2022

Background

The frequent emergence of drug resistance to chemotherapy is a major obstacle for the treatment of ovarian cancer. There is a need for novel drugs to fulfill this challenge. Pyroptosis-inducing drugs can inhibit tumor growth. However, their roles in ovarian cancer have not been demonstrated.

Methods

We tested the effectiveness of a novel drug, BI 2536, which we found in colorectal cancer. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, and drug-induced apoptosis and pyroptosis were tested. In vivo treatments were performed using a cell-derived xenograft model.

Results

BI 2536 significantly inhibited the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells and induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phases. After BI 2536 treatment, DNA fragmentation and PS exposure on the outside of apoptotic cells were detected. Moreover, the pyroptotic phenotype of ovarian cancer cells along with the release of LDH and HMGB1 were observed, indicating the leakage of cells. Western blot analysis verified that BI 2536 induced GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Pyroptosis was abolished after additional treatment with Z-DEVD-FMK, a caspase-3 inhibitor. Thus, BI 2536 induced pyroptosis in ovarian cancer through the caspase-3/GSDME pathway. In vivo experiments further demonstrated the antitumoral effect and ability of BI 2536 to accumulate CD8+ T cells in ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

In this study, we identified BI 2536 as an effective anti-ovarian cancer drug that inhibits proliferation, arrests the cell cycle, induces apoptosis and pyroptosis, and leads to the accumulation of CD8+ T cells in tumor sites. Drug-induced pyroptosis may have promising prospects for reducing side effects and activating immune responses.
Piglets' acute responses to procaine-based local anesthetic injection and surgical castration: Effects of two volumes of anesthetic
Authors: Coutant Mathilde , Malmkvist Jens , Kaiser Marianne , Foldager Leslie , Herskin Mette S.
Published: August 2022

Surgical castration of piglets is painful, but practiced routinely in commercial pig production. Procaine-based local anesthetics are used to mitigate piglet pain during castration in some countries. Yet, effects of the volume of anesthetic injected remain under-studied. The volume of drug administered may modulate the pain mitigating effect via variation in intra-testicular pressure at injection, potentially leading to pain or discomfort, as well as variation in the dose of active ingredient administered. The present study investigated the effects of injection with two volumes of a procaine-based local anesthetic, 0.3 vs. 0.5 mL per testis, on acute responses of 3–4 day old piglets. A total of 290 piglets were divided into 5 treatment groups: castration without anesthesia, castration after intra-testicular injection of 0.5 or 0.3 mL of drug per testis, and sham handling with one or two stays in a castration bench. Acute responses to drug injection, castration and sham handling were evaluated based on quantification of intra-procedural vocalizations and foreleg movements, as well as saliva cortisol concentrations before and after castration. Regardless of the volume, injection of anesthetic as well as castration led to significantly stronger responses than sham handling. Responses to the two drug volumes did not differ significantly, and responses to castration following injection of 0.3 mL did not differ from piglets castrated without anesthesia. All treatments, including sham handling, led to a significant increase in saliva cortisol, and no difference was found between anesthesia treatments and sham handling. Overall, the results suggested that injection of 0.5 mL led to better pain mitigation at castration compared to injection of 0.3 mL, but even when the local anesthetic was used, the combined procedures of injection and castration led to intra-procedural signs of pain and stress.
Unbalanced serum immunoglobulins in clinical subtypes of pediatric tuberculosis disease
Authors: Consonni Filippo , Chiti Nicolò , Ricci Silvia , Venturini Elisabetta , Canessa Clementina , Bianchi Leila , Lippi Francesca , Montagnani Carlotta , Giovannini Mattia , Chiappini Elena , Galli Luisa , Azzari Chiara , Lodi Lorenzo
Published: August 2022

Immune response to tuberculosis (TB) has been extensively studied in the past decades and classically involves cellular immunity. However, evidence suggests that humoral immunity may play a relevant role. Past studies regarding serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in TB are dated and only involve adult subjects. In this study, we retrospectively studied a cohort of 256 children with TB disease and analyzed 111 patients screened for total serum Ig at diagnosis. According to the severity and extent of organ involvement, subjects were divided into four groups, namely, uncomplicated pulmonary TB (UCPTB, 56.3% of patients), complicated pulmonary TB (CPTB, 22.5%), lymph node extrapulmonary TB (LN-EPTB, 7.2%), and extra-nodal extrapulmonary TB (EN-EPTB, 13.5%). Serum IgG and IgA levels were significantly higher in more severe and extended TB disease. Median IgG levels progressively increased from uncomplicated to complicated pulmonary and nodal forms, reaching their highest values in diffuse extra-pulmonary TB. In parallel, UCPTB showed significantly lower frequencies of patients presenting a substantial increase in IgG levels when compared with the other three groups. No relevant differences in IgM levels were detected. Ig screening at follow-up showed a significant reduction in IgG and IgA levels. Finally, we unveiled three cases of selective IgA and one case of selective IgM deficiencies (SIgMD), the latter with a severe clinical course. Serum IgG and IgA may be a useful clinical tool to assess the severity and monitor the treatment response in pediatric TB disease. Moreover, immunological workup in children with TB disease may unmask primary defects of humoral immunity.
Structure and Mechanism of Glycine Receptor Elucidated by Cryo-Electron Microscopy
Authors: Zhu Hongtao
Published: August 2022

Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are pentameric ion channels that mediate fast inhibitory neurotransmission. GlyRs are found in the central nervous system including the spinal cord, brain stem, and cerebellum, as well as in the retina, sperm, macrophages, hippocampus, cochlea, and liver. Due to their crucial roles in counter-balancing excitatory signals and pain signal transmission, GlyR dysfunction can lead to severe diseases, and as a result, compounds that modify GlyR activity may have tremendous therapeutic potential. Despite this potential, the development of GlyR-specific small-molecule ligands is lacking. Over the past few years, high-resolution structures of both homomeric and heteromeric GlyRs structures in various conformations have provided unprecedented details defining the pharmacology of ligand binding, subunit composition, and mechanisms of channel gating. These high-quality structures will undoubtedly help with the development of GlyR-targeted therapies.
Raman and fluorescence micro-spectroscopy applied for the monitoring of sunitinib-loaded porous silicon nanocontainers in cardiac cells
Authors: Tolstik E. , Gongalsky M. B. , Dierks J. , Brand T. , Pernecker M. , Pervushin N. V. , Maksutova D. E. , Gonchar K. A. , Samsonova J. V. , Kopeina G. , Sivakov V. , Osminkina L. A. , Lorenz K.
Published: August 2022

Nanomaterials are a central pillar in modern medicine. They are thought to optimize drug delivery, enhance therapeutic efficacy, and reduce side-effects. To foster this technology, analytical methods are needed to validate not only the localization and distribution of these nanomaterials, but also their compatibility with cells, drugs, and drug release. In the present work, we assessed nanoparticles based on porous silicon (pSiNPs) loaded with the clinically used tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib for their effectiveness of drug delivery, release, and toxicity in colon cancer cells (HCT 116 cells) and cardiac myoblast cells (H9c2) using Raman micro-spectroscopy, high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, along with biological methods for toxicological effects. We produced pSiNPs with a size of about 100 nm by grinding mesoporous silicon layers. pSiNPs allowed an effective loading of sunitinib due to their high porosity. Photoluminescence properties of the nanoparticles within the visible spectrum allowed the visualization of their uptake in cardiac cells. Raman micro-spectroscopy allowed not only the detection of the uptake and distribution of pSiNPs within the cells via a characteristic silicon Raman band at about 518–520 cm−1, but also the localization of the drug based on its characteristic molecular fingerprints. Cytotoxicity studies by Western blot analyses of apoptotic marker proteins such as caspase-3, and the detection of apoptosis by subG1-positive cell fractions in HCT 116 and MTT analyses in H9c2 cells, suggest a sustained release of sunitinib from pSiNPs and delayed cytotoxicity of sunitinib in HCT 116 cells. The analyses in cardiac cells revealed that pSiNPs are well tolerated and that they may even protect from toxic effects in these cells to some extent. Analyses of the integrity of mitochondrial networks as an early indicator for apoptotic cellular effects seem to validate these observations. Our study suggests pSiNPs-based nanocontainers for efficient and safe drug delivery and Raman micro-spectroscopy as a reliable method for their detection and monitoring. Thus, the herein presented nanocontainers and analytical methods have the potential to allow an efficient advancement of nanoparticles for targeted and sustained intracellular drug release that is of need, e.g., in chronic diseases and for the prevention of cardiac toxicity.
Avoidance of nocebo effects by coincident naming of treatment benefits during the medical interview for informed consent—Evidence from dynamometry
Authors: Zech Nina , Schrödinger Matthias , Hansen Ernil
Published: August 2022

Introduction

In the context of giving risk information for obtaining informed consent, it is not easy to comply with the ethical principle of “primum nihil nocere.” Carelessness, ignorance of nocebo effects and a misunderstood striving for legal certainty can lead doctors to comprehensive and brutal risk information. It is known that talking about risks and side effects can even trigger those and result in distress and nonadherence to medication or therapy.

Methods

Recently, we have reported on significant clinically relevant effects of verbal and non-verbal suggestions on maximal muscular arm strength in healthy volunteers and in patients at two time points before surgery. Maximal strength during arm abduction was measured by dynamometry of the deltoid muscle group. Suggestions from clinical everyday life were formulated as presumed negative and neutral versions.

Results

Here, we report on the effects of two versions of risk information in 45 patients. After sole mentioning risks of a puncture for the placement of a pain catheter, the maximal arm muscle strength was significantly reduced to 83% of baseline several days (T1), and to 84% the evening before surgery (T2). Strength was not significantly decreased and close to baseline at T1 and T2 when risks and benefits of a pain catheter were combined in one sentence. The difference between both versions was significant. With persistent normal distribution of values, the effect was due to uniform reactions of many patients, not to strong reactions of a few. High suggestibility and increase of anxiety with approaching surgery were identified as influencing factors for the neutralizing effect of modified wording.

Conclusion

We not only suggest an alternative formulation for risk information to avoid nocebo effects but present an objective method to quantify and compare effects of different wordings. Thereby, we provide evidence that concurrently given positive aspects can neutralize negative effects during medical interview.
Positive rumination can (also) interfere with sleep: A study in a non-clinical sample
Authors: Hairston Ilana S. , Portal Lilach , Carmon Tal
Published: August 2022

It is postulated that negative ruminations perpetuate insomnia symptoms by increasing arousal. Less is known about the role of positive rumination. In this study, we set out to test the association between positive and negative ruminations and insomnia symptoms in a non-clinical sample, asking whether reappraisal and suppression moderate the relationship between rumination types and symptoms of insomnia.

Methods

A convenience sample of 354 participants (59% women), ages 18–50, responded to online questionnaires regarding symptoms of insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire that provides separate scales for Reappraisal and Suppression, Negative Rumination (Ruminative Response Scale), Positive Rumination and Dampening (Responses to Positive Affect questionnaire), and general health and demographics.

Results

About 30% of respondents had moderate to severe symptoms of insomnia according to the ISI. The primary hypothesis was tested using three moderation models, where rumination type, emotion regulation styles, and interaction terms were predictors, and ISI scores were the outcome variable. Negative rumination positively predicted ISI (β = 0.56, p < 0.001), while the interaction terms with Reappraisal (β = 0.02, p = 0.575) and Suppression (β = 0.07, p = 0.092) were not significant. Dampening also positively predicted ISI (β = 0.56, p < 0.001), with the interaction term with Reappraisal nearly significant (β = −0.09, p = 0.060), but not with Suppression (β = 0.08, p =0.098). Positive rumination negatively predicted ISI (β = −0.12, p = 0.021), this relationship was reversed with emotion regulation factors in the model (β = 0.11, p = 0.094), where the interaction with Reappraisal (β = 0.13, p = 0.020) and Suppression (β = −0.13, p = 0.024) were both significant.

Discussion

Positive Rumination weakly and negatively correlated with ISI, but the combination with Reappraisal was associated with more insomnia symptoms. By contrast, Dampening was associated with more insomnia symptoms, with minimal to no moderating effects. These observations are interpreted in the context of the role of emotion regulation strategies and sleep, and their potential clinical implications.
EEG-responses to mood induction interact with seasonality and age
Authors: Höller Yvonne , Jónsdóttir Sara Teresa , Hannesdóttir Anna Hjálmveig , Ólafsson Ragnar Pétur
Published: August 2022

The EEG is suggested as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As a pre-clinical form of SAD, seasonality is operationalized as seasonal variation in mood, appetite, weight, sleep, energy, and socializing. Importantly, both EEG biomarkers and seasonality interact with age. Inducing sad mood to assess cognitive vulnerability was suggested to improve the predictive value of summer assessments for winter depression. However, no EEG studies have been conducted on induced sad mood in relation to seasonality, and no studies so far have controlled for age. We recorded EEG and calculated bandpower in 114 participants during rest and during induced sad mood in summer. Participants were grouped by age and based on a seasonality score as obtained with the seasonal pattern assessment questionnaire (SPAQ). Participants with high seasonality scores showed significantly larger changes in EEG power from rest to sad mood induction, specifically in the alpha frequency range (p = 0.027), compared to participants with low seasonality scores. Furthermore, seasonality interacted significantly with age (p < 0.001), with lower activity in individuals with high seasonality scores that were older than 50 years but the opposite pattern in individuals up to 50 years. Effects of sad mood induction on brain activity are related to seasonality and can therefore be consider as potential predicting biomarkers for SAD. Future studies should control for age as a confounding factor, and more studies are needed to elaborate on the characteristics of EEG biomarkers in participants above 50 years.
Association Between Wait Time of Central Venous Pressure Measurement and Outcomes in Critical Patients With Acute Kidney Injury: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Qilin , Chen Weixiao , Wen Yichao , Zheng Jiezhao , Chen Jieru , Yu Shuilian , Chen Xiaohua , Chen Weiyan , Xiong Xuming , Wen Deliang , Zhang Zhenhui
Published: August 2022

Background

Hemodynamic management is of paramount importance in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Central venous pressure (CVP) has been used to assess volume status. We intended to identify the optimal time window in which to obtain CVP to avoid the incidence of adverse outcomes in patients with AKI.

Methods

The study was based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) IV database. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included the number of ICU-free days and norepinephrine-free days at 28 days after ICU admission, and total fluid input and fluid balance during the first and second day. A time–dose–response relationship between wait time of CVP measurement and in-hospital mortality was implemented to find an inflection point for grouping, followed by propensity-score matching (PSM), which was used to compare the outcomes between the two groups.

Results

Twenty Nine Thousand and Three Hundred Thirty Six patients with AKI were enrolled, and the risk of in-hospital mortality increased when the CVP acquisition time was >9 h in the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Compared with 8,071 patients (27.5%) who underwent CVP measurement within 9 h and were assigned to the early group, 21,265 patients (72.5%) who delayed or did not monitor CVP had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality in univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. After adjusting for potential confounders by PSM and adjusting for propensity score, pairwise algorithmic, overlap weight, and doubly robust analysis, the results were still stable. The HRs were 0.58–0.72, all p < 0.001. E-value analysis suggested robustness to unmeasured confounding.

Conclusions

Among adults with AKI in ICU, increased CVP wait time was associated with a greater risk of in-hospital mortality. In addition, early CVP monitoring perhaps contributed to shortening the length of ICU stays and days of norepinephrine use, as well as better fluid management.
Differential relationships between discount rates and health behaviors in an ethnically diverse college sample
Authors: Bibriescas Natashia , Wainwright Katherine , Thomas Rebecca , Lopez Victoria , Romanowich Paul
Published: August 2022

Previous research has demonstrated associations between delay discount rate and engagement in several health behaviors. The delay discount rate is also inversely associated with social discount rates, a putative measure for sharing. However, there is little research that examines whether delay and social discount rates are differentially associated with health behavior engagement, and even less research examining the impact of ethnicity on these relationships. This study investigated whether delay and/or social discount rates predict three health behaviors varying in sociality: sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, alcohol consumption and exercise frequency in an ethnically diverse university sample. The results showed that neither delay nor social discount rate significantly predicted alcohol consumption and exercise frequency. However, increasing social discount rates (i.e., decreased sharing) was associated with a decreased likelihood to be tested for STIs. Ethnicity significantly contributed to two models, indicating differences in STI testing and alcohol consumption across ethnicities. Ethnic differences in these health behaviors were consistent with many previous health behavior studies, suggesting a profitable way to research cultural contingencies and test the reliability of the ethnically diverse data. These findings indicate that the social discount rate is differentially associated with health behaviors with more social aspects (i.e., health behaviors related to sex) in college students.
Prevalence of foot ulcers in diabetic patients in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar Sohail , Latif Mujahid , Ahmed Omer Shabbir , Sarwar Aqsa , Alina Ayisham , Khan Muhammad Imran
Published: August 2022

Diabetes-related foot ulceration is prevalent and disabling, usually resulting in the amputation of the limb. The mortality rate is significant, and healed ulcers frequently reoccur. The main purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of foot ulcers and their associated factors among diabetic patients in Punjab, Pakistan. Multistage cluster random sampling procedure was applied to perform a cross-sectional analysis in the state of Punjab, Pakistan. A sample of 1,503 people with diabetes, including 504 men and 999 women, were selected from different clusters. Data were collected from December 18, 2018, to June 30, 2019. Individuals of 18 years or above were selected. A binary multiple logistic regression analysis was utilized to find the factors associated with a diabetic foot ulcer. The overall prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers was 16.83% (95% CI: 14.9–18.7%). The prevalence among the female was 17.52% (95% CI: 15.2–19.9%), and the male was 15.48% (95% CI: 12.3–18.6%). In rural areas, prevalence was 13.91% (95% CI: 10.6–17.2%) compared to the prevalence of 17.96% (95% CI: 15.7–20.2%) in the urban area. Individuals 75 years and above had the highest prevalence of 66.67% (95% CI: 51.9–81.5%). According to the income status, subjects with monthly income above Rs. 61,000 had a prevalence of 24.24% (95% CI: 15.8–32.7%), and among overweight subjects was 25.49% (95% CI: 21.3–29.7%). This study found a relatively high prevalence of foot ulcers in Punjab, Pakistan. The results indicate that diabetic foot ulcers have become a major health problem in diabetic patients, and better strategies and preventive measures should be opted to deal with the epidemic.
A benefit-cost analysis approach for determining the optimal processing of micronutrient-enriched cowpea leaf soup mixes
Authors: Owade Joshua Ombaka , Abong’ George Ooko , Okoth Michael Wandayi , Mwang’ombe Agnes Wakesho
Published: August 2022

Cost-effective techniques are usually recommended in the dissemination and adoption of postharvest processing technologies of food products. Due to limited value addition practices for cowpea leaf, the Fruits and Vegetables for All Seasons Project undertook a study to bridge the gap in the seasonal availability of the vegetable in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya through the production of cowpea leaf soup mix. However, the adoption of these techniques has an economic perspective that guides decision-making. This study utilized a two-stage linear programming methodology using NutriSurvey and the analytic hierarchy process in a seven-step hierarchy for the production of a cowpea leaf soup mix of an optimal nutrition and sensory quality. The optimal inclusion level of cowpea leaves into the soup mix was 49%. With an R2 of 61.36%, consistency, taste, and mouthfeel were the greatest determinants of the acceptability of cowpea leaf soup mixes. The incorporation of blanching in solar drying and sun drying were the least costly options with priority vectors of 0.08 and 0.09 (CR < 0.1) respectively, whereas, in the use of mechanized processing techniques such as oven drying, priority vectors of 0.10–0.19 had higher maximum benefits than the local processing technique of sun-drying that had a priority vector of 0.08 (CR < 0.1). The benefit-cost ratio was maximal without extrusion, with the solar-drying pathway having the highest benefit-cost ratio of 1.5. The study found that resource-intensive pathways yielded maximum benefits in the retention of quality. However, with the exclusion of extrusion, the benefit-cost ratio of the processes improved.
Case Report: Midshaft clavicle fracture with concomitant high grade (Type V) acromioclavicular joint dislocation
Authors: Cosic Filip , Ernstbrunner Lukas , Hoy Greg A. , Ooi Keat S. , Ek Eugene T.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Concomitant acromioclavicular joint dislocation and midshaft clavicle fracture are rare injuries, generally resulting from high energy trauma, with limited previous experience in management.

Case

A 30 year old male presented following a pushbike accident. He had suffered a head on collision with another cyclist. Radiographic examination demonstrated a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture with a Rockwood Type V acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Operative management was undertaken using a dual plating technique. At six month follow up the patient demonstrated full range of motion and had no pain.

Conclusion

Appropriate radiographic evaluation and careful intraoperative assessment are required using the principles of management for acromioclavicular joint injuries, along with stabilization of the mid-clavicular fracture to reduce the risk of non-union.
Muscle oxidative stability, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, and carcass traits of broiler chickens in comparison to spent laying hens
Authors: El-Tarabany Mahmoud S. , Ahmed-Farid Omar A. , El-Bahy Salah M. , Nassan Mohamed A. , Salah Ayman S.
Published: August 2022

This research compared muscle oxidative stability, meat composition, and carcass traits in commercial broilers and spent laying hens. At week 65 of age, 40 ISA Brown laying hens were randomly selected to create 10 replicate cages (4 birds per cage). Also, 60 day-old Ross chicks were equally divided into six replicates (10 chicks each). Broiler chickens had a higher dressing percentage than spent hens (P = 0.027), but a lower abdominal fat percentage (P = 0.009). Spent hens had higher level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the breast muscles (P = 0.001). Meanwhile, the MDA levels in thigh muscles did not differ in both groups (P = 0.328). Broiler chickens showed greater concentrations of saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic) in the breast (P = 0.012 and 0.006, respectively) and thigh (P = 0.033 and 0.038, respectively) muscles as compared to spent hens. Meanwhile, broiler chickens had lower concentrations of palmitoleic, oleic and eicosapentaenoic in the breast muscles (P = 0.002, 0.004 and 0.001, respectively). Also, spent hens had greater concentrations of linoleic in the breast and thigh muscles (P = 0.018 and 0.035, respectively). When compared to broiler chickens, spent hens had greater essential amino acids (isoleucine, methionine and tyrosine) concentrations in the breast muscles (P = 0.002, 0.001 and 0.036, respectively). Finally, while broiler chickens had superior carcass traits, spent hens showed better meat composition (higher polyunsaturated fatty acids and essential amino acids). Furthermore, the oxidative stability of the breast muscles of spent hens was lower than that of broilers. Spent hens can be used as an attractive source of chicken meat if certain precautions are adopted.
Stat3 Tyrosine 705 and Serine 727 Phosphorylation Associate With Clinicopathological Characteristics and Distinct Tumor Cell Phenotypes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Stenckova Michaela , Nenutil Rudolf , Vojtesek Borivoj , Coates Philip J.
Published: August 2022

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is responsible for many aspects of normal development and contributes to the development and progression of cancer through regulating epithelial cell identity and cancer stem cells. In breast cancer, Stat3 is associated with triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) and its function has been related to the activation of p63, itself a marker of basal-like TNBC and a master regulator of stem cell activities. Stat3 activation is controlled by dual phosphorylation at tyrosine 705 (pTyr705) and serine 727 (pSer727), although it is unclear whether these have equivalent effects, and whether they are related or independent events. To address these issues, we investigated Stat3 phosphorylation at the two sites by immunohistochemistry in 173 patients with TNBC. Stat3 phosphorylation was assessed by automated quantitative measurements of digitized scanned images and classified into four categories based on histoscore. The results were analyzed for associations with multiple markers of tumor phenotype, proliferation, BRCA status, and clinicopathological characteristics. We show that the levels of pTyr705- and pSer727-Stat3 were independent in 34% of tumors. High pTyr705-Stat3 levels were associated with the luminal differentiation markers ERβ/AR and MUC1, whereas tumors with high levels of pSer727-Stat3 were more likely to be positive for the basal marker CK5/6, but were independent of p63 and were EGFR negative. Combined high pSer727- and low Tyr705-Stat3 phosphorylation associated with basal-like cancer. Although high Stat3 phosphorylation levels were associated with less aggressive tumor characteristics, they did not associate with improved survival, indicating that Stat3 phosphorylation is an unfavorable indicator for tumors with an otherwise good prognosis according to clinicopathological characteristics. These findings also show that pTyr705-Stat3 and pSer727-Stat3 associate with specific breast tumor phenotypes, implying that they exert distinct functional activities in breast cancer.
Editorial for the Special Issue: “Laser Cooling of Solids: Novel Advances and Applications”
Authors: Nemova Galina
Published: August 2022

Laser cooling, or refrigeration, is a physical process in which a substance is maintained at a temperature below that of its surroundings [...]