bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of metabolism, gut histology, and microbiota between Schizothorax lissolabiatus and Schizothorax griseus under identical farming conditions
Authors: Zhong Chuanyan , Chen Li , Huang Zhengwei , Hu Yuan , Jiang Yujie , Zhou Jun , Long Xiaowen
Published: December 2024

Schizothorax lissolabiatus and Schizothorax griseus are native Chinese fish species with significant ecological and economic importance. We wanted to support sustainable aquaculture practices by exploring the differences in metabolic, histological, and microbiota between the two Schizothorax species. This study analyzed and compared the digestive enzyme activities, metabolic indicators, gut histology, and microbiota composition of S. lissolabiatus and S. griseus under identical farming conditions. Our comparative analysis reveals both shared characteristics and species-specific differences. While a-amylase and trypsin activities showed no significant differences between species, a consistent trend was observed, with enzyme activity highest in the hindgut, followed by the midgut, foregut, esophagus, and liver. In terms of specific metabolic markers, S. griseus shows higher lipase activity in the liver and foregut, as well as higher aspartate aminotransferase and catalase levels in the liver, along with an increased serum glucose content compared to S. lissolabiatus. Serum metabolomics analysis revealed 21 differentially abundant metabolites linked to glycerophospholipid metabolism, autophagy, purine metabolism, and necroptosis, reflecting distinct metabolic adaptations and nutritional needs for each species. These metabolic differences provide a basis for optimizing feed composition and aquaculture practices tailored to each species. Notably, S. lissolabiatus displays a significantly higher goblet cell count in the hindgut compared to S. griseus. Additionally, both species exhibit greater villi number, length, width, crypt depth, and muscle thickness in the esophagus than in the foregut, midgut, and hindgut. S. griseus also has a higher number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and greater microbial diversity in its intestinal microbiota, which may enhance its nutrient utilization capabilities. While both species’ dominant microbial phyla include Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, S. griseus demonstrated superior lipid digestion capabilities. Furthermore, the midgut and hindgut in both species display higher starch and protein digestive enzyme activities than other digestive tissues. These findings highlight the physiological differences between the two Schizothorax species, suggesting targeted strategies to improve health, growth, and sustainability in aquaculture.
Predictive value of serum neurofilament light chain for cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gu Lihua , Zhang Pengcheng , Gao Rui , Shu Hao , Wang Pan
Published: December 2024

Background

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) has recently emerged as a key indicator of neurodegeneration. In this study, our hypothesis is that the levels of blood-derived NfL and its accumulation during the Parkinson’s disease (PD) progression could serve as a potential biomarker for predicting subsequent cognitive decline. To investigate this, we conducted a study utilizing a large single-center cohort.

Methods

The study included 193 participants, consisting of 106 cognitively normal PD (PD-CN) patients and 87 normal controls (NC) individuals. Serum NfL concentrations were measured. PD patients were followed up for clinical assessment at an average of 2 ± 0.6 years.

Results

The serum NfL levels were significantly higher in PD-CN patients compared to NC. PD-CN patients and NC at follow-up time exhibited higher serum NfL levels compared to those at baseline. PD patients with high serum NfL levels were found to have a higher likelihood of transitioning from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.107, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.010–1.213, p = 0.030). The area under the curve (AUC) for PD-CN conversion to MCI or dementia at follow-up time was determined to be 0.684 (95% CI 0.569–0.799).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study found that PD patients have significantly higher levels of serum NfL compared to individuals without PD. Furthermore, serum NfL levels increase as PD progresses and can predict cognitive impairment within a 2-year timeframe. Serum NfL may serve as a feasible, non-invasive biomarker of cognitive progression in PD. However, further studies and functional experiments are needed to validate these findings.
Aging of visual word perception is related to decreased segregation within and beyond the word network in the brain
Authors: Xue Licheng , Qing Tianying , Lv Yating , Zhao Jing
Published: December 2024

Introduction

We investigated the neural correlates of cognitive decline in visual word perception from the perspective of intrinsic brain networks.

Methods

A total of 19 healthy older adults and 22 young adults were recruited to participate in two functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sessions (one resting-state session and one for localizer tasks), along with a visual word perceptual processing task. We examined age-related alterations in resting-state functional connectivity (FC) within the word network, as well as between the word network and other networks. We tested their associations with behavioral performance in word and symbol-form processing.

Results

We found that, compared to young adults, older adults exhibited increased FC between the two word-selective regions in the left and right ventral occipitotemporal cortex (vOT). Additionally, older adults exhibited increased FC between these two word-selective regions and non-word-selective regions. Notably, these FC alterations correlated with individual differences in behavioral performance in visual word perception.

Discussion

These results suggest that cognitive decline in visual word perception is associated with decreased segregation within and beyond the word network in the aging brain. Our findings support the neural dedifferentiation hypothesis for cognitive decline in visual word processing and improve our understanding of interactive neural specialization theory.
Action observation treatment may improve daily living activities and verb recovery in Parkinson’s disease-dementia: findings from a preliminary randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paciaroni Lucia , Mastrosanti Elena , Biscetti Leonardo , Paolini Susy , Mauri Sara , Fabbietti Paolo , Riccardi Giovanni Renato , Rocchi Marco Bruno Luigi , Pelliccioni Giuseppe
Published: December 2024

Background and objectives

Action observation treatment (AOT) is a novel rehabilitation approach aimed to the recovery of both motor and linguistic deficits in subjects with brain lesions. The aim of the present randomized controlled study was to assess the benefits of AOT treatment in the activities of daily living (ADLs) and in the linguistic abilities of the patients with Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) at mild–moderate stage (Hoehn & Yahr’s stage scale: 2–3).

Methods

Twenty patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to an experimental group (submitted to AOT) or to a control group. The experimental group (AOT-group) underwent the vision of a video containing 6 complex ADLs, while the control group (C-group) was subjected to a video-clip regarding semantic information of a geographical-naturalistic type without motor content. The treatment duration was 4 weeks. All patients underwent assessment before and after the treatment by the following tools: Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRS-Part III), Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADCS-ADL), Direct Assessment of Functional Status (DAFS) and subtest Verb Naming of Analysis of Aphasic Deficit Battery (BADA). Paired samples t test was performed to compare all the variables of interest in the time, dividing by groups. p-value<0.05 was considered significant in all analyses.

Results

AOT-group showed an improvement from baseline to the end of study in ADCS-ADL (p = 0.001), BADA (p = 0.011) and DAFS (p = 0.005), while C-group did not change significantly in the time.

Conclusion

These preliminary results suggest the potential efficacy of AOT in rehabilitation of ADLs and verb retrieval in people with PD. Further studies will be necessary to verify these findings.
Comorbidity of physical illnesses and mental disorders in outpatients with tic disorders: a retrospective study using the outpatient case system
Authors: Yu Liping , Xu Hui , Jiang Zhongliang , Yang Hanxue , Cui Yonghua , Li Ying
Published: December 2024

Background

Tic disorder, a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that typically onsets during childhood, is characterized by sudden, involuntary, rapid, and non-rhythmic motor and vocal tics. Individuals with tic disorders often experience physical health issues. The purpose of our retrospective analysis was to elucidate the common comorbid physical diseases and mental disorders and their characteristics of outpatient children with tic disorders in a large public children’s hospital in China over the past 5 years.

Methods

Participants were outpatients with tic disorders who visited Beijing Children’s Hospital, from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022. After the inclusion screening, a total of 523,462 patient visits were included in the analysis. Based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) diagnostic system, we employed descriptive statistical analysis to examine the frequently co-occurring somatic diseases in patients with tic disorders, as well as the influence of variables such as age and seasonal variation on these comorbidities.

Results

The top five diseases of total outpatient visits were as follows: Respiratory diseases, Mental and behavioral disorders, Diseases of the eye and adnexal, Digestive disorders, Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Among the top five comorbid disease system, the most commonly third- level classification of diseases were upper respiratory tract infections, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, conjunctivitis, dyspepsia, dermatitis. Respiratory system diseases experienced a peak in April, while the other four types of diseases reached their peak in August. Additionally, each disease system showed the lowest number of patient visits in February. Additional to the mental and behavioral disorders, the other four disease systems would experience a peak in medical visits between the ages of 4 and 6.

Conclusion

Our study highlighted the most common physical diseases and mental disorders in tic disorders, namely the respiratory diseases, specifically upper respiratory tract infections, and mental and behavioral disorders, with ADHD being the most common co-occurring condition.
autoMEA: machine learning-based burst detection for multi-electrode array datasets
Authors: Hernandes Vinicius , Heuvelmans Anouk M. , Gualtieri Valentina , Meijer Dimphna H. , Woerden Geeske M. van , Greplova Eliska
Published: December 2024

Neuronal activity in the highly organized networks of the central nervous system is the vital basis for various functional processes, such as perception, motor control, and cognition. Understanding interneuronal connectivity and how activity is regulated in the neuronal circuits is crucial for interpreting how the brain works. Multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) are particularly useful for studying the dynamics of neuronal network activity and their development as they allow for real-time, high-throughput measurements of neural activity. At present, the key challenge in the utilization of MEA data is the sheer complexity of the measured datasets. Available software offers semi-automated analysis for a fixed set of parameters that allow for the definition of spikes, bursts and network bursts. However, this analysis remains time-consuming, user-biased, and limited by pre-defined parameters. Here, we present autoMEA, software for machine learning-based automated burst detection in MEA datasets. We exemplify autoMEA efficacy on neuronal network activity of primary hippocampal neurons from wild-type mice monitored using 24-well multi-well MEA plates. To validate and benchmark the software, we showcase its application using wild-type neuronal networks and two different neuronal networks modeling neurodevelopmental disorders to assess network phenotype detection. Detection of network characteristics typically reported in literature, such as synchronicity and rhythmicity, could be accurately detected compared to manual analysis using the autoMEA software. Additionally, autoMEA could detect reverberations, a more complex burst dynamic present in hippocampal cultures. Furthermore, autoMEA burst detection was sufficiently sensitive to detect changes in the synchronicity and rhythmicity of networks modeling neurodevelopmental disorders as well as detecting changes in their network burst dynamics. Thus, we show that autoMEA reliably analyses neural networks measured with the multi-well MEA setup with the precision and accuracy compared to that of a human expert.
Polyphenol-rich extracts enhance growth, immune function, and antioxidant defense in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Mansoori Aghil , Allaf Noveirian Hamid , Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein , Sajjadi Mirmasoud , Ashouri Ghasem , Imperatore Roberta , Paolucci Marina
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of PMIX, a polyphenol-rich extract mixture from chestnut wood and olive, on growth performance, hematological parameters, immunity in serum and skin mucus, hepatic antioxidant enzymes, and intestinal cytokine expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Methods

Four experimental diets containing 0 g PMIX kg−1 diet (control, C), 0.5 g PMIX kg−1 diet (P0.5), 1 g PMIX kg−1 diet (P1), and 2 g PMIX kg−1 diet (P2) were fed to rainbow trout in an eight-week feeding trial. Triplicate groups of fish received each treatment. Growth performance, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency, hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indices, hematological parameters, immunity markers, hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities, and intestinal cytokine expression were determined.

Results

PMIX supplementation significantly improved feed conversion ratios, while groups P0.5 and P1 evidenced an increase in growth performance along with protein efficiency ratios. It also showed decreased hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indices in the P1 group. Except for higher percentages of monocytes in P0.5 and P1, most hematological parameters of the fish did not differ from that of the control. Serum lysozyme and respiratory burst activities were heightened in all PMIX-treated groups, and the skin mucus lysozyme activity was enhanced in P1. The blood phagocytic activity and phagocytic index, serum immunoglobulin, total protein, and bactericidal activity against A. hydrophila did not change. Hepatic superoxide dismutase activity significantly increased in P1 and P2, even though catalase activity did not change. Intestinal interleukin-6 expression was upregulated in all PMIX-treated groups, while tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta were upregulated in P1, P2, and P0.5 respectively.

Discussion

The present results evidence that dietary polyphenols from chestnut wood and olive extracts enhance growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and several immunological parameters in the blood, skin mucus, and intestine of rainbow trout. A suitable supplementation level was 1 g PMIX kg−1 diet to separate these improvements.
Investigation of the gastric digestion behavior of commercial infant formulae using an in vitro dynamic infant digestion model
Authors: Descallar Faith Bernadette , Roy Debashree , Wang Xin , Zhu Peter , Ye Aiqian , Liang Yichao , Pundir Shikha , Singh Harjinder , Acevedo-Fani Alejandra
Published: December 2024

The gastric digestion behavior of different commercial Stage 1 infant formulae (for 0–6 months) with different formulation backgrounds was investigated using an in vitro dynamic infant human gastric simulator (iHGS). The microstructural arrangements of the protein and lipid, colloidal stability and protein hydrolysis during digestion were elucidated. During gastric digestion, casein-dominant formulations showed a higher extent of aggregation due to their high proportion of casein micelles that underwent coagulation upon acidification and via the action of pepsin. The extensive protein coagulation/curd formation in casein-dominant infant formulae slowed the rate of protein hydrolysis and resulted in the retention of caseins in the iHGS for longer times. Confocal micrographs showed that oil droplets were entrapped in the curd particles of casein-dominant infant formulae, which consequently slowed the gastric emptying of lipids. Conversely, whey-dominant formulations showed a lower degree of protein aggregation that resulted in faster protein hydrolysis and rapid protein and lipid emptying from the iHGS. It was also revealed that whey-dominant infant formulae in the presence of biopolymers increased the viscosity of gastric chyme and induced the flocculation of oil droplets. This altered the rate of protein hydrolysis and emptying of lipids. Correlation analyses depicted the overall kinetics of gastric emptying of macronutrients during digestion and comprised two stages: (i) driven by the continuous stomach emptying and (ii) influenced by aggregation and coalescence indices. The present study highlights the similarities and differences in the digestion behaviors of commercial infant formulae based on important ingredients such as types of proteins and biopolymers, regardless of the formulation or processing histories.
Case report: HSV lymphadenitis in immunocompromised patient with CLL
Authors: Al-Assil Talal , Handelsman Shane , Ansari Faisal , Flatley Ellen , Stone Steven , Omaira Mohammad
Published: December 2024

Background

Richter’s transformation (RT) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is associated with poor prognosis and requires prompt modifications in patient care. CLL patients are susceptible to severe infections due to immune dysregulation induced by their malignancy and immunosuppressive therapies.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 63-year-old man with CLL who previously achieved remission and presented with a right inguinal mass. He was diagnosed with Rai Stage I CLL with del6q, without TP53 mutation, and treated with 6 cycles of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) 6 years prior. Transformed CLL was suspected based on his lymphadenopathy, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and constitutional symptoms, but excisional biopsy unexpectedly revealed herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and HSV-2, indicating a diagnosis of HSV lymphadenitis concurrent with CLL relapse with no transformation but acquisition of 17p deletion consistent with clonal evolution. The patient received three courses of dexamethasone and acyclovir, leading to successful clearance of the infection, evidenced by the resolution of his B symptoms. Subsequently, he was treated for the CLL recurrence with rituximab and venetoclax, demonstrating a favorable response with significant improvement in adenopathy and resolution of lymphocytosis.

Discussion

This case highlights the possibility of reactivated dormant viral infections in the context of CLL relapse, underscoring the importance of comprehensive evaluation in CLL patients presenting with lymphadenopathy. Due to immunosuppressive defects and iatrogenic hypogammaglobulinemia, patients with CLL face an increased risk of viral infections, with HSV reactivation occurring more frequently and severely in the setting of hematologic malignancies and dysregulated T-cell immunity. Timely administration of antiviral therapy is crucial for HSV lymphadenitis to prevent rapid progression and debilitating symptoms. This case demonstrates the importance of considering atypical viral infection presentations in CLL patients and emphasizes the necessity of timely and adequate biopsies to differentiate between CLL transformation, HSV lymphadenopathy, and other causes of lymphadenopathy while avoiding unnecessarily aggressive lymphoma therapy.
A randomized phase 3 trial of total neoadjuvant therapy (induction chemotherapy, neoadjuvant chemoradiation, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and surgery) vs. standard long-term chemoradiation therapy (neoadjuvant chemoradiation, surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy) in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Foroughi Freshte , Javadinia Seyed Alireza , Salek Roham
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The management of rectal adenocarcinoma has evolved during the last decade, shifting from a conventional neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy in all cases to a total neoadjuvant approach, especially in locally advanced tumors when a sphincter-sparing surgery has been planned. However, the exact indications and the neoadjuvant regimen with the highest response remain unresolved. We aimed to assess whether administering neoadjuvant chemotherapy before and after preoperative chemoradiotherapy could increase the pathological complete response (pCR) rates.

Methods

We conducted a phase 3, multicenter, randomized trial at four hospitals in Iran. Adult patients with a newly diagnosed, biopsy-proven, locally advanced non-metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma with an ECOG performance status of 0–2 were randomly assigned (2:2) to either the total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) or the standard-of-care groups using a block randomized design. Investigators and participants were not masked to treatment allocation and groups. The TNT group received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOX6 (intravenous 85 mg/m2 oxaliplatin and 400 mg/m2 leucovorin, followed by intravenous 400 mg/m2 fluorouracil bolus and then continuous infusion at a dose of 2,400 mg/m2 over 46 h every 14 days for four cycles before and four cycles after chemoradiotherapy), chemoradiotherapy (50.4 Gy during 28 fractions and 800 mg/m2 concurrent oral capecitabine twice daily 5 days per week), and total mesorectal excision. The standard-of-care group received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, total mesorectal excision, and adjuvant chemotherapy (eight cycles). The primary endpoint was the pathological complete response. Safety analyses were conducted on treated patients.

Results

Overall, 25 and 27 patients were enrolled in the TNT and standard-of-care groups, respectively. Both groups were similar in terms of gender, age, and tumor differentiation. The tumors in the standard-of-care group were significantly located closer to the anal verge compared with those in the TNT group (9.4 ± 3.7 cm in TNT vs. 6.8 ± 4 cm in standard, p = 0.02). A pCR was reached in 48% (12/25) and 25.9% (7/27) of patients in the TNT and standard-of-care groups, respectively (p = 0.4). The R0 resection rates were identical between the two groups (92% vs. 88.9%, p = 0.3). Moreover, the toxicity rates were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our results showed that TNT is a safe and feasible treatment approach in patients with rectal cancer and may improve the overall pCR rate compared with standard treatment.

Clinical trial registration

https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/65666, identifier IRCT20220723055527N1.
Advances in DLL3-targeted therapies for small cell lung cancer: challenges, opportunities, and future directions
Authors: Ding Jianhua , Yeong Chaihong
Published: December 2024

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains one of the most aggressive and challenging malignancies to treat, with limited therapeutic options and poor outcomes. Recent advances in understanding SCLC biology have identified Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) as a promising target for novel therapies. This review explores the evolving landscape of DLL3-targeted therapies in SCLC, examining their mechanistic basis, preclinical promise, and clinical development. We discuss various therapeutic modalities, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, and emerging approaches such as near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) and radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT). The review highlights the challenges encountered in translating these promising approaches into clinical practice, including the setbacks faced by early DLL3-targeted therapies like Rovalpituzumab Tesirine (Rova-T). We also explore potential strategies to overcome these obstacles, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of DLL3 biology and its role in SCLC pathogenesis. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration is proposed as a path forward to optimize DLL3-targeted therapies and improve outcomes for SCLC patients. This comprehensive overview provides insights into the current state and future directions of DLL3-targeted therapies, underscoring their potential to revolutionize SCLC treatment paradigms.
The efficiency and use of a reciprocating system aid for standing and walking in children affected by severe cerebral palsy
Authors: Avaltroni Priscilla , Ivanenko Yury , Assenza Carla , Catania Hilenia , Coluccini Michele , Morone Giovanni , Morelli Daniela , Cappellini Germana
Published: December 2024

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a leading cause of childhood motor disability, making independent walking a crucial therapeutic goal. Robotic assistive devices offer potential to enhance mobility, promoting community engagement and quality of life. This is an observational report of 22 cases of children with CP in which we evaluated the Moonwalker exoskeleton (a dynamic moving aid system) usability, functional changes, and caregivers' perspectives based on the International Classification of Functioning (ICF). All children (aged 2–8 years, with a severe gait impairment and inability to use a conventional walker) underwent Moonwalker training for 20 sessions, followed by home use for five months. Post-treatment, majority of children showed improved endurance assessed by the 10-m walk test with a notable involvement of the upper trunk and arm movements for gait assistance. Many of them achieved rather remarkable results reaching a velocity of ≥0.5 m/s given the constraints of the walking exoskeleton and the children's size, while at admission all children walked at a speed of less than 0.5 m/s. Several positive environmental factors and family adherence were noted, as assessed by ICF in a subgroup of children. This study on a sample of children demonstrated that the Moonwalker exoskeleton allows walking and training at home in children with severe CP, enhancing development, social interaction, and endurance, while being well-received by families.
Spontaneous adverse drug reactions reported in a thirteen-year pharmacovigilance program in a tertiary university hospital
Authors: Montané E. , Sanz Y. , Martin S. , Pérez-Mañá C. , Papaseit E. , Hladun O. , De la Rosa G. , Farré M.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

We aimed to assess the characteristics of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) collected in a university hospital.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of ADRs spontaneously reported in the Hospital Pharmacovigilance Program database (RutiRAM) over a 13-year period was conducted. The analysis included a description of ADRs [System Organ Class (SOC)] and their seriousness, the drugs involved [level 1 of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System], drug-drug interactions, medication errors, drugs ‘under additional monitoring’, positive rechallenge, and the ‘pharmacovigilance interest’ of ADRs. An ADR was considered of ‘pharmacovigilance interest’ when it was serious, and/or produced sequelae, and/or affected the paediatric population, and/or when the suspected drug was ‘under additional monitoring’. Additionally, an exploratory analysis for bivariate associations through an automated method was performed.

Results

A total of 2,148 spontaneous ADRs were registered in the RutiRAM database, with 92.5% recorded by medical doctors. The mean age of cases was 59.2 years (SD 20.9), range 1 day–99 years; 5.7% were paediatric, 46.2% adults, and 48.1% elderly. The drugs most often involved were anti-infectives (ATC group J), mainly amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. ‘Blood system disorders’ were the most frequent SOC ADRs, and skin rashes were the most frequent ADRs. The 63.2% of ADRs were considered of ‘pharmacovigilance interest’. Almost half of ADRs were hospital-acquired, and these were related to medication error; serious ADRs were related to drug-drug interactions and elderly patients, and involved drugs ‘under additional monitoring’ were related to younger ones.

Conclusion

This is the first study to overview of ADRs reported in an HPVP over more than a decade. Almost two-thirds of the ADRs collected in the RutiRAM database are of sufficient quality to be classified as ‘pharmacovigilance interest’, and thus can contribute to signal detection and the issuing of drug alerts by pharmacovigilance systems. Analysing ADRs in hospitals contributes to patient safety by implementing relevant actions to prevent medication errors or ADRs, some of which can be applied to other centres.
Association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and chronic disease risk in adults and elderly: insights from the UK Biobank study
Authors: Ng Kei Shing , Lian Jie , Huang Fan , Yu Yan , Vardhanabhuti Varut
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aimed to determine the associations between different intensities of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the incidence of chronic diseases, and to assess the risk levels associated with these activities over time.

Methods

A prospective cohort study (UK Biobank Activity Project) with data collected between June 2013 and December 2015 included 59,896 adults (mean age = 59.68; male = 38.03%) free from chronic diseases. Participants were categorized into tertiles based on their weekly MVPA: lowest (<224 min for males, <143 min for females), medium (224–444 min for males, 143–308 min for females), and highest (≥444 min for males, ≥308 min for females), stratified by gender. The mean onset of chronic disease symptoms occurred at 3.57 years, with participants followed up during this period. Wearable accelerometry data were used to quantify MVPA levels.

Findings

Lowest tertile of MVPA were significantly correlated with increased risks of chronic disease (24%–110% increased risk) based on odds ratios (ORs), with dose-response relationship observed. In males with the lowest tertile of MVPA, significant associations were identified with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (OR = 1.90; CI: 1.44–2.51), neurodegenerative disease (OR = 1.80; CI: 1.19–2.71), metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.34; CI: 1.18–1.53), hypertension (OR = 1.27; CI: 1.12–1.44), and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) (OR = 1.24; CI: 1.03–1.49). In females, the lowest tertile of MVPA levels were associated with increased risks of neurodegenerative disease (OR = 2.10; CI: 1.36–3.24), T2DM (OR = 1.88; CI: 1.37–2.58), cerebrovascular disease (OR = 1.61; CI: 1.12–2.29), ASCVD (OR = 1.58; CI: 1.23–2.03), metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.49; CI: 1.32–1.69), and hypertension (OR = 1.44; CI: 1.29–1.61). Longitudinally, the lowest tertile of MVPA in males showed elevated risks for neurodegenerative disease (HR = 2.13; CI: 1.24–3.66), T2DM (HR = 1.83; CI: 1.30–2.57), hypertension (HR = 1.33; CI: 1.15–1.53), metabolic syndrome (HR = 1.32; CI: 1.14–1.54), and ASCVD (HR = 1.29; CI: 1.03–1.61). In females, the lowest tertile of MVPA was associated with similar risks for ASCVD (HR = 1.59; CI: 1.16–2.20), T2DM (HR = 1.57; CI: 1.08–2.29), hypertension (HR = 1.53; CI: 1.34–1.74), and metabolic syndrome (HR = 1.50; CI: 1.29–1.73).

Conclusion

Using wearable accelerometry data, this study demonstrated the quantifiable risks of chronic diseases and their development, highlighting the importance of MVPA.
Animal-Assisted Therapy in palliative care: a scoping review
Authors: Palomino-Lázaro Laura , Rueda-Extremera María , Cantero-García María
Published: December 2024

Background

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is increasingly recognized as beneficial in palliative care, aiming to enhance the well-being of terminally ill patients. Palliative care focuses on holistic support for physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. AAT uses animal interactions to alleviate symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and depression, promoting social engagement and emotional comfort. This review assesses AAT’s effectiveness in enhancing the quality of life for palliative care recipients.

Aim

Synthesizing literature on AAT in palliative care, the review examines its impact on physical symptoms, emotional well-being, social interactions, and overall comfort. By analyzing diverse studies, it aims to elucidate AAT’s therapeutic potential and identify research gaps.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

Searches in PubMed, ProQuest, Psychology Database, and Scopus identified relevant studies evaluating AAT interventions in palliative care. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, participant demographics, AAT interventions, and reported outcomes.

Results

Studies consistently report positive outcomes of AAT in palliative care, including reduced pain, anxiety, depression, and improved mood and well-being. AAT also enhances social interactions and emotional support, albeit with variations in study designs.

Conclusion

AAT holds promise for improving quality of life in palliative care by addressing physical, emotional, and social needs. Future research should standardize methodologies, explore mechanisms of action, and optimize AAT integration into comprehensive palliative care strategies.
The relationship between physical exercise and depressive symptoms in college students: the mediating role of rumination
Authors: Zhu Bei , Liu Qing , Jia Shuqi , Wang Xing , Man Qin
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aims to explore the correlation between physical exercise, rumination, and depressive symptoms in college students, as well as to investigate the potential pathways through which physical exercise may impact depressive symptoms. This exploration offers valuable insights for the development of clinical exercise interventions.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was employed, with 2,902 participants recruited via convenience sampling. Structural equation modeling was utilized to explore the relationship between physical exercise and depressive symptoms in college students.

Results

1) Statistically significant differences were observed between depressed and non-depressed college students in terms of rumination, symptom rumination, reflective pondering, and compulsive meditation (all P < 0.05); 2) Physical exercise was found to negatively predict symptom rumination (B=-0.083, P<0.001), compulsive thinking (B=0.034, P>0.05), reflective pondering (B=-0.038, P<0.01), and BDI-II scores (B=-0.103, P<0.001). Symptom rumination positively predicted BDI-II scores (B=0.648, P<0.001), while compulsive thinking and reflective pondering were found to predict BDI-II scores positively (B=0.028, P>0.05) and negatively (B=-0.041, P>0.05), respectively. 3) Physical exercise exerted a direct effect of 59.09% on BDI-II scores (B: -0.065, 95% CI -0.104, -0.028), indicating that higher levels of physical exercise were associated with lower BDI-II scores. The coefficients for duration, intensity, and frequency were statistically significant (all P < 0.05), with intensity and frequency exhibiting higher path coefficients. Rumination, as a latent variable, mediated 40.91% of the indirect effect (B: -0.045, 95% CI -0.077, -0.015), with symptom rumination emerging as a statistically significant pathway (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Rumination may mediate the relationship between physical exercise and depressive symptoms, with varying mediating effects across different dimensions of rumination. The intensity and duration of physical exercise exert a stronger influence.
Interventions aiming to improve menstrual, sexual, reproductive, and mental health among out-of-school girls: a systematic review
Authors: Farquharson Karinn , Quinn-Savory Alexandra , Zulaika Garazi , Mason Linda , Nungo Susan , Nyothach Elizabeth , Unger Holger , Sivakami Muthusamy , Spinhoven Philip , Phillips-Howard Penelope A. , van Eijk Anna Maria
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Out-of-school adolescent girls (OoSGs) can lack education on menstrual, sexual, reproductive, and mental health (SRMH) and be more vulnerable to SRMH harms. Targeted interventions could reduce these risks. We assessed interventions and their effectiveness among OoSGs globally.

Methods

Six online databases were searched for interventional studies targeting SRMH problems in OoSGs. Two coders independently abstracted data from each eligible study, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We summarized results using forest plots.

Results

A total of 1,244 studies were screened; eight studies with sufficient information on SRMH outcomes were included (9,084 OoSGs, range 100–3,026 per study, overall study quality low-to-moderate). Six were educational programmes, and two were cash interventions; no study was directed at mental health. Participants were recruited through village census, outreach workers, and work locations. Some improvements were seen in indicators of SRMH knowledge (four studies), attitudes (one study), and risky sexual behaviors (four studies); however, no reduction was seen in human immunodeficiency virus or herpes simplex virus-2 incidence (two studies).

Discussion

This review suggests that programmes can improve OosG’s SRMH knowledge, attitudes, and practices and can be delivered in low resource contexts. Effective interventions are needed to support OoSGs, including interventions focusing on SRMH support incorporating elements of cash-transfer, and comprehensive sexual education, and to aid local policy and programming.
Silent signals: how N-acyl homoserine lactones drive oral microbial behaviour and health outcomes
Authors: Zhao Zelda Ziyi , Guo Lifeng , Shan Wenwen , Chu Chun Hung , Zhang Jing
Published: December 2024

Background

N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) are small signalling molecules predominantly secreted in Gram-negative bacteria.

Objective

The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of AHLs in oral health.

Methods

Two independent researchers conducted a systematic search of English language publications up to 30 June 2024 in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. They screened the title and abstract to retrieve and map out relevant studies on AHLs in oral health, in order to identify key concepts, gaps in knowledge, and areas for further research.

Results

This study identified 127 articles and included 42 articles. These studies identified AHLs in human oral samples like saliva, dental plaque, tongue swabs, and dentin caries. The studies also found that AHLs regulate cell-to-cell communication of bacteria (quorum sensing) in mature biofilm fostering the production of virulence factors that damage the immune system. AHLs also exert biological effects on human cells and influence oral diseases such as periodontitis and oral squamous carcinoma. Researchers developed AHL inhibitors to interfere with the quorum sensing process and interrupt the communication between bacteria. These inhibitors can be classified into three main categories based on their mechanisms of action to AHLs: AHL synthesis disruptors, AHL competitive inhibitors and AHL enzymatic degraders. These AHL inhibitors can be important tools in the fight against bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative bacteria.

Conclusion

The literatures indicate that AHLs, as quorum sensing molecules, influence bacterial communication. AHLs have a significant impact in bacterial pathogencity and play a potential role in the pathogenesis of oral diseases. Researchers have developed AHL inhibitors to disrupt bacterial quorum sensing, preventing bacteria from forming biofilms or expressing virulence factors. These studies on AHLs represent a new research direction to develop novel therapeutic strategies to manage oral diseases.
Evaluation of the Planet constellation’s daily coverage for estimating the number of vessels at Daikoku Pier automobile terminals, Port of Yokohama, Japan
Authors: Murata Hiroki , Imura Naoto , Nishinari Katsuhiro
Published: December 2024

The automotive industry is a key industry in Japan; however, the worker shortage has affected transportation in the ports and harbors, including that of automobile shipping. Automobiles are shipped using roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships. When many Ro-Ro ships dock at the same time, problems related to the shortage of workers and limited storage space for automobiles are exacerbated, decreasing transportation efficiency. The spatial resolution and temporal frequency of satellite imagery have improved with Planet Labs satellite constellations making daily observations of the Earth’s surface. Moreover, the field of remote sensing is seeing an increasing number of logistic applications. As such, this study aimed to evaluate the Planet constellation’s daily coverage for estimating the actual usage of seaport automobile terminals by counting the number of vessels in each image. Here, we focused on Daikoku Pier automobile terminals in the Port of Yokohama, Japan, from 2018 to 2023. Images were classified by visual interpretation into three categories: data available for analysis, data not available for analysis due to cloud, and lack of data. Over the 6-year period, 37.1% of the data were classified as data available for analysis; 21.2%, data not available for analysis due to cloud; and 41.8%, lack of data. The visual inspection survey was conducted twice, with an agreement rate of 90.5% between the two surveys. The number of vessels were then counted two times from “data available for analysis” class, and the discrepancies were corrected. This result was compared to the actual schedule information and the accuracy was 89.0%. The number of vessels docked at the same time tended to be lower in August than in other months. The days from the 25th to 31st tended to have a higher number of vessels than other days, regardless of the month. It seems difficult to use Planet constellation for daily site progress management because data was sometimes available 1 day per month. Planet constellation can be useful in estimating the actual usage through long-term monitoring. We expect that the results of this study will be helpful to those interested in using daily satellite imagery for improving work conditions and efficiencies.
Adapting crops for climate change: regaining lost abiotic stress tolerance in crops
Authors: Palmgren Michael , Shabala Sergey
Published: December 2024

It is often stated that agricultural outputs need to increase substantially to meet the demands for more food posed by a growing population. However, when accounting for climate change, we argue that current projected increases are unrealistic and a more realistic goal would be to maintain yields per area of food production. This will require breeding for crops with increased tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, waterlogging, and high temperatures. This goal can be accomplished in one of two ways: by introducing stress tolerance genes into present high-yielding crops or by increasing the yields of already tolerant orphan crops and/or wild plants. We argue that the first strategy will require easing the restrictions on the use of gene editing technologies and making substantial improvements to cell-based phenotyping to identify the stress tolerance genes available in the gene pool of a crop and its wild relatives. The success of the second strategy will depend on the number of domestication genes that need to be selected for in order to obtain yields comparable to present-day cultivars. It is still too early to conclude which of the two strategies, rewilding (bringing genes lost from wild ancestors back to domesticated crops) or de novo domestication (domesticating resilient wild plants or underutilized crops directly), will be most effective for future sustainable agriculture. However, given the importance of the issue, some rapid action needs to be taken.
Long-term stability of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) functionalized organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) for biosensing applications
Authors: Fan Jiaxin , Kang Seongdae , Gupta Manisha
Published: December 2024

The increasing demand for the rapid identification of various pathogens and disease biomarkers makes it essential to develop selective and reliable biosensors. The three basic components of a biosensor are: (i) the bioreceptor that binds to the target analyte, (ii) the transducer that converts the signal, and (iii) a signal processing circuit. Integrating the biorecognition elements onto the transducer surface is a critical step that governs the selectivity and reliability of biosensors. Here, we present a novel approach for functionalizing aerosol jet-printed organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) for biosensing applications. Our design utilizes a printed Au gate modified with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) linkers for biofunctionalization. NHC was selected due to its excellent stability and high binding affinity with transition metals, facilitating a robust biofunctionalization mechanism. Utilizing the NHC-Au surfaces, we developed OECT-based biosensors that successfully detected the biotin-streptavidin (biotin-SA) binding events as threshold voltage shift (ΔVT) of 193 ± 64 mV, which is approximately three-fold of that for bovine serum albumin (BSA) (62 ± 41 mV), indicating the NHC functionalized OECT-based biosensor is selective towards the target analyte. In addition, the NHC-Au electrode and the printed OECT both remained functional after 24 months of storage at room temperature, with comparable performances (ΔVT = 161 ± 30 mV for SA binding) as the freshly prepared ones, demonstrating outstanding long-term stability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study combining NHC and OECT for biosensing and showcasing 24-month long-term stability. Given the versatility of NHCs in forming highly stable covalent bonds with most transition metals, this study is an important demonstration of their application in bioelectronics. Thus, we have shown a prominent biosensor development technology based on carbenes and organic electronics, which can be adapted to various biomolecule detection and biomedical applications. The exceptional stability of the printed OECTs and NHC functionalized gate highlights their potential for long-term biosensing applications, paving the way for reliable bioelectronics.