bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between computed tomography-quantified respiratory muscles and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Ke , Wu Fan , He Hua , Hu Chengyi , Chen Xiaobang , Chen Jinglong , Cao Weitao , Liu Jun , Zhao Jun , Zhao Ziwen , Zhao Zhuxiang
Published: March 2024

Background

This study examined the association between chest muscles and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the relationship between chest muscle areas and acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD).

Methods

There were 168 subjects in the non-COPD group and 101 patients in the COPD group. The respiratory and accessory respiratory muscle areas were obtained using 3D Slicer software to analysis the imaging of  computed tomography (CT). Univariate and multivariate Poisson regressions were used to analyze the number of AECOPD cases during the preceding year. The cutoff value was obtained using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

We scanned 6342 subjects records, 269 of which were included in this study. We then measured the following muscle areas (non-COPD group vs. COPD group): pectoralis major (19.06 ± 5.36 cm2 vs. 13.25 ± 3.71 cm2, P < 0.001), pectoralis minor (6.81 ± 2.03 cm2 vs. 5.95 ± 1.81 cm2, P = 0.001), diaphragmatic dome (1.39 ± 0.97 cm2 vs. 0.85 ± 0.72 cm2, P = 0.011), musculus serratus anterior (28.03 ± 14.95 cm2 vs.16.76 ± 12.69 cm2, P < 0.001), intercostal muscle (12.36 ± 6.64 cm2 vs. 7.15 ± 5.6 cm2, P < 0.001), pectoralis subcutaneous fat (25.91 ± 13.23 cm2 vs. 18.79 ± 10.81 cm2, P < 0.001), paravertebral muscle (14.8 ± 4.35 cm2 vs. 13.33 ± 4.27 cm2, P = 0.007), and paravertebral subcutaneous fat (12.57 ± 5.09 cm2 vs. 10.14 ± 6.94 cm2, P = 0.001). The areas under the ROC curve for the pectoralis major, intercostal, and the musculus serratus anterior muscle areas were 81.56%, 73.28%, and 71.56%, respectively. Pectoralis major area was negatively associated with the number of AECOPD during the preceding year after adjustment (relative risk, 0.936; 95% confidence interval, 0.879–0.996; P = 0.037).

Conclusion

The pectoralis major muscle area was negative associated with COPD. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between the number of AECOPD during the preceding year and the pectoralis major area.
Serum lactate normalization time associated with prolonged postoperative ileus after surgical management of the small bowel and/or mesenteric injuries
Authors: Lee Naa , Jeong Euisung , Park Yunchul , Jo Younggoun , Kim Jungchul , Jang Hyunseok
Published: March 2024

Back ground: Determining the optimal timing of postoperative oral feeding in trauma patients who have undergone abdominal surgery with small bowel and/or mesenteric injuries is challenging. The aim of this study is to investigate serum lactate as a factor that can predict oral feeding tolerance and prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) in patients who underwent surgery for small bowel and/or mesenteric injury due to trauma.

Methods: The single center retrospective observational study was conducted on 367 patients who underwent surgery for small bowel and/or mesenteric injury between January 2013 and July 2021. The patient group was divided into two groups based on whether the peak serum lactate was over 2mmol/L (18 mg/dL). In the group of lactate > 2mmol/L, it was divided into prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) groups and groups rather than PPOI.

Results: Patients in the peak serum lactate > 2 group had tendency to use vasopressors, lower initial systolic blood pressure, larger number of packed red blood cells for 24 h, higher injury severity score, higher PPOI incidence, and a tendency for delayed oral intake tolerance. In peak serum lactate greater than 2 mmol/L group, the lactate normalization time (OR 1.699, p = 0.04), quantity of FFP transfusion for 24 h (OR 1.145, p = 0.012), and creatine kinase (OR 1.001, p = 0.023) were related to PPOI. The lactate normalization time had the highest correlation.

Conclusion: In patients undergoing surgical management for small bowel and/or mesenteric injury after trauma, serum lactate normalization time affects oral intake tolerance and prolongs postoperative ileus.
Assessment of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) among physiotherapists in Cameroon: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Muntessu Dilane Landry Nsangou , Ghassi Hyacinte Trésor , Buh Franklin Chu , Nietho Ange Wandji , Siewe Julio Rostan , Mpatoutou Mpatoutou Me
Published: March 2024

Background

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is reported to ease effective and adequate decision making for all works of life including health professionals. Investigating the level of implementation of EBP among physiotherapists helps to identify barriers and propose solutions for its extensive implementation. Despite available data on EBP elsewhere, it remains limited or non-existent in Cameroon. This study was designed to establish the current state of EBP among physiotherapists in Cameroon, by assessing knowledge, practice, and barriers to its implementation.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted online among French- and English-speaking physiotherapists in Cameroon over a period of six months from April to July 2023, using the EBP2 questionnaire. This enabled us to collect socio-demographic data from participants and information on their knowledge, understanding and practice of EBP and possible barriers to EBP according to 5 domains (Confidence, Relevance, Terminology, Practice, Compatibility) scored out of 100. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 25.0 software and Pearson correlations (95% CI) and significance (p < 0.05).

Results

A total of 110 physiotherapists practising in the 10 regions of Cameroon participated in the study. The majority were male (54.5%), the median age was 34 years (age range 20 to 50), the median year of graduation was 2019 (range 2004 to max 2022) with 72.7% never having knowledge or training in EBP. Participants scored below 50/100 for 3 domains (confidence, relevance, and compatibility) showing poor general knowledge and understanding of EBP, although they generally had a positive attitude towards EBP. The use of EBP in practice was low (26.3/100 SD. 6.5), despite that they appeared to have a good understanding of research terminology (55.4 SD. 17.2). Level of study of participants did not appear to significantly influence domain scores (P > 0.05). The main barriers to practice were lack of time (75.1%), workload (66%), cost of access to information resources like databases for seek informations about recent support protocols (60%), ease of access to computers (49%), and lack of resources or skills (49%).

Conclusion

Physiotherapists in Cameroon have a poor knowledge of EBP and a low level of practice of EBP, despite an overall positive attitude towards it. These results could inform stakeholders of higher education on the need to improve training of physiotherapy students in the domain of EBP in Physiotherapy. Also, it will help in raising the level of scientific research and promoting the implementation of EBP in Cameroon.
Association of in utero HIV exposure with child brain structure and language development: a South African birth cohort study
Authors: Wedderburn Catherine J. , Yeung Shunmay , Subramoney Sivenesi , Fouche Jean-Paul , Joshi Shantanu H. , Narr Katherine L. , Rehman Andrea M. , Roos Annerine , Gibb Diana M. , Zar Heather J. , Stein Dan J. , Donald Kirsten A.
Published: March 2024

Background

There is a growing population of children with in utero HIV exposure who are at risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes despite avoiding HIV infection. However, the underlying neurobiological pathways are not understood and neuroimaging studies are lacking. We aimed to investigate the cortical brain structure of children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected (HEU) compared to HIV-unexposed (HU) children and to examine the relationship with neurodevelopment.

Methods

The Drakenstein Child Health birth cohort study enrolled pregnant women from a high HIV prevalence area in South Africa with longitudinal follow-up of mother–child pairs. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans from 162 children (70 HEU; 92 HU) were acquired at 2–3 years of age. All HEU children were born to mothers taking antiretroviral therapy. Measures of brain structure (cortical thickness and surface area) in the prefrontal cortex regions were extracted from T1-weighted images and compared between groups using multivariate analysis of variance and linear regression. Child development, assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III, was correlated with cortical structure, and mediation analyses were performed.

Results

Analyses demonstrated an association between HIV exposure and cortical thickness across the prefrontal cortex (p = 0.035). Children who were HEU had thicker cortices in prefrontal regions, with significantly greater cortical thickness in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) bilaterally compared to HU children (3.21 mm versus 3.14 mm, p = 0.009, adjusted effect size 0.44 [95% CI 0.12 to 0.75]). Estimates held across multiple sensitivity analyses. There were no group differences in cortical surface area. Language scores, which were lower in HEU versus HU children (81.82 versus 86.25, p = 0.011, effect size − 0.44 [95% CI − 0.78 to − 0.09]), negatively correlated with prefrontal cortical thickness in both groups. Cortical thickness in the mOFC mediated the relationship between HIV exposure and poor language outcomes (Sobel test p = 0.032).

Conclusions

In this cohort study, exposure to HIV during pregnancy was associated with altered cortical structure in early life. Our findings indicate that differences in cortical thickness development in the prefrontal region in children who are HEU may be a pathway leading to language impairment. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the lasting impact.
Sarcopenic obesity is part of obesity paradox in dementia development: evidence from a population-based cohort study
Authors: Zhang Junhan , Na Xiaona , Li Zhihui , Ji John S. , Li Guowei , Yang Haibing , Yang Yucheng , Tan Yuefeng , Zhang Jian , Xi Menglu , Su Donghan , Zeng Huatang , Wu Liqun , Zhao Ai
Published: March 2024

Background

Sarcopenic obesity, a clinical and functional condition characterized by the coexistence of obesity and sarcopenia, has not been investigated in relation to dementia risk and its onset.

Methods

We included 208,867 participants from UK biobank, who aged 60 to 69 years at baseline. Dementia diagnoses were identified using hospital records and death register data. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the associations of obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity with dementia risk, stratified by sex. Stratified analyses were performed across dementia-related polygenic risk score (PRS). Restricted mean survival time models were established to estimate the difference and 95%CIs of dementia onset across different status. Additionally, linear regression models were employed to estimate associations of different status with brain imaging parameters. The mediation effects of chronic diseases were also examined.

Results

Obese women with high PRS had a decreased risk (HR = 0.855 [0.761–0.961]), but obese men with low PRS had an increased risk (HR = 1.223 [1.045–1.431]). Additionally, sarcopenia was associated with elevated dementia risk (HRwomen = 1.323 [1.064–1.644]; HRmen = 2.144 [1.753–2.621]) in those with low PRS. Among those with high PRS, however, the association was only significant in early-life (HRwomen = 1.679 [1.355–2.081]; HRmen = 2.069 [1.656–2.585]). Of note, sarcopenic obesity was associated with higher dementia risk (HRwomen = 1.424 [1.227–1.653]; HRmen = 1.989 [1.702–2.323]), and results remained similar stratified by PRS. Considering dementia onset, obesity was associated with dementia by 1.114 years delayed in women, however, 0.170 years advanced in men. Sarcopenia (women: 0.080 years; men: 0.192 years) and sarcopenic obesity (women: 0.109 years; men: 0.511 years) respectively advanced dementia onset. Obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity were respectively related to alterations in different brain regions. Association between sarcopenic obesity and dementia was mediated by chronic diseases.

Conclusions

Sarcopenic obesity and sarcopenia were respectively associated with increased dementia risk and advanced dementia onset to vary degree. The role of obesity in dementia may differ by sex and genetic background.
Traditional japanese diet score and the sustainable development goals by a global comparative ecological study
Authors: Imai Tomoko , Miyamoto Keiko , Sezaki Ayako , Kawase Fumiya , Shirai Yoshiro , Abe Chisato , Sanada Masayo , Inden Ayaka , Sugihara Norie , Honda Toshie , Sumikama Yuta , Nosaka Saya , Shimokata Hiroshi
Published: March 2024

Background

Reducing the environmental impact of the food supply is important for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) worldwide. Previously, we developed the Traditional Japanese Diet Score (TJDS) and reported in a global ecological study that the Japanese diet is associated with reducing obesity and extending healthy life expectancy etc. We then examined the relationship between the TJDS and environmental indicators.

Methods

The average food (g/day/capita) and energy supplies (kcal/day/capita) by country were obtained from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Statistics Division database. The TJDS was calculated from eight food groups (beneficial food components in the Japanese diet: rice, fish, soybeans, vegetables, and eggs; food components that are relatively unused in the traditional Japanese diet: wheat, milk, and red meat) by country using tertiles, and calculated the total score from − 8 to 8, with higher scores meaning greater adherence to the TJDS. We used Land Use (m2), Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 2007/2013 (kg CO2eq), Acidifying emissions (g SO2eq), Eutrophying emissions (g PO43− eq), Freshwater (L), and water use (L) per food weight by Poore et al. as the environmental indicators and multiplied these indicators by each country’s average food supply. We evaluated the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the TJDS and environmental indicators from 2010 to 2020. This study included 151 countries with populations ≥ 1 million.

Results

Land use (β ± standard error; -0.623 ± 0.161, p < 0.001), GHG 2007 (-0.149 ± 0.057, p < 0.05), GHG 2013 (-0.183 ± 0.066, p < 0.01), Acidifying (-1.111 ± 0.369, p < 0.01), and Water use (-405.903 ± 101.416, p < 0.001) were negatively associated with TJDS, and Freshwater (45.116 ± 7.866, p < 0.001) was positively associated with TJDS after controlling for energy supply and latitude in 2010. In the longitudinal analysis, Land Use (β ± standard error; -0.116 ± 0.027, p < 0.001), GHG 2007 (-0.040 ± 0.010, p < 0.001), GHG 2013 (-0.048 ± 0.011, p < 0.001), Acidifying (-0.280 ± 0.064, p < 0.001), Eutrophying (-0.132 ± 0.062, p < 0.05), and Water use (-118.246 ± 22.826, p < 0.001) were negatively associated with TJDS after controlling for confounders.

Conclusions

This ecological study suggests that the traditional Japanese dietary pattern might improve SDGs except Fresh water.
Association between dietary magnesium intake and muscle mass among hypertensive population: evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Wang Qin , Si Keyi , Xing Xiaohong , Ye Xiaofei , Liu Ziyu , Chen Jing , Tang Xiaojing
Published: March 2024

Background

Magnesium is critical for musculoskeletal health. Hypertensive patients are at high risk for magnesium deficiency and muscle loss. This study aimed to explore the association between magnesium intake and muscle mass in patients with hypertension.

Methods

In this population-based cross-sectional study, 10,279 U.S. hypertensive adults aged 20 years or older were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 1999–2006 and 2011–2018. Magnesium (Mg) intake from diet and supplements was assessed using 24-hour diet recalls. Muscle mass was evaluated by appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI, total ASM in kilograms [kg] divided by square of height in meters [m2]). The association of Mg intake with ASMI was estimated using weighted multivariable-adjusted linear regression models and restricted cubic splines.

Results

Dose-response analyses showed a positive linear correlation between dietary Mg intake and ASMI. Every additional 100 mg/day in dietary Mg was associated with 0.04 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02–0.06 kg/m2) higher ASMI. The ASMI in participants who met the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for dietary Mg was 0.10 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.04–0.16 kg/m2) higher than those whose dietary Mg was below estimated average requirement (EAR). However, the relationship of Mg intake from supplements with ASMI was not identified.

Conclusion

Higher level of dietary Mg intake rather than Mg supplements was associated with more muscle mass in U.S. adults with hypertension, which highlights the importance of meeting the recommended levels for dietary Mg intake.
The effect of selenium supplementation on oxidative stress, clinical symptoms and mental health status in patients with migraine: a study protocol for a double-blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Balali Arghavan , Sadeghi Omid , Anjom-Shoae Javad , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein , Khorvash Fariborz , Askari Gholamreza
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite a number of recommended strategies, effective treatment of migraine remains elusive. Given the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of migraine, selenium, as an antioxidant nutrient, may have a beneficial effect on migraine outcomes. However, no study has explored the effects of selenium supplementation on migraine symptoms, oxidative stress biomarkers, and mental health. Therefore, this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to examine the effects of selenium supplementation among migraine patients.

Methods

Seventy-two migraine patients will receive either 200 µg/day selenium supplement (n = 36) or placebo (n = 36) for 12 weeks in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. The severity, frequency, and duration of headaches, mental health indices including depression, anxiety, and distress, and quality of life, as well as biomarkers of oxidative stress such as nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS), will be measured at the baseline and end of the study. The intention-to-treat (ITT) approach will be used to estimate missing values. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) will be performed to detect the effect of selenium supplementation on outcome variables.

Discussion

Oxidative stress is recognized as a key contributor to migraine pathogenesis. Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties, capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB), holding promise to alleviate the oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Thus, selenium may beneficially affect clinical symptoms and oxidative stress as well as the quality of life in migraine patients.

Trial registration

This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (https://www.irct.ir/) on 27 May 2023 with the code number IRCT20121216011763N60.
Sacral neuromodulation for constipation and fecal incontinence in children and adolescents – study protocol of a prospective, randomized trial on the application of invasive vs. non-invasive technique
Authors: Besendörfer Manuel , Kirchgatter Annemarie , Carbon Roman , Weiss Christel , Müller Hanna , Matzel Klaus E. , Diez Sonja
Published: March 2024

Background

A therapeutic effect of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) on fecal incontinence (FI) and quality of life has been proven in adults. SNM is, however, rarely used in pediatric cases. The aim of the study is to investigate effects of SNM in pediatric constipation in a prospective parallel-group trial.

Methods

A monocentric, randomized, unblinded, parallel-group trial is conducted. SNM is conducted in the invasive variant and in an innovative, external approach with adhesive electrodes (enteral neuromodulation, ENM). We include patients with constipation according to the ROME IV criteria and refractory to conventional options. Patients with functional constipation and Hirschsprung’s disease are able to participate. Participants are allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either SNM or ENM group. Clinical data and quality of life is evaluated in regular check-ups. Neuromodulation is applied continuously for 3 months (end point of the study) with follow-up-points at 6 and 12 months. Findings are analyzed statistically considering a 5% significance level (p ≤ 0.05). Outcome variables are defined as change in (1) episodes of abdominal pain, (2) episodes of FI, (3) defecation frequency, (4) stool consistency. Improvement of proprioception, influence on urinary incontinence, quality of life and safety of treatment are assessed as secondary outcome variables. We expect a relevant improvement in both study groups.

Discussion

This is the first trial, evaluating effects of neuromodulation for constipation in children and adolescents and comparing effects of the invasive and non-invasive application (SNM vs. ENM).

Trial registration

The study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier NCT04713085 (date of registration 01/14/2021).
A numerical compass for experiment design in chemical kinetics and molecular property estimation
Authors: Krüger Matteo , Mishra Ashmi , Spichtinger Peter , Pöschl Ulrich , Berkemeier Thomas
Published: March 2024

Kinetic process models are widely applied in science and engineering, including atmospheric, physiological and technical chemistry, reactor design, or process optimization. These models rely on numerous kinetic parameters such as reaction rate, diffusion or partitioning coefficients. Determining these properties by experiments can be challenging, especially for multiphase systems, and researchers often face the task of intuitively selecting experimental conditions to obtain insightful results. We developed a numerical compass (NC) method that integrates computational models, global optimization, ensemble methods, and machine learning to identify experimental conditions with the greatest potential to constrain model parameters. The approach is based on the quantification of model output variance in an ensemble of solutions that agree with experimental data. The utility of the NC method is demonstrated for the parameters of a multi-layer model describing the heterogeneous ozonolysis of oleic acid aerosols. We show how neural network surrogate models of the multiphase chemical reaction system can be used to accelerate the application of the NC for a comprehensive mapping and analysis of experimental conditions. The NC can also be applied for uncertainty quantification of quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. We show that the uncertainty calculated for molecules that are used to extend training data correlates with the reduction of QSAR model error. The code is openly available as the Julia package KineticCompass.

Graphical Abstract
Correlation analysis between artemisinin and its derivative contents and trichome characteristics from different Artemisia species
Authors: Park Yun Ji , Truong To Quyen , Choi Yeong Bin , Huynh Phuong Kim , Moon Jinyoung , Koo Song Yi , Kim Hyoung Seok , Kim Sang Min
Published: March 2024

Artemisia species have significant commercial, medical, and economic value and are widely used in the traditional medicine and pharmaceutical industries. Artemisinin, a powerful antimalarial agent, is an important pharmaceutical metabolite that primarily accumulates within the glandular trichomes (GTs) on the leaf surface of Artemisia plants. Trichomes arising from the elongation of epidermal cells can be classified into GTs and non-glandular trichomes (NGTs) based on their morphology. GTs and NGTs are present in Artemisia species, and the relationship between GTs and artemisinin has been extensively studied; however, the correlation between NGTs and artemisinin remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we inferred artemisinin derivatives and trichome characteristics based on the type of species, developmental stage, and leaf age and conducted correlation analyses to investigate the factors influencing artemisinin content across different Artemisia species. Artemisinin and its derivatives exhibited variations in distribution based on species and leaf age, with a decreasing trend observed across most species as the developmental stage progressed. Noticeable differences among Artemisia species were observed in leaf shape, morphology, and trichome distribution. Although the observed data did not evidently differentiate between species, developmental stage, and leaf age groups, principal component analysis revealed that artemisinin was positively associated with the NGTs density, indicating a correlation coefficient of 0.56 (p < 0.0001). Therefore, the number of NGTs may affect the artemisinin content in different Artemisia species.
Household food security in the agropastoral communities of rural southern Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Scott Christian Kelly , Chi Guangqing , Glenna Leland
Published: March 2024

Background

In mountainous nations like Kyrgyzstan households face substantial environmental and infrastructural challenges as they strive to achieve food security. Measuring food security in montane and agropastoral communities is difficult due to seasonal variations, varied livelihood strategies, and the difficulty of reaching respondents. This study examines intricacies associated with measuring household food security in the southern Kyrgyz highlands and discusses the wider implications for measuring food security in an agropastoral setting. To do this, we deployed multiple types of household food security measures (economic, experiential, and consumptive) via survey (n = 1234) within one southernrayon(district).

Results

Households are largely successful in mitigating acute food insecurity, yet issues of chronic food insecurity persist. Conceptual and statistical similarities between measures support the identification of food security indicator typologies. However, comparing measures of different types presented contradictory narratives in which one type indicates advantageous and the other disadvantageous results. In analyzing the disconnect, natural and socioeconomic shocks are found to be highly influential.

Conclusion

It is posited households are successful in responding to shocks through the deployment of coping strategies, such as using loan funds to purchase food. Socioeconomic indicators, such as asset ownership, are implicated as drivers of food security. Findings, discussion, and conclusions contribute to the shared understanding of the measurement of food security in agropastoral communities.
Effects of the application of low-temperature atmospheric plasma on titanium implants on wound healing in peri-implant connective tissue in rats
Authors: Harada Atsuro , Sasaki Hodaka , Asami Yosuke , Hanazawa Kiyotoshi , Miyazaki Sota , Sekine Hideshi , Yajima Yasutomo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to clarify the effects of surface modification of titanium (Ti) implants by low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on wound healing and cell attachment for biological sealing in peri-implant soft tissue.

Methods

Hydrophilization to a Ti disk using a handheld low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma device was evaluated by a contact angle test and compared with an untreated group. In in vivo experiments, plasma-treated pure Ti implants using a handheld plasma device (experimental group: PL) and untreated implants (control group: Cont) were placed into the rat upper molar socket, and samples were harvested at 3, 7 and 14 days after surgery. Histological evaluation was performed to assess biological sealing, collagen- and cell adhesion-related gene expression by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, collagen fiber detection by Picrosirius Red staining, and immunohistochemistry for integrins.

Results

In in vivo experiments, increased width of the peri-implant connective tissue (PICT) and suppression of epithelial down growth was observed in PL compared with Cont. In addition, high gene expression of types I and XII collagen at 7 days and acceleration of collagen maturation was recognized in PL. Strong immunoreaction of integrin α2, α5, and β1 was observed at the implant contact area of PICT in PL.

Conclusions

The handheld low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma device provided hydrophilicity on the Ti surface and maintained the width of the contact area of PICT to the implant surface as a result of accelerated collagen maturation and fibroblast adhesion, compared to no plasma application.
A novel biocontrol strain Pseudomonas canadensis FRPC18 against box blight (causative agent Calonectria pseudonaviculata)
Authors: Samavat Samaneh
Published: March 2024

Background

Recent box blight epidemics caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata (Cps) have created the need for finding eco-friendly management strategies, especially in natural habitats. In the present research, the biocontrol activity of 26 bacterial isolates against Cps was investigated under laboratory and greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design (n = 3; P < 0.05).

Results

Strains FRPC18, FRPF4, and FRPF6 showed the most efficiency in the inhibiting Cps colony by 72.4, 46.8, and 34.2% through a dual culture test, respectively. The superior strain, FRPC18, identified belonged to Pseudomonas canadensis. FRPF6 volatile and FRPC18 non-volatile antifungal compounds resulted in the highest inhibition rate of 27.67 and 59.43%, respectively. Strain FRPC18 could also produce the maximum amount of chitinase, significantly, while the highest amount of siderophores was detected in FRPF4. There were non-significant differences among the bacterial strains in producing protease and pectinase. In the greenhouse, FRPC18 reduced box blight severity by 30% and had non-statistically significant differences with Serenade® as a biofungicide (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that P. canadensis may be a new biocontrol agent for controlling box blight in disease hotspots during epidemics in boxwood forests.
Silver nanoparticles in diabetes mellitus: therapeutic potential and mechanistic insights
Authors: Paul Susanta , Sarkar Ishita , Sarkar Nilanjan , Bose Anannya , Chakraborty Mainak , Chakraborty Amrita , Mukherjee Swarupananda
Published: March 2024

Background

Research on the use of silver nanoparticles in the context of diabetes mellitus has gained attention due to the unique properties of these nanoparticles, such as their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics. While the field is still in its early stages, several studies have explored the potential applications and effects of silver nanoparticles in managing diabetes.

Main body of the abstract

Diabetes mellitus, a global health concern marked by impaired insulin function and high blood glucose levels, has spurred innovative therapeutic investigations, including nanotechnology. Silver nanoparticles have emerged as promising candidates in this pursuit. This abstract provides an overview of current research on silver nanoparticles’ application in managing diabetes mellitus, highlighting their therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action. With unique physicochemical properties like high surface area and bio-compatibility, silver nanoparticles are ideal for diverse biomedical applications. Recent studies show their ability to modulate key pathways in diabetes pathogenesis, enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting pancreatic beta-cell function. Their antimicrobial properties are particularly beneficial for diabetes patients prone to infections. Moreover, using silver nanoparticle-based carriers for anti-diabetic drugs improves drug bio-availability and reduces side effects, potentially enhancing conventional medication efficacy. However, addressing safety and toxicity concerns is crucial. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing nanoparticle size, shape, and surface modifications to enhance bio-compatibility and minimize adverse effects.

Short conclusion

In conclusion, silver nanoparticles represent a novel and multifaceted approach in the management of diabetes mellitus. Their ability to target multiple facets of diabetes pathogenesis, including insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation, positions them as potential candidates for future therapeutic interventions. However, further research is warranted to elucidate their long-term safety profile and optimize their application in clinical settings.
PlaqueNet: deep learning enabled coronary artery plaque segmentation from coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Wang Linyuan , Zhang Xiaofeng , Tian Congyu , Chen Shu , Deng Yongzhi , Liao Xiangyun , Wang Qiong , Si Weixin
Published: March 2024

Cardiovascular disease, primarily caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation, is a significant health concern. The early detection of these plaques is crucial for targeted therapies and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study presents PlaqueNet, a solution for segmenting coronary artery plaques from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) images. For feature extraction, the advanced residual net module was utilized, which integrates a deepwise residual optimization module into network branches, enhances feature extraction capabilities, avoiding information loss, and addresses gradient issues during training. To improve segmentation accuracy, a depthwise atrous spatial pyramid pooling based on bicubic efficient channel attention (DASPP-BICECA) module is introduced. The BICECA component amplifies the local feature sensitivity, whereas the DASPP component expands the network’s information-gathering scope, resulting in elevated segmentation accuracy. Additionally, BINet, a module for joint network loss evaluation, is proposed. It optimizes the segmentation model without affecting the segmentation results. When combined with the DASPP-BICECA module, BINet enhances overall efficiency. The CCTA segmentation algorithm proposed in this study outperformed the other three comparative algorithms, achieving an intersection over Union of 87.37%, Dice of 93.26%, accuracy of 93.12%, mean intersection over Union of 93.68%, mean Dice of 96.63%, and mean pixel accuracy value of 96.55%.
Low heterozygosity for rs3811050, a 5 prime untranslated region variant of the gene encoding interleukin-38 (IL1F10), is associated with a reduced risk of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nijeeb Rawan A. , Aljber Adnan A. , Ad’hiah Ali H.
Published: March 2024

Background

Interleukin-38 (IL-38), an inflammatory cytokine discovered in recent years, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). IL-38 is encoded by the IL1F10 (interleukin 1 family member 10) gene. Genetic variants of this gene have been associated with susceptibility to a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, while their association with SLE risk has not been explored. In this case–control study, two novel variants of the 5 prime untranslated region (5′UTR) of the IL1F10 gene, rs3811050 C/T and rs3811051 T/G, were investigated in 120 women with SLE and 120 age-matched control women. The TaqMan allelic discrimination assay was used for genotyping of rs3811050 and rs3811051.

Results

The frequency of the rs3811050 CT genotype was significantly lower in SLE patients compared to controls (30.8 vs. 50.0%; odds ratio = 0.49; 95% confidence interval = 0.28–0.86; corrected probability = 0.045). The rs3811051 genotype frequencies did not show significant differences between patients and controls. Rs3811050 and rs3811051 showed weak linkage disequilibrium (LD) as indicated by the estimated LD coefficient and correlation coefficient values (0.32 and 0.05, respectively), and two-locus haplotype analysis revealed no significant differences between patients and controls. The frequencies of the rs3811050 T allele (38.8 vs. 20.6%; probability = 0.029) and the rs3811051 G allele (56.3 vs. 38.2%; probability = 0.038) were significantly higher in patients with mild/moderate disease activity than in patients with high disease activity, but significance was not maintained after applying Bonferroni correction (corrected probability = 0.058 and 0.076, respectively). Serum IL-38 concentrations (median and interquartile range) were significantly decreased in patients compared with controls (69.5 [64.1–74.8] vs. 73.5 [66.1–82.9] pg/mL; probability = 0.03), but were not influenced by SNP genotypes.

Conclusions

The heterozygous genotype of rs3811050, a 5'UTR variant, of the IL-38 encoding gene, IL1F10, is associated with a reduced risk of SLE among women. Furthermore, the rs3811050 T and rs3811051 G alleles may influence disease activity. In addition, serum IL-38 concentrations were down-regulated in SLE patients but were not affected by the rs3811050 and rs3811051 genotypes.
Tinnitus treatment: an experimental study
Authors: Makar Sujoy Kumar
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of the selected tinnitus management protocols for the experimental groups, based on the scores obtained for psychosocial variables, quality of life and severity of tinnitus between the four experimental groups following the various treatment protocols.

Method

Two-hundred adults ages ranged from 20 to 55 years (mean age 44.14, SD = 6.16) with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss without tinnitus were randomly selected for the control group, whereas the experimental group comprised 200 adults with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss with tinnitus without any other associated medical problems. Participants of both control and experimental groups underwent audiological tests and were administered the QoL questionnaire. The experimental group, in addition, was also administered the PSQ, TSI and THI questionnaire and psychoacoustic tests, i.e. measuring pitch, loudness and MML of tinnitus. Participants of experimental group were randomly assigned to 4 groups, each of 50 participants, and treatment was given as below: Group 1: only tinnitus masking sound was administered, Group 2: only counselling was given, Group 3: masking with counselling was given and Group 4: tinnitus masking combined with counselling and attention diversion task therapy was given.

Result

The patients without tinnitus had significantly better quality of life in comparison to the patients with tinnitus. Pre-post comparisons of the treatment groups revealed that “masking + counselling + attention diversion task” group showed highly significant differences for psychosocial aspects, QoL and severity of tinnitus. Further, pairwise comparison based on differences in mean scores indicated significant impact of “masking + counselling + attention diversion task” as compared to both in combination like “masking + counselling” or independently, i.e. masking or counselling alone.

Conclusion

It appears that an integrated package of intervention (masking + counselling + attention diversion task) might be preferable for providing immediate tinnitus relief by masking through reducing tinnitus loudness and pitch by altering neuroplasticity (tonotopicity); in the long term, it reduces tinnitus impact through positive thinking by counselling treatment and also diverts attention to daily activity through attention training.
Post-Thymectomy Autoimmune Flare-Up With New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Al-Bkoor Tareq , Ata Fateen , Bint I Bilal Ammara , Abdulgayoom Mohammed , Cherif Honar , Surchi Haval
Published: March 2024

The thymus gland aids in the maturation of the immune system. An overactive or malfunctioning thymus gland, as seen in thymomas, can lead to disrupted immune systems. Thymectomy, the usual treatment, can paradoxically lead to further derangements in the immune system, leading to new autoimmune disorders. Most of these reported disorders are rheumatological. Except preclinical studies, there are no reported cases of autoimmune diabetes post-thymectomy. A 25-year-old woman who had malignant thymoma underwent chemotherapy, followed by thymectomy and radiotherapy. She developed autoimmune diabetes mellitus (AID) approximately 1 year post-thymectomy, evident from raised glycated hemoglobin, anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies, ineffectiveness of oral glucose-lowering agents, and positive response to insulin. AID can occur after thymectomy, as evidenced by animal studies and this case report. Whether these patients would have long-term outcomes and control of diabetes differently than classic type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is uncertain. Further research is needed to prove causality between thymectomy and diabetes.
Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia Updated Consensus Statement on Perioperative Blood Glucose Management in Adult Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Ambulatory Surgery
Authors: Rajan Niraja , Duggan Elizabeth W. , Abdelmalak Basem B. , Butz Steven , Rodriguez Leopoldo V. , Vann Mary Ann , Joshi Girish P.
Published: March 2024

This consensus statement is a comprehensive update of the 2010 Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) Consensus Statement on perioperative blood glucose management in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing ambulatory surgery. Since the original consensus guidelines in 2010, several novel therapeutic interventions have been introduced to treat DM, including new hypoglycemic agents and increasing prevalence of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. The updated recommendations were developed by an expert task force under the provision of SAMBA and are based on a comprehensive review of the literature from 1980 to 2022. The task force included SAMBA members with expertise on this topic and those contributing to the primary literature regarding the management of DM in the perioperative period. The recommendations encompass preoperative evaluation of patients with DM presenting for ambulatory surgery, management of preoperative oral hypoglycemic agents and home insulins, intraoperative testing and treatment modalities, and blood glucose management in the postanesthesia care unit and transition to home after surgery. High-quality evidence pertaining to perioperative blood glucose management in patients with DM undergoing ambulatory surgery remains sparse. Recommendations are therefore based on recent guidelines and available literature, including general glucose management in patients with DM, data from inpatient surgical populations, drug pharmacology, and emerging treatment data. Areas in need of further research are also identified. Importantly, the benefits and risks of interventions and clinical practice information were considered to ensure that the recommendations maintain patient safety and are clinically valid and useful in the ambulatory setting.

What Other Guidelines Are Available on This Topic?

Since the publication of the SAMBA Consensus Statement for perioperative blood glucose management in the ambulatory setting in 2010, several recent guidelines have been issued by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the Endocrine Society, the Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC), and the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) on DM care in hospitalized patients; however, none are specific to ambulatory surgery.

How Does This Guideline Differ From the Previous Guidelines?

Previously posed clinical questions that were outdated were revised to reflect current clinical practice. Additional questions were developed relating to the perioperative management of patients with DM to include the newer therapeutic interventions.
Cardiac Tamponade Caused By Carbon Dioxide Insufflation During Robot-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Mitsui Hiroaki , Fujiwara Atsushi , Mokuno Miyuko , Minami Toshiaki
Published: March 2024

Various complications can occur during robot-assisted thoracic surgery for mediastinal tumors owing to carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation. This study reports the case of a 43-year-old woman who underwent robot-assisted surgery for an anterior mediastinal tumor with the subxiphoid approach. Shortly after starting CO2 insufflation, the blood pressure decreased significantly. Subsequent examination of the mediastinum revealed a left-sided pericardial injury. Cardiac tamponade due to entry of CO2 gas into the pericardial cavity was suspected. A deliberate incision was made in the right pericardium, ultimately resolving the cardiac tamponade and substantially improving the patient’s blood pressure.
Are Rural Areas Holdouts in the Second Demographic Transition? Evidence From Canada and the United States
Authors: Clark Shelley , Brooks Matthew M. , Helou Ann-Marie , Margolis Rachel
Published: March 2024

A central premise of the first demographic transition theory is that demographic change would occur more slowly in rural than urban areas. Few studies, however, have investigated whether rural areas remain holdouts during the second demographic transition. To address this gap, this study (1) examines trends among rural and urban families in Canada and the United States over a 30-year period and (2) determines whether compositional differences in demographic, socioeconomic, and religious factors explain current differences between rural and urban families. We find that rural Canadian women continue to have, on average, 0.6 more children than urban women. However, rural families do not trail behind urban families on any other indicator of family change. In fact, rural women in both countries are now significantly more likely to cohabit and roughly 10 percentage points more likely to have children outside of marriage than urban women. These differences are largely explained by lower levels of education and income among rural American women and fewer immigrants in rural Canada. Examining family change through a rural–urban lens fills important empirical gaps and yields novel insights into current debates on the fundamental causes of ongoing family change in high-income countries.
In silico study of the mechanisms of hypoxia and contractile dysfunction during ischemia and reperfusion of hiPSC cardiomyocytes
Authors: Forouzandehmehr Mohamadamin , Paci Michelangelo , Hyttinen Jari , Koivumäki Jussi T.
Published: March 2024

Interconnected mechanisms of ischemia and reperfusion (IR) has increased the interest in IR in vitro experiments using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). We developed a whole-cell computational model of hiPSC-CMs including the electromechanics, a metabolite-sensitive sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) and an oxygen dynamics formulation to investigate IR mechanisms. Moreover, we simulated the effect and action mechanism of levosimendan, which recently showed promising anti-arrhythmic effects in hiPSC-CMs in hypoxia. The model was validated using hiPSC-CM and in vitro animal data. The role of SERCA in causing relaxation dysfunction in IR was anticipated to be comparable to its function in sepsis-induced heart failure. Drug simulations showed that levosimendan counteracts the relaxation dysfunction by utilizing a particular Ca2+-sensitizing mechanism involving Ca2+-bound troponin C and Ca2+ flux to the myofilament, rather than inhibiting SERCA phosphorylation. The model demonstrates extensive characterization and promise for drug development, making it suitable for evaluating IR therapy strategies based on the changing levels of cardiac metabolites, oxygen and molecular pathways.