julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of oral health in 148 patients with systemic sclerosis—data from a prospective interdisciplinary monocentric cohort
2024-06-14

Abstract In daily rheumatology practice, systemic sclerosis is primarily regarded as a potentially life-threatening disease characterized by fibrosis of various organs. Therefore, other manifestations, such as orofacial involvement, are often not of primary concern. Furthermore, due to its rarity, the disease might not be well known by dentists, which contrasts with the increased risk of various problems in the oral cavity. Periodontitis in particular is a known risk factor for morbidity and mortality and is associated with various systemic diseases. The risk of periodontitis appears to be increased in patients with systemic sclerosis, but little is known about the gender-specific differences. This study aims to elucidate the health-conscious behaviour of patients, their dental care and the risk of periodontitis with regard to gender-specific differences. This descriptive study of the Interdisciplinary Centre of Rheumatic Diseases (INDIRA) in collaboration with the Department of Orthodontics at the University Hospital of Tuebingen, Germany, examined the data of 148 patients with systemic sclerosis with regard to their oral health using a questionnaire and evaluating the risk of periodontitis with the DG Paro self-assessment score in this cohort. Among the participating patients, 90% reported regular visits to the dentist and good dental care. Nevertheless, more than half of the patients had missing teeth and problems opening their mouths. Sicca symptoms in the oral cavity were also common (40%). The risk of periodontitis among female participants was high (around 60%), and even higher among male study participants (around 80%). Gingival bleeding as a surrogate parameter for periodontitis was associated with salivary flow and the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). Despite a high awareness of dental health, we observed a high risk of periodontitis, especially in male patients with systemic sclerosis. In addition, the association between xerostomia and missing teeth as well as gingival bleeding and mRSS may indicate an increased risk in patients with a more progressive disease. We would therefore recommend regular dental consultations and careful oral hygiene for patients with systemic sclerosis in addition to the—more organ-focused—regular examinations of patients.
Potentiation of the axis involving pentose phosphate pathway/NADPH oxidase/reactive oxygen species drives higher IL‐10 production in monocytes of Sub‐Saharan Africans
2024-06-14

Abstract Cellular metabolism is a key determinant of immune cell function. Here we found that CD14 + monocytes from Sub‐Saharan Africans produce higher levels of IL‐10 following TLR‐4 stimulation and are bioenergetically distinct from monocytes from Europeans. Through metabolomic profiling, we identified the higher IL‐10 production to be driven by increased baseline production of NADPH oxidase‐dependent reactive oxygen species, supported by enhanced pentose phosphate pathway activity. Together, these data indicate that NADPH oxidase‐derived ROS is a metabolic checkpoint in monocytes that governs their inflammatory profile and uncovers a metabolic basis for immunological differences across geographically distinct populations.
Stereoselective Asymmetric Syntheses of Molecules with a 4,5-Dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]-Triazoline Core Possessing an Acetylated Carbohydrate Appendage: Crystal Structure, Spectroscopy, and Pharmacology
2024-06-14

A new series of chiral 4,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4]-triazoline molecules, featuring a β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside appendage, were synthesized via a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between various hydrazonyl chlorides and carbohydrate Schiff bases. The isolated enantiopure triazolines (8a–j) were identified through high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and vibrational spectroscopy. Subsequently, their solution structures were elucidated through NMR spectroscopic techniques. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of derivative 8b provided definitive evidence for the 3-D structure of this compound and revealed important intermolecular forces in the crystal lattice. Moreover, it confirmed the (S)-configuration at the newly generated stereo-center. Selected target compounds were investigated for anti-tumor activity in 60 cancer cell lines, with derivative 8c showing the highest potency, particularly against leukemia. Additionally, substituent-dependent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial behavior was observed.
Intermittend pneumatic venous thrombembolism (VTE) prophylaxis during neurosurgical procedures
2024-06-14

Abstract Background The management of perioperative venous thrombembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is highly variable between neurosurgical departments and general guidelines are missing. The main issue in debate are the dose and initiation time of pharmacologic VTE prevention to balance the risk of VTE-based morbidity and potentially life-threatening bleeding. Mechanical VTE prophylaxis with intermittend pneumatic compression (IPC), however, is established in only a few neurosurgical hospitals, and its efficacy has not yet been demonstrated. The objective of the present study was to analyze the risk of VTE before and after the implementation of IPC devices during elective neurosurgical procedures. Methods All elective surgeries performed at our neurosurgical department between 01/2018–08/2022 were investigated regarding the occurrence of VTE. The VTE risk and associated mortality were compared between groups: (1) only chemoprophylaxis (CHEMO; surgeries 01/2018–04/2020) and (2) IPC and chemoprophylaxis (IPC; surgeries 04/2020–08/2022). Furthermore, general patient and disease characteristics as well as duration of hospitalization were evaluated and compared to the VTE risk. Results VTE occurred after 38 elective procedures among &gt; 12.000 surgeries. The number of VTEs significantly differed between groups with an incidence of 31/6663 (0.47%) in the CHEMO group and 7/6688 (0.1%) events in the IPC group. In both groups, patients with malignant brain tumors represented the largest proportion of patients, while VTEs in benign tumors occurred only in the CHEMO group. Conclusion The use of combined mechanical and pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis can significantly reduce the risk of postoperative thromboembolism after neurosurgical procedures and, therefore, reduce mortality and morbidity.
The Detrital Thermochronological Record of Exhumation of the European Alps since the Early Oligocene
2024-06-14

Low-temperature thermochronology of detrital minerals is a widely used tool for tracing the exhumation of crystalline rocks in convergent mountain belts. Detrital minerals obtained from sediments and sedimentary rocks provide a record of present-day and past exhumation rates on million-year time scales. In this respect, the European Alps, the Western and Central Alps in particular, are one of the most studied mountain belts in the world. This chapter outlines some basic principles of detrital thermochronology and focuses on reviewing the detrital thermochronology data currently available for the Alps. It discusses the detrital record of Alpine exhumation since the Early Oligocene, the time when the first sediments derived from the emerging doubly-vergent Alpine orogenic wedge were deposited in the evolving foreland basins on both sides of the mountain belt.
Surgical Options of Chiasmatic Hypothalamic Glioma - a Relevant Part of Therapy in an Interdisciplinary Approach for Tumor Control
2024-06-14

<title>Abstract</title> Objective Extent of resection of pediatric low-grade glioma mostly improves progression free survival. In chiasmatic hypothalamic glioma (CHG) complete resections are limited due to high risk of associated neurological and endocrinological deficits. Still, surgery has its role in the framework of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. We report our retrospective experience from two centers on surgical options and their impact on long-term outcome. Methods Medical records of surgically treated pediatric CHG patients between 2004 to 2022 were analyzed. Patient characteristics, surgical interventions, histology, and non-surgical therapy were retrieved together with outcome measures such as visual acuity, endocrine function, and survival. Results A total of 63 patients (33 female, NF-1: n = 8) were included. Age at first diagnosis was 4.6 years (range: 0.2–16.9) and cohort follow-up was 108 ± 71 months. 20 patients were surgically treated with a biopsy and 43 patients with debulking at a median age of 6.5 years (range: 0.16–16.9). Patients received a median of 2 tumor surgeries (range: 1–5). Cyst drainage was accomplished in 15 patients and 27 patients had ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation. Non-surgical therapy was given in 69.8%. At the end of follow up 74.6% of patients had stable disease. The cohort had a median Karnofsky score of 90 (range: 0-100). Four patients died. Hormone substitution was necessary in 30.2% and visual acuity was impaired in 66% of patients. Conclusion Pediatric CHG is a chronic disease due to overall high survival with multiple progressions. Surgical therapy remains a key treatment option offering biopsy, tumor-debulking, cyst fenestration and hydrocephalus management in the framework of MDT decision making. Team experience contributes to reduce possible deficits in this challenging cohort.
Probing intracellular potassium dynamics in neurons with the genetically encoded sensor lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 in vitro and in vivo
2024-06-14

Abstract Neuronal activity is accompanied by a net outflow of potassium ions (K + ) from the intra- to the extracellular space. While extracellular [K + ] changes during neuronal activity are well characterized, intracellular dynamics have been less well investigated due to lack of respective probes. In the current study we characterized the FRET-based K + biosensor lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 for its capacity to measure intracellular [K + ] changes in primary cultured neurons and in mouse cortical neurons in vivo. We found that lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 can resolve neuronal [K + ] decreases in vitro during seizure-like and intense optogenetically evoked activity. [K + ] changes during single action potentials could not be recorded. We confirmed these findings in vivo by expressing lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 in mouse cortical neurons and performing 2-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging. We observed an increase in the fluorescence lifetime of lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 during periinfarct depolarizations, which indicates a decrease in intracellular neuronal [K + ]. Our findings suggest that lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 can be used to measure large changes in [K + ] in neurons in vitro and in vivo but requires optimization to resolve smaller changes as observed during single action potentials.
S-cone contribution to oscillatory potentials in patients with blue cone monochromacy
2024-06-14

Abstract Purpose The aim of this exploratory study is to investigate the role of S-cones in oscillatory potentials (OPs) generation by individuals with blue-cone monochromacy (BCM), retaining S-cones, and achromatopsia (ACHM), lacking cone functions. Methods This retrospective study analyzed data from 39 ACHM patients, 20 BCM patients, and 26 controls. Central foveal thickness was obtained using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, while amplitude and implicit time (IT) of a- and b-waves were extracted from the ISCEV Standard dark-adapted 3 cd.s.m −2 full-field ERG (ffERG). Time–frequency analysis of the same measurement enabled the extraction of OPs, providing insights into the dynamic characteristics of the recorded signal. Results Both ACHM and BCM groups showed a significant reduction ( p &lt; .00001) of a- and b-wave amplitudes and ITs as well as the power of the OPs compared to the control groups. The comparison between ACHM and BCM didn’t show any statistically significant differences in the electrophysiological parameters. The analysis of covariance revealed significantly reduced central foveal thickness in the BCM group compared to ACHM and controls ( p &lt; .00001), and in ACHM compared to controls ( p &lt; .00001), after age correction and Tukey post-hoc analysis. Conclusions S-cones do not significantly influence OPs, and the decline in OPs' power is not solely due to a reduced a-wave. This suggests a complex non-linear network influenced by photoreceptor inputs. Morphological changes don’t correlate directly with functional alterations, prompting further exploration of OPs’ function and physiological role.
The interplay between white adipose tissue, adipokines, and structural gray matter changes
2024-06-15

Abstract The growing global obesity issue emphasizes the importance of understanding its health implications. Previous research has identified consistent alterations in gray matter (GM) volume in connection with obesity. Given the various implications of distinct fat compartments and the potential role of adipose tissue‐derived adipokines in brain health, a more detailed investigation of adiposity is required. This study investigates a sample of 65 males with varying body mass indices to explore the relationship between various fat compartments, adipokine levels, and volumetric GM variations, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the interplay between adiposity, brain structure, and metabolic signals. Whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess total, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue, while MR spectroscopy was performed to capture liver fat content. For the assessment of adipokine levels leptin and adiponectin concentrations were measured, and structural brain images underwent cortical and subcortical segmentation for GM volume and thickness. A predictive modeling approach with leave‐one‐out cross‐validation was used to predict body composition metrics and adipokine levels based on structural GM data. Our investigation revealed diminished GM volume and thickness correlated with elevated leptin levels in areas crucial for appetite regulation, decision‐making, and cognitive control, including the anterior insula, orbitofrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. These findings suggest a potential adverse impact of heightened leptin concentrations on brain health and eating habits. Contrary to expectations, our investigation found no significant relationship between GM volume and any of the measured fat compartments. This result prompts the need for further research to elucidate the relationship between obesity, adipokines, and brain structure.
Comment on egusphere-2024-820
2024-06-15

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> Western disturbances (WDs) are synoptic-scale weather systems embedded within the subtropical westerly jet. Manifesting as upper-level troughs often associated with a lower-tropospheric low over Western India, they share some dynamical features with extratropical cyclones. WDs are most common during the boreal winter (December to March), during which they bring the majority of precipitation &ndash; both rain and snow &ndash; to the Western Himalaya, as well as to surrounding areas of north India, Pakistan and the Tibetan Plateau. WDs are also associated with weather hazards such as heavy snowfall, hailstorms, fog, cloudbursts, avalanches, frost, and coldwaves. In this paper, we review the recent understanding and development on WDs. Recent studies have collectively made use of novel data, novel analysis techniques, and the increasing availability of high-resolution weather and climate models. This review is separated into six main sections &ndash; structure and thermodynamics, precipitation and impacts, teleconnections, modelling experiments, forecasting at a range of scales, and paleoclimate and climate change &ndash; each motivated with a brief discussion of the accomplishments and limitations of previous research. A number of step changes in understanding are synthesised. Use of new modelling frameworks and tracking algorithms has significantly improved knowledge of WD structure and variability, and a more frequentist approach can now be taken. Improved observation systems have helped quantification of water security over the Western Himalaya. Convection-permitting models have improved our understanding of how WDs interact with the Himalayas to trigger natural hazards. Improvements in paleoclimate and future climate modelling experiments have helped to explain how WDs and their impacts over the Himalaya respond to large-scale natural and anthropogenic forcings. We end by summarising unresolved questions and outlining key future WD research topics.
Progress in Topical and Transdermal Drug Delivery Research—Focus on Nanoformulations
2024-06-16

Skin is the largest organ and a multifunctional interface between the body and its environment. It acts as a barrier against cold, heat, injuries, infections, chemicals, radiations or other exogeneous factors, and it is also known as the mirror of the soul. The skin is involved in body temperature regulation by the storage of fat and water. It is an interesting tissue in regard to the local and transdermal application of active ingredients for prevention or treatment of pathological conditions. Topical and transdermal delivery is an emerging route of drug and cosmetic administration. It is beneficial for avoiding side effects and rapid metabolism. Many pharmaceutical, technological and cosmetic innovations have been described and patented recently in the field. In this review, the main features of skin morphology and physiology are presented and are being followed by the description of classical and novel nanoparticulate dermal and transdermal drug formulations. The biophysical aspects of the penetration of drugs and cosmetics into or across the dermal barrier and their investigation in diffusion chambers, skin-on-a-chip devices, high-throughput measuring systems or with advanced analytical techniques are also shown. The current knowledge about mathematical modeling of skin penetration and the future perspectives are briefly discussed in the end, all also involving nanoparticulated systems.
Caries status in 12‐year‐old children, geographical location and socioeconomic conditions across European countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
2024-06-16

Abstract Background Understanding of socioeconomic context might enable more efficient evidence‐based preventive strategies in oral health. Aim The study assessed the caries‐related socioeconomic macro‐factors in 12‐year‐olds across European countries. Design This systematic review involved epidemiological surveys on the caries status of 12‐year‐olds from 2011 to 2022. DMFT was analyzed in relation to gross national income (GNI), United Nations Statistical Division geographical categorization of European countries (M49), unemployment rate, Human Development Index (HDI), and per capita expenditure on dental health care. A meta‐analysis was performed for countries reporting data on DMFT, stratified by GNI, and geographical location of European countries, using a random‐effects model. Results The study involved 493 360 children from 36 countries in the geographic region of Europe. The analysis confirmed a strong negative correlation between income and caries experience ( p &lt; .01). Children living in higher‐income countries showed 90% lower odds of poor oral health than in middle‐income countries. Children living in West Europe showed 90% lower odds of poor oral health than children living in East Europe. Conclusion The strong effect of macro‐level socioeconomic contexts on children's oral health suggests favoring upstream preventive oral health strategies in countries with economic growth difficulties, Eastern and Southern parts of Europe.
SCAPER-Related Autosomal Recessive Retinitis Pigmentosa with Intellectual Disability: Confirming and Extending the Phenotypic Spectrum and Bioinformatics Analyses
2024-06-16

Mutations in the gene SCAPER (S phase Cyclin A-Associated Protein residing in the Endoplasmic Reticulum) have recently been associated with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and intellectual disability (ID). In 2011, a possible involvement of SCAPER in human diseases was discovered for the first time due to the identification of a homozygous mutation causing ID in an Iranian family. Later, five studies were published in 2019 that described patients with autosomal recessive syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) accompanied by ID and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This present study describes three patients from an Arab consanguineous family in Israel with similar clinical features of the SCAPER syndrome. In addition, new manifestations of ocular symptoms, nystagmus, glaucoma, and elevator palsy, were observed. Genetic testing of the patients and both parents via whole-exome sequencing revealed the homozygous mutation c.2023–2A&gt;G in SCAPER. Phenotypic and genotypic descriptions for all available cases described in the literature including our current three cases (37 cases) were carried out, in addition to a bioinformatics analysis for all the genetic variants that was undertaken. Our study confirms and extends the clinical manifestations of SCAPER-related disorders.
The Synchrony/Asynchrony Effect on Eyewitness Memory Performance
2024-06-16

This study aimed to investigate the synchrony/asynhrony effect on eyewitness memory. Forty-four participants (24 evening-types and 20 morning-types) performed, individually, two online sessions: one in the morning and another in the evening. In each session, each participant visualized two videos (crime and neutral scenes), answered questions related to the videos and completed additional questionnaires. In general, the participants’ memory was better in the synchrony when compared to the asynchrony moment. In the crime videos, participants recalled more central details and in the neutral videos more peripherical details. The pattern of results remains similar when controlled by stress, anxiety, and depression.
Staying self‐regulated in the classroom: The role of children's executive functions and situational factors
2024-06-16

Abstract Background Self‐regulation is crucial for children's learning and development. Several studies have explored children's inter‐individual differences in self‐regulation, but little is known about sources of intra‐individual variation. Aims This study addressed the variability of children's self‐regulation across typical classroom situations and how this might be associated with children's executive functions (EFs). Sample The study included 148 children (54.7% girls; M age = 56.73 months). Methods Self‐regulation was assessed with an observational measure in teacher‐led and child‐led activities within naturalistic classroom settings. Children's EFs were assessed with direct assessments at the start and end of the school year. Results Linear mixed‐effect models showed that children demonstrated higher levels of self‐regulation in child‐led in comparison with teacher‐led activities. Children with higher levels of EFs at the start of the school year showed less variation across teacher‐led and child‐led activities in comparison with children with lower levels of EFs. Regarding other aspects of the classroom context, neither the group size in which the activity took place nor which school subject it was focused on were associated with children's self‐regulation. However, in teacher‐led activities the type of interaction involved in the activity and the type of task influenced children's self‐regulation. Conclusion These results suggest that children who start school with higher levels of EFs are more able to adapt to different situations, highlighting the importance of fostering these skills in early childhood. In turn, children with lower levels of EFs may need additional support from teachers to remain self‐regulated across different contexts.