Browse Articles

Chlorogenic acid promotes fatty acid beta-oxidation to increase hESCs proliferation and lipid synthesis

Study protocol: Exploratory trial of Forza™, an osmotin-based nutraceutical as adjuvant for the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis

Background Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the first cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults. Primary and secondary progressive MS are still lacking effective treatments. A new nutraceutical product made of lyophilised leaves of bioengineered kiwi plants (Actinidia deliciosa) overexpressing osmotin has recently been developed. Osmotin is a protein associated with stress adaptation in plant cells and it shares anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties with mammalian adiponectin. The aim of this study is to explore the safety and the efficacy of osmotin in progressive MS (PMS). Methods This is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm interventional, baseline vs treatment study that will be carried out by two Italian MS centers, where a total of fifty PMS patients will be recruited. Every patient will take a daily dosage of 5 grams of an osmotin-based nutraceutical, named Forza™ (9th Dimension Biotech, Inc.), for 6 months. Two pre-treatment assessments, at -6 months (-6M) and at baseline visit (M0), and two post-treatment assessments, at month 1 (M1), and at month 6 (M6) will be carried out. ForzaTM safety and activity, assessed by serum Neurofilaments Light (NfL) Chain quantification, are the primary outcomes of the study. Additional assessments will consist of clinical and neuropsychological evaluations, patient reported outcomes (PROs), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Discussion Disease modifying treatments in MS usually target inflammatory pathways with excellent results on reducing relapse associated disability but fail in preventing progression independent from relapse activity. This is a proof-of-concept study aimed at exploring the safety and the activity of an osmotin-based nutraceutical as an adjuvant treatment in PMS patients. Trial registration The trial was registered on July 10th 2023 at www.clinicaltrials.gov having identifier NCT05937802.

Self-efficacy for coping with cancer and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

Aligning cellular and molecular components in age-dependent tertiary lymphoid tissues of kidney and liver

Tertiary lymphoid tissues (TLTs) are ectopic lymphoid structures induced by multiple stimuli, including infection and tissue injuries; however, their clinical relevance in disease progression has remained unclear. We demonstrated previously that TLTs develop in mouse and human kidneys with aging and can be a potential marker of kidney injury and prognosis, and therapeutic targets. In addition, we found that two types of unique lymphocytes that emerge with aging, senescence-associated T cells and age-associated B cells, are essential for TLT formation in the kidney. Although TLTs develop with aging in other organs as well, their cellular and molecular components, and clinical significance remain unclear. In the present study, we found that TLTs developed in the liver with aging, and that their cellular and molecular components were similar to those in the kidneys. Notably, senescence-associated T cells and age-associated B cells were also present in hepatic TLTs. Furthermore, analysis of publicly available data on human liver biopsy transcriptomes revealed that the expression of TLT-related genes was elevated in the liver biopsy samples from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients compared with those without HCV infection and was associated with liver injury and fibrosis. Therefore, we analyzed liver biopsy samples from 47 HCV patients and found that TLTs were present in 87.2% of cases and that the numbers and stages of TLTs were higher in aged patients and cellular and molecular components of TLTs in humans were similar to those in mice. Our findings suggesting that age-dependent TLT formation is a systemic phenomenon across the tissues and aging is also a predisposing factor for TLT formation across organs.

Heterogeneous model for superdiffusive movement of dense core vesicles in C. elegans

Abstract Transport of dense core vesicles (DCVs) in neurons is crucial for distributing molecules like neuropeptides and growth factors. We studied the experimental trajectories of dynein-driven directed movement of DCVs in the ALA neuron in C. elegans over a duration of up to 6 seconds. We analysed the DCV movement in three strains of C. elegans: (1) with normal kinesin-1 function, (2) with reduced function in kinesin light chain 2 (KLC-2), and (3) a null mutation in kinesin light chain 1 (KLC-1). We find that DCVs move superdiffusively with displacement variance $$var(x) \sim t^2$$ in all three strains with low reversal rates and frequent immobilization of DCVs. The distribution of DCV displacements fits a beta-binomial distribution with the mean and the variance following linear and quadratic growth patterns, respectively. We propose a simple heterogeneous random walk model to explain the observed superdiffusive retrograde transport behaviour of DCV movement. This model involves a random probability with the beta density for a DCV to resume its movement or remain in the same position. To validate our model further, we measure the first passage time for a DCV to reach a certain threshold for the first time. According to the model, the first passage time distribution should follow a beta-negative binomial distribution with the same parameters as the DCV displacement distributions. Our experimental data confirm this prediction.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty versus locked plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures in the elderly: a systematic review

Introduction For surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures (PHF) in older patients, there is no consensus if locked plate fixation (LPF) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) yields better clinical results. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the clinical and functional outcomes of LPF and RTSA. We hypothesized that RTSA would outperform LPF in patients with PHF aged 65 years or older. Materials & Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar from 1 July 2022 up to 12 January 2024 by two independent reviewers. Comparative studies reporting on the functional outcome using the Constant-Murley score (CMS) in patients aged 65 years or older, treated after 2012 for PHF with LPF or RTSA and with a mean follow-up time of at least 12 months were included. Ten studies with 244 LPF and 287 RTSA patients were included into the statistical analysis. We used a frequentist network meta-analysis to assess the comparative effectiveness of the treatments. Individual risk of bias of the studies was assessed using the ROB2 and ROBINS-I tools. Results Our network meta-analysis of the CMS resulted in the following order ranked from lowest to highest: LPF, LPF +  screw augmentation, hemiarthroplasty (HA), RTSA +  cemented stem, non-surgical treatment, LPF +  fibular allograft, RTSA with an inclination angle of 135° (RTSA IA 135°), RTSA. However, none of the direct or indirect comparisons resulted in statistically noticeable differences. Conclusion In conclusion, functional superiority of either treatment method is still unknown, with even high-powered RCT not being able to detect statistically noticeable differences in terms of function. Patient-individual factors, such as bone quality, sex and age have to be included when making treatment decisions.

Author Correction: Association of Mycobacterium tuberculosis aerosolization and HIV coinfection in the index case with T cell responses in household contacts

Citizens’ preference for e-participatory governance

This paper investigates the preference, adoption, and utilization of e-government services among the citizens of Nigeria through preferred social media. Adopting a quantitative methodology approach with 1000 samples from various local governments and Statistically Analyzing the data, the research explores the extent to which Nigerian citizens have embraced e-government initiatives through social media and the factors influencing their adoption. Questions focusing on the availability of e-government platforms, social media e-governance, and e-participation level based on trust in government, the most preferred social media for e-participation were considered. Findings reveal varying levels of e-government adoption across different local government authorities, influenced by factors such as infrastructure limitations, institutional capacity, and political will, also a high level of participation through various social media platforms was observed, and the level of correlation between government trust and e-participation using the available platforms was found to be minimal. The paper contributes to the understanding of e-government implementation in the Nigerian context, offering insights into strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of e-government initiatives at the local government level using social media Platforms.

Author Correction: Cerebral net uptake of lactate contributes to neurological injury after experimental cardiac arrest in rabbits

Using machine learning to predict deterioration of symptoms in COPD patients within a telemonitoring program

Finite element analysis of flexural performance of reinforced truss hollow composite concrete slabs

Woman in cancer remission for record 19 years after CAR-T immune treatment

Distinctive morphologic finding of multifocal perifollicular concentric granulomas in a lymph node with IgG4 plasmacytosis

Seasonal dynamics of water quality in response to land use changes in the Chi and Mun River Basins Thailand

Methylation sequencing enhances interpretation of clonal hematopoiesis dynamics

Abstract We have developed a cost-effective DNA methylation sequencing assay to improve monitoring of clonal hematopoiesis. By inferring cell-type proportions, this method enhances interpretation of clonal trajectories compared with interpretation based on variant allele fraction only.

Non-linear association between AKI alert detection rate by physicians and medical costs

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high mortality rates and long-term adverse outcomes and significantly increases medical costs. The AKI electronic alert system built the AKI diagnostic algorithm into the medical system, along with automated collection of key indications and generation of alerts. However, the relationship between the AKI electronic alert system and medical costs is still unknown. Methods An exploratory secondary analysis of data from a double-blinded, multicenter, parallel, randomized controlled trial to investigate the association between the AKI electronic alert system and medical costs. Results Finally, a total of 6030 patients were enrolled in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the alert group was not significantly associated with medical costs (all p-values >  0.05). However, the rate of alert detection by an attending physician demonstrated a notable negative correlation with medical costs; adjusted effects for direct and total costs were −126.78$ and −236.82$, respectively. The curve fitting and threshold effect analysis revealed that when the rate of alert detection by an attending physician was between 18% and 59%, each unit increase in the rate corresponded to decreases in direct cost by 363.94 (−463.34, −264.55) $ and in total cost by 698.93 (−885.78, −512.07) $. Our subgroup analysis also found a significant relationship between the rate and medical costs. Conclusion The alert group did not significantly reduce medical costs compared to the usual care group. However, the rate of alert detection by an attending physician had a significant negative association with medical costs, and there was a threshold effect between them. When the rate was between 18% and 59%, medical costs decreased as the rate increased, and when the rate was < 18% or ≥  59%, medical costs did not decrease as the rate increased.

A 24-year longitudinal study on a STEM gateway general chemistry course and the reduction of achievement disparities

The “First Year Experience” is a critical component of retention of STEM majors. Often, general chemistry has been labeled as a “gatekeeper” course for STEM careers due to a high attrition rate and a course that leads to increased time for graduation when students are inadequately prepared. We demonstrate that the active learning strategy Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) model increases student retention (%DFW calculated from earned grades A through F plus withdrawals, W) and success (%ABC calculated from earned grades A through F). We have analyzed approximately 24 years of data in general chemistry I (~20,000 students), using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), which showed progressive, significant improvement in both student success and completion metrics. A Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM), using a combination of course and student-level variables, demonstrated the impact of PLTL on internal exam metrics and overall course grades. Further, HLM modeling assessed the impact of PLTL controlling for various student demographics. PLTL strongly impacted URM student completion rates to a greater degree than well-represented students, reducing the URM/non-URM achievement gap.

Efficacy of regular gargling with a cetylpyridinium chloride plus zinc containing mouthwash can reduce upper respiratory symptoms

The posterior oral cavity serves as an entry point to both the digestive and respiratory systems. Optimal oral hygiene, particularly by means of gargling, has been shown to effectively reduce transmission and duration of respiratory illnesses (Clinical Trials registration: NCT06479226). Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of gargling with an antimicrobial mouthwash in preventing the development of respiratory symptoms. To assess the impact of using an antimicrobial mouthwash for gargling in lowering the incidence of upper respiratory symptoms. A total of 150 individuals were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: Control group: participants were requested to brush their teeth twice daily for two minutes using a commercially available fluoride toothpaste; and the Test Group, which also brushed their teeth twice daily for two minutes with a commercially available fluoride toothpaste and additional gargling twice a day with a mouthwash containing 0.075% Cetylpyridinium chloride and 0.28% Zinc Lactate (CPC+Zn). Individuals were asked to complete the WURSS-21 Daily Symptom Report over the course of the three-month study period using a diary. Regular gargling with the mouthwash containing CPC+Zn was efficacious in decreasing both the frequency (21.5% lower) and severity (11% lower) of respiratory symptoms throughout the study. Additionally, individuals that performed consistent cleansing of the posterior oral cavity with mouthwash had greater interference in daily activities, which should be further investigated. Adding gargling with a mouthwash containing 0.075% CPC + 0.28% Zn to a normal oral hygiene routine proves beneficial in lowering the incidence of upper respiratory symptoms commonly associated with cold and the flu. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06479226

The value of vector ECG in predicting residual pulmonary hypertension in CTEPH patients after pulmonary endarterectomy

Introduction Right heart catheterization (RHC) is the diagnostic standard for establishing residual pulmonary hypertension (PH) after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). A potential non-invasive alternative diagnostic test could be electrocardiography (ECG)-derived ventricular gradient optimized for right ventricular pressure overload (VG-RVPO). Methods We studied 66 CTEPH patients who underwent PEA. A subgroup of 20 patients also had a cardiac MRI before and after PEA. The diagnostic performance of the VG-RVPO for the detection of residual PH as well as the potential to replace RHC were assessed. Different cut-off values to define a normal VG-RVPO were evaluated. Also, we evaluated the association between mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and CMR derived indexed right ventricular (RV) mass and the VG-RVPO. Results During follow-up, 28 patients had residual PH (42%). A decrease in VG-RVPO after PEA was associated with decrease in mPAP or indexed RV mass post PEA (r = 0.55, p < 0.05 and r = 0.64, p < 0.05, respectively). If a normal VG-RVPO would exclude residual PH, the need for RHC would be reduced with 15–48%, but up to 36% of the CTEPH patients with residual PH would have been missed as they had a normal VG-RVPO. Conclusion Although there was an association between the change in VG-RPVO and changes in mPAP or indexed RV mass, our study demonstrated that VG-RPVO has limited value in excluding the presence of residual PH post-PEA as up to 36% of the CTEPH patients with residual PH would have been missed if residual PH would have been excluded based on a normal VG-RVPO.

The English Debating Self-Efficacy Scale: Scale development, validation, and psychometric properties

The importance of English debate in fostering critical thinking and the role of self-efficacy in enhancing confidence and performance in this domain are widely acknowledged. However, a significant gap exists in the literature regarding the measurement of self-efficacy specifically within English debate. This research seeks to fill this gap by developing and validating an English Debate Self-Efficacy Scale (EDSS). Using a sample of 1,259 participants from an independent college in Hebei Province, China, the study divided participants into two groups: 613 for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and 646 for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), with convenience sampling as the chosen methodology. EFA revealed three core dimensions of debate-related self-efficacy: Language proficiency (Cronbach’s Alpha = .894), Debating skills (Cronbach’s Alpha = .861), and Team collaboration (Cronbach’s Alpha = .831). Subsequent CFA validation with an independent sample confirmed the scale’s structure, demonstrating strong structural, convergent, and discriminant validity. Additionally, significant correlations between the English Debate Self-Efficacy Scale and the English Proficiency Self-Efficacy Scale supported the scale’s criterion validity. These findings underscore the scale’s potential as a reliable tool for assessing self-efficacy in English debate contexts, offering valuable insights for research, teaching, and training in educational settings. Limitations related to sample representativeness and research design were also discussed, providing a foundation for future studies to expand upon. In conclusion, the English Debate Self-Efficacy Scale (EDSS) is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring self-efficacy in the context of English debate.