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Protective effects of Lactobacillus plantarum strain against protein malnutrition-induced muscle atrophy and bone loss in juvenile mice

Early-life malnutrition adversely affects nearly all organ systems, resulting in multiple physiological adaptations, including growth restriction and muscle and bone loss. Although there is growing evidence that probiotics effectively improve systemic growth under malnourished conditions in different animal models, our knowledge of the beneficial effects of probiotics on various organs is limited. Here, we show that Lactobacillus plantarum strain WJL (LpWJL) can mitigate skeletal muscle and bone loss in protein-malnourished juvenile mice. Mice on prenatal day 21 were fed a protein-malnourished (P-MAL) diet with or without LpWJL supplementation for six weeks. Compared to mice on the P-MAL diet alone, LpWJL supplementation significantly increased muscle mass and size, resulting in enhanced muscle strength and endurance capacity. Furthermore, LpWJL supplementation induced the expression of the key growth factor IGF-1 while decreasing muscle atrophy markers such as Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1, indicating potential mechanisms by which protein malnutrition-induced muscle wasting is counteracted. Additionally, LpWJL supplementation alleviated the reduction in cortical bone thickness and the deterioration of trabecular bone microstructure in the femur. Taken together, these results indicate that LpWJL can protect against skeletal muscle atrophy and compromised bone microarchitecture caused by protein malnutrition, providing novel insights into the potential therapeutic applications of probiotics for treating malnutrition-related disorders.

A systematic epidemiological trends analysis study in global burden of multiple myeloma and 29 years forecast

Assessment of antenatal care quality in Ethiopia: Facility-based study using service provision assessment data

Background Antenatal care (ANC) coverage in low- and middle-income countries has increased in the past few decades. However, merely increasing care coverage may not enhance maternal and newborn health unless the recommended service components are also provided. Our aim was to assess the quality of ANC and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods We used data from 2,042 pregnant women whose first ANC consultation was observed. Data were obtained from the 2021–2022 Ethiopian Service Provision Assessment survey conducted among a nationally representative sample of 1,158 healthcare facilities. Twenty-four components of ANC were assessed, and their values were summed to generate a total ANC quality score (range: 0–24). A higher score indicated a superior ANC quality. A multiple generalized Poisson regression model was fitted to identify factors influencing the quality of ANC. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 16. Results The mean ANC quality score was 11 (standard deviation [SD]: 3.8). Blood pressure measurement was the most commonly performed ANC component, at 79.5%, and breast examination for cancer screening was the most neglected component of ANC, at 3.3%. ANC quality was higher in the Amhara region (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 1.088; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–1.171) and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (IRR: 1.081; 95% CI: 1.002–1.166), and when the care was provided by a female healthcare worker (IRR: 1.054; 95% CI: 1.021–1.088). On the other hand, ANC quality decreased in rural healthcare facilities (IRR: 0.964; 95% CI: 0.932–0.998), clinics (IRR: 0.666; 95% CI: 0.581–0.764), and health posts (IRR: 0.817; 95% CI: 0.732–0.91). Similarly, ANC quality decreased when gestational age at the first antenatal visit increased (IRR: 0.994; 95% CI: 0.992–0.996) and when care was received from a non-nearby healthcare facility (IRR: 0.956; 95% CI: 0.923–0.990). Conclusion Overall, the quality of ANC in Ethiopia is suboptimal. Encouraging women to initiate ANC early and utilize nearby facilities, assisting providers in delivering standardized services through preservice training, supervision, and continuous education, and ensuring the availability and proper use of necessary resources at all facilities are important to improve ANC quality.

Regulation of reactive oxygen species and the role of mitochondrial apoptotic-related genes in rheumatoid arthritis

Empirically validating a computational model of automatic behavior shaping

Background Mobile sensing technology allows automated behavior shaping routines to be incorporated into health behavior interventions and other settings. In previous work, a computational model was built to investigate how to best arrange automatic behavior shaping procedures, but the degree to which this model reflects actual human behavior is not known. Purpose To translate a previously developed computational model of automatic behavior shaping into an experimental setting. Methods Participants (n = 54) operated a computer mouse and attempted to locate a hidden, randomly-placed target circle on a blank computer screen and clicks within some threshold distance of the target circle were reinforced by a pleasant auditory tone. As the trial progressed, the threshold distance narrowed according to a shaping function until eventually only clicks within the target circle were reinforced. Accumulated Area Under Trajectory Curves and Time Until 10 Consecutive Target Clicks were used to quantify the probability of the target behavior. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess differential outcomes for concave up, concave down, and linear shaping functions. Results In congruence with the computational model, concave-up functions most effectively shaped participants’ behavior, with linear and then concave-down shaping functions producing the next best outcomes. Conclusion Concave-up shaping routines most effectively generated target behavior, which should be confirmed in health behavior trials. The automatic shaping routines that this study helps develop can be applied in a number of domains, including exercise intensity and duration, tobacco/cannabis smoking, caloric intake, and screen time.

Comprehensive investigation of matrix metalloproteinases in skin cutaneous melanoma: diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic insights

Development and validation of an interpretable machine learning model for predicting left atrial thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients

Purpose Left atrial thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast (LAT/SEC) are widely recognized as significant contributors to cardiogenic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This study aimed to construct and validate an interpretable predictive model of LAT/SEC risk in NVAF patients using machine learning (ML) methods. Methods Electronic medical records (EMR) data of consecutive NVAF patients scheduled for catheter ablation at the First Hospital of Jilin University from October 1, 2022, to February 1, 2024, were analyzed. A retrospective study of 1,222 NVAF patients was conducted. Nine ML algorithms combined with demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were applied to develop prediction models for LAT/SEC in NVAF patients. Feature selection was performed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate logistic regression. Multiple ML classification models were integrated to identify the optimal model, and Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpretation was utilized for personalized risk assessment. Diagnostic performances of the optimal model and the CHA2DS2-VASc scoring system for predicting LAT/SEC risk in NVAF were compared. Results Among 1,078 patients included, the incidence of LAT/SEC was 10.02%. Six independent predictors, including age, non-paroxysmal AF, diabetes, ischemic stroke or thromboembolism (IS/TE), hyperuricemia, and left atrial diameter (LAD), were identified as the most valuable features. The logistic classification model exhibited the best performance with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.850, accuracy of 0.812, sensitivity of 0.818, and specificity of 0.780 in the test set. SHAP analysis revealed the contribution of explanatory variables to the model and their relationship with LAT/SEC occurrence. The logistic regression model significantly outperformed the CHA2DS2-VASc scoring system, with AUCs of 0.831 and 0.650, respectively (Z = 7.175, P < 0.001). Conclusions ML proves to be a reliable tool for predicting LAT/SEC risk in NVAF patients. The constructed logistic regression model, along with SHAP interpretation, may serve as a clinically useful tool for identifying high-risk NVAF patients. This enables targeted diagnostic evaluations and the development of personalized treatment strategies based on the findings.

Implication of tumor morphology and MRI characteristics on the accuracy of automated versus human segmentation of GBM areas

Cosmic carnage: planetary rubble spotted at a dying star

Attributes and factors associated with long covid in patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study

Background It is now recognized that many patients have persistent symptoms after recovery from acute COVID-19 infection, an infection caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This constellation of symptoms known as ‘Long COVID’ may manifest with a wide range of physical and cognitive/psychological symptoms. Few data are available on the prevalence, attributes, and factors associated with Long COVID in Africa. Method This was a retrospective review of patients’ electronic medical records from Hallelujah General Hospital (one of the first private hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients). The hospital’s database was searched for patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19 infection from March 2020 to December 2022. Two hundred and forty-seven participants who underwent follow-up beginning four weeks after symptom onset were assessed for Long COVID. Admission and follow-up data were collected using Kobo Toolbox and exported into SPSS 27 for analysis. The relationship between the independent and dependent variables was explored through binary logistic regression. Results One hundred seventy-eight (72.1%) participants had at least one persisting symptom 4 weeks post-symptom onset, at a median follow-up time of 35 (IQR 32–40) days. The most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue (41.7%), shortness of breath (31.2%), cough (27.1%), and sleep disturbances (15%). Duration of symptoms more than 7 days before admission [aOR = 1.97; CI95% = 1.04 to 3.75; P = 0.038] and length of stay more than 10 days in the hospital [aOR = 2.62; CI95% = 1.20 to 5.72; P = 0.016] were found to be significantly associated with Long COVID. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of Long COVID among patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19. Those who had a longer duration of symptoms before admission and a longer stay in the hospital appear to have a higher risk.

Physiopathological effects of entrance versus distal spread-out Bragg peak on mouse spinal cord neurons

Proximity ferroelectricity in wurtzite heterostructures

Experienced cognitive load in the emergency department. A prospective study

Background and importance The emergency department (ED) is a hectic place, where many critically ill patients are treated. For residents working in the ED, this environment may be demanding. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the [1] cognitive load experienced by residents working in the ED, and [2] differences in cognitive load during the day. Methods In this multicentre, prospective study in three EDs in the Netherlands, the experienced cognitive load was graded by residents on three scales, agreed upon during Delphi meetings: the complexity (low-high: 1–3), mental effort (low-high: 1–9) and comfortability scale (low-high: 0–100%). We applied the scores per decision, 1-hour and 2-hour intervals, patient and shift. Main results We observed 14 residents and analysed 74 1-hour and 45 2-hour intervals, 79 patients, 24 shifts and 592 separate decisions. The experienced cognitive load per decision was low. In contrast, the cognitive load was higher per 2-hour interval (mental effort: median 4.0 (IQR 4.0) and comfortability 80% (IQR 20)) and per shift (mental effort: median 5.5 (IQR 4.0) and comfortability 80% (IQR 20). Complexity was low for all measurements. Mental effort rose from 17h onwards higher values, whereas a decrease in comfortability was seen from 21h onwards. Conclusion From 17h onwards, residents working in the ED experienced rather high mental effort and reported feeling not optimally comfortable when making decisions. The mental effort was highest between 21-23h. This was found when cognitive load was measured per 2-hour interval and per shift, but not per decision. This study may provide an insights to optimise cognitive load by reorganisation of the ED.

Construction of cuproptosis-related genes risk model predicts the prognosis of Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma

Calcium phosphate formation and deposition in ischemic neurons

Ischemic stroke causes acute brain calcium phosphate (CaP) deposition, a process involving primarily the injured neurons. Whereas the adverse impact of CaP deposition on the brain structure and function has been recognized, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This investigation demonstrated that the neuron-expressed, plasma membrane-associated Ca2+-binding proteins annexin (Anx) A2, AnxA5, AnxA6, and AnxA7 contributed to neuronal CaP deposition in the mouse model of ischemic stroke. These Anxs were released from the degraded plasma membrane of the ischemic neurons and were able to form Anx/CaP complexes, a nanostructure capable of binding to the β actin filaments via Anx–actin interaction to cause neuronal CaP deposition prior to brain infarction. Anx administration to the healthy mouse brain caused brain CaP deposition and infarction. Monomeric β actin was able to block competitively Anx binding to β actin filaments and prevent ischemic stroke- and Anx administration-induced brain CaP deposition and infarction. Administration of siRNAs specific to the four Anx mRNAs alleviated brain CaP deposition and infarction. These observations support the role of Anxs in CaP formation and deposition in ischemic neurons.

Identification of Legionella by MALDI Biotyper through three preparation methods and an in-house library comparing phylogenetic and hierarchical cluster results

Physicists describe exotic ‘paraparticles’ that defy categorization

Prevalence, predisposing factors, and turnover intention related to low back pain among health workers in Accra, Ghana

Background Globally, low back pain (LBP) is responsible for disability among 60.1 million people. Health workers face a higher likelihood of being exposed to LBP compared to employees in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Data on LBP among hospital workers in Ghana are however limited. This study examined the prevalence, predisposing factors and turnover intention related to LBP among health workers in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Methods A multi-centred facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Greater Accra region from January 30 –May 31, 2023. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted, and the study participants were selected through proportion-to-size simple random sampling. STATA 15 software was used for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with LBP at a p < 0.05. Results A survey was conducted among 607 health workers in 10 public and private hospitals. The prevalence of LBP was 81.6% [95% CI: (78.2%-84.6%)]. Advanced age [AOR = 1.07 (1.00, 1.16)], working for more than 5 days in a week [AOR = 8.14 (2.65, 25.02)], working overtime [AOR = 2.00 (1.16, 3.46)], rarely involved in transferring patients [AOR = 3.22 (1.08, 9.60)], most of the time involved in transferring patients [AOR = 6.95 (2.07, 23.26)], awkward posture during work [(AOR = 2.36 (1.31, 4.25)], perceived understaffing [(AOR = 1.84 (95% CI = 1.04–3.27)], sleep duration ≥ 8 [AOR = 0.54 (0.31, 0.97)] and sitting intermittently at work [AOR = 0.31 (0.12, 0.80)] were factors significantly associated with LBP. A substantial number, 123 (24.9%), occasionally had intention of leaving their jobs. Conclusion The study revealed a high proportion of low back pain (LBP), and turnover intention attributed to LBP. Moreover, organizational and occupational factors were found to be significantly associated with LBP. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions aimed at reducing the burden of LBP within these specific areas.

Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection over two epidemic waves in Manaus, Brazil: A serological study of seven thousand blood donors

Background Most longitudinal studies of COVID-19 incidence have used unlinked samples. The city of Manaus, Brazil, has a blood donation program which allows sample linkage, and was struck by two large COVID-19 epidemic waves between mid-2020 and early 2021. Methods We estimated the changing force of infection, i.e. incidence in susceptible individuals. Seroconversion was inferred by a mixture model for serial values from the Abbott Architect SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) IgG assay. We estimated the number of suspected COVID-19 hospitalizations arising from each infection over calendar time. Results Whole blood donations between April 2020 and March 2021 were included from 6734 people, 2747 with two or more donations. The inferred criterion for seroconversion, and thus an incident infection, was a 6.07 fold increase in N IgG reactivity. The overall force of infection was 1.19 per person year (95% confidence interval 1.14–1.24) during the two main waves. The estimated number of suspected hospitalizations per infection, was approximately 4.1 times higher in the second wave than in the first. Conclusions Serial values from this assay can be used to infer seroconversion over time, and in Manaus show a higher number of suspected COVID-19 hospitalizations per infection in the second wave relative to the first.

From tiny to immense: Geological spotlight on the Alexander Mosaic (National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy) using non-invasive in situ analyses

A key challenge in the art and archaeological field is the instrumental analysis of objects and materials while preserving their integrity. In this study, the world-renowned artwork Alexander Mosaic (The Issus Battle, collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, IT), the most iconic representation of the face of the Macedonian king Alexander the Great coming from a Pompeii domus, was thoroughly analyzed with mobile and non-invasive methods, within a great project of restoration started in 2020. Representative areas of the Mosaic, overall consisting of ca. two million of tesserae, was studied by in situ videomicroscopy, infrared thermography (IRT), multispectral imaging, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Ten tesserae colors were discriminated, and hypotheses on their geological provenances are proposed. Plasters, mineral components and other substances of old protective materials were characterized. The information obtained with this approach paved the way to knowledgeable restoration.