24-h Period Research Articles

Enhancing retrieval capacity of the predictive brain through dorsolateral prefrontal cortex intervention.

Extracting spatial or temporal patterns across experiences is essential for skill acquisition and predictive processes. The prefrontal cortex plays a central role in regulating competitive cognitive systems, with a particular influence on executive functions, often opposing statistical learning. This regulatory function may account for observed improvements in the acquisition and consolidation of statistical regularities following inhibition of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex via repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. However, whether access to previously acquired statistical knowledge can similarly benefit from dorsolateral prefrontal cortex inhibition remains unclear. This preregistered study investigated the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex's role in retrieving pre-existing statistical knowledge of temporal regularities. Healthy human participants engaged in an implicit probabilistic sequence learning task followed by a 24-h consolidation period. Before retesting, they received either 1Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or sham stimulation over the left, right, or bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 10min. We observed that retrieval of statistical regularities was enhanced in the Bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex group compared to the Sham group. Our findings suggest that dorsolateral prefrontal cortex inhibition may facilitate access to statistical knowledge, particularly when interhemispheric compensatory mechanisms are limited. These insights advance our understanding of the dynamic neural background of statistical learning and may inform strategies for cognitive enhancement.

An in vitro Evaluation of Periodontal Ligament Cell Viability in Honey as a Transport Medium for an Avulsed Tooth

Abstract Background Dental avulsion is the most severe form of injury to a tooth, and its prognosis is majorly affected by the type of the storage medium prior to re-implantation. Honey is a readily available household substance with anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is paucity of data regarding its use as a transport medium for avulsed teeth. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the viability of periodontal Ligament (PDL) cells stored in honey and other recommended transport media. Materials and Methods An in vitro study involving the culture of PDL cells, harvested from premolars freshly extracted for orthodontic reasons. The cells were exposed to Dulbecco’s Minimum Essential Medium (DMEM), honey, and Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) at room temperature, and their viability was tested with the tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric (MTT) assay after 30 min, 2 h, and 24 h. The Optical Density (OD) of the cells were assessed with a spectrophotometer. The Mean Optical Density (MOD) of the cells stored in DMEM was compared with those of cells in other media at each interval with the independent t-test at P < 0.05 Results The MOD of cells stored in DMEM, honey, and HBSS over the 24-h period ranged between 0.32 ± 0.04 −0.31 ± 0.05; 0.30 ± 0.07−0.28 ± 0.07, and 0.23 ± 0.0−0.21 ± 0.01, respectively. The mean difference between the OD of cells stored in honey and those in DMEM at the end of the study period was 0.03 (t = 1.37; P = 0.18). Conclusion There was no difference in the viability of PDL cells stored in honey and DMEM over the study period.

The relationship between the vestibular system and the circadian timing system: A review.

This review attempts to analyze the relationship between the vestibular system and the circadian timing system. The activity of the biological clock allows an organism to optimally perform its tasks throughout the nychtemeron. To achieve this, the biological clock is subjected to exogenous factors that entrain it to a 24h period. While the most powerful synchronizer is the light-dark cycle produced by the Earth's rotation, research has led to the hypothesis of the vestibular system as a possible non-photic time cue used to entrain circadian rhythms. Demonstrated neuroanatomical pathways between vestibular nuclei and suprachiasmatic nuclei could transmit this message. Moreover, functional evidence in both humans and animals has shown that vestibular disruption or stimulation may lead to changes in circadian rhythms characteristics. Vestibular stimulations could be considered to act synergistically with other synchronizers, such as light, to ensure the entrainment of biological rhythms over the 24-h reference period.

Automated oxygen control for preterm infants receiving continuous positive airway pressure in southwest Nigeria: an open-label, randomised, crossover trial.

Titration of oxygen therapy to target safe oxygen saturation (SpO2) values is a vital part of care for preterm infants, but is difficult to achieve, particularly in settings in which oxygen, monitoring technology, and human resources are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of automated titration of oxygen therapy partnered with a low-cost continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device versus manual oxygen control in preterm infants requiring CPAP in a high-mortality, low-resource setting. In this open-label, randomised, crossover trial, preterm infants with a gestational age younger than 34 weeks (or a birthweight <2 kg if gestation was unknown) who were aged 12 h or older and required CPAP and oxygen were recruited at two hospitals in southwest Nigeria. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to one of two intervention sequences (ie, to commence the study on automated oxygen control or manual oxygen control) with block randomisation (blocks of 4 and 6) and stratification by health facility. The study statistician was masked to treatment group assignment, but the participants' parents or caregivers and clinical staff were not. Participants received automated or manual oxygen control for two 24-h periods in random sequence. Automated oxygen titration was done with a control algorithm with proven efficacy in high-resource settings. During periods of manual control, oxygen therapy was adjusted by clinicians. The primary outcome was the adjusted mean difference in the proportion of time participants spent in the SpO2 target range (ie, SpO2 91-95% when receiving oxygen or SpO2 91-100% when not receiving oxygen) between automated and manual oxygen control, analysed by intention to treat with weighted repeated measures mixed model linear regression. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05508308, and is completed. Between Sept 13, 2022, and Sept 11, 2023, 72 infants were screened, and 49 (22 female, 27 male; median gestation 29 weeks [IQR 28-31]; median birthweight 1·2 kg [1·1-1·5]) were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned. A total of 80 study periods for 46 infants contributed data to the analysis of the primary outcome as three (6%) of the 49 participants had no oxygenation data from either study period. The mean proportion of time spent in the SpO2 target range was higher during automated control periods than during periods of manual control (adjusted mean 88·1% [95% CI 84·0-92·2] vs 30·1% [20·9-39·3]; adjusted mean difference 58·0% [95% CI 48·0-67·9]; p<0·0001). There were no device-related adverse patient outcomes and short-term safety outcomes favoured automated control. Automated titration of oxygen partnered with a low-cost CPAP device improved time spent in the safe SpO2 range compared with manual control. There is high potential for this technology to mitigate the risk of oxygen-mediated complications in preterm infants in low-resource settings. National Health and Medical Research Council Australia and University of Tasmania.

Repeated cycles of binge-like ethanol consumption and abstinence alter neuropeptide mRNA in prefrontal and insular cortex, amygdala, and lateral hypothalamus of male and female C57BL/6J mice.

Binge drinking is a risky pattern of alcohol (ethanol) consumption associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Many neuropeptide systems are thought to become dysregulated in AUD; however, whether repeated cycles of binge-like ethanol consumption and abstinence following binge-like drinking alter neuropeptide mRNA in key brain regions, such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), insular cortex (IC), amygdala, and lateral hypothalamus (LH), remains unknown. Male and female mice underwent 0, 3, or 6 cycles of binge-like ethanol consumption using the "Drinking in the Dark" (DID) paradigm. Brain tissue was collected either immediately following the final session of DID or after a 24-h period of abstinence, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to assess how repeated cycles of binge-like ethanol intake and abstinence alter relative mRNA expression for 22 neuropeptide-related targets. We observed that repeated cycles of binge-like ethanol consumption and abstinence altered relative mRNA expression for 11 targets in the mPFC, five targets in the IC, eight targets in the amygdala, and two targets in the LH. Two of these alterations were specific to female mice, while one was specific to male mice. These data suggest that neuropeptide mRNA is altered by repeated cycles of binge-like ethanol intake and abstinence in a brain region and sex-dependent manner. The current findings provide a useful foundation from which to explore potential targets to decrease binge-like ethanol consumption and prevent the development of AUD.

Regulation of circadian gene activity in fibroblasts from ADHD patients through Rosiglitazone: a pilot study.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a frequently observed condition, with about 70% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD experiencing irregular sleep-wake patterns. Beyond the primary symptoms of ADHD, there is a significant overlap with sleep-related issues, indicating that disrupted sleep patterns may exacerbate ADHD symptoms. ADHD-related sleep problems can be traced to a delayed circadian rhythm and a later onset of melatonin production. Therefore, normalizing circadian rhythms has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for psychiatric disorders. Recent animal studies have provided compelling evidence linking peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a key regulator of energy metabolism, to the regulation of physiological and behavioral rhythms. In this study, we hypothesized that treating fibroblasts from ADHD patients, which exhibit disturbances in circadian rhythmicity that are replicated in peripheral fibroblasts, with rosiglitazone may restore their circadian rhythmicity to that of the controls. To this end, we used cultures of fibroblasts obtained from skin biopsy explants of ADHD patients and controls and investigated the temporal patterns of clock gene expression over a period of 24h. We report that the administration of the PPARγ agonist, rosiglitazone significantly realigns the chronobiological patterns of ADHD patient samples and control groups by inducing phase shifts in the expression of the BMAL1, PER3, and CRY1 clock genes. Nevertheless, rosiglitazone showed limited impact on the amplitude and phase of CLOCK1, NPAS2, and PER1. No notable changes were observed in PER2 and PER3 gene expression. The data from cultured human dermal fibroblasts indicate that PPARγ-agonists may help regulate circadian molecular mechanisms. Given the shared genetic pathways between ADHD and obesity, future studies could investigate the potential of RSG as a treatment for circadian rhythm disorders, particularly in obese patients with ADHD.

Evaluation of compliance and accuracy in Parkinson’s disease motor symptom tracking: a comparative study of digital and traditional paper diaries using a smartphone application (MyParkinson’s)

Background/objectivesThis study aimed to evaluate compliance and accuracy in comparison with traditional PD diaries for tracking motor symptoms using a new smartphone application (MyParkinson’s) and paper diary strategies. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with progressive motor symptoms. Treatment becomes more challenging as PD progresses, motor complications in the form of wearing-off phenomenon and levodopa-induced dyskinesia develop. Traditional paper diaries and clinical scales used to evaluate patients may be inadequate in assessing whether the patient is “on” or “off,” resulting in less-than-ideal treatment changes.MethodsA randomized crossover design was utilized to examine 22 advanced PD patients who underwent symptomatic assessment with both diaries during two separate 24-h periods seven days apart. The compliance and accuracy of data were assessed by comparing diary entries with the clinical examination notes and WhatsApp queries. LaOerly, patients’ diary preferences were also evaluated.ResultsThe digital diary had significantly beOer compliance and accuracy than the paper diaries, with substantial/almost perfect levels of agreement (κ = 0.615 to 0.818) between logged symptoms and clinical examination notes. 65% of patients preferred the digital diary for follow-ups, and there was no significant difference in ease of use compared to paper diaries.ConclusionDigital diaries are helpful in the clinical management of PD patients as they minimize recall bias and reduce data errors in appropriately selected patients. Our study suggests a broader adoption of digital health technologies in PD management. Still, additional research is necessary to improve the tools and assess long-term patient outcomes.

Investigating the longitudinal bi-directional relationship between self-reported restrictive eating behaviours and sleep in UK adolescents within the Millennium Cohort Study.

This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal bi-directional relationship between self-reported restrictive eating behaviours and sleep characteristics within a sample of UK adolescents from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS). Using a Structural Equation Modelling approach, the present study investigated the prospective associations between individual sleep behaviours (e.g., sleep timing, sleep onset latency, social jetlag) at age 14 and restrictive eating behaviours at age 17. Moreover, the association between restrictive eating behaviours (age 14) and self-reported sleep quality (age 17) was tested. A mediation analysis was conducted to explore the role of depressive symptoms in these relationships. In total, N = 6,041 young people provided self-report data at both timepoints (sweep 6 & 7) and a subsample of N = 2,164 additionally provided diary data on their sleep behaviours over two separate 24h periods. Sleep indicators at age 14 did not significantly predict changes in restrictive eating behaviours across time. However, engagement in restrictive eating behaviours at age 14 significantly predicted poorer self-perceived sleep quality three years later (β = 0.06, SE = 0.01, p <.01). Depressive symptoms fully mediated this relationship (indirect effect: β = 0.05, SE = 0.04, p <.001). The present study provides evidence for a prospective positive association between restrictive eating behaviours and subsequent poorer sleep quality in a large, general population sample. Findings of the mediation analysis suggest mood as a potential target for tertiary prevention when addressing restrictive eating behaviours as an eating disorder risk factor in adolescents.

Impact of time in tight range on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study.

Currently, there is a lack of evidence regarding time in tight range (TITR) and long-term adverse outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association between TITR and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 6061 patients with type 2 diabetes were prospectively recruited in a single centre. TITR was measured with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) at baseline and was defined as the percentage of time in the target glucose range of 3.9-7.8 mmol/L (70-140 mg/dL) during a 24-h period. Cox proportion hazard regression models were used to examine the association between TITR and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. During a median follow-up period of 10.9 years, 1898 (31.3%) death events were confirmed, with 689 (11.4%) due to cardiovascular mortality. The restricted cubic spline revealed significant linear relationships between lower TITR and higher risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (p for linearity <0.01). In the fully adjusted model including glycated haemoglobin A1c, each 10% decrease in TITR was associated with 4% (95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.06) increased risk of all-cause mortality and 4% (95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.08) increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Subgroup analyses showed that the linear relationship between TITR and all-cause mortality risk was sustained in patients with haemoglobin A1c <7.0% and patients with fasting plasma glucose <7.0 mmol/L. Lower TITR is associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes, indicating that tight glycaemic control within the physiological range may be crucial for reducing long-term mortality risk, especially in those with seemingly well-controlled diabetes.

Blood biochemistry changes in a minipig infarction model

IntroductionThe present study aimed to assess changes in biochemical parameters during the adaptation of the myocardial infarction model to a conventional Hungarian minipig breed. According to our hypothesis, changes in the blood level of the necroenzymes are not only related to the interventional procedure but are also influenced by peri-procedural animal keeping and treatment conditions.MethodsClosed chest acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was induced by balloon occlusion for 90 min in the left anterior descendent coronary artery (LAD) in 24 adult, female Pannon minipigs followed by reperfusion. Blood samples were taken before AMI, and immediately after the reperfusion, during the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) on days 3 and 30. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and high-sensitivity troponin I were determined.ResultsWhile the parameters measured at baseline remained within physiological ranges, a notable elevation was seen in comparison with the results observed on day 30. This phenomenon was evident in all the laboratory parameters tested, except hs-troponin. The results for AST, ALT, LDH, and CK were statistically significant (p = 0.011, p = 0.001, p = 0.013, and p = 0.001, respectively). A statistically significant difference was observed between the baseline and 30-day AST/ALT ratio (p = 0.00514).DiscussionThe elevated levels of necroenzymes observed at baseline are likely to be a consequence of the physical and social stress imposed by the study design on the minipigs during the 72-h period prior to intervention. It is essential to define the optimal timing of baseline blood tests to ensure the reliability of the biochemical profile in a large animal infarction model.

In Vitro Biochemical Control of Taenia solium and Taenia saginata Eggs.

The present study evaluated in vitro the action of the plant protease papain (EC 3.4.22.2) on intact eggs of Taenia solium and Taenia saginata. Two experimental groups were composed for each of the gastrointestinal helminths: control group (G1) and treated group (G2). In each replicate corresponding to the control group, 100 µL of the suspension containing approximately 100 intact eggs (T. solium) or 50 eggs (T. saginata) and 100 µL of distilled water were added, while for the treated group 100 µL of the egg suspension and 100 µL of the papain solution at a concentration of 15% (m/v) were added. The experiment was conducted in four replicates. The groups were incubated in BOD at 28 ± 1 ºC in the dark for a period of 24h. The results demonstrated that there was a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of intact eggs, with average reduction percentages for T. saginata and T. solium of 74.36% and 64.29%, respectively. This study is the first report on the in vitro control of helminth eggs (T. saginata and T. solium) using pure papain.

Modified field method for testing activated sludge condition in chambers with variable wastewater levels.

The paper presents a proposal to modify a field method of testing the condition of activated sludge using a 30-min volume of sludge (settling test). To verify the validity of the modified method of testing the condition of activated sludge, field tests were performed in two onsite wastewater treatment plants. In these plants, the reaction chambers were fed by gravity from the primary sedimentation tank throughout the day. For such treatment plants, the activated sludge condition test varies during a 24-h period. Testing the condition of activated sludge using the modified volume of sludge gives stable results over a 24-h period. To analyse the results, a statistical test was performed to compare the results obtained in the traditional volume of sludge and the modified one. The analysis showed that the results of the sludge volume test are incorrect if the wastewater sample is taken at a time other than the final filling of the bioreactor (just before the sedimentation phase) due to sludge thickening. The proposed modified sludge volume test allows the operator to perform the test at any time of day with a correct result.

Relationship between antihistamine residues in wastewater and airborne pollen concentrations: Insights into population-scale pollinosis response.

Pollinosis is the most prevalent allergic disorder. Assessing the impact of real-world pollen exposure on symptoms remains challenging due to extensive patient-level efforts required. This study explores the potential of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to investigate the relationship between airborne pollen concentrations and antihistamine residues in wastewater as an indicator of pollinosis symptom treatment at the population-scale. In Zurich (Switzerland), 279 wastewater samples were collected during 2021-2023. Each sample represents a 24-h period with excreta from approximately 471,000 individuals. Eleven antihistamine markers were analyzed in the samples using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. The relationship between antihistamine loads in wastewater and airborne pollen concentrations (47 taxa and miscellaneous pollen) was investigated by determining seasonal components of antihistamine loads and exploring pollen-specific contributions using Non-Negative Least Squares (NNLS) optimization. Four antihistamines were detected in quantifiable amounts in wastewater. The first-generation antihistamine, diphenhydramine, demonstrated rather constant levels. In contrast, the three second-generation antihistamines - bilastine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine - showed pronounced day-to-day variation with strong correlations among each other. For fexofenadine, which was investigated in detail for its correlation with airborne pollen concentrations, approximately 50% of the annual wastewater loads were associated with acute pollen exposure. Another 20% related to baseline consumption during the pollen season, while the remaining 30% seems unrelated to pollen. Birch, grasses, hazel, hornbeam, plane, and plantain explained most of the variance in wastewater loads (R2=0.82), with grass pollen alone accounting for a quarter of the annual loads. Increased fexofenadine loads during periods without elevated concentrations of common allergenic pollen suggests the presence of additional triggers for allergy symptoms, potentially yew pollen. Our study demonstrates that WBE can effectively reveal substantial day-to-day variation in antihistamine use related to pollen exposure. Thus, WBE presents an objective and questionnaire-independent method for investigating pollinosis symptom treatment at a population-scale.

Are standardized conditions needed for correct CGM data interpretation in subjects at early stages of glucose intolerance?

AimThe present study comparatively evaluated glucose variability (GV) parameters derived from both continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) performed under standard conditions for a 24-h period and under usual everyday conditions for a 14-day period in a high-risk population without diabetes.Methods and resultsSeventy five subjects: 14 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT; mean age 43.6 ± 10.7 years; BMI 30.5 ± 6.9 kg/m2), 19 with high 1-h postload glucose > 8.6 mmol/l (1hrOGTT; mean age 45.6 ± 8.9 years; BMI 33.7 ± 6.9 kg/m2), and 42 with isolated impaired glucose tolerance (iIGT; mean age 47.6 ± 11.8 years; BMI 31.0 ± 6.5 kg/m2), were enrolled. An OGTT was performed. CGM was performed with blinded FreeStyleLibrePro for 24 h under standard conditions and for the rest of the 14-day period under usual everyday conditions. GV parameters derived from both periods were compared. There was a significant increase in GV with worsening of glucose tolerance from NGT, to 1hrOGTT and iIGT, independently of the conditions. Our findings showed moderate to strong correlations among GV indices between the studied periods in the cohort and in the 1hrOGTT and iIGT groups. However, a significant difference was found in some of the GV parameters between the analyzed periods.ConclusionThe trend in GV is independent of the conditions, under which CGM is performed, in subjects at early stages of glucose intolerance. Although its measurements to some extend differ in standard and everyday conditions, there is no need of standardized conditions for correct interpretation of GV indices in this population.

Parametric optimization, Polyphenol profiling and Bioefficacy of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell phytoextract against multi-drug resistant (MDR) foodborne bacterial pathogens.

Nowadays, antimicrobial resistance and foodborne burden are a prevalent global concern for human health and sustainable development. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell extract against pathogenic foodborne bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes). Antibiogram phenotypic analysis on these strains revealed a high multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index, which varies from 0.5 to 0.75, and antibiotic resistance of 50-80 per cent. Polarity-wise extracted ethanolic extract (BM04-ET) showed potent anti-listerial (22.33±1.15mm) and anti-escherichial (20.33±0.58mm) potential with strong bactericidal activity against tested strains. In vitro phytochemical experiments confirmed a very high content of phenols (214.2±1.79mg/g and flavonoids (61.01±0.48mg/g) in BM04-ET; further confirmation via UPLC elucidated the abundance of natural bioactive flavanonol, i.e., dihydroquercetin (224.932μg/mL), possibly imparting bactericidal property to extract. Optimization studies identifies the best parametric combination with pH value of 6.8, temperature 37°C, and incubation period of 24h for the antibacterial effect of BM04-ET. Due to high polyphenolic content and superior antibacterial excellence, the study suggested B. monnieri ethanolic extract could be used as a choice in combating foodborne infection, and further research exploration on key antibacterial components turn out to be a remarkable milestone in food and medicinal industries.

Sustainable fishing: a study on barrier traps in Indonesia

Fishermen from Indonesia are uncertain whether the timing and placement of Belats (guiding barrier traps) affects their catch. To answer this question and improve the long-term viability and productivity of the Belat fishery, this study described the catch composition, productivity, and efficiency of Belat in Tanjung Batu Village, Kotabaru Regency, Indonesia. Two Belats consisting of a leader net, playground, and chamber net, were used in this study: Belat-A was larger than Belat-B in both length and breadth. Belat-A was deployed at 2 km from the shoreline, while Belat-B was installed at 1.5 km away, starting at 10 a.m. over a 24-h and a 48-h period, respectively. Results showed that Belat-A outperformed Belat-B, capturing twice the number of catch (970 versus 460) and 1.6 times the weight (92.6 kg versus 59.1 kg) across ten fish species between 14-50 cm of total length. However, Belat-B achieved similar productivity rates in half the operational time, making it more time-efficient. All fish caught were fresh and marketable, while the method itself was considered environmentally friendly. Several factors that affected the Belat catch and recommendation for upcoming Belat studies are also discussed.

Cyto-Genotoxic Assessment of Sulfoxaflor in Allium cepa Root Cells and DNA Docking Studies.

Sulfoxaflor (SFX) is an insecticide that is commonly used for the control of sap-feeding insects. Since SFX is extensively applied globally, it has been implicated in the substantial induction of environmental toxicity. Therefore, in this study, Allium cepa roots have been employed to elucidate the potential cytogenotoxic effects of SFX in non-target cells by examination of mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and DNA damage. Physiological effects of SFX were evaluated by A. cepa root growth inhibition assay, while cytogenotoxic effects were assessed by A. cepa ana-telophase and comet assay. Moreover, DNA binding affinity and binding mode of SFX were examined using molecular docking simulations to shed light on the genotoxic mechanism of action. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) on the growth of A. cepa cells calculated for SFX was found as 500 mg/L. Moreover, dose- and time-dependent decrease in MI, increase in CAs (disturbed ana-telophase, chromosomal laggards, stickiness, and anaphase chromosome bridge) and DNA damage were observed by the exposure of A. cepa root tips to SFX after 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96-h treatment periods. A 6-bp double-stranded DNA structure containing two intercalation sites (PDB ID: 1Z3F) was used for docking studies. According to DNA docking results, SFX exhibited an energetically more favorable binding affinity with DNA (ΔG = -5.05 kcal/mol) compared with the experimental mutagen methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) (ΔG = -2.94 kcal/mol), and preferentially snugly fits into the minor groove of DNA possessing an intercalation gap, thus, providing valuable mechanistic data into the formation of chromosome aberrations and DNA fragmentation induced by this pesticide in A. cepa.

Physiological responses of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) to intermittent cold exposure: A comprehensive analysis of stress, immunity, antioxidant, and metabolic adaptations.

This study examined the energy-dependent physiological responses, including stress, innate immune, and antioxidant systems, as well as indicators of energy mobilization, in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) exposed to intermittent cold, aiming to assess the correlations between these responses. The fish were acclimated to 28°C, divided into two groups, a control group maintained at 28°C, and another exposed to 16°C for two 24h periods with a 5-day interval between them. The fish were sampled at six time points: baseline (after acclimatization to 28°C), 24h after the 1st exposure to 16°C, after 5days of recovery at 28°C, 24h after the 2nd exposure to 16°C, and after 24 and 48h of recovery at 28°C. The reduction in temperature activated the stress response, the innate immune system, and the antioxidative system as well as mobilized lipids from the visceral stores and preserved the circulating levels of triglycerides. Intermittent exposure of fish to cold increased plasma cortisol after both exposures, activated leukocyte respiratory activity after the 2nd exposure, and triggered the compensatory lysozyme response after temperature recovery in both cold exposures in addition to increasing the number of circulating monocytes and granulocytes. The activity of the enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased after the 1st and 2nd cold exposures, respectively. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity increased after the 2nd exposure compared to the control. The subtropical fish pacu was sensitive to intermittent cold exposure and was able to display protective physiological responses.

Kidney REPLACEment therapies in patients with acute kidney injury and RHABDOmyolysis (ReplaceRhabdo): a pilot trial

BackgroundRhabdomyolysis is frequently associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). Due to the nephrotoxic properties of myoglobin, its rapid removal is relevant. If kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is necessary for AKI, a procedure with effective myoglobin elimination should be preferred. This pilot trial was designed to compare different KRT modes that enable myoglobin elimination.MethodsIn this prospective randomized single-center study, 15 patients with rhabdomyolysis and severe AKI requiring KRT were randomized 1:1:1 into three groups: continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH), continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) using a high cut-off dialyzer (CVVHD-HCO), or CVVHD using a high-flux dialyzer in combination with the adsorber CytoSorb (CVVHD-CS). Concentrations of serum myoglobin, urea, creatinine, β2-microglobulin, interleukin-6, and albumin were measured before and after the dialyzer 1, 6, 12, and 24 h after initiating KRT.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the median myoglobin clearance between the KRT modes during the 24-h study period. Nevertheless, the CVVHD-CS group showed a significantly higher myoglobin elimination compared to the other modes in the first hours of treatment. However, as a greater decline in clearance performance was observed over time, no better performance was detected over the whole study period. Simulation of different device combinations showed the highest myoglobin clearance for CVVHD-HCO combined with CS with a 12-hourly adsorber exchange interval.ConclusionsAll tested modes showed an effective myoglobin elimination capacity. The time-dependent elimination performance could be further increased by combining KRT with more frequent adsorber exchange.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00023998); date of registration 03/03/2021.

Adding Insult to Injury: The Impact of Musculoskeletal Pain on Fishermen’s Sleep Patterns

ABSTRACT Objectives Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States, and although injuries have been a prominent focus for research, some health and safety risk factors such as sleep are understudied. In this paper, data from a multi-modal research study of sleep patterns, lifestyle factors, occupational exposures, medical histories, and health assessments in four U.S. fisheries are used to explore the connections between pain and sleep. Methods A mixture of randomized cluster sampling, study promotions, and dockside recruitment was utilized to gather a sufficient number of fishermen in the Alaska Salmon, Oregon Dungeness Crab, Massachusetts Scallop, and Massachusetts Lobster fisheries for the study. Fishermen were surveyed about sleep patterns, occupational exposures, and lifestyle factors. Surveyed fishermen were provided with free comprehensive health assessments by occupational health nurses and physicians or Advanced Practice Providers. Data were collected in REDCap and downloaded into SAS for analysis using a variety of analytic methods. Results A total of 262 surveys and 162 physical examinations were completed with captains and crew members in the four fisheries targeted for study. The average self-reported consecutive hours of sleep for fisheries workers that spend several days at sea (i.e. Crab, Scallop, and Salmon fisheries) were roughly 3.5 to 4.0 h in a 24-h period. Of particular note, the majority of fishermen, regardless of fishery, suffered from back pain, and roughly 40% of fishermen noted pain and discomfort significantly impede their ability to sleep. Conclusions This study underscores the connections between musculoskeletal pain and sleep, providing yet further impetus for preventing musculoskeletal injuries among fishermen. Given the ties between existing sleep debt in the industry and the health and safety risks posed by repeated exposure to insufficient sleep, this study highlights the need for the prevention of these injuries and potentially better treatment options for fishermen who suffer from musculoskeletal disorders.