Adult Subjects Research Articles

Neurosensory Recovery Following Skeletonization of Mental Nerve During Open Reduction & Internal Fixation for Mandibular Fractures

Background: Intraoral open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedures used to treat mandibular fractures can result in neurosensory abnormalities due to soft tissue and nerve manipulation. While treating fractures located in the parasymphysis and anterior body regions, where the inferior alveolar and mental nerves are located, there is limited access which can impede correct reduction and hinder the use of optimal fixation. To counter these problems, better access can be gained through skeletonization of the mental nerve, which is known to result in neurosensory disturbances. However, the extent of neurosensory deficits that may result from these procedures and the degree of their recovery remain unknown in current literature. Objective: The primary purpose of our study was to evaluate and correlate the objective and subjective neurosensory recovery of the mental nerve following skeletonization during Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of mandibular fractures. Study Design: This was a prospective observational study. Settings: The adult subjects having mandibular fractures treated at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, a level III tertiary care hospital. Duration: The study duration was from July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. Methods: Demographic details were taken and preoperative objective and subjective neurosensory assessment was performed. Following surgery, postoperative objective and subjective neurosensory assessment was performed on post op day 1, after 1 and 6 weeks. Collected data was analysed with significance level of <0.05. Results: Twenty four subjects who completed regular follow-up visits for 6 weeks were included in this study. All subjects had objective or subjective neurosensory deficit preoperatively. Following surgery, all the subjects had FSR grade S0 and subjective loss of sensation at immediate postoperative assessment after surgery. 87.5% of the subjects had complete objective and subjective neurosensory recovery at the end of 6 weeks. There was a significant negative correlation between objective and subjective neurosensory recovery during the initial stages of the study, which became non-significant by the end of 6 weeks. Conclusion: Following mental nerve skeletonization during ORIF of subjects with mandibular fractures having some degree of preoperative paraesthesia, a majority of subjects achieved complete neurosensory recovery 6 weeks postoperatively. Therefore, it is expected for a skeletonized mental nerve to return to normal function within 2 months after ORIF for mandibular fractures.

RELATING VARIOUS PARAMETERS OF SELLA TURCICA IN SKELETAL CLASS I SUBJECTS HAVING DIFFERENT GROWTH PATTERNS: A CROSS SECTIONAL LATERAL CEPHALOMETRIC STUDY

Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was correlating various parameters of sella turcica in adult subjects with skeletal Class I having different growth patterns. Materials and Method: Lateral cephalograms of 180 skeletal Class I subjects (90 males, 90 females), aged 18-25 years were selected by ANB angle, W angle, Yen angle, Beta angle and Wits analysis. Subjects were categorised into three groups (average, horizontal and vertical) according to Jarabaks ratio and SN-GoGn angle. Length, depth, width, anteroposterior diameter, area and shape of sella turcica were assessed. Result: Data were analysed using Shapiro-Wilkinson test, T test, onewayanova test, posthoc test and Chi square test. In total no. of Class I subjects for sella turcica size, statistically highly significant difference found for sella length and area (p≤0.0001) which was larger in males and Significant difference found for sella depth (p≤0.03) which was higher in males whereas width (p≤0.001) was more in females. Sella size between growth patterns revealed statistically highly significant difference (p≤0.0001) with more mean for vertical growth pattern subjects. Normal shape of sella turcica was more prevalent in all growth. Conclusion: Gender difference was found for length, depth and area which was more in males and for width in females except for anteroposterior diameter. Statistically highly significant difference was found in vertical growth pattern subjects on comparing sella size between different growth pattern. Sexual dimorphism found for sella area more in males with average growth and sella depth which was more in females with vertical growth.

The Relationship between Body Shaming and Eating Disorder Tendencies in Overweight Early Adult Women

The phenomenon of body shaming behavior is still often found among the public, especially in early adult women. One of the factors that cause individuals to do body shaming is eating disorder behavior that makes individuals less satisfied with body shape and feel that they do not reach ideal standards. This study aims to determine the relationship of body shaming to the tendency of eating disorders in early adult women. The sample in this study was 350 early adult female subjects aged 18-25 years who were domiciled in Makassar City. The sample is obtained by filling out the scan link via google form. Data collection was carried out using two research instruments, namely the body shaming scale and the eating disorder tendency clause. Test the hypothesis using Wilcoxon Theta correlation analysis. The results showed that there was a positive relationship between body shaming and eating disorder tendencies in early adult women with a theta result of 0.536. That is, the higher the tendency to eating disorder, the higher the body shaming experienced by the subject.

Effect of Seaweed Rice Intervention on Fasting Blood Glucose Levels and Antioxidant Activity in Prediabetics and Diabetics Adults

This study aimed to analyze the effect of seaweed rice on Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) levels in humans measured using finger prick method. This research was a quasi-experimental study with pre-posttest design. A total of 34 adult subjects were divided into control and intervention groups. The intervention group received 250 g/day of seaweed rice made by extrusion method at 8 AM for 42 days, while the control group received none. The results showed that the intervention had no significant effect on either FBG or SOD levels.

Perceptual addition of continuous magnitudes in an ‘artificial algebra’

Although there is substantial evidence for an innate ‘number sense’ that scaffolds learning about mathematics, whether the underlying representations are based on discrete or continuous perceptual magnitudes has been controversial. Yet the nature of the computations supported by these representations has been neglected in this debate. While basic computation of discrete non-symbolic quantities has been reliably demonstrated in adults, infants, and non-humans, far less consideration has been given to the capacity for computation of continuous perceptual magnitudes. Here we used a novel experimental task to ask if humans can learn to add non-symbolic, continuous magnitudes in accord with the properties of an algebraic group, by feedback and without explicit instruction. Three pairs of experiments tested perceptual addition under the group properties of commutativity (Experiments 1a-b), identity and inverses (Experiments 2a-b) and associativity (Experiments 3a-b), with both line length and brightness modalities. Transfer designs were used in which participants responded on trials with feedback based on sums of magnitudes and later were tested with novel stimulus configurations. In all experiments, correlations of average responses with magnitude sums were high on trials with feedback. Responding on transfer trials was accurate and provided strong support for addition under all of the group axioms with line length, and for all except associativity with brightness. Our results confirm that adult human subjects can implicitly add continuous quantities in a manner consistent with symbolic addition over the integers, and that an ‘artificial algebra’ task can be used to study implicit computation.

The importance of biglycan, decorin and TGF-1 levels in the diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND: Despite Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ranks among the most deadly cancers worldwide, and currently, apart from a low percentage, targetable molecules have not been identified in its etiopathogenesis. The relationship between the proteoglycans decorin and biglycan, which are present in the extracellular matrix of cells, and transforming growth factor Beta-1 (TGF-B1), has been shown in many cancers. We investigated the significance of these molecules in NSCLC. METHODS: Fasting serum levels of decorin, biglycan, and TGF-B1 were obtained from 48 newly diagnosed NSCLC patients and compared with those of 48 adult control subjects matched for age and demographics. Demographic data, baseline laboratory values, and ELISA results were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The median age was 65(39–83) similar in both groups. There was no relation between demographic and clinical parameters and the levels of decorin, biglycan, and TGF-B1 in the NSCLC group. However, in comparison to the control group, NSCLC patients had significantly higher levels of biglycan (42.55 ± 27.40 vs. 24.38 ± 12.05 ng/mL, p= 0.026) and TGF-B1 (15.55 ± 9.16 vs. 10.07 ± 7.8 pg/mL, p= 0.001), while decorin levels were significantly lower (6.64 ± 1.92 vs. 10.28 ± 3.13 ng/mL, p= 0.002). In the multivariate regression analysis; Decorin < 8.13 ng/mL (OR, 10.96; 95% CI: 3.440–34.958), current smoking (OR, 3.81; 95% CI: 1.320–10.998), COPD (OR, 43.6; 95% CI: 2.082–913.081), and lower BMI (OR, 1.22; 95% CI: 1.070–1.405, p= 0.003) were identified as independent predictive markers for NSCLC diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The decreased serum decorin level is an independent marker for NSCLC. Further studies are needed to investigate the prognostic significance of decorin on survival and its potential as a target in treatment.

Occurrence of Major Perfluorinated Alkylate Substances in Human Blood and Target Organs.

Human exposure to perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs) is usually assessed from the concentrations in serum or plasma, assuming one-compartment toxicokinetics. To characterize body distributions of major PFASs, we obtained and extracted tissue samples from 19 forensic autopsies of healthy adult subjects who had died suddenly and were not known to have elevated levels of PFAS exposure. As target organs of toxicological importance, we selected the liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen, and brain, as well as whole blood. Samples weighing about 0.1 g were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to triple mass spectrometers. Minor variations in PFAS concentrations were found between the kidney cortex and medulla and between lung lobes. Organ concentrations of perfluorooctanoic sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) correlated well with blood concentrations, while perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorohexanoic sulfonate (PFHxS) showed more variable associations. Likewise, the liver concentrations correlated well with those of other organs. Calculations of relative distributions were carried out to assess the interdependence of organ retentions. Equilibrium model predictions largely explained the observed PFAS distributions, except for the brain. Although the samples were small and affected by a possible lack of homogeneity, these findings support the use of blood-PFAS concentrations as a measure of PFAS exposure, with the liver possibly acting as the main organ of retention.

Persistent esophageal changes after histologic remission in eosinophilic esophagitis

BackgroundEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is characterized by persistent or relapsing allergic inflammation, and both clinical and histologic features of esophageal inflammation persist over time in most individuals. Mechanisms contributing to EoE relapse are not understood and therefore chronic EoE-directed therapy is required to prevent long-term sequelae. ObjectiveWe investigated if with EoE patients in histologic remission have persistent dysregulation of esophageal gene expression. MethodsEsophageal biopsies from pediatric (n=51) and adult (n=52) subjects with EoE in histopathologic remission (<15 eos/HPF) and control (n=48 pediatric, n=167 adult) subjects from multiple institutions were subjected to molecular profiling by the EoE Diagnostic Panel (EDP), a set of 94 esophageal transcripts differentially expressed in active EoE. ResultsDefining remission as <15 eosinophils/HPF, we identified 511 and 32 differentially expressed genes in pediatric and adult EoE patients compared to control individuals, respectively (FDR < 0.05). Using the stringent definition of remission (0 eos/HPF), the adult and pediatric cohorts continued to have 18 and 25 differentially expressed genes (FDR ≤ .05). Among 6 shared genes between adults and children, CDH26 was upregulated in both children and adults; immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased cadherin 26 staining in the epithelium of EoE patients in remission compared to non-EoE controls. In the adult cohort, POSTN expression correlated with the Endoscopic Reference Score (Spearman r= 0.35, p= 0.011), specifically correlating with the rings EREFS subscore (r= 0.53, p=0.004). ConclusionWe have identified persistent EoE-associated esophageal gene expression in patients with deep remission. These data suggest potential inflammation-induced epigenetic mechanisms may influence gene expression during remission in EoE and provide insight into possible mechanisms that underlie relapse in EoE.

Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Using the New Ekfc Equation in Healthy and Chronic Kidney Disease Adult Subjects from Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction: Since the publication of the first equation for estimate creatinine clearance in 1957, several other equations estimating glomerular filtration rate have followed in succession. To date, a new equation has been published by the European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) in 2021, which would have the advantage of being adaptable to any type of population. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the performance of this new equation in our black African population of healthy subjects and subjects with chronic kidney disease.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 192 healthy subjects and 183 subjects with chronic kidney disease. Plasma iohexol clearance (mGFR) constituted́ the reference method used to measure glomerular filtration rate and allowed evaluation of all equation variants (EKFC crea, EKFC cys, EKFC crea-cys). Equation performance was studied by calculating the 95% CI bias, the interquartile range (25% percentile, 75% percentile) and the 30% accuracy (P30) compared with the reference method.&#x0D; Results: All EKFC variants in both populations (healthy subjects and chronic kidney disease subjects) had biases below 5 ml/min/1.73 m2. Biases were therefore acceptable. On the other hand, P30s were less good in subjects with chronic kidney disease.&#x0D; Conclusion: Thus, the EKFC equation performs well in the healthy population, but its evaluation in the chronic kidney disease population needs to be strengthened on the basis of larger cohorts.

Analysis of Cervical Range of Motion in Subjects Affected by Temporomandibular Disorders: A Controlled Study.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study were to compare the cervical ROM data obtained from accelerometer exams between patients suffering from TMDs (study group) and healthy patients (control group). Material and Methods: A sample of 43 young adult subjects (23 control subjects and 20 TMD patients) were included in this study and analyzed with the accelerometer (Baiobit™, BTS, Garbagnate Milanese, Milan, Italy) to assess cervical ROM using a standardized protocol, including the following occlusal conditions: mandibular rest position, clenching, clenching with cotton rolls, maximal intercuspation, and mandibular position with cotton rolls. The cervical ROM was measured in degrees and expressed as the mean and standard deviation. Results: TMD patients showed a reduced cervical extension compared to control subjects in all the conditions, with statistically significant relevance. Regarding the other movements, the differences were not statistically or clinically significant. Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, it can be observed that temporomandibular disorders are associated with a decreased cervical extension range, while the remaining components of ROM do not seem to be significantly associated. The use of accelerometers in ROM analysis could be helpful in improving interdisciplinary communication between dentists and physiotherapists.

Usage of Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Modified Mallampati Scoring and Brodsky Grading in Adults with Hypertrophic Palatine Tonsils and Sleep Disordered Breathing

Objective: We aimed to determine the correlation of Modified Mallampati scoring and Brodsky tonsillar grading as indicative factor for sleep disordered breathing by using an Epworth sleepiness scale in patients with hypertrophic tonsils.Methodology: Data for this prospective cross-sectional analytical study was collected at an ENT Department of PNS Shifa Hospital, Karachi between January to July 2021. Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used. After taking informed consent, a subject evaluation proforma was filled which involved detailed personal history of the selected subjects with hypertrophic tonsils and sleep disordered breathing. Epworth sleepiness scale was assessed, Physical examination of subjects involved grading of tonsils and examination of the tongue was done. Data was entered and analyzed on SPSS 23.0 software.Results: The present study enrolled (n=54) adult subjects with mean age calculated to be 25.72 ± 7.9 SD. Pre-operative Epworth scores were significantly lower in subjects with Brodsky grade I and II as compared to higher grades which is in accordance with increasing severity of obstruction as tonsil grading advanced. Furthermore, statistically significant association was seen between Epworth scoring and Mallampati grading.Conclusion: The results of the current study generated significant recommendations for the evaluation of the anatomy of pharynx, use of Epworth questionnaire, Mallampati and Brodsky classification might be a rapid, non-invasive screening tool for advance identification and timely intervention for subjects at risk of sleep disordered breathing.

Evaluating the bioequivalence and safety of liraglutide injection versus Victoza® in healthy Chinese subjects: a randomized, open, two-cycle, self-crossover phase I clinical trial.

Background: Liraglutide is an acylated glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog, and its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties as a GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist make it an important therapeutic option for many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study compared the bioequivalence and safety of liraglutide with the originator product in healthy Chinese adult subjects. Methods: Subjects (N = 36, both sexes) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups (18 cases each) for a two-cycle, self-crossover trial. Each cycle involved a single subcutaneous injection of the test and reference drugs, with a washout period of 14days. The plasma drug concentration was quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The main pharmacokinetic parameters were statistically analyzed to assess drug bioequivalence. Furthermore, the safety of the drugs was assessed throughout the trial. Results: The geometric mean ratios of Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ were 103.73%, 103.01%, and 103.03%, respectively, and their 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were consistent with the range of 80.00%-125.00%, indicating that the two formulations had similar pharmacokinetics. Meanwhile, safety results showed that both drugs were well tolerated. Conclusion: Studies have shown that the test drug has similar bioequivalence and safety to the reference drug. Clinical trial registration: (http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/index.html), identifier (CTR20171303).

Evaluation of the effect of the roots of Beta vulgaris (Chenopodiaceae) juice on adults subjects with grade 1 hypertension under dietary regime

Introduction: Lifestyle modification like increasing fruits/vegetables consumption is one of the key approaches in treating arterial hypertension: a major risk factor for mortality worldwide. Beta vulgaris (beetroot) and other vegetables consume frequently could be a rich source of inorganic nitrates, which will be converted to nitric oxide.&#x0D; Objective: To evaluate the effect of the roots of Beta vulgaris (Chenopodiaceae) juice on adults’ subjects with grade 1 hypertension under dietary regime.&#x0D; Methodology: Beetroot was obtained at the local market and decontaminated. Beetroot juice (BJ) was extracted and freeze till utilization. Recruitment was hospital-based, were included all adult subjects of both sexes, with grade 1 hypertensive according to the Joint National Committee 7, not subject to pharmacological treatment, non-gravid women. A single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed during 4 weeks. Volunteers were randomized to receive either 250 mL of BJ or water (placebo) during 02 weeks and blood pressure (BP) registered in triplicates at baseline, 3 h, at 24 h. BP was recorded daily at home during trial, a week before, and after receiving BJ using an automatic BP machine. Blood and urine nitrates were assessed at baseline and 3 h after drinking juice.&#x0D; Results: A total of 14 subjects participated in the trial including 9 women and 5 men. An overall non-significant decrease in BP of 4.5/0.41 mmHg (decrease of 5.62/2.25 mmHg at H3 [p-value = 0.2427/0.3385], and decrease of 1.4 mmHg in systolic blood pressure at the 24th hour [p-value = 0.4150]) in the intervention group compared to the control group respectively for systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the intervention was observed [p-value = 0.1255/0.1612]. No change in blood and urine nitrite was registered.&#x0D; Conclusion: Beetroot juice decrease non-significantly blood pressure.

A clinical investigation on the safety and effectiveness of an ayurvedic hair oil in controlling hair fall (khalitya) in healthy adult human subjects: a study on hair fall management

Background: Hair loss, commonly associated with genetics, hormones, or health conditions, is prevalent. Dandruff, resulting in flaky scalp skin, is also widespread. Ayurvedic herbal remedies show potential for addressing these hair issues. This clinical trial assesses the efficacy and safety of an ayurvedic hair oil in healthy adults with hair loss (alopecia). The aim is to evaluate its purported benefits in reducing hair fall, stimulating hair growth and alleviating scalp dandruff. Methods: This 8-week study involved 30 subjects with hair fall. After obtaining subject consent, a test hair oil was applied topically. Assessments included evaluating hair-fall, scalp dandruff, hair-growth rate, density, and thickness. Ayurvedic assessment determined hair type. Phototrichogram, pluck-test measured growth, with endpoints including pull-test, combing-test, dermatological evaluation, and subjective questionnaires. Statistical analysis used R software (Version: 4.1.2). Results: The study revealed significant therapeutic efficacy. The mean hair-growth rate increased significantly by 227µm/day (79.92±69.31%) over 8 weeks (p&lt;0.01). Hair-fall decreased by 63.49±21.44%, from 97 to 31 hairs. Hair-thickness and density improved by 34.26±16.36% (p&lt;0.01) and 39.82±34.3% (p&lt;0.01) respectively. Scalp dandruff showed a reduction of 76.33±15.95% (p&lt;0.01). The A:T ratio shifted positively from 3:1 to 5:1, indicating an increase in hairs in the anagen phase. No adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: Consistent use of 'moha: 5-in-1' hair oil over 8 weeks was well-tolerated and found effective. It significantly decreased hair fall, promoted hair growth, and improved scalp health by reducing dandruff. This confirms its safety and efficacy among study participants, establishing it as suitable choice for holistic daily hair care.

Examining the Relationship Between the Dominant Eye and the Dominant Hand

Background and Objectives: This study aims to determine the relationship between hand dominance and ocular dominance (OD) using different test formats of handedness and ocular dominance. Methods: Three OD test formats were administered to 74 healthy young adult subjects, hole-in-card test for sighting dominance, near-point-of-convergence (NPC) test for motor dominance, and +1.50 to blur test for sensory dominance. All of these tests were performed while the best correction was in front of the subject’s eyes. An interview for preferred dominance and a finger-tapping test for performance dominance were administered to determine the dominant hand. Results: Right eye dominance was indicated in 66.2% with the hole-in-card test, 56.8% with the NPC test, and 51.4% of cases with the +1.50-to-blur test. Statistically, a significant nonrandom relationship was observed between the results of hole-in-card and NPC tests (P=0.000), hole-in-card and +1.50-to-blur tests (P=0.003), and also between the results of NPC and +1.50-to-blur tests (P=0.003). In addition, it was found that in 52.7% of the cases, all three dimensions of eye dominance (sighting, sensory, and motor) are not in the same eye and do not have pure eye dominance. In examining the dominant hand, the majority of subjects were right-handed both in the preference (62 of 74 [83.8%]) and in the performance dimension (63 of 74 [85.1%]). Statistical analysis shows a significant nonrandom relationship between the pure dominant hand and the pure dominant eye (P=0.000). In addition, the pure dominant hand (0.813) and pure dominant eye (P=0.126) are independent of gender. Conclusion: Determining the OD, similar to determining the hand dominance based on their different dimensions, can have different results. According to the results, in all dimensions of ocular and hand dominance, both the dominant eye and the dominant hand are more on the right side of people. Furthermore, the pure dominant eye and pure dominant hand are not independent of each other.

Utility of retinoscopy to examine peripheral refraction

PurposeThis study explored whether retinoscopy (RET) provides comparable results of relative peripheral refraction (RPR) to open–field autorefractometry (AR) in myopic subjects. MethodsPeripheral refraction was measured in 20 myopic and 20 control adult subjects. Both central and peripheral refraction (20° nasal and temporal eccentricity) were measured using RET and open-field AR. Differences in the median central spherical equivalent (SE), median RPR, and median J45/J180 power vectors between the RET and AR techniques were analyzed. Moreover, Bland – Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between RET and AR methods for RPR measurements in MG. ResultsFor MG, the median RPR values were positive (hyperopic shift), and no significant differences were observed between the RET and AR techniques with respect to RPR measurement. In addition, we did not observe any significant differences in the RPR values between the nasal and temporal eccentricities for either the RET or AR technique for myopic subjects. There was also a significant correlation and agreement between the RET and AR technique for RPR measurements. With respect to central refraction, the median SE was slightly more positive for the RET than for the AR technique. Inside the CG, we also found significant correlation between the RET and AR technique for RPR measurements, and we observed a myopic shift in peripheral eccentricities. ConclusionOur results show that retinoscopy may be a useful tool for objective measurements of RPR in myopic subjects and may be used interchangeably with the open-field AR method in everyday clinical practice.

Working memory: what does research say about oscillation and functional connectivity?

Working memory is a crucial cognitive function for processing and storing information in short-term memory during purposeful activities [1]. Numerous studies using EEG, MEG, and stereo-EEG were conducted to identify the neurophysiological correlates of working memory, including oscillations in specific brain regions in the absence of a memorized stimulus. The studies explored multiple aspects such as encoding, maintenance, processing, ordering, updating, and inhibition and various working memory modalities. Additionally, the studies highlighted the significance of examining the functional connectivity between different brain regions. As a result, researchers have amassed a large amount of data that is often contradictory and lacks organization [2]. The aim of this study is to perform a methodical review of literature published from 1980 up to the present period, cataloged in the Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed databases. The systematic review follows the PICo structure and addresses three main questions: which neuronal networks are involved in different working memory modalities and detect synchronizations between and within frequencies in cognitively safe subjects; are there disparities in the characteristics of neuronal networks between adults and the elderly; and can various interventions be employed to align the characteristics of neuronal networks in the elderly with those of adults [3]. The systematic review follows PRISMA-P 2015 protocol [4]. Main inclusion criteria focus on investigating working memory, analyzing visual, verbal and nonspecific modalities, using EEG/MEG/stereo-EEG, assessing adult and elderly subjects, and providing quantitative results from behavioral and neurocognitive research. Exclusion criteria: The study excluded emotional stimuli and assessments of long-term memory as well as the use of fMRI. Additionally, unigender studies and studies with subjects who had cognitive or other impairments were not included. In addition, the study required a sufficient number of subjects and time-frequency analysis. Moreover, physical or dietary interventions were excluded, and experimental research was necessary for inclusion. The study did not assess working memory in a foreign language for the subjects. A systematic review was conducted on the platform nested-knowledge.com. Based on the given criteria, a literature search was performed, yielding 2,828 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. These were further screened by two experts, resulting in the identification of 234 relevant articles, and upon full text review, 89 articles were deemed relevant. The resulting pool of articles is characterized by the following parameters: 69 articles describe adult subjects, 5 articles describe elderly subjects, and 12 articles compare both groups. Additionally, 42 articles focus on oscillation, 15 on functional connectivity, and 32 on both metrics. Concerning working memory, 22 articles describe all stages, 8 focus on encoding, 11 on encoding and maintenance, 4 on maintenance and recall, 23 on maintenance, 9 on maintenance and processing, 7 on processing, 1 on recall, and 3 without separating stages. Furthermore, 28 articles pertain to verbal memory, 51 to visual memory, 8 articles contain comparisons of modalities, and 2 articles discuss modally non-specific tasks. Preliminary findings from the systematic review indicate distinct functions of various frequency bands for working memory. Specifically, theta rhythms (4–8 Hz) in the frontal lobe were predominantly associated with information maintenance, while demonstrating a propension for increased synchronization during information processing. The alpha rhythm (8–14 Hz) was associated with inhibiting irrelevant data and protecting the current content of working memory, aligning with the widely accepted paradigm [5]. The beta rhythm (14–28 Hz) was most frequently noted to occur when maintaining and recalling information, and its power was associated with memory accuracy indicators. The gamma rhythm (28 Hz and higher) was seen during the process of encoding and maintaining information, and exhibited greater power for more complex stimuli. The analysis of connectivity revealed that encoding visual and verbal stimuli involves interhemispheric frontal-temporal and frontal-central connections that interact through theta rhythms. Additionally, storing information relies on the interplay of theta and gamma rhythms between the frontal and parietal networks. Notably, when dealing with verbal stimuli, the connectivity of the frontal and temporal brain lobes through theta rhythm enhances with load during storage. The alpha rhythm facilitates communication across posterior and frontal divisions during information storage, whereas beta rhythm is associated with frontal-temporal connections. During visual information storage, theta rhythm mediates communication across frontal-postcentral connections. As storage load increases, theta rhythm leads to strengthening of frontal-parietal and frontal-frontal connections until the threshold of working memory capacity is reached, after which these connections weaken. When processing information, connectivity of the right frontal-occipital network, right prefrontal and left occipital regions, right frontal and occipital-parietal areas for visual memory, and frontal-parietal regions for verbal memory were observed in the theta band. Connectivity of the occipital brain regions primarily occurred in the alpha spectrum, and temporal regions exhibited high frequencies. No specific differences were observed between the elderly and adults, aside from the suppression of low frequencies and the prevalence of high frequencies in the connectivity analysis.

Oral sodium hyaluronate relieves knee discomfort: A 12‑week double‑blinded, placebo‑controlled study.

Sodium hyaluronate (SH) is a high molecular-weight polysaccharide composed of repeating polymeric disaccharides of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. SH is present in every connective tissue and organ, with synovial fluid having the highest concentration of SH in the body. The effectiveness of oral SH on gonarthrosis is known; although, its influence on the knees of healthy individuals is not. However, as severe diseases may require surgery, it is better to take care of healthy knees before the onset of gonarthrosis. Therefore, the present study investigated the functionality of SH on the knee of healthy individuals. The present study was a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which healthy adults (mean age: Placebo group, 61.50±1.59; SH group, 58.50±1.81), rated as grade ≤1 based on the Kellgren-Lawrence classification, were administered 111 mg/day SH for 12 weeks. The evaluation of visual analog scales were performed to assess the discomfort in the knees of the participants and were conducted at baseline, and then 6 and 12 weeks after the start of SH ingestion. Additionally, a locomotive syndrome risk test quantifying the mobility of the participants, a one-leg standing time with eyes open test evaluating the strength of the leg muscle as well as the ability to balance by measuring the time to stand on one leg and a blood test (interleukin-10, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, γ-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and C-reactive protein) were performed at baseline and then 12 weeks after the start of SH ingestion. A significant suppression of knee symptoms were demonstrated in the SH group compared with the placebo group in terms of the total visual analog scale scores for pain, stiffness and discomfort for the 31 healthy adult subjects. Significant suppression of symptoms was also demonstrated in the placebo group in terms of discomfort in the knees when descending stairs and pain in the knees after walking for a longer distance or duration than normal. No significant differences between the two groups were demonstrated in the locomotive syndrome risk test, one-leg standing time with eyes open test and the blood test. The results of the present study suggest the possibility that oral SH may help to maintain a healthy condition of the knees. The study protocol was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry in advance (registration no. UMIN000045980, November 4, 2021).

Altered Red Blood Cell Fatty Acid and Serum Adipokine Profiles in Subjects with Obesity.

Adipokines, as well as the fatty acid profile of red blood cell (RBC) membranes, are known to play important roles in the development and progression of metabolic complications induced by obesity. Thus, the objective of this study is to compare the serum adipokine profile and the RBC membrane fatty acid profile of normal-weight and obese adults, and to analyze their relationship with serum biochemical parameters. An observational case-control study was performed in 75 normal-weight and obese adult subjects. Biochemical serum parameters, eight serum adipokines and the RBC membrane fatty acid profiles were measured. Associations between parameters were established using regression analysis. Subjects with obesity showed increased levels of leptin, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and overexpressed nephroblastoma (NOV/CCN3), decreased adiponectin, and similar levels of vaspin and chemerin compared to normal-weight subjects. Significant positive and negative correlations were found with triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), respectively. An increase in the total ω-6 fatty acids in the RBC membrane fatty acid profiles in subjects with obesity was observed, because of higher levels of both dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid (AA), and decreased total ω-3 fatty acids, mainly due to lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The ω-6/ω-3 ratio in the RBCs was significantly higher, suggesting an inflammatory status, as was also suggested by a reduced adiponectin level. A negative association between DGLA and adiponectin, and a positive association between DHA and serum triglycerides, was observed. Important alterations in serum adipokine and RBC fatty acid profiles are found in subjects with obesity.

Stroke patients have lower blood levels of nutrients that are relevant for recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMalnutrition is common after stroke. Stroke patients often have a suboptimal energy intake, body weight and inadequate blood nutrient levels. Nutrient insufficiencies may not be detected, but their recognition is essential to provide adequate nutritional support after a stroke. This comprehensive summary of the literature is a collection of data on blood levels of a broad selection of nutrients involved in restoring cerebral blood flow and functional brain connectivity in stroke patients compared to controls.MethodsEmbase and MEDLINE were searched for studies published in English in the period 1980–2022. Studies including adult stroke subjects and controls whose blood samples were analyzed for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), uridine, choline, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), carnitine, arginine, or taurine were selected. If there were &amp;gt;3 reports (k) per nutrient, results were generated with an unadjusted and age-adjusted random-effects meta-analysis model. Risk of bias was evaluated for relevant domains from the ROBINS-I tool and with Egger's test.ResultsOne hundred five reports on blood nutrient levels were extracted from 56 eligible studies. Overall, meta-analyses showed lower blood levels of most nutrients in stroke patients compared to controls. The number of reports and the statistical significance for the unadjusted data were: folate (k = 27; p = 0.005), vitamin B12 (k = 23; p = 0.002), vitamin E (k = 11; p = 0.013), DHA (k = 7, p = 0.015), EPA (k = 7; p = 0.004), vitamin C (k = 6; p = 0.020), and selenium (k = 6; p = 0.018). No significant decreases were observed for vitamin B6 (k = 6; p = 0.52) and arginine (k = 4; p = 0.93). For other selected nutrients, there were insufficient reports to perform a meta-analysis. Available reports pointed toward lower (CoQ10, choline; k = 2), higher (taurine; k = 2), or unchanged (carnitine, uridine; k = 1) blood levels after stroke. In general, risk of bias was low.ConclusionOur findings indicate that nutrient insufficiencies occur for many nutrients that are involved in repair processes after stroke. The low blood levels of folate, vitamin B12, EPA, DHA, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and possibly CoQ10 and choline, highlight the presence of a suboptimal nutritional status after stroke. The inclusion of targeted nutritional interventions to further support recovery should receive consideration in the multidisciplinary context of stroke rehabilitation.