Disease Symptoms Research Articles

Subthalamic nucleus–language network connectivity predicts dopaminergic modulation of speech function in Parkinson’s disease

Speech impediments are a prominent yet understudied symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). While the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an established clinical target for treating motor symptoms, these interventions can lead to further worsening of speech. The interplay between dopaminergic medication, STN circuitry, and their downstream effects on speech in PD is not yet fully understood. Here, we investigate the effect of dopaminergic medication on STN circuitry and probe its association with speech and cognitive functions in PD patients. We found that changes in intrinsic functional connectivity of the STN were associated with alterations in speech functions in PD. Interestingly, this relationship was characterized by altered functional connectivity of the dorsolateral and ventromedial subdivisions of the STN with the language network. Crucially, medication-induced changes in functional connectivity between the STN's dorsolateral subdivision and key regions in the language network, including the left inferior frontal cortex and the left superior temporal gyrus, correlated with alterations on a standardized neuropsychological test requiring oral responses. This relation was not observed in the written version of the same test. Furthermore, changes in functional connectivity between STN and language regions predicted the medication's downstream effects on speech-related cognitive performance. These findings reveal a previously unidentified brain mechanism through which dopaminergic medication influences speech function in PD. Our study sheds light into the subcortical-cortical circuit mechanisms underlying impaired speech control in PD. The insights gained here could inform treatment strategies aimed at mitigating speech deficits in PD and enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals.

CHANGES IN CIRCADIAN CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON DISEASE AFTER CORRECTION OF POOR SLEEP QUALITY USING MELATONIN: AN OPEN-LABEL CONTROLLED RANDOMISED TRIAL

Introduction. Recent studies are increasing the amount of evidence suggesting that the circadian system is disrupted in Parkinson's disease that can lead to poor sleep. Currently, international guidelines for managing non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease do not have recommendations with proven efficacy, but only methods with potential benefit. Two of the most widely available methods for correcting poor sleep quality in patients with Parkinson's disease in Ukraine are sleep hygiene training, also known as somnoeducation, and melatonin administration. The aim of the study is to compare the state of circadian characteristics before and after the correction of poor sleep quality in patients with Parkinson's disease in the context of sleep hygiene and an integrated approach with the implementation of chronotherapy using melatonin. Materials and methods. We conducted a clinical trial at the Centre for Patients with Parkinson's Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases, which included 34 patients with poor sleep quality who were randomised into 2 groups: group 1a (n = 17) consisted of patients with Parkinson's disease who followed sleep hygiene rules and received chronotherapy; group 1b (n = 17) involved patients with Parkinson's disease who followed sleep hygiene rules but did not take any medications to improve sleep. Circadian characteristics were analysed using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. Results. Our study has found that the correction of poor sleep quality by introducing sleep hygiene into the treatment process of patients with Parkinson's disease demonstrates a shift in the time of sleep onset and mid-sleep to earlier, accompanied by a shift in chronotypes towards earlier, as well as an increase in sleep duration against a decrease in the time spent in bed, which led to an increase in the average actual sleep efficiency. At the same time, melatonin supplementation helps to reduce sleep latency in Parkinson's disease. Conclusions. Adherence to sleep hygiene recommendations contributes to changes in circadian characteristics and improves sleep efficiency in patients with Parkinson's disease, regardless of melatonin administration. Additional use of melatonin to correct the quality of sleep for 1 month is accompanied by a reduction in the sleep latency period.

Evaluation of Endophytic Microorganisms (Trichoderma hazianum and Bacillus subtilus) as Biofungicides against Bayoud Disease (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis) on Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Backgraound: Date palm disease named Bayoud, is the major constraint caused by the soil fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa) in Algeria. This work has the objective to in vivo biocontrol on bayoud disease incidence on three date palm varieties (Deglet-Nour, Feggous and H-mira), using two antagonistic microorganisms, one fungus (Trichoderma harzianum) and one bacterium (Bacillus subtilus). Methods: Foa strains obtained from isolation of the spines carrying the typical symptoms of Bayoud disease. Two strains used T. harzianum and B. subtilus, are isolated from rhizosphere soils of the date palm. Using the greenhouse screening test, the in vivo biocontrol test is carried out on 3-4 month-old date palm seedlings at the rate of 5 ml of inoculum suspension. Result: A significant (P less than 0.01), difference of date palm seedlings reactions against Foa isolate and antagonistic microorganisms was observed. All three date palm varieties present a high susceptibility against Foa until the total mortality of date palm seedlings. The biocontrol test showed that two antagonists showed different reaction, with the complete resistance of three varieties treated by T. harzianum, while, the antagonist B. subtilus protect just two varieties (Deglet-Nour and H-mira) and can’t protect Feggous variety when showed the susceptibility reaction by presentation of typical symptoms of bayoud disease. We can apply of these antagonistic microorganisms to protect our groves contaminated by Bayoud disease and contain just susceptible commercial cultivars of date palm.

Botulinum toxin in the rehabilitation of painful syndromes: multiperspective literature analysis, lexical analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Pain represents a common symptom of several diseases and is often associated with a reduction in rehabilitation outcomes and recovery. The effectiveness of pain alleviation by botulinum toxin has been recently demonstrated. We searched in PubMed the papers about this topic published in the last ten years, and we selected clinical trials, guidelines, meta-analyses, reviews, and systematic reviews. We used different approaches: multiperspective presentation, lexical evaluation, and systematic review. The systematic review was only performed for the randomized controlled trials. We predominantly found reviews and trials about the rehabilitation of stroke/brain injury and epicondylitis. The most common outcome measures were pain, function, and spasticity. Among the common words, pain was the most frequent and the terms were grouped into different families, especially concerning the outcomes. Rehabilitation showed a relatively low frequency. Finally, the systematic review showed moderate-low levels of bias which confirms the effectiveness of botulinum toxin for pain treatment. The current literature about botulinum toxin is wide and globally diffuse but with some limitations in study strategies and clearness in the formal presentation. The evidence justifies the use of botulinum toxin in treating pain in different diseases.

Old Foe, New Host: Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity, and Pathogenic Characterization of Maize Streak Virus in Rice Fields from Burkina Faso

Rice is of critical significance regarding food security worldwide, including in Africa. Only two viruses impacting rice production in Africa have been deeply investigated for decades: the rice yellow mottle virus ( Solemoviridae) and the rice stripe necrosis virus ( Benyviridae). Using viral metagenomics, we aimed at broadening knowledge on interacting communities associated with plants in rice landscapes and exploring the diversity and epidemiological status of viruses circulating in rice fields from Burkina Faso. We performed an epidemiological survey in this country between 2016 and 2019 involving 57 small farmers’ rice fields under two production systems: rainfed lowlands and irrigated areas. More than 2,700 rice samples were collected without regard to disease symptoms following a regular scheme. Wild and cultivated Poaceae (maize and sugarcane) growing in nearby rice fields were also collected. Unexpectedly, metagenomics detected maize streak virus (MSV) ( Geminiviridae) in analyzed rice samples. Further molecular analyses using rolling circle amplification-polymerase chain reaction showed that MSV was widely distributed and highly prevalent in both rainfed lowlands and irrigated rice areas. MSV-A and MSV-G strains were identified. MSV-G, exclusively identified thus far in wild grasses, was the most prevalent strain, whereas MSV-A, known to cause severe symptoms in maize, was sporadically identified. Using infectious clones in experimental conditions, we confirmed the pathogenicity of both MSV strains in rice. Thus, in addition to contributing to the epidemiological surveillance of rice production in Africa, our results illuminate new epidemiological and pathogenic aspects of one of the most studied plant viruses with significant economic consequences in Africa. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Molecular Identification of Ascomycetes from American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) Grown in Plantation in Poland

The American cranberry is a perennial North American fruit plant that is grown successfully on commercial plantations in Poland. The purpose of this study was to recognize filamentous fungi that colonize roots, leaves, and fruits without visible disease symptoms. Pure fungal cultures were isolated from disinfected plant fragments in agar media and identified by sequencing common taxonomic DNA markers such as the ITS region, the TEF-1α, or RPB2 genes. Of the 141 isolates studied, 59% were identified as closely related to soil saprotrophs. They were classified primarily as showing the greatest similarity to type strains of Trichoderma amoenum, Trichoderma dorothopsis, Paraphaeosphaeria sporulosa, and Penicillium murcianum. Additionally, isolates that are most similar to strains of Penicillium crustosum, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus versicolor that produced mycotoxins were detected. The fungi identified as closest to Alternaria geophila, Alternaria senecionicola, Paraphoma radicina, Pestalotiopsis unicolor, Pestalotiopsis scoparia, and Neopestalotiopsis spp., whose hosts are plants other than American cranberry, represented 33.81% of the isolates tested. Only 7.2% of the isolates corresponded to the species of Physalospora vaccinia, Diaporthe vaccinii, and Diaporthe eres, known cranberry pathogens. The results of this study can be used to identify latent plant infection and potential disease risks.

Light spectrum affects growth, metabolite profile, and resistance against fungal phytopathogens of Solanum lycopersicum L. seedlings

Tomato is a widely cultivated and economically important crop worldwide. This study aimed to test the effect of light spectra used in indoor cultivation on the growth, biochemical profile, and resistance of Solanum lycopersicum ‘Bawole Serce’ seedlings against Alternaria alternata, Alternaria solani and Botrytis cinerea. During the phase of first leaf emergence, the seedlings were transferred to a semi-sterile growth room with a controlled environment (20°C, 18-h photoperiod, 50 μmol · m−2 · s−1 PPFD, 65% RH) for a 3-week cultivation period. Five light treatments differing in red/blue (R/B) light ratio were tested: I (LED tube; R/B 5.55), II (fluorescent tube; R/B 0.72), III (fluorescent tube; R/B 1.19), IV (LED panel; R/B 0.51), V (LED panel; R/B 0.20). The best parameters in terms of shoot length, shoot fresh and dry weights, and number of leaves were obtained in treatment I, in contrast to IV and V. Plants from treatments IV and V had the smallest leaf area, perimeter, vertical length, and horizontal width. As for the root system, the highest fresh weight, area, length of the longest root, total length, and the number of root tips and forks were found in treatments I and II. The least developed root systems were observed in IV and V. The greatest chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins accumulation was enhanced by treatment II. Treatments I−III stimulated the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds. The highest superoxide dismutase activity was detected in plants from treatments I and II. As for A. alternata and A. solani, the level of disease symptoms was significantly higher for treatments IV and V than for I-III. The highest/lowest level of B. cinerea infection was found in treatments II/I, respectively. The least susceptible to infection by all tested pathogens were leaves from treatment I. Light spectrum composition is of practical importance for tomato seedling production.

Anthracnose and bean common mosaic necrosis virus resistance in wild and landrace Phaseolus vulgaris (L.) genetic stocks

AbstractWild crop germplasm and landrace varieties have long been considered as a source of novel genetic variation for improving domesticated crops. Due to genetic bottlenecks that occurred during domestication, dissemination, and subsequent crop improvement, many beneficial genes are absent from commercial varieties and elite breeding germplasm, yet are still present in wild populations. To catalog potential novel disease resistance genes useful for breeding more resilient dry beans, we screened wild and landrace Phaseolus vulgaris L. accessions archived in the USDA GRIN seed bank for untapped resistance to anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) and bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV). A population of 194 wild and 55 landrace accessions were screened for resistance to two highly virulent races of anthracnose (race 2047 and race 3481) and for resistance to the BCMNV strain NL‐3. Thirteen accessions, all wild, were resistant to both anthracnose races, with MX‐QT‐3 and PI 661812 displaying complete resistance with no disease symptoms across all replications. Surprisingly, no natural resistance to BCMNV strain NL‐3 was detected in the wild germplasm. PI 442541, PI 661891, and W6 10164 were the only three accessions that expressed the I‐gene phenotype and all three have some history of cultivation. This study provides a resource for introgression of genetic diversity for anthracnose resistance into cultivated beans and reveals that innate resistance to BCMNV may not exist in wild populations of P. vulgaris.

Microstructure predicts non-motor outcomes following deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) effectively treats motor and non-motor symptoms in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). As considerable interindividual variability of outcomes exists, neuroimaging-based biomarkers, including microstructural metrics, have been proposed to anticipate treatment response. In this prospective open-label study, we sought to detect microstructural properties of brain areas associated with short-term non-motor outcomes following STN-DBS. Thirty-seven PD patients underwent diffusion MRI and clinical assessments at preoperative baseline and 6-month follow-up. Whole brain voxel-wise analysis assessed associations between microstructural metrics and non-motor outcomes. Intact microstructure within specific areas, including the right insular cortex, right putamen, right cingulum, and bilateral corticospinal tract were associated with greater postoperative improvement of non-motor symptom burden. Furthermore, microstructural properties of distinct brain regions were associated with postoperative changes in sleep, attention/memory, urinary symptoms, and apathy. In conclusion, diffusion MRI could support preoperative patient counselling by identifying patients with above- or below-average non-motor responses.

Antagonistic Activities of Metschnikowia pulcherrima Isolates Against Penicillium expansum on Amasya Apples.

Postharvest fungal diseases cause serious fruit losses and food safety issues worldwide. The trend in preventing food loss and waste has shifted to environmentally friendly and sustainable methods, such as biological control. Penicillium expansum is a common postharvest contaminant fungus that causes blue mould disease and patulin formation on apples. This study aimed to provide biocontrol using Metschnikowia pulcherrima isolates against P. expansum, and to understand their antagonistic action mechanisms. In vitro, 38.77-51.69% of mycelial growth inhibition of P. expansum was achieved by M. pulcherrima isolates with the dual culture assay, while this rate was 69.45-84.89% in the disc diffusion assay. The disease symptoms of P. expansum on wounds were reduced by M. pulcherrima, on Amasya apples. The lesion diameter, 41.84mm after 12 d of incubation in control, was measured as 24.14mm when treated with the most effective M. pulcherrima DN-MP in vivo. Although the antagonistic mechanisms of M. pulcherrima isolates were similar, there was a difference between their activities. In general, DN-HS and DN-MP isolates were found to be more effective. In light of all these results, it can be said that M. pulcherrima isolates used in the study have an antagonistic effect against the growth of P. expansum both in vitro and in vivo in Amasya apples, therefore, when the appropriate formulation is provided, they can be used as an alternative biocontrol agent to chemical fungicides in the prevention of postharvest diseases.

QoL during KTd or KRd induction followed by K maintenance or observation in transplant noneligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: Longitudinal and cross‐sectional analysis of the randomized AGMT 02 study

AbstractUnderstanding the impact of induction and maintenance therapy on patients’ quality of life (QoL) is important for treatment selection. This study aims to compare patient‐reported QoL between patients treated with KTd or KRd induction therapy and K maintenance therapy or observation. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QOL‐C 30 and QOL‐MY20 questionnaires in the AGMT‐02 study, in which 123 patients with newly diagnosed transplant ineligible multiple myeloma were randomized to nine cycles of either KTd or KRd induction therapy, followed by 12 cycles of K maintenance therapy, or observation. Longitudinal assessments showed statistically significant improvements in global health‐related QoL, various disease symptoms and pain for both treatment regimens. KTd improved insomnia and fatigue, and KRd improved physical functioning. Cross‐sectional comparisons indicated a “slight” superiority of KTd over KRd in several scales, with the exception of higher neuropathy scores with KTd. During maintenance, longitudinal comparisons showed no statistically significant changes. Cross‐sectional comparisons revealed a “slight” improvement in cognitive functioning during carfilzomib therapy, but a worsening in most other QoL scales. Induction therapy led to improvements in most QoL items, while maintenance therapy with K maintenance was associated with “slight” or “moderate” impairments in several QoL scales compared with the observation group.

Depression and Alzheimer's Disease: Loss of Control and Communication

This work describes depression, Alzheimer's disease, and the relationship between the two in terms of pathology and psychology, and the harm that can be caused to the patient by these conditions. In addition, this article also describes how difficult it is for researchers to distinguish the symptoms of depression in Alzheimer's patients, and how depression is treated in Alzheimer's patients. From this work, we can find it is very difficult to simply abstract the depressive symptoms from the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, and it is difficult for us to simply distinguish whether an Alzheimer's patient is suffering from depression from a behavioral point of view, and to take the corresponding treatment.

Parkinson’s Critical Heart Rate Test: Applying the Critical Power Model for People with Parkinson’s Disease

Aerobic exercise with the correct intensity can attenuate motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) and improve the quality of life. However, a specific, validated, non-invasive, and outside the laboratory protocol that assesses physiological variables to prescribe optimal aerobic exercise intensity for people with PD is nonexistent. Therefore, this study aimed to propose a protocol, the Parkinson's critical heart rate test (Parkinson-CHR test), to determine the critical heart rate (CHR) in individuals with PD and verify its validity, reliability, and sensitivity. Fifteen people with idiopathic PD, who were able to practice exercises, were recruited to participate in the study (71.1 ± 6.6 years). The study consisted of two experiments: i) the first one aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the protocol, with participants performing the test twice at a one-week interval; ii) the second experiment aimed to investigate the protocol sensitivity, with individuals being evaluated before and after an 8-week training program according to Parkinson-CHR intensity. In experiment 1, no differences between test and retest were observed in the time to cover the distances (400, 800 and 1200 m), the total heart rate, the critical heart rate, and critical speed (p > 0.05). In experiment 2, there was a reduction in time to cover 400 and 800 m as well as in the total heart rate for all distances after the 8-week training program. The Parkinson-CHR test is a reliable, reproducible, inexpensive, and non-invasive protocol to assess, prescribe, and monitor aerobic exercise intensity in people with PD.

The association between night eating syndrome and GERD symptoms among university students at An-Najah National University in Palestine: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundNight eating syndrome (NES) is a kind of eating disorder. NES association with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms among university students is still not fully understood. We aimed to determine the relationship between NES and the presence of GERD symptoms among university students at An-Najah National University in Palestine.MethodsThis study involved undergraduate students from An-Najah National University. The data were collected through online surveys from November to December 2023. The sampling frame involved voluntary sampling, as the data were collected using a structured questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic variables, medical history, lifestyle habits, nutritional status, GERD risk, and NES. The GERD questionnaire (GerdQ) was used to assess symptoms, while the Arabic version of the validated Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) was used to assess night eating. Physical activity was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (SF-IPAQ), and adherence to a Mediterranean diet was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the MEDAS. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were also conducted to assess the study hypotheses.ResultsThe study involved 554 participants, 59.9% female. A total of 33.4% reported GERD symptoms, with 10.3% having NES. A strong association was observed between GERD and NES and between GERD and physical activity. Night eating syndrome (AOR = 2.84, CI = 1.07–3.19), high physical activity (AOR = 0.473, CI = 1.05–3.19), and non-smoking (AOR = 0.586, CI = 1.27–7.89) were identified as independent predictors of GERD symptoms.ConclusionThis study revealed that 33.4% of undergraduate students were at risk of GERD, with night eaters having a greater risk. GERD risk was negatively associated with physical activity level and smoking status. No associations were found between GERD risk and weight status, Mediterranean diet adherence, sociodemographic factors, or sleep disturbances.

Insights into the genetic architecture of Phytophthora capsici root rot resistance in chile pepper (Capsicum spp.) from multi-locus genome-wide association study

BackgroundPhytophthora root rot, a major constraint in chile pepper production worldwide, is caused by the soil-borne oomycete, Phytophthora capsici. This study aimed to detect significant regions in the Capsicum genome linked to Phytophthora root rot resistance using a panel consisting of 157 Capsicum spp. genotypes. Multi-locus genome wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). Individual plants were separately inoculated with P. capsici isolates, ‘PWB-185’, ‘PWB-186’, and ‘6347’, at the 4–8 leaf stage and were scored for disease symptoms up to 14-days post-inoculation. Disease scores were used to calculate disease parameters including disease severity index percentage, percent of resistant plants, area under disease progress curve, and estimated marginal means for each genotype.ResultsMost of the genotypes displayed root rot symptoms, whereas five accessions were completely resistant to all the isolates and displayed no symptoms of infection. A total of 55,117 SNP markers derived from GBS were used to perform multi-locus GWAS which identified 330 significant SNP markers associated with disease resistance. Of these, 56 SNP markers distributed across all the 12 chromosomes were common across the isolates, indicating association with more durable resistance. Candidate genes including nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR), systemic acquired resistance (SAR8.2), and receptor-like kinase (RLKs), were identified within 0.5 Mb of the associated markers.ConclusionsResults will be used to improve resistance to Phytophthora root rot in chile pepper by the development of Kompetitive allele-specific markers (KASP®) for marker validation, genomewide selection, and marker-assisted breeding.

Impacts of a Commercially Available Horticultural Oil Biopesticide (EF-400) on the Tomato-Phytophthora infestans Pathosystem.

Biopesticide fungicides are naturally derived compounds that offer protection from plant diseases through various modes of action, including antimicrobial activity and upregulation of defense responses in host plants. These plant protectants provide a sustainable and safe alternative to conventional pesticides in integrated disease management programs and are especially salient in the management of high-risk and economically important diseases such as late blight of tomato and potato, for which host resistance options are limited. In this study, a commercially available biopesticide, EF400 comprised of clove (8.2%), rosemary (8.1%), and peppermint oils (6.7%) (Anjon AG, Corcoran, CA), was investigated for its effects on the Phytophthora infestans-tomato pathosystem. Specifically, we evaluated the impact of EF400 on P. infestans growth in culture, disease symptoms in planta, and activation of host defenses through monitoring transcript accumulation of defense-related genes. The application timing and use rate of EF400 were further investigated for managing tomato late blight. EF400 delayed the onset of tomato late blight symptoms, although not as effectively as the copper hydroxide fungicide Champ WG (Nufarm Americas Inc., Alsip, IL). Pathogen mycelial growth and sporangial quantity on late blight-susceptible tomato leaves were significantly reduced with EF400. The biopesticide also had an enhancing or suppressing effect on the transcript accumulation of three defense-related genes: Pin2, PR1a, and PR1b. Our work in exploring a commercially available horticultural oil biopesticide meaningfully contributed to the essential knowledge base for optimizing recommendations for the management of tomato late blight.

Multidisciplinary Complex Treatment of Parkinson's disease : Cornerstone of an individualized treatment

The inpatient Parkinson's disease multimodal complex treatment (PD-MCT) was applied more than 15,000 times in 2022, in Germany. This number is increasing as is Parkinson's disease (PD), which affects more than 400,000 people in Germany and leads to 100,000 disability-adjusted life years. In recent years, several observational studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of this kind of multidisciplinary care. To summarize and discuss the evidence on the nature, benefits and potential of PD-MCT. Anarrative review of selected empirical findings was carried out. The PD-MCT frequently lasts for 2-3 weeks and aims to maintain the quality of life of people with PD. Disease symptoms and activities of daily living are jointly improved by pharmacological strategies and activating therapies (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physical training, art therapy). The PD-MCT is auseful measure to avoid or mitigate crisis situations in the course of the disease. A total of eight observational studies (n = 1246) have shown good effectiveness with a total mean improvement of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society unified Parkinson's disease rating scaleIII (MDS-UPDRSIII) by 7.8points. The transfer of effects into everyday life through intensive and specialized community-based care must be ensured in order to achieve sustained effects on the quality of life. Ideally, this transfer can be supported by integrated PD networks and digital technologies in the future. There is potential for development in the standardization, patient selection and quality assurance of PD-MCT as well as in the embedding in care structures such as PD networks. Open research questions include aprecise definition of the target group and higher quality evidence of short-term and long-term effectiveness.

Re-Esterified Triglyceride ω-3 Fatty Acids in Dry Eye Disease With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Taking ω-3 supplements has been associated with a reduction in symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). However, a recent relatively large clinical trial concluded that treating DED with ω-3 consumption was ineffective, potentially warranting additional investigations. To investigate the effect of re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) ω-3 fatty acid supplementation on DED associated with MGD. This double-masked, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial was conducted at 7 institutions from September 2020 to January 2023. Patients with DED associated with MGD were included and randomly assigned to the ω-3 group (received 1680 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 560 mg of docosahexaenoic acid), whereas those in the grape-seed group received 3000 mg of grape-seed oil daily. rTG ω-3 Fatty acid supplementation vs grape-seed oil. The primary end point was the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) from baseline to 6 and 12 weeks. The safety parameters were visual acuity and intraocular pressure change. A total of 132 patients (mean [SD] age, 50.6 [13.8] years; 103 female [78.0%]) were included in this study. The mean (SD) baseline OSDI scores of the ω-3 and grape-seed groups were 43.5 (16.5) and 44.1 (16.6), respectively. A total of 58 patients (87.9%) and 57 patients (86.4%) in the ω-3 and grape-seed groups, respectively, completed 12 weeks of follow-up. There were no differences in compliance with the dietary supplement intake between groups (ω-3, 95.8% and grape-seed, 95.4%). The OSDI (SD) change from baseline to 6 and 12 weeks was -20.5 (16.0) and -22.7 (15.7), respectively, in the ω-3 group and -15.1 (20.2) and -18.8 (21.7), respectively, in the grape-seed control group (difference at 6 weeks = -5.4; 95% CI, -12.15 to 1.33; P = .12 and at 12 weeks = -3.9; 95% CI, -10.90 to 3.13; P = .28). There were no changes in safety parameters or adverse events related to taking the dietary supplement in either group. This randomized clinical trial did not show a benefit of the rTG form of ω-3 for ameliorating symptoms of DED associated with MGD, although fewer than 60 participants were evaluated in each group. Any secondary outcomes from this study should be considered for hypothesis generation of future evaluations of the effect of the rTG form of ω-3 on DED associated with MGD. CRIS Identifier: KCT0004927.

Nicotine-mediated therapy for Parkinson’s disease in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model

Parkinson’s disease resultant in the degeneration of Dopaminergic neurons and accumulation of α-synuclein in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The synthetic therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease have moderate symptomatic benefits but cannot prevent or delay disease progression. In this study, nicotine was employed by using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Parkinson’s disease models to minimize the Parkinson’s disease symptoms. The results showed that the nicotine at 100, 150, and 200 μM doses reduced degeneration of Dopaminergic neurons caused by 6-hydroxydopamine (14, 33, and 40%), lowered the aggregative toxicity of α-synuclein by 53, 56, and 78%, respectively. The reduction in food-sensing behavioral disabilities of BZ555 was observed to be 18, 49, and 86%, respectively, with nicotine concentrations of 100 μM, 150 μM, and 200 μM. Additionally, nicotine was found to enhance Daf-16 nuclear translocation by 14, 31, and 49%, and dose-dependently increased SOD-3 expression by 10, 19, and 23%. In summary, the nicotine might a promising therapy option for Parkinson’s disease.

Graphene Oxide, a Prominent Nanocarrier to Reduce the Toxicity of Alzheimer's Proteins: A Revolution in Treatment.

Graphene oxide, a derivative of graphene, has recently emerged as a promising nanomaterial in the biomedical field due to its unique properties. Its potential as a nanocarrier in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease represents a significant advancement. This abstract outlines a study focused on utilizing graphene oxide to reduce the toxicity of Alzheimer's proteins, marking a revolutionary approach in treatment strategies. The pathological features of Alzheimer's disease, primarily focusing on the accumulation and toxicity of amyloid-beta proteins, have been described in this review. These proteins are known to form plaques in the brain, leading to neuronal damage and the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The current therapeutic strategies and their limitations are briefly reviewed, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. Graphene oxide, with its high surface area, biocompatibility, and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, is introduced as a novel nanocarrier. The methodology involves functionalizing graphene oxide sheets with specific ligands that target amyloid-beta proteins. This functionalization facilitates the binding and removal of these toxic proteins from the brain, potentially alleviating the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Preliminary findings indicate a significant reduction in amyloid-beta toxicity in neuronal cell cultures treated with graphene oxide nanocarriers. The study also explores the biocompatibility and safety profile of graphene oxide in biological systems, ensuring its suitability for clinical applications. It calls for further research and clinical trials to fully understand and harness the benefits of this nanotechnology, paving the way for a new era in neurodegenerative disease therapy.