Significant Decrease Research Articles

Impact of cardiac size on SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging performance: Insights from the REFINE-SPECT registry.

Variation in diagnostic performance of SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) has been observed, yet the impact of cardiac size has not been well characterized. We assessed whether low left ventricular volume influences SPECT MPI's ability to detect obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), and its interaction with age and sex. A total of 2,066 patients without known CAD (67% male, 64.7 ± 11.2 years) across 9 institutions underwent SPECT MPI with solid-state scanners followed by coronary angiography as part of the REgistry of Fast Myocardial Perfusion Imaging with NExt Generation SPECT. Area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) analyses evaluated performance of quantitative and visual assessments according to cardiac size (end- diastolic volume [EDV]; < 20th vs. ≥ 20th population or sex-specific percentiles), age (<75 vs. ≥ 75 years), and sex. Significantly decreased performance was observed in patients with low EDV compared to those without (AUC: population 0.72 vs. 0.78, p = 0.03; sex-specific 0.72 vs. 0.79, p = 0.01) and elderly patients compared to younger patients (AUC 0.72 vs. 0.78, p = 0.03), whereas males and females demonstrated similar AUC (0.77 vs. 0.76, p = 0.67). The reduction in accuracy attributed to lower volumes was primarily observed in males (sex-specific threshold: EDV 0.69 vs. 0.79, p = 0.01). Accordingly, a significant decrease in AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value for quantitative and visual assessments was noted in patients with at least two characteristics of low EDV, elderly age, or male sex. Detection of CAD with SPECT MPI is negatively impacted by small cardiac size, most notably in elderly and male patients.

Decision made, good feelings fade? How noise and multitasking affect decision confidence and well-being

Objectives. This study aimed to examine the influence of office noise and multitasking on decision confidence, overconfidence, satisfaction, calibration and affective well-being. Detrimental effects of noise and multitasking on perceived annoyance and concentration are well documented. Little is known about whether decision confidence and well-being during decisions are also affected. Methods. The study was a between-subjects laboratory experiment (n = 109) involving a noise condition with office noise presented through headphones (A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level of LA eq = 60 dB), a multitasking condition with an email-sorting task as the primary task and a control condition. Results. Compared to the control condition, subjects in the noise and multitasking conditions exhibited overestimation of confidence. There was also a significant decrease in well-being for people in the noise condition. Calibration was not affected. Conclusion. In the case of noise, well-being is affected even before the thresholds of workplace legislation are reached. Undue overconfidence can have detrimental effects upon subsequent decisions and risk-taking. Findings suggest that there should be greater consideration of environmental influences during decision-making in work environments.

Anatomical changes and dosimetric analysis of the neck region based on FBCT for nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients during radiotherapy.

The study aimed to investigate anatomical changes in the neck region and evaluate their impact on dose distribution in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Additionally, the study sought to determine the optimal time for replanning during the course of treatment. Twenty patients diagnosed with NPC underwent IMRT, with weekly pretreatment kV fan beam computed tomography (FBCT) scans in the treatment room. Metastasized lymph nodes in the neck region and organs at risk (OARs) were redelineation using the images from the FBCT scans. Subsequently, the original treatment plan (PLAN0) was replicated to each FBCT scan to generate new plans labeled as PLAN 1-6. The dose-volume histograms (DVH) of the new plans and the original plan were compared. One-way repeated measure ANOVA was utilized to establish threshold(s) at various time points. The presence of such threshold(s) would signify significant change(s), suggesting the need for replanning. Progressive volume reductions were observed over time in the neck region, the gross target volume for metastatic lymph nodes (GTVnd), as well as the submandibular glands and parotids. Compared to PLAN0, the mean dose (Dmean) of GTVnd-L significantly increased in PLAN5, while the minimum dose covering 95% of the volume (D95%) of PGTVnd-L showed a significant decrease from PLAN3 to PLAN6. Similarly, the Dmean of GTVnd-R significantly increased from PLAN4 to PLAN6, whereas the D95% of PGTVnd-R exhibited a significant decrease during the same period. Furthermore, the dose of bilateral parotid glands, bilateral submandibular glands, brainstem and spinal cord was gradually increased in the middle and late period of treatment. Significant anatomical and dosimetric changes were noted in both the target volumes and OARs. Considering the thresholds identified, it is imperative to undertake replanning at approximately 20 fractions. This measure ensures the delivery of adequate doses to target volumes while mitigating the risk of overdosing on OARs.

Alterations in the fecal microbiota in patients with advanced cystic fibrosis liver disease after 6 months of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor

BackgroundCystic fibrosis associated liver disease (CFLD) carries a significant disease burden with no effective preventive therapies. According to the gut-liver axis hypothesis for CFLD pathogenesis, dysbiosis and increased intestinal inflammation and permeability permit pathogenic bacterial translocation into the portal circulation, leading to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Evaluating the effect of CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) modulation with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) may help determine the role of CFTR in CFLD and increase understanding of CFLD pathogenesis, which is critical for developing therapies. We aimed to characterize the fecal microbiota in participants with CF with and without advanced CFLD (aCFLD) before and after ETI. MethodsThis is an ancillary analysis of stool samples from participants ages ≥12 y/o enrolled in PROMISE (NCT04038047). Included participants had aCFLD (cirrhosis with or without portal hypertension, or non-cirrhotic portal hypertension) or CF without liver disease (CFnoLD). Fecal microbiota were defined by shotgun metagenomic sequencing at baseline and 1 and 6 months post-ETI. ResultsWe analyzed 93 samples from 34 participants (11 aCFLD and 23 CFnoLD). Compared to CFnoLD, aCFLD had significantly higher baseline relative abundances of potential pathogens Streptococcus salivarius and Veillonella parvula. Four of 11 aCFLD participants had an initially abnormal fecal calprotectin that normalized 6 months post-ETI, correlating with a significant decrease in S. salivarius and a trend towards decreasing V. parvula. ConclusionsThese results support an association between dysbiosis and intestinal inflammation in CFLD with improvements in both post-ETI, lending further support to the gut-liver axis in aCFLD.

Hematological changes, oxidative stress assessment, and dysregulation of aquaporin-3 channel, prolactin, and oxytocin receptors in kidneys of lactating Wistar rats treated with monosodium glutamate.

High consumption of locally produced delicacies could expose nursing mothers to high monosodium glutamate (MSG) levels, frequently used as a necessary condiment in low-income countries. Thus, this study evaluated some novel preliminary changes in renal hormonal receptors, the aquaporin-3 channel, oxidative stress markers, and hematological indices induced by monosodium glutamate in lactating rats. Post-parturition, twenty-four (24) lactating Wistar rats were divided into four (4) groups of six rats each (n = 6). Oral administration of distilled water and MSG started three (3) days postpartum as follows: group 1: distilled water (1ml/kg BW), group 2: MSG (925mg/kg BW), group 3: MSG (1850mg/kg BW), and group 4: MSG (3700mg/kg BW). At the end of the experiment, which lasted fourteen (14) days, animals were sacrificed and samples of blood and tissues were obtained for biochemical analysis. MSG administration significantly (p < 0.05) increased ROS and MDA, with a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in kidney antioxidants. Serum creatinine, total, conjugated, and unconjugated bilirubin significantly (p < 0.05) increased with MSG administration. The prolactin receptor was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), while the oxytocin receptor and aquaporin-3 channel were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the MSG-administered groups. There were significant (p < 0.05) changes in the hematological indices of the MSG-administered animals. Thus, the findings of this study suggest that high MSG consumption causes hematological alterations and may alter renal function via increased ROS production and dysregulation of the AQP-3 channel, prolactin, and oxytocin receptors in the kidneys of lactating Wistar rats.

Evaluation of Stability and Accuracy Compared to the Westergren Method of ESR Samples Analyzed at VES-MATIC 5.

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a diagnostic estimator of systemic inflammation as a reflection of acute phase proteins circulating in the blood. The purpose of this manuscript is to evaluate the blood stability at room temperature (RT) and at 4 °C to avoid ESR diagnostic errors, as well as the accuracy of the VES-MATIC 5 analyzer. The ESR stability evaluation at RT for 24 h (4 h "T1", 6 h "T2", 8 h "T3", 10 h "T4", 24 h "T5") and at 4 °C (24 h, 36 h, 48 h) was carried out using 635 total samples, starting with T0 (2 h of venipuncture). For method comparison, 164 patients were analyzed using VES-MATIC 5 and then the Westergren reference method. The sample at RT is established by a significant gradual decrease in correlation R = 0.99 (T0 vs. T1), R = 0.97 (T0 vs. T2), R = 0.92 (T0 vs. T3), R = 0.87 (T0 vs. T4), and R = 0.40 (T0 vs. T5). The stability at 4 °C after 24 h, 36 h, and 48 h showed a regression of R = 0.99, R = 0.97, and R = 0.95, respectively. Therefore, ESR measurements on RT samples beyond 6 h after collection cannot be carried out, but the ESR can be measured until 36 h for samples stored at 4 °C. Moreover, the VES-MATIC 5 accuracy performance compared to the Westergren method (R = 0.96) is confirmed.

The Impact of Intracranial Pressure Telesensors: An Observational Propensity-Matched Control Analysis of Service Demand and Costs.

Implantable telemetric intracranial pressure (ICP) sensors (telesensors) enable routine, noninvasive ICP feedback, aiding clinical decision-making and attribution of pressure-related symptoms in patients with cerebrospinal fluid shunt systems. Here, we aim to explore the impact of these devices on service demand and costs in patients with adult hydrocephalus. We performed an observational propensity-matched control study, comparing patients who had an MScio/Sensor Reservoir (Christoph Miethke, GmbH & Co) against those with a nontelemetric reservoir inserted between March 2016 and March 2018. Patients were matched on demographics, diagnosis, shunt-type, and revision status. Service usage was recorded with frequencies of neurosurgical admissions, outpatient clinics, scans, and further surgical procedures in the 2 years before and after shunt insertion. In total, 136 patients, 73 telesensors, and 63 controls were included in this study (48 matched pairs). Telesensor use led to a significant decrease in neurosurgical inpatient admissions, radiographic encounters, and procedures including ICP monitoring. After multivariate adjustment, the mean cumulative saving after 2 years was £5236 ($6338) in telesensor patients (£5498 on matched pair analysis). On break-even analysis, cost-savings were likely to be achieved within 8 months of clinical use, postimplantation. Telesensor patients also experienced a significant reduction in imaging-associated radiation (4 mSv) over 2 years. The findings of this exploratory study reveal that telesensor implantation is associated with reduced service demand and provides net financial savings from an institutional perspective. Moreover, telesensor patients required fewer appointments, invasive procedures, and had less radiation exposure, indicating an improvement in both their experience and safety.

Rituximab may affect T lymphocyte subsets balance in primary membranous nephropathy

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects and significance of rituximab (RTX) on the levels of T lymphocyte subsets in patients diagnosed with primary membranous nephropathy (PMN).MethodsA total of 58 PMN patients and 25 healthy donors were chosen as the subjects. Among the PMN patients, 40 individuals received RTX treatment and completed at least 6 months of follow-up. All subjects underwent flow cytometry analysis to determine the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets. The changes in anti-PLA2R antibody titers and 24-hour urinary protein levels were evaluated by ELISA and Biuret method before and after treatment.Results(1) The PMN group exhibited a significantly greater percentage of peripheral blood CD3−CD19+ B cells than the healthy group, which is consistent with the findings of previous reports. Additionally, compared with those in the peripheral blood of healthy individuals, the numbers of CD4+ central memory T cells, CD4+ effector memory T cells, CD4+/CD8+, and CD4+CD25+ T cells in the PMN peripheral blood were markedly greater. However, the number of peripheral blood Treg cells was reduced in the PMN group. (2) After 6 months of RTX treatment, PMN patients exhibited significant decreases in anti-PLA2R antibody titers, 24-hour urinary protein levels, and peripheral blood CD3−CD19+ B cells. Importantly, RTX administration decreased CD4+CD25+ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ in the peripheral blood of PMN patients and improved Treg cell levels. (3) RTX treatment induced alterations in the CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets in PMN patients, which did not correlate with B lymphocyte counts or anti-PLA2R antibody titers.ConclusionsRTX treatment might have a beneficial impact on cellular immunity by effectively restoring the balance of CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets in PMN patients, which is beyond its effects on B cells and antibody production.Trial registrationThe research was registered at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Registration Number: MR-32-23-016211. Registration Date: May 31, 2023.

Effect of Dimethoate Insecticide on Female Mice and Their Fetuses

Background and objectives. Organophosphate insecticides (OPIs) including dimethoate are used in agriculture to control the insect pests, increasing the productivity, their frequent use has resulted in detrimental effects on biological systems and public health. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dimethoate (DM) on fetuses, DNA concentration in ovarian tissues and levels of estradiol and progesterone in female mice. Methods. Female mice were divided into three groups: Group I, serve as control and was given distilled water intraperitoneally, while Group II and III were given (0.1- &amp; 0.2-ml DM/100 ml distilled water) respectively for 7 days. Two treated females were housed with one untreated male for mating. After 7 days of the last dose, 6 female mice of each group were weighed and killed. The ovaries, uteri and liver were extracted and weighed, and ovarian hormones were measured. Also, DNA concentration in each ovary was determined. Results. The results showed a significant decrease in the weights of the liver and ovaries, the level of estradiol hormone, and DNA concentration in the ovary of treated mice as compared to those from the control group. Also, significant changes were observed in the weights of fetuses as well as the number of live fetuses. Conclusion. We found that administration of DM intraperitoneally to female mice for 7 days has influences on ovary weight, estradiol levels, and DNA concentration as well as its impact on the fetuses, therefore, it is better to use safer methods for control the pests and avoid increased use of pesticides.

Aerosol Vertical Structure and Optical Properties during Two Dust and Haze Episodes in a Typical Valley Basin City, Lanzhou of Northwest China

The vertical profiles of aerosol optical properties are vital to clarify their transboundary transport, climate forcing and environmental health influences. Based on synergistic measurements of multiple advanced detection techniques, this study investigated aerosol vertical structure and optical characteristics during two dust and haze events in Lanzhou of northwest China. Dust particles originated from remote deserts traveled eastward at different altitudes and reached Lanzhou on 10 April 2020. The trans-regional aloft (~4.0 km) dust particles were entrained into the ground, and significantly modified aerosol optical properties over Lanzhou. The maximum aerosol extinction coefficient (σ), volumetric depolarization ratio (VDR), optical depth at 500 nm (AOD500), and surface PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were 0.4~1.5 km−1, 0.15~0.30, 0.5~3.0, 200~590 μg/m3 and 134 μg/m3, respectively, under the heavy dust event, which were 3 to 11 times greater than those at the background level. The corresponding Ångström exponent (AE440–870), fine-mode fraction (FMF) and PM2.5/PM10 values consistently persisted within the ranges of 0.10 to 0.50, 0.20 to 0.50, and 0.20 to 0.50, respectively. These findings implied a prevailing dominance of coarse-mode and irregular non-spherical particles. A severe haze episode stemming from local emissions appeared at Lanzhou from 30 December 2020 to 2 January 2021. The low-altitude transboundary transport aerosols seriously deteriorated the air quality level in Lanzhou, and aerosol loading, surface air pollutants and fine-mode particles strikingly increased during the gradual strengthening of haze process. The maximum AOD500, AE440–870nm, FMF, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, and PM2.5/PM10 were 0.65, 1.50, 0.85, 110 μg/m3, 180 μg/m3 and 0.68 on 2 January 2021, respectively, while the corresponding σ and VDR at 0.20–0.80 km height were maintained at 0.68 km−1 and 0.03~0.12, implying that fine-mode and spherical small particles were predominant. The profile of ozone concentration exhibited a prominent two-layer structure (0.60–1.40 km and 0.10–0.30 km), and both concentrations at two heights always remained at high levels (60~72 μg/m3) during the entire haze event. Conversely, surface ozone concentration showed a significant decrease during severe haze period, with the peak value of 20~30 μg/m3, which was much smaller than that before haze pollution (~80 μg/m3 on 30 December). Our results also highlighted that the vertical profile of aerosol extinction coefficient was a good proxy for evaluating mass concentrations of surface particulate matters under uniform mixing layers, which was of great scientific significance for retrieving surface air pollutants in remote desert or ocean regions. These statistics of the aerosol vertical profiles and optical properties under heavy dust and haze events in Lanzhou would contribute to investigate and validate the transboundary transport and radiative forcing of aloft aerosols in the application of climate models or satellite remote sensing.

α-Tocopherol mediates alleviation of salt stress effects in Glycine max through up-regulation of the antioxidant defense system and secondary metabolites

α-Tocopherol (αT) has been reported to overcome the adverse effects of many environmental stresses, including salinity. A pot experiment was performed to investigate the response of salt-stressed soybean plants to the foliar application using 50, 100, or 200 mg αT L–1. The stress was applied by irrigation with three different dilutions of seawater [e.g., EC = 0.23 (tap water as a control), 3.13, or 6.25 dS m–1]. The gradual increase in salinity level gradually increased net carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation, relative growth rate, antioxidant capacity, secondary metabolites (total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins), enzymatic activities, and DNA fragmentation due to the gradual increase in lipid peroxidation as a result of an increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). On the contrary, yield components (number and weight of seeds plant–1) and photosynthetic pigment (total chlorophyll and carotenoids) contents gradually decreased with increasing salinity level. However, leaf treatment with αT, especially at 200 mg αT L‒1, preserved the highest antioxidant activities (antioxidant capacity, secondary metabolites, and enzymes), which were associated with the preservation of soybean yield and leaf pigments. These positive results occurred due to the reduction in lipid peroxidation as a result of a significant decrease in the level of H2O2. Therefore, our results recommend the use of 200 mg αT L–1 as a commercial formula for soybeans grown under saline irrigation of no more than 6.25 dS m–1.

Effect of nitric oxide modulators on cerebrospinal fluid outflow through the cribriform plate of C57Bl/6 mice

Introduction. Beside the excretion of metabolic wastes, the lymphatic system in CNS play a crucial role in the regulation of intracranial pressure that is vital for the organism. One of the possible pathways of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage is its flow through the foramen of the cribriform plate (CP) into the nasal cavity. Despite the significant contribution of the nasal tract to the overall dynamics of the liquor, not much is known about the mechanisms of this process and how it is regulated. Due to its influence on the tone of blood vessels and peristalsis of lymphatic vessels, nitric oxide (NO) is a powerful modulator of liquor outflow, but its effects on nasal CSF outflow have not been studied yet. Aim and Methods. Using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI), we characterized the changes in CSF outflow through the CP of C57Bl/6 mice influenced by intranasal application of NO synthesis modulators. Results. In our study, using DW MRI and computer tomography (CT) mapping of the CP, we detected significant CSF outflow through its large dorsal and ventral foramen located along the nasal septum. At the same time, the CSF flow rate through the dorsal orifices of the CP was the highest. In addition, we showed that intranasal introduction of NO donor after 30 min leads to a significant decrease of water diffusion through the CP whereas application of a nonspecific NO synthase inhibitor into the nasal cavity enhances nasal outflow. The effects of the NO modulators did not have any significant spatial patterns; CSF outflow was significantly altered across all CP orifices regardless of their size or localization. Conclusion. The obtained results demonstrate the potential possibility of noninvasive local regulation of liquor dynamics, which may be used in the development of new approaches to the therapy of intracranial hypertension of various etiologies and methods of CNS detoxification.

Analysis of glomerulopathies in kidney neoplasms

Background. Malignant neoplasms, including those of the kidneys, are widespread in the world. The main treatment for kidney tumors is surgery, one of its options is nephrectomy. Malignant tumors of various localizations can lead to a variety of kidney damage. Glomerulopathies of various origins are often asymptomatic, and therefore, patients do not seek medical help. For the diagnosis of glomerulopathies, it is necessary to assess morphological changes with the formulation of an immunofluorescence reaction and electron microscopy.The aim: to analyze the clinical manifestations, frequency and structure of glomerulopathies in kidney neoplasms.Patients and Methods. The study included 141 patients. The patients underwent nephrectomy, the daily protein loss, the number of altered erythrocytes in the urine, the level of creatinine in the blood serum were determined, and the glomerular filtration rate (CKD-EPI) was calculated. Morphological evaluation of samples included immunofluorescence reaction and electron microscopy. To assess the statistical significance of the relationship between variables, Spearman's nonparametric rank correlation coefficient (Rs) was calculated. The results obtained were considered significant at p&lt;0.05. RESULTS. Glomerulopathies were detected in 41.8 % of patients. Glomerulonephritis was observed in 10.6 % of cases and diabetic nephropathy was detected in 31.2 % of patients. Prior to nephrectomy, proteinuria was higher in patients with glomerulonephritis; after surgical treatment, there were no differences in the level of proteinuria. Before nephrectomy, there were no significant differences in glomerular filtration rate; after surgery, glomerular filtration rate was higher in patients without glomerular pathology. After one year, there was a significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate in patients with glomerulopathies. CONCLUSION. When examining the surgical material, the morphologist should also evaluate changes in the kidney tissue outside the tumor. It is advisable to jointly manage the patient by an oncologist and a nephrologist Keywords: tumor, glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, glomerular filtration rate&gt; ˂ 0.05.Results. Glomerulopathies were detected in 41.8 % of patients. Glomerulonephritis was observed in 10.6 % of cases and diabetic nephropathy was detected in 31.2 % of patients. Prior to nephrectomy, proteinuria was higher in patients with glomerulonephritis; after surgical treatment, there were no differences in the level of proteinuria. Before nephrectomy, there were no significant differences in glomerular filtration rate; after surgery, glomerular filtration rate was higher in patients without glomerular pathology. After one year, there was a significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate in patients with glomerulopathies.Conclusion. When examining the surgical material, the morphologist should also evaluate changes in the kidney tissue outside the tumor. It is advisable to jointly manage the patient by an oncologist and a nephrologist.

Effects of high frequency strengthening on pain sensitivity and function in female runners with chronic patellofemoral pain

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of a high frequency strengthening program on function, pain, and pain sensitization in female runners with chronic patellofemoral pain (PFP). DesignCross-sectional study. SettingUniversity laboratory. ParticipantsThirty female runners (mean age 32 ± 8.1 years) with chronic PFP completed an 8-week home strengthening program. Main outcome measuresVariables assessed at baseline, 8-weeks, and 12 weeks included single leg step down test (SLSD), pain, Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS), University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index (UWRI), and quantitative sensory testing. ResultsThere was large and statistically significant improvement at 8 and 12 weeks for average knee pain (ηp2 = 0.334, p < 0.001), worst knee pain (ηp2 = 0.351, p < 0.001), SLSD (ηp2 = 0.161, p = 0.001), AKPS (ηp2 = 0.463, p < 0.001), and UWRI (ηp2 = 0.366, p < 0.001). A medium to large effect and statistically significant improvement in pressure pain threshold testing was found for all local and remote structures (ηp2 range, 0.110 to 0.293, range p < 0.001 to p = 0.009) at 8 and 12 weeks. ConclusionsThere was a significant decrease in local and remote hyperalgesia via mechanical and thermal pain sensitivity testing in female runners with chronic PFP. There was a large effect and significant improvement in self-reported pain and function.

The Effect of Alpha Binaural Beats Auditory Stimulation on Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) and Pain Intensity among Tension-Type Headache Patients

Tension-type headaches, the most prevalent primary headaches affecting 2-5% of the population, significantly impact sufferers' well-being. These headaches present a persistent health challenge, constituting a considerable portion of neurologist outpatient visits. Effectively managing tension-type headaches remains challenging and can lead to notable morbidity if untreated. Treatment typically involves prophylactic pharmacological therapy alongside non-pharmacological interventions. Among non-medication therapies, brainwave entrainment using binaural beats emerges as a promising option for chronic headaches. This experimental research employed a pre-test and post-test design over a 5-day period (30 minutes daily) to assess Alpha Binaural Beats Auditory stimulation's impact on the QEEG pattern and pain intensity reduction in tension-type headache patients. The study, involving 32 participants, revealed a statistically significant increase in relative alpha wave power (p-value of 0.000) and a significant decrease in relative beta wave power (p-value of 0.045) after exposure to alpha binaural beats. Additionally, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) recorded a statistically significant decrease in pain intensity (p-value of 0.000). These findings suggest that Alpha binaural beats contribute to increased alpha wave activity, decreased beta wave activity in the QEEG pattern, and a substantial reduction in pain intensity associated with tension-type headaches. However, further research is needed to explore cumulative effects and long-term sustainability in tension-type headache patients, advancing our understanding and application of this therapy.

Non‐Invasive Skin Thermo‐Diagnosis Based on a Harmonic Wave‐Driven Wearable Sensor

AbstractSkin thermo‐diagnosis, i.e., monitoring the skin thermal conductivity, can well indicate the body health status. Non‐invasive measurement is the direction of future development for skin thermo‐diagnosis. Here, a rigid and robust wearable sensor driven by the harmonic wave is developed, which can be comfortably wrist‐worn for a long time. Its big advantage is that it can extract both the thermal conductivities of epidermis and dermis (underneath the skin surface by 1 mm or 1–3 mm), which is not implemented by other techniques, and thus can more accurately indicate the possible diseases of the body. A 30‐subject population test shows that the epidermal thermal conductivity exhibits positive dependence on the body surface temperature and the water content, and thus slightly decreased in older subjects whose skin loses its elasticity, water content and nutrients with aging. In a menstrual cycle of women, the dermal thermal conductivity on the date of ovulation is noticeably lower, owing to the significant increase in transdermal water loss and a significant decrease in skin barrier resistance due to the reduction in the cutaneous estrogens. The progress made so far would be an important step toward non‐invasive and convenient monitoring of the human daily health.

Growth, survival and reproductive traits of chemical induced and tetraploid-derived triploid Hong Kong oysters (Crassostrea hongkongensis)

Chemical induction (inhibition of polar body II release) and crossing between tetraploid and diploid oysters (mating triploids) are 2 distinct and typical methods for obtaining triploids, and systematic comparative analysis on the phenotypic traits of these two triploids is rare. We tracked and compared the growth, survival, reproductive characteristics and ploidy composition of diploids, induced triploids, and mating triploids, and conducted interaction analysis between genotypes and sites. The results showed that the shell height of larvae showed a significant decrease trend of 3 NTD > 3 NCB > 2 N, while the D larval rate and survival rate of 3 NCB were the lowest, which may be related to the long-term effects of CB toxicity. During offshore farming, from the 180th to 700th day, the shell heights of the three groups followed a significantly decreasing order at both sites, namely 3 NTD > 3 NCB > 2 N (except on the 270th day at Beihai site), and the triploid advantage of shell height in 3 NTD was generally higher than that in 3 NCB, with the same trend in the whole weight. Genotypes and sites always had significant effects on shell height, but their interactions were not significant. The incremental survival rates of the 2 triploid groups were higher than that of the diploid at both sites on the 270th and 700th day, while that of the 3 NTD was significantly higher than the 3 NCB only on the 270th day. In addition, both triploids had some individuals fertile and could produce mature gametes, but the proportion was much lower than that of diploids. Triploid gonadal development is characterized by feminization and a high proportion of hermaphroditism. The fertility ratio and gamete production of 3 NTD were higher than that of 3 NCB, but the relatively high fertility of 3 NTD had no significant effect on its growth and survival. Ploidy composition tracking found that the ploidy composition of 2 N and 3 NTD groups was stable, but the ploidy composition of 3 NCB varied over time. These results indicate that 3 NTD has better performance and higher triploid advantages than 3 NCB, making it more suitable for the commercial production and promotion of triploid C. hongkongensis.

Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on clinical outcomes in kidney transplant patients

IntroductionThe global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in severe mortality and morbidity. Immunosuppressed patients, such as kidney transplant recipients, are particularly susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. ObjectiveThe aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on clinical outcomes in patients with kidney transplants. Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, 254 patients with kidney transplants were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and a fraction of these contracted COVID-19. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was carried out by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing, and the patients received treatment involving immunosuppressive and COVID-19-specific protocols. ResultsSARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed in 38 (14.96%) patients before the COVID-19 vaccine was administered. After vaccination, an additional 29 (11.42%) patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. Risk factors for hospitalization included age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and time elapsed since renal transplantation (p = 0.025, 0.038, 0.012, and 0.046, respectively). COVID-19 vaccination resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection from 63.16% to 34.48% (p = 0.020). The proportion of patients from this cohort placed in intensive care units decreased from 23.68% to zero. Allograft rejections exhibited a decreasing trend from 13.16% to 6.90% (p = 0.690). This patient cohort displayed 15.79% mortality prior to COVID-19 vaccination that was reduced to nil after immunization. ConclusionCOVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced COVID-19 severity and mortality in this cohort of patients with kidney transplants. The risk factors for hospitalization were determined to be age, BMI, comorbidities, and time since renal transplantation. COVID-19 vaccination resulted in a clinical outcome of reduced hospitalization and a decrease in clinical complications. The COVID-19 vaccination-derived adverse effects in this cohort were found to be comparable to those in the immunocompetent population.

Youth Are the Experts! Youth Participatory Action Research to Address the Adolescent Mental Health Crisis.

Adolescent mental health is an urgent global public health issue. Youth participatory action research is an effective strategy to amplify youth voices and can serve as a catalyst for evidence-based action addressing the mental health crisis. To illustrate the benefits of youth participatory action research for informing community health, we describe an ongoing collaboration with a youth council located in the central coast of California, USA. Research methods included an anonymous online self-report survey to gather information about the mental health of high school students in 2020 (n = 176) and 2022 (n = 234), 93% Latinx/Mexican American. Both surveys included a four-item patient health questionnaire to screen for depression and anxiety risk, in addition to scaled and open-ended survey questions selected by the youth leaders based on their research questions. Quantitative and qualitative results indicated a significant but small decrease in mental health risk, and a continued need for resources to access mental health support. Results led to community-based action aimed at improving local youth mental health. The interdisciplinary research team (psychology and public health) and youth leaders share reflections highlighting the innovative, empowering, and transformative impact of youth participatory action research as a tool for improving community health.

Behavioural therapy for shift work disorder improves shift workers' sleep, sleepiness and mental health: A pilot randomised control trial.

The present study evaluates the efficacy of behavioural therapy adapted for shift work disorder with a randomised control design in a healthcare population. Forty-three night shift workers (m. age: 34 years; 77% women) experiencing shift work disorder were randomised to either the behavioural therapy for shift work disorder (BT-SWD) or a waiting-list control group offered after the waiting period. Participants completed questionnaires on insomnia, sleepiness and mental health pre- and post-treatment, pre- and post-waiting, and at follow-up, and a sleep diary. As night shift workers alternate between sleeping during the day after their night shifts and transitioning to nighttime sleep on days off, insomnia severity and sleep variables were analysed for daytime and nighttime sleep. The BT-SWD involved sleep restriction therapy, stimulus control and fixed sleep periods in the dark. Statistical analyses were performed under intent-to-treat and per-protocol approaches. Repeated-measures two-way ANCOVA analysis, controlling for age, sex and pre-treatment daytime total sleep time, was performed with Bonferroni corrections, and between-group effect sizes computed. Fourteen participants dropped out after randomisation. Under the intent-to-treat analysis, BT-SWD participants had a significant greater decrease in daytime insomnia severity and an increase in daytime total sleep time at post-treatment than the control group, with large between-group effect sizes (-1.25 and 0.89). These corresponding results were also significant with large effect sizes under the per-protocol analysis. Sleepiness, anxiety and depression levels improved at post-treatment and maintained at follow-up when the BT-SWD treated controls were added to the BT-SWD group. The behavioural therapy for shift work disorder can be used to improve the sleep and mental health of healthcare night workers.