Significant Difference In Frequency Research Articles

Sympathetic nerve activity and response to physiological stress in Takotsubo syndrome.

The prevailing hypothesis posits that Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is caused by massive sympathetic activation, yet supporting evidence remains inconsistent. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether sympathetic activity and reactivity are enhanced in the recovery phase of TTS, and to evaluate the effect of selective β1-receptor blockade on sympathetic reactivity. We conducted a case-control study that included 18 female patients with TTS and 13 age- and sex-matched controls. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity was measured through microneurography of the peroneal nerve at rest and during the cold pressor test. In the TTS group, recordings were repeated after randomisation to intravenous metoprolol or placebo. In 10 TTS patients, cardiac sympathetic activity was assessed using iodine123-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy. Blood samples were collected during hospitalisation. Microneurography was performed a median of 27.5days after patient admission. There were no significant differences in burst incidence, burst frequency, burst height or burst area between the TTS patients and the controls at rest, during stress or after administration of intravenous metoprolol. Iodine123-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy was performed a median of 12.5days after admission, revealing decreased early 1.54 ± 0.13 and late 1.40 ± 0.13 heart-to-mediastinum ratios, and an increased washout rate of 41.8 ± 12.1%. Catecholamine metabolites were comparable between the study groups. General sympathetic hyperactivity or hyperreactivityunlikelycontributesto TTS, as catecholamine levels and muscle sympathetic nerve activity at rest and during stress were similar between the TTS patients and the controls.As scintigraphy showed increased cardiac sympathetic activity, a pathological cardiac adrenergic response and vulnerability to sympathetic activationmay be crucial for the development of the syndrome.

Survey on the distribution of medical imaging frequencies and dose levels for CT examinations in a comprehensive hospital in Shanghai

With the continuous advancement and clinical application of CT technology, the increasing collective dose burden from CT scans and associated potential health risks have become significant concerns in radiation protection. Current research increasingly focuses on the cumulative effective dose (CED) resulting from multiple CT scans, often revealing patients with high CEDs, even exceeding 100 mSv. However, reports on CEDs from multiple CT scans in China are scarce. Therefore, we investigated the distribution of CT scan frequencies and CEDs at a comprehensive hospital in Shanghai, examining data from 1 October 2022, to 30 April 2024, sourced from the hospital's radiology information system. The effective dose (E) was estimated using conversion factorskand DLP values from Radiation Dose Structured Reports (RDSR). We assessed the number of CT examinations conducted per patient and evaluated the CED over 1.6 years. During this period, 112 339 CT examinations were performed. Significant differences in CT examination frequencies were observed across different age groups and examination regions (P< 0.01). A total of 78.43% of patients underwent only one CT examination in 1.6 years, while 0.03% had more than 10 examinations, with a maximum of 15. Of the patients, 67.78% (76,142 individuals) received a CED less than 10 mSv, 0.05% (53 patients) received a CED over 50 mSv, and one patient exceeded 100 mSv. In conclusion, this study underscored the necessity of monitoring patients with high CT examination frequencies and CEDs, highlighting the importance of justification and optimization in medical radiation protection.

Pasteurella multocida from deep nasal swabs and tracheobronchial lavage in bovine calves from Sweden

BackgroundBovine respiratory disease (BRD) is common in intensively raised cattle and is often treated with antibiotics. For practitioners, knowledge of the bacteria involved in an outbreak and their antibiotic susceptibility is warranted. To this end, samples from the upper or lower respiratory tract of calves can be submitted for bacteriological culture and susceptibility testing of relevant isolates. However, it is debated whether isolates from the upper respiratory tract are representative of bacteria causing infections in the lower respiratory tract. In this study, we used MALDI-TOF MS, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) to compare culture results of 219 paired samples (sample pairs) of deep nasal swabs (DNS) and tracheobronchial lavage (TBL). The sample pairs came from 171 calves in 30 calf groups across 25 farms with 48 calves sampled twice.ResultsThe predominant bacterial pathogen was Pasteurella multocida, which was isolated from 37.4% of DNS and 22.4% of TBL. There was no statistically significant difference in isolation frequency of P. multocida between calves considered healthy and those suspected for BRD for DNS (P = 0.778) or TBL (P = 0.410). Among the 49 sample pairs where P. multocida was isolated from TBL, the same species was isolated from DNS in 29 sample pairs (59.2%). Isolates from 28 of these sample pairs were evaluated by MLST, and in 24 pairs (86.0%) P. multocida from DNS and TBL were of the same sequence type (ST). Moreover, cgMLST showed that the genetic distance between isolates within 21 of the 28 sample pairs (75.0%), was less than two alleles, and DNS and TBL isolates were considered identical. In seven sample pairs (25%), the genetic distance was greater, and DNS and TBL isolates were considered nonidentical.ConclusionsPasteurella multocida was readily isolated from DNS and in calves where this species was isolated also from TBL, DNS and TBL isolates were identical in 75% of the sample pairs. This suggests that during an outbreak of BRD, submission of DNS samples from 4 to 6 calves could be a convenient approach for practitioners seeking guidance on P. multocida present in the lower respiratory tract and their antibiotic susceptibility.

HIV protein profile characteristics in patients with first-time detected infection

The HIV-infection continues to be one of the most large-scale epidemics worldwide. Many techniques have been developed to detect this disease, but the Western blot based on the identification of specific viral proteins remains the most commonly used method that allows to monitor ongoing viral processes. Despite discussions regarding the criteria for a positive test assessment and selection of a minimum number of viral proteins to reliably interpret the data, a very few studies on the protein profiles in HIV-infected patients, particularly in the Russian Federation are available. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HIV viral proteins in a group of people with newly diagnosed infections analyzing 2566 blood samples from individuals with newly diagnosed HIV infection for reference testing. The samples were assessed using ELISA and IHL techniques, followed by western blotting. Subsequently, the following viral proteins were analyzed to assess HIV life cycle and the predominance of its different stages: gp160, gp120, gp41, p55, p40, p24, p17, p66, p51, and p31. For comparison, gp110/120 was chosen as the reference protein due to its lowest prevalence frequency among allenvgene products comprising 96.06%. A significantly reduced prevalence frequency was found for several protein groups: GAG — p55 (80.91%), p40 (72.14%), nucleocapsid p18/17 (67.37%); POL proteins — p68/66 (89.57%), p52/51 (81.91%), p34/31 (86.02%). Significant differences in frequency of viral proteins between age and sex groups are shown. Hypotheses explaining the obtained data are presented. By aligning anti-viral protein antibody profile with the course of the infection and patient’s condition, it will be possible to identify patterns and take necessary measures for early diagnostics with extended results, such as duration of the infection, viral load, and disease severity.

Assessed correlation between biological diversity of oropharyngeal microbiota and atopic dermatitis severity and exacerbations

Atopic dermatitis (AtD) is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disease characterized by itching, chronic recurrent course and age-related features of lesions. AtD pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated yet. An important factor for AtD emergence and progression is the imbalance in symbiotic microbiota. The research publications provide a few studies about a role for oropharyngeal microorganisms in AtD immunopathogenesis. The aim of the study is to analyze biological diversity of oropharyngeal microbial communities in varying AtD severity. 97 male patients, aged from 16 to 19 years, with different AtD severity were included in the study. Culture study of oropharyngeal discharge was also performed. Biological material was seeded on the expanded list of growth media and incubated for 5 days at the 37°С. To assess the biological diversity of the oropharyngeal microbiota, the coefficient of constancy (C) was used, in order to classify individual microorganisms as permanent, additional or transient. Statistical data processing was performed using the Stat Tech software (version 4.0.0, Stattech LLC, Russia). While examining biological diversity of the oropharyngeal microbiota in AtD patients, 58 microbial species were isolated and identified. After statistical analysis the significant differences in frequency of isolation, depending on different AtD severity were observed for microbes such asStreptococcus vestibularisandRothia dentocariosa. WhenR. dentocariosais isolated from the oropharynx, the chances of AtD exacerbation emergence decreased by 6 times, whereas in case ofS. vestibularis, on the contrary, it increased by 5 times. Therefore, identification of transitions of individual microbes from transient to additional and permanent microbiota and vice versa, depending on the AtD stage and severity, allows to analyze an influence of specific microorganisms in AtD pathological processes and to establish definite new microbiological predictors of AtD exacerbation and remission.

Frequency and mechanism of injury for unintentional paediatric femoral fractures associated with consumer products over a 10-year period in the USA.

Femoral shaft fractures tend to be rare among children; however, these injuries are the most common major paediatric injuries treated by orthopaedic surgeons. The purpose of this study is to characterise the demographics and mechanisms of femoral injury associated with consumer products in the age group treated with spica casting, children 6 months to 6 years, to identify areas for injury prevention. Data from 2012 to 2021 were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System maintained by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, documenting emergency department visits for unintentional injuries associated with consumer products. Narrative descriptions were analysed to identify common factors in the injury events such as location, products and mechanisms of action. From 2012 to 2021, the estimated incidence of femur fractures was 23.5 cases per 100 000 children with no significant difference in yearly frequency. The most common mechanism of injury was a fall with the most frequent fracture sources being bed/bunk beds (16.1%), floor (slips/falls, 9.7%) and trampolines (9.7%). Most fractures occurred at the patient's home (58.4%). The incidence of injury outside of the home and frequency of fractures involving play structures/trampolines increased with age. The incidence and demographic characteristics of paediatric femur fractures associated with consumer products have remained consistent over the past 10 years. As home was the most common location of fracture, prevention of femur fractures should focus on caregiver education around high-risk sources of fracture (bed, stairs and trampolines) and manufacturers should consider design alternatives that discourage potential misuse.

Mean global field power is reduced in infantile epileptic spasms syndrome after response to vigabatrin.

Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) is associated with abnormal neuronal networks during a critical period of synaptogenesis and brain plasticity. Hypsarrhythmia is a visual EEG biomarker used to diagnose IESS, assess response to treatment, and monitor relapse. Computational EEG biomarkers hold promise in providing unbiased, reliable, and objective criteria for clinical management. We hypothesized that computational and visual EEG biomarkers of IESS would correlate after treatment with vigabatrin and that these responses might differ between responders and non-responders. A retrospective analysis was conducted at a single center, involving children with IESS at initial diagnosis and following first-line treatment with vigabatrin. Visual EEG biomarkers of hypsarrhythmia were compared with computational EEG biomarkers, including spike and spike fast-oscillation source coherence, spectral power, and mean global field power, using retrospective analysis of EEG recorded at initial diagnosis and after vigabatrin treatment. Responders and non-responders were compared based on the characteristics of their follow-up EEGs. In this pilot study, we observed a reduction in the EEG biomarker of hypsarrhythmia/modified hypsarrhythmia from 20/20 (100%) cases at the initial diagnosis to 9/20 (45%) cases after treatment with vigabatrin, indicating a 55% (11/20) responder rate. No significant difference in spike frequency was observed after treatment (p = 0.104). We observed no significant differences after treatment with vigabatrin in the computational EEG biomarkers that we assessed, including spike source coherence at 90% (p = 0.983), spike source coherence lag range (p > 0.999), spike gamma source coherence at 90% (p = 0.177), spike gamma source coherence lag range (p > 0.999), spectral power (0.642), or mean global field power (0.932). However, when follow-up EEGs were compared, there was a significant difference in mean global field power (p = 0.038) between vigabatrin responders and non-responders. In contrast, no such difference was observed for spike source coherence at 90% (p = 0.285), spike course coherence lag range (p = 0.819), spike gamma source coherence at 90% (p = 0.205), spike gamma source coherence lag range (p > 0.999), or spectral power (p = 0.445). Finally, our treated group did not differ significantly from healthy controls at initial diagnosis or follow-up in terms of spectral power (p = 0.420) or mean global field power (0.127). In this pilot study, we show that mean global field power is a computational EEG biomarker that is significantly reduced in IESS after treatment with vigabatrin. Although computational EEG biomarkers of network connectivity using spike source coherence appear to be a promising tool, future studies should further explore their potential for assessing treatment responses in IESS.

Life values in Russia and China: Semantic analysis and comparison

The paper seeks to explore the core life values of people living in Russia and China using an online survey in the respondents’ native languages with samples of 887 and 559 participants from each country respectively, who were asked to think of three words associated ‘with something most important in life’. The word-association arrays were translated into English by an automatic translator; then we compared the frequencies of individual words or those of their meanings obtained using the Roget’s Thesaurus. The words ‘family’ and ‘love’ were the most frequent in both samples, but the frequencies of these and most of the other words from the semantic core of each sample differed significantly. Analyses at the level of semantic vectors showed that more than half of the meanings that Russian respondents described as important and more than a third of the meanings important to the Chinese respondents had significant differences in frequencies between the samples. The paper presents 62 semantic groups of the Roget’s Thesaurus, the frequencies of which are reliably different; these are the meanings in which the Chinese and Russian samples differ with regard to life values. There are also 26 semantic groups, the frequencies of which are statistically the same and comparatively high in both samples: these are the common meanings. The results may be used in the design of automatic and AI systems to reduce the intercultural barriers.

Surgical Tracheostomies: A Retrospective Chart Analysis Comparing ENT Specialists and Residents.

The primary aim of our retrospective chart review is to compare open surgical (OS) tracheostomies performed by specialist and supervised resident surgeons, focusing on surgical time and post-surgical complications. The secondary objective was to compare these data based on the years of surgical experience for both specialists and residents. All patients undergoing surgical tracheostomy at the Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Department, University of Verona between 1 January 2017, and 31 December 2022, were subjected to a retrospective analysis. A total of 385 OS tracheostomies were included in the study. Procedures conducted by supervised residents across various training years were compared with those performed by junior and senior specialists, focusing on surgical duration and postoperative complications. Subsequently, these data were stratified based on the surgical experience of subgroups: residents were categorized into 4 years of training, and specialists were categorized into junior (with less than 5 years of experience) and senior (with at least 5 years). Statistical analysis concerning patients' anatomy revealed a significant increase in operative times among those with no palpable neck landmarks (p = 0.006) and those with previous neck surgery (p = 0.039). Among patients' comorbidities, only anticoagulant or antiaggregant therapy was found to prolong operative time (p = 0.018), while the ASA score did not correlate with the duration of surgery. Finally, no statistically significant differences in surgical time were observed (p = 0.287), and no significant differences in complication frequency were reported between supervised residents and specialists (p = 0.908), regardless of years of experience. Under appropriate supervision, OS tracheostomy has demonstrated safety for residents as early as their first year of residency. Residents can perform tracheostomies without significantly prolonging the duration of the operation or increasing the risk of peri- and post-operative complications.

Value of Quantitative Intraoperative Electrocorticography During Anterior Temporal Lobectomy in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients

Introduction: There is debate on the predictive usefulness of electrocorticography (ECoG) during anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of quantitative intraoperative ECoG monitoring for postoperative seizure outcomes after ATL in TLE patients. Methods: The study enrolled thirteen TLE patients who underwent ECoG-assisted ATL. Pre- and post-resection ECoG spike frequency (/min) and spike amplitude (μv/mm) were analyzed with histopathological and preoperative video-electroencephalography (EEG) data. After one year of follow-up, patients were classified as seizure-free (Engel Class I) or with residual seizure outcomes using the Engel Seizure Outcome Classification Scheme. Results: The pre-resection and post-resection ECoG showed significant differences in spike frequency (/min) and amplitude (μv/mm) (P-value &lt; 0.001). Patients with residual seizures (15.4%) showed significantly greater pre- and post-resection ECoG spike frequency and amplitude, as well as significantly higher seizure frequency before surgery, compared to patients with postoperative seizure freedom (84.6%). The pre-resection ECoG spike frequency was significantly greater in TLE patients with histopathology focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) than in those with non-FCD. The post-resection ECoG revealed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 50%, a negative predictive value of 100%, and a positive predictive value of 91.67%. Conclusions: Pre-resection ECoG spike frequency and amplitude can be used as a predictive tool for postoperative seizure outcomes, particularly when video-EEG can't identify the epileptogenic zone (EZ) in TLE patients undergoing ATL.

Sex differences in genotype frequency and the risk of polycythemia associated with rs13419896 and rs2790859 among Tibetan highlanders living in Tsarang, Mustang, Nepal

BackgroundTibetan highlanders have adapted to hypoxic environments through genetic mechanisms that avoid hemoglobin concentration increases and prevent polycythemia. Recently, sex differences in hemoglobin dynamics with age have been reported among Tibetan highlanders living in Tsarang. Additionally, concerns have been raised that dietary changes associated with modernization may increase the risk of polycythemia and lifestyle-related diseases among Tibetan highlanders. However, the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and the risk of lifestyle-related diseases in Tibetan highlanders has been investigated in only a few regions. This study aims to elucidate whether polymorphisms in genes related to hypoxic adaptation are associated with the incidence of lifestyle-related diseases and polycythemia and whether these polymorphisms affect hemoglobin dynamics in the residents of Tsarang, Mustang, Nepal.MethodsHealth checkup data from individuals living in Tsarang in Mustang District, Nepal, collected in 2017, were used to determine the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hypoxemia, and polycythemia. DNA was extracted from whole-blood samples, and data for the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs13419896 (EPAS1), rs12619696 (EPAS1), and rs2790859 (EGLN1) were obtained using real-time PCR. The health checkup data were statistically analyzed to determine the associations of these diseases with polymorphisms in genes related to hypoxic adaptation.ResultsA total of 168 participants, comprising 78 males and 90 females, were included in the final analysis. In terms of the prevalence of each disease, only the prevalence of polycythemia significantly differed between sexes (p < 0.01). Additionally, among the three analyzed SNPs, significant sex differences in genotype frequency were observed for rs13419896 and rs2790859. For rs2790859 in females, Tibetan highlanders with the adaptive genotype had a significantly lower incidence of polycythemia (p < 0.01) and significantly lower hemoglobin concentrations (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThis study revealed that there are sex differences in the genotype frequency of gene-related hypoxic adaptations among the residents of Tsarang. The findings also suggested that the rs2790859 polymorphism might be involved in the recent incidence of polycythemia among Tsarang residents. If the frequency of non-Tibetan genotypes increases due to intermixing with other populations in the Mustang District, polycythemia may emerge as a modern disease. It is essential to continue investigating the health status of Mustang residents to elucidate various aspects of hypoxic adaptation and disease susceptibility.

Effect of Microgravity on the Metal Droplet Transfer and Bead Characteristics in the Directed Energy Deposition-Arc Process

Abstract Directed energy deposition-arc (DED-arc) is a viable method of metal 3D printing for manufacturing in-space under microgravity conditions. This study investigates the effect of reduced gravity on the droplet transfer in a gas metal arc welding (GMAW)-based DED-arc process. Single bead deposited using GMAW welding process under microgravity and standard terrestrial gravity (1 g) are compared. Microgravity was simulated in a drop tower where the experimental capsule was subjected to 2.5 s of free-fall. The experimental setup for GMAW welding process, including high-speed cameras and sensors, was present within the experimental capsule. Droplet frequency and diameter were measured and compared between microgravity and 1 g using the images obtained. Further, the impact of reduced gravity on weld bead geometry and the distribution of gas porosity was investigated. Microhardness analysis was also conducted on both 1 g and reduced gravity samples to assess variations in material hardness. A statistically significant difference in droplet diameter and frequency was found. This difference is attributed to the reduction in gravitational force. Upon analyzing the weld bead geometry, noticeable variations are detected in the contact angles and the reinforcement of beads formed under different gravity conditions. These differences are attributed to alterations in convection within the molten weld pool. The blowhole analysis revealed a noticeable trend, wherein reduced gravity facilitated the coalescence of gas porosity, resulting in larger diameters due to alterations in weld pool convection. There were no statistically significant changes observed in both microhardness and surface finish.

Comparison of snack characteristics by diet quality findings from a nationally representative study of Australian adolescents

Snacking is a common dietary behaviour among adolescents contributing to more than one quarter of their total energy intake; however, the relationship between snacks and diet quality remains unclear. Hence, this study aimed to examine the characteristics of snacks among adolescents with different levels of diet quality. Dietary data collected from a nationally representative sample of Australian adolescents (12–18 years old, n = 935) using one 24-hour dietary recall in the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey were analysed. Snacks were defined based on participant-identified eating occasions, and diet quality was assessed using the Dietary Guideline Index for Children and Adolescents (DGI-CA). Marginal means and proportion of snack characteristics including snack frequency, snack energy density (ED), and commonly consumed foods at snack from the five food groups and discretionary foods at snack across DGI-CA tertiles (highest tertile indicating high guideline adherence) were estimated for both boys and girls using linear regression and logistic regression. Differences in means were tested using the F-test. The results showed no significant differences in the mean frequency of snacks across tertiles of DGI-CA scores. The mean ED of snacks decreased as DGI-CA scores increased in both boys (lowest tertile = 8.4, 95% CI [7.1, 10.0] kJ/g, highest tertile = 6.3 [5.4, 7.4] kJ/g) and girls (lowest tertile = 9.0 [7.8, 10.3] kJ/g, highest tertile = 5.9 [5.1, 6.9] kJ/g). As diet quality improved, the proportion of adolescents consuming discretionary (i.e., unhealthy) foods and foods from the five food group foods as snacks decreased and increased, respectively. In conclusion, adolescents with higher diet quality consumed snacks with a lower ED while lower proportion of them consume discretionary foods, and higher proportion of them consume from the five food groups. Encouraging the consumption of foods from the five food groups with lower ED as snacks presents an opportunity to enhance adolescent diet quality.

The relationship between prodromal symptom levels and affective temperament features and emotional dysregulation in patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder and their first-degree relatives: A controlled study

BackgroundThe frequency of developing psychiatric symptoms is higher in the first-degree relatives of bipolar patients compared to the healthy population. This study aims to determine the possible diagnosis of bipolarity by revealing the bipolar prodromal features, temperament changes, and emotional disregulation in the first-degree relatives of bipolar patients and their interrelationships. MethodsA total of 150 patients, including bipolar disorder patients, their first-degree relatives, and a healthy control group, aged 18–65 who met the study inclusion criteria, were included in the study. Sociodemographic data form, Bipolar Prodromal Symptom Scale (BPSS), Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A), and Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) were administered to all participants. ResultsSignificant differences were found between the BPSS, TEMPS-A, and DERS total and subscale scores of the bipolar patient group, first-degree relatives, and healthy control group (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in BPSS frequency and severity subscale scores, TEMPS-A hyperthymic and cyclothymic subscale scores, and DERS strategy, goal-oriented, and awareness subscale scores between patients and their first-degree relatives (p < 0.001). Additionally, all scale scores of the patient relatives were significantly different from the healthy control group (p < 0.001). A significant relationship was found between the prodromal scores and temperament scores of the patient relatives, and between the temperament scores and DERS scores (p < 0.001). ConclusionIt has been observed that the severity and frequency of bipolar prodromal symptoms, temperament changes, and difficulty in mood regulation are higher in bipolar patients and their first-degree relatives compared to the healthy population. Differences were found in hyperthymic and cyclothymic temperament features and difficulty in mood regulation scores between bipolar patients and their first-degree relatives. Patient relatives showed significant changes in all parameters compared to the healthy group. The severity of bipolar prodromal symptoms in patient relatives was associated with cyclothymic and anxious temperament features, while the frequency of bipolar symptoms was associated with anxious temperament. Relationships were found between some temperament and mood regulation difficulty sub-scores. In light of these findings, evaluating clinical variables such as the frequency and severity of prodromal symptoms, temperament features, and difficulty in mood regulation in the first-degree relatives of bipolar patients may be an appropriate approach for diagnosing mood disorders.

Salivary microbiome and biomarker characteristics of diabetics with periodontitis.

To examine the characteristics of the salivary microbiome in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with or without periodontitis. Periodontitis has been identified as clear sequelae of T2DM. This chronic oral disease also impacts the management of the clinical features of diabetes. The oral microbiome characteristics in T2DM with and without periodontitis, as well as the response of this oral microbiome to nonsurgical therapy have not been well described. Knowledge of key oral biological features could help address the observed poorer clinical presentation of T2DM patients. The oral microbiome in saliva of adult cohorts periodontally healthy/non-diabetic (non-periodontitis; NP; n=31), T2DM without periodontitis (DWoP; n=32), and T2DM with periodontitis (DWP; n=29) were characterized by microbial molecular analysis using V3-V4 sequencing and Luminex or ELISA techniques for salivary host analytes. Phyla distribution showed DWP with significantly lower levels of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria and higher levels of Fusobacteria and Spirochetes compared to the healthier groups. Approximately 10% of the detected microbial species showed significant differences in frequency and level of colonization among the DWP, DWoP, and NP samples. A subset of bacteria were significantly correlated with clinical disease features, as well as a specific repertoire of salivary analytes, in particular matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)8/MMP9, interleukin-1ß, B-cell activating factor, and resistin differed between the groups and were related to specific taxa. Principal component analysis that identified a majority of the DWP subjects microbiome was unique based upon an array of 27 taxa out of up to 255 detected in the saliva samples. T2DM patients with periodontitis show unique oral microbiome and salivary analyte composition compared to diabetics or non-diabetic persons without periodontitis. Specific members of the oral microbiome relate directly to the clinical disease features and/or salivary biomolecules in T2DM individuals.

Genetic Polymorphisms of COL1A1 Promoter Region (rs1800012) and TGFB1Signal Peptide (rs1800471): Role in Cervical Insufficiency Susceptibility?

A structural or functional cervix problem prevents a woman from carrying a full-term pregnancy, which leads to the disease known as cervical insufficiency. Cervical insufficiency is partially inherited, and in certain situations, variations in genes related to connective tissue metabolism may be involved. The main objective of this investigation was to describe the collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) gene rs1800012 polymorphism and the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) gene rs1800471 polymorphism in a cohort of patients suffering from cervical insufficiency. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assays have been used to analyze the DNAs of 93 patients with cervical insufficiency and 103 healthy controls. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. There were significant differences in the genotype frequencies of the COL1A1 gene rs1800012 (G > T) and TGFB1 gene rs1800471 (G > C) polymorphisms between the patient and the control groups (p = 0.049 and p = 0.049, respectively). Also, the C allele of the TGFB1 rs1800471 polymorphism was significantly higher in the patient group than the control group (p = 0.016). Following clinical assessment, the COL1A1 rs1800012 polymorphism was found to be connected to the history of cerclage (p = 0.010). Additionally, the frequency of the TT/GG composite genotype of COL1A1 rs1800012/TGFB1 rs1800471 polymorphisms was significantly lower in the patient group than the control group (p = 0.049). The TT genotype of COL1A1 rs1800012 polymorphism was found to be protective against cervical insufficiency, while the C allele of TGFB1 rs1800471 polymorphism was found to predispose to the disease. It appears that the TT/GG composite genotype of COL1A1 rs1800012/TGFB1 rs1800471 polymorphisms protects against cervical insufficiency.

Genetic variation of FUT3 gene in the Han population from Northern China.

The FUT3 gene encodes α(1,3/1,4)-fucosyltransferase, which is a crucial enzyme in the synthesis of Lewis antigens. FUT3 gene variants show race-specific differences. In this study, we conducted a systematic sequence analysis of the FUT3 coding sequence. The objective was to explore genetic variations of the FUT3 gene within the Han population of Northern China. A cohort of 313 blood donors was recruited for the study. The coding sequence of the FUT3 gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction, followed by sequencing and haplotype construction. Twelve single nucleotide variations (SNVs) were identified within the coding sequence of the FUT3 gene. Notably, the c.59 T > G site exhibited the highest mutation frequency of 43.13%, followed by the c.508G > A and c.1067 T > A sites with mutation frequencies of 27.48% and 16.93%, respectively. Le was the most common haplotype, accounting for 67.57% of the cases, and Le/Le was the most common diplotype, accounting for 46.33% of the cases. The study also highlighted a significant difference in mutation frequencies of FUT3 gene between the Han Chinese of Northern China and the Dai of Xishuangbanna, China, but not the Han Chinese in Beijing in the North and the Southern Han Chinese, emphasising that Han Chinese in Northern China are genetically most distant from Europeans and closest to East Asians. Our study characterises FUT3 gene variations in Han Chinese from Northern China, and provides basic genetic data for genetics, forensic medicine, and genotyping of Lewis blood groups.

A randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of the eCHECKUP TO GO on drinking games participation and behavior among high school seniors

BackgroundAmong high school students, seniors report the highest levels of hazardous drinking behavior, including playing drinking games. Technology-based interventions are a promising approach for reducing hazardous drinking behavior among this age group. Objectives: This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of the eCHECKUP TO GO, an online personalized feedback intervention, on reducing the frequency of playing drinking games, the number of drinks consumed while playing drinking games, and the number of drinks consumed on occasions when drinking games were played among high school seniors (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03613818). Method: Participants were recruited from two high schools. Class periods were randomized to the intervention condition or an assessment-only control condition. Participants completed online surveys at baseline, 30-day, and 6-month assessments. The subsample in this study (N = 109) consisted of high-risk drinkers (i.e., students reporting binge drinking in the past two weeks at baseline). Results: We did not find any significant differences in frequency of playing drinking games between the intervention and control conditions. For number of drinks consumed, students in the intervention condition reported a significant reduction in the number of drinks consumed while playing drinking games (p < 0.01) and total number of drinks consumed on drinking game occasions (p < 0.04) at the 30-day follow-up relative to students in the control condition. Reductions within the intervention group were sustained at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: Results support the efficacy of the eCHECKUP TO GO for decreasing hazardous alcohol use among high school seniors.

Diet and sleep quality in chilean university students.

To evaluate an association between eating patterns and sleep quality in Chilean university students. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted. Participants included students from 4 Chilean universities. Each student was administered survey Questionnaire on the frequency of healthy and unhealthy eating habits and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and their weight and height were taken to obtain the Body Mass Index (BMI). A total of 1,079 young university students, 80.26 % were women and the average age was 21.7 years. The 73.68 % have inadequate sleep quality. There is a significant differences in frequency between sleep quality and the intake of breakfast (p<0.001), fish (p<0.05) and dinner (p<0.05), that is, university students who reported optimal sleep consume breakfast and dinner on a daily basis and their fish intake is in line with nutritional recommendations. With respect to the association between sleep quality and healthy dietary patterns, it is observed a significant association (p<0.01) between optimal sleep and daily breakfast consumption in model 3 (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.61 (0.46-0.82)). Regarding unhealthy dietary patterns, a significant association (p<0.05) is observed in model 3 between sleep quality and alcohol consumption (OR: 1.42 (1.02-1.96)). Furthermore, a significant association between optimal sleep and salt consumption is observed in both model 2 (OR: 0.73 (0.54-0.99)) and model 3 (OR: 0.72 (0.53-0.97)). Finally, a significant relationship between not tobacco use and optimal sleep is observed (OR: 0.68 (0.48-0.96)). A positive relationship between healthy diet and sleep quality was observed in university students, which certain dietary patterns, such as the consumption of breakfast and low salt consumption and alcohol, are crucial to talk about a good sleep quality in this population group.

Long-term immune response and antibody dynamics after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy

Introduction and objective: The SARS-CoV-2 virus has triggered a global pandemic, particularly affecting individuals with comorbidities and those on renal replacement therapy. Vaccination has become a critical strategy, although evidence indicates suboptimal immunity in these groups compared to the general population. Material and methods: The study assessed the post-vaccination response in 121 patients undergoing renal replacement therapy and 104 control individuals. IgG antibody levels against glycoprotein S were measured twice: the first sample was collected 4–8 months after two vaccine doses, and the second sample 6–8 months after third dose. Results: In both groups, antibody titres significantly increased after the third vaccine dose, with no notable difference between the control and study groups after two vaccine doses (p &lt; 0.001). The findings revealed no statistically significant difference in antibody levels between the two groups. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in infection frequency after three vaccine doses (p = 0.072). Patients who contracted COVID-19 after the third vaccination had lower antibody levels during the first blood draw, suggesting a potential impact on immunity. Among dialysis patients, a correlation was found between IgG antibody titres (in the first blood draw) and a longer time interval between the first and second vaccine doses (p = 0.021). The regression analysis indicated that a 1-unit increase in antibody level resulted in a 0.1% reduction in the risk of infection. Conclusions: The results imply that achieving immunity comparable to the general population is possible among patients undergoing renal replacement therapy more than half a year after receiving three vaccine doses. The study also introduces the hypothesis of a delayed antibody response.