Search

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia, is a leading neurodegenerative disorder currently affecting approximately 55 million individuals globally, a number projected to escalate to 139 million by 2050. Despite extensive research spanning several decades, the cure for AD remains at a developing stage. The only existing therapeutic options are limited to symptom management, and are often accompanied by adverse side effects. The pathological features of AD, including the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles, result in progressive neuronal death, synaptic loss, and brain atrophy, leading to significant cognitive decline and a marked reduction in quality of life. Objective: In light of the shortcomings of existing pharmacological interventions, this review explores the potential of photobiomodulation (PBM) as a non-invasive therapeutic option for AD. PBM employs infrared light to facilitate cellular repair and regeneration, focusing on addressing the disease’s underlying biomechanical mechanisms. Method: This paper presents a comprehensive introduction to the mechanisms of PBM and an analysis of preclinical studies evaluating its impact on cellular health, cognitive function, and disease progression in AD.The review provides a comprehensive overview of the various wavelengths and application methods, evaluating their efficacy in mitigating AD-related symptoms. Conclusions: The findings underscore the significant potential of PBM as a safe and effective alternative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, emphasizing the necessity for further research and clinical trials to establish its therapeutic efficacy conclusively.

From the stand point of the possible use of microorganisms in water purifi cation biotechnologies, studying microorganisms capable of removing dangerous pollutants such as heavy metals from the aquatic environment is of great importance. Microbial screening was conducted on isolates from microbiocenoses of highly magnetic soils of the city Mednogorsk (Orenburg region, Russia), to assess their resistance to manganese (II) ions. The objects of this research were nine strains of manganese-oxidizing microorganisms and two strains of iron-oxidizing microorganisms: Bacillus megaterium 69.3 and B. megaterium 69.5. It was observed that, most of the studied microorganisms were characterized by increased resistance to manganese (II) ions when grown on an agar medium. Maximum resistance to Mn (II) was observed in microbial strains: 55.2 and B. megaterium 69.5. The maximum tolerant concentration (MTC) of Mn (II) for these microorganisms was 300 and 350 mmol/L; the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 350 and 450 mmol/L, respectively. When studying the growth of the two microbial strains: 55.2 and B. megaterium 69.5 in liquid media for 5 days. It was discovered that, when cultured in a selective medium, microbial resistance of the strains to Mn (II) was higher compared to when cultured in a nutrient LB medium. The results showed high resistance of microorganisms to a range of Mn (II) concentrations: from 0,5 to 250 mmol/L in a liquid medium. Maximum growth of the studied microbial strains was observed at Mn (II) concentration of 10 mmol/L. These microbial strains with high resistance to Mn (II) open up the prospect of their practical use for biotechnological purposes involving the purifi cation of drinking and wastewater from high manganese content.

Background: A common MRI reference space allows for easy communication of findings, and has led to high-impact discoveries in neuroscience. Brain MRI of neuro-oncology patients with mass lesions or surgical cavities can now be accurately transformed into reference space, allowing for a reliable comparison across patients. Despite this, it is currently seldom used in neuro-oncology, leaving analytic tools untapped. The aim of this study was to systematically review the neuro-oncology literature utilizing reference space. Methods: A systematic review of the neuro-oncology publications was conducted according to PRISMA statement guidelines. Studies specially reporting the use of the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) reference space were included. Studies were categorized according to their type of input data and their contributions to the field. A sub-analysis focusing on connectomics and transcriptomics was also included. Results: We identified only 101 articles that utilized the MNI brain in neuro-oncology research. Tumor locations (n = 77) and direct electrocortical stimulation (n = 19) were the most common source of data. A majority of studies (n = 51) provided insights on clinical factors such as tumor subtype, growth progression, and prognosis. A small group of studies (n = 21) have used the novel connectomic and transcriptomic tools. Conclusions: Brain MRI of neuro-oncology patients can be accurately transformed to MNI space. This has contributed to enhance our understanding of a wide variety of clinical questions ranging from tumor subtyping to symptom mapping. Many advanced tools such as connectomics and transcriptomics remain relatively untapped, thereby hindering our knowledge of neuro-oncology.

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is both a crucial clinical and research tool for patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices. However, safety concerns predominantly related to device heating have limited such imaging. Rigorous safety testing has demonstrated that scanning outside of vendor guidelines may be both safe and feasible, unlocking unique opportunities for advanced imaging in this patient population. Currently, however, 3T MRI safety data including advanced MRI sequences in novel directional and sensing DBS devices is lacking. Methods: An anthropomorphic phantom replicating bilateral DBS system was used to assess the temperature rise at the electrode tips, implantable pulse generator, and cranial loop during acquisition of routine clinical sequences (three dimensional [3D] T1, GRE T2*, T2 FSE) and advanced imaging sequences including functional MRI (fMRI), arterial spin labelling (ASL), and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Measures of radiofrequency exposure (specific absorption rate [SAR] and root-mean square value of the MRI effective component of the radiofrequency transmission field [B1+rms]) were also recorded as an indirect measure of heating. Testing involved both a new directional and sensing DBS device (Medtronic: B30015 leads and Percept PC neurostimulator) and a previous-generation DBS device (Medtronic: 3,387 leads and Percept PC neurostimulator) in combination with a state-of-the-art (Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma) and a previous-generation (GE Signa HDxt) 3T MRI scanner. Results: On the state-of-the-art 3T MRI scanner, the new DBS device produced safe temperature rises with clinically used sequences and fMRI but not with other advanced sequences such as DWI and ASL, which also exceeded B1+rms vendor guidelines (i.e., ≤2 μT). When scanned on the previous MRI scanner, the recent DBS device produced overall lower and slower temperature rises compared to the previous DBS model. Among the sequences performed on this scanner, several (3D T1, DWI, T2 FSE, and ASL) exceeded the approved SAR vendor limit (<1 W/kg), but only ASL resulted in an unacceptable temperature rise during scanning of the previous DBS model. Conclusion: These phantom safety data show that both clinically used MRI sequences and research sequences such as fMRI can be successfully acquired on 3T MRI scanners with a novel directional and sensing DBS model. As several of these sequences were obtained outside regulatory-approved vendor guidelines, preemptive safety testing should be done. As directional leads become increasingly common, improving MRI safety knowledge is crucial to expand clinical and research possibilities. Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is both a crucial clinical and research tool for patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices. However, safety concerns predominantly related to device heating have limited such imaging. Rigorous safety testing has demonstrated that scanning outside of vendor guidelines may be both safe and feasible, unlocking unique opportunities for advanced imaging in this patient population. Currently, however, 3T MRI safety data including advanced MRI sequences in novel directional and sensing DBS devices is lacking. Methods: An anthropomorphic phantom replicating bilateral DBS system was used to assess the temperature rise at the electrode tips, implantable pulse generator, and cranial loop during acquisition of routine clinical sequences (three dimensional [3D] T1, GRE T2*, T2 FSE) and advanced imaging sequences including functional MRI (fMRI), arterial spin labelling (ASL), and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Measures of radiofrequency exposure (specific absorption rate [SAR] and root-mean square value of the MRI effective component of the radiofrequency transmission field [B1+rms]) were also recorded as an indirect measure of heating. Testing involved both a new directional and sensing DBS device (Medtronic: B30015 leads and Percept PC neurostimulator) and a previous-generation DBS device (Medtronic: 3,387 leads and Percept PC neurostimulator) in combination with a state-of-the-art (Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma) and a previous-generation (GE Signa HDxt) 3T MRI scanner. Results: On the state-of-the-art 3T MRI scanner, the new DBS device produced safe temperature rises with clinically used sequences and fMRI but not with other advanced sequences such as DWI and ASL, which also exceeded B1+rms vendor guidelines (i.e., ≤2 μT). When scanned on the previous MRI scanner, the recent DBS device produced overall lower and slower temperature rises compared to the previous DBS model. Among the sequences performed on this scanner, several (3D T1, DWI, T2 FSE, and ASL) exceeded the approved SAR vendor limit (<1 W/kg), but only ASL resulted in an unacceptable temperature rise during scanning of the previous DBS model. Conclusion: These phantom safety data show that both clinically used MRI sequences and research sequences such as fMRI can be successfully acquired on 3T MRI scanners with a novel directional and sensing DBS model. As several of these sequences were obtained outside regulatory-approved vendor guidelines, preemptive safety testing should be done. As directional leads become increasingly common, improving MRI safety knowledge is crucial to expand clinical and research possibilities. Plain Language Summary: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a crucial clinical and research tool for patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices, but MRI safety concerns, especially regarding device heating have limited its use. Rigorous safety testing has demonstrated that MRI outside of approved vendor guidelines for DBS may be both safe and feasible, unlocking new research opportunities. However, safety data for 3T MRI with newer directional and sensing DBS devices, including advanced sequences, are lacking. We conducted a phantom safety test with these new DBS systems to measure temperature during acquisition of routine clinical and advanced imaging sequences including functional MRI (fMRI). Testing compared a new directional and sensing DBS device and a previous-generation DBS device in combination with a state-of-the-art and a previous-generation 3T MRI scanner. Results show that routine and functional MRI sequences may be safely acquired in terms of temperature rise with a novel directional and sensing DBS device on both the state-of-the-art and the previous-generation MRI scanner at 3T, but some advances sequences may still pose risks. As they become increasingly common, understanding MRI safety of newer directional and sensing DBS device is crucial to expand their MRI possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Hospitalisation for hypertension continues to rise in Ghana. It has been revealed that in Ghana, patients hospitalised for hypertension spend between 1 and 91 days on admission. This study therefore sought to estimate the hospital length of stay (LoS) of hypertensive patients and individual or health-related factors that may influence the hospitalisation duration in Ghana.Methods We employed a retrospective study design that used routinely collected health data on hospitalised hypertensive patients in Ghana from the District Health Information Management System database between 2012 and 2017 to model LoS using survival analysis. The cumulative incidence function for discharge stratified by sex was computed. To investigate the factors that influence hospitalisation duration, multivariable Cox regression was used.Results Out of a total of 106 372 hypertension admissions, about 72 581 (68.2%) were women. The mean age of the patients was 55.3 (SD=17.5) years. Overall, the median LoS was 3 days with almost 90% of all patients being discharged by the 10th day of admission. Patients admitted in Volta region (HR: 0.89, p

Abstract Background Ghana’s national tuberculosis (TB) prevalence survey conducted in 2013 showed higher than expected TB prevalence indicating that many people with TB were not being identified and treated. Responding to this, we assessed barriers to TB case finding from the perspective, experiences and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs) in rural and urban health facilities in the Volta region, Ghana. Methods We conducted structured clinic observations and in-depth interviews with 12 HCWs (including five trained in TB case detection) in four rural health facilities and a municipal hospital. Interview transcripts and clinic observation data were manually organised, triangulated and analysed into health system-related and HCW-related barriers. Results The key health system barriers identified included lack of TB diagnostic laboratories in rural health facilities and no standard referral system to the municipal hospital for further assessment and TB testing. In addition, missed opportunities for early diagnosis of TB were driven by suboptimal screening practices of HCWs whose application of the national standard operating procedures (SOP) for TB case detection was inconsistent. Further, infection prevention and control measures in health facilities were not implemented as recommended by the SOP. HCW-related barriers were mainly lack of training on case detection guidelines, fear of infection (exacerbated by lack of appropriate personal protective equipment [PPE]) and lack of motivation among HCWs for TB work. Solutions to these barriers suggested by HCWs included provision of at least one diagnostic facility in each sub-municipality, provision of transport subsidies to enable patients’ travel for testing, training of newly-recruited staff on case detection guidelines, and provision of appropriate PPE. Conclusion TB case finding was undermined by few diagnostic facilities; inconsistent referral mechanisms; poor implementation, training and quality control of a screening tool and guidelines; and HCWs fearing infection and not being motivated. We recommend training for and quality monitoring of TB diagnosis and treatment with a focus on patient-centred care, an effective sputum transport system, provision of the TB symptom screening tool and consistent referral pathways from peripheral health facilities.

Treatment options for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are rapidly expanding. The purpose of this study is to identify trends in CTEPH clinical trials and the publication of results. We performed a worldwide review of completed and ongoing clinical trials through searching the ClinicalTrials.gov database and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for “CTEPH” and related terms. Entries were classified as pharmaceutical/procedural interventions (Group 1), all other clinical trials (Group 2) and patient registries (Group 3). Trial characteristics and national affiliation were recorded. PubMed was searched for related publications. There were 117 clinical trials registry entries after removing duplicates and non‐target records. Group 1 comprised 29 pharmaceutical, 15 procedural, and four combined interventions starting in 2005, 2010, and 2016, respectively. Riociguat and balloon pulmonary angioplasty were the most frequent pharmaceutical and procedural interventions, respectively. The proportion of procedural trials increased over time from 0% of those in 2005–2009 to 29% in 2010–2014 and 54% in 2015–2020. There were 56 entries in Group 2 and 13 in Group 3. Japan was the most frequent national affiliation and the most frequent participating country, present in 28% of all trials. The proportion of entries with published results was highest with Group 3 (62%) and lowest with Group 1 (27%). Thirty percent of all publications occurred in 2020. In conclusion, CTEPH clinical trials are increasingly procedural based, with growth largely attributable to Japan and balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Most trials have not published, but results from balloon pulmonary angioplasty clinical trials are anticipated soon.

Genetic sensors can be created by mix and matching DNA-binding modules with ligand-binding modules. Here the authors use a computational model to overcome module incompatibilities and restore function by rescuing key interactions.

The evaporation (EV) method is a widely used experimental approach to determine unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (UHC) and soil water retention (SWR) functions. However, the EV method has some limitations in evaluating accurate UHC values near the wet range. This restricts the working range of the models that utilize these UHC values for predicting soil water content and water fluxes for problems involving wet conditions (e.g., infiltration under ponding conditions). Our experimental study shows that when using the EV method, tensiometer offset errors as low as 1 cm can cause problems with wet-range measurements. Current methods to overcome these errors are expensive, inefficient, or cumbersome. In this study, we developed an improved EV method that utilizes a simple experimental protocol for standardizing the soil saturation procedure and a robust calibration method to quantify tensiometer offset errors. The proposed approach utilizes existing EV method hardware without requiring additional specialized instrumentation. Experiments performed using a silt loam soil sample show that our approach can extend the working range of the EV method to the wet range. Therefore, reliable estimates of the UHC and SWR functions can now be obtained over the entire range of soil suction heads. Our study also contributes to a better understanding of the EV method and uses this knowledge for collecting reliable and reproducible SWR and UHC data. The improved EV method is simple, effective, and cost-efficient. This method has the potential to greatly improve soil water content predictions, leading to better-informed decisions for groundwater resources management, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia, is a leading neurodegenerative disorder currently affecting approximately 55 million individuals globally, a number projected to escalate to 139 million by 2050. Despite extensive research spanning several decades, the cure for AD remains at a developing stage. The only existing therapeutic options are limited to symptom management, and are often accompanied by adverse side effects. The pathological features of AD, including the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles, result in progressive neuronal death, synaptic loss, and brain atrophy, leading to significant cognitive decline and a marked reduction in quality of life. Objective: In light of the shortcomings of existing pharmacological interventions, this review explores the potential of photobiomodulation (PBM) as a non-invasive therapeutic option for AD. PBM employs infrared light to facilitate cellular repair and regeneration, focusing on addressing the disease's underlying biomechanical mechanisms. Method: This paper presents a comprehensive introduction to the mechanisms of PBM and an analysis of preclinical studies evaluating its impact on cellular health, cognitive function, and disease progression in AD.The review provides a comprehensive overview of the various wavelengths and application methods, evaluating their efficacy in mitigating AD-related symptoms. Conclusions: The findings underscore the significant potential of PBM as a safe and effective alternative treatment for Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the necessity for further research and clinical trials to establish its therapeutic efficacy conclusively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature-based solutions (NbSs) for water involve using or mimicking natural processes to contribute to the improved management of water. Although NbSs are gaining a significant amount of scientific attention, to ensure their wide usage for enhancing groundwater recharge, there is a need for clear documentation outlining their benefits and barriers. In this study, a systematic literature review was carried out to evaluate the application of NbSs for managing groundwater recharge. First, NbS approaches were classified into two broad groups: managed aquifer recharge (MAR) and ancillary recharge methods (ARMs). MAR includes all activities that intentionally enhance the recharge of an aquifer for later recovery, while ARMs include all the remaining NbSs wherein recharge enhancement is a secondary goal. In 50 out of 61 reviewed studies, MAR was reported to be successful in increasing recharge. However, in the remaining studies, reductions in recharge rates were reported. Most of the NbSs that failed to improve groundwater recharge were from the ARMs group. This group had little consensus among studies regarding the effectiveness of NbSs on groundwater recharge. In this study, we also identified opportunities and challenges, such as gaps in our knowledge of NbSs' effectiveness, their assessment in long-term, cost–benefit analysis and scalability. Addressing these challenges will further enhance the efficiency of NbSs, which indeed is a promising alternative for enhancing groundwater resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSEThe increasing cancer burden calls for reliable data on current and future associated hospitalizations to enable health care resource planning, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We provide nationwide estimates of the current and future burden of hospitalization because of neoplasms in Ghana.METHODSWe conducted secondary data (2012-2017) analysis using nationwide routine administrative inpatient health data from the Ghana Health Service. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to model spatial and temporal hospitalization trends stratified by sex and 5-year age group. In conjunction with official population projections, the model was used to predict future hospitalization up to 2032.RESULTSOut of 2,915,936 hospitalization records extracted for 6 years, 26,627 (1.0%) were for neoplasms, most of them benign (D10-D36, 15,362; 57.7%) and in female patients (20,159; 76%). In total, 9,463 (35.5%) patients with malignancies were mostly female (5,307; 56.1%), had a median age 50 years (interquartile range, 34-66 years) and a median duration of stay of 4 days (interquartile range, 2-8 days). Poisson regression for the malignant cancers revealed an annual increase in hospitalizations with a relative rate of 1.23 (95% CI, 1.19 to 1.27). The estimated hospitalization rate for malignancies of female patients was 1.5 times higher than that of male patients (relative rate, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.00 to 2.34), adjusted for age. We predicted an increase of 67.5% malignant cancer hospitalizations from the empirical years (2012-2017) into the prediction years (2022-2032) in Ghana.CONCLUSIONIn the absence of a national population-based cancer registry, this nationwide study used secondary health services data on hospitalizations as a proxy for neoplasm morbidity burden. Our results can support planning public health resources and building evidence-based advocacy campaigns for neoplasm-prevention efforts.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most common and severe types of epilepsy, characterized by intractable, recurrent, and pharmacoresistant seizures. Histopathology of TLE is mostly investigated through observing hippocampal sclerosis (HS) in adults, which provides a robust means to analyze the related histopathological lesions. However, most pathological processes underlying the formation of these lesions remain elusive, as they are difficult to detect and observe. In recent years, significant efforts have been put in elucidating the pathophysiological pathways contributing to TLE epileptogenesis. In this review, we aimed to address the new and unrecognized neuropathological discoveries within the last 5 years, focusing on gene expression (miRNA and DNA methylation), neuronal peptides (neuropeptide Y), cellular metabolism (mitochondria and ion transport), cellular structure (microtubule and extracellular matrix), and tissue-level abnormalities (enlarged amygdala). Herein, we describe a range of biochemical mechanisms and their implication for epileptogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss their potential role as a target for TLE prevention and treatment. This review article summarizes the latest neuropathological discoveries at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels involving both animal and patient studies, aiming to explore epileptogenesis and highlight new potential targets in the diagnosis and treatment of TLE.

Accurate estimate of groundwater recharge is crucial for prediction of groundwater table dynamics and dependent eco-hydrological processes. Despite its importance, benchmark data for groundwater recharge at fine (~ daily) temporal resolution is lacking. We present a first-of-a-kind daily groundwater recharge per unit specific yield (RpSy) data over periods of 2–38 years at 485 groundwater monitoring wells in the US. The RpSy data for these locations are calculated from the daily groundwater table time series using the water table fluctuations (WTF) method. Although direct validation of the data is not possible, since it is the first of its kind, we compare the RpSy data with the monthly USGS product to identify similarities and differences. The RpSy dataset may serve as a benchmark for validating the temporal consistency of recharge products and daily simulation results from land surface and integrated hydrologic models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical analyses of homologous protein sequences can identify amino acid residue positions that co-evolve to generate family members with different properties. Based on the hypothesis that the coevolution of residue positions is necessary for maintaining protein structure, coevolutionary traits revealed by statistical models provide insight into residue–residue interactions that are important for understanding protein mechanisms at the molecular level. With the rapid expansion of genome sequencing databases that facilitate statistical analyses, this sequence-based approach has been used to study a broad range of protein families. An emerging application of this approach is to design hybrid transcriptional regulators as modular genetic sensors for novel wiring between input signals and genetic elements to control outputs. Among many allosterically regulated regulator families, the members contain structurally conserved and functionally independent protein domains, including a DNA-binding module (DBM) for interacting with a specific genetic element and a ligand-binding module (LBM) for sensing an input signal. By hybridizing a DBM and an LBM from two different family members, a hybrid regulator can be created with a new combination of signal-detection and DNA-recognition properties not present in natural systems. In this review, we present recent advances in the development of hybrid regulators and their applications in cellular engineering, especially focusing on the use of statistical analyses for characterizing DBM–LBM interactions and hybrid regulator design. Based on these studies, we then discuss the current limitations and potential directions for enhancing the impact of this sequence-based design approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]