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In this work, we compare the rate of warming of summertime extreme temperatures (summer maximum value of daily maximum temperature; TXx) relative to the local mean (summer mean daily maximum temperature; TXm) over the Northern Hemisphere in observations and one set of large ensemble (LE) simulations. During the 1979–2021 historical period, observations and simulations show robust warming trends in both TXm and TXx almost everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, except over the eastern U.S. where observations show a slight cooling trend in TXx, which may be a manifestation of internal variability. We find that the observed warming rate in TXx is significantly smaller than in TXm in North Africa, western North America, Siberia, and Eastern Asia, whereas the warming rate in TXx is significantly larger over the Eastern U.S., the U.K., and Northwestern Europe. This observed geographical pattern is successfully reproduced by the vast majority of the LE members over the historical period, and is persistent (although less intense) in future climate projections over the 2051–2100 period. We also find that these relative warming patterns are mostly driven by the local hydroclimate conditions. TXx warms slower than TXm in the hyper-arid, arid, semi-arid and moist regions, where trends in the partitioning of the turbulent surface fluxes between the latent and sensible heat flux are similar during regular and extreme hot days. In contrast, TXx warms faster than TXm in dry-subhumid regions where trends in the partitioning of the surface fluxes are significantly different between regular and extreme hot days, with a larger role of sensible heat flux during the extreme hot days.

IntroductionSpinal cord injury (SCI) causes significant and permanent disability affecting motor, sensory and autonomic functions. We conducted a survey on the priorities of functional recovery and preferences for community rehabilitation services in a cohort of Chinese individuals with SCI as well as the primary caregivers. The study also investigated their views on advanced technology and research.MethodsAn online platform with a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the opinions of clients that received services from an SCI follow-up clinic, a self-help association, or a non-government organization from 1 September−31 December 2021.ResultsEighty-seven subjects (74 individuals with SCI−48 tetraplegic, 26 paraplegic, and 13 caregivers) responded to the survey. Recovery of arm/hand function was given the highest priority among tetraplegics, followed by upper trunk/body strength and balance, and bladder/bowel function. Sexual function had a significant lower ranking than all priority areas except normal sensation (p < 0.05). Paraplegics viewed bladder/bowel function as the most important area of functional recovery, followed by walking movement, upper trunk/body strength and balance, elimination of chronic pain, and regaining normal sensation. There was no statistically significant difference among the top priority areas (p > 0.05). In contrast to previous studies done in Western populations, the study revealed that sexual function was ranked as the lowest by all 3 groups of respondents (tetraplegics, paraplegics, and caregivers). The majority of participants thought community rehabilitation services were inadequate. Most of the respondents were interested to try advanced technology which would facilitate their daily life and rehabilitation. About half of the individuals with SCI thought advance in technology and research could bring significant improvement in their quality of life in the coming 10 years.ConclusionThis survey is the first study specifically looking into the recovery and rehabilitation priorities of a Chinese population of individuals with SCI. This is also the first study to investigate the priorities of the primary caregivers of SCI individuals. The findings are useful as a reference for planning of future research and provision of rehabilitation services for the SCI community locally and in other parts of China.

Wildfires are one of the major disasters among many and are responsible for more than 6 million acres burned in the United States alone every year. Accurate, insightful, and timely wildfire detection is needed to help authorities mitigate and prevent further destruction. Uncertainty quantification is always a crucial part of the detection of natural disasters, such as wildfires, and modeling products can be misinterpreted without proper uncertainty quantification. In this study, we propose a supervised deep generative machine-learning model that generates stochastic wildfire detection, allowing fast and comprehensive uncertainty quantification for individual and collective events. In the proposed approach, we also aim to address the patchy and discontinuous Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) wildfire product by training the proposed model with MODIS raw and combined bands to detect fire. This approach allows us to generate diverse but plausible segmentations to represent the disagreements regarding the delineation of wildfire boundaries by subject matter experts. The proposed approach generates stochastic segmentation via two model streams in which one learns meaningful stochastic latent distributions, and the other learns the visual features. Two model branches join eventually to become a supervised stochastic image-to-image wildfire detection model. The model is compared to two baseline stochastic machine-learning models: (1) with permanent dropout in training and test phases and (2) with Stochastic ReLU activations. The visual and statistical metrics demonstrate better agreements between the ground truth and the proposed model segmentations. Furthermore, we used multiple scenarios to evaluate the model comprehension, and the proposed Probabilistic U-Net model demonstrates a better understanding of the underlying physical dynamics of wildfires compared to the baselines.

Abstract Background There are no clear indicators for predicting return to work for patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). We aim to report the outcomes of a 14-week multidisciplinary programme targeting patients with chronic LBP who failed conventional physiotherapy to provide functional rehabilitation. Also, this study will identify factors predicting successful return to work (RTW). Methods A collected cohort of patients with chronic LBP was consecutively enrolled into the programme from 1996 to 2014. All recruited patients failed to RTW despite at least 3 months of conservative treatment. Patient underwent weekly multidisciplinary sessions with physiotherapists, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists. Patient perceived function was considered the primary outcome of the programme. Patients were assessed for their sitting, standing and walking tolerance. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Spinal Function Sort Score (SFSS) were used to assess patient perceived disability. Results One hundred and fifty-eight patients were recruited. After the programme, statistically significant improvement was found in ODI (47.5 to 45.0, p = 0.01) and SFSS (98.0 to 109.5, p

A autoimolação do vendedor de rua tunisiano Mohammed Bouazizi em 17 de dezembro de 2010 levou a uma onda de protestos no mundo árabe. Agora, o pessimismo reina por toda parte. Guerras (civis), repressão e desemprego crescente assolam a região como nunca antes. A “dupla crise” do mercado petrolífero em colapso e da COVID-19 aprofundou ainda mais os problemas existentes. A Primavera Árabe estava fadada ao fracasso? Por qual lente devemos olhar para compreender o potencial das ondas de protestos?

Objective: To examine the safety and efficacy of ambulation utilizing a semi-passive and lightweight powered exoskeleton by spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.Methods: This is a multi-center, open-label, prospective cohort study across three facilities. A cohort of 40 individuals with SCI from T4-L5 was recruited into a 20-session training and assessment protocol, utilizing the SuitX Phoenix. All patients were tested using a 10-m-walk test (10 MWT), 6-min-walk test (6 MWT), and Timed up & Go test (TUG). Patient satisfaction, pain, exertion, changes in affect, as well as overall comfort and confidence were reported using a satisfaction survey, Rated Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Safety outcomes, adverse events, and device malfunctions were reported.Results: Forty participants completed the study. There were no serious adverse events. All participants reported moderate to high levels of comfort and confidence using the device. All patients were able to achieve FIM of >4 on transitional movements and walking. The neurological level of injury had a statistically significant association with walking speed, WISCI-II, and FIM. Participants with an incomplete spinal cord injury had a higher FIM, faster speed, and higher WISCI-II in all outcome measures.Conclusion: This is the first study to examine the safety and efficacy of SuitX Phoenix for ambulation by SCI patients. We have shown that Phoenix is efficacious in allowing adults with SCI T4 to L5 perform walking and transitional movements. This study also reports the safety-profile of the device, user satisfaction, and psychological trends during training.

Purpose. To report the outcome after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) through the deltoid-splitting approach for proximal humeral fractures. Methods. 10 men and 30 women aged 37 to 88 years underwent MIPO through the deltoid-splitting approach using the Proximal Humerus Internal Locking System or the Locking Proximal Humerus Plate for 2-part (n=18), 3-part (n=20), and 4-part (n=2) proximal humeral fractures. The rehabilitation protocol was standardised. Results. All 40 patients were followed up at 3 months, 34 (85%) at 6 months, 30 (75%) at one year, and 13 (33%) at 2 years. Two patients had malunion. No patient had avascular necrosis, infection, nerve palsy, or nonunion. The mean Constant score at one year and 2 years was 75 and 87.5, respectively. The Constant score at 6 months correlated to that at one year ( r =0.926, p

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium that remains a prevalent clinical and environmental challenge. Quorum-sensing (QS) molecules are effective biomarkers in pinpointing the presence of P. aeruginosa . This study aimed to develop a convenient-to-use, whole-cell biosensor using P. aeruginosa reporters individually encapsulated within alginate-poly-L-lysine (alginate-PLL) microbeads to specifically detect the presence of bacterial autoinducers. The PLL-reinforced microbeads were prepared using a two-step method involving ionic cross-linking and subsequent coating with thin layers of PLL. The alginate-PLL beads showed good stability in the presence of a known cation scavenger (sodium citrate), which typically limits the widespread applications of calcium alginate. In media containing synthetic autoinducers-such as N-(3-oxo dodecanoyl) homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C 12 -HSL) and N -butanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C 4 -HSL), or the cell-free supernatants of planktonic or the flow-cell biofilm effluent of wild P. aeruginosa (PAO1)-the encapsulated bacteria enabled a dose-dependent detection of the presence of these QS molecules. The prepared bioreporter beads remained stable during prolonged storage at 4 and -80 °C and were ready for on-the-spot sensing without the need for recovery. The proof-of-concept, optical fiber-based, and whole-cell biosensor developed here demonstrates the practicality of the encapsulated bioreporter for bacterial detection based on specific QS molecules.

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that causes high glycaemic levels, leading to damage to vital organs over time. It is a common disease worldwide, affecting around 422 million individuals living in middle- and low-income countries, which make up most of the population. Unfortunately, diabetes results in 1.5 million deaths annually. Diabetic patients are at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular conditions. Diabetic heart disease constitutes multiple genres, including diabetic cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Hypoglycaemic agents aim to prevent these metabolic issues however some of these are cardiotoxic in nature. In contrast, other hypoglycaemic agents work beyond controlling glycaemic levels with their cardioprotective properties. Given that there is an alarming increase in diabetic heart disease cases universally, we have attempted to review the existing data on the topic and the effects of hypoglycaemic drugs on heart diseases., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Objective: To assess the impact of active surveillance and decolonization strategies on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection rates in a NICU., Study Design: MRSA infection rates were compared before (2014-2016) and during (2017-2022) an active surveillance program. Eligible infants were decolonized with chlorohexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing and/or topical mupirocin. Successful decolonization and rates of recolonization were assessed., Results: Fifty-two (0.57%) of 9 100 hospitalized infants had invasive MRSA infections from 2014 to 2022; infection rates declined non-significantly. During the 6-year surveillance program, the risk of infection was 16.9-times [CI 95 8.4, 34.1] higher in colonized infants than uncolonized infants. Those colonized with mupirocin-susceptible MRSA were more likely successfully decolonized (aOR 9.7 [CI 95 4.2, 22.5]). Of 57 infants successfully decolonized who remained hospitalized, 34 (60%) became recolonized., Conclusions: MRSA infection rates did not significantly decline in association with an active surveillance and decolonization program. Alternatives to mupirocin and CHG are needed to facilitate decolonization., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature America, Inc.)

Continuous improvement in the clinical performance of neonatal intensive care units (NICU) depends on the use of locally relevant, reliable data. However, neonatal databases with these characteristics are typically unavailable in NICUs using paper-based records, while in those using electronic records, the inaccuracy of data and the inability to customize commercial data systems limit their usability for quality improvement or research purposes. We describe the characteristics and uses of a simple, neonatologist-centered data system that has been successfully maintained for 30 years, with minimal resources and serving multiple purposes, including quality improvement, administrative, research support and educational functions. Structurally, our system comprises customized paper and electronic components, while key functional aspects include the attending-based recording of diagnoses, integration into clinical workflows, multilevel data accuracy and validation checks, and periodic reporting on both data quality and NICU performance results. We provide examples of data validation methods and trends observed over three decades, and discuss essential elements for the successful implementation of this system. This database is reliable and easily maintained; it can be developed from simple paper-based forms or used to supplement the functionality and end-user customizability of existing electronic medical records. This system should be readily adaptable to NICUs in either high- or limited-resource environments.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has emerged as an attractive state-of-the-art tool for precisely fabricating functional materials with complex geometries, championing several advancements in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and therapeutics. However, this technology has an untapped potential for biotechnological applications, such as sensor and biosensor development. By exploring these avenues, the scope of 3D printing technology can be expanded and pave the way for groundbreaking innovations in the biotechnology field. Indeed, new printing materials and printers would offer new possibilities for seamlessly incorporating biological functionalities within the growing 3D scaffolds. Herein, we review the additive manufacturing applications in biosensor technologies with a particular emphasis on extrusion-based 3D printing modalities. We highlight the application of natural, synthetic, and composite biomaterials as 3D-printed soft hydrogels. Emphasis is placed on the approach by which the sensing molecules are introduced during the fabrication process. Finally, future perspectives are provided.

Objectives: We studied the epidemiology of primary bloodstream infections (BSIs), secondary BSIs, and central line-associated BSIs (CLABSIs) and applicability of CDC definitions for primary sources of infection causing secondary BSIs in patients in the neonatal ICU., Study Design: We classified healthcare-associated BSIs (HABSIs) as primary BSIs, secondary BSIs, and CLABSIs using CDC surveillance definitions and determined their overall incidence and incidence among different gestational age strata. We assessed the applicability of CDC definitions for infection sources causing secondary BSIs., Results: From 2010 to 2019, 141 (32.7%), 202 (46.9%), and 88 (20.4%) HABSIs were classified as primary BSIs, secondary BSIs, and CLABSIs, respectively; all declined during the study period (all p < 0.001). Gestational age <28 weeks was associated with increased incidence of all HABSI types. CDC criteria for site-specific primary sources were met in 137/202 (68%) secondary BSIs., Conclusions: Primary and secondary BSIs were more common than CLABSIs and should be prioritized for prevention., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature America, Inc.)

Filaggrin (FLG) protein is indispensable for multiple aspects of the epidermal barrier function but its accumulation in a monomeric filaggrin form may initiate premature keratinocytes death; it is unclear how filaggrin levels are controlled before the formation of storing keratohyalin granules. Here we show that keratinocyte-secreted small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) may contain filaggrin-related cargo providing a route of eliminating excess filaggrin from keratinocytes; blocking of sEV release has cytotoxic effects on those cells. Filaggrin-containing sEVs are found in plasma in both healthy individuals and atopic dermatitis patients. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) enhances packaging and secretion of filaggrin-relevant products within the sEVs for enhanced export via a TLR2-mediated mechanism which is also linked to the ubiquitination process. This filaggrin removal system, preventing premature keratinocyte death and epidermal barrier dysfunction, is exploited by S. aureus which promotes filaggrin elimination from the skin that could help safeguard bacterial growth., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles published by Wiley Periodicals, LLC on behalf of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles.)

Background: Loss of function mutation in FLG is the major genetic risk factor for atopic dermatitis (AD) and other allergic manifestations. Presently, little is known about the cellular turnover and stability of profilaggrin, the protein encoded by FLG . Since ubiquitination directly regulates the cellular fate of numerous proteins, their degradation and trafficking, this process could influence the concentration of filaggrin in the skin. Objective: To determine the elements mediating the interaction of profilaggrin with the ubiquitin-proteasome system (i.e., degron motifs and ubiquitination sites), the features responsible for its stability, and the effect of nonsense and frameshift mutations on profilaggrin turnover. Methods: The effect of inhibition of proteasome and deubiquitinases on the level and modifications of profilaggrin and processed products was assessed by immunoblotting. Wild-type profilaggrin sequence and its mutated variants were analysed in silico using the DEGRONOPEDIA and Clustal Omega tool. Results: Inhibition of proteasome and deubiquitinases stabilizes profilaggrin and its high molecular weight of presumably ubiquitinated derivatives. In silico analysis of the sequence determined that profilaggrin contains 18 known degron motifs as well as multiple canonical and non-canonical ubiquitination-prone residues. FLG mutations generate products with increased stability scores, altered usage of the ubiquitination marks, and the frequent appearance of novel degrons, including those promoting C-terminus-mediated degradation routes. Conclusion: The proteasome is involved in the turnover of profilaggrin, which contains multiple degrons and ubiquitination-prone residues. FLG mutations alter those key elements, affecting the degradation routes and the mutated products' stability., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Paul, Szulc, Kobiela, Brown, Pokrzywa and Gutowska-Owsiak.)

Many countries are investing heavily in wind power generation, 1 triggering a high demand for suitable land. As a result, wind energy facilities are increasingly being installed in forests, 2 , 3 despite the fact that forests are crucial for the protection of terrestrial biodiversity. 4 This green-green dilemma is particularly evident for bats, as most species at risk of colliding with wind turbines roost in trees. 2 With some of these species reported to be declining, 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 we see an urgent need to understand how bats respond to wind turbines in forested areas, especially in Europe where all bat species are legally protected. We used miniaturized global positioning system (GPS) units to study how European common noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula), a species that is highly vulnerable at turbines, 9 respond to wind turbines in forests. Data from 60 tagged common noctules yielded a total of 8,129 positions, of which 2.3% were recorded at distances <100 m from the nearest turbine. Bats were particularly active at turbines <500 m near roosts, which may require such turbines to be shut down more frequently at times of high bat activity to reduce collision risk. Beyond roosts, bats avoided turbines over several kilometers, supporting earlier findings on habitat loss for forest-associated bats. 10 This habitat loss should be compensated by developing parts of the forest as refugia for bats. Our study highlights that it can be particularly challenging to generate wind energy in forested areas in an ecologically sustainable manner with minimal impact on forests and the wildlife that inhabit them., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

An imbalance in gut microbiota, termed dysbiosis, has been shown to affect host health. Several factors, including dietary changes, have been reported to cause dysbiosis with its associated pathologies that include inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, obesity, depression, and autism. We recently demonstrated the inhibitory effects of artificial sweeteners on bacterial quorum sensing (QS) and proposed that QS inhibition may be one mechanism behind such dysbiosis. QS is a complex network of cell-cell communication that is mediated by small diffusible molecules known as autoinducers (AIs). Using AIs, bacteria interact with one another and coordinate their gene expression based on their population density for the benefit of the whole community or one group over another. Bacteria that cannot synthesize their own AIs secretly "listen" to the signals produced by other bacteria, a phenomenon known as "eavesdropping". AIs impact gut microbiota equilibrium by mediating intra- and interspecies interactions as well as interkingdom communication. In this review, we discuss the role of QS in normobiosis (the normal balance of bacteria in the gut) and how interference in QS causes gut microbial imbalance. First, we present a review of QS discovery and then highlight the various QS signaling molecules used by bacteria in the gut. We also explore strategies that promote gut bacterial activity via QS activation and provide prospects for the future.

Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection is a potential complication in the individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD) and can affect clinical course of the disease. Here, using primary keratinocytes we determined that atopic milieu promotes changes in the interaction of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) with dendritic cells and that this is further enhanced by the presence of C. albicans . sEV uptake is largely dependent on the expression of glycans on their surface; modelling of the protein interactions indicated that recognition of this pathogen through C. albicans -relevant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) is linked to several glycosylation enzymes which may in turn affect the expression of sEV glycans. Here, significant changes in the surface glycosylation pattern, as determined by lectin array, could be observed in sEVs upon a combined exposure of keratinocytes to AD cytokines and C. albicans . This included enhanced expression of multiple types of glycans, for which several dendritic cell receptors could be proposed as binding partners. Blocking experiments showed predominant involvement of the inhibitory Siglec-7 and -9 receptors in the sEV-cell interaction and the engagement of sialic acid-containing carbohydrate moieties on the surface of sEVs. This pointed on ST6 β-Galactoside α-2,6-Sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1) and Core 1 β,3-Galactosyltransferase 1 (C1GALT1) as potential enzymes involved in the process of remodelling of the sEV surface glycans upon C. albicans exposure. Our results suggest that, in combination with atopic dermatitis milieu , C. albicans promotes alterations in the glycosylation pattern of keratinocyte-derived sEVs to interact with inhibitory Siglecs on antigen presenting cells. Hence, a strategy aiming at this pathway to enhance antifungal responses and restrict pathogen spread could offer novel therapeutic options for skin candidiasis in AD., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Kobiela, Frackowiak, Biernacka, Hovhannisyan, Bogucka, Panek, Paul, Lukomska, Wang, Giannoulatou, Krolicka, Zielinski, Deptula, Pikula, Gabrielsson, Ogg and Gutowska-Owsiak.)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) Lineage 3 (L3) strains are abundant in world regions with the highest tuberculosis burden. To investigate the population structure and the global diversity of this major lineage, we analyzed a dataset comprising 2682 L3 strains from 38 countries over 5 continents, by employing 24-loci mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number of tandem repeats genotyping (MIRU-VNTR) and drug susceptibility testing. We further combined whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and phylogeographic analysis for 373 strains representing the global L3 genetic diversity. Ancestral state reconstruction confirmed that the origin of L3 strains is located in Southern Asia and further revealed multiple independent introduction events into North-East and East Africa. This study provides a systematic understanding of the global diversity of L3 strains and reports phylogenetic variations that could inform clinical trials which evaluate the effectivity of new drugs/regimens or vaccine candidates.

Background: In Côte d'Ivoire, the health system remains poorly accessible and inefficient, particularly in rural areas. Malaria, tuberculosis and HIV remain a major concern. Tasks shifting to Community Health Workers (CHWs) in rural areas has been proposed in terms of responses and has shown encouraging results with some limitations. Objective is therefore to develop and implement, in a health district, at the level of a neighborhood, a sub-prefecture, two villages and two camps, innovative strategies aimed at improving the integration of HIV, malaria and tuberculosis prevention and care into the health system at the community level through CHWs., Methods: Introduce innovations to be integrated into the national system: (i) Selection and strengthening of the capacities of CHWs to provide care for the three diseases through home visits [Information Education and Counseling/Communication for Behavior Change (IEC/CBC)], simple malaria screening and management, referral of suspected tuberculosis cases and Directly Observed Treatment, short-course (DOTS), screening, prophylaxis and distribution of antiretrovirals (ARVs) to HIV-infected patients; (ii) monthly animation of village health committees by target groups (women of childbearing age, children under 5 years old, young adolescents); (iii) use of an application and tablets for data collection., Discussion: This innovative project integrates new activities such as ARV distribution by CHWs, management of pre-exposure prophylaxis in rural areas and electronic data capture by communities. Several lessons can be learned on the relevance of the role and activities to be carried out by these CHWs in the fight against these three diseases., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Moh, Bangali, Coffie, Badjé, Paul and Msellati.)

Context: Multifunctional food protein-derived peptides attract a great deal of research interest due to their health-promoting benefits. Particularly, peptides that have both antihypertensive and antioxidant properties are desired, since both effects can be synergistic in prevention of cardiovascular diseases., Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and 2,2 ' -diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of two species of the Nigerian periwinkles: Pachymelania aurita and Tympanotonus fuscatus ., Methods: The ACE inhibitory and 2,2 ' -diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) hydrolysates and ultrafiltered (UF) fractions of T. fuscatus var. radula and P. aurita were determined. Human SGID of the protein extracts of T. fuscatus and P. aurita was carried out using pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin, and the hydrolysates were fractionated into two by centrifugal ultrafiltration. The ACE inhibitory and DPPH radical scavenging activities of the crude hydrolysates and UF fractions were tested. The UF permeates were observed to have relatively higher activities and was subjected to gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G-50. The chromatographic fractions showed absorbance at 215, 225, and 280 nm and were assayed for DPPH radical scavenging activity., Results: The inhibitory effect of the fractions on ACE activity was reported as the minimum concentration of extract that caused 50% of the inhibition (IC 50 ), where the IC 50 values of P. aurita UF permeate and P. aurita UF retentate were 65.2 ± 6.4 and 301.9 ± 59.1 μg/ml, respectively, and that of T. fuscatus UF permeate (TFUFP) and T. fuscatus UF retentate were 54.93 ± 2.83 and 291.7 ± 8.6 μg/ml, respectively., Conclusion: This study suggests the potential health benefits of consuming T. fuscatus var. radula and P. aurita in health maintenance., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 International Journal of Applied and Basic Medical Research.)

The multifunctional nature of antioxidant peptides makes them more attractive candidates as dietary ingredients in health maintenance. Therefore, food protein-derived antioxidant peptides are continuously investigated. This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant properties of hydrolysate and ultrafiltered peptide fractions of Pachymelania aurita and Tympanatonus fuscatus var radula-two commonly consumed marine molluscs known as periwinkles in southern Nigeria. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) of soluble proteins of T. fuscatus and P. aurita was carried out using pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin, and the SGID hydrolysates were fractionated using a 3 kDa membrane filter. The hydrolysates and their fractions were investigated for anti-lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA), ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) and metal chelation activity, and they demonstrated clear antioxidant properties in all the assay models used. Low molecular weight fractions of the hydrolysates demonstrated more potent antioxidant activity than higher molecular weight fractions. This is profound in the metal chelation assay, where low molecular weight peptide fractions, T ≤ 3 kDa and P ≤ 3 kDa (IC 50 values of 8.10 ± 0.011 and 5.56 ± 0.50 µg/ml respectively) had activity that is similar to that of EDTA (11.84 ± 0.89 µg/ml). Similar activity effects were observed in other assays where there was about 3-fold higher activity in low molecular weight fractions. These results demonstrate the presence of antioxidant peptide(s) in the protein hydrolysates of the periwinkles., Competing Interests: None., (IJBMB Copyright © 2021.)

Objective: Mental skills training (MST) in surgical education varies greatly in quality and outcomes. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of MST on surgical trainee performance in simulated and operating room (OR) settings., Design: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for randomized controlled trials using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Peer-reviewed studies published in the English language between January 1, 2000 and March 1, 2020 were considered for inclusion. Articles that did not study surgical residents, assess surgical performance as an outcome, or report findings were excluded. Study characteristics, methodologies, and outcomes were qualitatively analyzed. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) was used to measure the quality of the studies, and the Oxford quality scoring system for risk of bias ratings., Results: Seven randomized controlled trials met study inclusion criteria; interventions were mental practice, relaxation exercises, action observation, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Targeted interventions based on mental practice, relaxation exercises, and MBSR significantly improved surgical performance in four (57%) studies. Risk of bias was low for all included studies, and quality of evidence was moderate for both simulated and OR performance., Conclusions: Mental practice, relaxation, and mindfulness training improved simulation and OR performance for surgical residents. There was insufficient evidence to support other MST interventions or the intermediate- and long-term efficacy of MST., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] has dislocated clinical services and postgraduate training. To better understand and to document these impacts, we contacted anaesthesia trainees and trainers across six continents and collated their experiences during the pandemic. All aspects of training programmes have been affected. Trainees report that reduced caseload, sub-specialty experience, and supervised procedures are impairing learning. Cancelled educational activities, postponed examinations, and altered rotations threaten progression through training. Job prospects and international opportunities are downgraded. Work-related anxieties about provision of personal protective equipment, and risks to self and to colleagues are superimposed on concerns for family and friends and domestic disruption. These seismic changes have had consequences for well-being and mental health. In response, anaesthetists have developed innovations in teaching and trainee support. New technologies support trainer-trainee interactions, with a focus on e-learning. National training bodies and medical regulators that specify training and oversee assessment of trainees and their progression have provided flexibility in their requirements. Within anaesthesia departments, support transcends grades and job titles with lessons for the future. Attention to wellness, awareness of mental health issues and multimodal support can attenuate but not eliminate trainee distress., (Copyright © 2020 British Journal of Anaesthesia. All rights reserved.)

Background: The neonatal cutaneous mycobiome has not been characterized in preterm infants. Invasive fungal infections in preterm neonates are associated with high mortality. The immaturity of the preterm skin predisposes neonates to invasive infection by skin colonizers. We report the clinical and host determinants that influence the skin mycobiome., Methods: Skin swabs from the antecubital fossa, forehead, and gluteal region of 15 preterm and 15 term neonates were obtained during the first 5 weeks of life. The mycobiome was sequenced using the conserved pan-fungal ITS2 region. Blood samples were used to genotype immune modulating genes. Clinical metadata was collected to determine the clinical predictors of the abundance and diversity of the skin mycobiome., Results: The neonatal mycobiome is characterized by few taxa. Alpha diversity of the mycobiome is influenced by antibiotic exposure, the forehead body site, and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment. Beta diversity varies with mode of delivery, diet, and body site. The host determinants of the cutaneous microbiome include single-nucleotide polymorphisms in TLR4, NLRP3,CARD8, and NOD2., Conclusion: The neonatal cutaneous mycobiome is composed of few genera and is influenced by clinical factors and host genetics, the understanding of which will inform preventive strategies against invasive fungal infections.

Nutraceutical and functional food market are one of the fastest-growing food segments in the newer food product development category. In the recent past, focus of beverage industry has shifted towards making food more nutritious and functionally enriched. To load the food with nutraceutical functionality, herbal sources having target functional compounds are either directly used as food or for separation of target compounds. Among beverages, milk is considered as a wholesome complete food providing macro (fat, proteins, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (calcium, selenium, riboflavin, vitamin B 12 , and pantothenic acid vitamin B 5 ) in balanced proportions. However, limited access to milk in some regions of globe, low availability of certain minerals (iron), vitamins (folate), and other biomolecules (amino acids) compounded with issues like milk allergy, lactose intolerance, and hypercholesterolemia have forced some specific population groups to search for better milk alternatives which are more or at least equi-nutritional to conventional milk. Plant-based wholesome or blended milk analogs are better studied as inexpensive alternates to conventional milk for people who are in search of better alternates for one or other reason. The market of milk analogs is currently dominated by soya bean milk, oat milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, cocoa milk, multigrain milk etc. most of which are produced by controlled fermentation which owes to their functional bioactive composition. Such analogs are appreciated for their functionally active components which are often correlated to their health-promoting and disease-preventing properties. One major advantage of analogs over conventional milk is that the energy input per unit of milk produced is much less compared to animal milk while there is always an opportunity to manipulate their composition based on demand. However, the major limiting factor in the acceptance of such non-conventional beverages is their challenging production technology and poor sensory profile which is true particularly for beverages derived from legumes. These challenges provide an opportunity for both industries and research personals to put in major concerted efforts in the field of functional bioactive food segment to produce tailor-made novel beverages which are nutritional, economic and have improved functionality. Keeping in view the potential of plant-based milk alternates and associated challenges the aim of the present review is to give a scientifically comparative and conclusive overview of the present status, market potential, and health concerns of plant-based nondairy milk beverages.

Introduction: Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). A well-known complication is a transient but potentially harmful elevation in intraocular pressure (IOP) within the 24-h postoperative period. The purpose of this study is to investigate the risk factors for IOP elevation 1 d after cataract surgery in a cohort of United States (US) veterans., Materials and Methods: The study included 784 patients who underwent cataract surgery between April 2013 and April 2016 at a single Veterans Affairs medical center in Providence, RI. One thousand one hundred thirty-seven cataract surgeries were considered in total. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained through the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center (PVAMC). Logistic regression, adjusted for patients with bilateral surgeries, was used to evaluate risk factors for first postoperative day IOP elevation (≥28 mmHg). The main outcome measure was elevated IOP on postoperative day 1 (POD1) after cataract surgery., Results: The average patient age was 74 yr. Ninety-eight percent (1,110/1,137) of cases involved male patients; 75.3% (856/1,137) of the cataract surgeries were performed by resident surgeons. Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) was present in 41% (461/1,137), alpha-1 blocker use in 31% (358/1,137), ocular hypertension (ocular HTN) in 4% (44/1,137), and glaucoma in 11% (126/1,137) of cases. Twenty-two percent (232/1,137) of eyes had elevated IOP. Independent risk factors were a history of ocular HTN (OR: 8.74 [4.03-18.9]), glaucoma (OR: 3.54 [2.17-5.75]), a preoperative IOP ≥22 mmHg (OR: 2.51 [1.12-5.62]), and complicated cataract surgery (OR: 2.45 [1.18-5.08]), defined as vitreous loss, anterior capsular tear (ACT), posterior capsular tear (PCT), or presence of zonular lysis., Conclusion: These findings suggest that cataract surgery patients with ocular HTN, glaucoma, a preoperative IOP ≥22 mmHg, or significant intraocular complications may benefit from prophylactic ocular anti-hypertensive medication., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2018.)

Several studies have shown that cadmium (Cd) induces nephrotoxicity and many plant foods phytochemicals have been found useful but their possible mechanism of action still remains unexplored. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective effect of essential oils from Nigeria ginger and turmeric rhizomes in cadmium-treated rats by examining their effect on renal function biomarkers (creatinine, urea and BUN), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-Alpha) and renal adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity. The result revealed that essential oils from ginger and turmeric rhizomes exert anti-inflammatory effect by preventing alterations of renal function markers and cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-Alpha) levels in Cd-treated rats. In addition, the essential oils inhibited renal ADA activity in Cdtreated rats. In conclusion, inhibition of ADA activity and modulation of inflammatory cytokines could be suggested as the possible mechanism of action by which essential oils from ginger and turmeric rhizomes exert their nephroprotective activities.

Objective: Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of risk factors with increased predilection towards occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Currently physical exercise and management with metformin are the prevailing treatment modalities for metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome have been found to have reduced exercise capacity over a period of time. Likewise metformin has been shown to decrease exercise capacity among healthy volunteers. Hence this study aims to evaluate the effect of metformin on the exercise capacity of patients with metabolic syndrome., Design: Prospective study with 6 weeks follow up., Methods: Newly diagnosed patients with metabolic syndrome and to be started on Table Metformin 500mg twice a day were recruited for the study after obtaining written informed consent. Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) was done at baseline before the subjects were started on metformin and after 6 weeks of treatment using cardiopulmonary exercise testing apparatus (ZAN600)., Results: Fifteen treatment naïve patients with metabolic syndrome completed six weeks of therapy with metformin. In these patients oxygen uptake [VO2] showed statistically significant decrease from 1.10±0.44 at baseline to 0.9±0.39 (l/min) after six weeks of treatment with metformin [mean difference of -0.20 (-0.31 to -0.09); P=0.001]. Similarly oxygen uptake/kg body weight [VO2/Kg] showed a significant decrease from 14.10±4.73 to 11.44±3.81 (mlkg -1 min -1 ) at the end of six weeks of treatment [mean difference of -2.66 (-4.06 to -1.26); P=0.001]., Conclusion: Six weeks of treatment with metformin significantly decreases exercise capacity in newly diagnosed patients with metabolic syndrome., (Copyright © 2017 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The study appraised local poultry biosecurity risks to highly pathogenic avian influenza by assessing farmers' knowledge, beliefs and poultry practices using a standard questionnaire. Farmers' knowledge on transmission and prevention was high but low on disease recognition. Radio was ineffective at informing Islamic educated farmers. Extensive knowledge on transmission and protection did not result in behavioural change as farmers engaged in risky practices of selling, eating or medicating infected poultry and not reporting poultry death. Islamic educated farmers do not believe highly pathogenic avian influenza is a serious and preventable disease. Women are more likely to self medicate when experiencing influenza-like illness. Audio-visual aids would improve avian influenza recognition while involvement of community leaders would enhance disease reporting. Outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in local poultry in Nigeria would follow a similar pattern in Southeast Asia if the risk perception among farmers is not urgently articulated.

Use of dietary supplements may be one of a number of health-related behaviors that cluster together. The current study investigated the underlying diet, health-related characteristics, and behaviors of users and nonusers of dietary supplements in a longitudinal study of health. Participants (n = 1776) completed a 5-d food diary including information on dietary supplement use (vitamins, minerals, and nutraceuticals) at age 53 y. Sociodemographic information and data on smoking, alcohol, and physical activity were obtained along with anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and a blood sample (nonfasting subjects). A significantly greater percentage of women reported supplement use compared with men (45.1 vs. 25.2%). Supplement use was associated with lower BMI, lower waist circumference, higher plasma folate and plasma vitamin B-12 concentrations, nonsmoking, participation in physical activity, and nonmanual social class in women and with plasma folate concentrations and participation in physical activity in men. Nonsupplement users tended to be nonconsumers of breakfast cereals, fruit, fruit juice, yogurt, oily fish, and olive oil and had lower dietary intakes of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin C even after adjustment for sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Overall, supplement users tended to differ from nonsupplement users on a range of health-related behaviors and health status indicators, although there were fewer significant associations in men. Similarly, dietary supplements users tended to have underlying diets that, were healthier and those taking supplements may be the least likely to need them. These results support the notion of a clustering of healthy behaviors and cardiovascular risk factors, particularly for women.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the consistency of dietary patterns assessed through the use of a dietary recall and a 5-day food diary., Design: Participants (n = 2265) of a longitudinal study of health and development completed 48-h dietary recall at interview, followed by a 5-day food diary and with the 24 h immediately preceding the interview analysed separately as a 24-h recall. Mean intakes of foods and nutrients were calculated and dietary patterns were assessed using exploratory factor analysis, using the method of principal components. Paired t-tests and correlation coefficients were used to compare the three dietary assessment methods., Results: Five distinct dietary patterns were identified using the food diary and the 48-h recall but were less consistent on the 24-h recall. Correlations between factor scores on the 48-h recall and the food diary (r = 0.13-0.67) were higher than those between the 24-h recall and food diary (r = -0.01-0.59). The recall methods were effective at ranking subjects according to food and nutrient intakes, with the 48-h recall and food diary showing higher correlations in both males and females., Conclusions: This study indicates that a 48-h recall effectively characterises dietary patterns in British adults when compared to a food diary and ranks participants appropriately with respect to most nutrients and foods and is superior to a single 24-h recall. These results have implications for longitudinal studies where maximising response rates to repeat dietary assessment tools is essential.

Objectives: To evaluate the diet of 16-18-y-old boys and girls with particular reference to intakes of nutrients believed to affect bone health and dietary acid-base balance., Design: A 7-day food diary was completed between the months of October and December., Setting: Cambridge, UK., Subjects: A total of 111 boys and 101 girls aged 16-18 y who were recruited into the Cambridge Bone Studies., Main Outcome Measures: Mean daily intakes of foods and selected nutrients (protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, vitamins C and K) were calculated. Two estimates of acid-base balance were calculated from the diet using the formulae of Remer (net acid excretion, estimated indirectly; NAE(ind)) and Frassetto (protein/potassium ratio)., Results: Mean calcium and phosphorus intakes were above the UK Reference Nutrient intake (RNI). In all, 39% of the boys and 36% of the girls had vitamin K intakes lower than 1 microg/kg body weight/day. Calcium intake was positively correlated with all other nutrients except vitamins C and K. Boys had a significantly higher estimated net acid excretion (NAE(ind)) than girls (P<0.001). Although a strong correlation (r=0.76, P<0.001) was found between the two methods, at higher acid levels a divergence was observed. A significant positive correlation was found between NAE(ind) and the weight consumed per day of milk, cheese, meat and cereal foods and a negative correlation was found with the weight of potatoes and fruit. Diet composition is such that a lower NAE(ind) is accompanied by a lower calcium intake., Conclusions: The interpretation of the effects of calcium and other nutrients on bone cannot be considered in isolation from the other components of the diet. These results challenge some of the accepted perceptions about what constitutes an optimal diet for the promotion of bone health in adolescents.

The acquired form of the long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is a major safety consideration for the development and subsequent use of both cardiac and non-cardiac drugs; it is usually associated with pharmacological inhibition of cardiac HERG-encoded potassium channels. Clomiphene is an anti-estrogen agent used extensively in the treatment of infertility and is not associated with a risk of QT interval prolongation, in contrast to a structurally related compound tamoxifen. We describe here a potent inhibitory effect (IC(50) = 0.18 microM) of clomiphene on HERG ionic current (I(HERG)) recorded from a mammalian cell line expressing HERG channels. Inhibition of I(HERG) by clomiphene showed voltage-dependence and developed quickly following membrane depolarisation, indicating contingency of block on HERG channel gating. At 100 nM, clomiphene and the related anti-estrogen tamoxifen produced similar levels of I(HERG) blockade (p > 0.05). Experiments on guinea-pig isolated perfused hearts revealed that, despite its inhibitory action on I(HERG), clomiphene produced no significant effect at 1 microM on uncorrected QT interval (p > 0.1) nor on rate-corrected QT interval (QT(c); p > 0.1 for QT(c) determined using Van de Water's formula). The disparity between clomiphene's potent I(HERG) inhibition and its lack of effect on the QT interval underscores the notion that I(HERG) pharmacology may best be used alongside other screening methods when investigating the QT-prolonging tendency and related cardiotoxicity of non-cardiac drugs.