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Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology... Jun 2024The effects of plastics on human health include allergy, atopy, asthma and immune disruption, but the consequences of chemicals used in plastic materials span nearly... (Review)
Review
The effects of plastics on human health include allergy, atopy, asthma and immune disruption, but the consequences of chemicals used in plastic materials span nearly every organ system and age group as well. Behavioral interventions to reduce plastic chemical exposures have reduced exposure in low- and high-income populations, yet health care providers know little about plastic chemical effects and seldom offer steps to patients to limit exposure. Health care facilities also use many products that increase the risk of chemical exposures, particularly for at-risk populations such as children in neonatal intensive care units. Given that disparities in plastic chemical exposure are well documented, collaborative efforts are needed between scientists and health care organizations, to develop products that improve provider knowledge about chemicals used in plastic materials and support the use of safer alternatives in medical devices and other equipment.
PubMed: 38945394
DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2024.06.029 -
Food and Chemical Toxicology : An... Jun 2024
PubMed: 38945389
DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114844 -
Biological Psychiatry Jun 2024Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition associated with increased risk for social anxiety and avoidance. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we...
BACKGROUND
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition associated with increased risk for social anxiety and avoidance. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we previously demonstrated aberrant neural activity responding to faces in young girls with FXS cross-sectionally. Here, we tested the hypothesis that abnormalities in neural activation and sensitization would increase with age in 65 girls with FXS, ages 5-16 years, relative to an age-matched control group of 52 girls who had comparable cognitive function and clinical symptoms.
METHODS
Functional NIRS data were collected at two time points, 2.8±0.6 years apart during a face-processing task. Linear mixed-effects models examined longitudinal neural profiles in girls with FXS and control. Correlational analysis was performed to examine associations between neural sensitization (increasing neural response to repeated stimuli), and clinical ratings.
RESULTS
In girls with FXS, 32 participants had one, and 24 had two fNIRS scans. In controls, 21 had one, and 29 had two fNIRS scans. Brain activations in the right middle and superior frontal gyri were higher in FXS than controls at both time points. Neural sensitization also increased in FXS at a higher rate than controls in the superior frontal gyrus when responding to upright faces. For the FXS group, sensitization in the superior frontal gyrus positively correlated with longitudinal increases in anxiety and social avoidance scores.
CONCLUSION
Girls with FXS show increasingly abnormal neural activation and sensitization responding to faces over time. Aberrant neural sensitization in girls with FXS is associated with longitudinal changes in anxiety and social skills.
PubMed: 38945386
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.06.020 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Jun 2024Distinguishing between discoloration caused by caries and organic stains is challenging for dentists in clinical settings. Biofluorescence (BF)-bleaching assesses caries...
Distinguishing discolored caries lesions using biofluorescence and dental bleaching: an in vitro simulation model study: Discolored caries lesion using biofluorescence and dental bleaching.
BACKGROUND
Distinguishing between discoloration caused by caries and organic stains is challenging for dentists in clinical settings. Biofluorescence (BF)-bleaching assesses caries lesions by evaluating BF changes after removing organic stains through dental bleaching, leaving cariogenic discoloration. This study aimed to apply BF-bleaching to a simulation model mimicking cariogenic discoloration and compare the BF color changes between organic staining and cariogenic discoloration.
METHODS
Thirty artificial caries lesions in bovine incisors were equally divided into three groups: non-stained (NS), organic-stained (OS), and cariogenic-stained (CS) groups. The specimens were treated with bleaching agent, then BF color of each specimen was evaluated using red BF intensity (ΔR), BF hue angle (h°), and hyperspectral BF spectrum.
RESULTS
The ΔR of CS was approximately 2.74 and 1.73 times higher than that of OS, at baseline and after bleaching for 20 minutes, respectively. After 20 min of bleaching, the h° of CS increased by approximately 8.1° compared to the baseline, while maintaining the red BF hue range (345‒15°). In contrast, the BF hue of OS shifted from orange (15‒45°) to yellow (45‒75°) simultaneously, and the h° change was approximately 21.9°. Both CS and OS exhibited first emission peaks near 515 nm, and CS showed second peaks in the red range (620‒780 nm). After bleaching, the first peaks were restored to the sound enamel direction (peak at 486 nm), whereas the second peak of red BF in CS was maintained.
CONCLUSION
Applying BF-bleaching to discolored caries lesions allowed differentiation between cariogenic discoloration and organic staining based on BF color changes.
PubMed: 38945385
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104262 -
Appetite Jun 2024Mealtimes shared with other people define how, what, how much, and with whom we eat. On such occasions, whether in private or public spaces, and as formal or informal...
Mealtimes shared with other people define how, what, how much, and with whom we eat. On such occasions, whether in private or public spaces, and as formal or informal events, our eating practices are inseparable from our interactions with other people. In this Editorial for the Special Issue on Interactional approaches to eating together and shared mealtimes, we provide an overview of the interdisciplinary field of research on eating together and shared mealtimes to illustrate the breadth and depth of work that has been developed in this area to date. The overview is divided into three broad clusters of research that focus primarily on (1) cultural or societal aspects, (2) individual outcomes, or (3) interactional practices. Commonalities across these clusters are discussed, the need for more research across a greater global and cultural diversity of eating practices is highlighted, and the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration on research on eating together and shared mealtimes across diverse scientific disciplines is explored. The papers in this Special Issue showcase a sample of contemporary work from within the cluster of research on interactional practices, and a brief overview of these papers is discussed. Finally, it is argued that as a common area of interest, social interaction as the foundation of eating practices within shared mealtimes poses considerable potential for interdisciplinary collaboration across scientific disciplines, and between scientists, professionals, and participants from the study populations.
PubMed: 38945367
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107585 -
Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators Jun 2024Numerous interventional studies have revealed the beneficial impact of curcumin supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function biomarkers,... (Review)
Review
Numerous interventional studies have revealed the beneficial impact of curcumin supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function biomarkers, but the findings are still inconsistent. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function biomarkers. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was performed by searching PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to March 31, 2024. Pooled estimates of 21 meta-analyses revealed that curcumin significantly reduced CRP (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0.87; 95% CI: - 1.14, - 0.59, P< 0.001), tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (WMD = -2.72; 95% CI: -4.05, -1.38; P< 0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (WMD = -0.97, 95% CI: -1.40, -0.54; P< 0.001), malondialdehyde (MDA) (Effect size (ES) = -0.81; 95% CI: -1.39, -0.23, P = 0.006) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) (WMD = -45.60; 95% CI: -88.16, -3.04, P = 0.036), and increased flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (WMD = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.22, P < 0.001), catalase (CAT) (WMD = 10.26; 95% CI: 0.92, 19.61, P= 0.03), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (WMD = 8.90; 95% CI: 6.62, 11.19, P <0.001), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels (WMD = 20.51; 95% CI: 7.35, 33.67, P= 0.002 and SMD = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.27, 1.38, P= 0.004). However, curcumin did not significantly change total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ES = 0.29; 95% CI: -0.09, 0.66, P= 0.059). These results suggest that curcumin has a beneficial effect on CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, SOD, GPx, CAT, MDA, PWV, and FMD levels and may be an effective adjunctive therapy for improving inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function. Registration number: PROSPERO, CRD42024539018.
PubMed: 38945354
DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2024.106867 -
Contraception Jun 2024To evaluate reasons for non-fulfillment and ongoing contraceptive plans of patients who desired but did not receive inpatient postpartum permanent contraception (PC).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate reasons for non-fulfillment and ongoing contraceptive plans of patients who desired but did not receive inpatient postpartum permanent contraception (PC).
STUDY DESIGN
Multi-site retrospective cohort study of 1,254 patients with unfulfilled inpatient postpartum PC. We analyzed the reason for PC non-fulfillment, documented contraceptive plan, and method prescription or provision at hospital discharge, six-weeks, and one-year postpartum.
RESULTS
In our cohort, 44.3% of patients with unfulfilled inpatient PC did not receive any highly- or moderately-effective contraception within one year postpartum.
CONCLUSIONS
Removing barriers to PC fulfillment as well as contraceptive counseling that acknowledges these barriers is imperative.
PubMed: 38945351
DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2024.110533 -
Annals of Epidemiology Jun 2024Educational attainment is associated with multiphysiological wear and tear. However, associations with measures of socioeconomic position (SEP) across different...
PURPOSE
Educational attainment is associated with multiphysiological wear and tear. However, associations with measures of socioeconomic position (SEP) across different life-stages are not established.
METHODS
Using regression models and data from 8,105 participants from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (Understanding Society), we examined associations of lifecourse SEP with an overall biological health score (BHS). BHS is broader than usual measures of biological 'wear and tear' and is based on six physiological subsystems (endocrine, metabolic, cardiovascular, inflammatory/immune, liver, and kidney), with higher scores indicating worse health. Lifecourse SEP was based on respondents' parental, first, and most recent occupations.
RESULTS
Associations with SEP at all life-stages demonstrated higher BHS with increasing disadvantage (e.g. slope index of inequality (SII) (95% CI) for most recent SEP: 0.04 (0.02, 0.06)). There was little difference in the magnitude of associations for SEP measured at each life-stage. Cumulative disadvantage across the lifecourse showed a stepped association with increasing BHS (SII (95% CI): 0.05 (0.04, 0.07)). Associations were largely driven by metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory systems.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that disadvantaged SEP across the lifecourse contributes cumulatively to poorer biological health, highlighting that every life-stage should be a target for public health policies and intervention.
PubMed: 38945315
DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.06.006 -
Annals of Epidemiology Jun 2024Reliance on null hypothesis significance testing often leads to misinterpretation of research results. Common misinterpretations include that a statistically...
PURPOSE
Reliance on null hypothesis significance testing often leads to misinterpretation of research results. Common misinterpretations include that a statistically nonsignificant difference (p≥0.05) implies no difference between groups, and that a statistically significant finding (p<0.05) is unbiased and clinically important. We aimed to develop a tool - the Conclusion Generator - to mitigate these misconceptions.
METHODS
We reviewed the content of the Conclusion Generator and validated its output using published and simulated data.
RESULTS
The Conclusion Generator is a free online application designed to generate conclusions for scientific papers based on the values and clinical interpretation of the point estimate and confidence interval. Both relative and absolute measures of effect are supported. It offers two modes for interpretation: (1) Statistical mode provides an accurate statistical interpretation of results, with an optional specification of superiority and noninferiority bounds; (2) Clinical mode evaluates the clinical importance of the point estimate and confidence limits as specified by the user. Both modes assume no uncontrolled biases. Users must specify the number of decimals, the direction of a beneficial effect (e.g., relative risk <1 vs. >1), and the level of detail (concise vs. elaborated) for the output. The validation confirmed the Conclusion Generator's capability to interpret research results, considering random error and clinical relevance, while avoiding common misinterpretations associated with null hypothesis significance testing.
CONCLUSIONS
The Conclusion Generator facilitates an appropriate interpretation of research results by emphasizing estimation and clinical relevance over hypothesis testing.
PubMed: 38945314
DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.06.008 -
Gene Jun 2024Soy isoflavones have been reported to exhibit anti-tumor effects. We hypothesize that genetic variants of soy isoflavone metabolism-related genes are associated with the...
BACKGROUND
Soy isoflavones have been reported to exhibit anti-tumor effects. We hypothesize that genetic variants of soy isoflavone metabolism-related genes are associated with the risk of lung cancer.
METHODS
A two-stage case-control study design was conducted in this study. The discovery stage included 300 lung cancer cases and 600 healthy controls to evaluate the association of candidate genetic variants with lung cancer risk. The validation stage involved 1200 cases and 1200 controls to validate the associations found. Furthermore, qPCR was performed to assess the mRNA expression levels of different genotypes of the SNP. ELISA was used to explore the association between genotype and soy isoflavone levels, as well as the association between soy isoflavone levels and lung cancer risk.
RESULTS
A nonlinear association was observed between plasma soy isoflavone levels and lung cancer risk, with higher soy isoflavone levels associated with lower lung cancer risk (P < 0.001). The two-stage case-control study identified that UGT1A1 rs3755319 A > C was associated with lung cancer (Recessive model: adjusted OR = 0.69, 95 %CI = 0.57-0.84, P < 0.001). Moreover, eQTL analysis showed that the expression level of UGT1A1 in the rs3755319 CC genotype was lower than in the AA + AC genotype (P < 0.05). The plasma concentration of soy isoflavones in the rs3755319 CC genotype was higher than in the AA + AC genotype (P = 0.008).
CONCLUSIONS
We identified a potentially functional SNP, UGT1A1 rs3755319 A > C, as being associated with lung cancer risk. Further experiments will be needed to explore the mechanisms underlying the observed associations.
PubMed: 38945312
DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148732