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Journal of the Academy of... Jun 2024Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) are associated with the development of negative health behaviors and medical illness. ACE's association with poor health outcomes has...
INTRODUCTION
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) are associated with the development of negative health behaviors and medical illness. ACE's association with poor health outcomes has been well documented in the general population; however, this relationship remains less clear in liver transplant (LT) recipients. The aims of this study therefore were to determine the prevalence of ACE and the influence of ACE on LT outcomes.
METHODS
A retrospective electronic medical record review of all LT recipients over 11 years at an academic liver transplant center. Demographic, diagnostic, and disease characteristics were extracted and compared for a history of ACE. Associations between a history of ACE and extracted variables were statistically tested using Student's t-test and Chi-square tests or Fisher's Exact Test where appropriate. Graft and patient survival were tested using log-rank tests.
RESULTS
Of 1,172 LT recipients, 24.1% endorsed a history of ACE. Females (p = 0.017) and recipients with lower level of education (p < 0.001) had a higher frequency of ACE. Those with a history of ACE had a higher prevalence of HCV (p < 0.001) and higher pre-transplant BMI (P<0.001). Recipients with a history of ACE had higher prevalence of mood (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), PTSD (p < 0.001), alcohol use (p < 0.001), and cannabis use (p < 0.001) disorders as well has higher PHQ-9 (p < 0.001) and GAD-7 (p < 0.001) scores pre and post-transplant. Those with ACE had higher incidence of recorded relapse to alcohol by 3 years post-transplant (p = 0.027). Mean lab values, graft survival, and patient survival were not significantly different between those with and without a history of ACE except for total bilirubin at 6 months (p = 0.021).
CONCLUSION
One quarter of LT recipients have experienced ACE. ACE was associated with a history of a psychiatric diagnoses, substance use disorders, elevated PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores, and a higher prevalence of relapse to alcohol use after transplant. This population may benefit from increased/improved access to appropriate mental health and substance use services and support in the peri and post transplant period.
PubMed: 38942236
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2024.06.006 -
Rheumatology (Oxford, England) Jun 2024Recurrent monoarthritis (RM) is a major challenge of many rheumatic diseases. Ablation is a well-known technique in the treatment of benign or malign lesions of...
OBJECTIVES
Recurrent monoarthritis (RM) is a major challenge of many rheumatic diseases. Ablation is a well-known technique in the treatment of benign or malign lesions of different etiologies. We aimed to to investigate the success and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) as an adjunctive therapy in a cohort of medical treatment-resistant RM.
METHODS
Patients with RM associated with different inflammatory diseases were included. MWA was performed after measuring the size of synovial hypertrophy with 15 or 20-watt power and different durations until microbubbles were shown indicating necrosis. Both clinical and radiologic data were recorded.
RESULTS
We applied MWA in total of 24 knee joints of 10 female and 12 male patients aged between 22-71 years. Median intra-articular aspiration (IAA) need in the last 6 months before MWA was 5 (0-15). The median follow-up was 10 (3-16) months. Overall IAA count in the last 6 months before MWA in total of 144 months was 129 and decreased to 7 in post-MWA in total of 226 months (0.89 vs 0.03 per month, p< 0.001). The second MWA session was needed for 3 patients and a third session for 1. Functional disability and pain scores were improved significantly (median score from 9 to 1, p< 0.00001, in both). In magnetic resonance imaging, follow-up significant regression in synovial hypertrophy size was shown especially after 6th month. No complication was observed during the procedure or follow-up.
CONCLUSION
As a less invasive technique compared with the surgical approach, MWA of synovial hypertrophy showed significant clinical improvement in RM safely. MWA seems promising as a treatment option candidate in the management of RM.
PubMed: 38941501
DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae348 -
Nanoscale Jun 2024Correction for 'Phase behavior of patchy colloids confined in patchy porous media' by Yurij V. Kalyuzhnyi , , 2024, , 4668-4677, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR02866F.
Correction for 'Phase behavior of patchy colloids confined in patchy porous media' by Yurij V. Kalyuzhnyi , , 2024, , 4668-4677, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR02866F.
PubMed: 38940607
DOI: 10.1039/d4nr90128b -
Small (Weinheim An Der Bergstrasse,... Jun 2024Droplet-based electricity generators (DEGs) are increasingly recognized for their potential in converting renewable energy sources. This study explores the interplay of...
Droplet-based electricity generators (DEGs) are increasingly recognized for their potential in converting renewable energy sources. This study explores the interplay of surface hydrophobicity and stickiness in improving DEG efficiency. It find that the high-performance C-WaxDEGs leverage both these properties. Specifically, DEGs incorporating polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with carnauba wax (C-wax) exhibit increased output as surface stickiness decreases. Through experimental comparisons, PDMS with 1wt.% C-wax demonstrated a significant power output increase from 0.07 to 1.2 W m , which attribute to the minimized adhesion between water molecules and the polymer surface, achieved by embedding C-wax into PDMS surface to form microstructures. This improvement in DEG performance is notable even among samples with similar surface potentials and contact angles, suggesting that C-wax's primary contribution is in reducing surface stickiness rather than altering other surface properties. The further investigations into the C-WaxDEG variant with 1wt.% C-wax PDMS uncover its potential as a sensor for water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, and heavy metal ion concentration. These findings open avenues for the integration of C-WaxDEGs into flexible electronic devices aimed at environmental monitoring.
PubMed: 38940416
DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402765 -
JACC. Advances Apr 2024
PubMed: 38939678
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100862 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024In 1971, Zel'dovich predicted the amplification of electromagnetic (EM) waves scattered by a rotating metallic cylinder, gaining mechanical rotational energy from the...
In 1971, Zel'dovich predicted the amplification of electromagnetic (EM) waves scattered by a rotating metallic cylinder, gaining mechanical rotational energy from the body. This phenomenon was believed to be unobservable with electromagnetic fields due to technological difficulties in meeting the condition of amplification that is, the cylinder must rotate faster than the frequency of the incoming radiation. Here, we measure the amplification of an electromagnetic field, generated by a toroid LC-circuit, scattered by an aluminium cylinder spinning in the toroid gap. We show that when the Zel'dovich condition is met, the resistance induced by the cylinder becomes negative implying amplification of the incoming EM fields. These results reveal the connection between the concept of induction generators and the physics of this fundamental physics effect and open new prospects towards testing the Zel'dovich mechanism in the quantum regime, as well as related quantum friction effects.
PubMed: 38937453
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49689-w -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Exploring differences in nitrification within adjacent sedimentary structures of ridges and runnels on the Brouage mudflat, France, we quantified Potential Nitrification...
Exploring differences in nitrification within adjacent sedimentary structures of ridges and runnels on the Brouage mudflat, France, we quantified Potential Nitrification Rates (PNR) alongside amoA genes and transcripts. PNR was lower in ridges (≈1.7 fold-lower) than runnels, despite higher (≈1.8 fold-higher) ammonia-oxidizers abundance. However, ammonia-oxidizers were more transcriptionally active in runnels (≈1.9 fold-higher). Sequencing of amoA genes and transcripts revealed starkly contrasting profiles with transcripts from ridges and runnels dominated (≈91 % in ridges and ≈98 % in runnels) by low abundant (≈4.6 % of the DNA community in runnels and ≈0.8 % in ridges) but highly active phylotypes. The higher PNR in runnels was explained by higher abundance of this group, an uncharacterised Nitrosomonas sp. cluster. This cluster is phylogenetically similar to other active ammonia-oxidizers with worldwide distribution in coastal environments indicating its potential, but previously overlooked, contribution to ammonia oxidation globally. In contrast DNA profiles were dominated by highly abundant but low-activity clusters phylogenetically distinct from known Nitrosomonas (Nm) and Nitrosospira (Ns). This cluster is also globally distributed in coastal sediments, primarily detected as DNA, and often classified as Nitrosospira or Nitrosomonas. We therefore propose to classify this cluster as Ns/Nm. Our work indicates that low abundant but highly active AO could be responsible for the nitrification globally, while abundant AOB Ns/Nm may not be transcriptionally active, and as such account for the lack of correlation between rate processes and gene abundances often reported in the literature. It also raises the question as to what this seemingly inactive group is doing?
PubMed: 38936706
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174312 -
Heliyon Jun 2024This study sheds light on a ground-breaking biochemical mechanotransduction pathway and reveals how Piezo1 channels orchestrate cell migration. We observed an increased...
This study sheds light on a ground-breaking biochemical mechanotransduction pathway and reveals how Piezo1 channels orchestrate cell migration. We observed an increased cell migration rate in HEK293T (HEK) cells treated with Yoda1, a Piezo1 agonist, or in HEK cells overexpressing Piezo1 (HEK + P). Conversely, a significant reduction in cell motility was observed in HEK cells treated with GsMTx4 (a channel inhibitor) or upon silencing Piezo1 (HEK-P). Our findings establish a direct correlation between alterations in cell motility, Piezo1 expression, abnormal F-actin microfilament dynamics, and the regulation of Cofilin1, a protein involved in severing F-actin microfilaments. Here, the conversion of inactive pCofilin1 to active Cofilin1, mediated by the serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit C (PP2AC), resulted in increased severing of F-actin microfilaments and enhanced cell migration in HEK + P cells compared to HEK controls. However, this effect was negligible in HEK-P and HEK cells transfected with hsa-miR-133b, which post-transcriptionally inhibited PP2AC mRNA expression. In summary, our study suggests that Piezo1 regulates cell migration through a biochemical mechanotransduction pathway involving PP2AC-mediated Cofilin1 dephosphorylation, leading to changes in F-actin microfilament dynamics.
PubMed: 38933959
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32458 -
BMC Geriatrics Jun 202440-60% of persons living with dementia (PLWD) experience agitation and/or aggression symptoms. There is a need to understand the best method to detect agitation and/or...
OBJECTIVE
40-60% of persons living with dementia (PLWD) experience agitation and/or aggression symptoms. There is a need to understand the best method to detect agitation and/or aggression in PLWD. We aimed to identify agitation and/or aggression tools that are validated against a reference standard within the context of PLWD.
METHODS
Our study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020156708). We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO up to April 22, 2024. There were no language or date restrictions. Studies were included if they used any tools or questionnaires for detecting either agitation or aggression compared to a reference standard among PLWD, or any studies that compared two or more agitation and/or aggression tools in the population. All screening and data extraction were done in duplicates. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Data extraction was completed in duplicates by two independent authors. We extracted demographic information, prevalence of agitation and/or aggression, and diagnostic accuracy measures. We also reported studies comparing the correlation between two or more agitation and/or aggression tools.
RESULTS
6961 articles were screened across databases. Six articles reporting diagnostic accuracy measures compared to a reference standard and 30 articles reporting correlation measurements between tools were included. The agitation domain of the Spanish NPI demonstrated the highest sensitivity (100%) against the agitation subsection of the Spanish CAMDEX. Single-study evidence was found for the diagnostic accuracy of commonly used agitation scales (BEHAVE-AD, NPI and CMAI).
CONCLUSIONS
The agitation domain of the Spanish NPI, the NBRS, and the PAS demonstrated high sensitivities, and may be reasonable for clinical implementation. However, a limitation to this finding is that despite an extensive search, few studies with diagnostic accuracy measurements were identified. Ultimately, more research is needed to understand the diagnostic accuracy of agitation and/or aggression detection tools among PLWD.
Topics: Humans; Aggression; Psychomotor Agitation; Dementia
PubMed: 38926638
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05143-6 -
United European Gastroenterology Journal Jun 2024Faecal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) differ with disease sub-type and activity in adults with established inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) taking therapy.
BACKGROUND
Faecal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) differ with disease sub-type and activity in adults with established inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) taking therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe patterns of faecal VOCs in children newly presented with IBD according to disease sub-type, severity, and response to treatment.
METHODS
Children presenting with suspected IBD were recruited from three UK hospitals. Children in whom IBD was diagnosed were matched with a non-IBD child for age, sex, and recruitment site. Faecal VOCs were characterised by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry at presentation and 3 months later in children with IBD.
RESULTS
In 132 case/control pairs, median (inter-quartile range) age in IBD was 13.3 years (10.2-14.7) and 38.6% were female. Compared with controls, the mean abundance of 27/62 (43.6%) faecal VOCs was statistically significantly decreased in Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) or both especially amongst ketones/diketones, fatty acids, and alcohols (p < 0.05). Short-chain, medium chain, and branched chain fatty acids were markedly reduced in severe colitis (p < 0.05). Despite clinical improvement in many children with IBD, the number and abundance of almost all VOCs did not increase following treatment, suggesting persistent dysbiosis. Oct-1-en-3-ol was increased in CD (p = 0.001) and UC (p = 0.012) compared with controls and decreased following treatment in UC (p = 0.01). In CD, propan-1-ol was significantly greater than controls (p < 0.001) and extensive colitis (p = 0.001) and fell with treatment (p = 0.05). Phenol was significantly greater in CD (p < 0.001) and fell with treatment in both CD (p = 0.02) and UC (p = 0.01).
CONCLUSION
Characterisation of faecal VOCs in an inception cohort of children with IBD reveals patterns associated with diagnosis, disease activity, and extent. Further work should investigate the relationship between VOCs and the microbiome in IBD and their role in diagnosis and disease monitoring.
PubMed: 38922802
DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12603