-
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Spider silk has extraordinary mechanical properties, displaying high tensile strength, elasticity, and toughness. Given the high performance of natural fibers, one of...
Spider silk has extraordinary mechanical properties, displaying high tensile strength, elasticity, and toughness. Given the high performance of natural fibers, one of the long-term goals of the silk community is to manufacture large-scale synthetic spider silk. This process requires vast quantities of recombinant proteins for wet-spinning applications. Attempts to synthesize large amounts of native size recombinant spidroins in diverse cell types have been unsuccessful. In these studies, we design and express recombinant miniature black widow MaSp1 spidroins in bacteria that incorporate the N-terminal and C-terminal domain (NTD and CTD), along with varying numbers of codon-optimized internal block repeats. Following spidroin overexpression, we perform quantitative analysis of the bacterial proteome to identify proteins associated with spidroin synthesis. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS) reveals a list of molecular targets that are differentially expressed after enforced mini-spidroin production. This list included proteins involved in energy management, proteostasis, translation, cell wall biosynthesis, and oxidative stress. Taken together, the purpose of this study was to identify genes within the genome of for molecular targeting to overcome bottlenecks that throttle spidroin overexpression in microorganisms.
Topics: Animals; Fibroins; Proteomics; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Silk; Recombinant Proteins; Bacteria; Spiders
PubMed: 38542528
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063556 -
JBRA Assisted Reproduction Jun 2024This comprehensive review delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding post-mortem sperm retrieval (PMSR) and its implications for creating new individuals.... (Review)
Review
This comprehensive review delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding post-mortem sperm retrieval (PMSR) and its implications for creating new individuals. The paper examines the challenges posed by unusual requests for sperm retrieval from the deceased's widow and parents, as well as the broader socio-ethical considerations associated with PMSR. These requests have often been denied due to the absence of established laws and guidelines governing posthumous sperm retrieval and subsequent births, which were once deemed impossible. While some countries have implemented institutional policies to regulate its use to some extent, there remains a lack of standardized rules and procedures for the collection and retrieval of sperm after death. It is essential to introduce institutional guidelines to facilitate requests for assisted reproductive technology (ART) following successful sperm retrieval. Additionally, the development of PMSR legislation is necessary to ensure a proper balance between the moral rights and fundamental rights of the deceased, their family, and any current or future offspring, while providing adequate protection for all parties involved.
Topics: Humans; Male; Sperm Retrieval; Posthumous Conception; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
PubMed: 38530764
DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20240022 -
Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024A thorough understanding of polypharmacy is required to create public health initiatives that minimize the potential for adverse outcomes. This study aimed to...
A thorough understanding of polypharmacy is required to create public health initiatives that minimize the potential for adverse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic factors, socioeconomic status (SES), and polypharmacy risk in United States (US) individuals between 1999-2000 and 2017-2018. The cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset covered ten cycles between 1999-2000 and 2017-2018. All individuals aged ≥18 years were included. The simultaneous use of at least five medications by one person is known as polypharmacy. Multivariable logistic regression showed that there was a statistically significant association between polypharmacy sociodemographic factors (such as age between 45 and 64 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.60-3.92; < ) and age of 65 years or above (OR = 3.96; 95% CI = 3.79-4.13; < ), especially women (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.06-1.13; < ), non-Hispanic blacks (OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.51-1.83; < ), and veterans (OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.22-1.31; < )) and SES (such as being married (OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.08-1.19; ), widowed, divorced, or separated (OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.15-1.26; < ), a college graduate or above (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.15-1.27, < ), and earning > USD 55,000 per year (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.79-1.93; < )). Individuals aged 45 years and above, women, and non-Hispanic blacks with higher educational levels and yearly incomes were more likely to experience polypharmacy in the US between 1999-2000 and 2017-2018.
PubMed: 38525729
DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12020049 -
Epidemiology and risk factors of oral frailty among older people: an observational study from China.BMC Oral Health Mar 2024This study aimed to compare the prevalence of oral frailty among community-dwelling older people in Nanjing, China with the usage of different measurements, and to... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to compare the prevalence of oral frailty among community-dwelling older people in Nanjing, China with the usage of different measurements, and to investigate the potential risk factors of oral frailty.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.
SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS
A total of 338 community-dwelling older people in Nanjing, China were recruited.
METHODS
Oral frailty was measured based on the Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8) scale and other measurement methods including the number of natural teeth (TN), repetitive saliva-swallowing test (RSST), and oral diadochokinesis (ODK). The chi-square test and the binary logistic regression analysis were performed to identify potential risk factors for oral frailty.
RESULTS
There were 310 participants included in the analysis. Prevalence of oral frailty by using the OFI-8, OFI-8 + TN, OFI-8 + ODK, OFI-8 + TN + ODK and RSST measurement methods were 69.0%, 27.4%, 51.9%, 21.0% and 2.9%, respectively. Passive smoking (OR = 2.04; 95%CI 1.03-4.03), being widowed/unmarried (OR1 = 2.53; 95%CI 1.25-5.10; OR2 = 2.94; 95%CI 1.12-7.77), pre-frailty (OR = 1.76; 95%CI 1.03-3.01), frailty (OR = 3.01; 95%CI 1.39-6.54), and aged 80 years and above (OR = 3.99; 95%CI 1.35-11.81) were found to be risk factors of oral frailty by the usage of the four kinds of measurement methods.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
The definition and diagnostic criteria of oral frailty are strongly needed to be unified in future research. Only subjective assessment is not enough for assessing oral frailty. Among objective indicators, RSST is not suitable as a screening method for oral frailty. In addition, objective indicators including TN and ODK should be valued for early screening and preventive interventions. The risk factors of oral frailty include physical frailty, passive smoking, and being widowed.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Frailty; Frail Elderly; Cross-Sectional Studies; Tobacco Smoke Pollution; Risk Factors; China; Independent Living; Geriatric Assessment
PubMed: 38515048
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04149-1 -
JAMA Psychiatry Jun 2024Suicide rates in the US increased by 35.6% from 2001 to 2021. Given that most individuals die on their first attempt, earlier detection and intervention are crucial....
IMPORTANCE
Suicide rates in the US increased by 35.6% from 2001 to 2021. Given that most individuals die on their first attempt, earlier detection and intervention are crucial. Understanding modifiable risk factors is key to effective prevention strategies.
OBJECTIVE
To identify distinct suicide profiles or classes, associated signs of suicidal intent, and patterns of modifiable risks for targeted prevention efforts.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This cross-sectional study used data from the 2003-2020 National Violent Death Reporting System Restricted Access Database for 306 800 suicide decedents. Statistical analysis was performed from July 2022 to June 2023.
EXPOSURES
Suicide decedent profiles were determined using latent class analyses of available data on suicide circumstances, toxicology, and methods.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Disclosure of recent intent, suicide note presence, and known psychotropic usage.
RESULTS
Among 306 800 suicide decedents (mean [SD] age, 46.3 [18.4] years; 239 627 males [78.1%] and 67 108 females [21.9%]), 5 profiles or classes were identified. The largest class, class 4 (97 175 [31.7%]), predominantly faced physical health challenges, followed by polysubstance problems in class 5 (58 803 [19.2%]), and crisis, alcohol-related, and intimate partner problems in class 3 (55 367 [18.0%]), mental health problems (class 2, 53 928 [17.6%]), and comorbid mental health and substance use disorders (class 1, 41 527 [13.5%]). Class 4 had the lowest rates of disclosing suicidal intent (13 952 [14.4%]) and leaving a suicide note (24 351 [25.1%]). Adjusting for covariates, compared with class 1, class 4 had the highest odds of not disclosing suicide intent (odds ratio [OR], 2.58; 95% CI, 2.51-2.66) and not leaving a suicide note (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.41-1.49). Class 4 also had the lowest rates of all known psychiatric illnesses and psychotropic medications among all suicide profiles. Class 4 had more older adults (23 794 were aged 55-70 years [24.5%]; 20 100 aged ≥71 years [20.7%]), veterans (22 220 [22.9%]), widows (8633 [8.9%]), individuals with less than high school education (15 690 [16.1%]), and rural residents (23 966 [24.7%]).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This study identified 5 distinct suicide profiles, highlighting a need for tailored prevention strategies. Improving the detection and treatment of coexisting mental health conditions, substance and alcohol use disorders, and physical illnesses is paramount. The implementation of means restriction strategies plays a vital role in reducing suicide risks across most of the profiles, reinforcing the need for a multifaceted approach to suicide prevention.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Latent Class Analysis; United States; Suicidal Ideation; Aged; Suicide, Attempted; Young Adult; Suicide, Completed; Risk Factors; Suicide; Adolescent; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 38506817
DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.0171 -
Cureus Feb 2024Depression and anxiety are associated with poor health consequences in patients with cancer, and these mental health issues may affect cancer treatment. They are...
BACKGROUND
Depression and anxiety are associated with poor health consequences in patients with cancer, and these mental health issues may affect cancer treatment. They are frequently triggered by stress, and cancer is among the most stressful conditions experienced by a person. Depression and anxiety are related to several sociodemographic variables in patients with cancer. However, only a few studies have examined the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with cancer in Saudi Arabia.
OBJECTIVES
To detect the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among patients with cancer at the Najran Oncology Center in Najran, Saudi Arabia, and determine the risk factors associated with these symptoms.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023, on a convenience sample of patients diagnosed with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy at Najran Oncology Center, King Khalid Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia, and who agreed to participate in the study. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used. Data on the demographic characteristics of the patients were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Moreover, medical data were collected from the medical records of the patients.
RESULTS
In total, 92 patients with various cancer diagnoses were recruited in this study. Among them, 51 and 41 were women and men, respectively. Moreover, 81 were married and 11 were either single, widow, or divorced. The mean age of the participants was 51.24 ± 15.15 years. The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety were 42.4% and 23.9%, respectively. There were significant associations between depression and marital status in patients with cancer-associated pain and those with a current history of chemotherapy. Furthermore, the association between anxiety and cancer-associated pain was significant. However, marital status was not associated with anxiety. Age, sex, family history of mental disorders, cancer duration, current cancer stage, and surgical interventions were not associated with the prevalence of depression and anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings underline the importance of identifying depression and anxiety in patients with cancer. Marital status, presence of pain, and current chemotherapy history were significantly associated with depression and pain with anxiety.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Further studies with a higher number of patients with cancer should be conducted in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. Screening for depression and anxiety symptoms should be a part of the comprehensive evaluation of patients with cancer. Appropriate treatment interventions must be provided to patients with cancer who present with mental disorders.
PubMed: 38500908
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54349 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Social support (SS) is an important factor influencing subjective well-being (SWB) in older adults. This is especially true for the special group of widowed older adults...
BACKGROUND
Social support (SS) is an important factor influencing subjective well-being (SWB) in older adults. This is especially true for the special group of widowed older adults (WOA). Widowhood means that older adults have lost their most important SS, and therefore, the search for a guardian from outside the spouse becomes a central issue in ensuring the SWB of WOA.
METHODS
The data for this paper were obtained from CGSS 2021, a large national social survey in China. We operationalized SWB as an individual's overall perception of his or her experience of happiness using 'affective well-being' (i.e., emphasizing an individual's positive affective experiences), and scores were calculated using a Likert scale. This study used linear regression modeling to examine the impact of SS on the SWB of WOA (aged 60 and above).
RESULTS
It was found that, first, this study presents the role of different circles of SS on the SWB of WOA, fully highlighting the importance of social context. Specifically, daughters, neighbors, and relatives constitute the guardians of the SWB for WOA in rural, whereas daughters and friends constitute the guardians of the SWB for WOA in rural. Second, the protective resources provided by the guardians not only serve as a buffer for WOA in distress but also reduce the likelihood of negative events occurring, thereby increasing WOA's SWB.
DISCUSSION
This paper partially corroborates the findings of established studies on the topic of SS and SWB among older adults and the above findings not only help us to further explain the relationship between SS and SWB theoretically but also help us to rationalize the construction of SS for WOA practically.
Topics: Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Asian People; China; Happiness; Social Support; Widowhood; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38500733
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1352585 -
BMC Public Health Mar 2024This study aimed to investigate the relationship between drinking status and kidney stones occurrence among United States (US) adults who consume alcohol.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between drinking status and kidney stones occurrence among United States (US) adults who consume alcohol.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2007-2018). Questionnaires yielded information on alcohol consumption and kidney health. Drinking status was categorized into four groups-former, mild, moderate, and heavy-based on alcohol consumption patterns. The aim was to explore the relationship between drinking status and the prevalence of kidney stones occurrence. For this analysis, we examined a group of individuals diagnosed with kidney stones. With survey weights applied, the total weight of the group was 185,690,415.
RESULTS
We used logistic regression to measure the relationship between drinking status and the likelihood of developing kidney stones. In a fully adjusted model, former drinkers were less likely to have previously experienced kidney stones (OR 0.762, 95% CI 0.595-0.977, P < 0.05). In subgroup analysis, heavy alcohol consumption was associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of kidney stones occurrence in various populations. The adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) of kidney stones risk for heavy alcohol consumption were 0.745 (0.566-0.981) for young individuals, 0.566 (0.342-0.939) for older individuals, 0.708 (0.510-0.981) for individuals of white race, 0.468 (0.269-0.817) for individuals with underweight/normal BMI, 0.192 (0.066-0.560) for widowed people, 0.538 (0.343-0.843) for smoking individuals, 0.749 (0.595-0.941) for individuals without a cancer history, and 0.724 (0.566-0.925) for individuals without a stroke history.
CONCLUSIONS
In US adults who consume alcohol, a negative linear relationship is apparent between drinking status and the prevalence of kidney stones, with heavy drinking showing a lower prevalence compared to former drinkers. However, the causal relationship between drinking status and kidney stones requires further investigation in future research endeavors.
Topics: Adult; Humans; United States; Nutrition Surveys; Cross-Sectional Studies; Alcohol Drinking; Surveys and Questionnaires; Kidney Calculi; Ethanol
PubMed: 38491490
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18307-1 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024Marital status is an independent prognostic factor for survival in many types of cancers, but its prognostic impact on patients with prostate cancer (PCa) has not been...
Marital status is an independent prognostic factor for survival in many types of cancers, but its prognostic impact on patients with prostate cancer (PCa) has not been established. The aim of this study was to explore the independent prognostic factors of PCa and to investigate the effect of marital status on survival outcomes in patients with different stratified by PCa. Using the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database, we collected data on 584,655 PCa patients diagnosed between 1975 and 2019. Marital status was classified as married, divorced, widowed, and single. We used the Kaplan-Meier analysis and single multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to determine the effect of marital status on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). In addition, we performed subgroup analyses for different ages, Gleason score and PSA values, and performed a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) to reduce the impact of confounding factors to obtain more accurate matching results. According to our findings, marital status was an independent prognostic factor for the survival of PCa patients and a better prognosis of married patients. Moreover, we also found that factors such as age, TNM stage, Gleason score, and PSA concentration were also considered as important predictors for the prognosis of PCa. The above findings can facilitate early detection and treatment of high-risk PCa patients, prolong their life and reduce family burden.
Topics: Male; Humans; Propensity Score; Prostate-Specific Antigen; SEER Program; Marital Status; Prognosis; Prostatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 38485743
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56145-8 -
PloS One 2024Although there have been consistent improvements in maternal mortality, it remains high in developing countries due to unequal access to healthcare services during...
Antenatal care service utilization disparities between urban and rural communities in Ethiopia: A negative binomial Poisson regression of 2019 Ethiopian Demography Health Survey.
BACKGROUND
Although there have been consistent improvements in maternal mortality, it remains high in developing countries due to unequal access to healthcare services during pregnancy and childbirth. Thus, this study aimed to further analyze the variations in the number of antenatal care utilizations and associated factors among pregnant women in urban and rural Ethiopia.
METHODS
A total of 3962 pregnant women were included in the analysis of 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. A negative binomial Poisson regression statistical model was used to analyze the data using STATA version 14.0. An incident rate ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to show the significantly associated variables.
RESULTS
Of the 3962 (weighted 3916.67) pregnant women, about 155 (15.21%) lived in urban and 848 (29.29%) rural residences and did not use antenatal care services in 2019. Women age group 20-24 (IRR = 1.30, 95%CI:1.05-1.61), 25-29 (IRR = 1.56, 95%CI:1.27-1.92), 30-34 (IRR = 1.65, 95%CI:1.33-2.05), and 35-39 years old (IRR = 1.55, 95%CI:1.18-2.03), attending primary, secondary, and higher education (IRR = 1.18, 95%CI:1.07-1.30), (IRR = 1.26, 95%CI:1.13-1.42) and (IRR = 1.25, 95%CI:1.11-1.41) respectively, reside in middle household wealth (IRR = 1.31, 95%CI:1.13-1.52), richer (IRR = 1.45, 95%CI:1.26-1.66) and richest (IRR = 1.68, 95%CI:1.46-1.93) increases the number of antenatal care utilization among urban residences. While attending primary (IRR = 1.34, 95%CI:1.24-1.45), secondary (IRR = 1.54, 95%CI:1.34-1.76) and higher education (IRR = 1.58, 95%CI:1.28-1.95), following Protestant (IRR = 0.76, 95%CI:0.69-0.83), Muslim (IRR = 0.79, 95%CI:0.73-0.85) and Others (IRR = 0.56, 95%CI:0.43-0.71) religions, reside in poorer, middle, richer, and richest household wealth (IRR = 1.51, 95%CI:1.37-1.67), (IRR = 1.66, 95%CI:1.50-1.83), (IRR = 1.71, 95%CI:1.55-1.91) and (IRR = 1.89, 95%CI:1.72-2.09) respectively, being married and widowed/separated (IRR = 1.85, 95%CI:1.19-2.86), and (IRR = 1.95, 95%CI:1.24-3.07) respectively were significantly associated with the number of antenatal care utilization among rural residences.
CONCLUSION
The utilization of antenatal care is low among rural residents than among urban residents. To increase the frequency of antenatal care utilization, health extension workers and supporting actors should give special attention to pregnant women with low socioeconomic and educational levels through a safety-net lens.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Prenatal Care; Rural Population; Ethiopia; Urban Population; Parturition; Health Surveys; Islam; Demography; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed: 38483971
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300257