-
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024Declining sequencing costs coupled with the increasing availability of easy-to-use kits for the isolation of DNA and RNA transcripts from single cells have driven a...
Declining sequencing costs coupled with the increasing availability of easy-to-use kits for the isolation of DNA and RNA transcripts from single cells have driven a rapid proliferation of studies centered around genomic and transcriptomic data. Simultaneously, a wealth of new techniques have been developed that utilize single cell technologies to interrogate a broad range of cell-biological processes. One recently developed technique, transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC) with select antigen profiling by sequencing (ASAPseq), provides a combination of chromatin accessibility assessments with measurements of cell-surface marker expression levels. While software exists for the characterization of these datasets, there currently exists no tool explicitly designed to reformat ASAP surface marker FASTQ data into a count matrix which can then be used for these downstream analyses. To address this, we created CountASAP, an easy-to-use Python package purposefully designed to transform FASTQ files from ASAP experiments into count matrices compatible with commonly-used downstream bioinformatic analysis packages. CountASAP takes advantage of the independence of the relevant data structures to perform fully parallelized matches of each sequenced read to user-supplied input ASAP oligos and unique cell-identifier sequences.
PubMed: 38903111
DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.20.595042 -
Frontiers in Neuroanatomy 2024Literature suggests a common pathophysiological ground between carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) and white matter alterations in the brain. However, the association between...
INTRODUCTION
Literature suggests a common pathophysiological ground between carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) and white matter alterations in the brain. However, the association between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) has not been conclusively reported. The current systematic review explores and reports the relationship between CIMT and WMH among asymptomatic/non-stroke adults.
METHODS
A recent literature search on PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases was conducted in compliance with the PRISMA protocol. The pre-defined Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome-Study (PICOS) criteria included observational studies investigating the CIMT-WMH association among non-stroke adults undergoing magnetic resonance imaging and carotid ultrasound.
RESULTS
Out of 255 potential results, 32 studies were critically assessed for selection, and finally, 10 articles were included, comprising 5,116 patients (females = 60.2%; males = 39.8%) aged between 36-71 years. The included studies earned high quality ratings (6-9) based on the Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale criteria. Qualitative synthesis showed a significantly parallel relationship between increased CIMT and greater WMH burden in 50% of the studies. In addition, significant risk factors related to the CIMT-WMH association included older age, hypertension, depression, migraine, Hispanic ethnicity, and apolipoprotein E (ɛ4) in postmenopausal women.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the cumulative evidence showed a consistent CIMT-WMH association in asymptomatic middle-aged and older non-stroke adults, indicating that CAS may contribute to the progression of pathologically hyperintense white matter in the brain. However, further research is warranted to infer the plausible relationship between CIMT and WMH in the absence of stroke.
PubMed: 38903057
DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1394766 -
Animal Microbiome Jun 2024The gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of behavior and immunity in infants and juveniles. Early weaning (EW), a form of social stress in mice,...
BACKGROUND
The gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of behavior and immunity in infants and juveniles. Early weaning (EW), a form of social stress in mice, leads to increased anxiety and an enhanced stress response in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during adulthood. Early life stress also modulates the immune system and increases vulnerability to infection. However, studies investigating the causal relationships among juvenile stress, microbiota changes, and immune and behavioral deficits are limited. Therefore, we hypothesized that EW alters gut microbiota composition and impairs the development of the nervous and immune systems.
RESULTS
EW mice moved longer distances in the marble-burying test and had longer immobility times in the tail suspension test than normal weaning (NW) mice. In parallel, the gut microbiome composition differed between NW and EW mice, and the abundance of Erysipelotrichacea in EW mice at 8 weeks of age was lower than that in NW mice. In an empirical study, germ-free mice colonized with the gut microbiota of EW mice (GF-EW mice) demonstrated higher depressive behavior than GF mice colonized with normal weaning microbiota (GF-NW mice). Immune cell profiles were also affected by the EW microbiota colonization; the number of CD4 + T cells in the spleen was reduced in GF-EW mice.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that EW-induced alterations in the gut microbiota cause depressive behaviors and modulate the immune system.
PubMed: 38902845
DOI: 10.1186/s42523-024-00322-7 -
International Breastfeeding Journal Jun 2024Many individuals who experience preterm birth struggle with early breast milk supply, which can translate into suboptimal longer-term breastfeeding outcomes. Further... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Many individuals who experience preterm birth struggle with early breast milk supply, which can translate into suboptimal longer-term breastfeeding outcomes. Further investigations into the potential role of early non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in improving breast milk production soon after birth is growing. While natural galactagogues, such as brewer's yeast, are widely perceived by women to be safer than pharmaceutical galactagogues and are taken by many women, evidence to support their efficacy is largely absent. The BLOOM study has been designed to determine the efficacy and safety of brewer's yeast and beta-glucans, derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, when administered soon after birth for increasing early breast milk supply in mothers who have delivered preterm.
METHODS
The BLOOM study is a multicentre, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial that will assess if brewer's yeast or beta-glucan can increase early breast milk production following preterm birth. Target population are mothers of preterm infants born at less than 34 weeks' gestation who intend to provide breast milk for their infant, are less than 72 h following birth and able to give informed consent. Participants will be randomly allocated into three parallel groups at 1:1:1 ratio (n = 33 per group) to receive either brewer's yeast, beta-glucan or placebo capsules for seven days. The primary outcome is total expressed breast milk volume over a 24-hour period on day 7 of intervention. Participants and their infants will be followed until the infant reaches term corrected age or is discharged home from the neonatal unit (whichever occurs first).
DISCUSSION
The use of brewer's yeast as a galactagogue to enhance milk production is extremely common amongst breastfeeding mothers, however, there are no trials evaluating its efficacy and safety. This will be the first randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two commonly used galactagogues, brewer's yeast and beta-glucan, compared with placebo in improving maternal breast milk supply following preterm birth. The trial will also evaluate whether early intervention with galactagogues soon after a preterm birth improves longer-term breastfeeding outcomes.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12622000968774 (registered on 8 July 2022) and UTN U1111-1278-8827.
Topics: Humans; beta-Glucans; Female; Milk, Human; Infant, Newborn; Double-Blind Method; Premature Birth; Breast Feeding; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Infant, Premature; Adult; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38902831
DOI: 10.1186/s13006-024-00650-z -
BMC Sports Science, Medicine &... Jun 2024Respiratory muscle training plays a significant role in reducing blood lactate concentration (bLa) and attenuating negative physiological stress reactions. Therefore, we...
Respiratory muscle training plays a significant role in reducing blood lactate concentration (bLa) and attenuating negative physiological stress reactions. Therefore, we investigated if voluntary isocapnic hyperpnoea (VIH) performed after a maximum anaerobic effort influences bLa and perceived fatigue level in well-trained speedskaters. 39 elite short-track speedskaters participated in a trial with two parallel groups: experimental and control. All the participants performed the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). The experimental group performed a VIH-based recovery protocol 20 min after exercise, the control group used passive recovery only. Blood samples were taken 3 and 30 min after the WAnT to measure bLa. Fatigue was self-appraised on a 0-10 perceived rating-of-fatigue (ROF) scale 3 and 30 min after the WAnT. Noteworthy, but not statistically significant changes between the experimental and control groups were observed for changes in bLa (p = 0.101). However, statistically significant changes between the groups were found for ROF (p = 0.003, η = 0.211, ω = 0.106). Moreover, statistically significant interactions between post-exercise bLa clearance and VOmax (p = 0.028) and inspiratory muscle strength (p = 0.040) were observed. Our findings provided preliminary insight that VIH may be an efficient recovery protocol after anaerobic exercise performed by elite athletes. The association between VOmax and post-exercise bLa clearance indicates the vital role of aerobic fitness in repeated-efforts ability in short-track speedskaters. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT05994092 on 15th August 2023.
PubMed: 38902811
DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00927-0 -
Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention,... Jun 2024Sub-Saharan Africa is important to the future of alcohol and global health because the alcohol market there is expanding rapidly in a relatively young population. This...
BACKGROUND
Sub-Saharan Africa is important to the future of alcohol and global health because the alcohol market there is expanding rapidly in a relatively young population. This entails a corresponding contest about whether the policy measures adopted will be shaped by scientific evidence or by industry interference in alcohol policy. This study examines how alcohol industry actors use social media.
METHODS
Uganda was selected for study because of high levels of alcohol harm and recent alcohol policy debates. Data on the X (formerly Twitter) activity of the Ugandan companies of AB InBev and Diageo, who are the two main brewers, and the trade association including both, were collected, coded and thematically analysed.
RESULTS
X is used overwhelmingly by alcohol industry actors in Uganda to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) and alcohol policy framing content. There is little direct product marketing. The framing of policy problems and solutions, and of the actors involved in policymaking and CSR resembles that used elsewhere in the political strategies of the transnational alcohol corporations. Content which appears more emphasised in Uganda includes material on farmers, illicit trade and contribution to the economy. As elsewhere, it avoids giving attention to the policy measures which would make a difference to the levels of alcohol harms endured by Uganda. Rhetorically, X is thus used to create a parallel universe, in which the actual harms and what is known about how to reduce them are conspicuous by their absence.
CONCLUSIONS
The alcohol industry presents itself as indispensable to Uganda's future and appears to have developed relationships with politicians, partnerships with government, and built a coalition with farmers. This means the alcohol industry may be well positioned to oppose public health policy measures, even though their arguments lack substance and are at odds with the evidence.
Topics: Uganda; Humans; Social Responsibility; Alcoholic Beverages; Social Media; Marketing; Food Industry; Health Policy; Policy Making; Alcohol Drinking
PubMed: 38902800
DOI: 10.1186/s13011-024-00611-z -
Trials Jun 2024This trial is a parallel, two-arm, non-blinded cluster randomised controlled trial that is under way in Singapore, with the aim of measuring the efficacy of male...
BACKGROUND
This trial is a parallel, two-arm, non-blinded cluster randomised controlled trial that is under way in Singapore, with the aim of measuring the efficacy of male Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti deployments in reducing dengue incidence in an endemic setting with all four dengue serotypes in circulation. The trial commenced in July 2022 and is expected to conclude in September 2024. The original study protocol was published in December 2022. Here, we describe amendments that have been made to the study protocol since commencement of the trial.
METHODS
The key protocol amendments are (1) addition of an explicit definition of Wolbachia exposure for residents residing in intervention sites based on the duration of Wolbachia exposure at point of testing, (2) incorporation of a high-dimensional set of anthropogenic and environmental characteristics in the analysis plan to adjust for baseline risk factors of dengue transmission, and (3) addition of alternative statistical analyses for endpoints to control for post hoc imbalance in cluster-based environmental and anthropogenic characteristics.
DISCUSSION
The findings from this study will provide the first experimental evidence for the efficacy of releasing male-Wolbachia infected mosquitoes to reduce dengue incidence in a cluster-randomised controlled trial. The trial will conclude in 2024 and results will be reported shortly thereafter.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05505682. Registered on 16 August 2022. Retrospectively registered. Last updated 11 November 2023.
Topics: Dengue; Animals; Wolbachia; Singapore; Male; Aedes; Humans; Incidence; Mosquito Vectors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Mosquito Control; Female; Pest Control, Biological
PubMed: 38902790
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08148-z -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jun 2024Biomonitoring studies have shown that pregnant women living in regions of unconventional natural gas (UNG) exploitation have higher levels of trace elements. Whether...
Biomonitoring studies have shown that pregnant women living in regions of unconventional natural gas (UNG) exploitation have higher levels of trace elements. Whether developmental endocrine disruption can be expected at these exposure levels during pregnancy is unclear. In this study, we aimed to test the impact of five trace elements alone or in mixtures using in vitro cell- and tissue-based assays relevant to endocrine disruption and development. Manganese, aluminum, strontium, barium, and cobalt were tested at concentrations including those representatives of human fetal exposure. Using transactivation assays, none of the tested elements nor their mixture altered the human estrogen receptor 1 or androgen receptor genomic signalling. In the rat fetal testis assay, an organ culture system, cobalt (5 μg/l), barium (500 μg/l) and strontium (500 μg/l) significantly increased testosterone secretion. Cobalt and strontium were associated with hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy of fetal Leydig cells. Mixing the five elements at concentrations where none had an effect individually stimulated testosterone secretion by the rat fetal testis paralleled by the significant increase of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase protein level in comparison to the vehicle control. The mechanisms involved may be specific to the fetal testis as no effect was observed in the steroidogenic H295R cells. Our data suggest that some trace elements in mixture at concentrations representative of human fetal exposure can impact testis development and function. This study highlights the potential risk posed by UNG operations, especially for the most vulnerable populations, pregnant individuals, and their fetus.
PubMed: 38901820
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124393 -
Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology &... Jun 2024Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cognitive deficits. However, little is known about the rapid...
OBJECTIVE
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cognitive deficits. However, little is known about the rapid non-genomic stress response involvement. This study investigates the molecular, structural and behavioral signatures of the anorexic phenotype induction in female rats on stress-related mechanisms in the hippocampus.
METHOD
Female adolescent rats, exposed to the combination of food restriction and wheel access, i.e., the activity-based anorexia (ABA) protocol, were sacrificed in the acute phase of the pathology (postnatal day [P]42) or following a 7-day recovery period (P49).
RESULTS
ABA rats, in addition to body weight loss and increased wheel activity, alter their pattern of activity over days, showing increased food anticipatory activity, a readout of their motivation to engage in intense physical activity. Corticosterone plasma levels were enhanced at P42 while reduced at P49 in ABA rats. In the membrane fraction of the hippocampus, we found reduced glucocorticoid receptor levels together with reduced expression of caldesmon, n-cadherin and neuroligin-1, molecular markers of cytoskeletal stability and glutamatergic homeostasis. Accordingly, structural analyses revealed reduced dendritic spine density, a reduced number of mushroom-shaped spines, together with an increased number of thin-shaped spines. These events are paralleled by impairment in spatial memory measured in the spatial order object recognition test. These effects persisted even when body weight of ABA rats was restored.
DISCUSSION
Our findings indicate that ABA induction orchestrates hippocampal maladaptive structural and functional plasticity, contributing to cognitive deficits, providing a putative mechanism that could be targeted in AN patients.
PubMed: 38901757
DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111065 -
Radiography (London, England : 1995) Jun 2024Delivering 24 h healthcare requires rotational shift work from doctors and the medical imaging team, while contributing to safe and timely care of patients. Additional... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Delivering 24 h healthcare requires rotational shift work from doctors and the medical imaging team, while contributing to safe and timely care of patients. Additional service pressure and staff shortfall leads to workload pressures, adjusted shift patterns and risk of burnout. Evidence should be sought to the effects of this work on staff.
METHODS
This systematic review followed PRISMA reporting guidelines, using a convergent mixed methods approach according to Guidance from Joanna Briggs International. Quantitative trends and results were qualified in order to thematically analyse in conjunction with qualitative data and discussed together in context. Following initial searching, returned articles were screened by title and abstract. A team of 3 reviewers undertook blinded critical appraisal of those suitable, with quality assurance from a 4th team member. Papers passing a threshold of 75% on JBI appraisal tools were accepted for synthesis. Data extraction of appropriate articles retrieved was undertaken in parallel.
RESULTS
Following screening and critical appraisal, 13 studies were returned focusing exclusively on Non Consultant Doctors. No studies investigated diagnostic radiographers. 85% (n = 11) reported negative association between shift work and the three themes of sleep/fatigue, burnout and wellbeing: including after the introduction of shift pattern control or adjusted shift patterns. The remainder showed no change, or any improvement nullified by countermeasures to maintain service delivery.
CONCLUSION
Current working practices and shift plans in the target population showed detrimental effects on the participants - this can be suggested that Diagnostic Radiographers may suffer fatigue, burnout and poor mental health from stretched shift working patterns.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Further study into the effects of shift work on Diagnostic Radiographers and other allied health professionals is indicated - relating to the above themes in the context of errors and patient safety. Additional research into Non Consultant Doctors, shift work effects and the context of wider service delivery required; with suitable interventions and education to maximise understanding of legal working practices, monitoring and self-management of symptoms.
PubMed: 38901073
DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.05.016