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Frontiers in Pharmacology 2022
PubMed: 35784759
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.947511 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Jul 2003Global environmental change and sustainability science increasingly recognize the need to address the consequences of changes taking place in the structure and function... (Review)
Review
Global environmental change and sustainability science increasingly recognize the need to address the consequences of changes taking place in the structure and function of the biosphere. These changes raise questions such as: Who and what are vulnerable to the multiple environmental changes underway, and where? Research demonstrates that vulnerability is registered not by exposure to hazards (perturbations and stresses) alone but also resides in the sensitivity and resilience of the system experiencing such hazards. This recognition requires revisions and enlargements in the basic design of vulnerability assessments, including the capacity to treat coupled human-environment systems and those linkages within and without the systems that affect their vulnerability. A vulnerability framework for the assessment of coupled human-environment systems is presented.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Animals; Conservation of Natural Resources; Decision Making; Disasters; Ecosystem; Humans; Models, Theoretical; Safety; Safety Management; Stress, Physiological; Vulnerable Populations
PubMed: 12792023
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1231335100 -
Allergy Oct 2019Industrial sensitizing agents (allergens) in living and working environments play an important role in eliciting type 1 allergic disorders including asthma and allergic... (Review)
Review
Industrial sensitizing agents (allergens) in living and working environments play an important role in eliciting type 1 allergic disorders including asthma and allergic rhinitis. Successful management of allergic diseases necessitates identifying their specific causes (ie, identify the causative agent(s) and the route of contact to allergen: airborne, or skin contact) to avoid further exposure. Identification of sensitization by a sensitive and validated measurement of specific IgE is an important step in the diagnosis. However, only a limited number of environmental and occupational allergens are available on the market for use in sIgE testing. Accordingly, specific in-house testing by individual diagnostic and laboratory centers is often required. Currently, different immunological tests are in use at various diagnostic centers that often produce considerably divergent results, mostly due to lack of standardized allergen preparation and standardized procedures as well as inadequate quality control. Our review and meta-analysis exhibited satisfactory performance of sIgE detection test for most high molecular weight (HMW) allergens with a pooled sensitivity of 0.74 and specificity of 0.71. However, for low molecular weight (LMW) allergens, pooled sensitivity is generally lower (0.28) and specificity higher (0.89) than for HMW tests. Major recommendations based on the presented data include diagnostic use of sIgE to HMW allergens. A negative sIgE result for LMW agents does not exclude sensitization. In addition, the requirements for full transparency of the content of allergen preparations with details on standardization and quality control are underlined. Development of standard operating procedures for in-house sIgE assays, and clinical validation, centralized quality control and audits are emphasized. There is also a need for specialized laboratories to provide a custom service for the development of tests for the measurement of putative novel occupational allergens that are not commercially available.
Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Allergens; Asthma; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Immunoassay; Immunoglobulin E; Industry; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Occupational Exposure; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 30953599
DOI: 10.1111/all.13809 -
Biology Open Nov 2021The orientation of the mitotic spindle determines the direction of cell division, and therefore contributes to tissue shape and cell fate. Interaction between the...
The orientation of the mitotic spindle determines the direction of cell division, and therefore contributes to tissue shape and cell fate. Interaction between the multifunctional scaffolding protein Discs large (Dlg) and the canonical spindle orienting factor GPSM2 (called Pins in Drosophila and LGN in vertebrates) has been established in bilaterian models, but its function remains unclear. We used a phylogenetic approach to test whether the interaction is obligate in animals, and in particular whether Pins/LGN/GPSM2 evolved in multicellular organisms as a Dlg-binding protein. We show that Dlg diverged in C. elegans and the syncytial sponge Opsacas minuta and propose that this divergence may correspond with differences in spindle orientation requirements between these organisms and the canonical pathways described in bilaterians. We also demonstrate that Pins/LGN/GPSM2 is present in basal animals, but the established Dlg-interaction site cannot be found in either Placozoa or Porifera. Our results suggest that the interaction between Pins/LGN/GPSM2 and Dlg appeared in Cnidaria, and we therefore speculate that it may have evolved to promote accurate division orientation in the nervous system. This work reveals the evolutionary history of the Pins/LGN/GPSM2-Dlg interaction and suggests new possibilities for its importance in spindle orientation during epithelial and neural tissue development.
Topics: Animals; Batrachoidiformes; Caenorhabditis elegans; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; Carrier Proteins; Cell Cycle Proteins; Cell Division; Cnidaria; Drosophila Proteins; Guanylate Kinases; Phylogeny; Spindle Apparatus
PubMed: 34596678
DOI: 10.1242/bio.058982 -
Patient Preference and Adherence 2022The use of point-of-care tests (POCTs) has been a central strategy to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, evidence on the application and consequences of POCTs within...
BACKGROUND
The use of point-of-care tests (POCTs) has been a central strategy to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, evidence on the application and consequences of POCTs within medical settings is rare.
PURPOSE
To assess and understand patient perspectives on molecular point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 testing conducted in primary care.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among patients who were tested with a molecular SARS-CoV-2 rapid test (ID NOW COVID-19 rapid test, Abbott) in 13 primary care practices in the state of Thuringia (Germany) from February to April 2021. The following aspects were covered in the questionnaire through rating scales and open text formats: test characteristics, trust in test result, consequences of immediate result, cost amount willing to pay and expectations in the future. Open text answers were categorized; quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Mann-Whitney -test to reveal differences in cost contribution depending on the test result.
RESULTS
A total of 215 patients from nine family practices and one pediatric practice participated. The immediate availability of the test result was important to the majority of patients (94.3%). 95.7% of patients trusted in their test result. Personal consequences of the immediate test result referred to pandemic measures, certainty of action and reassurance. For further tests, patients were willing to pay between 0€ and 100€ (interquartile range = 10-25€) for the molecular SARS-CoV-2 POCT, regardless of the test result. Expectations of being offered the test again in case of renewed cold symptoms were reported by 96.2%.
CONCLUSION
Patients highly appreciated molecular SARS-CoV-2 rapid testing conducted in primary care practices. The immediate availability of the test result led to adjustments in patients' behavior and emotional wellbeing. However, potentially challenging for the implementation of POCTs in primary care practices may be the reimbursement of test costs and patients' expectations in future situation.
PubMed: 35975172
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S372366 -
Nutrients Apr 2022The aim of the present study was to examine β-glucan production and the potential prebiotic and chemopreventive effects of wheat and rye sourdoughs and breads generated...
Use of the β-Glucan-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains and for Sourdough Fermentation-Chemical Characterization and Chemopreventive Potential of In Situ-Enriched Wheat and Rye Sourdoughs and Breads.
The aim of the present study was to examine β-glucan production and the potential prebiotic and chemopreventive effects of wheat and rye sourdoughs and breads generated with wild-type and non-β-glucan-forming isogenic mutant strains of and . Sourdough and bread samples were subjected to in vitro digestion and fermentation. Fermentation supernatants (FS) and pellets (FP) were analyzed (pH values, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), ammonia, bacterial taxa) and the effects of FS on LT97 colon adenoma cell growth, viability, caspase-2 and -3 activity, genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects and on gene and protein expression of , , and () were examined. Concentrations of SCFA were increased and concentrations of ammonia were partly reduced in the FS. The relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae was increased in all FPs. Treatment with FS reduced the growth and viability of LT97 cells and significantly increased caspase-2 and -3 activities without exhibiting genotoxic or antigenotoxic effects. The mRNA and protein levels were increased while that of was reduced. and mRNA and protein expression were marginally induced. The presented results indicate a comparable chemopreventive potential of wheat and rye sourdoughs and breads without an additional effect of the formed β-glucan.
Topics: Ammonia; Bread; Caspase 2; Catalase; Cyclin D2; Fermentation; Fermented Foods; Flour; Food Microbiology; Lactobacillales; Pediococcus; RNA, Messenger; Secale; Triticum; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 35406123
DOI: 10.3390/nu14071510 -
Neuron Nov 2018Imagination is an internal simulation of real-life events and a common treatment tool for anxiety disorders; however, the neural processes by which imagination exerts...
Imagination is an internal simulation of real-life events and a common treatment tool for anxiety disorders; however, the neural processes by which imagination exerts behavioral control are unclear. This investigation tests whether and how imagined exposures to a threatening stimulus, conditioned in the real world, influence neural and physiological manifestations of threat. We found that imagined and real extinction are equally effective in the reduction of threat-related neural patterns and physiological responses elicited upon re-exposure to real-world threatening cues. Network connectivity during the extinction phase showed that imagined, like real, extinction engaged the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) as a central hub. vmPFC, primary auditory cortex, and amygdala activation during imagined and real extinction were predictive of individual differences in extinction success. The nucleus accumbens, however, predicted extinction success in the imagined extinction group alone. We conclude that deliberate imagination can attenuate reactions to threat through perceptual and associative learning mechanisms.
Topics: Acoustic Stimulation; Adult; Amygdala; Auditory Cortex; Electric Stimulation; Fear; Female; Galvanic Skin Response; Humans; Imagination; Male; Middle Aged; Nerve Net; Random Allocation
PubMed: 30465766
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.10.047 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Apr 2023Industrialization, population growth, and urbanization are all trends driving the explosive growth of the construction industry. Creating buildings to house people and... (Review)
Review
Industrialization, population growth, and urbanization are all trends driving the explosive growth of the construction industry. Creating buildings to house people and operate industry, together with building infrastructure to provide public services, requires prodigious quantities of energy and materials. Most of these virgin materials are non-renewable, and resource shortages caused by the development of the built environment are becoming increasingly inevitable. The gradually evolved circular economy (CE) is considered a way to ease the depletion of resources by extending service life, increasing efficiency, and converting waste into resources. However, the circularity of construction materials shows heavy regional distinctness due to the difference in spatial contexts in the geographical sense, resulting in the same CE business models (CEBMs) not being adapted to all regions. To optimize resource loops and formulate effective CEBMs, it is essential to understand the relationship between space and CE in the built environment. This paper reviews existing publications to summarize the research trends, examine how spatial features are reflected in the circularity of materials, and identify connections between spatial and CE clues. We found that the majority of contributors in this interdisciplinary field are from countries with middle to high levels of urbanization. Further, the case analysis details the material dynamics in different spatial contexts and links space and material cycles. The results indicate that the spatial characteristics can indeed influence the circularity of materials through varying resource cycling patterns. By utilizing spatial information wisely can help design locally adapted CEBMs and maximize the value chain of construction materials.
Topics: Humans; Urbanization; Construction Materials; Construction Industry; Industrial Development; Built Environment
PubMed: 36930305
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26326-5 -
Trials Nov 2012Non-inferiority and equivalence trials require tailored methodology and therefore adequate conduct and reporting is an ambitious task. The aim of our review was to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Non-inferiority and equivalence trials require tailored methodology and therefore adequate conduct and reporting is an ambitious task. The aim of our review was to assess whether the criteria recommended by the CONSORT extension were followed.
METHODS
We searched the Medline database and the Cochrane Central Register for reports of randomised non-inferiority and equivalence trials published in English language. We excluded reports on bioequivalence studies, reports targeting on other than the main results of a trial, and articles of which the full-text version was not available. In total, we identified 209 reports (167 non-inferiority, 42 equivalence trials) and assessed the reporting and methodological quality using abstracted items of the CONSORT extension.
RESULTS
Half of the articles did not report on the method of randomisation and only a third of the trials were reported to use blinding. The non-inferiority or equivalence margin was defined in most reports (94%), but was justified only for a quarter of the trials. Sample size calculation was reported for a proportion of 90%, but the margin was taken into account in only 78% of the trials reported. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis were presented in less than half of the reports. When reporting the results, a confidence interval was given for 85% trials. A proportion of 21% of the reports presented a conclusion that was wrong or incomprehensible. Overall, we found a substantial lack of quality in reporting and conduct. The need to improve also applied to aspects generally recommended for randomised trials. The quality was partly better in high-impact journals as compared to others.
CONCLUSIONS
There are still important deficiencies in the reporting on the methodological approach as well as on results and interpretation even in high-impact journals. It seems to take more than guidelines to improve conduct and reporting of non-inferiority and equivalence trials.
Topics: Bibliometrics; Editorial Policies; Guideline Adherence; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Periodicals as Topic; Quality Control; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Research Design; Therapeutic Equivalency; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 23157733
DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-13-214 -
Dental Materials : Official Publication... Sep 2019To investigate the effect of an experimental biomimetic mineralization kit (BIMIN) on the chemical composition and crystallinity of caries-free enamel and dentin samples...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of an experimental biomimetic mineralization kit (BIMIN) on the chemical composition and crystallinity of caries-free enamel and dentin samples in vitro.
METHODS
Enamel and dentin samples from 20 human teeth (10 for enamel; 10 for dentin) were divided into a control group without treatment and test samples with BIMIN treatment. Quantitative analysis of tissue penetration of fluoride, phosphate, and calcium was performed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Mineralization depth was measured by Raman spectroscopy probing the symmetric valence vibration near 960cm as a marker for crystallinity. EDX data was statistically analyzed using a paired t-test and Raman data was analyzed using the Student's t-test.
RESULTS
EDX analysis demonstrated a penetration depth of fluoride of 4.10±3.32μm in enamel and 4.31±2.67μm in dentin. Calcium infiltrated into enamel 2.65±0.64μm and into dentin 5.58±1.63μm, while the penetration depths for phosphate were 4.83±2.81μm for enamel and 6.75±3.25μm for dentin. Further, up to 25μm of a newly mineralized enamel-like layer was observed on the surface of the samples. Raman concentration curves demonstrated an increased degree of mineralization up to 5-10μm into the dentin and enamel samples.
SIGNIFICANCE
Biomimetic mineralization of enamel and dentin samples resulted in an increase of mineralization and a penetration of fluoride into enamel and dentin.
Topics: Biomimetics; Dental Enamel; Dentin; Fluorides; Humans; Tooth
PubMed: 31208774
DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2019.05.025