Category: Nevin Manimala

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2024 Oct 28. doi: 10.1007/s12011-024-04428-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to examine whether magnesium (Mg) depletion score (MDS) and dietary Mg intake are associated in adults with the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this study, we analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which included 20,010 adults aged over 40 years old. To evaluate the linear association between PD and dietary intake of Mg or MDS, we conducted weighted logistic regression for univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression models. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression models. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was drawn to visualize the nonlinear relationship between MDS/dietary Mg intake and PD. In addition, we examined the variations in the relationship between MDS and PD across different confounding factors of the association using subgroup analysis. There were 240 PD cases (1.2%), and 19770 non-PD were included in the study. We found that a higher MDS was associated with an increased risk of PD after adjusting for covariates (OR per 1-unit increase, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.16-1.86). There is insufficient evidence to support a significant statistical association between Mg intake and the risk of PD. According to nonlinear regression, high MDS was associated with higher odds of PD and lower odds of PD above 250 mg/day intake of Mg. It has been shown that Mg bioavailability may be negatively associated with PD as measured by MDS. MDS is a potential method for screening the population with PD. Maintaining adequate Mg status may be important for PD prevention.

PMID:39465480 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-024-04428-6

Obes Surg. 2024 Oct 28. doi: 10.1007/s11695-024-07551-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Olfaction plays a vital role in regulating nutrition, avoiding potentially dangerous situations, and modulating behavior along with interpersonal relationships. Many common disorders can have a negative impact on olfaction; one of these is obesity. Bariatric surgery induces weight loss, and current evidence suggests that it can cause improvement in olfaction. However, more information is needed regarding this topic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-five patients who underwent bariatric surgery and 184 age- and gender-matched control group who did not undergo any surgery have completed a questionnaire including items from the validated Self-Reported Mini Olfactory Questionnaire.

RESULTS: Final analysis was based on 369 patients. There was a statistically significant difference between patients before and after surgery (p < 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference between people who underwent surgery with < 50% excess body weight loss and the control group but none with those > 50% excess body weight loss. No significant differences were found when comparing people with and without chronic illnesses, head and neck surgery, anti-allergy drug use, and COVID-19. Before surgery, there were statistically significant differences between patients with allergic rhinitis and polyps and those without, but no significant differences were observed after surgery.

CONCLUSION: Patients had significantly improved olfactory scores post-surgery compared to before surgery. Patients who had > 50% excess body weight loss after surgery showed olfactory function as good as the general population represented by the control group. However, those with < 50% excess body weight loss had significantly worse olfactory scores compared to the general population.

PMID:39465479 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-024-07551-4

J Appl Genet. 2024 Oct 28. doi: 10.1007/s13353-024-00908-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer (BC) is characterized by the increase of malignant cells in the breast. The malignant cells begin in the lining of the breast milk glands or ducts (ductal epithelium). BC is the most frequent cancer in women, but it may also occur in males. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been demonstrated to control the development and incidence of cancer. However, some lncRNAs experience potential changes in BC, but their role has not been well studied. LINC01279 is known as a valuable biomarker in gastric cancer but has not yet been studied in BC. Changes in LINC01279 expression levels in BC samples were investigated by microarray. Q-PCR was also used to evaluate the expression of LINC01279 in the tumor and normal adjacent samples of 30 BC patients. The LINC01279 co-expressed gene module was discovered using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) on the relevant dataset. The top ten hub genes were determined using gene ontology (GO) functional enrichments on the co-expressed gene module. The results of the bioinformatics study showed an increase in LINC01279 expression levels (log2FC = 3.228749561, adj.P.Val = 1.69E – 12) in tumor samples compared to normal marginal tissue. Q-PCR results also showed a significant increase in LINC01279 expression (P-value = 0.0005) in tumor samples. WGCNA analysis identified that the black module is the LINC01279 co-expressed module, and functional annotation analysis of black module genes enriched in significant cancer-related pathways and processes, including cell growth and/or maintenance, regulation of immune response, regulation of cell proliferation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Regarding the real-time PCR results, the analysis of expression patterns has illuminated a distinct association between the heightened expression levels of LINC01279, and the stages of cancer progression as well as the metastatic potential of tumors. However, intriguingly, our observations have failed to reveal any statistically significant correlations between the relative expression of LINC01279 and tumor grade classification, or the presence of ER, PR, and HER2 biomarkers. The present study could provide a new perspective on the molecular regulatory. Processes associated with BC pathogenic mechanisms are linked to the LINC01279, although further research is needed on the possible role of this lncRNA in BC.

PMID:39465460 | DOI:10.1007/s13353-024-00908-6

Prog Orthod. 2024 Oct 28;25(1):42. doi: 10.1186/s40510-024-00540-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to measure the degree of conversion (DC) of direct-printed aligners (DPA) that were post-cured under ambient and nitrogen atmosphere at specific time intervals and investigate the kinetics of polymerization reaction of this material.

METHODS: A total of 48 aligners were produced in 4 printing series by a 3D printer with TC-85DAC resin (Graphy Inc). From each series of printing, 12 aligners were included. The aligners were divided into two groups according to their post-curing conditions. One group was post-cured under ambient air with the presence of oxygen and the other under a nitrogen atmosphere, both using the same UV post-curing unit recommended by the company. The aligners were post-cured at six different time intervals: 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 20 min. Each time interval included 8 aligners, with 2 aligners from each series. The DC of the cured aligners was measured by means of attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) through acquisition of the respective spectra for each UV-curing condition. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the results and differences within each atmosphere post-curing protocol, as well as between the different selected atmosphere conditions. Statistical significance level was set at p-value ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS: Pairwise analysis between post-curing protocols showed statistically significant differences only at the first minute of polymerization. Post-curing with nitrogen did not yield statistically significant results across different time intervals. Post-curing in ambient air showed some significant differences on the 1st and 2nd minute of the post-curing process.

CONCLUSIONS: Almost complete double bond conversion was observed. Significant differences were observed only during the first minute of polymerization under the nitrogen atmosphere.

PMID:39465457 | DOI:10.1186/s40510-024-00540-4

Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2024 Oct 27. doi: 10.1007/s00406-024-01894-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R) demonstrated excellent results in its original study, with a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 100% (Ritvo et al. in J Autism Dev Disord 41:1076-1089, 2011). As a result, it was included in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines (Recommendations | Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE, 2022). The questionnaire includes 80 questions across four subcategories (language, social relatedness, circumscribed interests, sensory motor). So far, the subcategory sensory motor has not been addressed in most available instruments, despite being part of the diagnostic criteria specified in DSM-5 (Falkai et al., in Diagnostisches Und Statistisches Manual Psychischer Störungen DSM-5. Hogrefe, 2015) and ICD-11 (ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics, 2022). In our validation study, we tested a translated German version of the questionnaire in 299 individuals (110 persons with ASD according to ICD-10 F84.0, F84.5, 64 persons with an primary mental disorders (PMD), 125 persons with no disorders). To enhance the practical use of the instrument in clinical everyday practice, the questionnaire was completed by the participants without the presence of a clinician-unlike the original study. Psychiatric diagnoses were established following the highest standards, and psychometric properties were calculated using established protocols. The German version of the RADS-R yielded very good results, with a high sensitivity of 92.5% and a high specificity of 93.6%. The area under the curve (AUC = 0.976), indicates a high quality and discriminatory power of RADS-R. Furthermore, the ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal threshold to distinguish between the ASD and non-ASD groups in the German version of the RAADS-R is a score of 81. In comparison to the RADS-R, the co-administered instruments Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and Empathy Quotient (EQ) each showed slightly better specificity but worse sensitivity in this sample.The study included individuals already diagnosed with ASD according to ICD-10 (F84.0, F84.5), with or without an primary mental disorders, preventing us from identifying the influence of comorbidities on the RADS-R results. In addition, a self-report questionnaire has generally only limited objectivity and may allow for false representation of the symptoms. The RADS-R compares well with other questionnaires and can provide valuable additional information. It could turn out to be a helpful diagnostic tool for patients in Germany. We propose naming the German version RADS-R (Ritvo Autism Diagnostic Scale – rRevised) to reflect the change in terminology.

PMID:39465450 | DOI:10.1007/s00406-024-01894-w

J Orthop Surg Res. 2024 Oct 28;19(1):696. doi: 10.1186/s13018-024-05186-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, exercise therapy and activities of daily living (ADL) guidance are recommended as core treatments in the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) guidelines. However, the effects of PRP combined with exercise therapy are not fully understood. This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of this treatment.

METHODS: We assigned patients diagnosed with knee OA and treated between January 2021 and December 2022 to groups who underwent PRP + exercise (PE), PRP (P), or exercise (E) therapy. Outcomes were evaluated using Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) before, and 1, 3, and 12 months after treatment. Within-group comparisons according to the time of each score were statistically assessed using a one-way analysis of variance, then differences were analyzed using Bonferroni multiple comparisons p < 0.05). Treatment responses were determined using Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT)-OARSI Responder criteria.

RESULTS: Pre-treatment KOOS did not significantly differ among the groups. Pain in the PE group improved within 1 month, symptoms, ADL, and quality of life (QOL) improved after 3, months and continued for 12 months. Pain and symptoms improved in the P group within 1 month, but ADLs and the QOL did not significantly change. Pain improved after 3 months in the E group and ADL, and QOL improved by 12 months. The response among the groups was the highest for the PE, with 50.0% at 1 and 3 months, and 65.0% at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Therapy with PRP immediately relieved pain, whereas exercise conferred late, but enduring effects. Combining PRP with exercise conferred synergistic advantages that persisted for up to 12 months.

PMID:39465403 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-024-05186-w

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Oct 28;25(1):856. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-07979-w.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis causes pain and disability in many people worldwide, for which no definitive treatment has yet been proposed. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of placental mesenchymal stromal cells-derived extracellular vesicles in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS: This triple-blind, randomized clinical trial included patients suffering from bilateral knee osteoarthritis with grade 2 or 3. The knees of each patient were randomized to intervention and control. For the intervention knee, 5 cc of placental mesenchymal stromal cells-derived extracellular vesicles were injected, and for the control knee, 5 cc of normal saline was injected. The patients’ symptoms were evaluated before the intervention and 2 and 6 months after the intervention using VAS, WOMAC questionnaire, and Lequesne index. MRI was performed before the intervention and 6 months after the intervention to evaluate retropatellar and tibiofemoral cartilage volume, medial and lateral meniscal disintegrity, ACL injury, and effusion-synovitis.

RESULTS: 62 knees (31 patients) were enrolled in this study. There were 31 knees as intervention and 31 knees as control. Finally, the data of 58 knees (29 patients) were analyzed, including 28 women and 1 man. The mean age of the patients was 55.38 ± 6.07 years. No statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups in clinical outcomes (including VAS, WOMAC, and Lequesne scores) before treatment and 2 and 6 months after treatment. Also, no statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups in MRI findings before treatment and 6 months after treatment. No systemic complications or severe local reactions occurred in the patients.

CONCLUSION: A single intra-articular injection of placental mesenchymal stromal cells-derived extracellular vesicles (5 cc, 7 × 10⁹ particles/cc) is safe, but does not improve clinical symptoms or MRI findings in knee osteoarthritis beyond placebo. The protocol of this study was approved on 11 May 2022 with registration number IRCT20210423051054N1.

PMID:39465400 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-024-07979-w

BMC Med Educ. 2024 Oct 27;24(1):1222. doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-06157-9.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of 7E instructional model in the teaching of nursing students in nursing clinical probation.

METHODS: One hundred and fifty-nine nursing undergraduates of the class of 2018 who were on probation in our hospital from November 2020 to June 2021 were selected as the control group by convenience sampling, and the traditional teaching model was adopted; an additional 171 nursing undergraduates of the class of 2019 who were on clinical probation in the same hospital from November 2021 to June 2022 were selected as the experimental group, and the 7E instructional model was adopted, including elicit, engagement, exploration, explain, elaborate, evaluate and extend.

RESULTS: After the intervention, the experimental group was higher than the control group in theoretical knowledge scores (59.47 ± 4.51 VS 54.11 ± 8.46), practical skills scores (19.62 ± 1.36 VS 19.14 ± 1.24) and total course scores (90.13 ± 2.98 VS 84.67 ± 4.47); total scores of learning motivation (30.57 ± 5.24 VS 29.41 ± 4.77), learning cooperation ability (20.35 ± 4.41 VS 19.02 ± 4.25), information literacy (23.14 ± 4.36 VS 21.12 ± 3.95) and self-regulated learning ability (114.00 ± 19.72 VS 109.07 ± 18.61); total scores of viewpoint acquisition (43.58 ± 5.21 VS 42.16 ± 5.10), emotional care (33.41 ± 4.54 VS 32.09 ± 4.47), transposition thinking (13.04 ± 2.97 VS 11.56 ± 2.43) and empathy ability (89.03 ± 13.87 VS 85.81 ± 13.55); and total scores of positive attitudes toward communication skills (55.39 ± 7.03 VS 51.54 ± 6.54), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The 7E instructional model contributes to improved course grades, self-regulated learning and empathy, and positive attitudes toward communication skills among nursing students in their nursing clinical probation.

PMID:39465399 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-024-06157-9

BMC Plant Biol. 2024 Oct 28;24(1):1012. doi: 10.1186/s12870-024-05640-1.

ABSTRACT

A multi-season research trial entitled ‘crop residue management effects on yield and water productivity of summer mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) under different irrigation regimes in Indian Punjab’ was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Regional Research Station (RRS), Bathinda, during rabi 2020 and 2021. The field experiment was conducted in a split-plot layout with nine treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of T₁ (no wheat residue along with tillage), T₂ (leftover wheat residue with zero tillage), and T₃ (incorporated wheat residue along with tillage) in main plots and irrigation regimes viz., I₁ (vegetative growth and flowering stage), I₂ (vegetative growth, flowering, and pod filling stage) and I₃ (vegetative growth, flowering, pod formation and pod filling stage) in sub-plots, respectively. The growth and yield attributing characters were significantly higher under T₃ than T₁ but statistically at par with T₂ during both years. An increase of 24.1% and 19.0% in grain yield was found in residue incorporation (T₃) and residue retention (T₂) over residue removal (T₁), respectively. Maximum crop and irrigation water productivity was observed under T₃ due to reduced water use and increased yield. Among the irrigation regimes, the I₃ recorded significantly higher grain yield (0.70 and 0.79 t ha^{– 1}) than I₁. It was at par with I₂ during both years due to higher irrigation frequency at the pod formation and pod filling stage. Crop water productivity (CWP) was higher under I₃, whereas irrigation water productivity (IWP) was higher under I₁ during both years. Additional irrigation at the pod-filling stage increased the grain yield by 36.5%, and two additional irrigations at the pod-formation and pod-filling stage further increased yield by 46.2% compared to only two irrigations at the vegetative and flowering stages. The treatment combinations of T₂I₂ and T₃I₂ outperformed T₁I₃ in terms of growth and yield attributing characters viz. plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA), leaf area index (LAI), pods plant^{– 1}, seeds pod^{– 1}, and 1000-seed weight, which resulted in higher grain yield in these treatment combinations over T₁I₃. Applying crop residue can help minimize water use and increase crop water productivity. So, retaining crop residue in summer mung bean resulted in saving irrigation water due to lesser evapotranspiration from the soil surface.

PMID:39465391 | DOI:10.1186/s12870-024-05640-1

BMC Pediatr. 2024 Oct 28;24(1):683. doi: 10.1186/s12887-024-05162-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Impaired visuomotor integration (VMI) is commonly observed in children with developmental delay (DD). This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of tablet computer-based cognitive training on the VMI in children with DD.

METHODS: This study included children aged 4 to under 18 years diagnosed with DD. The children participated in a 12-week tablet computer-based visual-spatial and visuomotor training program. They were administered the Mind Rx Kids Program (Brain Academy, Seoul, South Korea). The participants underwent daily 30-min tablet computer-based training for 12 weeks. The primary visuomotor function was measured using the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, 6th Edition (VMI-6). For secondary outcomes, measurements were taken before and after 12-week treatment using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Rating Scale (ARS), and Child Smartphone Addiction Observer Scale. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the pre- and post-treatment outcomes.

RESULTS: Ten children with DD participated in this study. The results of the 12-week tablet computer-based cognitive training showed significant improvements in the raw score, standard score, percentile score, and equivalent age of the Beery VMI-6. Additionally, there were significant improvements in QUEST and WeeFIM scores. Although there were improvements in the CARS, ARS, and smartphone addiction observer scale, these were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: This pilot study confirmed that applying tablet computer-based cognitive training to children with DD not only improves VMI, but also enhances fine motor skills and activities of daily living. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that tablet computer-based cognitive training does not increase digital media addiction. Therefore, children with DD can engage in tablet computer-based cognitive training at home without concerns about digital media addiction.

PMID:39465386 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-024-05162-7