Tag: nevin manimala

Neuroradiol J. 2023 Jul 28:19714009231193161. doi: 10.1177/19714009231193161. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the proportion of abnormal paediatric neuroimaging findings as a surrogate marker for potential underutilisation.

METHODS: Consecutive paediatric brain MRIs performed between March 27th and June 19th 2019 (T_baseline) and March 23rd and June 1st 2020 (T_pandemic) were reviewed and classified according to presence or absence and type of imaging abnormality, and graded regarding severity on a 5-point Likert scale, where grade 4 was defined as abnormal finding requiring non-urgent intervention and grade 5 was defined as acute illness prompting urgent medical intervention. Non-parametric statistical testing was used to assess for significant differences between T_pandemic vs. T_baseline.

RESULTS: Fewer paediatric MRI brains were performed during T_pandemic compared to T_baseline (12.2 vs 14.7 examinations/day). No significant difference was found between the two time periods regarding sex and age (T_baseline: 557 females (44.63%), 7.95 ± 5.49 years, T_pandemic: 385 females (44.61%), 7.64 ± 6.11 years; p = 1 and p = .079, respectively). MRI brain examinations during T_pandemic had a higher likelihood of being abnormal, 41.25% vs. 25.32% (p<.0001). Vascular abnormalities were more frequent during T_pandemic (11.01% vs 8.01%, p = .02), congenital malformations were less common (8.34% vs 12.34%, p = .004). Severity of MRI brain examinations was significantly different when comparing group 4 and group 5 individually and combined between T_baseline and T_pandemic (p = .0018, p < .0001, and p <.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: The rate of abnormality and severity found on paediatric brain MRI was significantly higher during the early phase of the pandemic, likely due to underutilisation.

PMID:37515380 | DOI:10.1177/19714009231193161

Microsc Res Tech. 2023 Jul 28. doi: 10.1002/jemt.24393. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Panax ginseng, a slow-growing perennial herb, is the most praised and popular traditional medicinal herb. Mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) and cultivated ginseng (CG) both belong to Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer. The market price and medical effects of this popular health product are closely related to its age. It is widely acknowledged that CG is typically harvested after 4-6 years of growth, but MCG is often collected after 10 years. Until now, the age identification of MCG or mountain wild ginseng (MWG) has remained a major challenge. In this study, we established a novel and rapid method for staining xylem vessels with phloroglucinol and identifying the “annual growth rings” of ginseng by utilizing a stereoscope, which serves as a reliable indicator of the age of MCG. Statistical analysis of the ring radius and the ring density of MCG aged from 1 to 20 years shows that the secondary xylem of MCG increases rapidly in the first 3 years but then gradually slows down from 4 to 10 years, and minor fluctuation is observed in the next 10 years. Meanwhile, the space between the growth rings (ring density) becomes increasingly small with age. This straightforward staining approach can reveal the age of MCG with remarkable clarity and can distinguish MCG from CG. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: A novel rapid staining method for Panax ginseng was established. The age of mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) can be identified by microscopic techniques. MCG and cultivated ginseng (CG) can be discriminated by microstructure characteristics.

PMID:37515361 | DOI:10.1002/jemt.24393

Inquiry. 2023 Jan-Dec;60:469580231189601. doi: 10.1177/00469580231189601.

ABSTRACT

Burnout can have a negative influence on dietary intake, promoting unhealthy eating behaviors in health care workers. This study determined the association between burnout, saturated fat intake, and body mass index (BMI) in a group of health care workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 health professionals residing in Rioja, Department of San Martin, Peru. Data were collected through an online and face-to-face survey. Burnout was assessed using a scale adapted and validated in the Peruvian population. Additionally, a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess habitual fat intake. Both instruments were validated and adapted to the Peruvian population. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and multivariate logistic regression. Values of P < .05 were considered statistically significant. In the adjusted model, it was found that, for each extra point on intake scale, an average of 1.10 (95% CI, 0.57-1.62, P < .001) points increased burnout scale; these results persisted when compared by gender, 1.17 0.49 1.85, and 1.08 0.16 2.00, respectively female male genders. there no association between bmi (P > .05). Future programs and interventions should be considered to minimize the effects of burnout on unhealthy food intake in health care workers in Peru to ensure better medical care by health care professionals on behalf of patients.

PMID:37515358 | DOI:10.1177/00469580231189601

Biophys J. 2023 Jul 27:S0006-3495(23)00473-3. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.07.021. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Dectin-1A is a C-type Lectin innate immunoreceptor that recognizes β-(1,3;1,6)-glucan, a structural component of Candida species cell walls. β-glucans can adopt solution structures ranging from random coil to insoluble fiber due to tertiary (helical) and quaternary structure. Fungal β-glucans of medium and high molecular weight (MMW, HMW) are highly structured, but low MW glucan (LMW) is much less structured. Despite similar affinity for Dectin-1, the ability of glucans to induce Dectin-1A-mediated signaling correlates with degree of structure. Glucan denaturation experiments showed that glucan structure determines agonistic potential, but not receptor binding affinity. We explored the impact of glucan structure on molecular aggregation of Dectin-1A. Stimulation with glucan signaling decreased Dectin-1A diffusion coefficient. Fluorescence measurements provided direct evidence of ligation-induced Dectin-1A aggregation, which positively correlated with increasing glucan structure content. In contrast, Dectin-1A is predominantly in a low aggregation state in resting cells. Molecular aggregates formed during interaction with highly structured, agonistic glucans did not exceed relatively small (<15 nm) clusters of a few engaged receptors. Finally, we observed increased molecular aggregation of Dectin-1A at fungal particle contact sites in a manner that positively correlated with the degree of exposed glucan on the particle surface. These results indicate that Dectin-1A senses the solution conformation of β-glucans through their varying ability to drive receptor dimer/oligomer formation and activation of membrane proximal signaling events.

PMID:37515324 | DOI:10.1016/j.bpj.2023.07.021

Mol Plant. 2023 Jul 27:S1674-2052(23)00213-7. doi: 10.1016/j.molp.2023.07.011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The disciplines of evolutionary biology and plant and animal breeding have been intertwined throughout their development, with responses to artificial selection yielding insights into the action of natural selection and evolutionary biology providing statistical and conceptual guidance for modern breeding. Here we offer an evolutionary perspective on a grand challenge of the 21^st century – feeding humanity in the face of climate change. We first highlight promising strategies currently underway to adapt crops to current and future climate change. These include methods to match crop varieties with current and predicted environments and to optimize breeding goals, management practices, and crop microbiomes to enhance yield and sustainable production. We also describe the promise of crop wild relatives and recent technological innovations such as speed breeding, genomic selection, and genome editing for improving environmental resilience of existing crop varieties or for developing new crops. Next, we discuss how methods and theory from evolutionary biology can enhance these existing strategies and suggest novel approaches. We focus initially on methods for reconstructing the evolutionary history of crops and their pests and symbionts, because such historical information provides an overall framework for crop improvement efforts. We then describe how evolutionary approaches can be used to detect and mitigate the accumulation of deleterious mutations in crop genomes, identify alleles and mutations that underlie adaptation (and maladaptation) to agricultural environments, mitigate evolutionary trade-offs, and improve critical proteins. Continuing feedback between the evolution and crop biology communities will ensure optimal design of strategies for adapting crops to climate change.

PMID:37515323 | DOI:10.1016/j.molp.2023.07.011

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2023 Jul 28. doi: 10.1002/jmri.28923. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Intracranial vessel tortuosity is a key component of dolichoectasia and has been associated with atherosclerosis and adverse neurologic outcomes. However, the evaluation of tortuosity is mainly a descriptive assessment.

PURPOSE: To compare the performance of three automated tortuosity metrics (angle metric [AM], distance metric [DM], and distance-to-axis metric [DTA]) for detection of dolichoectasia and presence of segment-specific plaques.

STUDY TYPE: Observational, cross-sectional metric assessment.

POPULATION: 1899 adults from the general population; mean age = 76 years, female = 59%, and black = 29%.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3-T, three-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight MRA and 3D vessel wall MRI.

ASSESSMENT: Tortuosity metrics and mean luminal area were quantified for designated segments of the internal carotid artery, middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery, vertebral artery, and entire length of basilar artery (BA). Qualitative interpretations of BA dolichoectasia were assessed based on Smoker’s visual criteria.

STATISTICAL TESTS: Descriptive statistics (2-sample t-tests, Pearson chi-square tests) for group comparisons. Receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (AUC) for detection of BA dolichoectasia or segment-specific plaque. Model inputs included 1) tortuosity metrics, 2) mean luminal area, and 3) demographics (age, race, and sex).

RESULTS: Qualitative dolichoectasia was identified in 336 (18%) participants, and atherosclerotic plaques were detected in 192 (10%) participants. AM-, DM-, and DTA-calculated tortuosity were good individual discriminators of basilar dolichoectasia (AUCs: 0.76, 0.74, and 0.75, respectively), with model performance improving with the mean lumen area: (AUCs: 0.88, 0.87, and 0.87, respectively). Combined characteristics (tortuosity and mean luminal area) identified plaques with better performance in the anterior (AUCs ranging from 0.66 to 0.78) than posterior (AUCs ranging from 0.54 to 0.65) circulation, with all models improving by the addition of demographics (AUCs ranging from 0.62 to 0.84).

DATA CONCLUSION: Quantitative vessel tortuosity metrics yield good diagnostic accuracy for the detection of dolichoectasia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

PMID:37515312 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.28923

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2023 Jul 28. doi: 10.1002/jmri.28926. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although biopsy is often entailed for managing patients with kidney allograft dysfunction, it is associated with potential complications of severe hemorrhage. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a non-invasive technique that assesses tissue perfusion.

PURPOSE: To assess the utility of ASL for the discrimination of patients with post-transplant allograft dysfunction who do not need biopsy from those who need.

STUDY TYPE: Prospective.

SUBJECTS: Forty-six patients (34 males/12 females, aged 38.8 ± 9.5 years) with kidney allograft dysfunction, including 31 in which biopsy directly lead to changes in management (NECESSARY group) and 15 in which clinical management did not alter after biopsy (UNNECESSARY group).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0 T and 3D fast-spin echo sequence.

ASSESSMENT: All patients underwent both ASL scan and biopsies. The serum creatinine, proteinuria, pathologic results, and cortical ASL readings were obtained and compared between the two groups.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Chi-square test, independent student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, receiver-operating characteristic curve. A two-tailed P < 0.05 denoted statistical significance.

RESULTS: The NECESSARY group presented with significantly elevated serum creatinine as compared with the UNNECESSARY group (1.87 ± 0.56 mg/dL vs. 1.31 ± 0.37 mg/dL). The acute composite score was significantly higher in the NECESSARY group than that in the UNNECESSARY group (7 [4-8] vs. 1 [0-2]). Cortical ASL in the NECESSARY group was significantly decreased as compared with the UNNECESSARY group (108.06 [69.96-134.92] mL/min/100 g vs. 153.48 [113.19-160.37] mL/min/100 g). Serum creatinine differentiated UNNCESSARY group from the NECESSARY group with an area under the curve (AUC) and specificity of 0.79 and 54.84%, respectively. By comparison, the cortical ASL yielded an AUC of 0.75 and a specificity of 70.97%. Notably, the specificity was increased to 90.30% by combined use of serum creatinine and cortical ASL.

DATA CONCLUSION: The combined use of ASL and serum creatinine yielded a high specificity for selecting patients who may not need allograft biopsy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

PMID:37515309 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.28926

Viruses. 2023 Jul 24;15(7):1615. doi: 10.3390/v15071615.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine risk factors for primary and secondary adverse neonatal outcomes in newborns with congenital SARS-CoV-2 infection.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar from January 2020 to January 2022.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: newborns delivered after 24 weeks of gestation with confirmed/possible congenital SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to standard classification criteria.

METHODS: Execution of the IPD analyses followed the PRISMA-IPD statement. Univariate non-parametric tests compared numerical data distributions. Fisher’s exact or Chi-square test determined categorical variables’ statistical significance. Multivariate logistic regression revealed risk factors for adverse neonatal outcome.

RESULTS: Maternal fever was associated with symptomatic congenital infection (OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.33-15.57). Two-thirds of women that reported decreased fetal movements were diagnosed with IUFD (p-value = 0.001). Reduced fetal movement increased the risk of intrauterine fetal death by 7.84 times (p-value = 0.016, 95% CI: 2.23-27.5). The risk of stillbirth decreased with gestational age at the time of maternal infection (p-value < 0.05, OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS: Maternal fever and perception of reduced fetal movement may be predictive risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome in cases with congenital SARS-CoV-2 infection.

PMID:37515301 | DOI:10.3390/v15071615

Viruses. 2023 Jul 18;15(7):1574. doi: 10.3390/v15071574.

ABSTRACT

Antibody studies analyze immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection, which is crucial for selecting vaccination strategies. In the KoCo-Impf study, conducted between 16 June and 16 December 2021, 6088 participants aged 18 and above from Munich were recruited to monitor antibodies, particularly in healthcare workers (HCWs) at higher risk of infection. Roche Elecsys^® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assays on dried blood spots were used to detect prior infections (anti-Nucleocapsid antibodies) and to indicate combinations of vaccinations/infections (anti-Spike antibodies). The anti-Spike seroprevalence was 94.7%, whereas, for anti-Nucleocapsid, it was only 6.9%. HCW status and contact with SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals were identified as infection risk factors, while vaccination and current smoking were associated with reduced risk. Older age correlated with higher anti-Nucleocapsid antibody levels, while vaccination and current smoking decreased the response. Vaccination alone or combined with infection led to higher anti-Spike antibody levels. Increasing time since the second vaccination, advancing age, and current smoking reduced the anti-Spike response. The cumulative number of cases in Munich affected the anti-Spike response over time but had no impact on anti-Nucleocapsid antibody development/seropositivity. Due to the significantly higher infection risk faced by HCWs and the limited number of significant risk factors, it is suggested that all HCWs require protection regardless of individual traits.

PMID:37515259 | DOI:10.3390/v15071574

Viruses. 2023 Jul 18;15(7):1572. doi: 10.3390/v15071572.

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has expanded fast over the world, affecting millions of people and generating serious health, social, and economic consequences. All South East Asian countries have experienced the pandemic, with various degrees of intensity and response. As the pandemic progresses, it is important to track and analyse disease trends and patterns to guide public health policy and treatments. In this paper, we carry out a sequential cross-sectional study to produce reliable weekly COVID-19 death (out of cases) rates for South East Asian countries for the calendar years 2020, 2021, and 2022. The main objectives of this study are to characterise the trends and patterns of COVID-19 death rates in South East Asian countries through time, as well as compare COVID-19 rates among countries and regions in South East Asia. Our raw data are (daily) case and death counts acquired from “Our World in Data”, which, however, for some countries and time periods, suffer from sparsity (zero or small counts), and therefore require a modelling approach where information is adaptively borrowed from the overall dataset where required. Therefore, a sequential cross-sectional design will be utilised, that will involve examining the data week by week, across all countries. Methodologically, this is achieved through a two-stage random effect shrinkage approach, with estimation facilitated by nonparametric maximum likelihood.

PMID:37515258 | DOI:10.3390/v15071572