D. Youn, Younghyurk Lee, S. Han, Jong-Tae Kim, Harry Jung, Gui Seung Han, Jung In Yoon, Jae Jun Lee, J. Jeon
Background: Despite the important clinical issue of cognitive impairment after moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI), there is currently no suitable treatment. Here, we used in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the effect of Donepezil—an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor—on cognitive impairment in the acute period following injury, while focusing on neuroinflammation and autophagy- and mitophagy-related markers. Methods: The purpose of the in vitro study was to investigate potential neuroprotective effects in TBI-induced cells after donepezil treatment, and the in vivo study, the purpose was to investigate therapeutic effects on cognitive impairment in the acute period after injury by analyzing neuroinflammation and autophagy- and mitophagy-related markers. The in vitro TBI model involved injuring SH-SY5Y cells using a cell-injury controller and then investigating the effect of donepezil at a concentration of 80 μM. The in vivo TBI model was made using a stereotaxic impactor for male C57BL/6J mice. Immuno-histochemical markers and cognitive functions were compared after 7 days of donepezil treatment (1 mg/kg/day). Mice were divided into four groups: sham operation with saline treatment, sham operation with donepezil treatment, TBI with saline treatment, and TBI with donepezil treatment (18 mice in each group). Donepezil treatment was administered within 4 h post-TBI. Results: In vitro, donepezil was found to lead to increased cell viability and 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimi-dazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1), along with decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), 2′-7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA)-positive cells, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells. The mRNA and protein expressions of neuroinflammation (Cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2; NOD-like receptor protein 3, NLRP3; Caspase-1; and Interleukin-1 beta, IL-1β), as well as autophagy- and mitophagy-related markers (death-associated protein kinase 1, DAPK1; PTEN-induced kinase 1, PINK1; BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3-like, BNIP3L; Beclin-1, BECN1; BCL2-associated X protein, BAX; microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3B (LC3B); Sequestosome-1; and p62) were all found to decrease after donepezil treatment. The in vivo study also showed that donepezil treatment resulted in decreased levels of cortical tissue losses and brain swelling in TBI compared to the TBI group without donepezil treatment. Donepezil treatment was also shown to decrease the mRNA and Western blotting expressions of all markers, and especially COX-2 and BNIP3L, which showed the most significant decreases. Moreover, TBI mice showed an decreased escape latency, increased alteration rate, and improved preference index, altogether pointing to better cognitive performance after donepezil treatment. Conclusions: Donepezil treatment may be beneficial in improving cognitive impairment in
{"title":"Therapeutic Effect of Donepezil on Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment after Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury","authors":"D. Youn, Younghyurk Lee, S. Han, Jong-Tae Kim, Harry Jung, Gui Seung Han, Jung In Yoon, Jae Jun Lee, J. Jeon","doi":"10.3390/life14070839","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070839","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Despite the important clinical issue of cognitive impairment after moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI), there is currently no suitable treatment. Here, we used in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the effect of Donepezil—an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor—on cognitive impairment in the acute period following injury, while focusing on neuroinflammation and autophagy- and mitophagy-related markers. Methods: The purpose of the in vitro study was to investigate potential neuroprotective effects in TBI-induced cells after donepezil treatment, and the in vivo study, the purpose was to investigate therapeutic effects on cognitive impairment in the acute period after injury by analyzing neuroinflammation and autophagy- and mitophagy-related markers. The in vitro TBI model involved injuring SH-SY5Y cells using a cell-injury controller and then investigating the effect of donepezil at a concentration of 80 μM. The in vivo TBI model was made using a stereotaxic impactor for male C57BL/6J mice. Immuno-histochemical markers and cognitive functions were compared after 7 days of donepezil treatment (1 mg/kg/day). Mice were divided into four groups: sham operation with saline treatment, sham operation with donepezil treatment, TBI with saline treatment, and TBI with donepezil treatment (18 mice in each group). Donepezil treatment was administered within 4 h post-TBI. Results: In vitro, donepezil was found to lead to increased cell viability and 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimi-dazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1), along with decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), 2′-7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA)-positive cells, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells. The mRNA and protein expressions of neuroinflammation (Cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2; NOD-like receptor protein 3, NLRP3; Caspase-1; and Interleukin-1 beta, IL-1β), as well as autophagy- and mitophagy-related markers (death-associated protein kinase 1, DAPK1; PTEN-induced kinase 1, PINK1; BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3-like, BNIP3L; Beclin-1, BECN1; BCL2-associated X protein, BAX; microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3B (LC3B); Sequestosome-1; and p62) were all found to decrease after donepezil treatment. The in vivo study also showed that donepezil treatment resulted in decreased levels of cortical tissue losses and brain swelling in TBI compared to the TBI group without donepezil treatment. Donepezil treatment was also shown to decrease the mRNA and Western blotting expressions of all markers, and especially COX-2 and BNIP3L, which showed the most significant decreases. Moreover, TBI mice showed an decreased escape latency, increased alteration rate, and improved preference index, altogether pointing to better cognitive performance after donepezil treatment. Conclusions: Donepezil treatment may be beneficial in improving cognitive impairment in ","PeriodicalId":18182,"journal":{"name":"Life","volume":"324 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141691683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Three species of subfamily Cultrinae currently live in Korea, but Erythroculter erythropterus has been introduced into the Nakdonggang River and has taken over the habitat, reducing the habitat of Culter brevicauda. Only the endangered species C. brevicauda still lives in the Yeongsangang River, and it is necessary to be careful not to introduce E. erythropterus in the future. Hemiculter eigenmanni is also found throughout the country. In order to effectively manage and conserve the species in its various habitats and against invasions, this study was initiated. The ultrastructure of the egg envelopes of three species of Cultrinae inhabiting the Geumgang and Yeongsangang Rivers—E. erythropterus, C. brevicauda, and H. eigenmanni—were observed. It was found that the zona radiata of the egg envelopes of all three species were divided into two layers, an outer and inner layer, with the outer surface having a non-structural form. This form is characteristic of fishes with muddy, stagnant habitats or spawning grounds. The number of pore canals on the surface of the egg envelopes was 83 for E. erythropterus, 75 for C. brevicauda, and 58 for H. eigenmanni per 10 μm2, and the thickness was 7.89 ± 0.34 μm, 12.27 ± 0.46 μm, and 7.42 ± 0.24 μm, respectively. The shape of the micropyle demonstrated a funnel shape narrowing toward the inner diameter in all three species, and the size of the inner diameter was 6.62 ± 0.29 μm in E. erythropterus, 4.19 ± 0.39 μm in C. brevicauda, and 3.98 ± 0.46 μm in H. eigenmanni. The differences between species were identified in the number of pore canals, thickness, and micropyle inner diameter of egg envelopes, which were species-specific. Our study reveals a morphological mechanism in the egg envelope that prevents the formation of interspecific hybrids, and these features can be taxonomic traits that clarify species names. It also provides useful data for the production (breeding) of the second generation in aquaculture.
{"title":"A Comparative Morphological Study on the Characteristics of Egg Envelopes of Three Cultrinae Fishes (Cyprinidae, Teleostei) in Korea","authors":"Cheol-Woo Park, Jae-Goo Kim","doi":"10.3390/life14070840","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070840","url":null,"abstract":"Three species of subfamily Cultrinae currently live in Korea, but Erythroculter erythropterus has been introduced into the Nakdonggang River and has taken over the habitat, reducing the habitat of Culter brevicauda. Only the endangered species C. brevicauda still lives in the Yeongsangang River, and it is necessary to be careful not to introduce E. erythropterus in the future. Hemiculter eigenmanni is also found throughout the country. In order to effectively manage and conserve the species in its various habitats and against invasions, this study was initiated. The ultrastructure of the egg envelopes of three species of Cultrinae inhabiting the Geumgang and Yeongsangang Rivers—E. erythropterus, C. brevicauda, and H. eigenmanni—were observed. It was found that the zona radiata of the egg envelopes of all three species were divided into two layers, an outer and inner layer, with the outer surface having a non-structural form. This form is characteristic of fishes with muddy, stagnant habitats or spawning grounds. The number of pore canals on the surface of the egg envelopes was 83 for E. erythropterus, 75 for C. brevicauda, and 58 for H. eigenmanni per 10 μm2, and the thickness was 7.89 ± 0.34 μm, 12.27 ± 0.46 μm, and 7.42 ± 0.24 μm, respectively. The shape of the micropyle demonstrated a funnel shape narrowing toward the inner diameter in all three species, and the size of the inner diameter was 6.62 ± 0.29 μm in E. erythropterus, 4.19 ± 0.39 μm in C. brevicauda, and 3.98 ± 0.46 μm in H. eigenmanni. The differences between species were identified in the number of pore canals, thickness, and micropyle inner diameter of egg envelopes, which were species-specific. Our study reveals a morphological mechanism in the egg envelope that prevents the formation of interspecific hybrids, and these features can be taxonomic traits that clarify species names. It also provides useful data for the production (breeding) of the second generation in aquaculture.","PeriodicalId":18182,"journal":{"name":"Life","volume":"30 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141716536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ko-Shih Chang, Yi-Kai Chang, Cho-Hsing Chung, Geng-Long Hsu, J. Chueh
Introduction: Traditional anatomy-based penile venous surgery is deemed inadequate. Based on revolutionary insights into penile vasculature, penile venous stripping (PVS) shows promise in treating adolescent erectile dysfunction (AED). We aimed to report on this novel approach. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 223 individuals under 30 diagnosed with veno-occlusive dysfunction (VOD) between 2009 and 2023. Among them, 83 were diagnosed with AED and divided into the PVS (n = 37) and no-surgery (NS, n = 46) groups. All participants had been dissatisfied with conventional therapeutic options. Dual pharmaco-cavernosography was the primary diagnostic modality. PVS involved stripping the deep dorsal vein and two cavernosal veins after securing each emissary’s vein with a 6-0 nylon suture. Erection restoration was accessed using the abridged five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score system and the erection hardness scale (EHS). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 21.0. Results: There were significant differences (both p < 0.001) between the preoperative and postoperative IIEF-5 scores in the PVS and NS groups (9.8 ± 3.0 vs. 20.4 ± 2.2; 9.9 ± 2.5 vs. 9.5 ± 2.1), as well as in the EHS scores (1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 3.5 ± 0.6 and 1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.4). The satisfaction rate was 87.9% (29/33) in the PVS group and 16.7% (17/41) in the NS group. Conclusions: AED can be effectively treated using physiological methods, although larger patient cohorts are needed for validation.
简介传统的基于解剖学的阴茎静脉手术被认为是不够的。基于对阴茎血管的革命性认识，阴茎静脉剥脱术（PVS）有望治疗青少年勃起功能障碍（AED）。我们旨在报告这种新方法。方法：我们对2009年至2023年间确诊为静脉闭塞性功能障碍（VOD）的223名30岁以下的患者进行了回顾性分析。其中 83 人确诊为 AED，分为 PVS 组（37 人）和不手术组（46 人）。所有参与者都对传统治疗方案不满意。双药物海绵体造影术是主要的诊断方法。PVS包括用6-0尼龙缝线固定每条使者静脉后，剥离背深静脉和两条海绵体静脉。勃起恢复情况采用国际勃起功能指数（IIEF-5）五项评分系统简编版和勃起硬度计（EHS）进行评估。统计分析使用 IBM SPSS 21.0 进行。结果PVS 组和 NS 组术前和术后的 IIEF-5 评分（9.8 ± 3.0 vs. 20.4 ± 2.2；9.9 ± 2.5 vs. 9.5 ± 2.1）以及 EHS 评分（1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 3.5 ± 0.6 和 1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.4）均有明显差异（均 p <0.001）。PVS组的满意率为87.9%（29/33），NS组为16.7%（17/41）。结论使用生理学方法可以有效治疗 AED，但需要更大规模的患者群进行验证。
{"title":"Emergent Penile Venous Stripping for Treating Adolescent Impotence","authors":"Ko-Shih Chang, Yi-Kai Chang, Cho-Hsing Chung, Geng-Long Hsu, J. Chueh","doi":"10.3390/life14060762","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060762","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Traditional anatomy-based penile venous surgery is deemed inadequate. Based on revolutionary insights into penile vasculature, penile venous stripping (PVS) shows promise in treating adolescent erectile dysfunction (AED). We aimed to report on this novel approach. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 223 individuals under 30 diagnosed with veno-occlusive dysfunction (VOD) between 2009 and 2023. Among them, 83 were diagnosed with AED and divided into the PVS (n = 37) and no-surgery (NS, n = 46) groups. All participants had been dissatisfied with conventional therapeutic options. Dual pharmaco-cavernosography was the primary diagnostic modality. PVS involved stripping the deep dorsal vein and two cavernosal veins after securing each emissary’s vein with a 6-0 nylon suture. Erection restoration was accessed using the abridged five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score system and the erection hardness scale (EHS). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 21.0. Results: There were significant differences (both p < 0.001) between the preoperative and postoperative IIEF-5 scores in the PVS and NS groups (9.8 ± 3.0 vs. 20.4 ± 2.2; 9.9 ± 2.5 vs. 9.5 ± 2.1), as well as in the EHS scores (1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 3.5 ± 0.6 and 1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.4). The satisfaction rate was 87.9% (29/33) in the PVS group and 16.7% (17/41) in the NS group. Conclusions: AED can be effectively treated using physiological methods, although larger patient cohorts are needed for validation.","PeriodicalId":18182,"journal":{"name":"Life","volume":"46 28","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141339991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Smartphone apps for self-management are valuable tools to help manage low back pain (LBP) patients. The purposes of this systematic review were to (a) summarize the available studies on the efficacy of smartphone apps for self-management of LBP and (b) identify free applications available in Italy that offer strategies for LBP self-management and provide a qualitative assessment using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). According to the Prisma Checklist, six bibliographic databases were searched with the keywords ‘low back pain’, ‘mobile application’, ‘smartphone’, and ‘telemedicine’. In total, 852 records were screened, and 16 were included in the systematic review. Of the six RCTs included, four reported a statistically significant decrease in pain in favor of the app group, and two RCTs did not. Only in a non-RCT was there an increase in the disability score. In the application research conducted on mobile stores, we identified and rated 25 applications through MARS. The overall scores ranged from 1.93 to 3.92 for the IOS app and 1.73 to 4.25 for the Play Store app. The findings suggest that few apps meet satisfying quality, content, and functionality criteria for LBP self-management.
{"title":"The Efficacy of the Smartphone App for the Self-Management of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Assessment of Their Quality through the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) in Italy","authors":"Luca Scala, Gloria Giglioni, Luca Bertazzoni, Francesca Bonetti","doi":"10.3390/life14060760","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060760","url":null,"abstract":"Smartphone apps for self-management are valuable tools to help manage low back pain (LBP) patients. The purposes of this systematic review were to (a) summarize the available studies on the efficacy of smartphone apps for self-management of LBP and (b) identify free applications available in Italy that offer strategies for LBP self-management and provide a qualitative assessment using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). According to the Prisma Checklist, six bibliographic databases were searched with the keywords ‘low back pain’, ‘mobile application’, ‘smartphone’, and ‘telemedicine’. In total, 852 records were screened, and 16 were included in the systematic review. Of the six RCTs included, four reported a statistically significant decrease in pain in favor of the app group, and two RCTs did not. Only in a non-RCT was there an increase in the disability score. In the application research conducted on mobile stores, we identified and rated 25 applications through MARS. The overall scores ranged from 1.93 to 3.92 for the IOS app and 1.73 to 4.25 for the Play Store app. The findings suggest that few apps meet satisfying quality, content, and functionality criteria for LBP self-management.","PeriodicalId":18182,"journal":{"name":"Life","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141347680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Tsafouros, P. Tsalgatidou, Anastasia Boutsika, C. Delis, A. Mincuzzi, Antonio Ippolito, Antonios Zambounis
Pomegranate fruit dry rot is caused by Coniella granati, also referred as Pilidiella granati. In order to decipher the induced responses of mature pomegranates inoculated with the pathogen, an RNA-seq analysis was employed. A high number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed through a three-time series inoculation period. The transcriptional reprogramming was time-dependent, whereas the majority of DEGs were suppressed and the expression patterns of specific genes may facilitate the pathogen colonization at 1 day after inoculation (dai). In contrast, at 2 dai and mainly thereafter at 3 dai, defense responses were partially triggered in delay. Particularly, DEGs were mainly upregulated at the latest time point. Among them, specific DEGs involved in cell wall modification and degradation processes, pathogen recognition and signaling transduction cascades, activation of specific defense and metabolite biosynthesis-related genes, as well in induction of particular families of transcriptional factors, may constitute crucial components of a defense recruiting strategy employed by pomegranate fruit upon C. granati challenge. Overall, our findings provide novel insights to the compatible interaction of pomegranates—C. granati and lay the foundations for establishing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies involving advanced approaches, such as gene editing or molecular breeding programs for disease resistance, according to European Union (EU) goals.
{"title":"Deciphering the Interaction between Coniella granati and Pomegranate Fruit Employing Transcriptomics","authors":"A. Tsafouros, P. Tsalgatidou, Anastasia Boutsika, C. Delis, A. Mincuzzi, Antonio Ippolito, Antonios Zambounis","doi":"10.3390/life14060752","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060752","url":null,"abstract":"Pomegranate fruit dry rot is caused by Coniella granati, also referred as Pilidiella granati. In order to decipher the induced responses of mature pomegranates inoculated with the pathogen, an RNA-seq analysis was employed. A high number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed through a three-time series inoculation period. The transcriptional reprogramming was time-dependent, whereas the majority of DEGs were suppressed and the expression patterns of specific genes may facilitate the pathogen colonization at 1 day after inoculation (dai). In contrast, at 2 dai and mainly thereafter at 3 dai, defense responses were partially triggered in delay. Particularly, DEGs were mainly upregulated at the latest time point. Among them, specific DEGs involved in cell wall modification and degradation processes, pathogen recognition and signaling transduction cascades, activation of specific defense and metabolite biosynthesis-related genes, as well in induction of particular families of transcriptional factors, may constitute crucial components of a defense recruiting strategy employed by pomegranate fruit upon C. granati challenge. Overall, our findings provide novel insights to the compatible interaction of pomegranates—C. granati and lay the foundations for establishing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies involving advanced approaches, such as gene editing or molecular breeding programs for disease resistance, according to European Union (EU) goals.","PeriodicalId":18182,"journal":{"name":"Life","volume":"53 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141349058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In patients presenting in the emergency department with acute vertigo, a rapid and accurate differential diagnosis is crucial, as posterior circulation strokes can mimic acute vestibular losses, leading to inappropriate treatment. The diagnosis of vestibular neuritis is made based on the clinical manifestation and a bedside otoneurological assessment. In the clinical examination, an evaluation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex is the key element; however, the accuracy of the bedside head impulse test depends on the clinician’s experience. Thus, new diagnostic methods are needed to objectify and facilitate such rapid vestibular evaluations. The aim of our paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the video head impulse test’s application in the diagnosis of vestibular neuritis. Numerous studies have reported advantages that make this method helpful in detailed otoneurological evaluations; in contrast to the bedside head impulse test, it enables an analysis of all six semicircular canals function and records the covert corrective saccades, which are invisible to the naked eye. As a portable and easy diagnostic tool, it is known to improve the diagnostic accuracy in patients with acute vertigo presenting in the emergency department. Moreover, as it evaluates the vestibulo-ocular reflex across different frequencies, as compared to caloric tests, it can be used as an additional test that is complementary to videonystagmography. Recently, several papers have described the application of the video head impulse test in follow-up and recovery evaluations in patients with vestibular neuritis.
{"title":"Application of a Video Head Impulse Test in the Diagnosis of Vestibular Neuritis","authors":"Agnieszka Jasinska-Nowacka, Kazimierz Niemczyk","doi":"10.3390/life14060757","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060757","url":null,"abstract":"In patients presenting in the emergency department with acute vertigo, a rapid and accurate differential diagnosis is crucial, as posterior circulation strokes can mimic acute vestibular losses, leading to inappropriate treatment. The diagnosis of vestibular neuritis is made based on the clinical manifestation and a bedside otoneurological assessment. In the clinical examination, an evaluation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex is the key element; however, the accuracy of the bedside head impulse test depends on the clinician’s experience. Thus, new diagnostic methods are needed to objectify and facilitate such rapid vestibular evaluations. The aim of our paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the video head impulse test’s application in the diagnosis of vestibular neuritis. Numerous studies have reported advantages that make this method helpful in detailed otoneurological evaluations; in contrast to the bedside head impulse test, it enables an analysis of all six semicircular canals function and records the covert corrective saccades, which are invisible to the naked eye. As a portable and easy diagnostic tool, it is known to improve the diagnostic accuracy in patients with acute vertigo presenting in the emergency department. Moreover, as it evaluates the vestibulo-ocular reflex across different frequencies, as compared to caloric tests, it can be used as an additional test that is complementary to videonystagmography. Recently, several papers have described the application of the video head impulse test in follow-up and recovery evaluations in patients with vestibular neuritis.","PeriodicalId":18182,"journal":{"name":"Life","volume":"39 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141346187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ion channels are key elements in the control of membrane physiology and neurotransmission because ionic fluxes assure neuronal signal propagation across and between neurons through synaptic transmission [...]
{"title":"Ion Channels and Neurological Disease","authors":"Carlo Musio","doi":"10.3390/life14060758","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060758","url":null,"abstract":"Ion channels are key elements in the control of membrane physiology and neurotransmission because ionic fluxes assure neuronal signal propagation across and between neurons through synaptic transmission [...]","PeriodicalId":18182,"journal":{"name":"Life","volume":"48 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141349448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carmen Rute-Larrieta, Gloria Mota-Cátedra, J. Carmona-Torres, Victoria Mazoteras-Pardo, Esperanza Barroso-Corroto, Carlos Navarrete-Tejero, Michail Zografakis-Sfakianakis, Athina Patelarou, Maria Manuela Martins, Ana da Conceinçao Alves Faria, J. A. Laredo-Aguilera
Background: Nowadays, pregnant women require more individualized attention in their assistance process during pregnancy. One of the aspects that requires the most focus is the suitability of carrying out physical activity. The objective of this meta-review is to find out the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on the incidence of GDM compared to women who do not perform physical activity. Methods: A search was conducted in Cochrane, CSIC, Ebscohost, Proquest, Pubmed, Scielo, and Scopus. The search focused on systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the last five years. The AMSTAR-2 scale was used as a quality assessment tool for the final sample. Results: A total of 18 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included. Sixteen of them found out that physical activity during pregnancy has preventive effects for GDM compared with women who lacked physical activity. Among the studies, we found a reduction in the risk of GDM of between 24% and 38% and odds ratios ranging between 0.39 and 0.83 calculated for a 95% CI. Only two studies did not find statistically significant effects. Other variables such as type and duration of physical activity, overweight and obesity, gestational age, etc., were also considered. Conclusions: Physical activity prevents the incidence of GDM. The main characteristics that enhance this preventive effect are starting at the initial stages of pregnancy and maintaining during the whole pregnancy as well as combining strength and aerobic exercise at a low to moderate intensity.
{"title":"Physical Activity during Pregnancy and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Review","authors":"Carmen Rute-Larrieta, Gloria Mota-Cátedra, J. Carmona-Torres, Victoria Mazoteras-Pardo, Esperanza Barroso-Corroto, Carlos Navarrete-Tejero, Michail Zografakis-Sfakianakis, Athina Patelarou, Maria Manuela Martins, Ana da Conceinçao Alves Faria, J. A. Laredo-Aguilera","doi":"10.3390/life14060755","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060755","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Nowadays, pregnant women require more individualized attention in their assistance process during pregnancy. One of the aspects that requires the most focus is the suitability of carrying out physical activity. The objective of this meta-review is to find out the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on the incidence of GDM compared to women who do not perform physical activity. Methods: A search was conducted in Cochrane, CSIC, Ebscohost, Proquest, Pubmed, Scielo, and Scopus. The search focused on systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the last five years. The AMSTAR-2 scale was used as a quality assessment tool for the final sample. Results: A total of 18 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included. Sixteen of them found out that physical activity during pregnancy has preventive effects for GDM compared with women who lacked physical activity. Among the studies, we found a reduction in the risk of GDM of between 24% and 38% and odds ratios ranging between 0.39 and 0.83 calculated for a 95% CI. Only two studies did not find statistically significant effects. Other variables such as type and duration of physical activity, overweight and obesity, gestational age, etc., were also considered. Conclusions: Physical activity prevents the incidence of GDM. The main characteristics that enhance this preventive effect are starting at the initial stages of pregnancy and maintaining during the whole pregnancy as well as combining strength and aerobic exercise at a low to moderate intensity.","PeriodicalId":18182,"journal":{"name":"Life","volume":"26 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141348520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kai-Cheng Lin, Fu-Ting Huang, Chun-Yu Chen, Y. Tarng
Aims: This study aims to compare the outcomes of immediate (followed by closed-incision negative-pressure therapy use) versus delayed ORIF in patients with Schatzker type IV–VI TPFs. Patients and Methods: A prospective study of patients undergoing ORIF between January 2018 and December 2019 was performed. The inclusion criteria were patients (>18 years) with a closed fracture sent to the emergency room (ER) within 24 h of injury. All the patients underwent preoperative image evaluation. Two senior orthopedic trauma surgeons evaluated the soft tissue condition in the ER by 5P’s of the compartment syndrome, judging the timing of the operation of definitive ORIF. Group 1 (n = 16) received delayed ORIF. Group 2 (n = 16) received immediate ORIF and ciNPT use. Patient follow-up occurred after 2 and 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The assessments included the time to definitive fixation, the length of hospital stay, the time to bone union, surgical site complications, and reoperation within 12 months. A universal goniometer was used to measure the postoperative 3 m, 6 m, and 12 m ROM. Results: The patient demographics were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). Group 2 displayed significantly a shorter time to definitive fixation (5.94 ± 2.02 vs. 0.61 ± 0.28, p < 0.0001) and hospital stay (14.90 ± 8/78 vs. 10.30 ± 6.78, p = 0.0016). No significant difference was observed in the time to bone union, surgical site complication incidence, and reoperation rates (p > 0.05). Flexion and flexion–extension knee ROM were demonstrated to be significantly improved in Group 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In this study, early ORIF and ciNPT use resulted in a shorter hospital length of stay, a reduced time to early active motion of the knee, and improved knee ROM. These results suggest that early ORIF with ciNPT for Schatzker type IV–VI TPFs is safe and effective in some patients. However, further research to confirm these findings across larger and more diverse populations is needed.
{"title":"Is Staged Surgery Always Necessary for Schatzker Type IV–VI Tibial Plateau Fractures? A Comparison Study","authors":"Kai-Cheng Lin, Fu-Ting Huang, Chun-Yu Chen, Y. Tarng","doi":"10.3390/life14060753","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060753","url":null,"abstract":"Aims: This study aims to compare the outcomes of immediate (followed by closed-incision negative-pressure therapy use) versus delayed ORIF in patients with Schatzker type IV–VI TPFs. Patients and Methods: A prospective study of patients undergoing ORIF between January 2018 and December 2019 was performed. The inclusion criteria were patients (>18 years) with a closed fracture sent to the emergency room (ER) within 24 h of injury. All the patients underwent preoperative image evaluation. Two senior orthopedic trauma surgeons evaluated the soft tissue condition in the ER by 5P’s of the compartment syndrome, judging the timing of the operation of definitive ORIF. Group 1 (n = 16) received delayed ORIF. Group 2 (n = 16) received immediate ORIF and ciNPT use. Patient follow-up occurred after 2 and 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The assessments included the time to definitive fixation, the length of hospital stay, the time to bone union, surgical site complications, and reoperation within 12 months. A universal goniometer was used to measure the postoperative 3 m, 6 m, and 12 m ROM. Results: The patient demographics were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). Group 2 displayed significantly a shorter time to definitive fixation (5.94 ± 2.02 vs. 0.61 ± 0.28, p < 0.0001) and hospital stay (14.90 ± 8/78 vs. 10.30 ± 6.78, p = 0.0016). No significant difference was observed in the time to bone union, surgical site complication incidence, and reoperation rates (p > 0.05). Flexion and flexion–extension knee ROM were demonstrated to be significantly improved in Group 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In this study, early ORIF and ciNPT use resulted in a shorter hospital length of stay, a reduced time to early active motion of the knee, and improved knee ROM. These results suggest that early ORIF with ciNPT for Schatzker type IV–VI TPFs is safe and effective in some patients. However, further research to confirm these findings across larger and more diverse populations is needed.","PeriodicalId":18182,"journal":{"name":"Life","volume":"47 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141347196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Khurshid, Hamad Ashraf, Tanveer Hussain, Muhammad Iqbal, Huma Qureshi, Tauseef Anwar, S. Salmen, Mohamad Javed Ansari
The production of citric acid, a vital agricultural commodity utilized across various industries such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, detergents, and cosmetics, predominantly relies on microbial fermentation, with Aspergillus niger accounting for approximately 90% of global production. In this study, we aimed to optimize the key factors influencing citric acid production, with a focus on strains, fermentation techniques, and carbon sources, particularly sugarcane molasses. A. niger, sourced from the Botany department/Biotechnology laboratories at Govt. College of Science, Lahore, was employed for citric acid production. The process involved inoculum preparation through spore collection from 3 to 5 days of cultured PDA slants. The fermentation medium, comprising cane molasses with a 15% sugar concentration, was meticulously prepared and optimized for various factors, including magnesium sulfate, potassium ferrocyanide, time of addition of potassium ferrocyanide, ammonium oxalate, and calcium chloride. Our optimization results shed light on the significant impact of different factors on citric acid production. For instance, the addition of 0.4 g/L magnesium sulfate led to a maximum yield of 75%, while 2 g/L potassium ferrocyanide, added at 24 h, achieved a yield of 78%. Remarkably, ammonium oxalate, at a concentration of 10 g/L, resulted in a notable 77% yield. Conversely, the addition of calcium chloride exhibited negligible effects on citric acid production, with the control group yielding more at 78%. Our study underscores the potential for optimizing factors to enhance citric acid production by A. niger in submerged fermentation. These findings highlight the pivotal role of magnesium sulfate, potassium ferrocyanide, and ammonium oxalate in augmenting citric acid yields while emphasizing the minimal impact of calcium chloride. Ultimately, these insights contribute to advancing our understanding of microbial citric acid biosynthesis, providing valuable implications for industrial applications and future research endeavors.
{"title":"Enhanced Citric Acid Production through Aspergillus niger: Insights from Fermentation Studies Using Sugarcane Molasses","authors":"S. Khurshid, Hamad Ashraf, Tanveer Hussain, Muhammad Iqbal, Huma Qureshi, Tauseef Anwar, S. Salmen, Mohamad Javed Ansari","doi":"10.3390/life14060756","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060756","url":null,"abstract":"The production of citric acid, a vital agricultural commodity utilized across various industries such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, detergents, and cosmetics, predominantly relies on microbial fermentation, with Aspergillus niger accounting for approximately 90% of global production. In this study, we aimed to optimize the key factors influencing citric acid production, with a focus on strains, fermentation techniques, and carbon sources, particularly sugarcane molasses. A. niger, sourced from the Botany department/Biotechnology laboratories at Govt. College of Science, Lahore, was employed for citric acid production. The process involved inoculum preparation through spore collection from 3 to 5 days of cultured PDA slants. The fermentation medium, comprising cane molasses with a 15% sugar concentration, was meticulously prepared and optimized for various factors, including magnesium sulfate, potassium ferrocyanide, time of addition of potassium ferrocyanide, ammonium oxalate, and calcium chloride. Our optimization results shed light on the significant impact of different factors on citric acid production. For instance, the addition of 0.4 g/L magnesium sulfate led to a maximum yield of 75%, while 2 g/L potassium ferrocyanide, added at 24 h, achieved a yield of 78%. Remarkably, ammonium oxalate, at a concentration of 10 g/L, resulted in a notable 77% yield. Conversely, the addition of calcium chloride exhibited negligible effects on citric acid production, with the control group yielding more at 78%. Our study underscores the potential for optimizing factors to enhance citric acid production by A. niger in submerged fermentation. These findings highlight the pivotal role of magnesium sulfate, potassium ferrocyanide, and ammonium oxalate in augmenting citric acid yields while emphasizing the minimal impact of calcium chloride. Ultimately, these insights contribute to advancing our understanding of microbial citric acid biosynthesis, providing valuable implications for industrial applications and future research endeavors.","PeriodicalId":18182,"journal":{"name":"Life","volume":"44 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141348134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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