Tomasz Kowalski, Andrzej Klusiewicz, Kinga Rębiś, Adrian Wilk, Michał Starczewski
Respiratory muscle training (RMT) improves endurance performance, balance, and ability to repeat high-intensity exercise bouts, providing a rationale to be applied in short-track speedskating. To establish a preferable RMT method for short-track speedskating, the influence of inspiratory pressure threshold loading (IPTL) and voluntary isocapnic hyperpnoea (VIH) on cardiopulmonary indices and athletic performance was investigated. Sixteen elite short-track speedskaters completed 6 weeks of RMT based on IPTL or VIH. Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnTs), cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs), spirometry assessments, and on-ice time trials were performed before and after RMT intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the differences between each method's influence. No statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences between RMT methods were found in performance during the WAnT, CPET, or specific on-ice time trials. Spirometry measures were similar between both methods. Significant effects were found for the interaction between maximum breathing frequency during CPET (BFmax) and method (p = 0.009), as well as for the interaction between BFMax, method, and sex (p = 0.040). BFmax decreased for IPTL and increased for VIH. The interaction between method and sex revealed that BFmax increased only in males performing VIH. Our findings suggest that IPTL and VIH lead to analogous effects in the study participants, highlighting a negligible practical disparity in the impact of different RMT methods in elite short-track speedskaters.
{"title":"Comparative Study of Different Respiratory Muscle Training Methods: Effects on Cardiopulmonary Indices and Athletic Performance in Elite Short-Track Speedskaters.","authors":"Tomasz Kowalski, Andrzej Klusiewicz, Kinga Rębiś, Adrian Wilk, Michał Starczewski","doi":"10.3390/life14091159","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Respiratory muscle training (RMT) improves endurance performance, balance, and ability to repeat high-intensity exercise bouts, providing a rationale to be applied in short-track speedskating. To establish a preferable RMT method for short-track speedskating, the influence of inspiratory pressure threshold loading (IPTL) and voluntary isocapnic hyperpnoea (VIH) on cardiopulmonary indices and athletic performance was investigated. Sixteen elite short-track speedskaters completed 6 weeks of RMT based on IPTL or VIH. Wingate Anaerobic Tests (WAnTs), cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs), spirometry assessments, and on-ice time trials were performed before and after RMT intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the differences between each method's influence. No statistically significant (<i>p</i> > 0.05) differences between RMT methods were found in performance during the WAnT, CPET, or specific on-ice time trials. Spirometry measures were similar between both methods. Significant effects were found for the interaction between maximum breathing frequency during CPET (BFmax) and method (<i>p</i> = 0.009), as well as for the interaction between BFMax, method, and sex (<i>p</i> = 0.040). BFmax decreased for IPTL and increased for VIH. The interaction between method and sex revealed that BFmax increased only in males performing VIH. Our findings suggest that IPTL and VIH lead to analogous effects in the study participants, highlighting a negligible practical disparity in the impact of different RMT methods in elite short-track speedskaters.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433565/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
José Luis Soto-Gonzales, José Vulfrano González-Fernández, Diego David Pinzón-Moreno, Eder Clidio Vicuña-Galindo, María Verónica Carranza-Oropeza
The aim of this study was to assess the influence of hydrogel and zinc oxide nanoparticles on quinoa germination and establishment. Various doses of a commercial potassium-based hydrogel (0, 5, 7, and 9 g), each dissolved in one liter of rainwater, were applied. Additionally, 1.5 g of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) and pre-crushed nitrogen fertilizer, at a rate of 1.6 kg/ha, were added to the solution to achieve a homogeneous mixture. Following the application of hydrogel in the 10-linear-meter rows corresponding to each treatment area in every block, 25 seeds per linear meter of the "Blanca de Juli" quinoa cultivar were sown with a 4 cm spacing between the seeds. Subsequently, a thin layer of soil, approximately 0.5 cm thick, was used to cover the seeds. Ten seedlings were randomly selected and labeled for subsequent evaluations. The experimental design employed in this research was a completely randomized block design. The collected data underwent an analysis of variance, and the means of all the treatments were compared using Tukey's test with a 5% probability. Height and diameter evaluations of the plant neck were conducted every 45 days. The doses used in this study (5, 7, and 9 g of hydrogel per liter of water) significantly enhanced seed germination and increased the number of plants per linear meter (from 82.00 to 90.33) compared to the control dose without hydrogel (14.66), which resulted in an average of one plant per linear meter.
{"title":"Influence of Hydrogel and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Germination and Establishment of <i>Chenopodium quinoa</i>.","authors":"José Luis Soto-Gonzales, José Vulfrano González-Fernández, Diego David Pinzón-Moreno, Eder Clidio Vicuña-Galindo, María Verónica Carranza-Oropeza","doi":"10.3390/life14091163","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091163","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to assess the influence of hydrogel and zinc oxide nanoparticles on quinoa germination and establishment. Various doses of a commercial potassium-based hydrogel (0, 5, 7, and 9 g), each dissolved in one liter of rainwater, were applied. Additionally, 1.5 g of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) and pre-crushed nitrogen fertilizer, at a rate of 1.6 kg/ha, were added to the solution to achieve a homogeneous mixture. Following the application of hydrogel in the 10-linear-meter rows corresponding to each treatment area in every block, 25 seeds per linear meter of the \"Blanca de Juli\" quinoa cultivar were sown with a 4 cm spacing between the seeds. Subsequently, a thin layer of soil, approximately 0.5 cm thick, was used to cover the seeds. Ten seedlings were randomly selected and labeled for subsequent evaluations. The experimental design employed in this research was a completely randomized block design. The collected data underwent an analysis of variance, and the means of all the treatments were compared using Tukey's test with a 5% probability. Height and diameter evaluations of the plant neck were conducted every 45 days. The doses used in this study (5, 7, and 9 g of hydrogel per liter of water) significantly enhanced seed germination and increased the number of plants per linear meter (from 82.00 to 90.33) compared to the control dose without hydrogel (14.66), which resulted in an average of one plant per linear meter.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433367/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lucio Dell'Atti, Viktoria Slyusar, Piero Ronchi, Chiara Cambise
Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the combination of the mechanical effects of penile therapy with vacuum erection devices (VEDs) plus PDE5i, which improve clinical outcomes after extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in men affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with Peyronie's disease (PD).
Methods: A total of 153 medical records of patients affected by PD in stable stage with ED and treated with ESWT were divided into two groups. Group A (GA) included 72 men treated with ESWT, mechanical stretching with VEDs and PDE5ì (Tadalafil 5 mg), and Group B (GB) included 81 men who received only ESWT plus Tadalafil 5 mg with the same protocol of GA. The patients in both groups were assessed at baseline and follow-up for erectile function, painful erections, penile plaque size, and penile curvature. The results were evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after the treatments.
Results: Three months after the treatment, GA patients had a reduction in penile curvature degree from a mean ± SD of 33.91 ± 8.34° at baseline to a mean ± SD of 19.46 ± 7.15° after 12 months, whereas pain in an erection or during intercourse was resolved completely in 88.9% of the patients. The mean ± SD IIEF-15 score of patients affected by severe/moderate ED further improved significantly in the GA group (p < 0.001) after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. There were no permanent adverse sequelae after treatments.
Conclusions: The regular use of a VED plus Tadalafil in patients who had undergone ESWT significantly provided more benefit in patients with PD in terms of penile deformity, pain, and erectile function.
{"title":"Vacuum Erection Device Plus Once-Daily Tadalafil Improve Clinical Outcomes after Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Men Affected by Erectile Dysfunction Associated with Peyronie's Disease.","authors":"Lucio Dell'Atti, Viktoria Slyusar, Piero Ronchi, Chiara Cambise","doi":"10.3390/life14091162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091162","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The purpose of this study is to examine the combination of the mechanical effects of penile therapy with vacuum erection devices (VEDs) plus PDE5i, which improve clinical outcomes after extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in men affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with Peyronie's disease (PD).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 153 medical records of patients affected by PD in stable stage with ED and treated with ESWT were divided into two groups. Group A (GA) included 72 men treated with ESWT, mechanical stretching with VEDs and PDE5ì (Tadalafil 5 mg), and Group B (GB) included 81 men who received only ESWT plus Tadalafil 5 mg with the same protocol of GA. The patients in both groups were assessed at baseline and follow-up for erectile function, painful erections, penile plaque size, and penile curvature. The results were evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after the treatments.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three months after the treatment, GA patients had a reduction in penile curvature degree from a mean ± SD of 33.91 ± 8.34° at baseline to a mean ± SD of 19.46 ± 7.15° after 12 months, whereas pain in an erection or during intercourse was resolved completely in 88.9% of the patients. The mean ± SD IIEF-15 score of patients affected by severe/moderate ED further improved significantly in the GA group (<i>p</i> < 0.001) after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. There were no permanent adverse sequelae after treatments.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The regular use of a VED plus Tadalafil in patients who had undergone ESWT significantly provided more benefit in patients with PD in terms of penile deformity, pain, and erectile function.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11432888/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiaoxiao Zhang, Ke Li, Cristiano Cardoso, Angel Moctezuma-Ramirez, Abdelmotagaly Elgalad
In patients with heart failure, evaluating left ventricular (LV) diastolic function is vital, offering crucial insights into hemodynamic impact and prognostic accuracy. Echocardiography remains the primary imaging modality for diastolic function assessment, and using it effectively requires a profound understanding of the underlying pathology. This review covers four main topics: first, the fundamental driving forces behind each phase of normal diastolic dynamics, along with the physiological basis of two widely used echocardiographic assessment parameters, E/e' and mitral annulus early diastolic velocity (e'); second, the intricate functional relationship between the left atrium and LV in patients with varying degrees of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD); third, the role of stress echocardiography in diagnosing LVDD and the significance of echocardiographic parameter changes; and fourth, the clinical utility of evaluating diastolic function from echocardiography images across diverse cardiovascular care areas.
{"title":"Interpreting Diastolic Dynamics and Evaluation through Echocardiography.","authors":"Xiaoxiao Zhang, Ke Li, Cristiano Cardoso, Angel Moctezuma-Ramirez, Abdelmotagaly Elgalad","doi":"10.3390/life14091156","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091156","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In patients with heart failure, evaluating left ventricular (LV) diastolic function is vital, offering crucial insights into hemodynamic impact and prognostic accuracy. Echocardiography remains the primary imaging modality for diastolic function assessment, and using it effectively requires a profound understanding of the underlying pathology. This review covers four main topics: first, the fundamental driving forces behind each phase of normal diastolic dynamics, along with the physiological basis of two widely used echocardiographic assessment parameters, E/e' and mitral annulus early diastolic velocity (e'); second, the intricate functional relationship between the left atrium and LV in patients with varying degrees of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD); third, the role of stress echocardiography in diagnosing LVDD and the significance of echocardiographic parameter changes; and fourth, the clinical utility of evaluating diastolic function from echocardiography images across diverse cardiovascular care areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433582/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vasile Potop, Christiana Diana Maria Dragosloveanu, Alina Mihaela Ciocâlteu, Miruna Gabriela Burcel, Maria Cristina Marinescu, Dana Margareta Cornelia Dăscălescu
Glaucoma is a widespread ophthalmological disease, with a high impact and frequent visual morbidity. While the physiopathology of the two types of primary glaucoma (open angle and angle closure) has been studied, there seems to be little relationship between the two. In this study, we gather clinical and preclinical data to support the idea that the two primary glaucomas are "mirrored" in terms of morphological parameters and disease physiopathology. In short, primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is associated with hyperopia and low axial length, and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is associated with myopia and high axial length. Moreover, in PACG and in primary angle closure or primary angle closure suspect cases, while there is extensive iridotrabecular contact, the intraocular pressure (IOP) is still maintained in the lower half of the normal range throughout the evolution of the disease, which suggests a baseline trabecular hyperfiltration in PACG. In the opposite case, myopic eyes with open angles and a higher risk of developing POAG often have a baseline IOP in the upper half of the normal range, suggesting a baseline trabecular hypofiltration. As we explore clinical, genetic and animal model data regarding these opposing aspects, we hypothesize the existence of a mirroring relationship between PACG and POAG. Defining the relationship between the two potentially blinding diseases, with a high prevalence worldwide, may aid in understanding the mechanisms better and refining diagnosis and treatment. Thus, our theory has been named the Mirror Theory of Primary Glaucomas.
{"title":"The Mirror Theory: Parallels between Open Angle and Angle Closure Glaucoma.","authors":"Vasile Potop, Christiana Diana Maria Dragosloveanu, Alina Mihaela Ciocâlteu, Miruna Gabriela Burcel, Maria Cristina Marinescu, Dana Margareta Cornelia Dăscălescu","doi":"10.3390/life14091154","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091154","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Glaucoma is a widespread ophthalmological disease, with a high impact and frequent visual morbidity. While the physiopathology of the two types of primary glaucoma (open angle and angle closure) has been studied, there seems to be little relationship between the two. In this study, we gather clinical and preclinical data to support the idea that the two primary glaucomas are \"mirrored\" in terms of morphological parameters and disease physiopathology. In short, primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is associated with hyperopia and low axial length, and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is associated with myopia and high axial length. Moreover, in PACG and in primary angle closure or primary angle closure suspect cases, while there is extensive iridotrabecular contact, the intraocular pressure (IOP) is still maintained in the lower half of the normal range throughout the evolution of the disease, which suggests a baseline trabecular hyperfiltration in PACG. In the opposite case, myopic eyes with open angles and a higher risk of developing POAG often have a baseline IOP in the upper half of the normal range, suggesting a baseline trabecular hypofiltration. As we explore clinical, genetic and animal model data regarding these opposing aspects, we hypothesize the existence of a mirroring relationship between PACG and POAG. Defining the relationship between the two potentially blinding diseases, with a high prevalence worldwide, may aid in understanding the mechanisms better and refining diagnosis and treatment. Thus, our theory has been named the Mirror Theory of Primary Glaucomas.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuxin Liu, Lili Chen, Hui Jiang, Hongzhuang Wang, Yujiao Zhang, Zhengrong Yuan, Yi Ma
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an RNA post-transcriptional modification, plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis. Cattle-yaks are interspecific hybrid offsprings of yak and cattle, and male cattle-yaks are sterile. This study aims to investigate the role of m6A modification in male cattle-yak infertility. Herein, testicular tissues were analyzed via histological observations, immunohistochemical assays, reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays. The results revealed that male cattle-yaks presented smaller testes (5.933 ± 0.4885 cm vs. 7.150 ± 0.3937 cm), with only single cell layers in seminiferous tubules, and weakened signals of m6A regulators such as METTL14 (methyltransferase-like 14), ALKBH5 (alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent hydroxylase homolog 5), FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated protein), and YTHDF2 (YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein F2), both at the RNA and protein levels, compared with those of yaks. Altogether, these findings suggest that m6A modification may play a crucial role in male cattle-yak sterility, providing a basis for future studies.
N6-甲基腺苷(m6A)是一种RNA转录后修饰,在精子发生过程中起着至关重要的作用。牛牦牛是牦牛和牛的种间杂交后代,雄性牛牦牛不育。本研究旨在探讨 m6A 修饰在雄性牛-牦牛不育中的作用。本研究通过组织学观察、免疫组织化学检测、逆转录定量聚合酶链反应、Western 印迹和免疫荧光检测对睾丸组织进行了分析。结果显示,雄性牛羚的睾丸较小(5.933 ± 0.4885 cm vs. 7.150 ± 0.3937厘米),在曲细精管中只有单细胞层,与牦牛相比,m6A调节因子如METTL14(甲基转移酶样14)、ALKBH5(α-酮戊二酸依赖性羟化酶同源物5)、FTO(脂肪量和肥胖相关蛋白)和YTHDF2(YTH N6-甲基腺苷RNA结合蛋白F2)在RNA和蛋白质水平上的信号都较弱。总之,这些研究结果表明,m6A修饰可能在雄性牛-牦牛不育中起着关键作用,为今后的研究提供了依据。
{"title":"N<sup>6</sup>-Methyladenosine Modification-Related Genes Express Differentially in Sterile Male Cattle-Yaks.","authors":"Yuxin Liu, Lili Chen, Hui Jiang, Hongzhuang Wang, Yujiao Zhang, Zhengrong Yuan, Yi Ma","doi":"10.3390/life14091155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>N<sup>6</sup>-methyladenosine (m<sup>6</sup>A), an RNA post-transcriptional modification, plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis. Cattle-yaks are interspecific hybrid offsprings of yak and cattle, and male cattle-yaks are sterile. This study aims to investigate the role of m<sup>6</sup>A modification in male cattle-yak infertility. Herein, testicular tissues were analyzed via histological observations, immunohistochemical assays, reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays. The results revealed that male cattle-yaks presented smaller testes (5.933 ± 0.4885 cm vs. 7.150 ± 0.3937 cm), with only single cell layers in seminiferous tubules, and weakened signals of m<sup>6</sup>A regulators such as METTL14 (methyltransferase-like 14), ALKBH5 (alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent hydroxylase homolog 5), FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated protein), and YTHDF2 (YTH N<sup>6</sup>-methyladenosine RNA binding protein F2), both at the RNA and protein levels, compared with those of yaks. Altogether, these findings suggest that m<sup>6</sup>A modification may play a crucial role in male cattle-yak sterility, providing a basis for future studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433611/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142336702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brigitte Stephan, Anna Meineke, Matthias Augustin, Christina Sorbe
Introduction: The national guidelines and the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Germany support preventive vaccinations for patients under immunomodulatory treatments.
Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of data from patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases from December 2021 to December 2022 with a focus on preventive vaccinations against influenza virus, varicella zoster virus, or SARS-CoV-2.
Results: Patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases were referred to our university outpatient's clinic for recommendations of systemic therapy. Vaccinations against influenza virus, varicella zoster virus, or SARS-CoV-2 were documented in 7365 analyzed patient files. A total of 79.7% were completely vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, 49.7% patients were vaccinated against the influenza virus, and only 9.2% were completely vaccinated against varicella zoster virus.
Discussion: In our patients who came for counselling before or during systemic treatment, vaccination rates against SARS-CoV-2, varicella zoster virus, or influenza virus were low. Patients age 60 and above had higher rates than the average German population of the same age, but still no satisfying protection.
Conclusions: We suggest informing patients about preventive vaccination before and during systemic immunomodulatory treatments and emphasize the need for active communication in this vulnerable patient group.
{"title":"Vaccination Rates in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Skin Diseases and Immunomodulatory Systemic Therapies-Vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2, Influenza Virus or Varicella Zoster Virus.","authors":"Brigitte Stephan, Anna Meineke, Matthias Augustin, Christina Sorbe","doi":"10.3390/life14091157","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091157","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The national guidelines and the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Germany support preventive vaccinations for patients under immunomodulatory treatments.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Retrospective analysis of data from patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases from December 2021 to December 2022 with a focus on preventive vaccinations against influenza virus, varicella zoster virus, or SARS-CoV-2.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases were referred to our university outpatient's clinic for recommendations of systemic therapy. Vaccinations against influenza virus, varicella zoster virus, or SARS-CoV-2 were documented in 7365 analyzed patient files. A total of 79.7% were completely vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, 49.7% patients were vaccinated against the influenza virus, and only 9.2% were completely vaccinated against varicella zoster virus.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>In our patients who came for counselling before or during systemic treatment, vaccination rates against SARS-CoV-2, varicella zoster virus, or influenza virus were low. Patients age 60 and above had higher rates than the average German population of the same age, but still no satisfying protection.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We suggest informing patients about preventive vaccination before and during systemic immunomodulatory treatments and emphasize the need for active communication in this vulnerable patient group.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433363/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142336704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Irina Shilenok, Ksenia Kobzeva, Alexey Deykin, Vladimir Pokrovsky, Evgeny Patrakhanov, Olga Bushueva
The unique chaperone-like properties of C19orf53, discovered in 2020 as a "hero" protein, make it an intriguing subject for research in relation to ischemic stroke (IS). Our pilot study aimed to investigate whether C19orf53 SNPs are associated with IS. DNA samples from 2138 Russian subjects (947 IS and 1308 controls) were genotyped for 7 C19orf53 SNPs using probe-based PCR. Dominant (D), recessive (R), and log-additive (A) regression models in relation to the effect alleles (EA) were used to interpret associations. An increased risk of IS was associated with rs10104 (EA G; Pbonf(R) = 0.0009; Pbonf(A) = 0.0004), rs11666524 (EA A; Pbonf(R) = 0.003; Pbonf(A) = 0.02), rs346158 (EA C; Pbonf(R) = 0.006; Pbonf(A) = 0.045), and rs2277947 (EA A; Pbonf(R) = 0.002; Pbonf(A) = 0.01) in patients with obesity; with rs11666524 (EA A; Pbonf(R) = 0.02), rs346157 (EA G; Pbonf(R) = 0.036), rs346158 (EA C; Pbonf(R) = 0.005), and rs2277947 (EA A; Pbonf(R) = 0.02) in patients with low fruit and vegetable intake; and with rs10104 (EA G; Pbonf(R) = 0.03) and rs11666524 (EA A; Pbonf(R) = 0.048) in patients with low physical activity. In conclusion, our pilot study provides comprehensive genetic and bioinformatic evidence of the involvement of C19orf53 in IS risk.
{"title":"Obesity and Environmental Risk Factors Significantly Modify the Association between Ischemic Stroke and the Hero Chaperone <i>C19orf53</i>.","authors":"Irina Shilenok, Ksenia Kobzeva, Alexey Deykin, Vladimir Pokrovsky, Evgeny Patrakhanov, Olga Bushueva","doi":"10.3390/life14091158","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091158","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The unique chaperone-like properties of C19orf53, discovered in 2020 as a \"hero\" protein, make it an intriguing subject for research in relation to ischemic stroke (IS). Our pilot study aimed to investigate whether C19orf53 SNPs are associated with IS. DNA samples from 2138 Russian subjects (947 IS and 1308 controls) were genotyped for 7 <i>C19orf53</i> SNPs using probe-based PCR. Dominant (D), recessive (R), and log-additive (A) regression models in relation to the effect alleles (EA) were used to interpret associations. An increased risk of IS was associated with rs10104 (EA G; P<sub>bonf(R)</sub> = 0.0009; P<sub>bonf(A)</sub> = 0.0004), rs11666524 (EA A; P<sub>bonf(R)</sub> = 0.003; P<sub>bonf(A)</sub> = 0.02), rs346158 (EA C; P<sub>bonf(R)</sub> = 0.006; P<sub>bonf(A)</sub> = 0.045), and rs2277947 (EA A; P<sub>bonf(R)</sub> = 0.002; P<sub>bonf(A)</sub> = 0.01) in patients with obesity; with rs11666524 (EA A; P<sub>bonf(R)</sub> = 0.02), rs346157 (EA G; P<sub>bonf(R)</sub> = 0.036), rs346158 (EA C; P<sub>bonf(R)</sub> = 0.005), and rs2277947 (EA A; P<sub>bonf(R)</sub> = 0.02) in patients with low fruit and vegetable intake; and with rs10104 (EA G; P<sub>bonf(R)</sub> = 0.03) and rs11666524 (EA A; P<sub>bonf(R)</sub> = 0.048) in patients with low physical activity. In conclusion, our pilot study provides comprehensive genetic and bioinformatic evidence of the involvement of <i>C19orf53</i> in IS risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433390/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maja Gradinjan Centner, Daniela Čačić Kenjerić, Ema Schönberger, Hrvoje Centner, Daria Sladić Rimac, Kristina Steiner, Romana Marušić, Miro Bakula, Daniela Fabris Vitković, Ivica Mihaljević, Ines Bilić Ćurčić, Silvija Canecki Varžić
Type 1 diabetes has become prevalent among the adult population, who have increasingly gained access to sensing technology. This study delved into the impact of diet, nutritional status, and the use of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) on glycemic regulation among adults diagnosed with T1D. Employing a prospective design, data were gathered from 151 participants aged 18-60 across multiple cycles. Participants utilized the FreeStyle Libre (FSL) Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) System and provided dietary details via questionnaires and diaries. The findings unveiled correlations between dietary patterns and glycemic control, with higher protein intake associated with improved glycated hemoglobin A1C values (p = 0.019), yet elevated fat and protein consumption was linked to heightened rates of hyperglycemia. Conversely, no significant relationship was observed between dietary variables and hypoglycemia occurrence. Interestingly, subjects with more readings of glucose levels consumed fewer carbohydrates (p = 0.004) and more proteins (p = 0.000). Furthermore, physical activity and marital status correlated with glycemic stability, while higher education was associated with enhanced glycemic control (p = 0.021). This study confirmed the importance of structured education on glycemic regulation and the importance of dietary patterns in glucose management. Also, the educational role of the FGM system in changing dietary habits was confirmed, which is one of the key factors for improving glycemic regulation in continuous glucose monitoring system users.
{"title":"The Interplay between Dietary Habits and Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Prospective FGM Study.","authors":"Maja Gradinjan Centner, Daniela Čačić Kenjerić, Ema Schönberger, Hrvoje Centner, Daria Sladić Rimac, Kristina Steiner, Romana Marušić, Miro Bakula, Daniela Fabris Vitković, Ivica Mihaljević, Ines Bilić Ćurčić, Silvija Canecki Varžić","doi":"10.3390/life14091153","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Type 1 diabetes has become prevalent among the adult population, who have increasingly gained access to sensing technology. This study delved into the impact of diet, nutritional status, and the use of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) on glycemic regulation among adults diagnosed with T1D. Employing a prospective design, data were gathered from 151 participants aged 18-60 across multiple cycles. Participants utilized the FreeStyle Libre (FSL) Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) System and provided dietary details via questionnaires and diaries. The findings unveiled correlations between dietary patterns and glycemic control, with higher protein intake associated with improved glycated hemoglobin A1C values (<i>p</i> = 0.019), yet elevated fat and protein consumption was linked to heightened rates of hyperglycemia. Conversely, no significant relationship was observed between dietary variables and hypoglycemia occurrence. Interestingly, subjects with more readings of glucose levels consumed fewer carbohydrates (<i>p</i> = 0.004) and more proteins (<i>p</i> = 0.000). Furthermore, physical activity and marital status correlated with glycemic stability, while higher education was associated with enhanced glycemic control (<i>p</i> = 0.021). This study confirmed the importance of structured education on glycemic regulation and the importance of dietary patterns in glucose management. Also, the educational role of the FGM system in changing dietary habits was confirmed, which is one of the key factors for improving glycemic regulation in continuous glucose monitoring system users.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11432966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Guisela Fernández-Espinosa, Elvira Orduna-Hospital, María Sopeña-Pinilla, Marta Arias-Álvarez, Ana Boned-Murillo, María Dolores Díaz-Barreda, Ana Sánchez-Cano, Isabel Pinilla
The aim of the study is to compare macular sensitivity and retinal thickness in patients with long-term type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) without diabetic retinopathy (DR) after 5 years of follow-up. Thirty-two eyes from 32 long-term DM1 patients without DR were included. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, including microperimetry and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The data were compared with results from 5 years prior. The mean age of the DM1 patients was 43.19 ± 10.17 years, with a mean disease duration of 29.84 ± 8.98 years and good glycemic control. In 2023, patients exhibited a significantly worse best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) compared to 2018 (p < 0.001). DM1 patients did not show statistically significant changes in macular sensitivity over the 5-year follow-up period. Macular integrity showed significant differences between the two time points (p = 0.045). Retinal thickness showed significant differences, particularly in inner retinal layers (IRL) across most of the ETDRS areas. Long-term DM1 patients without DR lesions showed worsened macular integrity and a lower BCVA in 2023. Additionally, they displayed significant alterations in retinal thicknesses, especially in the IRL, between 2018 and 2023. These findings suggest that even in the absence of visible DR, long-term DM1 patients may experience subclinical retinal changes and functional deterioration over time, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring for the early detection and management of potential complications.
{"title":"Tracking Macular Sensitivity and Inner Retinal Thickness in Long-Term Type 1 Diabetes: A Five-Year Prospective Examination in Patients without Diabetic Retinopathy.","authors":"Guisela Fernández-Espinosa, Elvira Orduna-Hospital, María Sopeña-Pinilla, Marta Arias-Álvarez, Ana Boned-Murillo, María Dolores Díaz-Barreda, Ana Sánchez-Cano, Isabel Pinilla","doi":"10.3390/life14091152","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091152","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of the study is to compare macular sensitivity and retinal thickness in patients with long-term type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) without diabetic retinopathy (DR) after 5 years of follow-up. Thirty-two eyes from 32 long-term DM1 patients without DR were included. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, including microperimetry and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The data were compared with results from 5 years prior. The mean age of the DM1 patients was 43.19 ± 10.17 years, with a mean disease duration of 29.84 ± 8.98 years and good glycemic control. In 2023, patients exhibited a significantly worse best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) compared to 2018 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). DM1 patients did not show statistically significant changes in macular sensitivity over the 5-year follow-up period. Macular integrity showed significant differences between the two time points (<i>p</i> = 0.045). Retinal thickness showed significant differences, particularly in inner retinal layers (IRL) across most of the ETDRS areas. Long-term DM1 patients without DR lesions showed worsened macular integrity and a lower BCVA in 2023. Additionally, they displayed significant alterations in retinal thicknesses, especially in the IRL, between 2018 and 2023. These findings suggest that even in the absence of visible DR, long-term DM1 patients may experience subclinical retinal changes and functional deterioration over time, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring for the early detection and management of potential complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":56144,"journal":{"name":"Life-Basel","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11433480/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}