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Introduction: Brain atrophy is a well-established MRI outcome for predicting clinical progression and monitoring treatment response in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) at the group level. Despite the important progress made, the translation of brain atrophy assessment into clinical practice faces several challenges. Areas covered: In this review, the authors discuss technical- and subject-related barriers for implementing brain atrophy assessment as part of the clinical routine at the individual level. Substantial progress has been made to understand and mitigate technical barriers behind MRI acquisition. Numerous research and commercial segmentation techniques for volume estimation are available and technically validated, but their clinical value has not been fully established. A systematic assessment of subject-related barriers, which include genetic, environmental, biological, lifestyle, comorbidity, and aging confounders, is critical for the interpretation of brain atrophy measures at the individual subject level. Educating both medical providers and pwMS will help better clarify the benefits and limitations of assessing brain atrophy for disease monitoring and prognosis. Expert opinion: Integrating brain atrophy assessment into clinical practice for pwMS requires overcoming technical and subject-related challenges. Advances in MRI standardization, artificial intelligence, and clinician education will facilitate this process, improving disease management and potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress seem significantly more prevalent in medical students than in general people nowadays. The medical courses with tedious academic activities raise this mental distress among them. In addition, demographic and biological factors have a citable impact on mental illness. Thus, to analyze these health issues, many studies have been done based on the DASS- Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, where DASS21 comprises 21 questionnaires. Objectives To highlight the correlation between demographic features and DASS21 attributes. Determining the severity of depression, anxiety, and stress in medical students, and observing the percentage-wise relation between preferred features - BMI, Blood Pressure, and Blood Group - and DASS21 attributes. Methods An online survey was conducted on Uttara Adhunik Medical College undergraduate students in November 2023. Students' demographic data, biological factors information, and responses from DASS21 questionnaires were taken in this survey. Further analysis of results and visual observation has been done through online and offline spreadsheets. Result Following the correlation coefficient test, students' age and blood pressure negatively relate to DASS attributes; however, BMI is correlated positively with depression, anxiety, and stress. The severe prevalence rate of depression- 59%, anxiety- 72%, and stress- 53%, where females are more affected. The students who belong to the O and B blood groups as well as the overweight and obese students are more affected although most of them are healthier; nevertheless, depressed, anxious, and stressed students are mostly normotensive. Conclusion The present study highlights that most of the undergraduate medical students of UAMC, especially females are suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress issues. These psychological disorders are highly associated with their BMI, Blood Pressure, and Blood Groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (long COVID) refers to the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms or exceptional symptoms following recovery. Even without conferring fatality, it represents a significant global public health burden. Despite many reports on long COVID, the prevalence and data on associated biological factors remain unclear and limited. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of long COVID during the two distinct epidemic periods in Thailand, due to the Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, and to investigate the biological factors associated with long COVID. In addition, the spike protein amino acid sequences of the Delta and Omicron variants were compared to determine the frequency of mutations and their potential biological implications. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was established to recruit confirmed COVID-19 participants at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital who had recovered for at least three months and were infected between June 2021 and August 2022. The demographic data and long COVID experience were collected via telephone interview. The biological factors were analyzed through binary logistic regression. The datasets of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein amino acid sequence of the Delta and Omicron variants in Thailand were retrieved from GIDSAID to determine mutation frequencies and to identify possible roles of the mutations based on published data. Results: Data was collected from a total of 247 participants comprising 106 and 141 participants of the Delta and Omicron epidemic periods, respectively. Apart from the COVID-19 severity and health status, the baseline participant data of the two time periods were remarkably similar. The prevalence of long COVID observed in the Omicron period was higher than in the Delta period (74.5% vs. 66.0%). The biological factors associated with long COVID were epidemic variant, age, treatment with symptomatic medicines, and vaccination status. When the spike protein sequence data of the two variants were compared, it was observed that the Omicron variant exhibited a greater quantity of amino acid changes in its receptor-binding domain (RBD) and receptor-binding motif (RBM). The critical changes of the Omicron variant within these regions had a significant function in enhancing virus transmissibility and host immune response resistance. Conclusion: This study revealed informative data associated with long COVID in Thailand. More attention should be given to long COVID caused by unique virus variants and other biological factors to prepare a healthcare management strategy for COVID-19 patients after recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Novel definitions suggest that resectability status for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) should be assessed beyond anatomical criteria, considering both biological and conditional factors. This has, however, yet to be validated on a nationwide scale. This study evaluated the prognostic value of biological and conditional factors for staging of patients with resectable PDAC. Patients and Methods: A nationwide observational cohort study was performed, including all consecutive patients who underwent upfront resection of National Comprehensive Cancer Network resectable PDAC in the Netherlands (2014–2019) with complete information on preoperative carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status. PDAC was considered biologically unfavorable (RB+) if CA19-9 ≥ 500 U/mL and favorable (RB−) otherwise. ECOG ≥ 2 was considered conditionally unfavorable (RC+) and favorable otherwise (RC−). Overall survival (OS) was assessed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox-proportional hazard analysis, presented as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Overall, 688 patients were analyzed with a median overall survival (OS) of 20 months (95% CI 19–23). OS was 14 months (95% CI 10 months—median not reached) in 20 RB+C+ patients (3%; HR 1.61, 95% CI 0.86–2.70), 13 months (95% CI 11–15) in 156 RB+C− patients (23%; HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.50–2.31), and 21 months (95% CI 12–41) in 47 RB−C+ patients (7%; HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.80–1.62) compared with 24 months (95% CI 22–27) in 465 patients with RB−C− PDAC (68%; reference). Conclusions: Survival after upfront resection of anatomically resectable PDAC is worse in patients with CA19-9 ≥ 500 U/mL, while performance status had no impact. This supports consideration of CA19-9 in preoperative staging of resectable PDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial community in wetland soils is crucial for maintaining the stability of the wetland ecosystem. Nevertheless, the soil microbial community is sensitive to the environmental stress in wetlands. This leads to the possibility that the microbial community structure may be influenced by environmental factors. To gain an in-depth understanding in the response of microbial community structure in wetland soils under different environmental factors, this review comprehensively explores the factors of natural conditions (e.g., different types of wetland, soil physical and chemical properties, climate conditions), biological factors (e.g., plants, soil animals), and human activities (e.g., land use, soil pollution, grazing). Those factors can affect microbial community structure and activities in wetland soils through different ways such as (i) affecting the wetland soil environment in which soil microorganisms survived in, (ii) influencing the available nutrients (e.g., carbon, nitrogen) required for microbial activity, and (iii) the direct effects on soil microorganisms (toxicity or promotion of resistant species). This review can provide references for the conservation of microbial diversity in wetland soils, the maintenance of wetland ecosystem balance, and the wetland ecological restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the intricate interplay of biological, social, and psychological factors contributing to substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. Drug misuse is a global concern, with increasing prevalence rates affecting mental well-being and safety. The spectrum of SUD includes polysubstance users, posing challenges for treatment and associated health outcomes. Various psychoactive substances like cannabis, hallucinogens, opioids, and stimulants impact addiction vulnerability, with marijuana being widely used globally. Gender differences in SUD prevalence have narrowed, with women escalating drug consumption rapidly once initiated. Age disparities in substance use highlight regional variations among adolescents. Comorbidities with psychiatric symptoms are common, with mood and anxiety disorders frequently observed. This study aimed to analyze factors influencing SUD development and maintenance to inform prevention strategies and treatment recommendations. By conducting a systematic search of databases, sixty articles were reviewed, revealing diverse methodologies and geographic locations. Biological factors, including neurotransmitter systems like endocannabinoid and dopaminergic systems, play a significant role in addiction. Genetic and neurobiological factors contribute to cannabis addiction susceptibility. Social factors such as childhood experiences and parenting styles influence substance use behaviors. Psychological factors like personality traits and mental health conditions interact with SUD development. Understanding these multifaceted interactions is crucial for designing effective interventions to address the complexities of SUD and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intestinal muscle layers execute various gut wall movements to achieve controlled propulsion and mixing of intestinal content. Engineering intestinal muscle layers with complex contractile function is critical for developing bioartificial intestinal tissue to treat patients with short bowel syndrome. Here, the first demonstration of a living intestinal muscle patch capable of generating three distinct motility patterns and displaying multiple digesta manipulations is reported. Assessment of contractility, cellular morphology, and transcriptome profile reveals that successful generation of the contracting muscle patch relies on both biological factors in a serum-free medium and environmental cues from an elastic electrospun gelatin scaffold. By comparing gene-expression patterns among samples, it is shown that biological factors from the medium strongly affect ion-transport activities, while the scaffold unexpectedly regulates cell-cell communication. Analysis of ligandreceptor interactome identifies scaffold-driven changes in intercellular communication, and 78% of the upregulated ligand-receptor interactions are involved in the development and function of enteric neurons. The discoveries highlight the importance of combining biomolecular and biomaterial approaches for tissue engineering. The living intestinal muscle patch represents a pivotal advancement for building functional replacement intestinal tissue. It offers a more physiological model for studying GI motility and for preclinical drug discovery.

We explored the intricate interplay of biological, social, and psychological factors contributing to substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. Drug misuse is a global concern, with increasing prevalence rates affecting mental well-being and safety. The spectrum of SUD includes polysubstance users, posing challenges for treatment and associated health outcomes. Various psychoactive substances like cannabis, hallucinogens, opioids, and stimulants impact addiction vulnerability, with marijuana being widely used globally. Gender differences in SUD prevalence have narrowed, with women escalating drug consumption rapidly once initiated. Age disparities in substance use highlight regional variations among adolescents. Comorbidities with psychiatric symptoms are common, with mood and anxiety disorders frequently observed. This study aimed to analyze factors influencing SUD development and maintenance to inform prevention strategies and treatment recommendations. By conducting a systematic search of databases, sixty articles were reviewed, revealing diverse methodologies and geographic locations. Biological factors, including neurotransmitter systems like endocannabinoid and dopaminergic systems, play a significant role in addiction. Genetic and neurobiological factors contribute to cannabis addiction susceptibility. Social factors such as childhood experiences and parenting styles influence substance use behaviors. Psychological factors like personality traits and mental health conditions interact with SUD development. Understanding these multifaceted interactions is crucial for designing effective interventions to address the complexities of SUD and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms.

Background Methods Results Conclusions Key Points/Highlights Autogenous tooth transplantation refers to a surgical procedure involving the relocation of a tooth within the same individual. Incorporating platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) in this procedure holds the potential to improve healing, accelerate recovery, and optimize treatment outcomes.In this article, the authors illustrate a PRF‐based approach for autogenous tooth transplantation through two case scenarios. These cases outline the surgical steps of tooth transplantation and demonstrate the potential role of PRF in enhancing soft tissue healing. Furthermore, the article provides insights from a long‐term follow‐up spanning over 7 years.Tooth transplantation in young adults is promising but depends on factors such as root development stage and donor tooth size matching. Including PRF may improve healing, at least in the short term, due to its rich concentration of growth factors and cytokines, promoting effective tissue regeneration.Autogenous tooth transplantation has shown to be a viable treatment option for replacing the missing dentition. Adding PRF to the autogenous tooth transplantation procedure may speed up and enhance the treatment outcome. While the favorable results of these cases might be partially attributed to the use of PRF, the contribution of PRF to the healing process of tooth transplant remains conjectural and requires validation through additional research.Tooth autotransplantation can be performed in younger patients without requiring root canal treatment, while also potentially benefiting from the incorporation of platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Presbycusis can be mediated by the effects of inflammatory processes on the auditory system, and these aging biological mechanisms remain poorly studied. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma biomarkers are associated with hearing disorders caused by aging in the elderly. Settings and design: Cross-sectional study with 106 participants in the Active Aging Project, 93 (88%) females and 13 (12%) males, with an average age of 70 years. Methods and material: Audiological evaluation was performed with pure tone audiometry and collection of peripheral blood for the measurement of plasma levels of interleukins 2, 4, 6, and 10, tumor necrosis factor-a, and interferon-g by means of flow cytometry. Statistical analysis used: The SPSS (v.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA) was used for the analysis of the data obtained. For all data analyzed, the significance level adopted was P < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: There were statistically significant correlations between male and IL-2 (P=0.031; rs=0.210), mean II of the right ear (P=0.004; rs=0.279), longer in years (P=0.002; rs=0.307) and in hours (P=0.004; rs=0.281) of noise exposure also in males. Conclusions: In the present study, there was an association between the male gender and higher plasma levels of IL-2, an increase in the average hearing in the right ear, and greater time in years and hours of exposure to noise. There was a predominance of mild sensorineural hearing loss and worsening of hearing related to age, characteristics of presbycusis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to explore the environmental factors which activate accumulation abilities of Plantago lanceolata in the research area under strong anthropopressure resulting from the long-term pollution originating from copper mining-metallurgical activities in Southeastern Europe. Sampling was performed at the most endangered sites regarding its proximity to the major and/or secondary pollution sources, as well at the control site. The content of toxic elements (Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) was determined in the roots, leaves, stalks and flowers of P. lanceolata. The anthropogenic origin of environmental contamination was denoted through the high concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in the leaves of P. lanceolata , reaching toxic levels, combined with the enrichment of plant parts (Enrichment factor >2), especially with Cu (as well as with Al, Fe, Ni and Zn) in samples from the immediate proximity to the copper smelter or at the prevailing wind directions. Biomonitoring potential, assessed through the correlations between toxic element content, as well as the values of Enrichment factor, was indicated for roots (in the case of Cu), all the aboveground plant parts (Fe) and stalks (Zn). The results have shown that the contents of toxic elements in plant parts as well as phytoremediation of P. lanceolata were dependent on soil element content, soil physico-chemical properties and soil enzyme activities, which were regarded as the main environmental drivers affecting phytoremediation ability. The analysis of biological factors (bioconcentration, translocation and bioaccumulation factor) indicated exclusion strategy and possible usage of P. lanceolata in phytostabilization of Zn. The results indicated that the study area is 'environmental hotspot' with potential threat to human health due to the high levels of bioaccumulation of the investigated toxic elements in P. lanceolata parts. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Review the current evidence on biomarkers for bipolar disorder in the older adults. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases using the MeSH search terms "Biomarkers", "Bipolar Disorder", "Aged" and and "Aged, 80 and over". Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) the mean age of the study population was 50 years old or older, (2) the study included patients with bipolar disorder, and (3) the study examined one type of biomarkers or more including genetic, neuroimaging, and biochemical biomarkers. Reviews, case reports, studies not in English and studies for which no full text was available were excluded. A total of 26 papers were included in the final analysis. Recent Findings: Genomic markers of bipolar disorder in older adults highlighted the implication of serotonin metabolism, while the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis was dysregulated. Peripheral blood markers were mainly related with low grade inflammation, axonal damage, endothelial dysfunction, and the dysregulation of the HPA axis. Neuroanatomical markers reflected a dysfunction of the frontal cortex, a loss of neurones in the anterior cingulate cortex and a reduction of the hippocampal volume (in patients older than 50 years old). While not necessarily limited to older adults, some of them may be useful for differential diagnosis (neurofilaments), disease staging (homocysteine, BDNF) and the monitoring of treatment outcomes (matrix metalloproteinases). Summary: Our review provides a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on biomarkers for bipolar disorder in the older adults. The identification of biomarkers may aid in the diagnosis, treatment selection, and monitoring of bipolar disorder in older adults, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for this population. Further research is needed to validate and further explore the potential clinical utility of biomarkers in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (long COVID) refers to the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms or exceptional symptoms following recovery. Even without conferring fatality, it represents a significant global public health burden. Despite many reports on long COVID, the prevalence and data on associated biological factors remain unclear and limited. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of long COVID during the two distinct epidemic periods in Thailand, due to the Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, and to investigate the biological factors associated with long COVID. In addition, the spike protein amino acid sequences of the Delta and Omicron variants were compared to determine the frequency of mutations and their potential biological implications. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was established to recruit confirmed COVID-19 participants at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital who had recovered for at least three months and were infected between June 2021 and August 2022. The demographic data and long COVID experience were collected via telephone interview. The biological factors were analyzed through binary logistic regression. The datasets of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein amino acid sequence of the Delta and Omicron variants in Thailand were retrieved from GIDSAID to determine mutation frequencies and to identify possible roles of the mutations based on published data. Results Data was collected from a total of 247 participants comprising 106 and 141 participants of the Delta and Omicron epidemic periods, respectively. Apart from the COVID-19 severity and health status, the baseline participant data of the two time periods were remarkably similar. The prevalence of long COVID observed in the Omicron period was higher than in the Delta period (74.5% vs. 66.0%). The biological factors associated with long COVID were epidemic variant, age, treatment with symptomatic medicines, and vaccination status. When the spike protein sequence data of the two variants were compared, it was observed that the Omicron variant exhibited a greater quantity of amino acid changes in its receptor-binding domain (RBD) and receptor-binding motif (RBM). The critical changes of the Omicron variant within these regions had a significant function in enhancing virus transmissibility and host immune response resistance. Conclusion This study revealed informative data associated with long COVID in Thailand. More attention should be given to long COVID caused by unique virus variants and other biological factors to prepare a healthcare management strategy for COVID-19 patients after recovery.

Dementia is more prevalent in Blacks than in Whites, likely due to a combination of environmental and biological factors. Paradoxically, clinical studies suggest an attenuation of APOE ε4 risk of dementia in African ancestry (AFR), but a dearth of neuropathological data preclude the interpretation of the biological factors underlying these findings, including the association between APOE ε4 risk and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, the most frequent cause of dementia. We investigated the interaction between African ancestry, AD-related neuropathology, APOE genotype, and functional cognition in a postmortem sample of 400 individuals with a range of AD pathology severity and lack of comorbid neuropathology from a cohort of community-dwelling, admixed Brazilians. Increasing proportions of African ancestry (AFR) correlated with a lower burden of neuritic plaques (NP). However, for individuals with a severe burden of NP and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), AFR proportion was associated with worse Clinical Dementia Rating sum of boxes (CDR-SOB). Among APOE ε4 carriers, the association between AFR proportion and CDR-SOB disappeared. APOE local ancestry inference of a subset of 309 individuals revealed that, in APOE ε4 noncarriers, non-European APOE background correlated with lower NP burden and, also, worse cognitive outcomes than European APOE when adjusting by NP burden. Finally, APOE ε4 was associated with worse AD neuropathological burden only in a European APOE background. APOE genotype and its association with AD neuropathology and clinical pattern are highly influenced by ancestry, with AFR associated with lower NP burden and attenuated APOE ε4 risk compared to European ancestry.

The paper presents a comparative analysis of the three groups of factors (biological (neurological), cognitive and affective), which are believed to be related to the impact of the learnersʼ age on the foreign language acquisition. Having analyzed the available research data concerning the possible role of biological aspects the hypothetic critical age may be based on (laterization, puberty, plasticity of specific brain areas, neuronsʼ maturation time, the thalamus hypothesis), the author formulates the preliminary conclusion about the contradictive data on the issue and the need for further research in the area. The same generally applies to the cognitive and affective aspects of the problem. The age differences in the foreign language learning can only partially be explained by different attitudes to language as an object of acquisition of children and adults considering a wide range of varieties within each of the said groups. The difference in adult and child acquisition strategies can be explained by a number of cognitive factors, such as the strong social attitude to the use of the native and foreign languages, as well as the ability of abstract thinking in adults. The cognitive development can explain why teenagers learn the language better than younger children, but it cannot account for the advantage of teenagers in the field of pronunciation acquisition or the childrenʼs better results in speaking over long periods of time. As far as affective aspects are concerned, many adults have problems in passing through the crucial stage (cultural stress) or they do not pass it through at all. In typical cases of language acquisition, most affective factors in the language environment are unfavorable for adults and favorable or neutral for children, creating unequal learning conditions. At the same time, some adults manage (due to individual and other factors) to approach the affective parameters of the childʼs conditions of acquisition. This may be an explanation for cases of adultsʼ rapid and effective acquisition of the foreign language.

Background: A direct link between the tryptophan (Trp) metabolite kynurenine (Kyn) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is not supported by metabolic considerations and by studies demonstrating the failure of Kyn concentrations of up to 100 μM to activate the receptor in cell culture systems using the proxy system of cytochrome P-450-dependent metabolism. The Kyn metabolite kynurenic acid (KA) activates the AhR and may mediate the Kyn link. Recent studies demonstrated down regulation and antagonism of activation of the AhR by Trp. We have addressed the link between Kyn and the AhR by looking at their direct molecular interaction in silico. Methods: Molecular docking of Kyn, KA, Trp and a range of Trp metabolites to the crystal structure of the human AhR was performed under appropriate docking conditions. Results: Trp and 30 of its metabolites docked to the AhR to various degrees, whereas Kyn and 3-hydroxykynurenine did not. The strongest docking was observed with the Trp metabolite and photooxidation product 6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), cinnabarinic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophan, N-acetyl serotonin and indol-3-yllactic acid. Strong docking was also observed with other 5-hydroxyindoles. Conclusions: We propose that the Kyn-AhR link is mediated by KA. The strong docking of Trp and its recently reported down regulation of the receptor suggest that Trp is an AhR antagonist and may thus play important roles in body homeostasis beyond known properties or simply being the precursor of biologically active metabolites. Differences in AhR activation reported in the literature are discussed.

Objective To establish in vitro the small intestinal organoid culture system and to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the growth of small intestinal organoids and the secretion of inflammatory factors. Methods In vitro, the small intestinal crypt cell mass of C57BL/6 mice was aseptically isolated, collected and embedded in organoid matrix. Under the support of complete medium, the small intestinal organoids with three-dimensional multi-leaf structure with small intestinal epithelioid structure were formed. The small intestinal organoids were subcultured after 5-7 d culture. On the third day after passage, the small intestinal organoids were randomly divided into different mass concentrations of LPS groups (0, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275 and 300 mg/L). After 24 h and 48 h of LPS induction, morphological changes of small intestinal organoid growth and differentiation were observed. CCK-8 method was used to detect the effect of different time points and mass concentrations of LPS on the proliferative activity of small intestinal organoids after induction of inflammation. The effects of four different mass concentrations of LPS (0, 175, 200 and 225 mg/L) on expression levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL) -1α, IL-6 and IL-10 in organoid culture supernatant at different times were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The mouse small intestinal organoid culture system was preliminarily constructed. After different time and mass concentration of LPS induced inflammation of small intestinal organoids, it was observed by morphology that small intestinal organoids would have different degrees of expansion and apoptosis in lumen. The proliferation, differentiation and budding of damaged intestinal epithelial crypts or intestinal stem cells were also inhibited to varying degrees, indicating that the growth of small intestinal organoids would be limited to varying degrees after induced inflammation. The proliferation activity of small intestinal organoids decreased to varying degrees after 24 h and 48 h of LPS induction at 175-225 mg/L (P＜0.05), but the cell viability was still greater than 50%. The levels of IL-1α, IL-6 and GM-CSF partially increased after induction with 200 mg/L and 225 mg/L LPS for 24 h and 48 h (P＜0.05). The level of IL-10 decreased after induction with 200 mg/L LPS for 24 h and 48 h (P＜ 0.05). Conclusion In this study, a model of intestinal inflammatory injury in vitro induced by LPS with different mass concentrations and time points is preliminarily constructed, which provides a more reliable research platform for the mechanism research of intestinal diseases and the screening of effective drugs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the association between the auditory handicap found in the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening Version (HHIE-S) questionnaire and hearing loss and the plasma levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study with 76 participants, 67 (88%) females and 9 (12%) males, with a mean age of 70 years. Tonal threshold audiometry and self-assessment with HHIE-S questionnaire were performed to measure the plasma levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10; tumor necrosis factor alpha; and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) flow cytometry method. For all data analyzed, the significance level adopted was P < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: An inverse correlation was observed between the increase in plasma levels of IFN-γ and normal auditory handicap (P= 0.015; rs=-0.280). The severe handicap group showed an increase in the averages I (P=0.005; rs=0.350) and II (P=0.016; rs=0.368) in the right ear and the light/moderate handicap group increased the means I (P=0.027; rs=0.350) and II (P=0.046; rs=0.310) of the left ear. A statistically significant association was found between the speech recognition threshold (SRT) test results of the right ear and the severe handicap group (P= 0.002; rs=0.271). Conclusions: There was an association between the increase in plasma levels of IFN-γ and normal auditory handicap. Additionally, statistically significant associations were observed between the mild/moderate and severe handicap groups with the increase in hearing means and an increase in SRT associated with the severe handicap group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the continuous advances in material sciences and techniques have helped with the establishment and development of liver organoids that can simulate the structure and function of organs in vivo. In addition to the research on traditional biological factors, the construction of microenvironments with different mechanical cues to investigate the influence of mechanical stimulation on the growth of liver organoids has also become a research focus. This article first discusses the development of liver organoids and then reviews the influence of mechanical forces of different properties on the formation of liver organoids, so as to lay a foundation for the construction of more complex and ordered liver organoids in vitro and provide ideal research models for understanding the interaction between biological and mechanical factors in the formation of liver organoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aimsImmunogenicity with formation of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) to biologics is an important reason for treatment failure in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our aim was to assess the rate of ADA, the effect of combination therapy with immunomodulators on ADA and the influence of ADA on efficacy and safety of biologics for IBD treatment.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from inception to April 2020 for trials of biologics that assessed immunogenicity. The overall certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE). The primary outcome was rate of ADA. Secondary outcomes included efficacy and safety outcomes among patients with detectable versus undetectable ADA. For dichotomous outcomes, pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.ResultsData from 68 studies were analyzed and 33 studies (5850 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled ADA rates for biologic monotherapy were 28.0% for infliximab, 7.5% for adalimumab, 3.8% for golimumab, 10.9% for certolizumab, 6.2% for ustekinumab and 16.0% for natalizumab. Pooled ADA rates were 8.4% for vedolizumab and 5.0% for etrolizumab for combo- and monotherapy combined. In all biologics, ADA rates were underestimated by use of drug-sensitive ADA assays and higher dose and/or frequency. ADA rate was significantly reduced in patients treated with combination therapy for infliximab (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.44-0.62), adalimumab (RR 0.31; 95% CI 0.14-0.69), golimumab (RR 0.29; 95% CI 0.10-0.83), certolizumab pegol (RR 0.30; 95% CI 0.14-0.67) and natalizumab (RR 0.20; 95% CI 0.11-0. 39). ADA to infliximab were associated with lower clinical response rates (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.61-0.91) and higher rates of infusion reactions (RR 2.36; 95% CI 1.85-3.01).ConclusionsDifferences in analytical methods to detect ADA hamper comparison of true ADA rates across biologics in IBD. Use of combination therapy with immunomodulators appeared to reduce ADA positivity for most biologics. For infliximab, ADA were associated with reduced drug efficacy and increased adverse events.

A continuous threat to the efficiency of human functioning, interaction and relationship due to depression serves as a rationale for this study, and it shows the need to gauge the influence of selected bio-social factors and marital adjustment on depression among perceived highly stressed couples in Ondo State, Nigeria. Adopting a correlational design, 175 highly stressed couples were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique (stratified, proportionate, purposive and random sampling techniques) and responded to standardised measures. Frequency and percentage were adopted to describe the bio-social factors of the respondents. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test the inter-relationship among the variables, while a two-step hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The result revealed that gender, religion and educational qualification predicted depression among highly stressed couples. It was also indicated that depression decreases among highly stressed couples along with a significant increase in their marital adjustment. It was concluded that bio-social factors, such as gender, religion, educational qualification, and marital adjustment, were significant predictors of depression. And factors such as age, family type, and nature of employment had no significant relationship with depression among perceived highly stressed couples.

Background: In current study, we aimed to investigate if Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is better to be categorized among behavioral or neurodevelopmental disorders, based on some familial and environmental factors. Methods: We conducted correlation analysis to identify psychiatric disorders in the dataset which have an important impact on ADHD. Also, we used machine learning-based approaches combined with a feature selection algorithm to cluster and classify ADHD as a behavioral or neurodevelopmental disorder. Results: Model evaluation showed that ADHD is clustered in the group of behavioral disorders with the accuracy of 78%. Furthermore, Support Vector Machine (SVM) classified ADHD as a behavioral disorder with the accuracy of 72.66% and as a neurodevelopmental disorder with the accuracy of 60.07%. Conclusion: In sum, we can say that our findings support categorizations systems like HiTOP in comparison to DSM-5. However, as biological factors were not included in our analysis, it should be considered with caution and examined in future researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arab Journal of Plant Protection is the property of Arab Society for Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background & aimsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study to inform the safety of exposure to immunosuppressive and/or biologic agents around conception in expectant fathers with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) on birth outcomes.MethodsUsing a deidentified administrative claims database (OptumLabs Data Warehouse), we identified 7453 expectant fathers with IMIDs (inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis) linked to newborns with periconception medication exposure between 38 and 60 weeks before the newborn birth date (34-58 weeks prior for preterm newborns) and neonatal follow-up for 3 months after the birth date. Through logistic regression adjusting for paternal age and race (and, in a subset, for maternal age, race, presence of IMIDs, and nonsingleton births), we compared the risk of major congenital malformations (primary outcome) and preterm birth and low birth weight in fathers exposed to thiopurines (n = 461), methotrexate (n = 171), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α antagonists (n = 1082), or non-TNF-targeting biologic agents (n = 132) vs fathers not exposed to any of these medications (n = 5607).ResultsAs compared to unexposed fathers (3.4% prevalence of major congenital malformations), exposure to thiopurines (relative risk [RR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-1.76), methotrexate (RR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.21-1.55), TNF-α antagonists (RR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.81-1.57), and non-TNF-targeting biologic agents (RR, 1.75; 95% CI, 0.80-3.24) was not associated with increased risk of major congenital malformations. No association was observed between paternal medication exposure and risk of preterm birth or low birth weight. Results were stable on subanalyses of linked father-mother-newborn triads.ConclusionsIn a large cohort study of 7453 expectant fathers with IMIDs, exposure to immunosuppressive or biologic agents around conception was not associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes.

Abstract The human host gets tremendously influenced by a genetically and phenotypically distinct and heterogeneous constellation of microbial species—the human microbiome—the gut being one of the most densely populated and characterized site for these organisms. Microbiome science has advanced rapidly, technically with respect to the analytical methods and biologically with respect to its mechanistic influence in health and disease states. A clinician conducting a microbiome study should be aware of the nuances related to microbiome research, especially with respect to the technical and biological factors that can influence the interpretation of research outcomes. Hence, this review is an attempt to detail these aspects of the human gut microbiome, with emphasis on its determinants in a healthy state.

Individual variability of higher mental functions depends on the family environment. An appropriate psychological environment is able to harmonize individual development while the ontogenetic individuality of human psychology depends on many systemic factors. This empirical study focused on the socio-demographic characteristics of the family, namely the income and background of the parents. Different socio-cultural family environment caused uneven development of higher mental functions and differences in the main information processing strategy in preschoolers. The financial status of the family and the level of education of the parents proved to be the most significant factors responsible for the individual differences in the development of higher mental functions in preschoolers. The sociocultural environment of the family affected the long-term individual variability of functions connected with block III of the brain, as well as those provided by the left hemisphere.

Introduction: The probability of contamination is frequently elevated in scenarios where a well and pit latrine coexist, or in situations where heavy rain causes the overflow of open excreta dumps, which in turn flush into wells and surface water. Many possible negative health effects might arise from exposure to various ecological and biological agents in the environment. Therefore, there is a need to examine the risk of disease transmission in Ife North Local Government Area (LGA) of Osun state, using epidemiological, environmental, and ecological factors. Materials and Methods: Geostatistical analysis was used to examine the epidemiological risk, based on various environmental, biological, and ecological variables. The technique employed demonstrated the complexity and multiple parameters that raise the probability of an epidemic. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine whether or not the data were normally distributed. Fuzzy logic, correlation, and spline surface interpolation analysis were conducted using ArcGIS 10.3 and ENVI 5.0 software. Three levels of epidemic risk were used to construct the disease surveillance and projection maps. Results: According to the final susceptibility map, 8.08 km2 of 460.12 km2 of the research area were considered to be at very low risk for an epidemic, followed by 364.98km2 of low risk and 87.06km2 of moderate risk areas, with percentages of 1.75%, 79.32%, and 18.92%, respectively. Conclusion: A very substantial correlation was observed between biological and ecological components and water-borne diseases. It is, therefore, advised that all water sources be treated before consumption, and community involvement be encouraged in environmental sanitation programs.

Starch digestion rate and location in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are critical for human health. This review aims to present a comprehensive summary on our current understanding of physiological, biochemical, anatomical and geometrical factors of human digestive system that are related to in vivo starch digestibility. It is shown that all digestive compartments including mouth, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine play critical roles in regulating the overall starch digestion process. A proper investigation of starch digestion pattern should thus be based on the consideration of all these compartments. Main biological factors are summarized as oral mastication and salivation, gastric emptying and motility, small intestinal enzymes and motility, large intestinal resistant starch (RS)-microbiota interactions and gut-brain feedback control, as well as glucose adsorption and hormonal feedback control. However, connections among these biological factors in determining starch digestive behaviors remain elusive. This is due to the inherent complexity of human GIT anatomy, motility and biochemical conditions, as well as ethical, financial and technical issues in conducting clinical studies. Much technological and scientific efforts from both clinical studies and in vitro simulation models are required for a better understanding of in vivo starch digestion behaviors.

Background Abnormal endothelial function in the lungs is implicated in the development of pulmonary hypertension; however, there is little information about the difference of endothelial function between small distal pulmonary artery (PA) and large proximal PA and their contribution to the development of pulmonary hypertension. Herein, we investigate endothelium-dependent relaxation in different orders of PAs and examine the molecular mechanisms by which chronic hypoxia attenuates endothelium-dependent pulmonary vasodilation, leading to pulmonary hypertension. Methods and Results Endothelium-dependent relaxation in large proximal PAs (second order) was primarily caused by releasing NO from the endothelium, whereas endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH)-mediated vasodilation was prominent in small distal PAs (fourth-fifth order). Chronic hypoxia abolished EDH-mediated relaxation in small distal PAs without affecting smooth muscle-dependent relaxation. RNA-sequencing data revealed that, among genes related to EDH, the levels of Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and IK were altered in mouse pulmonary endothelial cells isolated from chronically hypoxic mice in comparison to mouse pulmonary endothelial cells from normoxic control mice. The protein levels were significantly lower for connexin 40 (Cx40) and higher for connexin 37 in mouse pulmonary endothelial cells from hypoxic mice than normoxic mice. Cx40 knockout mice exhibited significant attenuation of EDH-mediated relaxation and marked increase in right ventricular systolic pressure. Interestingly, chronic hypoxia led to a further increase in right ventricular systolic pressure in Cx40 knockout mice without altering EDH-mediated relaxation. Furthermore, overexpression of Cx40 significantly decreased right ventricular systolic pressure in chronically hypoxic mice. Conclusions These data suggest that chronic hypoxia-induced downregulation of endothelial Cx40 results in impaired EDH-mediated relaxation in small distal PAs and contributes to the development of pulmonary hypertension.

The prevalence of older persons with HIV (PWH) disease has increased considerably in the last 20 years, but our understanding of biological factors of aging and their clinical correlates among PWH remains limited. Study participants were 149 persons aged 50 and older, including 107 PWH and 42 seronegatives. All participants completed a blood draw, research medical evaluation, structured psychiatric interview, neurocognitive assessment, questionnaires, and measures of health literacy. Four epigenetic clocks were generated from stored blood samples using standardized laboratory methods. In regression models adjusting for sex and smoking status, PWH had significantly higher epigenetic aging acceleration values than seronegatives on all four indicators. Within the PWH sample, higher levels of epigenetic aging acceleration were moderately associated with lower current CD4 count, AIDS diagnoses, higher scores on the Veterans Aging Cohort Study Index, and lower telomere values. Higher epigenetic aging acceleration indices were also associated with lower health literacy among PWH. PWH experience accelerated aging as measured by a series of epigenetic clocks, which may be linked to immune compromise and risk of all-cause mortality. Health literacy may be a modifiable target for mitigating the risk of accelerated aging among older PWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-stroke depression (PSD), one of the most common complications following stroke, affects approximately one-third of stroke patients and is significantly associated with increased disability and mortality as well as decreased quality of life, which makes it an important public health concern. Treatment of PSD significantly ameliorates depressive symptoms and improves the prognosis of stroke. The authors discuss the critical aspects of the clinical application of prediction and preventive treatment of PSD. Then, the authors update the biological factors associated with the onset of PSD. Furthermore, they summarize the recent progress in pharmacological preventive treatment in clinical trials and propose potential treatment targets. The authors also discuss the current roadblocks in the preventive treatment of PSD. Finally, the authors put postulate potential directions for future studies so as to discover accurate predictors and provide individualized preventive treatment. Sorting out high-risk PSD patients using reliable predictors will greatly assist PSD management. Indeed, some predictors not only predict the incidence of PSD but also predict prognosis, which indicates that they might also aid the development of an individualized treatment scheme. Preventive application of antidepressants may also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluated the severity ratings for anorexia nervosa (AN) in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5) and an alternative severity rating based on overvaluation of weight/shape, on a range of psychological and biological variables. Method: A sample of 312 treatment‐seeking patients with AN (mean age = 25.3, SD = 7.6; mean BMI = 16.8 kg/m2, SD = 2.4) were categorised using both DSM‐5 severity levels (mild/moderate/severe/extreme) and weight/shape (low/high) overvaluation. The severity categories were compared on a range of psychological (e.g., eating psychopathology) and biological (e.g., sodium) variables. Results: Results showed that the overvaluation of weight/shape appeared better at indexing the level of severity in psychological variables among patients with AN compared to the DSM‐5 severity rating with moderate to large effect sizes. Moreover, the DSM‐5 mild and moderate severity groups experienced significantly higher eating and general psychopathology than the severe and extreme groups. Finally, neither the DSM‐5 nor the weight/shape severity groups differed on any of the biological variables. Conclusions: This study provided no support for the DSM‐5 severity rating for AN, while initial support was found for the weight/shape overvaluation approach in indexing psychological but not biological correlates. Highlights: This study assessed both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐5 (DSM‐5) and the alternative severity indices for anorexia nervosa (AN) using overvaluation of weight and shape on a range of psychological (e.g., eating psychopathology) and biological (e.g., sodium, potassium level) correlates.Overvaluation of weight/shape appeared to be better at indexing the level of severity in psychological variables among patients with AN compared to the DSM‐5 severity rating with moderate to large effect sizes.Neither the DSM‐5 nor the weight/shape severity groups were able to index the level of severity in biological variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the extent biological factors predict hyperactive behaviours of pupils in South East, Nigeria. The study adopted a correlational research design. Two research questions and two null hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance, guided the study. The research questions and hypotheses sought to establish the extent of relationship that exists between biological factors and hyperactive behaviours of pupils. The sample for the study consisted of 1,566 (713 males and 853 females) respondents drawn through multi-stage sampling procedure from 3915 (1857 males and 2058) primary five pupils with hyperactive behaviour in 5477 public primary schools in South East, Nigeria. The data obtained through the administration of the instruments were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient to answer research questions. Linear regression was used to test null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed the following findings: Biological factors to a very highly positive and significant extent predicted hyperactive behaviours of pupils in the South-East Zone of Nigeria. Biological factors predicted 82.10% of the variance observed in hyperactive behaviours of pupils; there was no significant gender difference in the relationship between biological factors and hyperactive behaviours of pupils. Gender predicted only 11.4% of the variance observed in the relationship between biological factors and hyperactive behaviours of pupils. Among the educational implications was that the study could provide supportive frameworks from which one can assess how the pupils explore the environment and master the challenges within that environment. It was thus recommended that Educational psychologists, school counsellors and teachers should provide primary school pupils with hyperactive behaviour and their parents information from this study; which would help them understand the primary components of biological approach to hyperactivity and the impact of hyperactivity in the exploration of the environment of pupils with hyperactive behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Depression commonly occurs during pregnancy and has become a major public health concern. Depression not only affects the individual but also causes adverse consequences for families and children. However, little is known regarding the depression status and its influencing factors in women during late pregnancy in China. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of maternal depressive symptoms in late pregnancy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and further explore the effect of biological, psychological, and social factors on depressive symptoms. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among eligible women in the late pregnancy stage and underwent prenatal examination at Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Jiangsu Province, Eastern China from December 2022 to February 2023. Data regarding depressive symptoms and biological, psychological, and social factors of the pregnant women were collected via a structured questionnaire. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact tests, and binary logistics regression were used to analyze the data. Results: In total, 535 women in the late pregnancy stage were included in this study, 75 (14.0%) of whom exhibited depressive symptoms. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that pregnant women who were multiparous (OR: 2.420, 95% CI: 1.188-4.932) and hadmoderate or severe insomnia symptoms (OR: 4.641, 95% CI: 1.787-12.057), anxiety (OR: 8.879, 95% CI: 4.387-17.971), high fear of COVID-19 (OR: 2.555, 95% CI: 1.255-5.199), moderate or severe family dysfunction (OR: 2.256, 95% CI: 1.141-4.461), and poor social support (OR: 2.580, 95% CI: 1.050-6.337) tended to show depressive symptoms. Conversely, pregnant women who received regular prenatal care (OR: 0.481, 95% CI: 0.243-0.951) and had good drinking water quality at home (OR: 0.493, 95% CI: 0.247-0.984) were more likely to avoid developing depressive symptoms. Conclusion: This study found that the prevalence of maternal depressive symptoms during late pregnancy was high and had multiple influencing factors. Thus, screening for depressive symptoms in women in the late pregnancy stage and providing special intervention programs are necessary, especially for those with risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The triggers and pathogenesis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are not yet completely understood. However, therapeutic agents targeting tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-17 inflammatory pathways have proven successful in suppressing many of the clinical symptoms and signs of axSpA, giving us an indication of which pathways are responsible for initiating and maintaining the inflammation. The mechanisms that eventuate in syndesmophytes and ankyloses are less clear. This review addresses these two critical pathways of inflammation, discussing their nature and these factors that may activate or enhance the pathways in patients with axSpA. In addition, genetic and other markers important to the inflammatory pathways implicated in axSpA are explored, and prognostic biomarkers are discussed. Treatment options available for the management of axSpA and their associated targets are highlighted.

Winter jujube is a major economic crop in Shandong Zhanhua, Shaanxi Dali, Hebei Huanghua and other regions in my country. It is loved by people because of its rich nutrition and crisp taste. Furthermore, it is a common seasonal fruit with large yield, affordable price and high market share. In this paper, the fresh-keeping technology of winter jujube is summarized, and the fresh-keeping technology of winter jujube is systematically discussed from three aspects of physics, chemistry and biology. It focuses on the application and current situation of modified atmosphere preservation and coating preservation technology. This paper provides a reference for the further development of winter jujube preservation technology, and at the same time provides a reference for the preservation of other jujube and its products, which further promotes the progress and development of the food industry.

The cheap and easy technology of biological weapons has become a legitimate threat, now. This is no longer limited to the realm of a scientific mythology, nor is it limited to specific geographical areas. Biological terrorism (bioterrorism) against individuals may cause death, disease, weakness and panic in a society, cause social disruption and become a threat to international peace, security, and public order. Using a descriptive-analytical method, the present study delves into the subject matter of this phenomenon, to express the nature and characteristics of biological attack and then in light of the principles and sources in international law and Islam gives a jurisprudential and legal analysis of biological attack. According to Islamic law and jurisprudence, the tenets of human rights and especially the right to life, and moral values, any biological weapon in any form that targets the innocent and the civilians is not allowed; It is indeed more of a “bloodshed” in that many innocents are killed and is a prototype example of “corruption on Earth” as presumed in Islam.

Purpose: This study was conducted to present a model for the emergence of leadership hubris and how this syndrome is formed. Methodology: In terms of purpose, the research was applied and to collect data, survey method was used. The statistical population consisted of experts who were selected through snowball sampling method and the sample was based on the principle of theoretical adequacy. The present study combined both qualitative and quantitative approaches. In the qualitative part, the data collection tool was semi-structured interview. Coding method, together with Atlas.ti software, was used to analyze the data. Besides, in the quantitative part, questionnaires were administered and interpretive structural modeling was applied for data analysis. Findings: Results indicate that the formation of hubris model involving leaders includes four factors and stages as follow: predisposing factors, behavioral factors, the occurrence of hubris syndrome and the consequences arising from hubristic leaders. At the first level are the underlying factors that cause the shaping of hubristic behaviors which later emerge at the second level. Then, in the third level, they form the main characteristics of hubristic leaders. Eventually, at the final level of the model, the consequences of hubris in leaders occur. They include focus on decision-making, arrogant leadership, authoritarian management, irrational dominance, and weakening of their intellectual capacity. Originality: This research studies a recent organizational phenomenon called hubristic leadership and provides a model showing how it is formed. Thus, it gives some insight to managers as to the nature and function syndrome. Implications: the model of hubristic leadership, as described in the present study, provides suggestions for state organizations to try to prevent its formation as well as the complication and the harmful effects that this phenomenon may bring about.

According to a survey published by the National Center for Health Statistics, depression can affect people of any age, but the prevalence of the condition was shown to be second greatest among people aged 65 and older. The most significant repercussion of late-life depressed syndrome is an increase in the overall death rate, which can be attributed to either suicide or other illnesses. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the impacts of depression caused by biological factors, interpersonal variables, and other socially linked factors on Vietnamese senior people. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used to evaluate and screen the elderly for signs of geriatric depression in the final data set, which included 630 males (40.1% of the total) and 942 females (59.9% of the total). The participants ranged in age from 60 to 80 years and were all older than that. The most important findings revealed that aspects of this study, such as gender and the amount of time spent sleeping each day, had the potential to operate as predictors of elderly depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The morbidity of early-term newborns (ETNBs) is associated with the immaturity of their organs and maternal biological factors (MBF). In this study, we determined the relationship between MBF and early-term birth. In addition, we assessed the role of gestational age (GA) and MBF in the morbidity of ETNBs compared with full-term newborns (FTNBs). Methods: This retrospective cohort included ETNBs and FTNBs. The frequency of morbidities was compared between groups stratified by GA with the X2 test or Fisher's exact test. The association of MBF with GA and morbidity was calculated using binomial regression models between the variables that correlated with the morbidity of the ETNBs using Spearman's correlation. A significance level of 5% was estimated for all analyses. Results: The probability of morbidity at birth for ETNBs was 1.9-fold higher than for FTNBs (37.5% vs. 19.9%), as they required more admission to the neonatal unit and more days of hospitalization; the most frequent pathology was jaundice. The MBF associated with early term birth were hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aRR = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-1.6), intrauterine growth restriction (aRR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.3-1.6), and chronic hypertension (aRR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.4-1.8). No association was found between MBF and morbidity at 37 and 38 weeks. Conclusions: The morbidity among ETNBs is related to physiological immaturity. The adverse MBF favor a hostile intrauterine environment, which affects fetal and neonatal well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human host gets tremendously influenced by a genetically and phenotypically distinct and heterogeneous constellation of microbial species—the human microbiome—the gut being one of the most densely populated and characterized site for these organisms. Microbiome science has advanced rapidly, technically with respect to the analytical methods and biologically with respect to its mechanistic influence in health and disease states. A clinician conducting a microbiome study should be aware of the nuances related to microbiome research, especially with respect to the technical and biological factors that can influence the interpretation of research outcomes. Hence, this review is an attempt to detail these aspects of the human gut microbiome, with emphasis on its determinants in a healthy state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Handgrip strength (HGS) is commonly measured to assess hand function, however, little is known about how and why occupational therapists assess and interpret HGS. This study aimed to explore the experiences of occupational therapists who work with HGS. Additionally, the study explored what biological and functional factors occupational therapists believe influence adult HGS. Method: A qualitative study design utilising purposive sampling identified occupational therapy clinicians within Queensland, Australia who assess HGS. Data were collected from 19 participants using a semi-structured interview process. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Variations of the American Society of Hand Therapists HGS testing procedure were used by the participants based on experience. When evaluating HGS, comparison to normative data was not always completed or seen to be valuable. Biological and functional factors such as height, hand length, occupation and lifestyle factors were considered to influence HGS. Conclusion: The results of this study provide insight into the various ways occupational therapists assess and evaluate HGS according to experience and practice context. These variations in assessment and evaluation of HGS along with the influence of an individual's biological and functional factors need to be considered when interpreting HGS results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinated and harmonic (synchronous) ventricular electrical activation is essential for better left ventricular systolic function. Intraventricular conduction abnormalities, such as left bundle branch block due to artificial cardiac pacing, lead to electromechanical "dyssynchronopathy" with deleterious structural and clinical consequences. The aim of this review was to describe and improve the understanding of all the processes connecting the several mechanisms involved in the development of artificially induced ventricular dyssynchrony by cardiac pacing, most known as pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PiCM). The chronic effect of abnormal impulse conduction and nonphysiological ectopic activation by artificial cardiac pacing is suspected to affect metabolism and myocardial perfusion, triggering regional differences in the activation/contraction processes that cause electrical and structural remodeling due to damage, inflammation, and fibrosis of the cardiac tissue. The effect of artificial cardiac pacing on ventricular function and structure can be multifactorial, and biological factors underlying PiCM could affect the time and probability of developing the condition. PiCM has not been included in the traditional classification of cardiomyopathies, which can hinder detection. This article reviews the available evidence for pacing-induced cardiovascular disease, the current understanding of its pathophysiology, and reinforces the adverse effects of right ventricular pacing, especially right ventricular pacing burden (commonly measured in percentage) and its repercussion on ventricular contraction (reflected by the impact on left ventricular systolic function). These effects might be the main defining criteria and determining mechanisms of the pathophysiology and the clinical repercussion seen on patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gingival recession was treated with gum drop technique (GDT) along with pericardial membrane, advanced platelet rich fibrin (A-PRF) and injectable platelet rich fibrin (i-PRF) in the defect sites for regeneration of soft tissue. Patient Concerns: Several 3-4 mm of recession sites in the maxillary right and left canine and premolar region. These sites were selected and divided into two groups: A and B based on the application with A-PRF and pericardium, respectively. Probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), recession height (RH), recession width (RW) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) were assessed. The keratinized tissue width (KTW) was measured as the distance between the marginal gingiva and the mucogingival junction. Treatment: The defects were treated with the GDT following irrigation with i-PRF and followed up for 6 months. Both groups achieved significant root coverage which was stable even after 6 months post operatively. Keratinized tissue showed a 1 mm gain with pericardial membrane.