Blood-based epigenome-wide association study and prediction of alcohol consumption.

Alcohol consumption is an important risk factor for multiple diseases. It is typically assessed via self-report, which is open to measurement error through recall bias. Instead, molecular data such as blood-based DNA methylation (DNAm) could be used to derive a more objective measure of alcohol consumption by incorporating information from cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites known to be linked to the trait.

The posterior cruciate ligament angle in the setting of anterior cruciate ligament deficient knees: the effect of gender, age, time from injury and tibial slope.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) angle in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knees and correlate it with anatomical and demographic factors such as tibial slope, anterior tibial translation, age, gender, and time of injury.

Material And Methods: Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were clinically diagnosed with an ACL tear confirmed by MRI. For each patient, the following parameters were evaluated: PCL angle (PCLA), medial tibial slope (MTS), lateral tibial slope (LTS), medial anterior tibial translation (MATT), and lateral anterior tibial translation (LATT).

[Formula: see text]-roaming dynamics in the formation of [Formula: see text] following two-photon double ionization of ethanol and aminoethanol.

Roaming reactions involving a neutral fragment of a molecule that transiently wanders around another fragment before forming a new bond are intriguing and peculiar pathways for molecular rearrangement. Such reactions can occur for example upon double ionization of small organic molecules, and have recently sparked much scientific interest. We have studied the dynamics of the [Formula: see text]-roaming reaction leading to the formation of [Formula: see text] after two-photon double ionization of ethanol and 2-aminoethanol, using an XUV-UV pump-probe scheme.

Epigenetic variation in light of population genetic practice.

The evolutionary impact of epigenetic variation depends on its transgenerational stability and source - whether genetically determined, environmentally induced, or due to spontaneous, genotype-independent mutations. Here, we evaluate current approaches for investigating an independent role of epigenetics in evolution, pinpointing methodological challenges. We further identify opportunities arising from integrating epigenetic data with population genetic analyses in natural populations.

Clinically Meaningful Upstaging and Upgrading in Favorable Intermediate-Risk Radical Prostatectomy Patients.

Introduction: In NCCN favorable intermediate-risk (FIR) prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP), we tested the effect of upstaging and upgrading on cancer-specific mortality (CSM).

Methods: Within the SEER database (2010-2021), upstaging (≥pT3a or pN1) and upgrading (ISUP ≥3) rates in FIR RP patients were tabulated. Kaplan-Meier (KM) plots and multivariable Cox-regression models (CRMs) were fitted.

Influence of frailty status on the incidence of intraoperative hypotensive events in elective surgery: Hypo-Frail, a single-centre retrospective cohort study.

Background: Frailty is a predictor of morbidity and mortality in older patients. This study aimed to investigate the influence of frailty status on likelihood, rate, duration, and severity of intraoperative hypotension (IOH), which can lead to severe organ dysfunction.

Methods: Surgical patients (≥70 yr old) with preoperative frailty assessment were analysed retrospectively.

Platelet extracellular vesicles-loaded hydrogel bandages for personalized wound care.

Autologous or allogeneic platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (pEVs) show potential in enhancing tissue recovery and healing chronic wounds. pEVs promote neovascularization and cell migration while reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and scarring. However, their efficacy in clinical settings is challenged by their susceptibility to washout by wound exudate.

Automatic segmentation of cortical bone microstructure: Application and analysis of three proximal femur sites.

Osteoporosis is the most common bone metabolic unbalance, leading to fragility fractures, which are known to be associated with structural changes in the bone. Cortical bone accounts for 80 % of the skeleton mass and undergoes remodeling throughout life, leading to changes in its thickness and microstructure. Although many studies quantified the different cortical bone structures using CT techniques (3D), they are often realised on a small number of samples.

Neuromonitoring-guided anesthesia depth versus four-minute anesthesia-to-stimulation time interval in electroconvulsive therapy for depressive disorders - A single-blinded, prospective, randomized and controlled study.

Background: Anesthesia depth influences seizure quality in patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). EEG-based neuromonitoring has been shown to detect adequate anesthesia depth for ECT. Anesthesia depth-guided ECT management may therefore be a reliable alternative to the predetermined anesthesia-to-stimulation time interval.

Specific symptomatology profile associated with treatment resistant depression: A multicentric study from the Group for the Study of Resistant Depression with a focus on sex.

Background: Clinical predictors of treatment-resistant depression could improve treatment strategies. Depressive symptom profiles at baseline are potential outcome predictors, but little evidence is available, and sex-specific profiles have been scarcely investigated.

Methods: Baseline symptom scores of 1294 patients with major depressive disorder were assessed by the Montgomery-Åsberg depression rating scale (MADRS) as part of a multicenter study by the "Group for the Studies of Resistant Depression".

Cytoplasmic mRNA decay controlling inflammatory gene expression is determined by pre-mRNA fate decision.

The fidelity of immune responses depends on timely controlled and selective mRNA degradation that is largely driven by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). It remains unclear whether stochastic or directed processes govern the selection of an individual mRNA molecule for degradation. Using human and mouse cells, we show that tristetraprolin (TTP, also known as ZFP36), an essential anti-inflammatory RBP, destabilizes target mRNAs via a hierarchical molecular assembly.

General Movements as Predictive Tool of Neurological Outcomes in Term-Born Infants With Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy at Ages Six and 12 Months.

Background: To explore the utility of general movements assessment as a predictive tool of the neurological outcome in term-born infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) at ages six and 12 months.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted for 18 months (August 2018 to December 2019). Term-born newborns with HIE were included.

Synergistic effects of allantoin and Achyranthes japonica-biochar profoundly alleviate lead toxicity during barley growth.

Lead (Pb), a toxic metal, causes severe health hazards to both humans and plants due to environmental pollution. Biochar addition has been efficiently utilized to enhance growth of plants as well as yield in the presence of Pb-induced stress. The present research introduces a novel use of biochar obtained from the weed Achyranthes japonica to enhance the growth of plants in Pb-contaminated soil.

Psychedelics and connectedness to natural and social worlds: An examination of the evidence and a proposed conceptual framework.

Recent research suggests that serotonergic psychedelics may simultaneously enhance connectedness to both social and natural worlds. This article synthesizes current evidence regarding psychedelics' effects on nature relatedness and social connectedness, examining underlying mechanisms through the framework of self-other overlap. Psychedelics appear to facilitate self-expansion through two complementary mechanisms: ego dissolution, which temporarily alters self-boundaries, and enhanced emotional processing, which increases empathic concern.

Prototype of AI-powered assistance system for digitalisation of manual waste sorting.

Global waste generation is projected to reach 3.40 billion tons by 2050, necessitating improved waste sorting for effective recycling and progress toward a circular economy. Achieving this transformation requires higher sorting intensity through intensified processes, increased efficiency, and enhanced yield.

Assessing learning, behaviour, and stress level in goats while testing a virtual fencing training protocol.

Virtual fencing (VF) is a modern fencing technology using Global Positioning System-enabled collars which emit acoustic signals and, if the animal does not respond, electric pulses. Studies with cattle indicate successful learning and no distinct negative impact on the animals' behaviours and stress level. However, the number of studies testing VF with goats is relatively small.

Supporting rotational grazing systems with virtual fencing: paddock transitions, beef heifer performance, and stress response.

Animal welfare is integral to sustainable livestock production, and pasture access for cattle is known to enhance welfare. Despite positive welfare impacts, high labour requirements hinder the adoption of sustainable grazing practices such as rotational stocking management. Virtual fencing (VF) is an innovative technology for simplified, less laborious grazing management and remote animal monitoring, potentially facilitating the expansion of sustainable livestock production.

Protocol for the fabrication of self-standing (nano)cellulose-based 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Three-dimensional (3D) and porous scaffolds made from nanocellulosic materials hold significant potential in tissue engineering (TE). Here, we present a protocol for fabricating self-standing (nano)cellulose-based 3D scaffolds designed for in vitro testing of cells from skin and cartilage tissues. We describe steps for preparation of nanocellulose ink, scaffold formation using 3D printing, and freeze-drying.

Impact of mechanical ventilation on severe acute kidney injury in critically ill patients with and without COVID-19 - a multicentre propensity matched analysis.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in critically ill patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Its complications often require renal replacement therapy (RRT). Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and infections are considered risk factors for the occurrence of AKI.

Unmet clinical needs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome regarding fertility and obesity: a cross-sectional study from the patient's perspective.

Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, often leading to anovulatory infertility. Obesity exacerbates the reproductive, metabolic and psychological features of PCOS, making fertility treatment and patient satisfaction difficult. Despite guidelines from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) emphasizing lifestyle modifications and specific treatments, there remains a significant gap in adherence to these guidelines by both healthcare providers and patients.

High-dose glucocorticoid treatment vs. glucocorticoid replacement in immune checkpoint inhibitor associated hypophysitis (CORTICI): an open, randomised controlled trial.

Objective: One of the most severe endocrine side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is hypophysitis leading to adrenal insufficiency. Recovery is rare, although it has been reported after high-dose glucocorticoid treatment. This is the first randomised study to evaluate whether hormonal recovery differs in patients treated with high-dose glucocorticoids versus glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

One-minute sit-to-stand test cut-offs for risk stratification based on six-minute walk test thresholds in pulmonary hypertension.

Aims: We aimed to establish one-minute sit-to-stand test (1-min STST) cut-off values that align with the guideline-recommended six-minute walk test (6MWT) thresholds (165m and 440m) for one-year mortality risk stratification in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients. Furthermore, we aimed to compare clinical characteristics and long-term mortality among patients stratified by these proposed 1-min STST cut-offs.

Methods: All patients performed the 1-min STST and 6MWT.

The Performance of Topical Insulin in Persistent Corneal Epithelial Defects and Persistent Corneal Ulcers - A Case Series.

Purpose: To retrospectively describe the performance of topical insulin in persistent corneal epithelial defects (CED) and persistent corneal ulcers.

Methods: We reviewed cases of patients treated for persistent CED and persistent corneal ulcers using topical insulin in a concentration of 25 IU per milliliter three times per day. The closure rate of CED and corneal ulcers was the main outcome measure.

Combining Brillouin Light Scattering Spectroscopy and Machine-Learned Interatomic Potentials to Probe Mechanical Properties of Metal-Organic Frameworks.

The mechanical properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are of high fundamental and practical relevance. A particularly intriguing technique for determining anisotropic elastic tensors is Brillouin scattering, which so far has rarely been used for highly complex materials like MOFs. In the present contribution, we apply this technique to study a newly synthesized MOF-type material, referred to as GUT2.