Insulin resistance compromises midbrain organoid neuronal activity and metabolic efficiency predisposing to Parkinson's disease pathology.

Growing evidence indicates that type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) through shared disease mechanisms. Studies show that insulin resistance, which is the driving pathophysiological mechanism of T2D plays a major role in neurodegeneration by impairing neuronal functionality, metabolism and survival. To investigate insulin resistance caused pathological changes in the human midbrain, which could predispose a healthy midbrain to PD development, we exposed iPSC-derived human midbrain organoids from healthy individuals to either high insulin concentration, promoting insulin resistance, or to more physiological insulin concentration restoring insulin signalling function.

Evaluating plasma biomarkers NfL, GFAP, GDF15, and FGF21 as indicators of disease severity in Charcot-Marie Tooth patients.

Background: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a slowly advancing hereditary nerve disorder, presents a significant challenge in the medical field. Effective drugs for treatment are lacking, and we struggle to find sensitive markers to track the disease's severity and progression. In this study, our objective was to investigate the levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in individuals with CMT and to compare them to a control group.

Large language models for pretreatment education in pediatric radiation oncology: A comparative evaluation study.

Background And Purpose: Pediatric radiotherapy patients and their parents are usually aware of their need for radiotherapy early on, but they meet with a radiation oncologist later in their treatment. Consequently, they search for information online, often encountering unreliable sources. Large language models (LLMs) have the potential to serve as an educational pretreatment tool, providing reliable answers to their questions.

Global impact of 10- and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on pneumococcal meningitis in all ages: the PSERENADE project.

Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) introduced in childhood national immunization programs lowered vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), but replacement with non-vaccine-types persisted throughout the PCV10/13 follow-up period. We assessed PCV10/13 impact on pneumococcal meningitis incidence globally.

Methods: The number of cases with serotyped pneumococci detected in cerebrospinal fluid and population denominators were obtained from surveillance sites globally.

Fluctuations in circulating cell-free mitochondrial and nuclear DNA copy numbers in blood plasma after anti-tuberculosis drug intake in patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis.

Biomarker research characterising the effect of anti-tuberculosis (TB) chemotherapy on systemic body response is still limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate fluctuations in circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) and circulating cell-free nuclear DNA (ccf-nDNA) copy number (CN) in blood plasma of patients with drug-susceptible TB (DS-TB) and to decipher factors related to these fluctuations. The results showed considerable changes in ccf-mtDNA CN in plasma samples before drug intake and 2 and 6 h afterwards, with high inter patient variability at each time point.

Plasma Lipid Profile Among Perimenopausal Latvian Women in Relation to Dietary Habits.

Hormonal changes throughout a woman's life cycle significantly affect serum lipid levels. Alterations in the serum lipid profile can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Additionally, nutrition and dietary habits are crucial for managing dyslipidemia.

Fluorescence Cholangiography for Extrahepatic Bile Duct Visualization in Urgent Mild and Moderate Acute Cholecystitis Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Prospective Pilot Study.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis carries an increased risk of biliovascular injuries. Fluorescence cholangiography (FC) is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying extrahepatic bile ducts (EHBD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of FC in delineating EHBD anatomy, both before and after dissection, based on the critical view of safety (CVS) principles.

Human Defence Factors in Different Gestational Week Placenta: A Pilot Study.

Background: Numerous studies have shown the presence of multiple defence factors in placental tissue, although their role is partially understood; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB); human beta-defensin 2, 3, and 4 (HBD-2,3,4); cathelicidine (LL-37); heat shock protein 60 (HSP60); and interleukin 10 (IL-10) in dissimilar gestational week placental tissue and display correlations between immunoreactive cells.

Methods: A total of 15 human placental tissue samples were acquired from mothers with different gestational weeks: 28, 31, and 40. Routine staining and immunohistochemistry for the samples were executed.

Amygdala Nuclei Atrophy in Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: Insights from High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Cognitive impairment affects memory, reasoning, and problem-solving, with early detection being critical for effective management. The amygdala, a key structure in emotional processing and memory, may play a pivotal role in detecting cognitive decline. This study examines differences in amygdala nuclei volumes in patients with varying levels of cognitive performance to evaluate its potential as a biomarker.

Functional and Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Cognitive Tests and Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain Levels.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. The disease can manifest and progress with both physical and cognitive symptoms, affecting the patient's daily activities. The aim of our study was to investigate the correlation between functional status, cognitive functions, and neurofilament light chain levels in plasma in MS patients.

The Association of Plasma Selenium and Selenoprotein P Levels with Depression Severity and Anxiety Symptoms Among Medical Students in Latvia.

: Oxidative stress has been identified as a key process involved in different diseases, particularly depression. Selenium (Se) protects against oxidative stress, one of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in affective disorders. Selenium is incorporated into antioxidant selenoproteins, such as selenoprotein P, which acts as the main selenium-transport protein in plasma and as an extracellular oxidant defense mechanism.

Exploring Literacy and Knowledge Gaps and Disparities in Genetics and Oncogenomics Among Cancer Patients and the General Population: A Scoping Review.

Background: Genetic and genomic literacy is pivotal in empowering cancer patients and citizens to navigate the complexities of omics sciences, resolve misconceptions surrounding clinical research and genetic/genomic testing, and make informed decisions about their health. In a fast-evolving scenario where routine testing has become widespread in healthcare, this scoping review sought to pinpoint existing gaps in literacy and understanding among cancer patients and the general public regarding genetics and genomics.

Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA framework, the review included 43 studies published between January 2018 and June 2024, which evaluated the understanding of genetics and genomics among cancer patients, caregivers, and citizens.

Characteristics of children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and their association with treatment outcomes: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Background: There are few data on the treatment of children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant (MDR) or rifampicin-resistant (RR) tuberculosis, especially with more recently available drugs and regimens. We aimed to describe the clinical and treatment characteristics and their associations with treatment outcomes in this susceptible population.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

HBM4EU E-waste study - An untargeted metabolomics approach to characterize metabolic changes during E-waste recycling.

E-waste contains hazardous chemicals that may be a direct health risk for workers involved in recycling. We conducted an untargeted metabolomics analysis of urine samples collected from male e-waste processing workers to explore metabolic changes associated with chemical exposures in e-waste recycling in Belgium, Finland, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal. Questionnaire data and urine samples were obtained from workers involved in the processing of e-waste (sorting, dismantling, shredding, pre-processing, metal, and non-metal processing), as well as from controls with no known occupational exposure.

General practitioners' clinical decision-making in patients that could have cancer: a vignette study comparing the Baltic states with four Nordic countries.

Objective: Relative one-year cancer survival rates in the Baltic states are lower than the European mean; in the Nordic countries they are higher than the mean. This study investigated the likelihood of General Practitioners (GPs) investigating or referring patients with a low but significant risk of cancer in these two regions, and how this was affected by GP demographics.

Design: A survey of GPs using clinical vignettes.

V̇Opeak estimation in people with overweight and obesity before and after a 14-week lifestyle intervention.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the validity and applicability of a non-exercise estimation of cardiorespiratory fitness using resting seismocardiography (SCG eV̇Opeak) in people with overweight and obesity before and after a 14-week lifestyle intervention.

Methods: The study was carried out at a Folk high school that offers 14-week courses on lifestyle changes where participants live at the school and voluntarily participate in daily lectures and activities. Sixty-seven men and women with age and body mass index between 18 and 70 years and 25-50 kg·m were tested at baseline, and 52 had a follow-up test after 14 weeks.

Effects of and on the duodenal development of specific-pathogen-free broiler chickens.

Background And Aim: The positive effects of and on growth and feed consumption indicators have been described; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether the addition of CNCM-I-3699 (2.10 GU/g) and CNCM-I-3698 (2.

Digital dietary interventions for healthy adolescents: A systematic review of behavior change techniques, engagement strategies, and adherence.

Background: Adolescence is a crucial phase for developing healthy eating habits with lifelong health implications. Digital interventions, such as smartphone apps and web platforms, have emerged as promising strategies to promote healthy eating habits among adolescents by using behavior change techniques (BCTs). This study aims to systematically review internet-based dietary interventions targeting adolescents, focusing on the analysis of BCTs employed, their delivery modes, and their impact on adolescents' adherence and engagement.

Deep Neck Infections. Review of 111 cases.

<b>Introduction:</b> Deep neck infections (DNI) are potentially life-threatening conditions. The infections are commonly polymicrobial, and develop as a result of oral cavity infections, tonsilitis, laryngitis, trauma, or malignancy. Timely diagnostics and management are essential to prevent severe complications such as airway obstruction, sepsis or mediastinitis.

A diagnostic host-specific transcriptome response for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia to guide pediatric patient treatment.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes atypical pneumonia in children and young adults. Its lack of a cell wall makes it resistant to beta-lactams, which are the first-line treatment for typical pneumonia. Current diagnostic tests are time-consuming and have low specificity, leading clinicians to administer empirical antibiotics.

Dysregulated autoantibodies targeting AGTR1 are associated with the accumulation of COVID-19 symptoms.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a wide spectrum of symptoms, the causes of which remain poorly understood. This study explored the associations between autoantibodies (AABs), particularly those targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and renin‒angiotensin system (RAS) molecules, and the clinical manifestations of COVID-19. Using a cross-sectional analysis of 244 individuals, we applied multivariate analysis of variance, principal component analysis, and multinomial regression to examine the relationships between AAB levels and key symptoms.

Great Tit () Nestlings Have Longer Telomeres in Old-Growth Forests Than in Young Forests.

Modification and deterioration of old-growth forests by industrial forestry have seriously threatened species diversity worldwide. The loss of natural habitats increases the concentration of circulating glucocorticoids and incurs chronic stress in animals, influencing the immune system, growth, survival, and lifespan of animals inhabiting such areas. In this study, we tested whether great tit () nestlings grown in old-growth unmanaged coniferous forests have longer telomeres than great tit nestlings developing in young managed coniferous forests.

Early career psychiatrists' perceptions of and training experience in electroconvulsive therapy: A cross-sectional survey across Europe.

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for several major psychiatric conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, mania, and schizophrenia; nevertheless, its use remains controversial. Despite its availability in some European countries, ECT is still rarely used in others. This study aims to investigate the experiences and attitudes of early career psychiatrists (ECPs) across Europe towards ECT and to examine how their exposure to ECT influences their perceptions.