Variability in the Estimated Amplitude of Vowel-Evoked Envelope Following Responses Caused by Assumed Neurophysiologic Processing Delays

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Variability in the Estimated Amplitude of Vowel-Evoked Envelope Following Responses Caused by Assumed Neurophysiologic Processing Delays via JARO - Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology via MedWorm.com AbstractVowel-evoked envelope following responses (EFRs) reflect neural encoding of the fundamental frequency of voice (f0). Accurate analysis of EFRs elicited by natural vowels requires the use of methods like the Fourier analyzer (FA) to consider the production-relatedf0 changes. The FA 's accuracy in estimating EFRs is, however, dependent on the assumed neurophysiological processing delay needed to time-align thef0 time course and the recorded electroencephalogram (EEG). For male-spoken vowels (f0 ~ 100 Hz), a constant 10-ms delay correction is often assumed. Since processing delays vary with stimulus and physiological factors, we quantified (i) the delay-related variability that would occur in EFR estimation, and (ii) the influence of stimulus frequency, non-f0 related neural ac... View on Web

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Is lithium neuroprotective? An updated mechanistic illustrated review

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Is lithium neuroprotective? An updated mechanistic illustrated review via Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology Abstract Background Neurodegeneration is a pathological process characterized by progressive neuronal impairment, dysfunction, and loss due to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Many studies have shown that lithium protects against neurodegeneration. Herein, we summarize recent clinical and laboratory studies on the neuroprotective effects of lithium against neurodegeneration and its potential to modulate mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Recent findings indicate that lithium regulates critical intracellular pathways such as phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI3)/protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3β) and PI3/Akt/response element-binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods We queried PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Elsevier, and other related databases using search terms related to lithium and its neuroprotective effect in various neurodegenerative diseases and events from January 2000 to May 2022. We reviewed the major findings and mechanisms proposed for the effects of lithium. Results: Lithium's neuroprotective potential against neural cell degeneration is mediated by inducing anti-inflammatory factors, antioxidant enzymes, and free radical scavengers to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction. Lithium effects are regulated by two essential pathways: PI3/Akt/GSK3β and PI3/Akt/CREB/BDNF. Conclusion Lithium acts as a neuroprotective agent against neurodegeneration by preventing inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction using PI3/Akt/GSK3β and PI3/Akt/CREB/BDNF signaling pathways. View on Web

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Serum vitamin D and cardiometabolic risk factors

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Serum vitamin D and cardiometabolic risk factors in the UK population via Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics Abstract Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations have been associated with greater adiposity and an adverse cardiometabolic risk profile, yet findings are inconsistent and the role of vitamin D status in cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains uncertain. We aimed to examine the associations between serum 25(OH)D and CVD risk factors in the British population. We analysed data on 2842 subjects aged ≥40 years enrolled in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS 2008–2018). Based on serum 25(OH)D concentrations, study subjects were grouped in three categories: vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L), vitamin D insufficiency (25-49 nmol/L) and vitamin D sufficiency status (≥50 nmol/mL). Differences in CVD risk factors between vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency and vitamin D sufficiency status were expressed in standard deviation scores (SDSs) and estimated through weighted multiple linear regression models. We found that vitamin D deficiency was directly associated with B MI, waist circumference, triglycerides and inversely associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) values. The strongest associations were found between vitamin D deficiency and triglycerides (0.50 SDS, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.77) among men, and vitamin D deficiency and waist circumference (0.70 SDS, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.94), BMI (0.63 SDS, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.88) and triglycerides (0.54 SDS, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.77) among women. When adjusting for BMI the association with triglyceride attenuated (from 0.50 SDS to 0.39 SDS among men and from 0.54 SDS to 0.30 SDS among women). Our data indicates a relationship between inadequate vitamin D status and an adverse CVD risk profile. However, interventional studies are needed to establish possible benefits of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular risk. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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The Duration and Magnitude of Postdischarge Venous Thromboembolism Following Colectomy

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The Duration and Magnitude of Postdischarge Venous Thromboembolism Following Colectomy via Annals of Surgery - Most Popular Articles Objective: To assess the impact of current guidelines by reporting weekly postoperative postdischarge venous thromboembolism (VTE) rates. Summary Background Data: Disparity exists between the postoperative thromboprophylaxis duration colectomy patients receive based on surgical indication, where malignant resections routinely receive 28 days extended thromboprophylaxis into the postdischarge period and benign resections do not. Methods: English national cohort study of colectomy patients between 2010 and 2019 using linked primary (Clinical Practice Research Datalink) and secondary (Hospital Episode Statistics) care data. Stratified by admission type and surgical indication, absolute incidence rates (IRs) per 1000 person-years and adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) for postdischarge VTE were calculated for the first 4 weeks following resection and postdischarge VTE IRs for each postoperative week to 12 weeks postoperative. Results: Of 104,744 patients, 663 (0.63%) developed postdischarge VTE within 12 weeks after colectomy. Postdischarge VTE IRs per 1000 person-years for the first 4 weeks postoperative were low following elective resections [benign: 20.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 13.73–31.08; malignant: 28.95, 95% CI: 23.09–36.31] and higher following emergency resections (benign: 47.31, 95% CI: 34.43–65.02; malignant: 107.18, 95% CI: 78.62–146.12). Compared with elective malignant resections, there was no difference in postdischarge VTE risk within 4 weeks following elective benign colectomy (aIRR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.56–1.50). However, postdischarge VTE risks within 4 weeks following emergency resections were significantly greater for benign (aIRR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.22–2.94) and malignant (aIRR=3.13, 95% CI: 2.06–4.76) indications compared with elective malignant colectomy. Conclusions: Postdischarge VTE risk within 4 weeks of colectomy is ∼2-fold greater following emergency benign compared with elective malignant resections, suggesting emergency benign colectomy patients may benefit from extended VTE prophylaxis. View on Web

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Cryptococcal Antigenemia in Advanced HIV: Pathophysiology, Epidemiology and Clinical Implications

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Cryptococcal Antigenemia in Advanced HIV: Pathophysiology, Epidemiology and Clinical Implications via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) is detectable in blood prior to the onset of symptomatic cryptococcal meningitis, a leading cause of death among people living with advanced HIV disease globally. Highly sensitive assays can detect CrAg in blood, and screening people living with HIV with low CD4 counts, followed by pre-emptive antifungal treatment, is recommended and widely implemented as part of a global strategy to prevent cryptococcal meningitis and end cryptococcal-related deaths. Cryptococcal antigenemia encompasses a spectrum of conditions from pre-clinical asymptomatic infection (CSF CrAg-negative), through subclinical (CSF CrAg-positive without overt meningism) to clinical symptomatic cryptococcal disease, usually manifesting as cryptococcal meningitis. This review summarizes current understanding of the pathophysiology, risk-factors for and clinical implications of cryptococcal antigenemia among people living with advanced HIV disease within t his spectrum. It also provides an update on global prevalence, recommended screening and treatment strategies, and future considerations for improving outcomes among patients with cryptococcal antigenemia. View on Web

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Docetaxel Targets Aggressive Methylation Profiles and Serves as a Radiosensitizer in High-Risk Meningiomas

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Docetaxel Targets Aggressive Methylation Profiles and Serves as a Radiosensitizer in High-Risk Meningiomas via Neuro-Oncology Advance Access Abstract Background Meningioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor in adults. A subset of these tumors recur and invade the brain, even after surgery and radiation, resulting in significant disability. There is currently no standard-of-care chemotherapy for meningiomas. As genomic DNA methylation profiling can prognostically stratify these lesions, we sought to determine whether any existing chemotherapies might be effective against meningiomas with high-risk methylation profiles. Methods A previously published dataset of meningioma methylation profiles was used to screen for clinically significant CpG methylation events and associated cellular pathways. Based on these results, patient-derived meningioma cell lines were used to test candidate drugs in vitro and in vivo, including efficacy in conjunction with radiotherapy. Results We identi fied 981 genes for which methylation of mapped CpG sites was related to progression-free survival in meningiomas. Associated molecular pathways were cross-referenced with FDA-approved cancer drugs, which nominated Docetaxel as a promising candidate for further preclinical analyses. Docetaxel arrested growth in 17 meningioma cell sources, representing all tumor grades, with a clinically-favorable IC50 values ranging from 0.3 nM to 10.7 mM. The inhibitory effects of this medication scaled with tumor doubling time, with maximal benefit in fast-growing lesions. The combination of Docetaxel and radiation therapy increased markers of apoptosis and double-stranded DNA breaks, and extended the survival of mice engrafted with meningioma cells relative to either modality alone. Conclusions Global patterns of DNA methylation may be informative for the selection of chemotherapies against meningiomas, and existing drugs may enhance radiation sensitivity in high-risk cases. View on Web

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Effects of maxillomandibular advancement on respiratory function and facial aesthetics in obstructive sleep apnoea patients with versus without maxillomandibular deficiency

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Effects of maxillomandibular advancement on respiratory function and facial aesthetics in obstructive sleep apnoea patients with versus without maxillomandibular deficiency via International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery via MedWorm.com The aim of this study was to compare the effects of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) on respiratory function between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients with and without maxillomandibular deficiency, and to compare the changes in facial aesthetics after MMA between the two groups. MMA-treated patients who had both baseline and follow-up polysomnography (PSG) data and lateral cephalograms were enrolled in this retrospective study. In addition to PSG and cephalometric data, patient satisfaction with postoperative breathing and facial aesthetics, and overall satisfaction with the treatment were assessed. (Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) View on Web

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