Lipidome changes due to improved dietary fat quality inform cardiometabolic risk reduction and precision nutrition.

Current cardiometabolic disease prevention guidelines recommend increasing dietary unsaturated fat intake while reducing saturated fats. Here we use lipidomics data from a randomized controlled dietary intervention trial to construct a multilipid score (MLS), summarizing the effects of replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat on 45 lipid metabolite concentrations. In the EPIC-Potsdam cohort, a difference in the MLS, reflecting better dietary fat quality, was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular disease (-32%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -21% to -42%) and type 2 diabetes (-26%; 95% CI: -15% to -35%). We built a closely correlated simplified score, reduced MLS (rMLS), and observed that beneficial rMLS changes, suggesting improved dietary fat quality over 10 years, were associated with lower diabetes risk (odds ratio per standard deviation of 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.98) in the Nurses' Health Study. Furthermore, in the PREDIMED trial, an olive oil-rich Mediterranean diet intervention primarily reduced diabetes incidence among participants with unfavorable preintervention rMLS levels, suggestive of disturbed lipid metabolism before intervention. Our findings indicate that the effects of dietary fat quality on the lipidome can contribute to a more precise understanding and possible prediction of the health outcomes of specific dietary fat modifications.

Mediterranean Diet and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Importance: No prior systematic review and meta-analysis has specifically verified the association of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet)-based interventions with biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in children and adolescents. Objective: To review and analyze the randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of MedDiet-based interventions on biomarkers of cardiometabolic health among children and adolescents. Data Sources: Four electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus) from database inception to April 25, 2024. Study Selection: Only RCTs investigating the effect of interventions promoting the MedDiet on cardiometabolic biomarkers (ie, systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], triglycerides [TGs], total cholesterol [TC], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) among children and adolescents (aged ≤18 years) were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Data were extracted from the studies by 2 independent reviewers. Results across studies were summarized using random-effects meta-analysis. Main Outcome and Measures: The effect size of each trial was computed by unstandardized mean differences (MDs) of changes in biomarker levels (ie, SBP, DBP, TGs, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR) between the intervention and the control groups. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach. Results: Nine RCTs were included (mean study duration, 17 weeks; range, 8-40 weeks). These studies involved 577 participants (mean age, 11 years [range, 3-18 years]; 344 girls [59.6%]). Compared with the control group, the MedDiet-based interventions showed a significant association with reductions in SBP (mean difference, -4.75 mm Hg; 95% CI, -8.97 to -0.52 mm Hg), TGs (mean difference, -16.42 mg/dL; 95% CI, -27.57 to -5.27 mg/dL), TC (mean difference, -9.06 mg/dL; 95% CI, -15.65 to -2.48 mg/dL), and LDL-C (mean difference, -10.48 mg/dL; 95% CI, -17.77 to -3.19 mg/dL) and increases in HDL-C (mean difference, 2.24 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.34-4.14 mg/dL). No significant associations were observed with the other biomarkers studied (ie, DBP, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that MedDiet-based interventions may be useful tools to optimize cardiometabolic health among children and adolescents.

Association between overall quality of macronutrients and incidence of overweight and obesity in the SUN (Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra) cohort.

INTRODUCTION: no previous large prospective studies have assessed the global quality of macronutrients in association with the risk of overweight/obesity. OBJECTIVE: to prospectively assess the association of an overall macronutrient quality index (MQI) with weight change and the incidence of overweight/obesity in the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) cohort. METHODS: the diet of 9,344 Spanish university graduates (mean age: 36.5 [SD, 11.1]) was assessed through a validated 136-item food frequency questionnaire. The MQI was calculated as the sum of the Carbohydrate Quality Index, the Fat Quality Index, and the Healthy Plate Protein Quality Index. Participants were classified into groups according to MQI. Incident overweight/obesity was defined if follow-up questionnaires indicated BMI was ≥ 25 kg/m2. Multiple linear regression models and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the average yearly weight change and the risk of overweight/obesity over follow-up time. RESULTS: 2,465 cases of incident overweight/obesity were identified (median follow-up: 10.7 years). Increasing MQI was significantly associated with lower annual weight gain (g): ß coefficient: -99.0, (95 % CI: -173.6 to -24.5) in the Q4 vs Q1, p for trend = 0.007. In the fully adjusted model the incidences of overweight/obesity in Q4 and Q1 were 21.7 % (431 cases) and 29.3 % (954 cases), respectively. The adjusted HR was 0.87 (95 % CI, 0.77-0.98, p for trend = 0.036). When we used repeated analyses updating the MQI after 10 years of follow-up, results remained similar. CONCLUSIONS: a significant inverse association between a multidimensional MQI and the risk of overweight/obesity was found in this Mediterranean cohort of adults.

Screen exposure, mental health and emotional well-being in the adolescent population: is it time for governments to take action?

During the last decade, a multitude of epidemiological studies with different designs have been published assessing the association between the use of digital media and psychological well-being, including the incidence of mental disorders and suicidal behaviours. Particularly, available research has very often focused on smartphone use in teenagers, with highly addictive potential, coining the term 'problematic smartphone use' and developing specific scales to measure the addictive or problematic use of smartphones. Available studies, despite some methodological limitations and gaps in knowledge, suggest that higher screen time is associated with impaired psychological well-being, lower self-esteem, higher levels of body dissatisfaction, higher incidence of eating disorders, poorer sleeping outcomes and higher odds of depressive symptoms in adolescents. Moreover, a significant association has also been found between screen time and higher suicide risk. Finally, problematic pornography has been shown to be highly prevalent and it is a strong cause of concern to many public health departments and national governments because it might be eventually associated with aggressive sexual behaviours.

Early versus Delayed Vitrectomy for Open Globe Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Open globe injuries (OGIs) are a leading cause of monocular blindness worldwide and require prompt intervention to prevent proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and endophthalmitis when serious intraocular damage occurs. The management of OGIs involves initial wound closure within 24 hours, followed by vitrectomy as a secondary surgery. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal timing of vitrectomy for maximizing visual outcomes. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether early or delayed vitrectomy leads to better outcomes in patients with OGIs. Methods: This review was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. The Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched (October 23, 2023). Clinical studies that used vitrectomy to manage OGIs as early (within 7 days) or delayed (8-14 days) interventions were included. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias and JBI tools, respectively. Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the quantitative analyses. There were 235 patients with OGIs who received early intervention and 211 patients who received delayed intervention. The retina was reattached in 91% and 76% of the patients after early and delayed intervention, respectively. Traumatic PVR was present in 9% and 41% of the patients in the early and delayed groups, respectively. The odds of retinal reattachment after vitrectomy were greater in the early group (OR = 3.42, p = 0.010, 95% CI=1.34-8.72), and the odds of visual acuity ≥ 5/200 were 2.4 times greater in the early group. The incidence of PVR was significantly greater in the delayed surgery group (OR = 0.16, p < 0.0001; 95% CI=0.06-0.39), which also required more than one vitrectomy surgery. Conclusion: Early vitrectomy results in better postoperative visual acuity, a greater proportion of retinal reattachment, and a decreased incidence of PVR.

Development of 225Ac-doped biocompatible nanoparticles for targeted alpha therapy.

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) relies on chemical affinity or active targeting using radioimmunoconjugates as strategies to deliver α-emitting radionuclides to cancerous tissue. These strategies can be affected by transmetalation of the parent radionuclide by competing ions in vivo and the bond-breaking recoil energy of decay daughters. The retention of α-emitting radionuclides and the dose delivered to cancer cells are influenced by these processes. Encapsulating α-emitting radionuclides within nanoparticles can help overcome many of these challenges. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles are a biodegradable and biocompatible delivery platform that has been used for drug delivery. In this study, PLGA nanoparticles are utilized for encapsulation and retention of actinium-225 ([225Ac]Ac3+). Encapsulation of [225Ac]Ac3+ within PLGA nanoparticles (Zave = 155.3 nm) was achieved by adapting a double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. The encapsulation efficiency was affected by both the solvent conditions and the chelation of [225Ac]Ac3+. Chelation of [225Ac]Ac3+ to a lipophilic 2,9-bis-lactam-1,10-phenanthroline ligand ([225Ac]AcBLPhen) significantly decreased its release (< 2%) and that of its decay daughters (< 50%) from PLGA nanoparticles. PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating [225Ac]AcBLPhen significantly increased the delivery of [225Ac]Ac3+ to murine (E0771) and human (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells with a concomitant increase in cell death over free [225Ac]Ac3+ in solution. These results demonstrate that PLGA nanoparticles have potential as radionuclide delivery platforms for TAT to advance precision radiotherapy for cancer. In addition, this technology offers an alternative use for ligands with poor aqueous solubility, low stability, or low affinity, allowing them to be repurposed for TAT by encapsulation within PLGA nanoparticles.

Spermidine Synthase Localization in Retinal Layers: Early Age Changes.

Polyamine (PA) spermidine (SPD) plays a crucial role in aging. Since SPD accumulates in glial cells, particularly in Müller retinal cells (MCs), the expression of the SPD-synthesizing enzyme spermidine synthase (SpdS) in Müller glia and age-dependent SpdS activity are not known. We used immunocytochemistry, Western blot (WB), and image analysis on rat retinae at postnatal days 3, 21, and 120. The anti-glutamine synthetase (GS) antibody was used to identify glial cells. In the neonatal retina (postnatal day 3 (P3)), SpdS was expressed in almost all progenitor cells in the neuroblast. However, by day 21 (P21), the SpdS label was pronouncedly expressed in multiple neurons, while GS labels were observed only in radial Müller glial cells. During early cell adulthood, at postnatal day 120 (P120), SpdS was observed solely in ganglion cells and a few other neurons. Western blot and semi-quantitative analyses of SpdS labeling showed a dramatic decrease in SpdS at P21 and P120 compared to P3. In conclusion, the redistribution of SpdS with aging indicates that SPD is first synthesized in all progenitor cells and then later in neurons, but not in glia. However, MCs take up and accumulate SPD, regardless of the age-associated decrease in SPD synthesis in neurons.

Precision Atomistic Structures of Actinium-/Radium-/Barium-Doped Lanthanide Nanoconstructs for Radiotherapeutic Applications.

Lanthanide vanadate (LnVO4) nanoconstructs have generated considerable interest in radiotherapeutic applications as a medium for nanoscale-targeted drug delivery. For cancer treatment, LnVO4 nanoconstructs have shown promise in encapsulating and retaining radionuclides that emit alpha-particles. In this work, we examined the structure formation of LnVO4 nanoconstructs doped with actinium (Ac) and radium (Ra), both experimentally and using large-scale atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. LnVO4 nanoconstructs were synthesized via a precipitation method in aqueous media. The reaction conditions and elemental compositions were varied to control the structure, fluorescence properties, and size distribution of the LnVO4 nanoconstructs. LnVO4 nanoconstructs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to obtain a fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationship between radionuclides and LnVO4 nanoconstructs at the atomic length scale. Molecular dynamics simulations with well-established force field (FF) parameters show that Ra atoms tend to distribute across the nanoconstructs' surface in a broader coordination shell, while the Ac atoms are arranged inside a smaller coordination shell within the nanocluster. The Ba atoms prefer to self-assemble around the surface. These theoretical/simulation predictions of the atomistic structures and an understanding of the relationship between radionuclides and LnVO4 nanoconstructs at the atomic scale are important because they provide design principles for the future development of nanoconstructs for targeted radionuclide delivery.

Adenosine-assisted embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex lesions that can cause hemorrhagic stroke and significant neurological disability. Adenosine induces cardiac standstill and hypotension, which are thought to be useful during cerebral AVM embolization. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the technique's safety. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, four databases were queried for studies describing the use of adenosine-assisted embolization of cerebral AVMs. Adenosine-related intraoperative complications, permanent neurological outcomes, morbidity, and mortality assessed the technique's safety. Single proportion analysis under a random-effects model was performed. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics, and publication bias was evaluated through funnel plot analysis and Egger's regression test. RESULTS: Ten studies were included, involving 79 patients (55.7% male) with 79 AVMs (54.4% unruptured and 70.9% Spetzler-Martin grade III-V) who underwent 123 embolizations (80.4% and 5.9% under transarterial and transvenous approaches, respectively) with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (80.4%), ethylene vinyl alcohol (14.4%), or both (5.2%). The incidence of transient adenosine-related intraoperative complications was 0% (95% CI 0% to 3%, I2=24%). Besides, the incidence of adenosine-related morbidity, mortality, and permanent outcomes was 0% (95% CI 0% to 3%, I2=0%). During follow-up, good functional outcomes were reported for 64 patients (81%). CONCLUSIONS: Adenosine's effects on blood flow control can facilitate embolization and mitigate the risk of AVM rupture and embolic agent migration. Although current evidence stems from observational studies, the results of this meta-analysis suggest a safe drug profile due to minimal associated morbidity and mortality. Further research from larger randomized and controlled studies is warranted to attain a higher level of evidence. PROSPERO REGISTRY NUMBER: CRD42023494116.

Effect of internal limiting membrane surgical techniques on the idiopathic and refractory management of macular holes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Macular holes (MHs), including atraumatic idiopathic and refractory MHs, affect central vision acuity due to full-thickness defects in the retinal tissue. The existing controversy regarding the pathophysiology and management of MHs has significantly improved with the implementation of internal limiting membrane (ILM) surgical techniques and improved MH closure rates. Thus, to determine the effect of ILM techniques on large idiopathic and refractory MH management, the present study systematically reviewed 5910 original research articles extracted from online literature databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Embase, following the PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome measures were MH closure rate and postoperative visual acuity. A total of 23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with adequate patient information and information on the effect of ILM peeling, inverted ILM flaps, autologous retinal transplantation (ART), and ILM insertion techniques on large idiopathic and refractory MH patients were retrieved and analyzed using RevMan software (version 5.3) provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. Statistical risk of bias analysis was also conducted on the selected sources using RoB2, which showed a low risk of bias in the included studies. A meta-analysis indicated that the inverted ILM flap technique had a significantly greater MH closure rate for primary MH than the other treatment methods (OR = 3. 22, 95% CI 1.34-7.43; p = 0.01). Furthermore, the findings showed that the inverted ILM flap group had significantly better postoperative visual acuity than did the other treatment options for patients with idiopathic MH (WMD = - 0.13; 95% CI = 0.22-0.09; p = 0.0002). The ILM peeling technique had the second highest statistical significance for MH closure rates in patients with idiopathic MH (OR = 2. 72, 95% CI: 1.26-6.32; p = 0.016). In refractory MHs, autologous retinal transplant (ART) and multilayer ILM plug (MIP) techniques improve the closure rate and visual function; human amniotic membrane grafting (hAMG) provides a high degree of anatomical outcomes but disappointing visual results. This study demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of ILM techniques in improving the functional and anatomical outcomes of large idiopathic and refractory MH surgery. These findings will help clinicians choose the appropriate treatment technique for patients with idiopathic and refractory MH.

Relationship between sex, APOE genotype, endocannabinoids and cognitive change in older adults with metabolic syndrome during a 3-year Mediterranean diet intervention.

BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has demonstrated efficacy in preventing age-related cognitive decline and modulating plasma concentrations of endocannabinoids (eCBs) and N-acylethanolamines (NAEs, or eCB-like compounds), which are lipid mediators involved in multiple neurological disorders and metabolic processes. Hypothesizing that eCBs and NAEs will be biomarkers of a MedDiet intervention and will be related to the cognitive response, we investigated this relationship according to sex and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, which may affect eCBs and cognitive performance. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 102 participants (53.9% women, 18.8% APOE-ɛ4 carriers, aged 65.6 ± 4.5 years) from the PREDIMED-Plus-Cognition substudy, who were recruited at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute (Barcelona). All of them presented metabolic syndrome plus overweight/obesity (inclusion criteria of the PREDIMED-Plus) and normal cognitive performance at baseline (inclusion criteria of this substudy). A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered at baseline and after 1 and 3 years. Plasma concentrations of eCBs and NAEs, including 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide (AEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (DHEA), were also monitored. Baseline cognition, cognitive changes, and the association between eCBs/NAEs and cognition were evaluated according to gender (crude models), sex (adjusted models), and APOE genotype. RESULTS: At baseline, men had better executive function and global cognition than women (the effect size of gender differences was - 0.49, p = 0.015; and - 0.42, p = 0.036); however, these differences became nonsignificant in models of sex differences. After 3 years of MedDiet intervention, participants exhibited modest improvements in memory and global cognition. However, greater memory changes were observed in men than in women (Cohen's d of 0.40 vs. 0.25; p = 0.017). In men and APOE-ε4 carriers, 2-AG concentrations were inversely associated with baseline cognition and cognitive changes, while in women, cognitive changes were positively linked to changes in DHEA and the DHEA/AEA ratio. In men, changes in the OEA/AEA and OEA/PEA ratios were positively associated with cognitive changes. CONCLUSIONS: The MedDiet improved participants' cognitive performance but the effect size was small and negatively influenced by female sex. Changes in 2-AG, DHEA, the OEA/AEA, the OEA/PEA and the DHEA/AEA ratios were associated with cognitive changes in a sex- and APOE-dependent fashion. These results support the modulation of the endocannabinoid system as a potential therapeutic approach to prevent cognitive decline in at-risk populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN89898870.

Computational Insights into Dion-Jacobson Type Oxide Ion Conductors.

Dion-Jacobson type materials have recently emerged as a new structural family of oxide ion conductors, materials important for applications in a variety of electrochemical devices. While some attempts to improve their ionic conductivity have been reported, a detailed understanding of the underlying oxide ion diffusion mechanisms in these materials is still missing. To explore the structure-property relationships leading to the favorable properties, we carried out ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of oxide ion diffusion in CsBi2Ti2NbO10-δ. Our computational study reveals significant out-of-plane dynamics, indicating that the dominant pathway for oxide ion migration is via jumps into and out of the (ab) crystallographic plane. This suggests that further improvement of oxide ion conductivity relative to CsBi2Ti2NbO10-δ could be achieved by enhancing the rotational flexibility of the coordination polyhedra located in the inner perovskite layer, thereby facilitating faster out-of-plane motions.

Arabidopsis AGO1 N-terminal extension acts as an essential hub for PRMT5 interaction and post-translational modifications.

Plant ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins play pivotal roles regulating gene expression through small RNA (sRNA) -guided mechanisms. Among the 10 AGO proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana, AGO1 stands out as the main effector of post-transcriptional gene silencing. Intriguingly, a specific region of AGO1, its N-terminal extension (NTE), has garnered attention in recent studies due to its involvement in diverse regulatory functions, including subcellular localization, sRNA loading and interactions with regulatory factors. In the field of post-translational modifications (PTMs), little is known about arginine methylation in Arabidopsis AGOs. In this study, we show that NTE of AGO1 (NTEAGO1) undergoes symmetric arginine dimethylation at specific residues. Moreover, NTEAGO1 interacts with the methyltransferase PRMT5, which catalyzes its methylation. Notably, we observed that the lack of symmetric dimethylarginine has no discernible impact on AGO1's subcellular localization or miRNA loading capabilities. However, the absence of PRMT5 significantly alters the loading of a subgroup of sRNAs into AGO1 and reshapes the NTEAGO1 interactome. Importantly, our research shows that symmetric arginine dimethylation of NTEs is a common process among Arabidopsis AGOs, with AGO1, AGO2, AGO3 and AGO5 undergoing this PTM. Overall, this work deepens our understanding of PTMs in the intricate landscape of RNA-associated gene regulation.

Correlating activities and defects in (photo)electrocatalysts using in-situ multi-modal microscopic imaging.

Photo(electro)catalysts use sunlight to drive chemical reactions such as water splitting. A major factor limiting photocatalyst development is physicochemical heterogeneity which leads to spatially dependent reactivity. To link structure and function in such systems, simultaneous probing of the electrochemical environment at microscopic length scales and a broad range of timescales (ns to s) is required. Here, we address this challenge by developing and applying in-situ (optical) microscopies to map and correlate local electrochemical activity, with hole lifetimes, oxygen vacancy concentrations and photoelectrode crystal structure. Using this multi-modal approach, we study prototypical hematite (α-Fe2O3) photoelectrodes. We demonstrate that regions of α-Fe2O3, adjacent to microstructural cracks have a better photoelectrochemical response and reduced back electron recombination due to an optimal oxygen vacancy concentration, with the film thickness and extended light exposure also influencing local activity. Our work highlights the importance of microscopic mapping to understand activity, in even seemingly homogeneous photoelectrodes.

Development of the VEGANScreener, a Tool for a Quick Diet Quality Assessment among Vegans in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Plant-based diets are not inherently healthy. Similar to omnivorous diets, they may contain excessive amounts of sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, or lack diversity. Moreover, vegans might be at risk of inadequate intake of certain vitamins and minerals commonly found in foods that they avoid. We developed the VEGANScreener, a tool designed to assess the diet quality of vegans in Europe. METHODS: Our approach combined best practices in developing diet quality metrics with scale development approaches and involved the following: (a) narrative literature synthesis, (b) evidence evaluation by an international panel of experts, and (c) translation of evidence into a diet screener. We employed a modified Delphi technique to gather opinions from an international expert panel. RESULTS: Twenty-five experts in the fields of nutrition, epidemiology, preventive medicine, and diet assessment participated in the first round, and nineteen participated in the subsequent round. Initially, these experts provided feedback on a pool of 38 proposed items from the literature review. Consequently, 35 revised items, with 17 having multiple versions, were suggested for further consideration. In the second round, 29 items were retained, and any residual issues were addressed in the final consensus meeting. The ultimate screener draft encompassed 29 questions, with 17 focusing on foods and nutrients to promote, and 12 addressing foods and nutrients to limit. The screener contained 24 food-based and 5 nutrient-based questions. CONCLUSIONS: We elucidated the development process of the VEGANScreener, a novel diet quality screener for vegans. Future endeavors involve contrasting the VEGANScreener against benchmark diet assessment methodologies and nutritional biomarkers and testing its acceptance. Once validated, this instrument holds potential for deployment as a self-assessment application for vegans and as a preliminary dietary screening and counseling tool in healthcare settings.

Association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the incidence of peptic ulcer disease in the SUN project: a Spanish prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has increased despite potential adverse health effects. Recent studies showed an association between UPF consumption and some gastrointestinal disorders. We evaluated the association between UPF consumption and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in a large Spanish cohort. METHODS: We conducted a prospective analysis of 18,066 participants in the SUN cohort, followed every two years. UPF was assessed at baseline and 10 years after. Cases of PUD were identified among participants reporting a physician-made diagnosis of PUD during follow-ups. Cases were only partially validated against medical records. Cox regression was used to assess the association between baseline UPF consumption and PUD risk. Based on previous findings and biological plausibility, socio-demographic and lifestyle variables, BMI, energy intake, Helicobacter pylori infection, gastrointestinal disorders, aspirin and analgesic use, and alcohol and coffee consumption were included as confounders.We fitted GEE with repeated dietary measurements at baseline and after 10 years of follow-up. Vanderweele's proposed E value was calculated to assess the sensitivity of observed associations to uncontrolled confounding. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 12.2 years, we recorded 322 new PUD cases (1.56 cases/1000 person-years). Participants in the highest baseline tertile of UPF consumption had an increased PUD risk compared to participants in the lowest tertile (HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.00, Ptrend=0.002). The E-values for the point estimate supported the observed association. The OR using repeated measurements of UPF intake was 1.39 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.87) when comparing extreme tertiles. CONCLUSION: The consumption of UPF is associated with an increased PUD risk.

Editorial for Brain Sciences Special Issue: "Advances in Skull Base Tumor Surgery: The Practical Pearls".

The field of skull base surgery is unique; it involves the adequate and coordinated multidisciplinary interaction of multiple specialties, such as otorhinolaryngology, maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmology, neuro-anesthesiology, oncology, radiation oncology, neurophysiology, and neurosurgery [...].

Management, risk factors and treatment outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with giant retinal tears: scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a serious condition that occurs when the retina detaches from its underlying retinal pigment epithelium. RRDs associated with giant retinal tears (GRTs) are caused by retinal tears at least 90° or one-quarter of the circumferential extent. This scoping review systematically identifies and summarizes clinical studies evaluating surgical techniques for the management of GRT-related RRDs, discusses functional and visual outcomes and the risk factors affecting treatment outcomes. METHODS: This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Springer Link databases were searched for relevant papers (from January 2001 to March 2023). Studies that were published in the English language and reported the risk factors, management, and treatment outcomes of GRT-related RRDs were included in the review. The outcome measures included anatomic success rates, changes in BCVA (logMAR) from baseline to the final follow-up, and adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 11,982 articles were identified. After the title and abstract review, 71 studies were deemed eligible for full-text review. Thirty-six studies that met the eligibility criteria were included in the final review. Four surgical techniques were identified: pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), combined PPV and scleral buckling, scleral buckling alone, and pneumatic retinopexy. Various types of tamponades, including gas, silicone oil, and air, have been used. PPV was the most commonly used surgical technique in 33.1-100% of patients. Among the 20 studies that used PPV alone, 17 were associated with preoperative PVR. In addition, scleral buckling alone or in combination with PPV was reported as a treatment option in 10 studies, with 2-100% of patients experiencing scleral buckling alone and 13.6-100% experiencing combined PPV and complementary scleral buckling. Primary anatomic success (PAS) was achieved with retinal reattachment via a single operation with no residual tamponade, whereas final anatomic success (FAS) was achieved via more than one operation with no residual tamponade. Reported single surgery anatomic success (SSAS) rates range from 65.51 to 100%. The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged from 0.067 to 2.47 logMAR, whereas the postoperative BCVA ranged from 0.08 to 2.3 logMAR. An improvement in visual acuity was observed in 29 studies. Cataracts (3.9-28.3%) were the most common postoperative complication, followed by high IOP (0.01-51.2%) and PVR (0.8-31.57%). CONCLUSION: PPV is the most common surgical technique, and currently microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) systems are commonly employed. Silicone oil is the most frequently used tamponade in RRD repair. Risk factors for GRT-related RRD include age, sex, lens status, high myopia status, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), presenting visual acuity, the extent of the GRT and retinal detachment, and macular involvement. Future research areas include guidelines to reduce variability in the reporting of surgical methodology, choice of tamponades, and reporting of functional and visual outcomes to inform the best therapeutic interventions in GRT-related RRD.

A Photodynamic and Photochemotherapeutic Platinum-Iridium Charge-Transfer Conjugate for Anticancer Therapy.

The novel hetero-dinuclear complex trans,trans,trans-[PtIV(py)2(N3)2(OH)(µ-OOCCH2CH2CONHCH2-bpyMe)IrIII(ppy)2]Cl (Pt-Ir), exhibits charge transfer between the acceptor photochemotherapeutic Pt(IV) (Pt-OH) and donor photodynamic Ir(III) (Ir-NH2) fragments. It is stable in the dark, but undergoes photodecomposition more rapidly than the Pt(IV) parent complex (Pt-OH) to generate Pt(II) species, an azidyl radical and 1O2. The Ir(III)* excited state, formed after irradiation, can oxidise NADH to NAD⋅ radicals and NAD+. Pt-Ir is highly photocytotoxic towards cancer cells with a high photocytotoxicity index upon irradiation with blue light (465 nm, 4.8 mW/cm2), even with short light-exposure times (10-60 min). In contrast, the mononuclear Pt-OH and Ir-NH2 subunits and their simple mixture are much less potent. Cellular Pt accumulation was higher for Pt-Ir compared to Pt-OH. Irradiation of Pt-Ir in cancer cells damages nuclei and releases chromosomes. Synchrotron-XRF revealed ca. 4× higher levels of intracellular platinum compared to iridium in Pt-Ir treated cells under dark conditions. Luminescent Pt-Ir distributes over the whole cell and generates ROS and 1O2 within 1 h of irradiation. Iridium localises strongly in small compartments, suggestive of complex cleavage and excretion via recycling vesicles (e.g. lysosomes). The combination of PDT and PACT motifs in one molecule, provides Pt-Ir with a novel strategy for multimodal phototherapy.