Are Aptamer-Based Biosensors the Future of the Detection of the Human Gut Microbiome?-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The gut microbiome is shaped early in life by dietary and lifestyle factors. Specific compounds in the gut affect the growth of different bacterial species and the production of beneficial or harmful byproducts. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome has been linked to various diseases resulting from the presence of harmful bacteria and their byproducts. Existing methods for detecting microbial species, such as microscopic observation and molecular biological techniques, are costly, labor-intensive, and require skilled personnel. Biosensors, which integrate a recognition element, transducer, amplifier, signal processor, and display unit, can convert biological events into electronic signals. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic survey of scientific publications from 2018 to June 2024, obtained from ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus databases. The aim was to evaluate the current state-of-the-art and identify knowledge gaps in the application of aptamer biosensors for the determination of gut microbiota. A total of 13 eligible publications were categorized based on the type of study: those using microbial bioreceptors (category 1) and those using aptamer bioreceptors (category 2) for the determination of gut microbiota. Point-of-care biosensors are being developed to monitor changes in metabolites that may lead to disease. They are well-suited for use in the healthcare system and offer an excellent alternative to traditional methods. Aptamers are gaining attention due to their stability, specificity, scalability, reproducibility, low production cost, and low immunogenicity. While there is limited research on using aptamers to detect human gut microbiota, they show promise for providing accurate, robust, and cost-effective diagnostic methods for monitoring the gut microbiome.

Practical Guidelines by the Andalusian Group for Nutrition Reflection and Investigation (GARIN) on Nutritional Management of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Review.

Malnutrition is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and is associated with worse lung function and greater severity. This review by the Andalusian Group for Nutrition Reflection and Investigation (GARIN) addresses the nutritional management of adult COPD patients, focusing on Morphofunctional Nutritional Assessment and intervention in clinical practice. A systematic literature search was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, followed by critical appraisal based on Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines. Recommendations were graded according to the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) system. The results were discussed among GARIN members, with consensus determined using a Likert scale. A total of 24 recommendations were made: 2(A), 6(B), 2(O), and 14(GPP). Consensus exceeded 90% for 17 recommendations and was 75-90% for 7. The care of COPD patients is approached from a nutritional perspective, emphasizing nutritional screening, morphofunctional assessment, and food intake in early disease stages. Nutritional interventions include dietary advice, recommendations on food group intake, and the impact of specialized nutritional treatment, particularly oral nutritional supplements. Other critical aspects, such as physical activity and quality of life, are also analyzed. These recommendations provide practical guidance for managing COPD patients nutritionally in clinical practice.

Legislation and policy for involuntary mental healthcare across countries in the FOSTREN network: rationale, development of mapping survey and protocol.

BACKGROUND: Several countries are currently revising or have already revised their mental health laws to align with the global movement to reduce the use of coercive care. No government has yet fully implemented the recommendation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to eliminate the use of coercion in mental healthcare. Consequently, the international field of mental health law and policy is in a degree of flux. AIMS: To describe the rationale, development and protocol for a project that will map and examine how mental health laws, policies and service capacity across European countries relate to the use of coercive measures, including involuntary admissions and treatment, restraints and seclusion. This will help to better understand the current situation and explore future directions of policies regarding coercive care. METHOD: The project is being carried out under the purview of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) action network, entitled FOSTREN (Fostering and Strengthening Approaches to Reducing Coercion in European Mental Health Services). A multidisciplinary group of experts developed a comprehensive survey assessing mental health laws, policies and service frameworks, based on World Health Organization and UNCRPD recommendations. The survey was piloted in three countries, revised and disseminated to 30 FOSTREN country representatives. The survey will provide data for three strands of work on legislation, policies and service-level context. A comprehensive evaluation will be conducted, drawing on findings from all work packages. CONCLUSIONS: The project could inform the development of strategies, interventions and legislation to address gaps and promote compliance with international standards.

Outcome of Nonsurgical Root Canal Retreatment of Teeth with Persistent Apical Periodontitis Treated with Foraminal Enlargement and 2% Chlorhexidine Gel: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Nonsurgical root canal retreatment (NS-RCRT) becomes necessary when primary endodontic procedures fail. This study evaluates the efficacy of NS-RCRT using 2% chlorhexidine gel and foraminal enlargement techniques, aiming to assess whether these approaches enhance periapical healing outcomes and success rates compared to traditional NS-RCRT techniques reported in the literature. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 120 teeth diagnosed with persistent apical periodontitis, from 80 patients who underwent NS-RCRT between January 2014 and December 2018 at a specialist's private practice. Data were collected following the Preferred Reporting Items for Observational Studies in Endodontics 2023 guidelines. Periapical healing was evaluated using digital periapical radiographs by three calibrated examiners. The outcome of the treatment was analyzed through descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses, including the Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact tests. Treatment outcomes were deemed successful if they showed complete or incomplete repair and unsuccessful if no repair was observed. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 30 months. Under loose criteria, 92.50% (n = 111) of the teeth were categorized as successful, and 7.5% (n = 9) as unsuccessful. Bivariate analysis indicated that the radiographic restoration of apical transportation was the only factor that significantly influenced the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: NS-RCRT performed in a single visit using the foraminal enlargement technique and 2% chlorhexidine gel demonstrated high success rates and may be an effective alternative to tooth extraction. This method promoted periapical healing and could significantly improve NS-RCRT protocols. Further prospective studies are recommended to corroborate these findings.

Challenges in rescuing snakes to protect human lives and promote snake conservation in Tamil Nadu, India.

BACKGROUND: Human-snake conflicts are common worldwide, often resulting in snakebites. Snakebite envenoming causes over 125,000 deaths and 400,000 permanent disabilities worldwide every year. India alone accounts for an average of ~58,000 annual snakebite-induced deaths. As human developments rapidly expand into suburban and rural areas, snakes are being displaced and incidences of residents finding snakes within their dwellings are increasing. Most people have an innate fear of snakes, compounded by centuries of negative influence from culture and mythology manifesting in people often attempting to kill snakes. Snake rescuers are volunteers who remove and relocate snakes to safe areas. This is a risky job that poses potentially fatal implications if bitten. These volunteers mostly receive no financial compensation for their time or transportation costs, but they choose to do it for their love of snakes, conservation, and for the altruistic nature of helping others. Snake rescuers often receive no formal training and are unfunded resulting in removing snakes improperly without adequate safety equipment or the required skill set to safely complete the task. Therefore, it is critical to determine their challenges and requirements to promote the safe rescue of snakes while protecting human lives. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this study, we developed an online questionnaire and interviewed 152 snake rescuers in Tamil Nadu, India following written informed consent to determine their challenges and needs for rescuing snakes safely. The results demonstrate that most rescuers are males, and they conduct snake rescues for varying lengths of time. They mostly receive no formal training and are bitten by snakes. They spend their own money on the purchase of snake-handling equipment and on treatments if bitten or injured during a rescue. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The rescuers highlighted the urgent need for formal training, safety equipment and standard protocols for rescuing snakes in Tamil Nadu. Overall, this study demonstrates that snake rescuing should be appropriately regulated by the authorities, in particular the Wildlife Division of State Forest Departments in India, and formal training along with necessary equipment, medical insurance and appropriate recognition should be provided to them to safely remove snakes from human dwellings and manage the safety of both snakes and humans. They can also act as educators to disseminate information about the preventive and first aid measures for snakebites as well as the ecological importance of snakes.

Supported accommodations for people with serious mental disorders: Care pathways and predictors of age of entry and length of stay.

INTRODUCTION: Supported accommodations (SAs) are key components of community mental health care, but little is known about residents' care pathways. This study analysed the care pathways of residents of SAs, and factors associated with their age of entry and length of stay. METHODS: A random sample of SAs' residents in Portugal was interviewed and a questionnaire was specifically developed to assess their care pathways. Associations between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, age of entry and length of stay, were analysed using hierarchical regression. RESULTS: Overall, 213 residents of 43 different SAs participated. Their mean age was 55 years. Most were male, single, pensioners and had early-onset psychotic disorders. On average, they integrated the current SA at around 50 years old and had a 4.5 year length of stay. Most participants had been in another SA before (35.0% in more supported, 33.8% in less supported and 6.3% in similarly supported SAs). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that residents spend several years in the residential pathway, with a significant proportion moving to more supported SAs. This calls for increasing the number of SAs with different typologies and developing coordinated community supports.

Deep Learning Features Can Improve Radiomics-Based Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness Prediction.

PURPOSE: Emerging evidence suggests that the use of artificial intelligence can assist in the timely detection and optimization of therapeutic approach in patients with prostate cancer. The conventional perspective on radiomics encompassing segmentation and the extraction of radiomic features considers it as an independent and sequential process. However, it is not necessary to adhere to this viewpoint. In this study, we show that besides generating masks from which radiomic features can be extracted, prostate segmentation and reconstruction models provide valuable information in their feature space, which can improve the quality of radiomic signatures models for disease aggressiveness classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We perform 2,244 experiments with deep learning features extracted from 13 different models trained using different anatomic zones and characterize how modeling decisions, such as deep feature aggregation and dimensionality reduction, affect performance. RESULTS: While models using deep features from full gland and radiomic features consistently lead to improved disease aggressiveness prediction performance, others are detrimental. Our results suggest that the use of deep features can be beneficial, but an appropriate and comprehensive assessment is necessary to ensure that their inclusion does not harm predictive performance. CONCLUSION: The study findings reveal that incorporating deep features derived from autoencoder models trained to reconstruct the full prostate gland (both zonal models show worse performance than radiomics only models), combined with radiomic features, often lead to a statistically significant increase in model performance for disease aggressiveness classification. Additionally, the results also demonstrate that the choice of feature selection is key to achieving good performance, with principal component analysis (PCA) and PCA + relief being the best approaches and that there is no clear difference between the three proposed latent representation extraction techniques.

IA-Body Composition CT at T12 in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Diagnosing Sarcopenia and Correlating with Other Morphofunctional Assessment Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Body composition (BC) techniques, including bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIVA), nutritional ultrasound® (NU), and computed tomography (CT), can detect nutritional diagnoses such as sarcopenia (Sc). Sc in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with greater severity and lower survival. Our aim was to explore the correlation of BIVA, NU and functional parameters with BC at T12 level CT scans in patients with IPF but also its relationship with degree of Sc, malnutrition and mortality. METHODS: This bicentric cross-sectional study included 60 IPF patients (85.2% male, 70.9 ± 7.8 years). Morphofunctional assessment (MFA) techniques included BIVA, NU, CT at T12 level (T12-CT), handgrip strength, and timed up and go. CT data were obtained using FocusedON®. Statistical analysis was conducted using JAMOVI version 2.3.22 to determine the cutoff points for Sc in T12-CT and to analyze correlations with other MFA techniques. RESULTS: the cutoff for muscle area in T12-CT was ≤77.44 cm2 (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.734, sensitivity = 41.7%, specificity = 100%). The skeletal muscle index (SMI_T12CT) cutoff was ≤24.5 cm2/m2 (AUC = 0.689, sensitivity = 66.7%, specificity = 66.7%). Low SMI_T12CT exhibited significantly reduced median survival and higher risk of mortality compared to those with normal muscle mass (SMI cut off ≥ 28.8 cm/m2). SMI_T12CT was highly correlated with body cell mass from BIVA (r = 0.681) and rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RF-CSA) from NU (r = 0.599). Cronbach's α for muscle parameters across different MFA techniques and CT was 0.735, confirming their validity for evaluating muscle composition. CONCLUSIONS: T12-CT scan is a reliable technique for measuring low muscle mass in patients with IPF, specifically when the L3 vertebrae are not captured. An SMI value of <28.8 is a good predictor of low lean mass and 12-month mortality in IPF patients.

UAV Visual and Thermographic Power Line Detection Using Deep Learning.

Inspecting and maintaining power lines is essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of electrical infrastructure. This process involves regular assessment to identify hazards such as damaged wires, corrosion, or vegetation encroachment, followed by timely maintenance to prevent accidents and power outages. By conducting routine inspections and maintenance, utilities can comply with regulations, enhance operational efficiency, and extend the lifespan of power lines and equipment. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can play a relevant role in this process by increasing efficiency through rapid coverage of large areas and access to difficult-to-reach locations, enhanced safety by minimizing risks to personnel in hazardous environments, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods. UAVs equipped with sensors such as visual and thermographic cameras enable the accurate collection of high-resolution data, facilitating early detection of defects and other potential issues. To ensure the safety of the autonomous inspection process, UAVs must be capable of performing onboard processing, particularly for detection of power lines and obstacles. In this paper, we address the development of a deep learning approach with YOLOv8 for power line detection based on visual and thermographic images. The developed solution was validated with a UAV during a power line inspection mission, obtaining mAP@0.5 results of over 90.5% on visible images and over 96.9% on thermographic images.

Plasmonic nanoparticle sensors: current progress, challenges, and future prospects.

Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) have played a significant role in the evolution of modern nanoscience and nanotechnology in terms of colloidal synthesis, general understanding of nanocrystal growth mechanisms, and their impact in a wide range of applications. They exhibit strong visible colors due to localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) that depends on their size, shape, composition, and the surrounding dielectric environment. Under resonant excitation, the LSPR of plasmonic NPs leads to a strong field enhancement near their surfaces and thus enhances various light-matter interactions. These unique optical properties of plasmonic NPs have been used to design chemical and biological sensors. Over the last few decades, colloidal plasmonic NPs have been greatly exploited in sensing applications through LSPR shifts (colorimetry), surface-enhanced Raman scattering, surface-enhanced fluorescence, and chiroptical activity. Although colloidal plasmonic NPs have emerged at the forefront of nanobiosensors, there are still several important challenges to be addressed for the realization of plasmonic NP-based sensor kits for routine use in daily life. In this comprehensive review, researchers of different disciplines (colloidal and analytical chemistry, biology, physics, and medicine) have joined together to summarize the past, present, and future of plasmonic NP-based sensors in terms of different sensing platforms, understanding of the sensing mechanisms, different chemical and biological analytes, and the expected future technologies. This review is expected to guide the researchers currently working in this field and inspire future generations of scientists to join this compelling research field and its branches.

Coercion in psychiatry: psychometric validation of the Portuguese Staff Attitudes to Coercion Scale (SACS).

BACKGROUND: There is a growing recognition that staff attitudes toward coercion in mental health care may influence its application. This study presents the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Staff Attitudes towards Coercion Scale (SACS) and describes mental health professionals' attitudes towards coercion in Portugal. METHODS: Mental health professionals working in five Portuguese mental health services in urban and rural regions of Portugal were invited to complete a questionnaire comprising the SACS and a socio-demographic form. Psychometric analyses including construct validity and internal consistency were carried out using R software. RESULTS: A total of 91 out of 119 questionnaires completed were valid for analysis. Fifty-seven (62.64%) respondents were female, with an age range of 24 to 69 years (M = 39.33; SD = 11.09). More than half of them were nurses (52.75%, n = 48), and a third were psychiatrists (36.26%, n = 33). A three-factor structure was confirmed and showed the best fit compared to previously proposed models with a cumulative explained variance of 59%. The Portuguese SACS exhibited adequate internal consistency for both the full-scale and subscales. The highest mean score was in the pragmatic attitude domain (20.60; SD = 3.37). A negative correlation was observed between the critical attitude domain and both age and years of experience (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A three-factor structure was confirmed and showed the best fit compared to previously proposed models. The Portuguese SACS showed excellent psychometric properties and is acceptable for assessing staff attitudes towards coercion.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to verify the effect of 12 weeks of HIIT on the perceived sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). For this, a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, including 36 adults with moderate-severe OSA (19 males; 52.2 ± 9.8 years; body mass index = 34.2 ± 5.8; AHI = 42.0 ± 22.9 e/h) was performed. Participants were randomly assigned to HIIT [5 periods of 4 min of walking or running on a treadmill at 90-95 % of maximum heart rate (HRmax) interspersed with 3 min of walking at 50-55 % of HRmax performed three times per week for 12 weeks] or a control group (CG; stretching exercises performed two times per week for 12 weeks). Specific domains of subjective sleep quality and EDS were assessed at baseline and post 12 weeks. Generalized estimated equation were used to verify between groups and times differences. There were no group × time interactions for the domains sleep duration (0.416), sleep efficiency (0.198), sleep disturbance (0.523), and sleep medications (0.915). However, significant group × time interactions were observed for global sleep score (0.022), and for the domains sleep quality (0.001), sleep latency (0.029), and daytime dysfunction (0.012). In addition, there was a significant group × time interaction for EDS (HIIT = -3.4 ± 0.9; CG change = -1.0 ± 1.0; p = 0.023). Thus, in patients with OSA, 12 weeks of HIIT improves perceived sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.

[Improving the nutritional care of oncology patients - Validation of a multidisciplinary protocol in the Spanish clinical setting]. / Mejorando la atención nutricional del paciente oncológico: validación de un protocolo multidisciplinar en el entorno clínico español.

Introduction: Introduction: malnutrition is a very frequent problem in oncology patients and may have serious repercussions. Adequate nutritional management is cost-effective in terms of health and survival in this population, but it requires multidisciplinary coordination, specific training, and continuous follow-up. Objective: to validate the applicability and efficacy of a multidisciplinary nutritional support protocol in oncology patients. Methods: a multidisciplinary nutritional protocol was developed for oncology patients, with guidelines for screening and assessment of malnutrition, treatment, re-evaluation, and management of side effects, as well as guidance on supplementation and eating patterns. The protocol would be implemented in various clinical centers, collecting data through a structured questionnaire, registering variables before and after implementation. Results: the protocol and its impact were implemented and evaluated in 39 centers. An improvement in nutritional care was observed, evidenced by an earlier initiation of nutritional assessment and an increase in the number of patients receiving adequate care following the protocol implementation. Problems related to inadequate malnutrition coding in the centers, limited resources, and the need for greater interdepartmental collaboration were identified. Conclusions: the conduct of this study provides insights into how the implementation of a multidisciplinary nutritional support protocol can improve the nutritional care received by patients and informs about the main obstacles to adequate implementation.

Introducción: Introducción: la desnutrición es un problema muy frecuente en el paciente oncológico y puede tener graves repercusiones. Un manejo nutricional adecuado es coste-efectivo en términos de salud y supervivencia en esta población, pero requiere de coordinación multidisciplinar, formación específica y seguimiento continuo. Objetivo: validar la aplicabilidad y eficacia de un protocolo multidisciplinar de soporte nutricional en pacientes oncológicos. Métodos: se desarrolló un protocolo nutricional multidisciplinar para pacientes oncológicos, con pautas para el cribado y valoración de la desnutrición, el tratamiento, la reevaluación y la gestión de los efectos secundarios, además de orientaciones sobre suplementación y patrones de alimentación. Se implementaría el protocolo en diversos centros clínicos, recogiendo datos a través de un cuestionario estructurado, registrando variables antes y después de la implementación. Resultados: se implementó y se valoraron el protocolo y su impacto en 39 centros. Se observó una mejoría en la atención nutricional, evidenciada por un inicio más precoz de la valoración nutricional y un aumento en el número de pacientes que recibían atención adecuada tras la implementación del protocolo. Se identificaron problemas relacionados con una inadecuada codificación de la desnutrición en los centros, recursos limitados y la necesidad de mayor colaboración interdepartamental. Conclusiones: la realización de este estudio ofrece información de cómo la implementación de un protocolo multidisciplinar de soporte nutricional puede contribuir a mejorar la atención nutricional que reciben los pacientes e informa de cuáles son los principales obstáculos para una implementación adecuada.

Responding to the needs of survivors of intimate partner violence in Lithuania: perceptions of mental health and social care professionals.

Around eight-out-of-ten survivors of domestic violence in Lithuania are women, and of those, eight-out-of-ten suffer violence specifically from their intimate partners (IPV). Women who experience IPV are at higher risk of having mental health conditions. This study aims to explore the perspectives of mental health and social care professionals regarding the provision of mental health support to IPV survivors in Lithuania. Four focus groups were conducted among 29 service providers from across the country. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using MAXQDA software. The five main themes derived from the analysis reveal: 1) low levels of IPV awareness among IPV survivors who seek support with their mental health; 2) a lack of specialized training among professionals as a barrier to effective support; 3) a low prioritization on the national level; 4) little inter-sectoral collaboration which undermines the complexity of needed responses; 5) broader systemic problems. The provision of mental health support to IPV survivors lacks the recognition that IPV is gender-based violence and a major public (mental) health problem. The complexity of needed services is absent. Further research needs to explore the utilization of mental health services by IPV survivors and their perceptions concerning it.

Central venous catheter-related right atrial thrombus in oncology patients: a case series of cardiovascular magnetic resonance studies.

Background: Patients with cancer are at an increased risk of thrombus formation, often identified on routine echocardiogram in the right atrium. The 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardio-oncology emphasize cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as the gold standard for thrombus identification. Case summary: We present a case series of seven patients who underwent CMR due to right atrial mass suspected to result from central venous catheter-related right atrial thrombus. In all cases, CMR enabled accurate diagnosis of a thrombus. It also allowed to assess complete or partial resolution of the thrombi following anticoagulation on follow-up studies. Discussion: The presence of a central venous catheter is recognized as a risk factor for thrombus formation, particularly when inappropriately advanced into the right atrium. The integration of CMR into the diagnostic pathway enabled precise thrombus identification and guidance for treatment in this population with a complex balance between cancer-related thrombotic and haemorrhagic risks.

Impact of passive ultrasonic irrigation on the outcome of non-surgical root canal treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation on the periapical healing rate of primary root canal treatment compared to conventional syringe irrigation. METHODS: Registered a priori in the PROSPERO database, this review was conducted by two independent reviewers who performed an electronic search up to December 2023. The search included databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library, as well as grey literature. We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that focused on patients undergoing primary root canal treatments. The study compared intervention groups using PUI with control groups that did not use activation techniques. Periapical healing was assessed over follow-up periods of at least six months, utilizing either periapical radiographs or cone-beam computed tomography. To synthesize the findings, a meta-analysis and trial sequence analysis were conducted, employing the Relative Risk as the measure of effect, with a 95% confidence interval. The GRADE approach was utilized to assess the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: The meta-analysis incorporated three RCTs, involving 474 patients (501 teeth). The analysis revealed that PUI led to a higher rate of periapical healing compared to CSI (Relative Risk: 1.10; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.01-1.21, I² = 0%), with moderate certainty of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited number of high-quality RCTs, the findings showed a positive impact of PUI on periapical healing rates in primary root canal treatments, in comparison to CSI. REGISTER: CRD42021290894.

Coercion in Psychiatry: Exploring the Subjective Experience of Coercion Among Patients in Five Portuguese Psychiatric Departments.

The subjective experience of coercion may have a more significant impact on clinical outcomes than formal coercive measures. This study aimed to investigate the subjective experience of coercion among patients on admission in Portuguese psychiatric departments by assessing their perceived coercion, procedural justice, and negative pressures during admission. The study also investigated whether this subjective experience of coercion changed with time during admission, and the predictors of this change. Validated instruments, including the McArthur Admission Experience Survey (AES) and the Client Assessment of Treatment Scale, were used to collect information from 208 adults admitted to five public psychiatric inpatient departments in rural and urban regions of Portugal. About a third (32.24%, n = 49) of the sample had a legal involuntary admission status, while more than a third of them perceived their admission to be involuntary (40.13%, n = 61). The subjective experience of coercion was significantly higher among people who perceived their admission to be involuntary compared to people who perceived their admission to be voluntary (Median = 10, IQR = 5.5 vs. Median = 3, IQR = 6; p < 0.001). Satisfaction with their care was significantly inversely correlated with the subjective experience of coercion (p < 0.01). The changes in the subjective experience of coercion at the second assessment were predicted by the perceived admission status rather than the legal admission status, and the initial procedural justice (p < 0.05). The study findings highlight the importance of improving procedural justice in psychiatric admissions, regardless of the legal status of admission.

AI-Assisted Body Composition Assessment Using CT Imaging in Colorectal Cancer Patients: Predictive Capacity for Sarcopenia and Malnutrition Diagnosis.

(1) Background: The assessment of muscle mass is crucial in the nutritional evaluation of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), as decreased muscle mass is linked to increased complications and poorer prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the utility of AI-assisted L3 CT for assessing body composition and determining low muscle mass using both the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria for malnutrition and the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria for sarcopenia in CRC patients prior to surgery. Additionally, we aim to establish cutoff points for muscle mass in men and women and propose their application in these diagnostic frameworks. (2) Methods: This retrospective observational study included CRC patients assessed by the Endocrinology and Nutrition services of the Regional University Hospitals of Malaga, Virgen de la Victoria of Malaga, and Vall d'Hebrón of Barcelona from October 2018 to July 2023. A morphofunctional assessment, including anthropometry, bioimpedance analysis (BIA), and handgrip strength, was conducted to apply the GLIM criteria for malnutrition and the EWGSOP2 criteria for sarcopenia. Body composition evaluation was performed through AI-assisted analysis of CT images at the L3 level. ROC analysis was used to determine the predictive capacity of variables derived from the CT analysis regarding the diagnosis of low muscle mass and to describe cutoff points. (3) Results: A total of 586 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 68.4 ± 10.2 years. Using the GLIM criteria, 245 patients (41.8%) were diagnosed with malnutrition. Applying the EWGSOP2 criteria, 56 patients (9.6%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. ROC curve analysis for the skeletal muscle index (SMI) showed a strong discriminative capacity of muscle area to detect low fat-free mass index (FFMI) (AUC = 0.82, 95% CI 0.77-0.87, p < 0.001). The identified SMI cutoff for diagnosing low FFMI was 32.75 cm2/m2 (Sn 77%, Sp 64.3%; AUC = 0.79, 95% CI 0.70-0.87, p < 0.001) in women, and 39.9 cm2/m2 (Sn 77%, Sp 72.7%; AUC = 0.85, 95% CI 0.80-0.90, p < 0.001) in men. Additionally, skeletal muscle area (SMA) showed good discriminative capacity for detecting low appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) (AUC = 0.71, 95% CI 0.65-0.76, p < 0.001). The identified SMA cutoff points for diagnosing low ASMM were 83.2 cm2 (Sn 76.7%, Sp 55.3%; AUC = 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.84, p < 0.001) in women and 112.6 cm2 (Sn 82.3%, Sp 58.6%; AUC = 0.79, 95% CI 0.74-0.85, p < 0.001) in men. (4) Conclusions: AI-assisted body composition assessment using CT is a valuable tool in the morphofunctional evaluation of patients with colorectal cancer prior to surgery. CT provides quantitative data on muscle mass for the application of the GLIM criteria for malnutrition and the EWGSOP2 criteria for sarcopenia, with specific cutoff points established for diagnostic use.

Microscopic and metabolomics analysis of the anti-Listeria activity of natural and engineered cruzioseptins.

Listeria monocytogenes is a human opportunistic foodborne pathogen that produces life-threatening infections with a high mortality rate. The control of Listeria in the food production environment and effective clinical management of human listeriosis are challenging due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Hence we evaluate the in vitro anti-Listeria activity of two synthetic cruzioseptins reproducing their natural sequences CZS-9, and CZS-12, and one engineered sequence based on CZS-1, named [K4K15]CZS-1. The assessment of the in vitro potential of cruzioseptins, highlighted the promising antibacterial effect of [K4K15]CZS-1 in very low concentrations (0.91 µM) and its thermal stability at high-temperature conditions, is compatible with the food industry. Microscopic and metabolomic analyses suggest cruzioseptin induces anti-Listeria bioactivity through membrane disruption and changes in the intracellular metabolome. We also report that [K4K15]CZS-1 is not resistant to peptidases/proteases emphasizing a key advantage for their use as a food preservative. However, there is a need for further structural and functional optimisations for the potential clinical application as an antibiotic. In conclusion, [K4K15]CZS-1 stand out as membrane-active peptides with the ability to induce shifts in the bacteria metabolome and inspire the development of strategies for the prevention of L. monocytogenes emergence and dissemination.

Ultrasound Cut-Off Values for Rectus Femoris for Detecting Sarcopenia in Patients with Nutritional Risk.

BACKGROUND: A nationwide, prospective, multicenter, cohort study (the Disease-Related caloric-protein malnutrition EChOgraphy (DRECO) study) was designed to assess the usefulness of ultrasound of the rectus femoris for detecting sarcopenia in hospitalized patients at risk of malnutrition and to define cut-off values of ultrasound measures. METHODS: Patients at risk of malnutrition according to the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) underwent handgrip dynamometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and rectus femoris ultrasound studies. European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria were used to define categories of sarcopenia (at risk, probable, confirmed, severe). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were used to determine the optimal diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of cut-off points of the ultrasound measures for the detection of risk of sarcopenia and probable, confirmed, and severe sarcopenia. RESULTS: A total of 1000 subjects were included and 991 of them (58.9% men, mean age 58.5 years) were evaluated. Risk of sarcopenia was detected in 9.6% patients, probable sarcopenia in 14%, confirmed sarcopenia in 9.7%, and severe sarcopenia in 3.9%, with significant differences in the distribution of groups between men and women (p < 0.0001). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris showed a significantly positive correlation with body cell mass of BIA and handgrip strength, and a significant negative correlation with TUG. Cut-off values were similar within each category of sarcopenia, ranging between 2.40 cm2 and 3.66 cm2 for CSA, 32.57 mm and 40.21 mm for the X-axis, and 7.85 mm and 10.4 mm for the Y-axis. In general, these cut-off values showed high sensitivities, particularly for the categories of confirmed and severe sarcopenia, with male patients also showing better sensitivities than women. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia in hospitalized patients at risk of malnutrition was high. Cut-off values for the better sensitivities and specificities of ultrasound measures of the rectus femoris are established. The use of ultrasound of the rectus femoris could be used for the prediction of sarcopenia and be useful to integrate nutritional study into real clinical practice.