Fox Insight at 5 years - a cohort of 54,000 participants contributing longitudinal patient-reported outcome, genetic, and microbiome data relating to Parkinson's disease.

Fox Insight is an online, longitudinal study of over 54,000 people with and without Parkinson's disease, facilitating discovery, validation, and reproducibility in Parkinson's disease research. The study administers routine longitudinal assessments, one-time questionnaires on an array of topics such as environmental exposure or COVID-19, plus genetic and microbiome data collection. Researchers can explore and download patient-reported outcomes data and Parkinson's disease related genetic variants upon completing a Data Use Agreement. The full genetic data set, including approximately 650,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms for over 10,000 participants, and the microbiome data set for over 650 participants, can be requested with a heightened level of access. Since the first Fox Insight data descriptor was published in 2020, the data captured has been extended significantly, so this paper supersedes the previous one. Since then, the number of participants has increased by more than 20,000; an additional 1,747,729 surveys were completed; 130 gigabytes of genetic data were released; responses from 16 new one-time surveys were collected; and, data from one additional sub-study was made available.

American Football Play and Parkinson Disease Among Men.

Importance: Parkinsonism and Parkinson disease (PD) are known to result from repetitive head impacts from boxing. Repetitive head impacts from American football may also be associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative pathologies that cause parkinsonism, yet in vivo research on the association between football play and PD is scarce and limited by small samples and equivocal findings. Objective: To evaluate the association between football participation and self-reported parkinsonism or PD diagnosis. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study leveraged data from the online Fox Insight study. Participants completed online questionnaires and self-reported whether they currently had a diagnosis of Parkinson disease or parkinsonism by a physician or other health care professional. In November 2020, the Boston University Head Impact Exposure Assessment was launched for data collection on repetitive head impacts. Data used for this manuscript were obtained from the Fox Insight database on June 9, 2022. A total of 1875 men who endorsed playing any organized sport were included. Former athletes were divided into those who participated in football (n = 729 [38.9%]) and those who participated in other sports (reference group). Exposures: Self-reported participation in football, duration and level of football play, age at first exposure. Main Outcomes and Measures: Logistic regression tested associations between PD status and history of football play, duration of football play, highest level played, and age at first exposure, controlling for age, education, history of diabetes or heart disease, body mass index, history of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness, and family history of PD. Results: In this sample of 1875 men (mean [SD] age, 67.69 [9.84] years) enriched for parkinsonism or PD (n = 1602 [85.4%]), 729 (38.9%) played football (mean [SD] duration, 4.35 [2.91] years). History of playing football was associated with higher odds of having a parkinsonism or PD diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% CI, 1.19-2.17). Among the entire sample, longer duration of play was associated with higher odds of having a parkinsonism or PD diagnosis (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06-1.19). Among football players, longer duration of football play (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02-1.23) and higher level of play (OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.28-6.73) were associated with higher odds of having parkinsonism or PD. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study of participants enriched for PD, participation in football was associated with higher odds of having a reported parkinsonism or PD diagnosis.

Radiotherapy-associated sensorineural hearing loss in pediatric oncology patients.

During the radiotherapeutic treatment of pediatric oncology patients, they would be at a latent risk of developing ionizing radiation-induced ototoxicity when the cochlea or auditory nerve is located within the radiation field. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is an irreversible late complication of radiotherapy, and its incidence depends on various factors such as the patient's hearing sensitivity, total radiation dose to the cochlea, radiotherapy fractionation regimen, age and chemoradiation. Importantly, this complication exhibits serious challenges to adult survivors of childhood cancer, as it has been linked to impairments in academic achievement, psychosocial development, independent living skills, and employment in the survivor population. Therefore, early detection and proper management can alleviate academic, speech, language, social, and psychological morbidity arising from hearing deficits. In the present review, we have addressed issues such as underlying mechanisms of radiation-induced SNHL, audiometric findings of pediatric cancer patients treated with radiotherapy, and management and protection measures against radiation-induced ototoxicity.

The impact of aerosol box on tracheal intubation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to summarize the effect of the aerosol box on tracheal intubation in patients with COVID-19. AREAS COVERED: According to the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was performed to identify relevant literature on the 'impact of the aerosol box on tracheal intubation during the COVID-19 pandemic' in different electronic databases up to March 2021. Based on a set of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 447 articles were screened. Finally, 20 articles were included in the current systematic review. The findings showed that the use of aerosol box during intubation could reduce droplet contamination on the healthcare workers but not necessarily aerosols. An increase in the time of intubation with the aerosol box was also observed in 9 out of 12 studies (75%); however, three studies reported no significant difference in the time of intubation with and without the aerosol box. Most studies (8 out of 9, 89%) were also shown that intubation with the aerosol box may lead to more difficulty. EXPERT OPINION: The proceduralist and other healthcare workers involved in airway management of COVID-19 infected patients should decide whether to apply the aerosol box with caution, balancing between benefits and risks, especially in difficult airway circumstances.

The effect of flaxseed oil consumtion on blood pressure among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

We systematically reviewed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to elucidate the overall effects of flaxseed oil consumption on blood pressure (BP) in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science databases were systematically searched until March 31, 2020, to find RCTs that examined the effect of flaxseed oil consumption on BP. Weighed mean difference (WMD) was pooled using a random-effects model. Standard methods were used for the assessment of heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias. Meta-analysis of five trials (6 arms) showed significant reductions in systolic (WMD: -3.86 mmHg, 95% CI: -7.59 to -0.13, p = .04) BP (SBP) after flaxseed oil consumption. However, the overall effect illustrated no significant change in diastolic (WMD: -1.71 mmHg, 95% CI: -3.67 to 0.26, p = .09) BP (DBP) in the intervention group compared with the control group. Our findings revealed that flaxseed oil consumption has favorable effects on SBP in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders. However, further investigations are needed to provide more reliable evidence.

Optimization of doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)based wind turbine to achieve maximum power generation with imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA).

Today, due to the end of fossil fuels and efforts to reduce the use of renewable resources, wind energy is a suitable option for the production of electrical energy due to its high-power generation. To increase the output efficiency of wind turbines, maximum power point tracking techniques are required for wind turbine energy conversion systems. In this research, the maximum power point (MPPT) method for two-way fed wind turbine systems (DFIG) is presented. The performance of the induction generator is presented on both sides of the power and the values of this generator such as speed, torque, voltage, current and maximum power at the time of wind speed changes. The presented work is presented in two scenarios and the model is performed without the algorithm then, a maximum power point tracking method based on the Colonial Competition Algorithm (ICA) has been applied to estimate the power of the two power induction generators. According to the results, it can be said that in the scenario with the algorithm of generating electric power by the turbine, several times in the production state is 9 MW, which is the rate of the turbine's nominal power, while in another scenario, the power generated by the turbine is 85% of the power in the state with the algorithm.

Perspectives and Trends in Advanced MXenes-Based Optical Biosensors for the Recognition of Food Contaminants.

Fabricating novel biosensing constructs with high sensitivity and selectivity is highly demanded in food contaminants detection. In this prospect, various nanostructured materials were envisaged to build (bio)sensors with superior sensitivity and selectivity. The desirable biocompatibility, brilliant mechanical strength, ease of surface functionalization, as well as tunable optical and electronic features, portray 2D MXenes as versatile scaffolds for biosensing. In this review, we overviewed the state-of-the-art MXenes-based optical biosensing devices to detect mycotoxins, pesticide residues, antibiotic residues, and food borne-pathogens from foodstuff and environmental matrices. Firstly, the synthesis methods and surface functionalization/modification of MXenes are discussed. Secondly, according to the target analytes, we categorized and presented a detailed account of the newest research progress of MXenes-based optical probes for food contaminants monitoring. The efficiency of all the surveyed probes was assessed on the basis of important factors like response time, detection limit (DL), and sensing range. Lastly, the necessity and requirements for future advances in this emerging MXenes material are also given, followed by challenges and opportunities. We hope that this study will bridge the gap between nanotechnology and food science, offering insights for engineers or scientists in both areas to accelerate the progress of MXenes-based materials for food safety detection.

Association of cord blood asprosin concentration with atherogenic lipid profile and anthropometric indices.

BACKGROUND: Elevated lipids in umbilical cord blood affect fetal programming, leading to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in later life. However, the causes of changes in the lipid profile of umbilical cord blood are not clear yet. This study aimed for the first time to determine the association of asprosin concentration with TAG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C concentrations and TAG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio in umbilical cord blood as well as newborn anthropometric indices. This cross-sectional study was based on 450 mother- newborn pairs of a birth cohort study in Sabzevar, Iran. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the association of lipid concentration and lipid ratios as well as birth weight (BW), birth length (BL), head circumference (HC) and chest circumference (CC) with asprosin in cord blood samples controlled for the relevant covariates. RESULT: In fully adjusted models, each 1 ng/mL increase in asprosin was associated with 0.19 (95% CI 0.06, 0.31, P < 0.01), 0.19 (95% CI 0.10, 0.29, P < 0.01), 0.17 (95% CI 0.09, 0.25, P < 0.01), 0.17 (95% CI 0.09, 0.25, P < 0.01), 0.01 (95% CI 0.00, 0.013, P < 0.01), 0.01 (95% CI 0.01, 0.01, P < 0.01), 0.01 (95% CI 0.01, 0.01, P < 0.01) and 0.01 (95% CI 0.01, 0.01, P < 0.01) increase in TAG, TC, LDL-C, TAG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio respectively. Moreover, higher asprosin levels was positively associated with newborn BW, BL, HC and CC; however, these associations were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Overall, our findings support the positive association between cord asprosin concentration and the development of atherogenic lipid profile in newborns. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study in other populations.

Discharge Enhancement in a Triple-Pipe Heat Exchanger Filled with Phase Change Material.

This study aims to study the discharging process to verify the influence of geometry modifications and heat transfer flow (HTF) patterns on the performance of a vertical triplex-tube latent heat container. The phase change material (PCM) is included in the middle tube, where the geometry is modified using single or multi-internal frustum tubes instead of straight tubes to enhance the discharging rate. The effects of the HTF flow direction, which is considered by the gravity and opposite-gravity directions, are also examined in four different cases. For the optimal geometry, three scenarios are proposed, i.e., employing a frustum tube for the middle tube, for the inner tube, and at last for both the inner and middle tubes. The effects of various gap widths in the modified geometries are investigated. The results show the advantages of using frustum tubes in increasing the discharging rate and reducing the solidification time compared with that of the straight tube unit due to the higher natural convection effect by proper utilization of frustum tubes. The study of the HTF pattern shows that where the HTF direction in both the inner and outer tubes are in the gravity direction, the maximum discharging rate can be achieved. For the best configuration, the discharge time is reduced negligibly compared with that for the system with straight tubes which depends on the dimensions of the PCM domain.

Effects of short-term exposure to the heavy metal, nickel chloride (Nicl2) on gill histology and osmoregulation components of the gray mullet, Mugil cephalus.

The gray mullet, Mugil cephalus is an inshore and bottom-feeding fish species of Oman sea. Therefore, the gray mullet may be more exposed to heavy metal contamination, as the toxic impacts of heavy metals mullet has been reported in various studies. This study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of the heavy metal, nickel (as NiCl2) on osmoregulation of the gray mullet by measuring blood biochemicals, hormones, minerals and gill histology. Fish (10 fish/tank) were experimentally exposed to NiCl2 at three environmentally relevant concentrations of 5, 10 and 15 µg/l for 96 h. Then, fish were challenged with seawater (35 mg/l) for a period of 120 min. The samples (blood and gill tissue) were collected After 96 exposure to NiCl2 and during salinity challenge (30, 60 and 120 min post challenge). The plasma levels of cortisol and glucose significantly increased in NiCl2-exposed fish. In addition, cortisol increased in all experimental groups 30 min after salinity challenge and then returned gradually to the same levels as the control at 120 min post salinity challenge (PSC). The triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels significantly decreased in response to 10 and 15 µg/l NiCl2. In all groups, the thyroid hormones significantly elevated at 30 min PSC. After 30 min PSC, T3 levels in all NiCl2-exposed fish and T4 in the treatment, 10 µg/l NiCl2 remained unchanged throughout the salinity challenge. In the treatment, 5 µg/l NiCl2, T4 levels were recovered at 120 min PSC and reached the same levels as the control. Exposure of fish to high concentrations of NiCl2 and salinity stress increased the lactate levels. However, lactate levels in 5 and 10 µg/l NiCl2 groups were recovered at 120 min PSC and reached the same levels as the control. Furthermore, plasma protein increased in response to 10 and 15 µg/l NiCl2. At 30 PSC, the protein levels decreased in control and 5 µg/l NiCl2 group, while it remained unchanged in fish exposed to 10 and 15 µg/l NiCl2 throughout the salinity challenge. Exposure of fish to NiCl2 disrupted the electrolyte (Na+, Cl-) balance both before and after salinity challenge, which may be due to gill lesions induced by the heavy metal and following alternations in gill permeability. However, fish in 5 µg/l NiCl2 re-established the ionic balance in the blood at the end of salinity challenge period. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly increased in response to 10 and 15 µg/l NiCl2. The MDA levels returned to the same levels as the control group at 120 min PSC. The results of the present study showed that nickel-induced toxicity (especially at high concentrations) can reduce the osmoregulation capabilities of mullet. However, fish are able to recover from the toxic effects over time, if contamination be eliminated.

Effects of Dietary Pectin and Lactobacillus salivarius ATCC 11741 on Growth Performance, Immunocompetence, Gut Microbiota, Antioxidant Capacity, and Disease Resistance in Narrow-Clawed Crayfish, Postantacus leptodactylus.

The present study was conducted to clarify the effects of Lactobacillus salivarius (LS) ATCC 11741 and pectin (PE) on growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, gut microbiota composition, immune parameters, antioxidant defense as well as disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in narrow-clawed crayfish, Postantacus leptodactylus. During 18 weeks trial feeding, 525 narrow-clawed crayfish juvenile (8.07 ± 0.1 g) fed with seven experimental diets including control (basal diet), LS1 (1 × 107 CFU/g), LS2 (1 × 109 CFU/g), PE1 (5 g/kg), PE2 (10 g/kg), LS1PE1 (1 × 107 CFU/g +5 g/kg), and LS2PE2 (1 × 109 CFU/g +10 g/kg). After 18 weeks, growth parameters (final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate) and feed conversion rate were significantly improved in all treatments (P < 0.05). Besides, diets incorporated with LS1PE1 and LS2PE2 significantly increased the activity of amylase and protease enzymes compared to LS1, LS2, and control groups (P < 0.05). Microbiological analyses revealed that the total heterotrophic bacteria count (TVC) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of narrow-clawed crayfish fed diets containing LS1, LS2, LS1PE1, and LS2PE2 were higher than control group. The highest total haemocyte count (THC), large-granular (LGC) and semigranular cells (SGC) count, and hyaline count (HC) was obtained in LS1PE1 (P < 0.05). Similarly, higher immunity activity (lysozyme (LYZ), phenoloxidase (PO), nitroxidesynthetase (NOs), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP)) observed in the LS1PE1 treatment compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity remarkably enhanced in LS1PE1 and LS2PE2, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content reduced in these two treatments. In addition, specimens belonging to LS1, LS2, PE2, LS1PE1, and LS2PE2 groups presented higher resistance against A. hydrophila compared to the control group. In conclusion, feeding narrow-clawed crayfish with synbiotic had higher efficiency on growth parameters, immunocompetence, and disease resistance compared to single consumption of prebiotics and probiotics.