Intergenerational effects of ionizing radiation: review of recent studies from human data (2018-2021).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper was to conduct a review of the studies published between 2018 and 2022 to investigate radiation-related effects in the offspring of human individuals exposed to ionizing radiation. METHODS: The search identified 807 publications, from which 9 studies were selected for detailed analysis to examine for effects in children whose parents were exposed to various types and doses of radiation. RESULTS: The review does not yield substantial evidence supporting intergenerational effects of radiation exposure in humans. However, caution is required when interpreting the results due to limitations in the majority of the published articles. CONCLUSION: This review, covering the period 2018-2022, serves as an extension of the previous systematic review conducted by Stephens et al. (2024), which encompassed the years 1988-2018. Together, these two papers offer a comprehensive overview of the available evidence regarding the intergenerational effects of parental pre-conceptional exposure to ionizing radiation. Overall, the findings do not provide strong evidence supporting a significant association between adverse (or other) outcomes in unexposed children and parental preconception radiation exposure.

An apparatus for probing multipactor in X-band waveguide components.

Rectangular waveguides are susceptible to avalanche-style breakdown via the multipactor phenomenon. The growth in secondary electron density produced via multipactor can damage and destroy RF components. A pulse-adjustable, hard-switched modulator powering an X-band magnetron was utilized to drive a modular experimental setup that enables testing different surface geometries and coatings. Power measurements, taken via diodes, and phase measurements, facilitated via a double-balanced mixer, were integrated into the overall apparatus enabling multipactor detection with high sensitivity and nanosecond temporal resolution. The utilized 150 kW peak microwave source with 2.5 µs pulse width and 100 Hz repetition frequency allows for threshold testing without the need for initial electron seeding. This paper includes the initial results of surface conditioning of the test multipactor gap via electron bombardment.

The Newfoundland and Labrador mosaic founder population descends from an Irish and British diaspora from 300 years ago.

The founder population of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is a unique genetic resource, in part due to its geographic and cultural isolation, where historical records describe a migration of European settlers, primarily from Ireland and England, to NL in the 18th and 19th centuries. Whilst its historical isolation, and increased prevalence of certain monogenic disorders are well appreciated, details of the fine-scale genetic structure and ancestry of the population are lacking. Understanding the genetic origins and background of functional, disease causing, genetic variants would aid genetic mapping efforts in the Province. Here, we leverage dense genome-wide SNP data on 1,807 NL individuals to reveal fine-scale genetic structure in NL that is clustered around coastal communities and correlated with Christian denomination. We show that the majority of NL European ancestry can be traced back to the south-east and south-west of Ireland and England, respectively. We date a substantial population size bottleneck approximately 10-15 generations ago in NL, associated with increased haplotype sharing and autozygosity. Our results reveal insights into the population history of NL and demonstrate evidence of a population conducive to further genetic studies and biomarker discovery.

Environmental and bioclimatic factors influencing yeasts and molds distribution along European shores.

The present study employed data collected during the Mycosands survey to investigate the environmental factors influencing yeasts and molds distribution along European shores applying a species distribution modelling approach. Occurrence data were compared to climatic datasets (temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation), soil datasets (chemical and physical properties), and water datasets (temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a concentration) downloaded from web databases. Analyses were performed by MaxEnt software. Results suggested a different probability of distribution of yeasts and molds along European shores. Yeasts seem to tolerate low temperatures better during winter than molds and this reflects a higher suitability for the Northern European coasts. This difference is more evident considering suitability in waters. Both distributions of molds and yeasts are influenced by basic soil pH, probably because acidic soils are more favorable to bacterial growth. Soils with high nitrogen concentrations are not suitable for fungal growth, which, in contrast, are optimal for plant growth, favored by this environment. Finally, molds show affinity with soil rich in nickel and yeasts with soils rich in cadmium resulting in a distribution mainly at the mouths of European rivers or lagoons, where these metals accumulate in river sediments.

The association and reliability of the frontal plane projection angle during the lateral step down test on knee function in patients with patellofemoral pain.

BACKGROUND: The lateral step-down test is used by physical therapists (PT) to identify movement faults in patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP). The FPPA is a measure of knee valgus and PTs have access to open source video analysis software and high quality smart phones and video cameras to implement 2D video analysis into practice. The purpose of our study was to determine the reliability of PTs measuring the frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) during the lateral step-down test, and to determine if the FPPA was associated with pain, self-reported knee function and fear of movement. METHODS: Twenty-two subjects (mean age[SD] = 27.8 [6.6] years, females n = 14, males n = 8) with PFP were analyzed by six PTs using 2D video analysis software. The FPPA was measured during the lateral step down test. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) were collected. Intraclass correlation (ICC) was used to assess for PT measurement reliability. Correlations between outcomes were calculated using Spearman correlation coefficient and standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were reported. RESULTS: Reliability amongst PTs measuring the FPPA was good (ICC [95 %CI] = 0.85 [0.72-0.93]; SEM = 3.33°, MDC = 9.20°). There were no significant correlations (p > 0.05) between FPPA and NPRS(ρ = -0.046), AKPS(ρ = 0.066), or TSK(ρ = -0.204). CONCLUSIONS: Although reliability measuring FPPA was good, the large SEM and MDC associated with this measurement may limit its clinical utility in those with PFP.

Intestinal microbiota and their metabolic contribution to type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are common, chronic metabolic disorders with associated significant long-term health problems at global epidemic levels. It is recognised that gut microbiota play a central role in maintaining host homeostasis and through technological advances in both animal and human models it is becoming clear that gut microbiota are heavily involved in key pathophysiological roles in the aetiology and progression of both conditions. This review will focus on current knowledge regarding microbiota interactions with short chain fatty acids, the host inflammatory response, signaling pathways, integrity of the intestinal barrier, the interaction of the gut-brain axis and the subsequent impact on the metabolic health of the host.

Gut microbiota influence in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

A strong and expanding evidence base supports the influence of gut microbiota in human metabolism. Altered glucose homeostasis is associated with altered gut microbiota, and is clearly associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated complications. Understanding the causal association between gut microbiota and metabolic risk has the potential role of identifying susceptible individuals to allow early targeted intervention.

Apparatus for skidding sensitivity testing of energetic materials.

A remote-operated apparatus for testing the detonation sensitivity of energetic materials is detailed. Using an air ram and rotating disk, the normal force and transverse velocity of the impact plane are controlled independently, enabling the exploration of varying impact conditions over a wide parameter space. A microcontroller local to the apparatus is used to automate apparatus operation and ensure temporal alignment of the impacting ram head with the rotating disk. Calculation of the firing parameters and issuing of operational commands are handled by a remote computer and relayed to the local microcontroller for execution at the hardware level. Impact forces are taken from fast strain measurements obtained from gauges incorporated into the ram head. Infrared imaging of explosive samples provides insight into the peak thermal temperatures experienced at the sample surface during the impact event.

A review on gut microbiota: a central factor in the pathophysiology of obesity.

Obesity and its complications constitute a substantial burden. Considerable published research describes the novel relationships between obesity and gut microbiota communities. It is becoming evident that microbiota behave in a pivotal role in their ability to influence homeostatic mechanisms either to the benefit or detriment of host health, the extent of which is not fully understood. A greater understanding of the contribution of gut microbiota towards host pathophysiology is revealing new therapeutic avenues to tackle the global obesity epidemic. This review focuses on causal relationships and associations with obesity, proposed central mechanisms encouraging the development of obesity and promising prospective methods for microbiota manipulation.

Mycosands: Fungal diversity and abundance in beach sand and recreational waters - Relevance to human health.

The goal of most studies published on sand contaminants is to gather and discuss knowledge to avoid faecal contamination of water by run-offs and tide-retractions. Other life forms in the sand, however, are seldom studied but always pointed out as relevant. The Mycosands initiative was created to generate data on fungi in beach sands and waters, of both coastal and freshwater inland bathing sites. A team of medical mycologists and water quality specialists explored the sand culturable mycobiota of 91 bathing sites, and water of 67 of these, spanning from the Atlantic to the Eastern Mediterranean coasts, including the Italian lakes and the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas. Sydney (Australia) was also included in the study. Thirteen countries took part in the initiative. The present study considered several fungal parameters (all fungi, several species of the genus Aspergillus and Candida and the genera themselves, plus other yeasts, allergenic fungi, dematiaceous fungi and dermatophytes). The study considered four variables that the team expected would influence the results of the analytical parameters, such as coast or inland location, urban and non-urban sites, period of the year, geographical proximity and type of sediment. The genera most frequently found were Aspergillus spp., Candida spp., Fusarium spp. and Cryptococcus spp. both in sand and in water. A site-blind median was found to be 89 Colony-Forming Units (CFU) of fungi per gram of sand in coastal and inland freshwaters, with variability between 0 and 6400 CFU/g. For freshwater sites, that number was 201.7 CFU/g (0, 6400 CFU/g (p = 0.01)) and for coastal sites was 76.7 CFU/g (0, 3497.5 CFU/g). For coastal waters and all waters, the median was 0 CFU/ml (0, 1592 CFU/ml) and for freshwaters 6.7 (0, 310.0) CFU/ml (p < 0.001). The results advocate that beaches should be monitored for fungi for safer use and better management.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of aryl piperazines with potential as antidiabetic agents via the stimulation of glucose uptake and inhibition of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase.

The management of blood glucose levels and the avoidance of diabetic hyperglycemia are common objectives of many therapies in the treatment of diabetes. An aryl piperazine compound 3a (RTC1) has been described as a promoter of glucose uptake, in part through a cellular mechanism that involves inhibition of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase. We report herein the synthesis of 41 derivatives of 3a (RTC1) and a systematic structure-activity-relationship study where a number of compounds were shown to effectively stimulate glucose uptake in vitro and inhibit NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase. The hit compound 3a (RTC1) remained the most efficacious with a 2.57 fold increase in glucose uptake compared to vehicle control and micromolar inhibition of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (IC50 = 27 µM). In vitro DMPK and in vivo PK studies are also described, where results suggest that 3a (RTC1) would not be expected to provoke adverse drug-drug interactions, yet be readily metabolised, avoid rapid excretion, with a short half-life, and have good tissue distribution. The overall results indicate that aryl piperazines, and 3a (RTC1) in particular, have potential as effective agents for the treatment of diabetes.

Surgical cancellation rates due to peri-operative hypertension: implementation of multidisciplinary guidelines across primary and secondary care.

Patients with uncontrolled hypertension are at increased risk of complications during general anaesthesia but the number of patients whose surgery is delayed or cancelled due to hypertension remains unknown. Prospective, regional multicentre service evaluations were performed on consecutive patients undergoing elective surgery before and after the publication of new guidelines from the Association of Anaesthetists and the British Hypertensive Society. The aim was to quantify the number of operations cancelled due to hypertension alone and to assess impact of the guidelines on cancellation rates. In October 2013 (before the publication of the guidelines), 1.37% (95%CI 0.69-2.11%) of patients listed for elective surgery were cancelled solely due to raised blood pressure. This reduced significantly to 0.54% (95%CI 0.20-0.92%, p < 0.001) in 2018. There was a significant reduction in inappropriate cancellations for stage 1 or 2 hypertension from 2013 to 2018 (72 vs. 14, respectively, p < 0.001) in keeping with the recommendations in the guidelines. Furthermore, the number of patients being referred back to primary care for the management of hypertension reduced from 2013 to 2018 (85 vs. 30, respectively, p < 0.001). Our data suggest achievement of three major outcomes: reduced surgical cancellations due to hypertension alone; improved detection of significant hypertension before elective surgery; and reduced referral back to primary care from hospital for hypertension management. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the successful implementation of guidelines from the Association of Anaesthetists has been assessed on such a broad scale. Our data indicate that these guidelines have been effectively implemented in both primary and secondary care, which is likely to have made a positive psychosocial, physical and economic impact on patients and the NHS.

Yoga improves balance, mobility, and perceived occupational performance in adults with chronic brain injury: A preliminary investigation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This was a preliminary investigation to investigate potential benefits of group yoga, as past work has indicated that one-on-one yoga can improve functional deficits in adults with brain injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants served as their own controls. Nine participants with chronic brain injury were recruited, and seven (four female) completed the study. Performance measures of balance and mobility and self-reported measures of balance confidence, pain, and occupational performance and satisfaction were used. Data were collected 3 times: baseline (study onset), pre-yoga (after an 8-week no-contact period), and post-yoga (after 8 weeks of yoga). Group yoga was led by a yoga instructor/occupational therapist, and sessions lasted 1 h and occurred twice a week. RESULTS: No participants withdrew due to adverse effects from yoga. There were no significant changes between baseline and pre-yoga. Significant improvement was observed post-yoga in balance (p = 0.05), mobility (p = 0.03), and self-reported occupational performance (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: We observed significant improvements in balance, mobility, and self-reported occupational performance in adults with chronic brain injury.

Mimickers of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compression neuropathy. Despite the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome, many other conditions present with similar symptoms (numbness, tingling, thenar atrophy, and weakness). Carpal tunnel syndrome is differentiated from other etiologies through a detailed history and physical examination, aided by electrodiagnostic and adjunctive imaging studies. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary operative procedures and persistent symptoms.

Temporal Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Glucose-Insulin Homeostasis and Incretin Hormone Response at 1 and 6 Months.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity and glycaemic dysfunction. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the work was to examine both the static and dynamic changes of glucose-insulin homeostasis and incretin hormone response following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in a sample of 55 participants preoperatively and 1 month and 6 months postoperatively. The focus was on a sample of patients with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). SETTING: Morriston Hospital, UK. METHODS: Prospective study comprising of 55 participants with impaired glucose homeostasis and T2D undergoing SG (mean body mass index [BMI] 50.4 kg/m2, mean glycated haemoglobin [A1C] 7.4%). Serial measurements of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic hormone (GIP) were performed during oral glucose tolerance testing preoperatively and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Areas under the curve (AUC) were examined at 30, 60, and 120 min. RESULTS: We observed significant improvements in measures of obesity, as well as static and dynamic measures of glucose, insulin, C-peptide and HOMA. Furthermore, significant increases in GLP-1 response as early as 6 months postoperatively were also seen. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, no study has examined the detailed dynamic changes in glucose and insulin homeostasis in this number of participants undergoing SG in relation to incretin hormones GIP and GLP-1. This current study supports the role of SG for the treatment of obesity-related glucose dysregulation.

Distal Humerus Fractures Managed With Elbow Hemiarthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Distal humerus fractures not amenable to open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) present a unique dilemma, especially for patients that weight bear through assistive devices. The one accepted operative treatment for irreparable distal humerus fractures is total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). However, TEA commonly requires lifetime weight lifting restrictions and has limited long term results. Elbow hemiarthroplasty (EHA) represents an alternative treatment modality. This study reviews patients treated with EHA permitted to weight bear postoperatively. METHODS: Twelve patients underwent EHA for comminuted distal humerus fractures deemed non-reconstructable by ORIF. Patient survey data was collected retrospectively. All patients were allowed to weight bear as tolerated through the operative extremity. Outcome measures included Patient rated elbow evaluation (PREE), Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), and whether revision surgery was required. RESULTS: The average MEPS score was 76.1 indicating fair outcomes and the average PREE score was 41. One patient required revision. Average follow up was 44.1 months. Three patients required an assistive device prior to injury. DISCUSSION: EHA serves as a viable option for non-reconstructable distal humerus fractures. EHA does not require a weight lifting restriction, which is a benefit over TEA. Overall, patients reported preserved functional capabilities but did report moderate pain. EHA demonstrated durability, although one patient required revision. CONCLUSION: With growing interest in use of EHA, further studies are required to evaluate EHA as a superior treatment for patients with nonreconstructable traumatic distal humerus fractures; however, this study does support use in elderly patients with intermediate follow up.

Open-Angle Glaucoma: Burden of Illness, Current Therapies, and the Management of Nocturnal IOP Variation.

Glaucoma is a chronic, debilitating disease and a leading cause of global blindness. Despite treatment efforts, 10% of patients demonstrate loss of vision. In the US, > 80% of glaucoma cases are classified as open-angle glaucoma (OAG), with primary open-angle (POAG) being the most common. Although there has been tremendous innovation in the surgical treatment of glaucoma as of late, two clinical variants of OAG, normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and severe POAG, are especially challenging for providers because patients with access to care and excellent treatment options may progress despite achieving a "target" intraocular pressure value. Additionally, recent research has highlighted the importance of nocturnal IOP control in avoiding glaucomatous disease progression. There remains an unmet need for new treatment options that can effectively treat NTG and severe POAG patients, irrespective of baseline IOP, while overcoming adherence limitations of current pharmacotherapies, demonstrating a robust safety profile, and more effectively controlling nocturnal IOP.Funding The Rapid Service Fees were funded by the corresponding author, Tanner J. Ferguson, MD.

Trabecular microbypass stent implantation in pseudophakic eyes with open-angle glaucoma: Long-term results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of a trabecular microbypass stent as a sole procedure in pseudophakic eyes with open-angle glaucoma. SETTING: Private practice; Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive case series. METHODS: The series included pseudophakic eyes of patients with mild to severe open-angle glaucoma (OAG) implanted with 1 trabecular microbypass stent. Data was collected at baseline before the surgery and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and up to 48 months postoperatively. The data included intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and whether there was a requirement for secondary surgery. RESULTS: The study comprised 40 patients (51 eyes). The mean IOP was reduced from 20.33 mm Hg ± 4.83 (SD) at baseline to 15.65 ± 3.45 mm Hg at 48 months postoperatively, indicating a 23% reduction (P < .01). The mean number of glaucoma medications was 2.08 ± 1.06 preoperatively and 1.46 ± 1.07 at 48 months postoperatively (P > .05). Postoperatively, 3 eyes (6%) had IOP spikes of 15 mm Hg or higher than the preoperative value, which responded to topical therapy. Ten eyes (20%) required secondary glaucoma surgery. There were no postoperative or intraoperative complications. Patients who had previous ocular hypotensive medication use and an IOP of 18 mm Hg or higher achieved a statistically significant reduction in both IOP and medication use. CONCLUSIONS: The insertion of a single trabecular microbypass stent effectively provided a sustained reduction in IOP in pseudophakic patients with mild to severe OAG. The IOP reduction was more robust in eyes that had a higher baseline IOP.