Domain structure and function of α-1,3-glucanase Agl-EK14 from the gram-negative bacterium Flavobacterium sp. EK-14.

The α-1,3-glucanase Agl-EK14 from Flavobacterium sp. EK-14 comprises a signal peptide (SP), a catalytic domain (CAT), a first immunoglobulin-like domain (Ig1), a second immunoglobulin-like domain (Ig2), a ricin B-like lectin domain (RicinB), and a carboxy-terminal domain (CTD). SP and CTD are predicted to be involved in extracellular secretion, while the roles of Ig1, Ig2, and RicinB are unclear. To clarify their roles, domain deletion enzymes Agl-EK14ΔRicinB, Agl-EK14ΔIg2RicinB, and Agl-EK14ΔIg1Ig2RicinB were constructed. The insoluble α-1,3-glucan hydrolytic, α-1,3-glucan binding, and fungal cell wall hydrolytic activities of the deletion enzymes were almost the same and lower than those of Agl-EK14. Kinetic analysis revealed that the Km values of the deletion enzymes were similar and uniformly higher than those of Agl-EK14. These results suggest that the deletion of RicinB causes a decline in binding and hydrolytic activity and increases the Km value. To confirm the role of RicinB, Ig1, Ig2, and RicinB were fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP). As a result, RicinB-fused GFP (GFP-RicinB) showed binding to insoluble α-1,3-glucan and Aspergillus oryzae cell walls, whereas Ig1- and Ig2-fused GFP did not. These results indicated that RicinB is involved in α-1,3-glucan binding. The fusion protein GFP-Ig1Ig2RicinB was also constructed and GFP-Ig1Ig2RicinB showed strong binding to the cell wall of A. oryzae compared to GFP-RicinB. Gel filtration column chromatography suggested that the strong binding was due to GFP-Ig1Ig2RicinB loosely associated with itself.

Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns as Mediators of Thrombus Formation on Dialyzer Membrane in Critically Ill Patients.

This prospective study investigated the relationship between inflammation, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and thrombus formation on dialyzer membranes in critically ill patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) from July 2020 to August 2022, identifying mechanisms and interventions to prevent clotting. The patients were divided into two groups: inflammatory (n = 56, serum C-reactive protein >10 mg/dl) and noninflammatory control (n = 45, serum C-reactive protein <5 mg/dl). Cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) levels, high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), histone H3, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the lumen of the hollow fiber membrane of the dialyzer were quantified. Immunostaining assessed leukocytes, fibrin fibers, and platelet thrombi on the luminal surface of the hollow fiber membrane. The inflammatory group, compared to controls, exhibited elevated cell-free DNA, HMGB1, and MPO levels, although histone H3 remained unchanged. Damage-associated molecular patterns increased with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) severity. Immunostaining in the inflammatory group revealed leukocytes, amorphous nuclei, neutrophil extracellular trap-like structures, fibrin fibers, and platelet thrombi on the hollow fiber membrane's luminal surface. Elevated DAMP levels in severely inflamed patients' dialyzer membranes, correlating with DIC severity, indicate a link between inflammation, coagulation activation, and dialyzer clotting. Research into thrombus prevention in RRT for DIC-affected critically ill patients is warranted.

Consumption of hot protein-containing drink accelerates gastric emptying rate and is associated with higher hunger levels in older adults.

Meal temperature is known to affect gastric emptying and appetite. While protein intake is recommended for older age, gastric emptying is delayed with age, resulting in loss of appetite. This study aimed to investigate whether adjusting the temperature of protein-containing drinks could improve gastric emptying and appetite in older individuals. Twenty male and female participants aged 65 years and older underwent three one-day trials in random order. Participants visited the laboratory after a 10-hour fast and consumed 200 mL of protein-containing drink dissolved in 13C-sodium acetate at 4°C, 37°C, or 60°C in a 3-minute period. Then, participants sat in a chair for 90 minutes to measure gastric emptying rate by the 13C-sodium acetate breath test and subjective appetite by a visual analog scale. The results showed that 37°C and 60°C drinks had faster gastric emptying at 5 and 10 min after ingestion than did the 4°C drink (trial-time interaction, p = 0.014). Tmax-calc, an indicator of gastric emptying rate, tended to be faster for the 37°C and 60°C drinks than for the 4°C drink (49.7 ± 17.5 min vs. 44.1 ± 18.5 min vs. 45.3 ± 25.8 min for the 4°C, 37°C, and 60°C, respectively; p = 0.085). There were no significant differences in the change in hunger from baseline among the three different temperature drinks (p > 0.05). Only in the 60°C trial, a shorter gastric emptying time was associated with greater hunger (r=-0.554, p = 0.021). These findings suggest that hot protein-containing drinks may accelerate gastric emptying and contribute to rapid nutrient intake and increased appetite in older adults.

Maternal dietary and environmental factors associated with infant circadian rhythm, growth, and temperament: Research protocol for a prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Emerging evidence has been explored to determine the factors affecting the development of infant circadian rhythm. While fetal programming happens during the pregnancy period, external environmental cues and infant nutritional programming can have substantial effects on the infant circadian rhythm. Understanding prenatal and postnatal factors determining infant circadian rhythm can improve future interventions in optimizing maternal and infant health. Methods: This is a prospective observational cohort study, targeting 216 pregnant women from government maternity clinics in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Pregnant women will be recruited at third trimester (baseline), and follow up at 3 months, and 6 months. A subsample will be collected for salivary cortisol analysis to determine circadian rhythm of the mother and infant at third trimester and 3 months. Data of eating misalignment, light exposure, chronotype, infant temperament, sleep quality, and mood will be collected via validated questionnaires. Anthropometric data and birth outcomes will be collected from antenatal and postnatal health records. Summary: Studies on infant circadian rhythm development have yet to be explored and established, hence this study presents a novel approach to identify the factors from prenatal to postnatal periods on infant circadian rhythm and its influence on growth and temperament. Findings from this study will provide insights in the critical timing which has larger effects on infant circadian rhythm development for future interventions to be conducted.

Efficacy of Computed Tomography-Based Evaluation of Myocardial Extracellular Volume Combined With Red Flags for Early Screening of Concealed Cardiac Amyloidosis in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients remains unclear. We explored the efficacy of computed tomography-based myocardial extracellular volume (CT-ECV) combined with red flags for the early screening of concealed ATTR-CM in AF patients undergoing catheter ablation.Methods and Results: Patients referred for AF ablation at Oita University Hospital were prescreened using the red-flag signs defined by echocardiographic or electrocardiographic findings, medical history, symptoms, and blood biochemical findings. Myocardial CT-ECV was quantified in red flag-positive patients using routine pre-AF ablation planning cardiac CT with the addition of delayed-phase cardiac CT scans. Patients with high (>35%) ECV were evaluated using technetium pyrophosphate (99 mTc-PYP) scintigraphy. A cardiac biopsy was performed during the planned AF ablation procedure if 99 mTc-PYP scintigraphy was positive. Between June 2022 and June 2023, 342 patients were referred for AF ablation. Sixty-seven (19.6%) patients had at least one of the red-flag signs. Myocardial CT-ECV was evaluated in 57 patients because of contraindications to contrast media, revealing that 16 patients had high CT-ECV. Of these, 6 patients showed a positive 99 mTc-PYP study, and 6 patients were subsequently diagnosed with wild-type ATTR-CM via cardiac biopsy and genetic testing. CONCLUSIONS: CT-ECV combined with red flags could contribute to the systematic early screening of concealed ATTR-CM in AF patients undergoing catheter ablation.

Development, validation, and reliability of the Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire-Pregnancy (CPQ-P).

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, physiological changes can affect eating and sleeping habits, which may eventually have negative consequences for maternal and foetal health. To better understand these changes, it is essential to develop a reliable questionnaire that addresses lifestyle habits such as snacking and daytime napping. This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire-Pregnancy (CPQ-P). METHODS: A total of 399 women in their second and third trimester of pregnancy were recruited from government maternal and child health clinics in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya and completed a self-administered online questionnaire. Content validity was conducted with an expert panel consisting of 4 members. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using maximum likelihood was conducted to determine the construct validity. Internal consistency was determined by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (CAC), while the test-retest reliability was conducted using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The questionnaire had an appropriate content validity index of 0.91. The CPQ-P consists of 22 items, measuring 5 constructs, including morning chrono-habits, sleeping habits, evening eating, temporal eating, and pregnancy symptoms. The factor model showed good fit with χ2/df = 2.486, GFI = 0.893, CFI = 0.912, and RMSEA = 0.065. The 22 items in CPQ-P showed fair to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.42 to 0.98). The 5 constructs in CPQ-P were found to have a good to excellent internal consistency (α = 0.612-0.963). CONCLUSIONS: The CPQ-P is a valid and reliable tool for assessing lifestyle habits during pregnancy. The questionnaire can be used to identify areas where pregnant women may need additional support or intervention to adopt healthy behaviours and reduce the risk of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05700136 (clinicaltrials.gov). Trial registration date: 26/01/2023.

Addition of α-1,3-glucan-binding domains to α-1,3-glucanase Agn1p from　 Schizosaccharomyces pombe enhances hydrolytic activity of insoluble α-1,3-glucan.

The glycoside hydrolase (GH) 71 α-1,3-glucanase (Agn1p) from Schizosaccharomyces pombe consists of an N-terminal signal sequence and a catalytic domain. Meanwhile, the GH87 α-1,3-glucanase (Agl-KA) from Bacillus circulans KA-304 consists of an N-terminal signal sequence, a first discoidin domain (DS1), a carbohydrate-binding module family 6 (CBM6), a threonine and proline repeat linker (TP), a second discoidin domain (DS2), an uncharacterized domain, and a catalytic domain. DS1, CBM6, and DS2 exhibit α-1,3-glucan binding activity. This study involved genetically fusing TP, DS1, CBM6, TP, and DS2 to the C-terminus of Agn1p, generating the fusion enzyme Agn1p-DCD. The fusion enzyme was then expressed in Escherichia coli and purified from the cell-free extract. Agn1p-DCD and Agn1p exhibited similar characteristics, such as optimal pH, optimal temperature, pH stability, and thermostability. Insoluble α-1,3-glucan (1%) hydrolyzing assay showed that Agn1p-DCD and Agn1p released approximately 7.6 and 5.0 mM of reducing sugars, respectively, after 48 h of reaction. Kinetic analysis and an α-1,3-glucan binding assay indicated that the addition of DS1, CBM6, and DS2 enhanced the affinity of Agn1p for α-1,3-glucan. Moreover, Agn1p-DCD contributed to enhancing the fungal growth inhibition activity when combined with a mixture of GH19 chitinase and GH16 ß-1,3-glucanase.

Wavily Curved Perylene Diimides: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photovoltaic Properties.

Solubility enhancement is a key issue for developing the perylene diimide-based functional materials. Introduction of curved structure proved an effective solubilizing method without employing steric repulsion. In this work, wavily curved perylene diimides were developed as a new family of highly soluble curved perylene diimides. Moreover, their conformational dynamics, aggregating properties, electronic properties, and photovoltaic performances were thoroughly examined in comparison to the previously reported isomer exhibiting an arched curvature. The waved isomer demonstrated heightened rigidity and a greater propensity for aggregation compared to the arched isomer, likely attributed to its more planar structure. Each benzoxepin unit played a role in cancelling out the curvature on the opposite side. While the difference in the molecular curvature did not cause significant alterations in the photophysical and electron-accepting properties, we identified that the modulation of the curved structure is effective in controlling the morphology of the photoelectric conversion layer.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura and Guillain-Barré syndrome after 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination in Japan: The vaccine effectiveness, networking, and universal safety (VENUS) study.

BACKGROUND: To address the lack of an active vaccine safety surveillance system in Japan, the Vaccine Effectiveness, Networking, and Universal Safety (VENUS) study was initiated in 2021 as a pilot system using existing health insurance claims data and vaccination records. METHODS: This study evaluated the value of the VENUS study by assessing the incidence of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) following vaccination with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) using a self-controlled case series (SCCS) design. RESULTS: Incidence rate ratios for ITP during 28-day and 42-day risk periods were 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-6.4), and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.081-4.2), respectively. Neither was statistically significant. Incidence rate ratios could not be estimated for GBS due to the limited sample size. CONCLUSION: The VENUS study can provide valuable insights to facilitate the establishment of an advanced vaccine monitoring system in Japan.

The Use of Carboxyfluorescein Reveals the Transport Function of MCT6/SLC16A5 Associated with CD147 as a Chloride-Sensitive Organic Anion Transporter in Mammalian Cells.

Oral drug absorption involves drug permeation across the apical and basolateral membranes of enterocytes. Although transporters mediating the influx of anionic drugs in the apical membranes have been identified, transporters responsible for efflux in the basolateral membranes remain unclear. Monocarboxylate transporter 6 (MCT6/SLC16A5) has been reported to localize to the apical and basolateral membranes of human enterocytes and to transport organic anions such as bumetanide and nateglinide in the Xenopus oocyte expression system; however, its transport functions have not been elucidated in detail. In this study, we characterized the function of MCT6 expressed in HEK293T cells and explored fluorescent probes to more easily evaluate MCT6 function. The results illustrated that MCT6 interacts with CD147 to localize at the plasma membrane. When the uptake of various fluorescein derivatives was examined in NaCl-free uptake buffer (pH 5.5), the uptake of 5-carboxyfluorescein (5-CF) was significantly greater in MCT6 and CD147-expressing cells. MCT6-mediated 5-CF uptake was saturable with a Km of 1.07 mM and inhibited by several substrates/inhibitors of organic anion transporters and extracellular Cl ion with an IC50 of 53.7 mM. These results suggest that MCT6 is a chloride-sensitive organic anion transporter that can be characterized using 5-CF as a fluorescent probe.

α-1,3-Glucanase from the gram-negative bacterium Flavobacterium sp. EK-14 hydrolyzes fungal cell wall α-1,3-glucan.

The glycoside hydrolase (GH) 87 α-1,3-glucanase (Agl-EK14) gene was cloned from the genomic DNA of the gram-negative bacterium Flavobacterium sp. EK14. The gene consisted of 2940 nucleotides and encoded 980 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequence of Agl-EK14 included a signal peptide, a catalytic domain, a first immunoglobulin-like domain, a second immunoglobulin-like domain, a ricin B-like lectin domain, and a carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) involved in extracellular secretion. Phylogenetic analysis of the catalytic domain of GH87 enzymes suggested that Agl-EK14 is distinct from known clusters, such as clusters composed of α-1,3-glucanases from bacilli and mycodextranases from actinomycetes. Agl-EK14 without the signal peptide and CTD hydrolyzed α-1,3-glucan, and the reaction residues from 1 and 2% substrates were almost negligible after 1440 min reaction. Agl-EK14 hydrolyzed the cell wall preparation of Aspergillus oryzae and released glucose, nigerose, and nigero-triose from the cell wall preparation. After treatment of A. oryzae live mycelia with Agl-EK14 (at least 0.5 nmol/ml), mycelia were no longer stained by red fluorescent protein-fused α-1,3-glucan binding domains of α-1,3-glucanase Agl-KA from Bacillus circulans KA-304. Results suggested that Agl-EK14 can be applied to a fungal cell wall lytic enzyme.

Association between disruption of circadian activity rhythms and obesity.

This cross-sectional study aimed to elucidate the association between disruption of circadian activity rhythms and obesity-related indices. This study included 69 older participants (male, n = 36; female, n = 33), and disruption of circadian activity rhythms in daily life was assessed using the cosinor method based on physical activity data. The daily physical activity data were fitted to a cosine curve to estimate the peak phase (acrophase), and the difference in the peak phase (time) for each day was determined. The standard deviation (SD) of the mean peak phase differences over 6 days was obtained. The higher the SD value, the more disturbed the circadian rhythm of activity. Based on the calculated values, the samples were divided into tertiles (small, medium, and large). A significant positive correlation was found between Log SD and body fat percentage on the disruption of circadian activity rhythms and obesity-related indices. In addition, positive associations were observed among body mass, body mass index, and Log SD. However, these associations were not observed in women. These results suggest that disruption of circadian activity rhythms is associated with obesity-related indices and may differ according to sex.

Variation in coagulation factor activity levels cause discrepancies between activated partial thromboplastin time and anti-Xa activity for heparin monitoring: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is primarily monitored using activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). However, the recent introduction of anti-activated factor X (anti-Xa) activity testing has provided a direct evaluation of Xa inhibition by anticoagulants. This study aimed to investigate discrepancies between APTT and anti-Xa activity during UFH monitoring in critically ill patients and explore their underlying causes. METHODS: This study analyzed 271 pairs of laboratory test results from blood samples of 99 critically ill patients receiving continuous intravenous UFH. Theoretical APTT values were calculated using fitted curve equations from spiked sample measurements with anti-Xa activity. Samples were categorized into three groups based on the measurement of the APTT/theoretical APTT ratio: the lower group (< 80%), the concordant group (80-120%), and the upper group (> 120%). RESULTS: The overall concordance rate between APTT and anti-Xa activity was 45%, with a 55% discrepancy rate. The lower group frequently showed apparent heparin overdoses, while coagulation factor activities in the lower and upper groups were higher and lower, respectively, than those in the concordant group. Particularly, the lower group exhibited higher factor VIII activity levels than the upper and concordant groups. CONCLUSIONS: Discrepancies between APTT and anti-Xa activity were frequently observed, influenced by changes in coagulation factors activity levels. The lower and upper groups were classified as pseudo-heparin-resistant and coagulopathy types, respectively. Accurate monitoring of heparin in critically ill patients is crucial, especially in cases of pseudo-heparin resistance, where APTT values may wrongly indicate inadequate heparin dosing despite sufficient anti-Xa activity. Understanding these discrepancies is important for managing heparin therapy in critically ill patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Empagliflozin Suppresses the Differentiation/Maturation of Human Epicardial Preadipocytes and Improves Paracrine Secretome Profile.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in humans, enhancing cardioprotective effects on heart failure and atrial fibrillation. We investigated the direct effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin on human primary epicardial adipocytes and preadipocytes. SGLT2 is primarily expressed in human preadipocytes in the EAT. The expression levels of SGLT2 significantly diminished when the preadipocytes were terminally differentiated. Adipogenesis of preadipocytes was attenuated by empagliflozin treatment without affecting cell proliferation. The messenger RNA levels and secreted protein levels of interleukin 6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 were significantly decreased in empagliflozin-treated adipocytes. Coculture of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes and adipocytes pretreated with or without empagliflozin revealed that empagliflozin significantly suppressed reactive oxygen species. IL6 messenger RNA expression in human EAT showed significant clinically relevant associations. Empagliflozin suppresses human epicardial preadipocyte differentiation/maturation, likely inhibiting epicardial adipogenesis and improving the paracrine secretome profile of EAT, particularly by regulating IL6 expression.

Differences in acute outcomes of suicide patients by psychiatric disorder: Retrospective observational study.

Suicide is a social problem with significant economic losses, the victims of which are mainly from the productive population. There are numerous reports on the assessment of suicide risk, but most focus on long-term management. Therefore, factors influencing the severity of physical impairments in the acute phase and the prognosis of suicidal patients have not been sufficiently investigated. This is a single-center retrospective observational study. We collected data on suicidal patients admitted to our emergency department. The effect of age, gender, psychiatric history, method of suicide, alcohol consumption, and hospital admission on the outcome of suicide was assessed. Outcomes were assessed using the hospital mortality scale and the cerebral performance category scale for in-hospital mortality within 28 days. Methods of suicide with a high mortality rate (hanging, jumping, carbon monoxide poisoning, and burns) were defined as lethal methods. A detailed risk assessment of outcomes was performed for patients with schizophrenia, mood disorders, and somatoform disorders. We identified 340 suicide patients from computerized medical records and analyzed 322 records without missing data. The non-survivor group predominantly comprised older adults, men, and patients without a history of psychiatric treatment. Contrastingly, more patients drank alcohol before suicide in the survivor group. In the subgroup analysis, patients with schizophrenia had unfavorable neurological outcomes. Patients with mood disorders had worse in-hospital mortality than other psychiatric patients, as did patients who chose the lethal method. By disease, patients with stress-related and somatoform disorders tended to have higher survival rates, although their psychiatric hospitalization rates were lower. Conversely, patients with mood disorders had a higher rate of hospital visits but a lower survival rate. The results suggest that usual outpatient treatment alone may not be sufficient to reduce suicide mortality in patients with mood disorders who are considered to be at high risk of suicide.

Blue organic light-emitting diode with a turn-on voltage of 1.47 V.

Among the three primary colors, blue emission in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are highly important but very difficult to develop. OLEDs have already been commercialized; however, blue OLEDs have the problem of requiring a high applied voltage due to the high-energy of blue emission. Herein, an ultralow voltage turn-on at 1.47 V for blue emission with a peak wavelength at 462 nm (2.68 eV) is demonstrated in an OLED device with a typical blue-fluorescent emitter that is widely utilized in a commercial display. This OLED reaches 100 cd/m2, which is equivalent to the luminance of a typical commercial display, at 1.97 V. Blue emission from the OLED is achieved by the selective excitation of the low-energy triplet states at a low applied voltage by using the charge transfer (CT) state as a precursor and triplet-triplet annihilation, which forms one emissive singlet from two triplet excitons.

Association between circadian clock gene expressions and meal timing in young and older adults.

Ageing is associated with a decline in circadian clock systems, which correlates with the development of ageing-associated diseases. Chrononutrition is a field of chronobiology that examines the relationship between the timing of meal/nutrition and circadian clock systems. Although there is growing evidence regarding the role of chrononutrition in the prevention of lifestyle and ageing-related diseases, the optimal timing of meal intake to regulate the circadian clock in humans remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the relationship between clock gene expression and meal timing in young and older adults. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 51 healthy young men and 35 healthy older men (age, mean±standard deviation: 24 ± 4 and 70 ± 4 y, respectively). Under daily living conditions, beard follicle cells were collected at 4-h intervals over a 24-h period to evaluate clock gene expression. Participants were asked to record the timing of habitual sleep and wake-up, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From these data, we calculated "From bedtime to breakfast time," "From wake up to first meal time," and "From dinner to bed time." NR1D1 and PER3 expressions in older adults at 06:00 h were significantly higher than those in young adults (P = 0.001). There were significant differences in the peak time for NR1D2 (P = 0.003) and PER3 (P = 0.049) expression between young and older adults. "From bedtime to breakfast time" was significantly longer in older adults than in young adults. In contrast, "From dinner to bed time" was significantly shorter in older adults than in young adults. Moreover, higher rhythmicity of NR1D1 correlated with longer "From bedtime to breakfast time" (r = -0.470, P = 0.002) and shorter "From wake up to first meal time" in young adults (r = 0.302, P = 0.032). Higher rhythmicity of PER3 correlated with longer "From bedtime to breakfast time" in older adults (r = -0.342, P = 0.045). These results suggest that the peak time of clock gene expression in older adults may be phase-advanced compared to that in young adults. In addition, a longer fasting duration from bedtime to breakfast in both young and older adults and earlier intake of meals after waking up in young adults may correlate with robust clock gene expression rhythms.

Sleep, light exposure at night, and psychological wellbeing during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Psychological wellbeing during pregnancy is imperative for optimal maternal outcomes. The present study aimed to determine the association between sleep quality, light exposure at night, and psychological wellbeing in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in 9 randomly selected government maternity clinics in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Healthy women aged 20-48 years old with single pregnancy were recruited using convenience sampling (n = 169). Sleep quality, light exposure at night, and psychological wellbeing were self-reported using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Harvard Light Exposure Assessment (H-LEA), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) in the 2nd trimester and followed-up at the 3rd trimester. RESULTS: During the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, mild to severe symptoms of stress (10.7 and 11.3%), anxiety (42 and 44.3%), and depression (9.6 and 16.6%) were observed among the participants. Adjusted multiple linear regression revealed that poor sleep quality and higher light exposure at night were attributed to greater stress and depression symptoms in the 3rd trimester. Higher lux level exposed from 10 pm to < 1 am was associated with increased stress (ß = 0.212, p = 0.037) and depression (ß = 0.228, p = 0.024). Only poor sleep quality was observed to adversely affect anxiety (ß = 0.243, p = 0.002) and depression levels (ß = 0.259, p = 0.001) in the 2nd trimester. CONCLUSIONS: Present study provided preliminary findings on the association between sleep quality, light at night, and psychological wellbeing of pregnant women. As a recommendation, future research could investigate whether public health interventions aimed at decreasing artificial light at night can benefit sleep quality and the psychological health of pregnant women.

In-hospital grouping rehabilitation of hybrid closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy results in shorter hospital stays and better clinical outcomes.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the impact of physiotherapy on various patients who underwent hybrid closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy. [Participants and Methods] Eighty-four patients were divided into three groups: non-weight-bearing, enhanced recovery after surgery, and grouping exercise. The number of hospital days, distinctions in the duration of cane-walking independence, and postoperative complications were compared among the three groups. Furthermore, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and physical function were assessed preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. [Results] There were no considerable differences in postoperative complications among the three groups, and the mean hospital stay was the shortest for the grouping exercise group. At 3 months postoperatively, the grouping exercise group reported less walking pain than the enhanced recovery after surgery group. At 3 and 12 months postoperatively, the grouping exercise group showed greater mean knee extensor strength and a higher mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association score than the non-weight-bearing group. [Conclusion] Grouping exercise therapy, in addition to enhanced recovery after surgery protocol, results in shorter hospital stays, no difference in postoperative complications, and good clinical outcomes.

Factors explaining seasonal variation in energy intake: a review.

Maintaining a balance between energy intake and expenditure is crucial for overall health. There are seasonal variations in energy intake, with an increase during spring and winter as well as a decrease during summer. These variations are related to a combination of environmental factors, including changes in temperature and daylight hours; social factors, including events and holidays; and physiological factors, including changes in physical activity and emotions. Accordingly, this review aimed to summarize the environmental, social, and physiological factors that contribute to seasonal variations in energy intake. A review of the current literature revealed that changes in temperature and daylight hours may affect eating behavior by altering homeostatic responses and appetite-related hormones. Additionally, increased participation in events and frequency of eating out, especially during winter vacations, may contribute to increased energy intake. Notably, these findings may not be generalisable to all populations since environmental and social factors can vary significantly depending on the local climatic zones and cultural backgrounds. The findings of the present review indicate that seasonal climate, events, and associated hormonal changes should be taken into account in order to maintain adequate energy intake throughout the year.