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1.
Transl Behav Med ; 2024 Jul 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38954835

ABSTRACT

Food security is a commonly screened for health-related social need at hospitals and community settings, and until recently, there were no tools to additionally screen for nutrition security. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential advantage of including a one-item brief nutrition security screener (BNSS) alongside the commonly used two-item Hunger Vital Sign (HVS) food security screener for identifying individuals with diet-related health risks. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from April to June 2021. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess associations between screening status and dietary and health variables. Recruitment was done across five states (California, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, and Washington) from community-based organizations. Participants (n = 435) were, on average, 44.7 years old (SD = 14.5), predominantly women (77%), and racially/ethnically diverse. In adjusted analyses, being in the food insecure and nutrition insecure group (but not the food insecure and nutrition secure or food secure and nutrition insecure groups) was associated with significantly increased odds for self-reported "fair" or "poor" general health [OR = 2.914 (95% CI = 1.521-5.581)], reporting at least one chronic condition [2.028 (1.024-4.018)], and "low" fruit and vegetable intake [2.421 (1.258-4.660)], compared with the food secure and nutrition secure group. These findings support using both the HVS and BNSS simultaneously in health-related social needs screening to identify participants at the highest risk for poor dietary and health outcomes and warrant further investigation into applying these screeners to clinical and community settings.


Food security and nutrition security are related to a household's ability to get enough food and to get food that is good for their health, respectively. Patients at hospitals, or clients who go to food pantries for help, are often asked about their food security status. This is referred to as screening. On the basis of their answers, they may get help such as referral to a food pantry and/or consultation with a dietitian. While there is a standard tool to screen for food security status, until recently, there has not been one for nutrition security. We used both the commonly used Hunger Vital Sign (HVS) food security screener and the newly developed brief nutrition security screener to identify food and nutrition security screening status. Being in the food insecure and nutrition insecure groups (but not the food insecure and nutrition secure or food secure and nutrition insecure groups) was associated with significantly increased odds for poor dietary and health outcomes. These findings support using both the HVS and brief nutrition security screener simultaneously in health-related social needs screening to identify participants at the highest risk.

2.
bioRxiv ; 2024 Jun 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38979295

ABSTRACT

Tobacco smoke remains a serious global issue, resulting in serious health complications, contributing to the onsets of numerous preventive diseases, and imposing significant financial burdens. Despite regulatory policies and cessation measures aimed at curbing its usage, novel interventions are urgently needed for effective damage reduction. Our preclinical and pilot clinical studies showed that AB-free kava has the potential to reduce tobacco smoke-induced lung cancer risk, mitigate tobacco dependence, and reduce tobacco use. To understand the scope of its benefits in damage reduction and potential limitations, this study evaluated the effects of AB-free kava on a panel of health indicators in mice exposed to 2 - 4 weeks of daily tobacco smoke exposure. Our comprehensive assessments included global transcriptional profiling of the lung and liver tissues, analysis of lung inflammation, evaluation of lung function, exploration of tobacco nicotine withdrawal, and characterization of the causal PKA signaling pathway. As expected, Tobacco smoke exposure perturbed a wide range of biological processes and compromised multiple functions in mice. Remarkably, AB-free kava demonstrated the ability to globally mitigate tobacco smoke-induced deficits at the molecular and functional levels with promising safety profiles, offering a unique promise to mitigate tobacco smoke-related health damages. Further pre-clinical evaluation and clinical translation are warranted to fully harness the potential of AB-free kava in combating tobacco smoke-related harms.

3.
Br Dent J ; 2024 Jul 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39030367

ABSTRACT

Introduction This service evaluation reviewed how the inclusion of photographs in dentist referrals to an oral medicine specialist service can improve the service for triage, prioritisation and diagnosis.Materials and methods Data were prospectively collected from e-referrals over a four-month period. Any change in appointment prioritisation resulting from review of photographs at the vetting stage was recorded.Results Only 29.5% (82 of 367) of referrals included a photograph. Of these, 5% were 'rejected with advice' since the photograph indicated the patient did not require a secondary care appointment. Additionally, 14% of all referrals were upgraded in urgency, five of which were due to concerns of malignancy, and three of five were upgraded solely based on the photographs as they showed features of possible malignancy, where the written element of the referral did not describe nor raise such concerns.Discussion and conclusions Including a photograph with a referral can often make up for inaccurate or insufficient written content, allowing appropriate and safe prioritisation, especially where the referrer has failed to recognise possible malignancy. Photographs can also prevent unnecessary referral upgrades, ensure an appointment is necessary and can be invaluable as a baseline comparator.

4.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 16734, 2024 Jul 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39030306

ABSTRACT

The interactions of environmental, geographic, socio-demographic, and epidemiological factors in shaping mosquito-borne disease transmission dynamics are complex and changeable, influencing the abundance and distribution of vectors and the pathogens they transmit. In this study, 27 years of cross-sectional malaria survey data (1990-2017) were used to examine the effects of these factors on Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria presence at the community level in Africa and Asia. Monthly long-term, open-source data for each factor were compiled and analyzed using generalized linear models and classification and regression trees. Both temperature and precipitation exhibited unimodal relationships with malaria, with a positive effect up to a point after which a negative effect was observed as temperature and precipitation increased. Overall decline in malaria from 2000 to 2012 was well captured by the models, as was the resurgence after that. The models also indicated higher malaria in regions with lower economic and development indicators. Malaria is driven by a combination of environmental, geographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors, and in this study, we demonstrated two approaches to capturing this complexity of drivers within models. Identifying these key drivers, and describing their associations with malaria, provides key information to inform planning and prevention strategies and interventions to reduce malaria burden.


Subject(s)
Malaria, Falciparum , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Africa/epidemiology , Asia/epidemiology , Malaria, Falciparum/epidemiology , Malaria, Falciparum/parasitology , Malaria, Falciparum/transmission , Malaria, Vivax/epidemiology , Malaria, Vivax/parasitology , Malaria, Vivax/transmission , Socioeconomic Factors , Geography , Plasmodium falciparum , Malaria/epidemiology , Malaria/transmission , Temperature , Mosquito Vectors/parasitology , Animals , Plasmodium vivax , Environment
5.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38823625

ABSTRACT

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate operative complications and healthcare utilization in transgender patients on testosterone undergoing minimally invasive gender-affirming hysterectomy compared to control patients. DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study. Operative reports were used to gather information on intraoperative complications. We collected information on postoperative complications, electronic medical record (EMR) messages, phone calls, emergency department utilization, and clinic visits through a 90-day postoperative period. Healthcare utilization reasons were categorized as vaginal bleeding, pain, vaginal discharge, dysuria, urinary retention, bowel concern, incision concern, or other. SETTING: Tertiary care academic medical center. PATIENTS: Patients aged 18 to 55 who underwent a benign minimally invasive hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy performed between January 2014 and December 2022. The testosterone-using cohort consisted of patients who had a gender identity of male, transgender male, genderqueer, or nonbinary with documented testosterone use prior to surgery (n = 88). The control cohort consisted of patients who identified as female, genderqueer, or nonbinary with no documented testosterone use (n = 242). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients using testosterone were younger, had a lower body mass index, lower American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and were more likely to be nulliparous. The median time patients used testosterone was 2.5 years (1.5-5.0). Patients on testosterone are at increased risk of intraoperative perineal lacerations requiring repair (RR 3.3, CI 95% [1.03-10.5]). A higher number of patients on testosterone reported vaginal bleeding via EMR message or phone call (RR 1.74 CI 95% [1.1-2.7]) compared to controls. No difference in reasons for emergency department visits was noted. The use of postoperative vaginal estrogen started at the postoperative visit was more frequent in the testosterone-using patients (7 [8.0%] vs 4 [1.7%], p = .01). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that testosterone use preoperatively may increase risk of intraoperative vaginal laceration requiring repair. Testosterone use also correlates with increased reports of vaginal bleeding through EMR message, phone call, and clinic visit. These results contribute new evidence to include in preoperative counseling and support existing evidence surrounding the safety of gender-affirming hysterectomy.

7.
PLoS Biol ; 22(6): e3002683, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38861586

ABSTRACT

The planetary outlook for biodiversity is dire. A new collection of articles discusses the disconnect between the data we have and the data we need for more effective action on conservation, as well as how social justice and end-user viewpoints must be centered to ensure a more sustainable future for our planet.


Subject(s)
Biodiversity , Conservation of Natural Resources , Conservation of Natural Resources/methods , Social Justice , Decision Making , Humans
8.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38900510

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is among the most fatal human cancers and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Evidence suggests that chronic inflammation may play a role in pancreatic carcinogenesis, and its inhibition through non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce pancreatic cancer incidence. METHODS: We examined associations of total and individual NSAIDs with pancreatic cancer risk among postmenopausal women participating in the Women's Health Initiative observational study and clinical trials cohorts. Among 117,452 women, ages 55-79 years, 727 incident pancreatic cancer cases were reported over 18 years of follow-up. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between NSAIDs and pancreatic cancer risk. RESULTS: Relative to non-use, consistent use of any NSAID was inversely associated with pancreatic cancer risk (HR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87), primarily driven by strong associations for aspirin use (HR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52-0.86). Use of total or individual non-aspirin NSAIDs were not associated with pancreatic cancer. Upon stratified analysis, we observed stronger associations for NSAIDs among participants with prevalent diabetes (HR 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10-0.75) relative to those without (HR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61-0.92; P-interaction=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Additional large prospective studies with careful measurement of NSAID type, dose, and frequency are needed to further investigate the possibility of added benefit among individuals diagnosed with diabetes. IMPACT: This study adds to existing evidence from prospective studies and clinical trials suggesting that use of aspirin may provide moderate benefit for pancreatic cancer prevention.

9.
J Aging Health ; : 8982643241259781, 2024 Jun 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38881277

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To examine lifetime experiences of employment discrimination and their association with Black older adults' employment status and well-being. METHODS: We use data from the Health and Retirement Study's leave-behind questionnaire to characterize lifetime experiences of being unfairly fired, not hired, or not promoted among Black older adults (N = 2948) and test associations with labor force status at age 62, job satisfaction among those working, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Employment discrimination was commonly reported by Black older adults, especially among men and those with college educations. Employment discrimination was not associated with employment status at age 62 but was associated with job dissatisfaction (OR = 2.00, p = .001) and depressive symptoms (Beta = 0.34, p < .001). DISCUSSION: Findings suggest a negative association between employment discrimination at any point in the life course and Black older adults' well-being. Employment discrimination is an obstacle to healthy aging, yet improved discrimination survey items are needed to fully capture its impact on Black Americans.

10.
Opt Lett ; 49(11): 3090-3093, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38824335

ABSTRACT

Tunable ultrashort pulses in the ultraviolet spectral region are in great demand for a wide range of applications, including spectroscopy and pump-probe experiments. While laser sources capable of producing such pulses exist, they are typically very complex. Notably, resonant dispersive-wave (RDW) emission has emerged as a simple technique for generating such pulses. However, the required pulse energy used to drive the RDW emission, so far, is mostly at the microjoule level, requiring complicated and expensive pump sources. Here, we present our work on lowering the pump energy threshold for generating tuneable deep ultraviolet pulses to the level of tens of nanojoules. We fabricated a record small-core antiresonant fiber with a hollow-core diameter of just 6 µm. When filled with argon, the small mode area enables higher-order soliton propagation and deep ultraviolet (220 to 270 nm) RDW emission from 36 fs pump pulses at 515 nm with the lowest pump energy reported to date (tens of nanojoules). This approach will allow the use of low-cost and compact laser oscillators to drive nonlinear optics in gas-filled fibers for the first time to our knowledge.

12.
Acta Radiol ; : 2841851241254746, 2024 May 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38803154

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) require different treatments. Since clinical presentation can be nuanced, imaging biomarkers aid in diagnosis. Automated software such as Neuroreader (NR) provides volumetric imaging data, and indices between anterior and posterior brain areas have proven useful in distinguishing dementia subtypes in research cohorts. Existing indices are complex and require further validation in clinical settings. PURPOSE: To provide initial validation for a simplified anterior-posterior index (API) from NR in distinguishing FTD and AD in a clinical cohort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was completed. We derived a simplified API: API = (logVA/VP-µ)/σ where VA is weighted volume of frontal and temporal lobes and VP of parietal and occipital lobes. µ and σ are the mean and standard deviation of logVA/VP computed for AD participants. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and regression analyses assessed the efficacy of the API versus brain areas in predicting diagnosis of AD versus FTD. RESULTS: A total of 39 participants with FTD and 78 participants with AD were included. The API had an excellent performance in distinguishing AD from FTD with an area under the ROC curve of 0.82 and a positive association with diagnostic classification on logistic regression analysis (B = 1.491, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The API successfully distinguished AD and FTD with excellent performance. The results provide preliminary validation of the API in a clinical setting.

13.
Pain Manag Nurs ; 2024 May 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38735818

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The recent increase in opioid misuse and overdose among the Hispanic population signifies the need for an initiative to increase efforts in pain management in the Hispanic population. Yoga is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that is effective for several pain-associated disorders. However, in the United States, it is primarily taught in English and not always accessible. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to assess the outcome of implementing a yoga program on pain and quality of life in the Hispanic population. METHODS: Twenty Spanish-speaking community center members participated in a linguistically-tailored yoga program over the course of 10 weeks that included educational, demonstration, and practice videos. Outcome measures of the QI program included changes in pain interference, physical function, opioid medication use, the overall impression of change in pain, satisfaction with the program, and the likelihood of continuation of yoga practice. RESULTS: Data collected from participants (n = 16) after the 10-week period indicated that nearly 60% experienced an improvement in their overall impression of change in pain; their reported likelihood of continuation of yoga practice at home or another location were 6.8 and 7.4, respectively, on a 10-point scale. While pain interference was unaffected, there was an improvement in markers of physical function, including a two-fold improvement in general activity without limitations. The mean average intensity of pain decreased by 33%. CONCLUSION: The use of a linguistically-tailored yoga program improved self-reported overall pain, physical function, average intensity of pain, and initiated an interest in participants in utilizing yoga practice for self-management of pain. This QI project provides results that can be used for further implementation initiatives at other sites and consideration of use in diverse populations.

14.
Front Physiol ; 15: 1392443, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38711951

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Interleukin 13 (IL-13) is an important effector molecule in allergic asthma. IL-13-mediated mucin hypersecretion requires conversion of secretoglobin-positive club cells into goblet cells through suppression of forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) and induction of SAM pointed domain containing ETS transcription factor (SPDEF). IL-13-mediated mucin hypersecretion may also include modulation of purinergic and muscarinic receptors that control basal and stimulated mucin secretion. We recently found that the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (Creb1) inhibits FOXA2 and modulates mucus secretion in mice. Methods: We tested the hypothesis that loss of club cell Creb1 mitigates the pro-mucin effects of IL-13. We challenged male and female mice with conditional loss of club cell Creb1 and wild type littermates with intra-airway IL-13 or vehicle. We also studied human "club cell-like" NCI-H322 cells. Results: Loss of club cell Creb1 augmented IL-13-mediated increases in mRNA for the gel-forming mucins Muc5ac and Muc5b and prevented IL-13-mediated decreases in muscarinic 3 receptor (M3R) mRNA in male airways. In female airways, loss of club cell Creb1 reduced M3R mRNA and significantly blunted IL-13-mediated increases in purinergic receptor P2Y2 (P2ry2) mRNA but did not impact Muc5ac and Muc5b mRNA. Despite changes in mucins and secretion machinery, goblet cell density following cholinergic stimulation was not impacted by loss of club cell Creb1 in either sex. IL-13 treatment decreased basal airway resistance across sexes in mice with loss of club cell Creb1, whereas loss of club cell Creb1 augmented IL-13-mediated increases in airway elastance in response to methacholine. NCI-H322 cells displayed IL-13 signaling components, including IL-13Rα1 and IL-4Rα. Pharmacologic inhibition of CREB reduced IL-13Rα1 mRNA, whereas recombinant CREB decreased IL-4Rα mRNA. Application of IL-13 to NCI-H322 cells increased concentrations of cAMP in a delayed manner, thus linking IL-13 signaling to CREB signaling. Conclusion: These data highlight sex-specific regulation of club cell Creb1 on IL-13-mediated mucin hypersecretion and airway mechanics.

15.
Genome Biol Evol ; 16(5)2024 05 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38701021

ABSTRACT

The genomes of plant and animal species are influenced by ancestral whole-genome duplication (WGD) events, which have profound impacts on the regulation and function of gene networks. To gain insight into the consequences of WGD events, we characterized the sequence conservation and expression patterns of ohnologs in the highly duplicated activin receptor signaling pathway in rainbow trout (RBT). The RBT activin receptor signaling pathway is defined by tissue-specific expression of inhibitors and ligands and broad expression of receptors and Co-Smad signaling molecules. Signaling pathway ligands exhibited shared expression, while inhibitors and Smad signaling molecules primarily express a single dominant ohnolog. Our findings suggest that gene function influences ohnolog evolution following duplication of the activin signaling pathway in RBT.


Subject(s)
Evolution, Molecular , Gene Duplication , Oncorhynchus mykiss , Signal Transduction , Animals , Oncorhynchus mykiss/genetics , Genome , Activins/metabolism , Activins/genetics , Activin Receptors/genetics , Activin Receptors/metabolism
16.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0298867, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38728266

ABSTRACT

U.S. service members maintain constant situational awareness (SA) due to training and experience operating in dynamic and complex environments. Work examining how military experience impacts SA during visual search of a complex naturalistic environment, is limited. Here, we compare Active Duty service members and Civilians' physiological behavior during a navigational visual search task in an open-world virtual environment (VE) while cognitive load was manipulated. We measured eye-tracking and electroencephalogram (EEG) outcomes from Active Duty (N = 21) and Civilians (N = 15) while they navigated a desktop VE at a self-regulated pace. Participants searched and counted targets (N = 15) presented among distractors, while cognitive load was manipulated with an auditory Math Task. Results showed Active Duty participants reported significantly greater/closer to the correct number of targets compared to Civilians. Overall, Active Duty participants scanned the VE with faster peak saccade velocities and greater average saccade magnitudes compared to Civilians. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) response (EEG P-300) was significantly weighted more to initial fixations for the Active Duty group, showing reduced attentional resources on object refixations compared to Civilians. There were no group differences in fixation outcomes or overall CNN response when comparing targets versus distractor objects. When cognitive load was manipulated, only Civilians significantly decreased their average dwell time on each object and the Active Duty group had significantly fewer numbers of correct answers on the Math Task. Overall, the Active Duty group explored the VE with increased scanning speed and distance and reduced cognitive re-processing on objects, employing a different, perhaps expert, visual search strategy indicative of increased SA. The Active Duty group maintained SA in the main visual search task and did not appear to shift focus to the secondary Math Task. Future work could compare how a stress inducing environment impacts these groups' physiological or cognitive markers and performance for these groups.


Subject(s)
Awareness , Electroencephalography , Military Personnel , Humans , Military Personnel/psychology , Male , Female , Adult , Awareness/physiology , Young Adult , Cognition/physiology , Virtual Reality , Attention/physiology , Spatial Navigation/physiology , Saccades/physiology
17.
bioRxiv ; 2024 Mar 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38562898

ABSTRACT

Background & Aims: All tissues consist of a distinct set of cell types, which collectively support organ function and homeostasis. Tuft cells are a rare epithelial cell type found in diverse epithelia, where they play important roles in sensing antigens and stimulating downstream immune responses. Exhibiting a unique polarized morphology, tuft cells are defined by an array of giant actin filament bundles that support ∼2 µm of apical membrane protrusion and extend over 7 µm towards the cell's perinuclear region. Despite their established roles in maintaining intestinal epithelial homeostasis, tuft cells remain understudied due to their rarity (e.g. ∼ 1% in the small intestinal epithelium). Details regarding the ultrastructural organization of the tuft cell cytoskeleton, the molecular components involved in building the array of giant actin bundles, and how these cytoskeletal structures support tuft cell biology remain unclear. Methods: To begin to answer these questions, we used advanced light and electron microscopy to perform quantitative morphometry of the small intestinal tuft cell cytoskeleton. Results: We found that tuft cell core bundles consist of actin filaments that are crosslinked in a parallel "barbed-end out" configuration. These polarized structures are also supported by a unique group of tuft cell enriched actin-binding proteins that are differentially localized along the giant core bundles. Furthermore, we found that tuft cell actin bundles are co-aligned with a highly ordered network of microtubules. Conclusions: Tuft cells assemble a cytoskeletal superstructure that is well positioned to serve as a track for subcellular transport along the apical-basolateral axis and in turn, support the dynamic sensing functions that are critical for intestinal epithelial homeostasis. SYNOPSIS: This research leveraged advanced light and electron microscopy to perform quantitative morphometry of the intestinal tuft cell cytoskeleton. Three-dimensional reconstructions of segmented image data revealed a co-aligned actin-microtubule superstructure that may play a fundamental role in tuft cell function.

18.
J Neuroophthalmol ; 44(2): 143-156, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38654413

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Amelioration of disability in multiple sclerosis requires the development of complementary therapies that target neurodegeneration and promote repair. Remyelination is a promising neuroprotective strategy that may protect axons from damage and subsequent neurodegeneration. METHODS: A review of key literature plus additional targeted search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted. RESULTS: There has been a rapid expansion of clinical trials studying putative remyelinating candidates, but further growth of the field is limited by the lack of consensus on key aspects of trial design. We have not yet defined the ideal study population, duration of therapy, or the appropriate outcome measures to detect remyelination in humans. The varied natural history of multiple sclerosis, coupled with the short time frame of phase II clinical trials, requires that we develop and validate biomarkers of remyelination that can serve as surrogate endpoints in clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that the visual system may be the most well-suited and validated model for the study potential remyelinating agents. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of demyelination and summarize the current clinical trial landscape of remyelinating agents. We present some of the challenges in the study of remyelinating agents and discuss current potential biomarkers of remyelination and repair, emphasizing both established and emerging visual outcome measures.


Subject(s)
Multiple Sclerosis , Remyelination , Humans , Multiple Sclerosis/physiopathology , Multiple Sclerosis/drug therapy , Remyelination/physiology , Remyelination/drug effects , Myelin Sheath
19.
Front Neurosci ; 18: 1329832, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38629048

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The foot sole endures high magnitudes of pressure for sustained periods which results in transient but habitual cutaneous ischemia. Upon unloading, microvascular reactivity in cutaneous capillaries generates an influx of blood flow (PORH: post-occlusive reactive hyperemia). Whether pressure induced cutaneous ischemia from loading the foot sole impacts mechanoreceptor sensitivity remains unknown. Methods: Pressure induced ischemia was attained using a custom-built-loading device that applied load to the whole right foot sole at 2 magnitudes (15 or 50% body weight), for 2 durations (2 or 10 minutes) in thirteen seated participants. Mechanoreceptor sensitivity was assessed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments over the third metatarsal (3MT), medial arch (MA), and heel. Perceptual thresholds (PT) were determined for each site prior to loading and then applied repeatedly to a metronome to establish the time course to return to PT upon unload, defined as PT recovery time. Microvascular flux was recorded from an in-line laser speckle contrast imager (FLPI-2, Moor Instruments Inc.) to establish PORH peak and recovery rates at each site. Results: PT recovery and PORH recovery rate were most influenced at the heel and by load duration rather than load magnitude. PT recovery time at the heel was significantly longer with 10 minutes of loading, regardless of magnitude. Heel PORH recovery rate was significantly slower with 10minutes of loading. The 3MT PT recovery time was only longer after 10 minutes of loading at 50% body weight. Microvascular reactivity or sensitivity was not influenced with loading at the MA. A simple linear regression found that PORH recovery rate could predict PT recovery time at the heel (R2=0.184, p<0.001). Conclusion: In populations with degraded sensory feedback, such as diabetic neuropathy, the risk for ulcer development is heightened. Our work demonstrated that prolonged loading in healthy individuals can impair skin sensitivity, which highlights the risks of prolonged loading and is likely exacerbated in diabetes. Understanding the direct association between sensory function and microvascular reactivity in age and diabetes related nerve damage, could help detect early progressions of neuropathy and mitigate ulcer development.

20.
Cancers (Basel) ; 16(5)2024 Mar 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38473408

ABSTRACT

Prostate cancer, the most common cancer among males, has a mortality rate of approximately 29,000 deaths each year in the United States alone [...].

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