The effects of aging on early stages of the auditory deviance detection system

Objective

The aging effects on auditory change detection have been studied using the Mismatch Negativity (MMN) potential. However, recent studies have found earlier correlates of deviance detection at the level of the middle-latency response (MLR) and the effects of aging on this deviant-related response have not yet been clarified. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aging on both levels of the auditory deviance detection system.

Efficacy of systemic diclofenac sodium on intravitreal concentration

Background

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as an alternative, are replacing corticosteroids in ocular inflammatory diseases. Diclofenac has been used mainly topically, and recent focus has been on intravitreal delivery. Both of these methods have been shown to have complications in long-term application.

Purpose

To assess the efficacy of slow release oral diclofenac sodium on intravitreal concentration in experimental model of chemically injured eyes.

Methods

In an experimental double-masked clinical trial, right eyes of 24 albino rabbits were chemically injured by 1 N NaOH. One hour after chemical injury, 10 cc suspension gavage containing 100 mg slow release diclofenac sodium was administered in all cases. 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48 h after gavage, vitreous samples were obtained in all cases. Intravitreal concentration of diclofenac sodium was evaluated in all samples using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.

Results

Intravitreal diclofenac levels by oral intake were enhanced by the inflammation in all the measurements. In inflamed eyes, diclofenac concentration was ten times more than control eye (2.658 ± 0.344 vs. 0.242 ± 0.0279 and 1.617 ± 0.527 vs. 0.148 ± 0.095; in 2 and 4 h, respectively). After 6 h, diclofenac concentration was statistically different, although it reduced below 1 μg/ml.

Conclusion

Diclofenac is delivered to the inflamed eye more than healthy eye. It seems that by oral diclofenac consumption, it is possible to make a significant intravitreal concentration.

     

Novel deep eutectic solvent-based liquid phase microextraction for the extraction of estrogenic compounds from environmental samples

Steroid hormones, such as estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), 17β-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and estriol (E3) are a group of lipophilic active substances, synthesized biologically from cholesterol or chemically. A pH-switchable hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent-based liquid phase microextraction (DES-LPME) technique was established and combined with gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy for the determination of estrogenic compounds in environmental water and wastewater samples. A DES was synthesized using l-menthol as HBA and (1S)-(+)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid (CSA) as HBD, and used as a green extraction solvent. By adjusting the pH of the solution, the unique behavior of the DES in the phase transition and extraction of the desired analytes was investigated. The homogenization process of the mixture is done only by manual shaking in less than 30 seconds and the phase separation is done only by changing the pH and without centrifugation. Some effective parameters on the extraction and derivatization, such as molar ratio of DES components, DES volume, KOH concentration, HCl volume, salt addition, extraction and derivatization time and derivatization prior or after extraction were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, relative standard deviation (RSD) values for intra-day and inter-day of the method based on 7 replicate measurements of 20 ng L⁻¹ of estrogenic compounds and 10 ng L⁻¹ for internal standard in different samples were in the range of 2.2–4.6% and 3.9–5.7%, respectively. The calibration graphs were linear in the range of 0.5–100 ng L⁻¹ and the limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 0.2–1.0 ng L⁻¹. The relative recoveries of environmental water and wastewater samples which have been spiked with different levels of target compounds were 91.0–108.8%.

A pH-switchable hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent-based liquid phase microextraction (DES-LPME) technique was established and combined with gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy for the determination of estrogenic compounds in environmental samples.     

Comparing the efficacy of various methods for sulfate radical generation for antibiotics degradation in synthetic wastewater: degradation mechanism,kinetics study,and toxicity assessment

In the present study the aim was to investigate and compare various activation processes for amoxicillin degradation. UV radiation, ultrasound, heat, and hydrogen peroxide were selected as the persulfate activation methods. The effects of various parameters such as pH, persulfate concentration, reaction time, AMX concentration, radical scavengers, and anions were thoroughly investigated. The results showed that AMX degradation was following the pseudo-first order kinetic model. The reaction rate of 0.114 min⁻¹ was calculated for the UV/PS process, which was higher than that of the other investigated processes. The AMX degradation mechanism and pathway investigations revealed that sulfate and hydroxyl radicals were responsible for the degradation of AMX by two degradation pathways of hydroxylation and the opening of the β-lactam ring. Competition kinetic analysis showed that the second-order rate constant of AMX with sulfate radicals was 8.56 × 10⁹ L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ in the UV/PS process. Cost analysis was conducted for the four investigated processes and it was found that 1.9 $m⁻³ per order is required in the UV/PS process for the complete destruction of AMX. Finally, cytotoxic assessment of the treated effluent on human embryonic kidney cells showed a considerable reduction in AMX-induced cell cytotoxicity, proving that the investigated process is sufficiently capable of completely destroying AMX molecules to nontoxic compounds. Therefore, it can be concluded that UV radiation is much more effective than other methods for persulfate activation and can be considered as a reliable technique for antibiotic removal.

In the present study the aim was to investigate and compare various methods of persulfate activation for amoxicillin degradation.     

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Since previous meta-analyses, which were limited only to depression and by a small number of studies available for inclusion at the time of publication, several additional studies have been published assessing the link between ultra-processed food consumption and depression as well as other mental disorders. We aimed to build on previously conducted reviews to synthesise and meta-analyse the contemporary evidence base and clarify the associations between the consumption of ultra-processed food and mental disorders. A total of 17 observational studies were included (n = 385,541); 15 cross-sectional and 2 prospective. Greater ultra-processed food consumption was cross-sectionally associated with increased odds of depressive and anxiety symptoms, both when these outcomes were assessed together (common mental disorder symptoms odds ratio: 1.53, 95%CI 1.43 to 1.63) as well as separately (depressive symptoms odds ratio: 1.44, 95%CI 1.14 to 1.82; and, anxiety symptoms odds ratio: 1.48, 95%CI 1.37 to 1.59). Furthermore, a meta-analysis of prospective studies demonstrated that greater ultra-processed food intake was associated with increased risk of subsequent depression (hazard ratio: 1.22, 95%CI 1.16 to 1.28). While we found evidence for associations between ultra-processed food consumption and adverse mental health, further rigorously designed prospective and experimental studies are needed to better understand causal pathways.     

Spontaneous pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum in patients with COVID‐19: A case series from Iran

Here, we report six cases of spontaneous pneumothorax and pneumomediastinitis in patients with COVID‐19 in Iran, which were treated with different drugs such as hydroxychloroquine, sofosbuvir, atazanavir, and remdesivir as antiviral agents. Despite the differences in the type of drugs, pneumothorax occurred in all patients.     

Health literacy,dementia knowledge and perceived utility of digital health modalities among future health professionals

Objectives

Studies of dementia knowledge (including dementia risk reduction) in health-care trainees highlight varying levels of understanding across countries and disciplines. This draws attention to the need for a well-trained health workforce with the knowledge to champion and implement such strategies. This study (a) assessed dementia knowledge and health literacy among a sample of Australian health-care students, (b) identified modality preferences of digital health interventions addressing dementia prevention and (c) examined potential relationships among health literacy, dementia knowledge, dementia prevention knowledge and a student's preferences for different digital health modalities.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey assessed dementia knowledge and health literacy in 727 health students across 16 Australian universities representing both metropolitan and regional cohorts. The All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale and the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale were administered. Questions about the perceived effectiveness of strategies and preferred digital health modalities for dementia prevention/risk reduction were asked.

Results

The students had relatively high health literacy scores. However, dementia knowledge and evidence-based dementia prevention knowledge were average. Only 7% claimed knowledge of available dementia-related digital health interventions. Associations among health literacy, dementia knowledge and dementia prevention, with recommendations for different digital modalities, are presented.

Conclusions

Health-related degrees need to increase dementia knowledge, health literacy and knowledge of effective dementia-related digital health interventions. It is imperative to equip the future health workforce amid an ageing population with increased dementia rates and where evidence-based digital health interventions will increasingly be a source of support.