“Distressed aging”: the differences in brain activity between early- and late-onset tinnitus

Recent findings regarding different characteristics according to the age of tinnitus onset prompted us to conduct a study on the differences in tinnitus-related neural correlates between late-onset tinnitus (LOT; mean onset age, 60.4 years) and early-onset tinnitus (EOT; mean onset age, 29.7 years) groups. Hence, we collected quantitative electroencephalography findings of 29 participants with LOT and 30 with EOT, and from 59 controls. We then compared the results between the 2 groups and between the tinnitus groups and age- and sex-matched control groups using resting state electroencephalography source-localized activity and connectivity analyses. Compared with the EOT and older control groups, the LOT group demonstrated increased localized activity and functional connectivity in components of previously described tinnitus distress networks, and the default mode and intrinsic alertness networks, such as the prefrontal cortices, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and insula. The current findings of intrinsic differences in tinnitus-related neural activity between the LOT and EOT groups might be applicable for planning individualized treatment modalities according to age of onset. Moreover, differences with regard to the age of tinnitus onset might be a milestone for future studies on onset-related differences in other similar pathologies, such as pain or depression.     

Working memory and emotional interpretation bias in a sample of Syrian refugee adolescents

The number of adolescent refugees around the world has been continuously increasing over the past few years trying to escape war and terror, among other things. Such experience not only increases the risk for mental health problems including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but also may have implications for socio-cognitive development. This study tested cognitive-affective processing in refugee adolescents who had escaped armed conflict in Syria and now resided in Istanbul, Turkey. Adolescents were split into a high trauma (n = 31, 12 girls, mean age = 11.70 years, SD = 1.15 years) and low trauma (n = 27, 14 girls, mean age = 11.07 years, SD = 1.39 years) symptom group using median split, and performed a working memory task with emotional distraction to assess cognitive control and a surprise faces task to assess emotional interpretation bias. The results indicated that high (vs. low) trauma symptom youth were ~ 20% worse correctly remembering the spatial location of a cue, although both groups performed at very low levels. However, this finding was not modulated by emotion. In addition, although all youths also had a ~ 20% bias toward interpreting ambiguous (surprise) faces as more negative, the high (vs. low) symptom youth were faster when allocating such a face to the positive (vs. negative) emotion category. The findings suggest the impact of war-related trauma on cognitive-affective processes essential to healthy development.

     

Molecular and clinicopathological analysis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a dermal and subcutaneous tumor of intermediate malignancy. The most remarkable cytogenetic feature of DFSP is the chromosomal translocation t(17;22)(q22;q13), causing a fusion of the platelet-derived growth factor beta chain (PDGFB) gene at 22q13, and the collagen type 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1) at 17q22. The aim of the study was to analyze the molecular characteristic of DFSP in conjunction with histopathological and clinical features.     

Diversity of Culex torrentium Martini, 1925 — a potential vector of arboviruses and filaria in Europe

Culex torrentium is one of the most common mosquito species in Germany. Due to its sympatric occurrence as well as its similar morphological and ecological characteristics, it has often been confused with another common species, Culex pipiens. Both species are known to be potential vectors for different arboviruses (not only in Germany) with C. torrentium being a possible vector for Sindbis or Ockelbo virus. In our study, we analyzed the genetic variability in a 658 bp fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (coxI) of C. torrentium, from nine localities in the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region. The results of our genetic survey indicate a higher genetic diversity in this gene region for C. torrentium than for the morphologically similar C. pipiens. Our findings may explain the difficulties in the past to find morphological characteristics that apply to all populations of C. torrentium, when attempting to separate them clearly from C. pipiens, by any other criteria than male genitalia. Being ornithophilic, possible hybrids between C. torrentium and the humanophilic C. pipiens biotype molestus, could potentially serve as important vectors for zoonotic diseases. Therefore, we recommend that greater emphasis is placed on the ecological characteristics, population structure, and the taxonomy of this often neglected species, in the future.     

TNF-α and IL-1β sensitize human MSC for IFN-γ signaling and enhance neutrophil recruitment

During inflammatory processes, tissue environmental cues are influencing the immunoregulatory properties of tissue-resident mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC). In this study, we elucidated one of the molecular and cellular responses of human MSC exposed to combinations of inflammatory cytokines. We showed that during multi-cytokine priming by TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, IL-1β further augmented the well-established immunoregulatory activity induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ. On the molecular level, TNF-α and IL-1β enhanced the expression of IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γR) via NF 'kappa-light-chain-enhancer' of activated B-cells (NF-κΒ) signaling. In turn, enhanced responsiveness to IFN-γ stimulation activated STAT5 and p38-MAPK signaling. This molecular feedback resulted in an increased IL-8 release and augmented recruitment of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN). Our study suggests the possibility that responses of MSC to multi-cytokine priming regimens may be exploited therapeutically to fine-tune inflammatory activity in tissues. This study elucidates molecular mechanisms underlying the immunological priming of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and their interaction with neutrophils.     

Health effects of exposure to chlorination by-products in swimming pools

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential negative effects on human health of water disinfectants used in swimming pools. Among the disinfection options, the approaches using chlorine-based products have been typically preferred. Chlorine readily reacts with natural organic matter that are introduced in the water mainly through the bathers, leading to the formation of potentially harmful chlorination by-products (CBPs). The formation of CBPs is of particular concern since some have been epidemiologically associated with the development of various clinical manifestations. The higher the concentration of volatile CBPs in the water, the higher their concentration in the air above the pool, and different routes of exposure to chemicals in swimming pools (water ingestion, skin absorption, and inhalation) contribute to the individual exposome. Some CBPs may affect the respiratory and skin health of those who stay indoor for long periods, such as swimming instructors, pool staff, and competitive swimmers. Whether those who use chlorinated pools as customers, particularly children, may also be affected has been a matter of debate. In this article, we discuss the current evidence regarding the health effects of both acute and chronic exposures in different populations (work-related exposures, intensive sports, and recreational attendance) and identify the main recommendations and unmet needs for research in this area.     

Study on the additive protective effect of PGLYRP3 and Bifidobacterium adolescentis Reuter 1963 on severity of DSS-induced colitis in Pglyrp3 knockout (Pglyrp3 −/−) and wild-type (WT) mice

Background and AimsPglyrp3 is a bactericidal innate immunity protein known to sustain the habitual gut microbiome and protect against experimental colitis. Intestinal inflammation and metaflammation are commonly associated with a marked reduction of commensal bifidobacteria. Whether Pglyrp3 and bifidobacteria interact synergistically or additively to alleviate metaflammation is unknown. We investigated the extent to which Pglyrp3 and bifidobacteria regulate metaflammation and gut bacterial dysbiosis in DSS-induced mouse models of intestinal inflammation.Material & Methods8–10 weeks old male mice were used. In both WT and Pglyrp3 ?/? experiments, the mice were randomly divided into three groups of 16 mice per group: (1) a control group receiving sterile tap water, (2) an experimental group receiving sterile tap water supplemented with only 5% DSS, and (3) an experimental group receiving sterile tap water supplemented with 5% DSS and 1 × 10⁹ CFU/ml of Bifidobacterium adolescentis (B.a.) for 7 days. Wild-type (WT) littermates of the respective gene (i.e. Pglyrp3) were used as controls throughout the study. Clinical signs of general health and inflammation were monitored daily. Faecal pellet samples were analysed by qRT-PCR for microbial composition. Histology of relevant organs was carried out on day 8. Metabolic parameters and liver inflammation were determined in serum samples.ResultsIntestinal inflammation in mice of group 2 were significantly increased compared to those of control group 1. There was a significant difference in mean scores for inflammation severity between DSS-treated WT and DSS-treated Pglyrp3 ?/? mice. Buildup of key serum metabolic markers (cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose) was set off by colonic inflammation. qRT-PCR quantification showed that DSS significantly decreased the Clostridium coccoides and Bifidobacterium cell counts while increasing those of Bacteroides group in both WT and Pglyrp3 ?/? mice. These manifestations of DSS-induced dysbiosis were significantly attenuated by feeding B.a. Both the local and systemic ill-being of the mice alleviated when they received B.a.DiscussionThis study shows that Pglyrp3 facilitates recognition of bifidobacterial cell wall-derived peptidoglycan, thus leading additively to a reduction of metaflammation through an increase in the number of bifidobacteria, which were able to mitigate intestinal immunopathology in the context of Pglyrp3 blockade.     

Correction to: Twisting and constriction of a HeartMate II driveline in the area of a repair site

Journal of Artificial Organs - A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10047-021-01280-6     

Three-dimensional assessment of facial morphology in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and moderate to severe TMJ involvement using 3D surface scans

Objective

This study aims to (1) assess the facial morphology in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) subjects with moderate to severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement using 3D surface scans and (2) compare the facial morphology in these subjects to that in JIA subjects without TMJ involvement.

Methods

Sixty JIA subjects were included and grouped as follows: group 1 (no involvement group), JIA without TMJ involvement; Group 2 (unilateral group), JIA with moderate to severe unilateral TMJ involvement; and group 3 (bilateral group), JIA with bilateral TMJ involvement. Standard orientation of all surfaces was accomplished. The means and variabilities of facial morphology in groups 2 and 3 were assessed and compared with those of group 1 in three dimensions, respectively.

Results

Group 2 (unilateral group) exhibited a more retruded and wider chin, shorter mandibular height, and more prominent cheek (2, 2, 5, and 2 mm, on average, respectively) on the affected side and a more retruded and narrower chin and more prominent malar region (4, 3, and 2 mm, on average, respectively) on the unaffected side compared with group 1 (no involvement group) (p < 0.05). Group 3 (bilateral group) exhibited a more retruded chin, shorter mandibular height, more prominent upper cheeks, and narrower perioral region (5, 5, 3, and 2 mm, respectively) compared with group 1 (no involvement group) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In JIA subjects with moderate to severe unilateral or bilateral TMJ involvement, the affected side(s) revealed similar facial dysmorphology with reduced mandibular height, chin retrusion, and prominent upper cheek.

Clinical relevance

Three-dimensional surface scans can be a non-ionizing indicator of signs of TMJ involvement in JIA subjects.