bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspects of The Character Binta’s Personality in The Novel Kata by Rintik Sedu: Sigmund Freud’s Psycoanalytic Study
Authors: Eva Yulianti  , Yundi Fitrah  , Nurfadilah
Published: August 2024

This research aims to describe the personality aspects of the character Binta in the novel Kata by Rintik Sedu which includes Id, Ego, Superego. The formulation of the problem in this research is what aspects of the character Binta's personality in the novel Kata by Rintik Sedu include Id, Ego, Superego. This research uses qualitative methods and descriptive research. The data source for this research is the novel Kata by Rintik Sedu. The data in this research is in the form of the behavior or actions of the character Binta as depicted in dialogue or narration in the novel Kata by Rintik Sedu. The results of the research show that in the novel Kata by Rintik Sedu there is a personality structure of the character Binta which is viewed from the psychoanalytic aspect of Sigmund Freud. These personality aspects can be classified into three, namely: id, ego, and superego. The novel Kata by Rintik Sedu can be used as a breakthrough as an alternative teaching material which aims to improve students' ability to appreciate in analyzing the psychology of story characters from a literary work.
The Existence of the Female Character Meutia in the Novel Gadis yang Menulis Surat Setiap Malam by Arafat Nur
Authors: Mukallalah Siti Musdalifatul , Istiqomah  , Mulyanto  , Sucipto  , Ni Nyoman Sarmi
Published: August 2024

Existential female characters are the existence of female characters in literary texts. The existence of existentialism in psychology encourages human self-awareness of their existence. In researching the novel The Girl Who Writes Letters Every Night, the aim is to describe the structure of the characters' experiences. The theory used is Rollo May's existentialist psychological theory. Existential psychology is an attempt to understand humans who experience and who are the targets of experience. Descriptive qualitative methods were used in this research with data analysis techniques in the form of listening, reading, taking notes. Then, content analysis uses the content of the quoted text data. The findings include the structure of the characters' experiences regarding: (i) death; (ii) emptiness (loneliness and isolation); (iii) anxiety; (iv) feelings of guilt; (v) togetherness; (vi) spatiality, (vii) temporalis; and (viii) body
Preparing Students with Disabilities for Civic Engagement
Authors: Owen Diana
Published: August 2024

The vast disparities in the availability and quality of civic education for students with disabilities (SWDs) denies them the preparation to become competent, responsible, and impactful citizens. This study examines the effectiveness of the Center for Civic Education’s James Madison Legacy Project Expansion, which provides teacher professional development and a curriculum intervention based on We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution adapted for SWDs, in producing positive civic outcomes for middle and high school students. The study employs a randomized controlled trial design that compares students in classes with high percentages of SWDs who received the adapted WTP curriculum to those who took a standard civics class. The findings indicated that SWDs can successfully navigate an adapted civic education curriculum and significantly increase their civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Students who received the WTP curriculum intervention had greater gains in all three domains than those in the control condition.
Pengaruh Senam Lansia Sebagai Terapi Non Farmakologi dalam Menurunkan Tekanan Darah Pada Lansia
Authors: Huzaifah Zaqyyah , Sari Rohni Taufika , Rahayu Suci Fitri
Published: August 2024

Latar Belakang: Gaya hidup masyarakat yang lebih seperti makanan cepat saji dan kurang gerak dapat menyebabkan berbagai masalah kesehatan termasuk hipertensi, gagal jantung, diabetes mellitus, stroke, dan penyakit ginjal. Hipertensi merupakan masalah kesehatan yang dialami oleh banyak orang lanjut usia (lansia). Salah satu cara untuk mencegah komplikasi hipertensi dan untuk melatih lansia untuk aktif bergerak adalah dengan memberikan intervensi senam lansia.  Tujuan: Untuk mengetahui pengaruh senam lansia sebagai terapi non farmakologi dalam menurunkan tekanan darah pada lansia.Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan menggunakan rancangan penelitian Quasy Eksperiment dengan desain one group Pre and Post test design. Subjek pada penelitian ini adalah lansia yang berada pada wilayah kerja Puskesmas Kuin Raya sebanyak 32 orang.Hasil: uji statistik menggunakan uji wilcoxon didapatkan nilai p value 0,000 yang mana nilai tersebut lebih kecil dari nilai α sehingga hipotesis diterima yaitu ada pengaruh senam lansia sebagai terapi non farmakologi dalam menurunkan tekanan darah pada lansia.Kesimpulan: Pengobatan hipertensi khususnya pada lansia perlu mendapatkan modifikasi dengan menambahkan terapi nonfarmakologi yaitu dengan melakukan senam lansia sehingga efek pengobatan lebih cepat dicapaiKata Kunci: Senam Lansia, Hipertensi, NonfarmakologiThe Effect of Elderly Exercise as a Non-Pharmacological Therapy in Lowering Blood Pressure in the ElderlyBackground: People's lifestyles that include fast food and lack of movement can cause various health problems including hypertension, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, stroke and kidney disease. Hypertension is a health problem experienced by many elderly people. One way to prevent hypertension complications and to train the elderly to be active is to provide elderly exercise interventions.Objective: To determine the effect of elderly exercise as a non-pharmacological therapy in lowering blood pressure in the elderly.Method: This research is a quantitative research using a Quasy Experiment research design with a one group Pre and Post test design. The subjects in this study were 32 elderly people who were in the working area of the Kuin Raya Community Health Center.Results: statistical tests using the Wilcoxon test obtained a p value of 0.000, which is smaller than the α value so that the hypothesis is accepted, namely that there is an effect of elderly exercise as a non-pharmacological therapy in lowering blood pressure in the elderly.Conclusion: Treatment of hypertension, especially in the elderly, needs to be modified by adding non-pharmacological therapy, namely by doing elderly exercises so that the treatment effect is achieved more quickly.
Metal ions in biomedically relevant macromolecular structures
Authors: Majorek Karolina A. , Gucwa Michal , Murzyn Krzysztof , Minor Wladek
Published: August 2024

Understanding the functions of metal ions in biological systems is crucial for many aspects of research, including deciphering their roles in diseases and potential therapeutic use. Structural information about the molecular or atomic details of these interactions, generated by methods like X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, or nucleic magnetic resonance, frequently provides details that no other method can. As with any experimental method, they have inherent limitations that sometimes lead to an erroneous interpretation. This manuscript highlights different aspects of structural data available for metal-protein complexes. We examine the quality of modeling metal ion binding sites across different structure determination methods, where different kinds of errors stem from, and how they can impact correct interpretations and conclusions.
Impact of high-risk and low-risk human papillomavirus infections on the male genital tract: effects on semen inflammation and sperm quality
Authors: Olivera Carolina , Paira Daniela A. , Olmedo Andrés , Olmedo José J. , Tissera Andrea D. , Molina Rosa I. , Motrich Rubén D. , Cuffini Cecilia G. , Rivero Virginia E.
Published: August 2024

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, comprises high-risk (HR-HPV) and low-risk (LR-HPV) viruses, the former posing a high risk for developing malignancies whereas the latter mainly for benign warts. Despite increasing awareness of HPV’s impact on men’s health, the influence of HR-HPV and LR-HPV urogenital infections on male fertility potential remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate whether male urogenital infection with HR- or LR-HPV associates with impaired sperm quality, oxidative stress, and inflammation. A total of 205 male patients attending an urology clinic were enrolled. Semen samples were analyzed for HPV using PCR and genotyped by RFLP. Semen quality was evaluated following WHO guidelines. Semen leukocytes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and sperm viability were analyzed using flow cytometry. HPV was detected in 19% (39/205) of semen samples. HR-HPV infections were more prevalent, with HPV-16 being the most frequent genotype. Neither HR-HPV nor LR-HPV were associated with significant alterations in routine sperm quality parameters. However, HR-HPV+ individuals showed significantly higher levels of sperm necrosis and exhibited increased proportions of ROS+ spermatozoa compared to LR-HPV+ or control individuals. Furthermore, no significant semen inflammation was detected in patients infected with either HR-HPV or LR-HPV, and unexpectedly reduced semen leukocytes and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1β) were observed in HR-HPV+ patients compared to controls. These observations underscore the importance of comprehensive HPV screening, including genotyping, in urology and fertility clinics to understand the progression of the infection, potential adverse effects on reproductive health, and the oncogenic risks involved.
Association between stress hyperglycemia ratio and all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with atrial fibrillation: insights from a MIMIC-IV study
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhu Zhanfang , Yu Kai , Zhang Wei , Pu Jie , Lv Ying , Tang Zhiguo , Liu Fuqiang , Liu Shasha
Published: August 2024

Background

The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) has emerged as a potential prognostic indicator for various critical illnesses. However, its role in determining outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) within the intensive care unit (ICU) remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the association between SHR and all-cause mortality in this clinical setting.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from a large, retrospective database. Critically ill patients with documented AF were stratified based on quartiles of SHR. The primary outcome was 365-day all-cause mortality, with secondary outcomes including 90-day and 28-day mortality. COX proportional hazards models adjusted for confounders and Kaplan-Meier curve analyses were used to explore the relationship between SHR and mortality.

Results

2,679 patients with critical AF were enrolled in the final study. Among the patients studied, those in the highest SHR quartiles exhibited an increased risk of 365-day all-cause mortality (HR:1.32, 95%CI=1.06-1.65). Notably, in subgroup analyses, the prognostic value of SHR was particularly pronounced in patients with hypertension. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the persistence of these findings after excluding cohorts with malignant tumors, and heart failure.

Conclusions

Our research discerns a positive association between SHR and all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with AF, highlighting the significance of acute glycemic dysregulation on patient outcomes. Longer follow-up is still needed in the future to study the association between SHR and all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with AF.
JAK inhibitors to treat STAT3 gain-of-function: a single-center report and literature review
Authors: Atschekzei Faranaz , Traidl Stephan , Carlens Julia , Schütz Katharina , von Hardenberg Sandra , Elsayed Abdulwahab , Ernst Diana , Risser Linus , Thiele Thea , Graalmann Theresa , Raab Juliana , Baumann Ulrich , Witte Torsten , Sogkas Georgios
Published: August 2024

Objective

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) gain-of-function (GOF) syndrome (STAT3-GOF) is an inborn error of immunity (IEI) characterized by diverse manifestations of immune dysregulation that necessitate systemic immunomodulatory treatment. The blockade of the interleukin-6 receptor and/or the inhibition of the Janus kinases has been commonly employed to treat diverse STAT3-GOF-associated manifestations. However, evidence on long-term treatment outcome, especially in the case of adult patients, is scarce.

Methods

Clinical data, including laboratory findings and medical imaging, were collected from all seven patients, diagnosed with STAT3-GOF, who have been treated at the Hannover University School, focusing on those who received a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor (JAKi). Previously published cases of STAT3-GOF patients who received a JAKi were evaluated, focusing on reported treatment efficacy with respect to diverse STAT3-GOF-associated manifestations of immune dysregulation and safety.

Results

Five out of seven patients diagnosed with STAT3-GOF were treated with a JAKi, each for a different indication. Including these patients, outcomes of JAKi treatment have been reported for a total of 41 patients. Treatment with a JAKi led to improvement of diverse autoimmune, inflammatory, or lymphoproliferative manifestations of STAT3-GOF and a therapeutic benefit could be documented for all except two patients. Considering all reported manifestations of immune dysregulation in each patient, complete remission was achieved in 10/41 (24.4%) treated patients.

Conclusions

JAKi treatment improved diverse manifestations of immune dysregulation in the majority of STAT3-GOF patients, representing a promising therapeutic approach. Long-term follow-up data are needed to evaluate possible risks of prolonged treatment with a JAKi.
Technical considerations for sampling ballast water to determine compliance with discharge performance standards
Authors: Loiacono Stephen , Ceballos-Osuna Lina , Scianni Chris , Brown Christopher W.
Published: August 2024

In order to discharge ballast in waters of the USA and Member States of the IMO, a vessel must comply with ballast water discharge standards (BWDS). In most cases, this involves use of a Type-Approved ballast water management system (BWMS). Although rigorous efficacy testing is required to gain Type-Approval status, there are currently no requirements for regular compliance checks after a BWMS has been commissioned. Routine compliance checks, to enumerate organisms in treated discharges, are currently the only way to know if a system is meeting a BWDS. This policy brief has two objectives: 1) Highlight the importance of routine collection and analysis of treated ballast water discharges, and 2) Present technical considerations to perform compliance assessments, highlighting good practices for sample collection and analysis and advising of potential obstacles. These assessments are necessary to inhibit the spread of non-indigenous species.
Essential amino acid carbon isotope ratios as indicators of marine macrophyte response to environmental variation
Authors: Yun Hee Young , Kim Sangil , Choi Hyuntae , Kim Ji-Eun , Park Sang Rul , Shin Kyung-Hoon
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) of essential amino acids (EAAs), including valine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, and phenylalanine, in producers are crucial for explaining food-web structures in marine ecosystems. However, few studies have tested the variability of δ13C-EAA values in marine macrophytes, such as seagrass and macroalgae, under changing environmental conditions.

Methods

In this study, we examined the responses of δ13C-EAA values in macrophytes to environmental changes and explored their usefulness in characterizing macrophyte groups and local environments. We tested seagrass and macroalgae collected at different spatial and temporal scales in the field, as well as lab-cultured Ulva algae at various temperature gradients (12°C, 20°C, and 27.5°C) with additional nitrogen sources.

Results

We found that δ13C-EAA values in macroalgae were significantly altered by seasonality and the interactive effects of temperature and nitrogen addition in comparison with mean-centered δ13C-EAA values (normalized δ13C-EAA values relative to the mean of the overall EAAs). The δ13C-EAA values detected in macroalgae within a local environment correlated with those of a co-occurring grazer, Caprella. Based on mean-centered δ13C-EAA values, macrophyte groups were distinguishable from other group (i.e., the bacteria group) even under diverse environmental conditions. Moreover, the seagrass group did not overlap with the green and the brown macroalgal group, but overlapped considerably with the red macroalgal group.

Discussion

These results suggest that the macrophyte-specific mean-centered δ13C-EAA values may be fairly consistent across broad spatial and temporal scales. Despite significant variation in δ13C-EAA values, the consistency in mean-centered δ13C-EAA values among specific macrophyte groups provides valuable insight into the characteristics of local trophic bases in regions under pressure from dramatic environmental changes.
Marine heatwave intensity and duration negatively affect growth in young sporophytes of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera
Authors: Bunting Imogen , Kok Yun Yi , Krieger Erik C. , Bury Sarah J. , D’Archino Roberta , Cornwall Christopher E.
Published: August 2024

Kelp forests are productive and biodiverse ecosystems with high ecological, cultural, and economic importance. However, the high sensitivity of kelp to water temperature means that these ecosystems are vulnerable to marine heatwaves (MHWs), especially at the equatorward edge of their range. To date, few laboratory studies have compared the effects of MHWs of different durations or intensities on kelp, and it is difficult to determine these effects from naturally occurring MHWs in the field. We exposed juvenile sporophytes of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera from Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand to simulated MHWs three or six weeks in duration, at temperatures of 18°C, 20°C, and 22°C, corresponding to 2, 4, and 6°C above local mean summer temperatures. While all MHW treatments reduced mean kelp growth rates by over 30% relative to 16°C controls, the 22°C treatments had much more severe and wide-ranging effects, including rapid blade erosion, reduced chlorophyll fluorescence, tissue bleaching, increased δ13C values, and mortality. Nonetheless, sporophytes had some ability to recover from heat stress; within the 18°C treatment, mean relative growth rates neared or exceeded those within the control treatment within three weeks after MHWs concluded. These results support the findings of previous studies which indicate that M. pyrifera sporophytes experience a key physiological tipping point around 20°C. Additionally, our findings suggest that juvenile M. pyrifera from the Wellington population could be relatively resilient to MHWs if temperatures remain at sub-lethal levels. However, if average MHW intensities and durations continue to increase over time, survival and recruitment of juvenile kelp could be adversely affected, thus threatening the long-term persistence of giant kelp forests near the warm edge of their range in New Zealand.
Efficacy and safety of Janus kinase inhibitors in non-infectious inflammatory ocular diseases: a prospective cohort study from the international AIDA network registries
Authors: Vitale Antonio , Palacios-Olid Judith , Caggiano Valeria , Ragab Gaafar , Hernández-Rodríguez José , Pelegrín Laura , Mejía-Salgado Germán , Zarate-Pinzón Laura , Gentileschi Stefano , Sota Jurgen , Fonollosa Alex , Carreño Ester , Gaggiano Carla , Amin Rana Hussein , Balistreri Alberto , Narváez Javier , Tosi Gian Marco , Frediani Bruno , Cantarini Luca , de-la-Torre Alejandra , Fabiani Claudia
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Non-infectious inflammatory ocular diseases pose significant challenges in diagnosis and management, often requiring systemic immunosuppressive therapy. Since Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors may represent a novel therapeutic option for these disorders, the present study aimed to expand current knowledge about their efficacy and safety in patients with these conditions.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 12 adult patients from the international AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) Network registries dedicated to non-infectious ocular inflammatory conditions. We assessed ocular flares, visual acuity, disease course, and complications before and after initiating JAK inhibitor therapy.

Results

Ocular inflammation was related to a systemic disease in 8 (66.7%) patients as follows: spondyloarthritis (n = 3), peripheral psoriatic arthritis (n = 1), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 1), antinuclear antibodies (ANA) positive juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 1), Behçet’s syndrome (n = 1), Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (n = 1). In total, 4 patients received baricitinib, 1 patient received tofacitinib, and 7 patients underwent upadacitinib treatment. The overall average duration of JAK inhibitors treatment was 8.6 ± 5.5 months (ranging from 3 to 20 months). At the last assessment, ocular disease control was complete in 12/12 patients. One patient discontinued baricitinib due to poor compliance after a 12-month relapse-free period. The incidence of ocular flares was 125 episodes/1.000 person-months prior to the initiation of JAK inhibitors and 28.6 episodes/1.000 person-months thereafter. The incidence rate ratio for experiencing a relapse before starting a JAK inhibitor compared to the following period was 4.37 (95% CI 1.3–14.7, p-value: 0.02).

Conclusion

JAK inhibitors demonstrate efficacy and safety in controlling ocular inflammatory relapses, confirming that they represent a valuable treatment option for patients with non-infectious inflammatory ocular diseases resistant to conventional treatments.
Niche-specification of aerobic 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid biodegradation by tfd-carrying bacteria in the rice paddy ecosystem
Authors: Tuan Tran Quoc , Mawarda Panji Cahya , Ali Norhan , Curias Arne , Nguyen Thi Phi Oanh , Khoa Nguyen Dac , Springael Dirk
Published: August 2024

This study aimed for a better understanding of the niche specification of bacteria carrying the tfd-genes for aerobic 2,4-dichlorphenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) degradation in the rice paddy ecosystem. To achieve this, a dedicated microcosm experiment was set up to mimic the rice paddy system, with and without 2,4-D addition, allowing spatial sampling of the different rice paddy compartments and niches, i.e., the main anaerobic bulk soil and the aerobic surface water, surface soil, root surface and rhizosphere compartments. No effect of 2,4-D on the growth and morphology of the rice plant was noted. 2,4-D removal was faster in the upper soil layers compared to the deeper layers and was more rapid after the second 2,4-D addition compared to the first. Moreover, higher relative abundances of the 2,4-D catabolic gene tfdA and of the mobile genetic elements IncP-1 and IS1071 reported to carry the tfd-genes, were observed in surface water and surface soil when 2,4-D was added. tfdA was also detected in the root surface and rhizosphere compartment but without response to 2,4-D addition. While analysis of the bacterial community composition using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing did not reveal expected tfd-carrying taxa, subtle community changes linked with 2,4-D treatment and the presence of the plant were observed. These findings suggest (i) that the surface soil and surface water are the primary and most favorable compartements/niches for tfd-mediated aerobic 2,4-D biodegradation and (ii) that the community structure in the 2,4-D treated rice paddy ecosystem is determined by a niche-dependent complex interplay between the effects of the plant and of 2,4-D.
Exercise and brain health in patients with coronary artery disease: study protocol for the HEART-BRAIN randomized controlled trial
Authors: Toval Angel , Solis-Urra Patricio , Bakker Esmée A. , Sánchez-Aranda Lucía , Fernández-Ortega Javier , Prieto Carlos , Alonso-Cuenca Rosa María , González-García Alberto , Martín-Fuentes Isabel , Fernandez-Gamez Beatriz , Olvera-Rojas Marcos , Coca-Pulido Andrea , Bellón Darío , Sclafani Alessandro , Sanchez-Martinez Javier , Rivera-López Ricardo , Herrera-Gómez Norberto , Peñafiel-Burkhardt Rafael , López-Espinosa Víctor , Corpas-Pérez Sara , García-Ortega María Belén , Vega-Cordoba Alejandro , Barranco-Moreno Emilio J. , Morales-Navarro Francisco J. , Nieves Raúl , Caro-Rus Alfredo , Amaro-Gahete Francisco J. , Mora-Gonzalez Jose , Vidal-Almela Sol , Carlén Anna , Migueles Jairo H. , Erickson Kirk I. , Moreno-Escobar Eduardo , García-Orta Rocío , Esteban-Cornejo Irene , Ortega Francisco B.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment and mental health disorders compared to the general population. Physical exercise might improve their brain health. The overall goal of the HEART-BRAIN randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to investigate the effects of different types of exercise on brain health outcomes in patients with CAD, and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

This three-arm, single-blinded RCT will include 90 patients with CAD (50–75 years). Participants will be randomized into: (1) control group—usual care (n = 30), (2) aerobic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (n = 30), or (3) HIIT combined with resistance exercise training (n = 30). The 12-week intervention includes 3 supervised sessions (45-min each) per week for the exercise groups. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The primary outcome is to determine changes in cerebral blood flow assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary outcomes include changes in brain vascularization, cognitive measures (i.e., general cognition, executive function and episodic memory), and cardiorespiratory fitness. Additional health-related outcomes, and several potential mediators and moderators will be investigated (i.e., brain structure and function, cardiovascular and brain-based biomarkers, hemodynamics, physical function, body composition, mental health, and lifestyle behavior).

Conclusion

The HEART-BRAIN RCT will provide novel insights on how exercise can impact brain health in patients with CAD and the potential mechanisms explaining the heart-brain connection, such as changes in cerebral blood flow. The results may have important clinical implications by increasing the evidence on the effectiveness of exercise-based strategies to delay cognitive decline in this high-risk population.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier [NCT06214624].
Brain growth until adolescence after a neonatal focal injury: sex related differences beyond lesion effect
Authors: Postic Pierre-Yves , Leprince Yann , Brosset Soraya , Drutel Laure , Peyric Emeline , Ben Abdallah Ines , Bekha Dhaif , Neumane Sara , Duchesnay Edouard , Dinomais Mickael , Chevignard Mathilde , Hertz-Pannier Lucie
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Early focal brain injuries lead to long-term disabilities with frequent cognitive impairments, suggesting global dysfunction beyond the lesion. While plasticity of the immature brain promotes better learning, outcome variability across individuals is multifactorial. Males are more vulnerable to early injuries and neurodevelopmental disorders than females, but long-term sex differences in brain growth after an early focal lesion have not been described yet. With this MRI longitudinal morphometry study of brain development after a Neonatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke (NAIS), we searched for differences between males and females in the trajectories of ipsi- and contralesional gray matter growth in childhood and adolescence, while accounting for lesion characteristics.

Methods

We relied on a longitudinal cohort (AVCnn) of patients with unilateral NAIS who underwent clinical and MRI assessments at ages 7 and 16 were compared to age-matched controls. Non-lesioned volumes of gray matter (hemispheres, lobes, regions, deep structures, cerebellum) were extracted from segmented T1 MRI images at 7 (Patients: 23 M, 16 F; Controls: 17 M, 18 F) and 16 (Patients: 18 M, 11 F; Controls: 16 M, 15 F). These volumes were analyzed using a Linear Mixed Model accounting for age, sex, and lesion characteristics.

Results

Whole hemisphere volumes were reduced at both ages in patients compared to controls (gray matter volume: −16% in males, −10% in females). In ipsilesional hemisphere, cortical gray matter and thalamic volume losses (average −13%) mostly depended on lesion severity, suggesting diaschisis, with minimal effect of patient sex. In the contralesional hemisphere however, we consistently found sex differences in gray matter volumes, as only male volumes were smaller than in male controls (average −7.5%), mostly in territories mirroring the contralateral lesion. Females did not significantly deviate from the typical trajectories of female controls. Similar sex differences were found in both cerebellar hemispheres.

Discussion

These results suggest sex-dependent growth trajectories after an early brain lesion with a contralesional growth deficit in males only. The similarity of patterns at ages 7 and 16 suggests that puberty has little effect on these trajectories, and that most of the deviation in males occurs in early childhood, in line with the well-described perinatal vulnerability of the male brain, and with no compensation thereafter.
Specific static and dynamic functional network connectivity changes in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and it predictive values using machine learning
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhong Yu-Lin , Huang Xin
Published: August 2024

Background

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by ocular symptoms like eyelid retraction and exophthalmos. Prior neuroimaging studies have revealed structural and functional brain abnormalities in TAO patients, along with central nervous system symptoms such as cognitive deficits. Nonetheless, the changes in the static and dynamic functional network connectivity of the brain in TAO patients are currently unknown. This study delved into the modifications in static functional network connectivity (sFNC) and dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) among thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy patients using independent component analysis (ICA).

Methods

Thirty-two patients diagnosed with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and 30 healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scanning. ICA method was utilized to extract the sFNC and dFNC changes of both groups.

Results

In comparison to the HC group, the TAO group exhibited significantly increased intra-network functional connectivity (FC) in the right inferior temporal gyrus of the executive control network (ECN) and the visual network (VN), along with significantly decreased intra-network FC in the dorsal attentional network (DAN), the default mode network (DMN), and the left middle cingulum of the ECN. On the other hand, FNC analysis revealed substantially reduced connectivity intra- VN and inter- cerebellum network (CN) and high-level cognitive networks (DAN, DMN, and ECN) in the TAO group compared to the HC group. Regarding dFNC, TAO patients displayed abnormal connectivity across all five states, characterized by notably reduced intra-VN connectivity and CN connectivity with high-level cognitive networks (DAN, DMN, and ECN), alongside compensatory increased connectivity between DMN and low-level perceptual networks (VN and basal ganglia network). No significant differences were observed between the two groups for the three dynamic temporal metrics. Furthermore, excluding the classification outcomes of FC within VN (with an accuracy of 51.61% and area under the curve of 0.35208), the FC-based support vector machine (SVM) model demonstrated improved performance in distinguishing between TAO and HC, achieving accuracies ranging from 69.35 to 77.42% and areas under the curve from 0.68229 to 0.81667. The FNC-based SVM classification yielded an accuracy of 61.29% and an area under the curve of 0.57292.

Conclusion

In summary, our study revealed that significant alterations in the visual network and high-level cognitive networks. These discoveries contribute to our understanding of the neural mechanisms in individuals with TAO, offering a valuable target for exploring future central nervous system changes in thyroid-associated eye diseases.
Age-related changes in the architecture and biochemical markers levels in motor-related cortical areas of SHR rats—an ADHD animal model
Authors: Bogdańska-Chomczyk E. , Wojtacha P. , Tsai M. L , Huang A. C. W , Kozłowska A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose exact pathophysiology has not been fully understood yet. Numerous studies have suggested disruptions in the cellular architecture and neuronal activity within brain structures of individuals with ADHD, accompanied by imbalances in the immune system, oxidative stress, and metabolism.

Methods

This study aims to assess two functionally and histologically distinct brain areas involved in motor control and coordination: the motor cortex (MC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Namely, the morphometric analysis of the MC throughout the developmental stages of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto Rats (WKYs). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the levels and activities of specific immune, oxidative stress, and metabolic markers in the PFC of juvenile and maturing SHRs in comparison to WKYs.

Results

The most significant MC volume reductions occurred in juvenile SHRs, accompanied by alterations in neuronal density in these brain areas compared to WKYs. Furthermore, juvenile SHRs exhibit heightened levels and activity of various markers, including interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-6, serine/threonine-protein mammalian target of rapamycin, RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase, glucocorticoid receptor β, malondialdehyde, sulfhydryl groups, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, glucose, fructosamine, iron, lactic acid, alanine, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase.

Discussion

Significant changes in the MC morphometry and elevated levels of inflammatory, oxidative, and metabolic markers in PFC might be associated with disrupted brain development and maturation in ADHD.
Sustainable pork production and processing: a step toward empowering tribal women in Northeast India
Authors: Mehta Shivani , Bhattacharjee Mahua
Published: August 2024

This study explores the transformative potential of sustainable pork production and processing as a tool to empower tribal women in the northeast region (NER) of India. The NER is faced with multiple challenges, such as poverty, gender inequality, and poor livelihood methods. Therefore, enhancing sustainable production and processing methods for pork, which is their staple food, presents not only an opportunity for the socio-economic development of the region but also an effective tool for the economic empowerment of tribal women. Through a primary survey of pork value chain actors in Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland (the largest producers and consumers of pork in the NER), the study outlines the current practices and barriers to sustainable pork production methods. Although the consumption of pork has remained unchanged and that of processed pork items is on the rise, the production of pork is drastically declining. Therefore, reviving pork production in the NER can be instrumental in building sustainable livelihood models, especially for tribal women in the region. The study explores the effectiveness of a community-based, ‘model village approach,’ where capacity building around sustainable pork production, processing, and waste management techniques results in the economic empowerment of women. The findings from the post-impact analysis of the capacity-building approach call for policy intervention and the establishment of supportive networks to enhance the growth of a sustainable pork production system across NER, thereby contributing to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets proposed by the Indian economy.
Profiling of phenolic composition in camellia oil and its correlative antioxidant properties analysis
Authors: She Jiarong , Li Qingyang , Cui Maokai , Zheng Qiong , Yang Jie , Chen Tiantian , Shen Danyu , Peng Shaofeng , Li Chi , Liu Yihua
Published: August 2024

Less research has been conducted on the association between camellia oil’s (CO) phenolic composition and antioxidant capability. In this study, the phenolic profile of CO and its connection to antioxidant capacity were examined utilizing a combination of widely-targeted phenolic metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis. A total of 751 phenolics were discovered. The WGCNA was used to link phenols to antioxidants, yielding 161 antioxidant-related phenols from the blue module. In response to several antioxidant assays, 59 (FRAP), 59 (DPPH), and 53 (ABTS) phenolics were identified as differential phenolic markers (DPMs). Further stepwise multiple linear regression revealed six DPMs that substantially influenced the antioxidant capacities. Nine metabolic pathways and their associated network mechanisms for the most significant phenolics were developed. This study sheds light on the phenolic content of CO, elucidates their role in antioxidant activity, and lays the groundwork for improving extraction techniques and generating improved product.
Hypoxic-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles inhibit neuronal death after spinal cord injury by regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Authors: Rao Jian , Xie Haishu , Liang Zeyan , Yang Zhelun , Chen Pingping , Zhou Maochao , Xu Xiongjie , Lin Yike , Lin Fabin , Wang Rui , Wang Chunhua , Chen Chunmei
Published: August 2024

Background

Oxidative stress and apoptosis of neurons significantly contribute to the pathophysiological cascade of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the role of hypoxic-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (H-sEVs) in promoting SCI repair remains unclear. Hence, the present study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of H-sEVs on neuronal oxidative stress and apoptotic responses following SCI.

Methods

The administration of H-sEVs of SCI rats was assessed using behavioral evaluations such as Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores, neuroelectrophysiological monitoring, and Catwalk gait analysis. Indices of oxidative stress (including superoxide dismutase [SOD], total antioxidant capacity [T-AOC], and malondialdehyde [MDA]) were measured. Neuronal survival was evaluated through Nissl staining, while the expression level of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was examined using immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, histological evaluation of lesion size was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Tunel cell apoptosis staining and analysis of apoptosis-associated proteins (B-cell lymphoma-2 [Bcl2] and BCL2-Associated X [Bax]) were conducted through immunofluorescence staining and western blot, respectively. Furthermore, the model of oxidative stress was established using PC12 cells, and apoptosis levels were assessed via flow cytometry and western blot analysis. Importantly, to ascertain the critical role of SIRT1, we performed SIRT1 knockout experiments in PC12 cells using lentivirus transfection, followed by western blot.

Results

Using those behavioral evaluations, we observed significant functional improvement after H-sEVs treatment. Nissl staining revealed that H-sEVs treatment promoted neuronal survival. Moreover, we found that H-sEVs effectively reduced oxidative stress levels after SCI. HE staining demonstrated that H-sEVs could reduce lesion area. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that H-sEVs enhanced SIRT1 expression. Furthermore, Tunel cell apoptosis staining and western blot analysis of apoptosis-related proteins confirmed the anti-apoptotic effects of H-sEVs. The PC12 cells were used to further substantiate the neuroprotective properties of H-sEVs by significantly inhibiting neuronal death and attenuating oxidative stress. Remarkably, SIRT1 knockout in PC12 cells reversed the antioxidant stress effects induced by H-sEVs treatment. Additionally, we elucidated the involvement of the downstream Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our study provides valuable insights into the effects of H-sEVs on neuronal oxidative stress and apoptosis after SCI. These findings underscore the potential clinical significance of H-sEVs-based therapies for SCI.
Enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of chlorogenic acid via folic acid-TPGS-modified liposomes encapsulation: characterization and In vivo evaluation on colitis mice
Authors: Li Qing-qing , Yan Jia-hui , Zhou Zhi-e , Geng Xiang , Xiong Jian-hua
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) has been identified to possess salient anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer attributes. However, its application is limited by its instability and low bioavailability. Liposomes have been considered effective pharmaceutical delivery vehicles due to their ability to continuously release loaded drugs, improve drug stability, and display good biocompatibility. They can be easily modified by other small molecules to acquire additional biological functions. In this study, we developed and characterized folic acid-TPGS-modified chlorogenic acid liposome (FTCLP) and evaluated its anti-inflammatory activity.

Methods

The successful encapsulation of CGA within FTCLP was confirmed through examination using electron microscopy, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The in vitro release characteristics of FTCLP were evaluated using the dialysis bag membrane method. Meanwhile, a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) -induced colitis model was employed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of FTCLP and its mechanism.

Results

The FTCLP exhibited an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 84.85 ± 1.20% and a drug loading (DL) of 11.67 ± 0.04%. The particle size of FTCLP was determined to be 150.63 ± 0.71 nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.198 ± 0.02 and a zeta potential of 2.61 ± 0.38 mV. The in vitro release profile followed the Higuchi model, indicating sustained-release characteristics. The in vivo study demonstrated that FTCLP treatment was effective in improving the symptoms of DSS-induced inflammatory response, as evidenced by mitigation of weight loss, reduction in the disease activity index (DAI) score, restoration of colon length, and attenuation of colon tissue damage. Furthermore, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interferon-gamma (INF-γ), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were markedly diminished in both the serum and colon tissue. FTCLP was also observed to suppress the expression of INF-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, while concomitantly upregulating the expression of Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Besides, the administration of FTCLP was found to result in an increase in the abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae, while decreasing the abundance of Bacteroidaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Helicobacteraceae.

Conclusion

Following encapsulation of CGA within liposomes, FTCLP revealed favorable stability and sustained release properties, and enhanced the anti-inflammatory effects by modulating multiple inflammation-related biomarkers. FTCLP has the potential to be a safe and effective drug for targeted therapy of colitis.
Exon shuffling and alternative splicing of ROCO genes in brown algae enables a diverse repertoire of candidate immune receptors
Authors: Teng Linhong , Sun Yuhuan , Chen Jiayi , Wang Chenghui , Urbach Jonathan M. , Kobe Bostjan , Ye Naihao , Zeng Qiangcheng
Published: August 2024

The ROCO family is a family of GTPases characterized by a central ROC-COR tandem domain. Interest in the structure and function of ROCO proteins has increased with the identification of their important roles in human disease. Nevertheless, the functions of most ROCO proteins are still unknown. In the present study, we characterized the structure, evolution, and expression of ROCOs in four species of brown algae. Brown algae have a larger number of ROCO proteins than other organisms reported to date. Phylogenetic analyses showed that ROCOs have an ancient origin, likely originated in prokaryotes. ROCOs in brown algae clustered into four groups and showed no strong relationship with red algae or green algae. Brown algal ROCOs retain the ancestral LRR-ROC-COR domain arrangement, which is found in prokaryotes, plants and some basal metazoans. Remarkably, individual LRR motifs in ROCO genes are each encoded by separate exons and exhibit intense exon shuffling and diversifying selection. Furthermore, the tandem LRR exons exhibit alternative splicing to generate multiple transcripts. Both exon shuffling and alternative splicing of LRR repeats may be important mechanisms for generating diverse ligand-binding specificities as immune receptors. Besides their potential immune role, expression analysis shows that many ROCO genes are responsive to other stress conditions, suggesting they could participate in multiple signal pathways, not limited to the immune response. Our results substantially enhance our understanding of the structure and function of this mysterious gene family.
Factor analysis and evaluation of one-year test-retest reliability of the 33-item Childhood Trauma Questionnaire in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Zhang Jiamei , Wu Zhipeng , Chen Min , Gao Yan , Liu Zhening , Long Yicheng , Chen Xudong
Published: August 2024

The 33-item Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-33) is a recently developed tool expanded from the 28-item Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28) to assess childhood trauma events, which showed good test-retest reliability over 2 weeks. However, little is known regarding the factor structure and long-term test-retest reliability of the CTQ-33. To fill such a gap, this study investigated the factorial validity of the CTQ-33 and test-retest reliability of the scale over a relatively long interval of 1 year. Data on demographics, the CTQ-33 scores, and mental health statuses such as depressive/anxiety symptoms were collected in Chinese adolescents (n = 188) twice across a one-year period. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that the Chinese version of CTQ-33 has close factor validity when compared to the original CTQ-28 in college students. Furthermore, the total and most subscale scores of the CTQ-33 have fair to good test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficients >0.6 for the total score, and > 0.4 for most subscales), except for the physical abuse subscale. Moreover, we replicated previous findings of significant positive relationships between levels of different childhood trauma subtypes using the CTQ-33. These findings provide initial evidence supporting that the CTQ-33 is overall reliable to assess childhood traumatic events in adolescents over relatively long intervals.