bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping trends and hotspots of mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease from 2013 to 2022: a bibliometric analysis of global research
Authors: Guo Wang , Hassan Liban Abdulle , Chu Yu-hao , Yang Xue-ping , Wang Sheng-xue , Zhu Han-xiao , Li Yun
Published: June 2023

Objective

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a prevalent neurodegenerative affliction that predominantly affects the elderly population, imposes a substantial burden on not only patients but also their families and society at large. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in its pathogenesis. In this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of research on mitochondrial dysfunction and AD over the past 10 years, with the aim of summarizing current research hotspots and trends in this field.

Methods

On February 12, 2023, we searched for publications about mitochondrial dysfunction and AD in the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2013 to 2022. VOSview software, CiteSpace, SCImago, and RStudio were used to analyze and visualize countries, institutions, journals, keywords, and references.

Results

The number of publications on mitochondrial dysfunction and AD were on the rise until 2021 and decreased slightly in 2022. The United States ranks first in the number of publications, H-index, and intensity of international cooperation in this research. In terms of institutions, Texas Tech University in the United States has the most publications. TheJournal of Alzheimer’s Diseasehas the most publications in this field of research, whileOxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevityhave the highest number of citations. Mitochondrial dysfunction is still an important direction of current research. Autophagy, mitochondrial autophagy, and neuroinflammation are new hotspots. The article from Lin MT is the most cited by analyzing references.

Conclusion

Research on mitochondrial dysfunction in AD is gaining significant momentum as it provides a crucial research avenue for the treatment of this debilitating condition. This study sheds light on the present research trajectory concerning the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction in AD.
Cognitive impairment in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and short duration myalgic encephalomyelitis patients is mediated by orthostatic hemodynamic changes
Authors: Day Heather , Yellman Brayden , Hammer Sarah , Rond Candace , Bell Jennifer , Abbaszadeh Saeed , Stoddard Greg , Unutmaz Derya , Bateman Lucinda , Vernon Suzanne D.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cognitive impairment is experienced by people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Patients report difficulty remembering, concentrating, and making decisions. Our objective was to determine whether orthostatic hemodynamic changes were causally linked to cognitive impairment in these diseases.

Methods

This prospective, observational cohort study enrolled PASC, ME/CFS, and healthy controls. All participants underwent clinical evaluation and assessment that included brief cognitive testing before and after an orthostatic challenge. Cognitive testing measured cognitive efficiency which is defined as the speed and accuracy of subject’s total correct responses per minute. General linear mixed models were used to analyze hemodynamics and cognitive efficiency during the orthostatic challenge. Additionally, mediation analysis was used to determine if hemodynamic instability induced during the orthostatic challenge mediated the relationship between disease status and cognitive impairment.

Results

Of the 276 participants enrolled, 256 were included in this study (34 PASC, 71 < 4 year duration ME/CFS, 69 > 10 year ME/CFS duration, and 82 healthy controls). Compared to healthy controls, the disease cohorts had significantly lower cognitive efficiency scores immediately following the orthostatic challenge. Cognitive efficiency remained low for the >10 year ME/CFS 2 and 7 days after orthostatic challenge. Narrow pulse pressure less than 25% of systolic pressure occurred at 4 and 5 min into the orthostatic challenge for the PASC and ME/CFS cohorts, respectively. Abnormally narrow pulse pressure was associated with slowed information processing in PASC patients compared to healthy controls (−1.5, p = 0.04). Furthermore, increased heart rate during the orthostatic challenge was associated with a decreased procedural reaction time in PASC and < 4 year ME/CFS patients who were 40 to 65 years of age.

Discussion

For PASC patients, both their disease state and hemodynamic changes during orthostatic challenge were associated with slower reaction time and decreased response accuracy during cognitive testing. Reduced cognitive efficiency in <4 year ME/CFS patients was associated with higher heart rate in response to orthostatic stress. Hemodynamic changes did not correlate with cognitive impairment for >10 year ME/CFS patients, but cognitive impairment remained. These findings underscore the need for early diagnosis to mitigate direct hemodynamic and other physiological effects on symptoms of cognitive impairment.
Galantamine ameliorates hyperoxia-induced brain injury in neonatal mice
Authors: Zaghloul Nahla , Cohen Naomi S. , Ayasolla Kamesh R. , Li Hsiu-Ling , Kurepa Dalibor , Ahmed Mohamed N.
Published: June 2023

Graphical abstract

Galantamine anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits for neonatal hyperoxic brain injury
Is re-Rex shunt a better choice for patients with failed Rex shunt?
Authors: Wen Zhe , Wang Jieqin , Yang Chao , Liu Tao , Liang Qifeng , Liang Jiankun , Ning Yu , You Fuyu , Bai Xiaoling , Hong Miao
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To review our single-center surgical outcomes of redo operations after failed Rex shunt procedures.

Methods

From September 2017 to October 2021, a total of 20 patients (11 males, 9 females; median age: 8.6 years) with Rex shunt occlusions were admitted to our hospital. Two of these patients were previously operated on in our hospital, and the remaining 18 were from other centers. All patients underwent repeat operations after detailed preoperative evaluations.

Results

Preoperative wedged hepatic vein portography (WHVP) was conducted for 18 patients. Thirteen patients exhibited well-developed Rex recessus and intrahepatic portal vein during WHPV examination, consistent with the intraoperative exploration results. Fifteen patients (75%, 15/20) underwent redo-Rex shunt, four underwent Warren shunt and one underwent devascularization surgery. During the redo-Rex shunt operations, the left internal jugular veins (IJV) were used as bypass grafts in 11 patients; the intra-abdominal veins were used in 4 patients. The patients were followed up for 12–59 months (mean, 24.8 months). After redo Rex shunts, the grafts were patent in 14 patients (93.3%, 14/15), but 1 graft had thrombosis (6.7%, 1/15). Three patients suffered from postoperative anastomotic stenosis, and all of the stenosis was relieved with balloon dilatations. After re-Rex shunts, esophageal varices and spleen size were substantially reduced, and the platelet count significantly increased. Postoperative graft thrombosis was found in 1 patient after Warren shunt (1/4, 25%), and there was no graft stenosis. Compared with Warren surgery, patients who underwent re-Rex shunt had a significantly higher rate of platelet increase.

Conclusions

Redo-rex shunts can be finished in most patients with failed Rex shunts. Re-Rex shunt is a preferred surgical choice after a failed Rex shunt when a good bypass graft is available, and the surgical success rate can reach more than 90%. A suitable bypass graft is essential for a successful redo Rex shunt. Preoperative WHVP is recommended for the design of a redo surgical plan preoperatively.
Immunogenicity, safety and clinical outcomes of the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine in adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Emeksiz Hamdi Cihan , Hepokur Merve Nur , Şahin Sibel Ergin , Şirvan Banu Nursoy , Çiçek Burçin , Önder Aşan , Yıldız Metin , Aksakal Derya Karaman , Bideci Aysun , Ovalı Hüsnü Fahri , İşman Ferruh
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The mRNA-based BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine has been shown to elicit robust systemic immune response and confer substantial protection against the severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with a favorable safety profile in adolescents. However, no data exist regarding immunogenicity, reactogenicity and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 vaccines in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In this prospective observational cohort study, we examined the humoral immune responses and side effects induced by the BNT162b2 vaccine, as well as, the rate and symptomatology of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections after completion of dual-dose BNT162b2 vaccination in adolescents with T1D and compared their data with those of healthy control adolescents. The new data obtained after the vaccination of adolescents with T1D could guide their further COVID-19 vaccination schedule.

Methods

A total of 132 adolescents with T1D and 71 controls were enrolled in the study, of whom 81 COVID-19 infection-naive adolescents with T1D (patient group) and 40 COVID-19 infection-naive controls (control group) were eligible for the final analysis. The response of participants to the BNT162b2 vaccine was assessed by measuring their serum IgG antibodies to the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), 4–6 weeks after the receipt of first and second vaccine doses. Data about the adverse events of the vaccine was collected after the receipt of each vaccine dose. The rate of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections was evaluated in the 6-month period following second vaccination.

Results

After vaccinations, adolescents with T1D and controls exhibited similar, highly robust increments in anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers. All the participants in the patient and control groups developed anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers over 1,050 AU/ml after the second vaccine dose which is associated with a neutralizing effect. None of the participants experienced severe adverse events. The rate of breakthrough infections in the patient group was similar to that in the control group. Clinical symptomatology was mild in all cases.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that two-dose BNT162b2 vaccine administered to adolescents with T1D elicits robust humoral immune response, with a favorable safety profile and can provide protection against severe SARS-CoV-2 infection similar to that in healthy adolescents.
Treatment of obesity-related diabetes: significance of thermogenic adipose tissue and targetable receptors
Authors: Pan Ruping , Liu Jiadai , Chen Yong
Published: June 2023

Diabetes mellitus is mainly classified into four types according to its pathogenesis, of which type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has the highest incidence rate and is most relevant to obesity. It is characterized by high blood glucose, which is primarily due to insulin resistance in tissues that are responsible for glucose homeostasis (such as the liver, skeletal muscle, and white adipose tissue (WAT)) combined with insufficiency of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Treatment of diabetes, especially treatment of diabetic complications (such as diabetic nephropathy), remains problematic. Obesity is one of the main causes of insulin resistance, which, however, could potentially be treated by activating thermogenic adipose tissues, like brown and beige adipose tissues, because they convert energy into heat through non-shivering thermogenesis and contribute to metabolic homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the function of certain anti-diabetic medications with known thermogenic mechanisms and focus on various receptor signaling pathways, such as previously well-known and recently discovered ones that are involved in adipose tissue-mediated thermogenesis and could be potentially targeted to combat obesity and its associated diabetes, for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of non-shivering thermogenesis and the development of novel therapeutic interventions for obesity-related diabetes and potentially diabetic complications.
Efficient solutions of fermionic systems using artificial neural networks
Authors: Nordhagen Even M. , Kim Jane M. , Fore Bryce , Lovato Alessandro , Hjorth-Jensen Morten
Published: June 2023

In this study, we explore the similarities and differences between variational Monte Carlo techniques that employ conventional and artificial neural network representations of the ground-state wave function for fermionic systems. Our primary focus is on shallow neural network architectures, specifically the restricted Boltzmann machine, and we examine unsupervised learning algorithms that are appropriate for modeling complex many-body correlations. We assess the advantages and drawbacks of conventional and neural network wave functions by applying them to a range of circular quantum dot systems. Our findings, which include results for systems containing up to 90 electrons, emphasize the efficient implementation of these methods on both homogeneous and heterogeneous high-performance computing facilities.
Design of a nanoscale gold-coated photonic crystal fiber biosensor
Authors: Sarker Sanchita , Vigneswaran Dhasarathan , Studnička Filip
Published: June 2023

A simple two-layer refractive index sensor based on surface plasmon resonance has been proposed in this work, which evinces high sensitivity for detecting unknown analytes. This sensor design includes hexagonal- and octagonal-shaped air-hole rings, which have been introduced in the first and second layers, respectively. By performing this amalgamation of different types of air holes, this gold-coated plasmonic sensing scheme provides the broad sensing limit of the analyte, which is 1.32–1.40. The sensing performance has been examined by applying the finite element method, which is being used for modeling complex and irregular-shaped geometry. The wavelength interrogation method has demonstrated a maximal wavelength sensitivity of 9,000 nm/RIU (refractive index unit). The maximal amplitude sensitivity of 1902 RIU−1 has been exhibited in the y-polarized mode using the amplitude interrogation method. Moreover, the maximal sensor resolution of 1.11 × 10−5 RIU covers the entire sensing range. Furthermore, by adjusting the air-hole diameter, pitch, and depth of the gold layer coating, many more investigations have been demonstrated in this design. This highly sensitive sensor is very convincing to be used in many applications like chemical, biological, and also in physical sensing analyses.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy: disease mechanism and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Bez Batti Angulski Addeli , Hosny Nora , Cohen Houda , Martin Ashley A. , Hahn Dongwoo , Bauer Jack , Metzger Joseph M.
Published: June 2023

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive, and ultimately fatal disease of skeletal muscle wasting, respiratory insufficiency, and cardiomyopathy. The identification of the dystrophin gene as central to DMD pathogenesis has led to the understanding of the muscle membrane and the proteins involved in membrane stability as the focal point of the disease. The lessons learned from decades of research in human genetics, biochemistry, and physiology have culminated in establishing the myriad functionalities of dystrophin in striated muscle biology. Here, we review the pathophysiological basis of DMD and discuss recent progress toward the development of therapeutic strategies for DMD that are currently close to or are in human clinical trials. The first section of the review focuses on DMD and the mechanisms contributing to membrane instability, inflammation, and fibrosis. The second section discusses therapeutic strategies currently used to treat DMD. This includes a focus on outlining the strengths and limitations of approaches directed at correcting the genetic defect through dystrophin gene replacement, modification, repair, and/or a range of dystrophin-independent approaches. The final section highlights the different therapeutic strategies for DMD currently in clinical trials.
Anti-NGF treatment worsens subchondral bone and cartilage measures while improving symptoms in floor-housed rabbits with osteoarthritis
Authors: Menges Stephanie , Michaelis Martin , Kleinschmidt-Dörr Kerstin
Published: June 2023

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder often affecting the knee. It is characterized by alterations of various joint tissues including subchondral bone and by chronic pain. Anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) antibodies have demonstrated improvement in pain associated with OA in phase 3 clinical trials but have not been approved due to an increased risk of developing rapidly progressive OA. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of systemic anti-NGF-treatment on structure and symptoms in rabbits with surgically induced joint instability.

Methods: This was elicited by anterior cruciate ligament transection and partial resection of the medial meniscus in right knee of 63 female rabbits, housed altogether in a 56 m2 floor husbandry. Rabbits received either 0.1, 1 or 3 mg/kg anti-NGF antibody intra-venously at weeks 1, 5 and 14 after surgery or vehicle. During in-life phase, static incapacitance tests were performed and joint diameter was measured. Following necropsy, gross morphological scoring and micro-computed tomography analysis of subchondral bone and cartilage were performed.

Results: After surgery, rabbits unloaded operated joints, which was improved with 0.3 and 3 mg/kg anti-NGF compared to vehicle injection during the first half of the study. The diameter of operated knee joints increased over contralateral measures. This increase was bigger in anti-NGF treated rabbits beginning 2 weeks after the first IV injection and became dose-dependent and more pronounced with time. In the 3 mg/kg anti-NGF group, the bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness increased in the medio-femoral region of operated joints compared to contralateral and to vehicle-treated animals, while cartilage volume and to a lesser extent thickness decreased. Enlarged bony areas were found in right medio-femoral cartilage surfaces of animals receiving 1 and 3 mg/kg anti-NGF. Alterations of all structural parameters were particularly distinct in a subgroup of three rabbits, which also exhibited more prominent symptomatic improvement.

Conclusion: This study showed that anti-NGF administration exerted negative impact on structure in destabilized joints of rabbits, while pain-induced unloading of joints was improved. Our findings open up the possibility to better understand the effects of systemic anti-NGF, particularly on subchondral bone, and thus the occurrence of rapidly progressive OA in patients.
Effects of microplastics, pesticides and nano-materials on fish health, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanism
Authors: Subaramaniyam Udayadharshini , Allimuthu Rethi Saliya , Vappu Shanu , Ramalingam Divya , Balan Ranjini , Paital Biswaranjan , Panda Niranjan , Rath Prasana Kumar , Ramalingam Nirmaladevi , Sahoo Dipak Kumar
Published: June 2023

Microplastics and pesticides are emerging contaminants in the marine biota, which cause many harmful effects on aquatic organisms, especially on fish. Fish is a staple and affordable food source, rich in animal protein, along with various vitamins, essential amino acids, and minerals. Exposure of fish to microplastics, pesticides, and various nanoparticles generates ROS and induces oxidative stress, inflammation, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, and DNA damage and alters gut microbiota, thus reducing the growth and quality of fish. Changes in fish behavioral patterns, swimming, and feeding habits were also observed under exposures to the above contaminants. These contaminants also affect the Nrf-2, JNK, ERK, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways. And Nrf2-KEAP1 signalling modulates redox status marinating enzymes in fish. Effects of pesticides, microplastics, and nanoparticles found to modulate many antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione system. So, to protect fish health from stress, the contribution of nano-technology or nano-formulations was researched. A decrease in fish nutritional quality and population significantly impacts on the human diet, influencing traditions and economics worldwide. On the other hand, traces of microplastics and pesticides in the habitat water can enter humans by consuming contaminated fish which may result in serious health hazards. This review summarizes the oxidative stress caused due to microplastics, pesticides and nano-particle contamination or exposure in fish habitat water and their impact on human health. As a rescue mechanism, the use of nano-technology in the management of fish health and disease was discussed.
Dimensional personality pathology and disordered eating in young adults: measuring the DSM-5 alternative model using the PID-5
Authors: Gilmartin Tanya Louise , Gurvich Caroline , Dipnall Joanna F. , Sharp Gemma
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) is a self-report measure of personality pathology designed to measure pathological personality traits outlined in the DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorders. Within the extensive literature exploring the relationship between personality and disordered eating, there are few that explore the relationship between the PID-5 and disordered eating behaviours in a non-clinical sample of males and females: restrictive eating, binge eating, purging, chewing and spitting, excessive exercising and muscle building.

Methods

An online survey assessed disordered eating, PID-5 traits and general psychopathology and was completed by 394 female and 167 male participants aged 16–30. Simultaneous equations path models were systematically generated for each disordered eating behaviour to identify how the PID-5 scales, body dissatisfaction and age predicted behaviour.

Results

The results indicated that each of the six disordered behaviours were associated with a unique pattern of maladaptive personality traits. The statistical models differed between males and females indicating possible differences in how dimensional personality pathology and disordered eating relate.

Discussion

It was concluded that understanding disordered eating behaviour in the context of personality pathology may assist formulating potentially risky behaviour.
Nature conservation versus climate protection: a basic conflict of goals regarding the acceptance of climate protection measures?
Authors: Blöbaum Anke , Engel Lukas , Beer Katrin , Böcher Michael , Matthies Ellen
Published: June 2023

Transformation processes are embedded in a broader discourse on sustainability, climate protection, and biodiversity protection. In this context, possible interindividual conflicts between an interest in nature conservation and efforts to counteract climate change also seem to be relevant. This study focuses on the acceptability of different climate protection measures with possible impacts on landscapes, habitats, and human recreation. Based on a survey of a representative sample (N = 1,427 participants), the impact of conservation-related beliefs on the acceptance of four different climate protection measures was analyzed with respect to possible conflicts with values and norms relevant to climate protection. The study focuses in particular on potential value-based conflicts, as this type of conflict is classified as non-negotiable in negotiation processes and thus represents a particular social challenge. Also, to consider the possible relevance of political orientation and humanity orientation, eight structural equation models were tested. Results showed similar structures for the acceptance of the four climate protection measures. There did not seem to be value-based conflicts between nature conservation and climate protection, as the results showed substantial similarities between nature conservation beliefs grounded in biospheric value orientation (protecting biodiversity) and values and norms relevant for climate protection. Political orientation seemed to be relevant as well, as left-oriented people were more likely to accept the four climate protection measures that were tested. However, the relationship between political orientation and acceptance of the measures was – without exception – mediated by the personal norm.
The Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI): a scoping review of versions, translations and psychometric properties
Authors: Thørrisen Mikkel M. , Sadeghi Talieh
Published: June 2023

Background

The Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) is a brief instrument designed to assess the five-factor model (FFM) personality dimensions. It was specifically developed to provide a brief assessment option in situations where using more comprehensive FFM instruments would be unfeasible. The TIPI enjoys widespread use and has been translated into several different languages.

Objective

The aim of this scoping review was to generate an overview of different versions of the TIPI, and their psychometric properties in terms of two aspects of validity (convergent and structural) and two aspects of reliability (internal consistency and test–retest reliability).

Methods

Four databases (PsycINFO, PubPsych, Medline, and Web of Science) were searched for studies exploring psychometric properties of the TIPI (original and/or translated or revised versions), published in English as full-text original research articles. Additionally, manual searches were conducted on the official TIPI website and in reference lists. Studies who utilized the TIPI simply as a measure, without an aim of testing its psychometric properties, were excluded. A descriptive-analytical approach was utilized to generate overviews of available TIPI versions and their psychometric properties.

Results

In a total of 29 studies, 27 versions of the TIPI were identified, covering 18 different languages. Across versions, and evaluated against conventions of acceptable psychometric properties, the TIPI demonstrated acceptable test–retest reliability, somewhat mixed results for convergent and structural validity, and inappropriate internal consistency.

Conclusion

Being a brief instrument, the TIPI is unsurprisingly characterized by certain psychometric shortcomings. However, the TIPI may represent a feasible compromise in instances where it is necessary to strike a balance between maximizing psychometric properties and minimizing survey length.
Childhood adversity and late-life depression: moderated mediation model of stress and social support
Authors: Lee Jin-kyung , Lee Jinhee , Chung Moo-Kwon , Park Ji Young , Shin Taeksoo , Lee Kyoung-Joung , Lim Hyo-Sang , Hwang Sangwon , Urtnasan Erdenebayar , Jo Yongmie , Kim Min-Hyuk
Published: June 2023

Background

As life expectancy increases, understanding the mechanism for late-life depression and finding a crucial moderator becomes more important for mental health in older adults. Childhood adversity increases the risk of clinical depression even in old age. Based on the stress sensitivity theory and stress-buffering effects, stress would be a significant mediator, while social support can be a key moderator in the mediation pathways. However, few studies have tested this moderated mediation model with a sample of older adults. This study aims to reveal the association between childhood adversity and late-life depression in older adults, taking into consideration the effects of stress and social support.

Methods

This study used several path models to analyze the data from 622 elderly participants who were never diagnosed with clinical depression.

Results

We found that childhood adversity increases the odds ratio of depression by approximately 20% in older adults. Path model with mediation demonstrates that stress fully mediates the pathway from childhood adversity to late-life depression. Path model with moderated mediation also illustrates that social support significantly weakens the association between childhood adversity and perceived stress.

Conclusion

This study provides empirical evidence to reveal a more detailed mechanism for late-life depression. Specifically, this study identifies one crucial risk factor and one protective factor, stress and social support, respectively. This brings insight into prevention of late-life depression among those who have experienced childhood adversity.
Changes in synaptic markers after administration of ketamine or psychedelics: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Zhornitsky Simon , Oliva Henrique N. P. , Jayne Laura A. , Allsop Aza S. A. , Kaye Alfred P. , Potenza Marc N. , Angarita Gustavo A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Ketamine and psychedelics have abuse liability. They can also induce “transformative experiences” where individuals experience enhanced states of awareness. This enhanced awareness can lead to changes in preexisting behavioral patterns which could be beneficial in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that ketamine and psychedelics may alter markers associated with synaptic density, and that these changes may underlie effects such as sensitization, conditioned place preference, drug self-administration, and verbal memory performance. In this scoping review, we examined studies that measured synaptic markers in animals and humans after exposure to ketamine and/or psychedelics.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, through PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science, based on a published protocol (Open Science Framework, DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/43FQ9). Both in vivo and in vitro studies were included. Studies on the following synaptic markers were included: dendritic structural changes, PSD-95, synapsin-1, synaptophysin-1, synaptotagmin-1, and SV2A.

Results

Eighty-four studies were included in the final analyses. Seventy-one studies examined synaptic markers following ketamine treatment, nine examined psychedelics, and four examined both. Psychedelics included psilocybin/psilocin, lysergic acid diethylamide, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine, and ibogaine/noribogaine. Mixed findings regarding synaptic changes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) have been reported when ketamine was administered in a single dose under basal conditions. Similar mixed findings were seen under basal conditions in studies that used repeated administration of ketamine. However, studies that examined animals during stressful conditions found that a single dose of ketamine counteracted stress-related reductions in synaptic markers in the hippocampus and PFC. Repeated administration of ketamine also counteracted stress effects in the hippocampus. Psychedelics generally increased synaptic markers, but results were more consistently positive for certain agents.

Conclusion

Ketamine and psychedelics can increase synaptic markers under certain conditions. Heterogeneous findings may relate to methodological differences, agents administered (or different formulations of the same agent), sex, and type of markers. Future studies could address seemingly mixed results by using meta-analytical approaches or study designs that more fully consider individual differences.
The spatial linkage mechanism: medical level, public health security, and economic climate from 19 OECD EU countries
Authors: Fu Rong , Zheng Binbin , Liu Tao , Xie Luze
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The global spread of the COVID-19 has brought about global changes, especially in terms of economic growth. Therefore, it has become a global issue to explore the impact of public health security on the economy.

Methods

Employing a dynamic spatial Durbin model, this study analyzes the spatial linkage mechanism of medical level, public health security, and economic climate in 19 countries as well as investigates the relationship between economic climate and COVID-19 by the panel data of 19 OECD European Union countries from March 2020 to September 2022.

Results

Results show that an improvement in the medical level can reduce the negative impact of public health security on the economy. Specifically, there is a significant spatial spillover effect. The degree of economic prosperity hurts the reproduction rate of COVID-19.

Discussion

Policymakers should consider both the severity of the public health security issues and the economic level when developing prevention and control policies. Given this, corresponding suggestions provide theoretical support for formulating policies to reduce the economic impact of public health security issues.
Anxiety, depression, and insomnia among nurses during the full liberalization of COVID-19: a multicenter cross-sectional analysis of the high-income region in China
Authors: Xiao Julan , Liu Lili , Peng Yueming , Wen Yi , Lv Xia , Liang Lijun , Fan Yi , Chen Jie , Chen Yanru , Hu Hongying , Peng Weisi , Wang Haiyan , Luo Weixiang
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Frontline nurses fighting against the epidemic were under great psychological stress. However, there is a lack of studies assessing the prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia among frontline nurses after the full liberalization of COVID-19 in China. This study demonstrates the impact of the full liberalization of COVID-19 on the psychological issues and the prevalence rate and associated factors of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and insomnia among frontline nurses.

Methods

A total of 1766 frontline nurses completed a self-reported online questionnaire by convenience sampling. The survey included six main sections: the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), the 7-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), sociodemographic information, and work information. Multiple logistic regression analyses were applied to identify the potential significantly associated factors for psychological issues. The study methods were compliant with the STROBE checklist.

Results

90.83% of frontline nurses were infected with COVID-19, and 33.64% had to work while infected COVID-19. The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety and insomnia among frontline nurses was 69.20%, 62.51%, and 76.78%, respectively. Multiple logistic analyses revealed that job satisfaction, attitude toward the current pandemic management, and perceived stress were associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety, and insomnia.

Conclusions

This study highlighted that frontline nurses were suffering from varying degrees of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and insomnia during full liberalization of COVID-19. Early detection of mental health issues and preventive and promotive interventions should be implemented according to the associated factors to prevent a more serious psychological impact on frontline nurses.
Loneliness and older adults: psychological resilience and technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic—a cross sectional study
Authors: Balki Eric , Hayes Niall , Holland Carol
Published: June 2023

Introduction: This study investigated how psychological resilience influenced greater technology use among older adults, and whether they moderated the impact of social isolation on loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also explored whether technology mediates the impact of psychological resilience on loneliness. To explain the relationship between variables, the research drew upon the socio-emotional selective theory, which posits the notion that older adults are more focused on current and emotionally important relationships and goals concerning emotional regulation goals such as psychological well-being.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional observational design, data were collected from 92 residents aged 65 to 89 in England from March 2020 to June 2021. Participants completed the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, Technology Experience Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Lubben Social Network Index. Pearson correlation, mediation and moderation analyses were conducted to investigate the hypotheses.

Results: Most participants experienced moderate to severe levels of loneliness, displaying higher levels than pre-pandemic. Psychological resilience predicted greater technology use, and lower levels of loneliness. Technology was found to mediate the relationship between psychological resilience and loneliness. Neither technology use, nor psychological resilience was found to moderate the impact of social isolation on loneliness.

Discussion: Findings suggested that strategies directed towards screening older adults for psychological resilience levels and low technology experience may help identify those most at risk for adapting poorly when exposed to stressors in situations like the Covid-19 pandemic. Early interventions can be initiated to increase psychological resilience and technology use, including empirical interventions, that may help decrease loneliness, especially in times of elevated risks for loneliness.
Waldenström Macroglobulinemia diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment in Portugal – results from a Delphi-like Panel
Authors: Bergantim Rui , Chacim Sérgio , Monteiro Alexandra , Macedo Ana M. , Rodrigues Gonçalo M. C. , da Silva Maria Gomes
Published: June 2023

Clinical features of Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) are variable, often leading to heterogeneous decisions regarding patients’ diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment. This study assessed the agreement rates on WM diagnosis, risk stratification, and active treatment strategies to capture how this heterogeneity may influence national practices among hematologists. A two-round Delphi-like Panel with 22 national hematologists experienced in WM was conducted online, where 33 statements were classified using a 4-point Likert scale. For each statement, the consensus level was set at 70% for “fully agree/disagree”; the majority level was defined as >70% in agreement or disagreement. After two rounds, no statements were categorized as consensus, and 15 out of 33 failed to obtain a qualified majority. Globally, the experts could not reach a qualified majority in approximately half of the sentences from each category (diagnosis, risk assessment, and therapeutic decision), indicating that contradictory opinions are transversal to all the topics involving WM. A lack of consensus in diagnosing and managing WM among Portuguese hematologists became evident. These results illustrate heterogeneity in clinical practices, and future research initiatives should be considered to improve and reinforce accepted guidelines for diagnosing, assessing, and treating WM patients.
Gender differences in HIV knowledge among adolescents and young people in low-and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Chory Ashley , Gillette Emma , Callen Grant , Wachira Juddy , Sam-Agudu Nadia A. , Bond Keosha , Vreeman Rachel
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This review seeks to critically analyze studies assessing gender differences in HIV-related knowledge among adolescents and young people in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

Using PRISMA guidelines and searching Pubmed and Scopus online databases, the search strategy combined search keywords with Boolean operators: (HIV OR AIDS) AND (knowledge) AND (gender) AND (adolescents). AC and EG conducted the search and independently reviewed all articles in Covidence software; conflicts were resolved by GC. Articles were included if they evaluated differences in HIV knowledge in at least two groups ages 10–24 and were implemented in a low or middle-income country.

Results

The search resulted in 4,901 articles, of which fifteen studies, implemented in 15 countries, met selection criteria. Twelve evaluated differences in HIV knowledge in school settings; three evaluated participants in clinic settings. Adolescent males consistently scored higher in composite knowledge scores, as well as knowledge of HIV transmission, prevention, attitudes and sexual decision-making.

Conclusion

We found gender-based discrepancies between knowledge, perception of risk and HIV prevalence among youth globally, with boys consistently scoring higher in HIV knowledge. However, there is significant evidence that social and cultural contexts render girls at high risk of HIV infection, and the gaps in girls' knowledge and boys' roles in HIV risk must be addressed urgently. Future research should consider interventions that facilitate discussion and HIV knowledge building across genders.
Entanglement Distillation Optimization Using Fuzzy Relations for Quantum State Tomography
Authors: Ganesan Timothy , Elamvazuthi Irraivan
Published: June 2023

Practical entanglement distillation is a critical component in quantum information theory. Entanglement distillation is often utilized for designing quantum computer networks and quantum repeaters. The practical entanglement distillation problem is formulated as a bilevel optimization problem. A fuzzy formulation is introduced to estimate the quantum state (density matrix) from pseudo-likelihood functions (i.e., quantum state tomography). A scale-independent relationship between fuzzy relations in terms of the pseudo-likelihood functions is obtained. The entanglement distillation optimization problem is solved using the combined coupled map lattice and dual annealing approach. Comparative analysis of the results is then conducted against a standard dual annealing algorithmic implementation.
Dynamic Response Analysis of the Bi-Tandem Axial Piston Pump with Dual-Loop Positive Flow Control under Pressure Disturbance
Authors: Sun Zhiyuan , Zeng Qingliang , Wan Lirong , Xiao Yuanjiang
Published: June 2023

The bi-tandem axial piston pump is an indispensable powerhouse in high-pressure and high-power engineering hydraulic systems, with its output flow response characteristics under pressure disturbance exerting a significant influence on the working process of double pumps. Unfortunately, the stability of the original single-loop mechanical–hydraulic servo control system is sensitive to unpredictable interference. To alleviate this quandary, this paper proposes a dual-loop positive flow control method for the flow control of the bi-tandem axial piston pump, establishes a mathematical model of the bi-tandem axial piston pump with dual-loop positive flow control, and establishes a simulation model based on Simulink. The validity of the model is verified by experiments. The performance advantages of the dual-loop positive flow control method relative to the single-loop positive flow control method are analyzed. The results show a faster response speed and smaller steady-state error with the dual-loop method, which performs better than the original single-loop positive flow control. Furthermore, the study examines the influence of different forms, degrees, and directions of pressure disturbance on the dynamic response characteristics of the bi-tandem axial piston pump. Symmetric pressure disturbance results in an increase in the maximum relative error of the output flow proportional to its degree. Notably, the influence of asymmetric pressure disturbance on the output flow of the double pumps possesses characteristics of a superimposable nature, and the steady-state value of the output flow is highly dependent on superimposed pressure disturbance and less affected by the action time point of asymmetric pressure disturbance. Further, the unloading pressure disturbance exerts less influence on the system compared to the loading pressure disturbance. This paper provides valuable insights into improving the response speed and control accuracy of bi-tandem axial piston pumps equipped with positive flow control.
Performance of Smart Materials-Based Instrumentation for Force Measurements in Biomedical Applications: A Methodological Review
Authors: Bocchetta Gabriele , Fiori Giorgia , Sciuto Salvatore Andrea , Scorza Andrea
Published: June 2023

The introduction of smart materials will become increasingly relevant as biomedical technologies progress. Smart materials sense and respond to external stimuli (e.g., chemical, electrical, mechanical, or magnetic signals) or environmental circumstances (e.g., temperature, illuminance, acidity, or humidity), and provide versatile platforms for studying various biological processes because of the numerous analogies between smart materials and biological systems. Several applications based on this class of materials are being developed using different sensing principles and fabrication technologies. In the biomedical field, force sensors are used to characterize tissues and cells, as feedback to develop smart surgical instruments in order to carry out minimally invasive surgery. In this regard, the present work provides an overview of the recent scientific literature regarding the developments in force measurement methods for biomedical applications involving smart materials. In particular, performance evaluation of the main methods proposed in the literature is reviewed on the basis of their results and applications, focusing on their metrological characteristics, such as measuring range, linearity, and measurement accuracy. Classification of smart materials-based force measurement methods is proposed according to their potential applications, highlighting advantages and disadvantages.
A Numerical Approach to Optimize the Design of a Pintle Injector for LOX/GCH4 Liquid-Propellant Rocket Engine
Authors: Cha Jihyoung , Andersson Erik , Bohlin Alexis
Published: June 2023

This study presents an optimal design approach of a pintle injector for a deep throttlable liquid-propellant rocket engine (LPRE). Even though the pintle injector is used in rocket engines, it has become more important since reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) recently became a trend due to their economic and environmental benefits. However, since many variables must be determined to design a pintle injector, optimizing the pintle injector design is complicated. For this, we design a pintle injector to optimize the performance parameters; the spray angle, vaporization distance, and Sauter mean diameter (SMD). To confirm the approach, we design a pintle injector using an optimization method based on convex quadratic programming (CQP) for a 1000 N thrust and a throttle ability of 5 to 1 LPRE with liquid oxygen and gaseous methane. Then, we verify the performance using a numerical simulation. Through this work, we check the effectiveness of the optimization method for a pintle injector design.
Two Coupled Analysis Strategies for Melt-Ablation Modeling of Thermal Protection Material in Supersonic Gas-Particle Two-Phase Impingement Flow
Authors: Lai Chong-You , Leu Tzong-Shyng
Published: June 2023

In this study, two analysis strategies were used to investigate the melt-ablation process of the copper specimen plate in the scaled ducted launcher. The reliability of the simulation results of the two analysis strategies was confirmed by comparing the two-way fluid-thermal-ablation coupled analysis (two-way FTA-CA) strategy with two-way fluid-thermal-ablation loosely coupled analysis (two-way FTA-LCA) strategy. Then, the accuracy of the FTA-LCA strategy was validated by comparing the simulation results of the FTA-LCA strategy and experimental results from the experimental scale test. Finally, the FTA-LCA strategy used in this study can not only estimate the impingement surface heat flux into the copper plate when the inverse heat conduction analysis (IHCA) is not possible, but also provide the analysis solution accuracy and the considerable gain in computational efficiency for predicting the long-duration ablation problem in supersonic gas-particle two-phase exhaust plume impingement flow.