bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving lithium battery cooling: analyzing the impact of air flow, nanofluid flow, and phase change materials
Authors: Mustafa Jawed , Alqaed Saeed , Sajadi S. Mohammad , Aybar Hikmet Ş.
Published: February 2024

In this study, a finite element analysis is employed to numerically investigate the thermal behavior of a battery pack comprising cylindrical lithium-ion cells. The system incorporates air cooling with phase change material (PCM) surrounding the batteries and nanofluid (NFD) circulating within the PCM through tubes of varying diameters (ranging from 2 mm to 6 mm) at flow rates (FRT) spanning 5 mL/min to 20 mL/min. A two-phase mixture model is applied to analyze the behavior of the NFD as it changes phase. The transient simulation covers a 1-h period to assess temperature variations of the NFD, batteries, surrounding air, PCM, and the phase change process within the PCM. Our results indicate that variations in NFD flow rate (NFFR) do not significantly affect the PCM’s molten fraction during PCM melting, coinciding with an increase in battery temperature (TBT). However, during the PCM refreezing phase, a FRT of 15 mL/min results in the highest quantity of solid PCM. The outlet temperature (TOT) of the NFD demonstrates a cyclical pattern of increase and decrease over time. We observe that when the NFD temperature is elevated, the lowest TOT of the NFD is associated with a FRT of 5 mL/min. Conversely, when the NFD temperature is lowered, this FRT leads to the highest TOT of the NFD. The TBT exhibits some sensitivity to changes in FRT within the initial half-hour, with a subsequent decline, particularly with a FRT of 15 mL/min.
Applications of using connected vehicle data for pavement quality analysis
Authors: Mahlberg Justin Anthony , Li Howell , Zachrisson Björn , Mathew Jijo K. , Bullock Darcy M.
Published: February 2024

Current quantitative methods to evaluate pavement conditions in the United States are most commonly focused on construction acceptance using the International Roughness Index (IRI). However, from an asset management perspective, qualitative visual inspection techniques are the most prevalent. Modern vehicles with factory-equipped sensors drive these roadways daily and can passively assess the condition of infrastructure at an accuracy level somewhere between qualitative assessment and rigorous construction acceptance techniques. This paper compares crowdsourced ride quality data with an industry standard inertial profiler on a 7-mile bi-directional construction zone. A linear correlation was performed on 14 miles of I-65 that resulted in an R2 of 0.7 and a p-value of <0.001, but with a modest fixed offset bias. The scalability of these techniques is illustrated with graphics characterizing IRI values obtained from 730,000 crowdsourced data segments over 5,800 miles of I-80 in April of 2022 and October 2022. This paper looks at the use of standard original equipment manufacturer (OEM) on-board sensor data from production vehicles to assess approximately 100 miles of roadway pavements before, during, and after construction. The completed construction projects observed IRI improvements of 10 in/mi to 100 in/mi. These results suggest that it is now possible to monitor pavement ride quality at a system level, even with a small proportion of connected vehicles (CV) providing roughness data.
Functional impact of multi-omic interactions in lung cancer
Authors: Díaz-Campos Miguel Ángel , Vasquez-Arriaga Jorge , Ochoa Soledad , Hernández-Lemus Enrique
Published: February 2024

Lung tumors are a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Lung cancers are highly heterogeneous on their phenotypes, both at the cellular and molecular levels. Efforts to better understand the biological origins and outcomes of lung cancer in terms of this enormous variability often require of high-throughput experimental techniques paired with advanced data analytics. Anticipated advancements in multi-omic methodologies hold potential to reveal a broader molecular perspective of these tumors. This study introduces a theoretical and computational framework for generating network models depicting regulatory constraints on biological functions in a semi-automated way. The approach successfully identifies enriched functions in analyzed omics data, focusing on Adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and Squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC, a type of NSCLC) in the lung. Valuable information about novel regulatory characteristics, supported by robust biological reasoning, is illustrated, for instance by considering the role of genes, miRNAs and CpG sites associated with NSCLC, both novel and previously reported. Utilizing multi-omic regulatory networks, we constructed robust models elucidating omics data interconnectedness, enabling systematic generation of mechanistic hypotheses. These findings offer insights into complex regulatory mechanisms underlying these cancer types, paving the way for further exploring their molecular complexity.
Mitochondrial-related hub genes in dermatomyositis: muscle and skin datasets-based identification and in vivo validation
Authors: Wang Shuo , Tang Yiping , Chen Xixi , Song Siyuan , Chen Xi , Zhou Qiao , Zeng Li
Published: February 2024

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of dermatomyositis (DM), a rare autoimmune disease affecting the skin and muscles. However, the genetic basis underlying dysfunctional mitochondria and the development of DM remains incomplete.

Methods: The datasets of DM muscle and skin tissues were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The mitochondrial related genes (MRGs) were retrieved from MitoCarta. DM-related modules in muscle and skin tissues were identified with the analysis of weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA), and then compared with the MRGs to obtain the overlapping mitochondrial related module genes (mito-MGs). Subsequently, differential expression genes (DEGs) obtained from muscle and skin datasets were overlapped with MRGs to identify mitochondrial related DEGs (mito-DEGs). Next, functional enrichment analysis was applied to analyze possible relevant biological pathways. We used the Jvenn online tool to intersect mito-MGs with mito-DEGs to identify hub genes and validate them using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry staining. In addition, we evaluated immune infiltration in muscle and skin tissues of DM patients using the one-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm and predicted potential transcription factor (TF) -gene network by NetworkAnalyst.

Results: The WGCNA analysis revealed 105 mito-MGs, while the DEG analysis identified 3 mito-DEGs. These genes showed functional enrichment for amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. Through the intersection analysis of the mito-MGs from the WGCNA analysis and the mito-DEGs from the DEG set, three DM mito-hub genes (IFI27, CMPK2, and LAP3) were identified and validated by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. Additionally, positive correlations were observed between hub genes and immune cell abundance. The TF-hub gene regulatory network revealed significant interactions involving ERG, VDR, and ZFX with CMPK2 and LAP3, as well as SOX2 with LAP3 and IFI27, and AR with IFI27 and CMPK2.

Conclusion: The mito-hub genes (IFI27, CMPK2, and LAP3) are identified in both muscles and skin tissues from DM patients. These genes may be associated with immune infiltration in DM, providing a new entry point for the pathogenesis of DM.
The role of non-protein-coding RNAs in ischemic acute kidney injury
Authors: Sabet Sarvestani Fatemeh , Afshari Afsoon , Azarpira Negar
Published: February 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a condition characterized by a rapid decline in kidney function within a span of 48 hours. It is influenced by various factors including inflammation, oxidative stress, excessive calcium levels within cells, activation of the renin-angiotensin system, and dysfunction in microcirculation. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is recognized as a major cause of AKI; however, the precise mechanisms behind this process are not yet fully understood and effective treatments are still needed. To enhance the accuracy of diagnosing AKI during its early stages, the utilization of innovative markers is crucial. Numerous studies suggest that certain noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play a central role in regulating gene expression and protein synthesis. These ncRNAs are closely associated with the development and recovery of AKI and have been detected in both kidney tissue and bodily fluids. Furthermore, specific ncRNAs may serve as diagnostic markers and potential targets for therapeutic interventions in AKI. This review aims to summarize the functional roles and changes observed in noncoding RNAs during ischemic AKI, as well as explore their therapeutic potential.
Infection risk by oral contamination does not induce immune priming in the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) but triggers behavioral and physiological responses
Authors: Goerlinger Alexandre , Develay Charlène , Balourdet Aude , Rigaud Thierry , Moret Yannick
Published: February 2024

In invertebrates, immune priming is the ability of individuals to enhance their immune response based on prior immunological experiences. This adaptive-like immunity likely evolved due to the risk of repeated infections by parasites in the host’s natural habitat. The expression of immune priming varies across host and pathogen species, as well as infection routes (oral or wounds), reflecting finely tuned evolutionary adjustments. Evidence from the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) suggests that Gram-positive bacterial pathogens play a significant role in immune priming after systemic infection. Despite the likelihood of oral infections by natural bacterial pathogens in T. molitor, it remains debated whether ingestion of contaminated food leads to systemic infection, and whether oral immune priming is possible is currently unknown. We first attempted to induce immune priming in both T. molitor larvae and adults by exposing them to food contaminated with living or dead Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. We found that oral ingestion of living bacteria did not kill them, but septic wounds caused rapid mortality. Intriguingly, the consumption of either dead or living bacteria did not protect against reinfection, contrasting with injury-induced priming. We further examined the effects of infecting food with various living bacterial pathogens on variables such as food consumption, mass gain, and feces production in larvae. We found that larvae exposed to Gram-positive bacteria in their food ingested less food, gained less mass and/or produced more feces than larvae exposed to contaminated food with Gram-negative bacteria or control food. This suggests that oral contamination with Gram-positive bacteria induced both behavioral responses and peristalsis defense mechanisms, even though no immune priming was observed here. Considering that the oral route of infection neither caused the death of the insects nor induced priming, we propose that immune priming in T. molitor may have primarily evolved as a response to the infection risk associated with wounds rather than oral ingestion.
Predicting the submission frequency of periodic safety update reports: development and application of the EURD tool
Authors: Gordillo-Marañón María , Candore Gianmario , López-Fauqued Marta , Deli Katerina-Christina , Piccolo Loris , Alcini Paolo , Paternoster-Howe Tom , Rager Irene , Ruepp Robin , van der Elst Menno
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs) are a key pharmacovigilance tool for the continuous evaluation of the benefit–risk balance of a medicinal product in the post-authorisation phase. The PSUR submission frequency for authorised active substances and combinations of active substances across the EU is individually determined. The objective of this research was the development and application of the EURD tool, a statistical method based on readily available safety data to predict PSUR frequencies and to ensure a consistent risk-based approach.

Methods

First, variables considered relevant in determining the PSUR frequency were identified from data sources available at the European Medicines Agency. A subsequent first survey with National Competent Authorities in Europe lead to a prioritisation of identified variables, while a second survey was carried out to propose the PSUR frequencies for a set of substances. Finally, a regression model was built on the information collected, applied to a larger list of substances and its results tested via a third survey with the same experts.

Results

The developed EURD tool was applied to the 1,032 EURD list entries with a PSUR assessment deferred to 2025 at the time of the creation of the list in 2012. As the number of procedures would have had a significant impact on the workload for the European Medicines Regulatory Network (EMRN), in a second step the workload impact was estimated after allocating the entries according to their proposed frequency. The analysis suggests that all entries could be reviewed by 2038 by increasing the median workload by 15% (from 868 to 1,000 substances/year).

Conclusion

The EURD tool is the first data-driven application for supporting decision making of PSUR frequencies based on relevant active substance safety data. While we illustrated its potential for improving the assignment of PSUR submission frequencies for active substances authorised in the EU, other institutions requiring periodic assessment of safety data and balancing of the resulting workload could benefit from it.
Insights into additional lactone-based signaling circuits in Streptomyces: existence of acyl-homoserine lactones and LuxI/LuxR homologs in six Streptomyces species
Authors: Salehi-Najafabadi Amir , Tehrani Fateh Sepand , Amoabediny Ghasem , Hamedi Javad
Published: February 2024

Acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), mediating pivotal physiological activities through quorum sensing (QS), have conventionally been considered limited to Gram-negative bacteria. However, few reports on the existence of AHLs in Gram-positive bacteria have questioned this conception. Streptomyces, as Gram-positive bacteria already utilizing a lactone-based QS molecule (i.e., gamma-butyrolactones), are yet to be explored for producing AHLs, considering their metabolic capacity and physiological distinction. In this regard, our study examined the potential production of AHLs within Streptomyces by deploying HPLC-MS/MS methods, which resulted in the discovery of multiple AHL productions by S. griseus, S. lavendulae FRI-5, S. clavuligerus, S. nodosus, S. lividans, and S. coelicolor A3(2). Each of these Streptomyces species possesses a combination of AHLs of different size ranges, possibly due to their distinct properties and regulatory roles. In light of additional lactone molecules, we further confirm that AHL- and GBL-synthases (i.e., LuxI and AfsA enzyme families, respectively) and their receptors (i.e., LuxR and ArpA) are evolutionarily distinct. To this end, we searched for the components of the AHL signaling circuit, i.e., AHL synthases and receptors, in the Streptomyces genus, and we have identified multiple potential LuxI and LuxR homologs in all 2,336 Streptomyces species included in this study. The 6 Streptomyces of interest in this study also had at least 4 LuxI homologs and 97 LuxR homologs. In conclusion, AHLs and associated gene regulatory systems could be more widespread within the prokaryotic realm than previously believed, potentially contributing to the control of secondary metabolites (e.g., antibiotics) and their complex life cycle, which leads to substantial industrial and clinical applications.
Developing a hippocampal neural prosthetic to facilitate human memory encoding and recall of stimulus features and categories
Authors: Roeder Brent M. , She Xiwei , Dakos Alexander S. , Moore Bryan , Wicks Robert T. , Witcher Mark R. , Couture Daniel E. , Laxton Adrian W. , Clary Heidi Munger , Popli Gautam , Liu Charles , Lee Brian , Heck Christianne , Nune George , Gong Hui , Shaw Susan , Marmarelis Vasilis Z. , Berger Theodore W. , Deadwyler Sam A. , Song Dong , Hampson Robert E.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Here, we demonstrate the first successful use of static neural stimulation patterns for specific information content. These static patterns were derived by a model that was applied to a subject’s own hippocampal spatiotemporal neural codes for memory.

Approach

We constructed a new model of processes by which the hippocampus encodes specific memory items via spatiotemporal firing of neural ensembles that underlie the successful encoding of targeted content into short-term memory. A memory decoding model (MDM) of hippocampal CA3 and CA1 neural firing was computed which derives a stimulation pattern for CA1 and CA3 neurons to be applied during the encoding (sample) phase of a delayed match-to-sample (DMS) human short-term memory task.

Main results

MDM electrical stimulation delivered to the CA1 and CA3 locations in the hippocampus during the sample phase of DMS trials facilitated memory of images from the DMS task during a delayed recognition (DR) task that also included control images that were not from the DMS task. Across all subjects, the stimulated trials exhibited significant changes in performance in 22.4% of patient and category combinations. Changes in performance were a combination of both increased memory performance and decreased memory performance, with increases in performance occurring at almost 2 to 1 relative to decreases in performance. Across patients with impaired memory that received bilateral stimulation, significant changes in over 37.9% of patient and category combinations was seen with the changes in memory performance show a ratio of increased to decreased performance of over 4 to 1. Modification of memory performance was dependent on whether memory function was intact or impaired, and if stimulation was applied bilaterally or unilaterally, with nearly all increase in performance seen in subjects with impaired memory receiving bilateral stimulation.

Significance

These results demonstrate that memory encoding in patients with impaired memory function can be facilitated for specific memory content, which offers a stimulation method for a future implantable neural prosthetic to improve human memory.
Influence of microbially fermented 2´-fucosyllactose on neuronal-like cell activity in an in vitro co-culture system
Authors: Kuntz Sabine , Kunz Clemens , Borsch Christian , Hill David , Morrin Sinéad , Buck Rachael , Rudloff Silvia
Published: February 2024

Scope

2´-Fucosyllactose (2´-FL), the most abundant oligosaccharide in human milk, plays an important role in numerous biological functions, including improved learning. It is not clear, however, whether 2´-FL or a cleavage product could influence neuronal cell activity. Thus, we investigated the effects of 2´-FL, its monosaccharide fucose (Fuc), and microbial fermented 2´-FL and Fuc on the parameters of neuronal cell activity in an intestinal–neuronal transwell co-culture system in vitro.

Methods

Native 13C-labeled 2´-FL and 13C-Fuc or their metabolites, fermented with Bifidobacterium (B.) longum ssp. infantis and B. breve, which were taken from the lag-, log- and stationary (stat-) growth phases of batch cultures, were applied to the apical compartment of the co-culture system with Caco-2 cells representing the intestinal layer and all-trans-retinoic acid-differentiated SH-SY5Y (SH-SY5YATRA) cells mimicking neuronal-like cells. After 3 h of incubation, the culture medium in the basal compartment was monitored for 13C enrichment by using elemental analysis isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS) and effects on cell viability, plasma, and mitochondrial membrane potential. The neurotransmitter activation (BDNF, GABA, choline, and glutamate) of SH-SY5YATRA cells was also determined. Furthermore, these effects were also measured by the direct application of 13C-2´-FL and 13C-Fuc to SH-SY5YATRA cells.

Results

While no effects on neuronal-like cell activities were observed after intact 2´-FL or Fuc was incubated with SH-SY5YATRA cells, supernatants from the stat-growth phase of 2´-FL, fermented by B. longum ssp. infantis alone and together with B. breve, significantly induced BDNF release from SH-SY5YATRA cells. No such effects were found for 2´-FL, Fuc, or their fermentation products from B. breve. The BDNF release occurred from an enhanced vesicular release, which was confirmed by the use of the Ca2+-channel blocker verapamil. Concomitant with this event, 13C enrichment was also observed in the basal compartment when supernatants from the stat-growth phase of fermentation by B. longum ssp. infantis alone or together with B. breve were used.

Conclusion

The results obtained in this study suggest that microbial products of 2´-FL rather than the oligosaccharide itself may influence neuronal cell activities.
Global trends in research of pseudomyxoma peritonei: a bibliometric and visualization analysis
Authors: Liu Shuo , Liu Xue , Ma Ruiqing , Yu Shuang , Lu Liangyuan , Lin Yanjun , Yang Zhanmin
Published: February 2024

Objective

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) was a complex disease that had attracted increasing attention. However, there had been no bibliometric analysis of this disease so far. This study aimed to explore the current situation and frontier trend of PMP through bibliometric and visualization analysis, and to indicate new directions for future research.

Methods

The original research articles and reviews related to the PMP research were downloaded from Web of Science Core Collection on September 11, 2023. CiteSpace (6.2.R4) and VOSviewer(1.6.18) were used to perform bibliometric analysis of the publications, and establish the knowledge map. The data collected was analyzed using the Online Analysis Platform of Bibliometric to evaluate the cooperation of countries in this field.

Results

We identified 1449 original articles and reviews on PMP published between 1998 and 2023. The number of publications on PMP increased continuously. The United States, the United Kingdom and China were the top contributors. The most productive organization was the MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Sugarbaker, Paul H. was the most prolific author and the most cited. Keyword analysis showed that “Pseudomyxoma peritonei”, “cancer”, “cytoreductive surgery”, and “hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy” were the most common keywords. The earliest and latest used keywords were “mucinous tumors” and “impact”, respectively. “classification”, “cytoreductive surgery”, “appendiceal” were the top 3 strongest citation bursts. The reference “Carr NJ, 2016, AM J SURG PATHOL” had the highest co-citations.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis showed an increasing trend in literature related to PMP. The research trends and hotspots identified in this study could guide the future research directions in this field, in order to promote the development of PMP.
A case report of a child with pulmonary hypertension associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Okunushi Kentaro , Kobayashi Hironobu , Yoh Yuri , Kunimatsu Masaya , Shiohama Tadashi , Takatani Tomozumi , Hamada Hiromichi
Published: February 2024

We encountered a pediatric case of pulmonary hypertension triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. A 14-year-old girl was brought to the emergency department of our hospital with fever, respiratory distress, and impaired consciousness. She tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 upon a polymerase chain reaction examination and had prolonged hypoxemia without pneumonia. An echocardiography revealed elevated right ventricular pressure. She was diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma at the age of 10 years and underwent a resection of a pituitary tumor. Hormone replacement therapy was administered postoperatively, but her growth hormones were not activated because of concerns about tumor recurrence. Echocardiography at the age of 13 years showed normal right ventricular pressure. On admission, she had an abnormal liver function, elevated liver fibrosis markers, a decreased platelet count, and hepatosplenomegaly, suggesting pulmonary and portal hypertension. The diagnosis was pulmonary hypertension associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mechanism of the pulmonary hypertension was thought to be portal hypertension owing to growth hormone deficiency and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient's symptoms improved with oxygenation and bed rest without additional targeted pulmonary hypertension therapy, and her right ventricular pressure decreased. This case demonstrates that a pediatric patient with subclinical pulmonary hypertension may develop pulmonary hypertension triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Effectiveness of perindopril/amlodipine fixed-dose combination in the treatment of hypertension: a systematic review
Authors: Dat Truong Van , Tu Vo Linh , Thu Le Nguyen Anh , Quang Nguyen Nhat Anh , Binh Van , Nga Nguyen Thi Quynh , Loc Duong Hoang , Nguyen Tran Thi Hong , Tam Dao Ngoc Hien , Huynh Hong-Han , Trung Tran Dinh , Do Uyen , Phat Nguyen Tuan , Hung Dang The , Nguyen Quang-Hien , Yen Nguyen Thi Hai , Minh Le Huu Nhat
Published: February 2024

Background: Uncontrolled blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Fixed-dose combination (FDC) therapy offers a promising approach to addressing this challenge by providing a convenient single-tablet solution that enhances the effectiveness of blood pressure control. In our systematic review, we assess the effectiveness of perindopril/amlodipine FDC in managing blood pressure.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search across four primary electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL), Global Health Library (GHL), and Google Scholar, as of 8 February 2022. Additionally, we performed a manual search to find relevant articles. The quality of the selected articles was evaluated using the Study Quality Assessment Tools (SQAT) checklist from the National Institute of Health and the ROB2 tool from Cochrane.

Results: Our systematic review included 17 eligible articles. The findings show that the use of perindopril/amlodipine FDC significantly lowers blood pressure and enhances the quality of blood pressure control. Compared to the comparison group, the perindopril/amlodipine combination tablet resulted in a higher rate of blood pressure response and normalization. Importantly, perindopril/amlodipine FDC contributes to improved patient adherence with minimal side effects. However, studies conducted to date have not provided assessments of the cost-effectiveness of perindopril/amlodipine FDC.

Conclusion: In summary, our analysis confirms the effectiveness of perindopril/amlodipine FDC in lowering blood pressure, with combination therapy outperforming monotherapy and placebo. Although mild adverse reactions were observed in a small subset of participants, cost-effectiveness assessments for this treatment remain lacking in the literature.
Acacetin inhibits inflammation by blocking MAPK/NF-κB pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Bu Juan , Mahan Yeledan , Zhang Shengnan , Wu Xuanxia , Zhang Xiaoling , Zhou Ling , Zhang Yanmin
Published: February 2024

Objective: Our preliminary research indicates that acacetin modulates the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, providing protection against Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury. The mechanisms of acacetin to inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome remain fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of acacetin on various agonists induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Methods: A model for the NLRP3 inflammasome activation was established in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) using Monosodium Urate (MSU), Nigericin, Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), and Pam3CSK4, separately. Western blot analysis (WB) was employed to detect Pro-caspase-1, Pro-Interleukin-1β (Pro-IL-1β) in cell lysates, and caspase-1, IL-1β in supernatants. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to measured the release of IL-1β, IL-18, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) in cell supernatants to assess the impact of acacetin on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was also assessed. The Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways related proteins were evaluated by WB, and NF-κB nuclear translocation was observed via laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Disuccinimidyl Suberate (DSS) cross-linking was employed to detect oligomerization of Apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a Caspase Recruitment Domain (ASC), and LSCM was also used to observe Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production. Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) and N-(6-methoxyquinolyl) acetoethyl ester (MQAE) assays were utilized to determined the effects of acacetin on the efflux of potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl-) ions.

Results: Acacetin inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by various agonists, reducing the release of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH. It suppressed the expression of Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-activated Phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK), p-JNK, and p-p38, inhibited NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Acacetin also reduced ROS production and inhibited ASC aggregation, thus suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Notably, acacetin did not affect K+ and Cl-ions efflux during the activation process.

Conclusion: Acacetin shows inhibitory effects on both the priming and assembly processes of the NLRP3 inflammasome, positioning it as a promising new candidate for the treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases.
Impacts of national volume-based drug procurement policy on the utilization and costs of antihypertensive drugs in a Chinese medicine hospital: an interrupted time series analysis of 5138 patients
Authors: Shang Lili , Cheng Yan , Zhou Jifang , Bao Yuqing , Kong Desong , Huang Ruijian , Chen Yanfei , Wang Hao , Gu Ning , Ma Aixia
Published: February 2024

Objectives: The study aimed to estimate the effects of National Volume-based Drug Procurement (NVBP) policy on drug utilization and medical expenditures of hypertension patients in public medical institutions in mainland China.

Methods: This study used patient-level data based on electronic health records retrieved from the hospital information system of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine. Data on patients with hypertension who received care at this institution between 2016 and 2021 was used for analysis. Segmented linear regression models incorporating Interrupted Time Series (ITS) analysis were adopted to examine the effects of NVBP policy on drug utilization and health expenditures of eligible patients. Drug utilization volume and health expenditures were the primary outcomes used to assess the policy effects, and were measured using the prescription proportion of each drug class and the overall per-encounter treatment costs.

Results: After the implementation of NVBP policy, the volume of non-winning drugs decreased from 54.42% to 36.25% for outpatient care and from 35.62% to 15.65% for inpatient care. The ITS analysis showed that the volume of bid-winning drugs in outpatient and inpatient settings increased by 9.55% (p < 0.001) and 6.31% (p < 0.001), respectively. The volume changes in non-volume based purchased (non-VBP) drugs differed between outpatients and inpatients. The proportion of non-VBP drugs immediately increased by 5.34% (p = 0.002) overall, and showed an upward trend in the outpatient setting specially (p < 0.001) during the post-intervention period. However, no significant differences were observed in the proportion of non-VBP drugs in inpatient setting (p > 0.05) in term of level change (p > 0.05) or trend change (p > 0.05). The average per-visit expenditures of outpatients across all drug groups exhibited an upward trend (p < 0.05) post policy intervention. In addition, a similar increase in the overall costs for chemical drugs were observed in inpatient settings (coefficient = 2,599.54, p = 0.036), with no statistically significant differences in the regression slope and level (p = 0.814).

Conclusion: The usage proportion of bid-winning drugs increased significantly post policy intervention, indicating greater use of bid-winning drugs and the corresponding substitution of non-winning hypertensive drugs. Drug expenditures for outpatients and health expenditures per visit for inpatients also exhibited an upward trend, suggesting the importance of enhanced drug use management in Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital settings.
Emerging role of SENP1 in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy
Authors: Lin Min , Zhang Man , Yi Bei , Chen Jinchi , Wen Siqi , Chen Ruiqi , Chen Tianyu , Li Zhao
Published: February 2024

Acting as a cysteine protease, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)/sentrin-specific protease1 (SENP1) involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes through processing the precursor SUMO protein into mature form and deSUMOylating target protein. It has been reported that SENP1 is highly expressed and plays a carcinogenic role in various cancers. In this paper, we mainly explore the function and mechanism of SENP1 in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, stemness, angiogenesis, metabolism and drug resistance. Furthermore, the research progress of SENP1 inhibitors for cancer treatment is introduced. This study aims to provide theoretical references for cancer therapy by targeting SENP1.
The effect of plyometric training and moderating variables on stretch-shortening cycle function and physical qualities in female post peak height velocity volleyball players
Authors: Sylvester Richard , Lehnert Michal , Hanzlíková Ivana , Krejčí Jakub
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Although several studies investigated the effect of plyometric training on physical performance, there is a lack of clarity regarding the effectiveness of plyometric training or its moderator variables in youth female volleyball players. The primary aim of this study was to explore the effect of horizontal plyometric training on explosive stretch-shortening cycle hops and jumps in the vertical and horizontal directions in female post peak height velocity (PHV) volleyball players. The secondary aim was to assess the influence of participant and training related moderators on horizontal plyometric training in post-PHV volleyball players.

Methods: A total of 23 post-PHV volleyball players participated in this 8-week intervention with horizontal plyometric exercises, twice a week. Pre-testing and post-testing included bilateral and unilateral vertical sub-maximal hopping, horizontal jumping and hopping, and a drop jump test. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed using a paired t-test. The influence of internal moderators such as age, maturity and body mass and external moderators such as training volume were assessed using regression and correlation analysis.

Results: An 8-week plyometric training improved sub-maximal hopping at 2.5 Hz left by 4.4%, bilateral sub-maximal hopping at 2.0 Hz by 9.5% and bilateral sub-maximal hopping at 2.2 Hz by 6.8% in post-PHV female volleyball players. Horizontal jumping and hopping, reactive strength index and other sub-maximal hopping conditions did not improve significantly. Body mass had a large moderating effect on vertical unilateral sub-maximal hopping at 2.5 Hz right (p = 0.010, η2 = 0.314), vertical unilateral hopping at 3.0 Hz right (p = 0.035, η2 = 0.170), and vertical unilateral hopping at 3.0 Hz left (p = 0.043, η2 = 0.203). Training volume together with generalized joint hypermobility moderated right leg triple broad hop performance, whereas maturity and age did not moderate any variables.

Conclusion: This study determined that 8 weeks of horizontal plyometric training can improve unilateral absolute leg stiffness in post-PHV female volleyball players, and this training effect can be moderated by body mass. Furthermore, the training effect on triple hopping performance on the right leg can be moderated by combined training volume with generalized joint hypermobility.
Enhancing stress resilience in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through profiling early-stage morpho-physiological and molecular responses to multiple abiotic stress tolerance
Authors: Kumar Kathiresan Pravin , Pushpam Ramamoorthy , Manonmani Swaminathan , Raveendran Muthurajan , Santhiya Subramanian , Senthil Alagarsamy
Published: February 2024

Under changing climatic conditions, crop plants are more adversely affected by a combination of various abiotic stresses than by a single abiotic stress. Therefore, it is essential to identify potential donors to multiple abiotic stresses for developing climate-resilient crop varieties. Hence, the present study was undertaken with 41 germplasm accessions comprising native landraces of Tamil Nadu, Prerelease lines and cultivars were screened independently for drought, salinity, and submergence at the seedling stage during Kharif and Rabi 2022–2023. Stress was imposed separately for these three abiotic stresses on 21-day-old seedlings and was maintained for 10 days. The studied genotypes showed a significant reduction in plant biomass (PB), Relative Growth Index (RGI), relative water content (RWC), leaf photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, and Chlorophyll Concentration Index (CCI) under drought followed by salinity and submergence. Stress-tolerant indices for drought, salinity, and submergence revealed significant variation for plant biomass. Furthermore, a set of 30 SSR markers linked to drought, salinity, and submergence QTLs has been used to characterize 41 rice germplasm accessions. Our analysis suggests a significantly high polymorphism, with 28 polymorphic markers having a 93.40% in 76 loci. The mean values of polymorphic information content (PIC), heterozygosity index (HI), marker index (MI), and resolving power (RP) were 0.369, 0.433, 1.140, and 2.877, respectively. Jaccard clustering grouped all the genotypes into two major and six subclusters. According to STRUCTURE analysis, all genotypes were grouped into two major clusters, which are concurrent with a very broad genetic base (K = 2). Statistically significant marker-trait associations for biomass were observed for five polymorphic markers, viz., RM211, RM212 (drought), RM10694 (salinity), RM219, and RM21 (submergence). Similarly, significant markers for relative shoot length were observed for RM551 (drought), RM10694 (salinity), and ART5 (submergence). Notably, the genotypes Mattaikar, Varigarudan samba, Arupatham samba, and APD19002 were identified as potential donors for multiple abiotic stress tolerance. Thus, identifying the genetic potential of germplasm could be useful for enhancing stress resilience in rice.
The role of planfulness for well-being, stress, and goal disruption during COVID-19
Authors: Ameden Wesley C. , Tricomi Elizabeth , Heintzelman Samantha J.
Published: February 2024

Planfulness refers to an individual’s tendency to be future oriented, mentally flexible, and cognitively strategic when engaging with goals, and has been shown to predict goal completion. We investigated the relationships among planfulness, goal disruption, stress, and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, which served as a unique setback context. We measured these constructs using the planfulness scale, an ad-hoc survey item probing goal disruption in the pandemic, the perceived stress scale, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, respectively. Participants were university students (N = 174; mean age 23.03, SD: 4.37; 77% female). Higher planfulness predicted lower goal-disruption, lower stress, and higher well-being during the pandemic, extending its benefits beyond the goal domain. High levels of planfulness did not protect against goal disruption among those participants in which the self-reported personal impact of the pandemic was highest. Differences in goal disruption across levels of planfulness were constrained to lower reported pandemic impact. However, the differences in psychological well-being and stress by levels of planfulness were retained even when self-reported perceptions of personal pandemic impact were high. More planful students maintained lower stress and higher psychological well-being than their less planful peers across levels of adversity. These findings suggest that even in extremely difficult contexts in which planfulness does not protect against goal disruption, it still confers personal benefits in terms of psychological health.
Malingering assessment after severe traumatic brain injury in forensic psychology with a potential embedded symptom validity indicator of Symptom Checklist 90
Authors: Liu Cong , Lu Qiuying , Rao Guangxun , Chen Xiaorui , Liang Man , Liu Zilong
Published: February 2024

Objective

Malingering of neuropsychological damage is common among traumatic brain injury patients pursuing disability compensation in forensic contexts. There is an urgent need to explore differences in neuropsychological assessment outcomes with different levels of cooperation.

Methods

A total of 420 participants with severe traumatic brain injury were classified into malingering group, partial cooperation group, and complete cooperation group according to the Binomial forced-choice digit memory test. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, event-related potential component, and Symptom Checklist 90 were applied subsequently to assess the psychological status of participants.

Results

Participants in the malingering group presented lower scores in the binomial forced-choice digit memory test and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, lower P3 amplitude, and simultaneously higher scores in the Symptom Checklist 90 than the other two groups. The actual intelligence quotient of participants with malingering tendencies ranged mostly between normal and marginal damage, and they often reported elevated whole scale scores in the Symptom Checklist 90. The Cooperation Index (defined as the ratio of positive symptom distress index to global severity index, CI) was proposed and validated to function as an embedded validity indicator of the Symptom Checklist 90, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.938. When valued at 1.28, CI has the highest classification ability in differentiating malingering from non-malingering. Combined with the CI and P3 amplitude, the area under the ROC curve for malingering diagnosis further reached 0.952.

Conclusion

Any non-optimal effort in a forensic context will lead to unexpected deviation in psychology evaluation results. CI is a potential candidate to act as an embedded validity indicator of the Symptom Checklist 90. The combination of CI and P3 amplitude can help to identify malingering in participants after severe traumatic brain injury.
Social contributions to meaning in life: the role of romantic relationship quality, parenting, and gender
Authors: Gold Alaina I. , Ryjova Yana , Aviv Elizabeth C. , Corner Geoffrey W. , Rasmussen Hannah F. , Kim Yehsong , Margolin Gayla
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The present study tests the association between romantic relationship quality and number of children on meaning in life (i.e., sense of purpose, coherence, and significance) and considers interactions between these constructs and gender.

Methods

A survey was conducted approximately one year into the pandemic among 473 individuals in the United States.

Results

Models demonstrated that relationship quality and number of children are positively associated with meaning, though relationship quality was more strongly related to meaning for men than women. We showed that for women there was an equally positive link between relationship quality and meaning regardless of number of children. However, for men, the positive association between relationship quality and meaning was strongest for those with more than one child, decreased in magnitude for those with one child, and was no longer significant for men with more than one child.

Discussion

These findings provide empirical evidence that social relationships benefit meaning in life and underscore the complexity of these associations. Results have implications for theoretical perspectives on meaning in life, as well as for policies that encourage family wellbeing.
Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of adolescents and youth in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Gichangi Peter B. , Byrne Meagan E. , Thiongo Mary N. , Waithaka Michael , Devoto Bianca , Gummerson Elizabeth , Wood Shannon N. , Anglewicz Philip , Decker Michele R.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To report on the mental health status of adolescents and youth in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nairobi County, Kenya.

Methodology

This was a mixed-methods study with cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative components conducted in Nairobi County, Kenya from August to September 2020. The quantitative survey involved phone interviews of n = 1,217 adolescents and youth. Qualitative components included virtual focus group discussions (FGDs) with adolescents and youth (n = 64 unmarried youths aged 16–25 years, across 8 FGDs) and youth-serving stakeholders (n = 34, across 4 FGDs), key informant interviews (n = 12 higher-level stakeholders from Ministries of Health, Gender, and Education), and in-depth interviews with youth (n = 20) so as to examine the COVID-19 impact on mental health.

Results

Among the participants, 26.6% of young men and 30.0% of young women reported probable depressive symptoms, of whom 37.7% of young men and 38.9% of young women reported little interest or pleasure in doing various activities. Hopelessness and feeling down nearly every day was additionally reported by 10.7% of young women and 6.3% of young men. Further, about 8.8% of young men and 7.6% of young women reported they could not get the emotional help and support they may need from people in their life. Multivariable regression results showed an association between depressive symptoms and reduced working hours due to COVID-19 and increased intimate partner violence. Additionally, the results show that respondents with higher emotional help and support were less likely to report depressive symptoms. Qualitative results confirm the quantitative findings and exemplify the negative behavior arising from the impact of adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures.

Conclusion

Mental health issues were common among adolescents and youth and may have been augmented by isolation and economic hardships brought about by COVID-19 restrictions. There is a need for concerted efforts to support adolescents and young people to meet their mental health needs, while considering the unique variations by gender. There is need to urgently strengthen the mental health system in Kenya, including via integrating psychosocial support services in communities, schools, and healthcare services, to ensure adolescents and young persons are not left behind.