bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in brain connectivity during motor imagery and motor execution in stroke patients based on electroencephalography
Authors: Guo Dongju , Hu Jinglu , Wang Dezheng , Wang Chongfeng , Yue Shouwei , Xu Fangzhou , Zhang Yang
Published: February 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze the changes in connectivity between motor imagery (MI) and motor execution (ME) in the premotor area (PMA) and primary motor cortex (MA) of the brain, aiming to explore suitable forms of treatment and potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

Twenty-three inpatients with stroke were selected, and 21 right-handed healthy individuals were recruited. EEG signal during hand MI and ME (synergy and isolated movements) was recorded. Correlations between functional brain areas during MI and ME were compared.

Results

PMA and MA were significantly and positively correlated during hand MI in all participants. The power spectral density (PSD) values of PMA EEG signals were greater than those of MA during MI and ME in both groups. The functional connectivity correlation was higher in the stroke group than in healthy people during MI, especially during left-handed MI. During ME, functional connectivity correlation in the brain was more enhanced during synergy movements than during isolated movements. The regions with abnormal functional connectivity were in the 18th lead of the left PMA area.

Conclusion

Left-handed MI may be crucial in MI therapy, and the 18th lead may serve as a target for non-invasive neuromodulation to promote further recovery of limb function in patients with stroke. This may provide support for the EEG theory of neuromodulation therapy for hemiplegic patients.
Neurotoxicity-sparing radiotherapy for brain metastases in breast cancer: a narrative review
Authors: Buczek Dagmara , Zaucha Renata , Jassem Jacek
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) has a devastating impact on patient survival, cognitive function and quality of life. Radiotherapy remains the standard management of BM but may result in considerable neurotoxicity. Herein, we describe the current knowledge on methods for reducing radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction in patients with BCBM. A better understanding of the biology and molecular underpinnings of BCBM, as well as more sophisticated prognostic models and individualized treatment approaches, have appeared to enable more effective neuroprotection. The therapeutic armamentarium has expanded from surgery and whole-brain radiotherapy to stereotactic radiosurgery, targeted therapies and immunotherapies, used sequentially or in combination. Advances in neuroimaging have allowed more accurate screening for intracranial metastases, precise targeting of intracranial lesions and the differentiation of the effects of treatment from disease progression. The availability of numerous treatment options for patients with BCBM and multidisciplinary approaches have led to personalized treatment and improved therapeutic outcomes. Ongoing studies may define the optimal sequencing of available and emerging treatment options for patients with BCBM.
Outcome in very preterm infants: a population-based study from a regional center in Austria
Authors: Konzett Karin , Riedl David , Blassnig-Ezeh Anya , Gang Stefanie , Simma Burkhard
Published: February 2024

Aim

To determine short-term morbidity and mortality rates in the first state-wide Austrian neonatal cohort and comparison to (inter)national data.

Methods

Observational, population-based cohort study, analyzing data of preterm infants (<32 + 0 weeks of gestation) born between 2007 and 2020 (n = 501) in an Austrian state who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Outcome criteria were mortality, neonatal morbidities: bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), severe necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH grades III–IV), severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP grades III–V) and survival-free of major complications.

Results

Overall survival rate was 95%, survival free of major complications was 79%. Prevalence for BPD was 11.2%, surgical NEC 4.0%, severe IVH 4.6%, and for severe ROP 2.6%, respectively. In the extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGAN) born <28 weeks of gestation (n = 158), survival was 88% and survival free of major complications 58.8%. Over time, mortality decreased significantly, predominantly driven by the improvement of infants born <28 week of gestation and survival free of major complications improved.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a very low mortality rate that decreases over time. Short-term morbidities and survival free of major complications do not differ from (inter)national data in a similar group of very preterm infants. Standard operating procedures, simulation trainings and accordance to international trials may improve patient care and surpass center case loads.
Neonatal pain management practices in Somali region of Ethiopia: insights from neonatal intensive care unit providers
Authors: Abebe Dawit , Orcho Afework , Chane Jemberu , Mesfin Sinetibeb , Seifu Wubareg
Published: February 2024

Background

Neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units experience an average of 8–17 moderate to severe painful procedures per day. Because neonates lack the cognitive capacity to express their pain's location or severity, they are very dependent on healthcare providers to recognize, assess, and manage their pain. The health and development of newborns are negatively impacted by persistent or untreated pain experienced early in life. Therefore, studying neonatal pain management practices and associated factors in healthcare is critical to tackling workforce problems, enhancing neonatal care, and lowering the long-term health impacts of neonates.

Method

From January 1 to 30, 2023, a facility-based cross-sectional study design was used at six public hospitals in the Somali region of Ethiopia. A total of 336 healthcare providers enrolled using a simple random sample technique. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was utilized to collect the data. The analyses used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. To find the association between the outcome and predictor factors, the odd ratio and the 95% CI were computed.

Result

The study revealed that 35.4% [95% CI 30.4%–40.5%] of respondents reported that they had good neonatal pain management practices. Ever having undergone training in neonatal pain assessment and management [AOR = 2.26 (95% CI 1.259, 4.07)], availability of pain assessment tools [AOR = 3.05 (95% CI 1.249, 7.469)], and having a favorable attitude toward neonatal pain management practice [AOR = 3.71 (95% CI 1.525, 9.035)] were found to be factors with a significant association with neonatal pain management practice.

Conclusion

Based on the study's findings, there is a low level of neonatal pain management practice among healthcare providers in the Somali region. The study emphasizes the significance of having access to pain assessment tools and the requirement for healthcare professionals to get training on neonatal pain assessment and management.
Effects of hallucinogenic drugs on the human heart
Authors: Neumann Joachim , Dhein Stefan , Kirchhefer Uwe , Hofmann Britt , Gergs Ulrich
Published: February 2024

Hallucinogenic drugs are used because they have effects on the central nervous system. Their hallucinogenic effects probably occur via stimulation of serotonin receptors, namely, 5-HT2A-serotonin receptors in the brain. However, a close study reveals that they also act on the heart, possibly increasing the force of contraction and beating rate and may lead to arrhythmias. Here, we will review the inotropic and chronotropic actions of bufotenin, psilocin, psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ergotamine, ergometrine, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in the human heart.
Entropy bound for time reversal markers
Authors: Knotz Gabriel , Muenker Till Moritz , Betz Timo , Krüger Matthias
Published: February 2024

We derive a bound for entropy production in terms of the mean of normalizable path-antisymmetric observables. The optimal observable for this bound is shown to be the signum of entropy production, which is often easier determined or estimated than entropy production itself. It can be preserved under coarse graining by the use of a simple path grouping algorithm. We demonstrate this relation and its properties using a driven network on a ring, for which the bound saturates for short times for any driving strength. This work can open a way to systematic coarse graining of entropy production.
Unraveling crop enzymatic browning through integrated omics
Authors: Wang Chunkai , Meng Lin , Zhang Guochao , Yang Xiujun , Pang Bingwen , Cheng Junjie , He Bing , Sun Fushan
Published: February 2024

Enzymatic browning reactions, triggered by oxidative stress, significantly compromise the quality of harvested crops during postharvest handling. This has profound implications for the agricultural industry. Recent advances have employed a systematic, multi-omics approach to developing anti-browning treatments, thereby enhancing our understanding of the resistance mechanisms in harvested crops. This review illuminates the current multi-omics strategies, including transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic methods, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying browning. These strategies are pivotal for identifying potential metabolic markers or pathways that could mitigate browning in postharvest systems.
Artificial intelligence and social intelligence: preliminary comparison study between AI models and psychologists
Authors: Sufyan Nabil Saleh , Fadhel Fahmi H. , Alkhathami Saleh Safeer , Mukhadi Jubran Y. A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Social intelligence (SI) is of great importance in the success of the counseling and psychotherapy, whether for the psychologist or for the artificial intelligence systems that help the psychologist, as it is the ability to understand the feelings, emotions, and needs of people during the counseling process. Therefore, this study aims to identify the Social Intelligence (SI) of artificial intelligence represented by its large linguistic models, “ChatGPT; Google Bard; and Bing” compared to psychologists.

Methods

A stratified random manner sample of 180 students of counseling psychology from the bachelor’s and doctoral stages at King Khalid University was selected, while the large linguistic models included ChatGPT-4, Google Bard, and Bing. They (the psychologists and the AI models) responded to the social intelligence scale.

Results

There were significant differences in SI between psychologists and AI’s ChatGPT-4 and Bing. ChatGPT-4 exceeded 100% of all the psychologists, and Bing outperformed 50% of PhD holders and 90% of bachelor’s holders. The differences in SI between Google Bard and bachelor students were not significant, whereas the differences with PhDs were significant; Where 90% of PhD holders excel on Google Bird.

Conclusion

We explored the possibility of using human measures on AI entities, especially language models, and the results indicate that the development of AI in understanding emotions and social behavior related to social intelligence is very rapid. AI will help the psychotherapist a great deal in new ways. The psychotherapist needs to be aware of possible areas of further development of AI given their benefits in counseling and psychotherapy. Studies using humanistic and non-humanistic criteria with large linguistic models are needed.
Spontaneous neural activity in the three principal networks underlying delay discounting: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Ji Songyue , Yang Fan , Li Xueting
Published: February 2024

Delay discounting, the decline in the subjective value of future rewards over time, has traditionally been understood through a tripartite neural network model, comprising the valuation, cognitive control, and prospection networks. To investigate the applicability of this model in a resting-state context, we employed a monetary choice questionnaire to quantify delay discounting and utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to explore the role of spontaneous brain activity, specifically regional homogeneity (ReHo), in influencing individual differences in delay discounting across a large cohort (N = 257). Preliminary analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between delay discounting tendencies and the ReHo in both the left insula and the right hippocampus, respectively. Subsequent resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) analyses, using these regions as seed ROIs, disclosed that all implicated brain regions conform to the three principal networks traditionally associated with delay discounting. Our findings offer novel insights into the role of spontaneous neural activity in shaping individual variations in delay discounting at both regional and network levels, providing the first empirical evidence supporting the applicability of the tripartite network model in a resting-state context.
Ethical challenges in the treatment of psychotic pregnancy denial
Authors: John Roshen , Tudose Gabriel , Kuo Chin , Arth Gabriella , Wong Sammi
Published: February 2024

Background

There is a paucity of literature regarding ethical strategies for treating pregnant people with psychosis. While not uncommon, psychotic pregnancy denial is a psychotic illness in which patients have the delusion that they are not pregnant. The authors provide a literature review regarding psychotic pregnancy denial, present an unpublished case and its questions and dilemmas, and offer recommendations for resolving the ethical challenges these cases raise.

Case

A 26-year-old, single, unemployed woman of no fixed residence was admitted for suicidal ideation. She had a history of psychosis, had multiple ER visits and at least one previous hospitalization, had minimal contact with psychiatric outpatient clinics, and had been poorly compliant with treatment recommendations. She was discovered to be about 31 weeks pregnant in the emergency room. Ultrasound exams revealed no fetal anomalies. This was the patient’s second pregnancy; her previous pregnancy resulted in an abortion. Her sole psychotic symptom was the delusional belief that she was not pregnant. On the rare occasions when the patient acknowledged being pregnant, she requested termination of pregnancy. Despite intensive pharmacological treatment of her psychosis, the patient continued believing that she was not pregnant and repeatedly said she would not participate in the labor and delivery process. She disagreed with the induction of labor or a cesarean section if needed. The patient developed gestational hypertension, an obstetric indication for delivery. Induction of labor was offered to avoid potentially disastrous outcomes for the pregnant woman and the fetus.

Conclusion

Psychotic pregnancy denial is potentially life-threatening. Delivery of the fetus requires carefully weighing risks and benefits and thoroughly considering the ethical framework.

Teaching points

Treatment of birthing people with psychotic denial of pregnancy is complex; it requires special clinical and ethical skills to determine the patient’s level of decision-making impairment and to find a middle ground between the pregnant person’s right to autonomy and the physicians’ beneficence-based duties. Using a well-coordinated, interdisciplinary approach and a solid ethical framework, the decision to deliver the fetus while engaging the pregnant person, to the extent possible, in the decision-making process is essential.
Evaluation of the impact of “speak out” and “human libraries” educational methodologies on nursing students' attitudes toward immigration
Authors: Gea-Caballero Vicente , Pellín-Carcelén Ana , Piera-Gomar José Luís , Mármol-López María Isabel , Santolalla-Arnedo Iván , Tejada Garrido Clara Isabel , Burgos-Esteban Amaya , Rasal Sánchez María , Rasal Sánchez Amparo , Carboneres-Tafaner María Inmaculada , Juárez-Vela Raúl
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Measuring and understanding attitudes toward migrants is crucial in Health Sciences professionals. Nursing students, as future professionals in the healthcare system, must be comprehensively trained and prepared from the undergraduate level to effectively face the challenges of caring for health and disease processes in an increasingly globalized world. Our study aims to determine the level of attitudinal change in nursing students for immigrants, based on a training intervention with sessions of coexistence with immigrants in Spain.

Methods

Quasi-experimental controlled and non-randomized study, carried out in 2019 in Nursing School La Fe, Valencia (Spain), with 201 participants (74 intervention group, 127 control group). Instrument: Attitudes toward Immigration Instrument (IAHI) questionnaire. Educational techniques of the training intervention: Speak outs and Human Libraries. Descriptive statistical analysis and comparison of results between groups was performed.

Results

The participants in the intervention group showed significant changes in attitude modification, both in the total score of the questionnaire and in 4 of the 5 dimensions (pre-post intervention medition). When comparing the differences between the intervention group and the control group, we observed significant differences in 3 of the 5 dimensions: equality principles and policies, positive favorability, and negative favorability.

Conclussion

Sessions involving coexistence, discussion, and reflection with immigrants, as educational intervention methods for nursing students (Speak outs and Human Libraries), are useful and effective tools to promote positive attitudinal changes toward immigrants within the healthcar context in nursing students.
Incentive policy for the comprehensive development of young medical talents: an evolutionary game study
Authors: Li Si , He Lijuan , Huang Yaxin , Wang Dan , Zhu Weihua , Chen Zhisong
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Currently in China, there is a lack of well-defined and viable incentive mechanisms at the governmental and hospital levels to support the development of young medical talents, thereby hindering their growth Existing studies primarily investigate the current state and trajectory of incentives, yet they inadequately address the distinctive characteristics of various stakeholders involved in medical talent incentive processes, particularly the lack of research on incentive mechanisms with Chinese attributes.

Methods

This study adopts evolutionary game theory to investigate the dynamics of replication and the strategies for achieving evolutionary stability in the comprehensive development of young medical talents, considering both scenarios with and without supportive policies.

Results

In the absence of any supportive policy measures, the evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) point is O(0,0), the unstable equilibrium point is C(1,1), and the saddle points are A(0,1), B(1,0). The initial state of the system is at the unstable equilibrium point C(1,1), which means that the young medical talents and medical institutions adopt a combination of strategies (actively seeking comprehensive development and taking incentive measures). Under the scenario with supportive policies, the ESS point is C(1,1), the unstable equilibrium point is O(0,0), and the saddle points are A(0,1), B(1,0). The initial state of the system is at the unstable equilibrium point O(0,0), which means that young medical talents and medical institutions adopt (N,N) strategy combinations (inactively seeking comprehensive development, implementing no incentive measure).

Discussion

(1) Government incentives play a crucial role in motivating young medical talents to seek comprehensive development. (2) The level of government incentive support for young medical talents should exceed the cost increment of individual efforts. Additionally, the policy support provided by the government to medical institutions should surpass the incentive support offered by these institutions to young medical talents. This will enhance the motivation and encouragement efforts of medical institutions in actively promoting comprehensive development among young medical talents. (3) With the backing of certain government incentive policies, medical institutions implementing incentive measures and young medical talents actively seeking comprehensive development will establish a virtuous cycle of mutual promotion.
Level of adherence to diet and physical activity among menopausal women and influencing factors in Jordan: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Alnjadat Rafi , Momani Eshraq Al , Etoom Mohammad , Hamdan Falastine , ALrub Salwa Abu
Published: February 2024

Background

During menopause, a woman’s lifestyle may change significantly, which will have implications on her quality of life. Women will experience menopause for more than a third of their life; therefore, maintaining good health during this period is crucial. A healthy diet and physical activity can help women maintain their health during menopause. Hence, assessing adherence to a healthy diet and physical activity among menopausal women is important.

Purpose

This study aims to assess the degree of adherence to a healthy diet and physical activity of menopausal women in Jordan and determine the most influential factors.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study, and an online self-administered questionnaire was sent to 299 menopausal women selected through simple random sampling. A valid and reliable questionnaire was used to assess the menopausal women’s adherence to a healthy diet and physical activity. The questionnaire consisted of 14 items covering two domains: 12 questions for the diet domain and two questions for the physical activity domain. Descriptive statistics were obtained, mean weight and body mass index (BMI) were calculated, and stepwise regression was conducted for the data analysis.

Results

The overall degree of adherence to a healthy diet and physical activity of the women was moderate (49.25, SD = 7.17). Most of the participants reported eating refined food items once a month or less (n = 188, 62.9%) and not exercising weekly (n = 119, 39.8%), and only a few reported eating refined food items at least once a day (n = 5, 1.7%) and exercising 5–6 times a week (n = 15, 5%). The regression analysis showed that age (B = 0.145, p = 0.014), having two children (B = 0.123, p = 0.034) and completing primary or secondary education (B = 0.120, p = 0.038) were statistically significant and the strongest predictors of adherence. The predictors accounted for 68% of the variance in adherence to a healthy diet and physical activity (R2 = 0.068, F [343.54] = 7.123, p = 0.000).

Conclusion

The majority of the middle-aged menopausal women in this study showed moderate adherence to a healthy diet and physical activity. Age, having two children and completing primary or secondary education were associated with degree of adherence to a healthy diet and physical activity. Therefore, healthcare intervention, such as physical activity and dietary control programs, should target women in this age group and stage in life.
Probiotics supplementation or probiotic-fortified products on sarcopenic indices in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis from recent randomized controlled trials
Authors: Handajani Yvonne Suzy , Turana Yuda , Hengky Antoninus , Hamid Gabriella , Schroeder-Butterfill Elisabeth , Kristian Kevin
Published: February 2024

Introduction: A noteworthy correlation was seen between changes in the gut microbiome and sarcopenia in older adults. Along with increasing research on probiotic supplementation for various medical problems, we aimed to obtain evidence and summarize the effect of probiotic supplementation on sarcopenic indices among older adults.

Methods: We utilized PubMed, EBSCO, and Proquest, in addition to manual search using synonyms and variation for ‘probiotic,’ ‘sarcopenia,’ and ‘older adults.’ Randomized controlled trials investigated the utilization of probiotics or probiotic-containing products in older adults with sarcopenic indices including muscle mass and strength. The random-effects model was applied to the meta-analysis process.

Results: Seven studies were obtained with 733 pooled older adults. Probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant increase of muscle mass with adjusted SMD (Standardized Mean Difference) of 0.962 (95% CI: 0.288 to 1.635, p = 0.049) using till and trim analysis and muscle strength with SMD of 1.037 (95% CI: 0.077 to 1.996, p = 0.03). However, both outcomes were associated with significantly high heterogeneity (I2 = 89.5% and I2 = 89.9%, respectively).

Conclusion: When opposed to a placebo, the probiotic treatment improved the amount of muscle and its endurance based on recent evidence, however, further studies should be done with larger samples and targeted populations.
Unmet environmental needs and unmet healthcare needs in a population of young adults with cerebral palsy: what the SPARCLE study tells us
Authors: Rioual Jonathan , Perret Célia , Arnaud Catherine , Vidart d’Egurbide Bagazgoïtia Nicolas
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Optimizing care for young adults with cerebral palsy is crucial for their physical and psychological well-being. The inadequacy of proximal environment may play a role in the provision of health services. The aim of this study is to explore the association between unmet environmental needs in the physical, social and attitudinal domains and unmet healthcare needs in four interventions: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychological counselling.

Methods

Young adults with cerebral palsy were recruited in the SPARCLE3 European multicenter cross-sectional study. Healthcare needs and coverages were assessed using the Youth Health Care, Satisfaction, Utilization and Needs questionnaire. The need and availability of environmental factors in physical, social and attitudinal domains were collected using the European Adult Environment Questionnaire. Logistic regressions were conducted separately for each intervention to measure associations between unmet environmental needs and unmet healthcare needs.

Results

We studied 310 young adults with cerebral palsy, with a mean age of 24.3 years; 37.4% could not walk independently, 51.5% had an IQ below 70, 34.2% had severe communication difficulties. The most commonly expressed need was physiotherapy (81.6% of participants). Unmet healthcare needs were reported by 20.9%, 32.4%, 40.3% and 49.0% of participants requiring physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychological counselling and speech therapy, respectively. The physical environment was never significantly associated with unmet healthcare needs. In contrast, the social environment was significantly associated with unmet healthcare needs across all interventions, with odds ratios over 2.5, depending on the number of unmet needs and the nature of intervention needed. With regard to the attitudinal environment, when at least one unmet attitudinal environmental need was reported, the odds of also reporting an unmet healthcare need were of 3.68 for speech therapy and 3.77 for physiotherapy. The latter association was significant only for individuals with severe motor impairment.

Discussion

Our results highlight the importance of the social and attitudinal environment in meeting healthcare needs in young adults with cerebral palsy. The lack of correlation between unmet healthcare needs and the physical environment suggests that it can be partly compensated for by social support.
Poverty, redistribution, and the middle class: redistribution via probability distributions vs. redistribution via the linear income tax system
Authors: Jasso Guillermina
Published: February 2024

It has been known for a long time that (1) when graphs of income amount on income relative rank for two income distributions intersect twice, three “transfer groups” are generated, with the poorest and richest both gaining under the same alternative income distribution and the middle group losing; and (2) the linear income tax system satisfies three fundamental principles of tax justice, namely, that as pretax income increases, three quantities should also increase—posttax income, tax amount, and tax rate. This paper links those two ideas, suggesting that the linear income tax system may be the natural and most effective way to guard against poverty reduction policies which, while helping the poorest, as urged by Rawls, may harm the middle, contributing to the weakening of the middle class, thought at least since Aristotle to be the backbone of society. This paper illustrates the two approaches with one initial distribution and three alternative final distributions, contrasting their minimum, median, proportion below the mean, and inequality. It also shows how to guard the linear income tax system against violating the tax amount principle of tax fairness when there is an injection of resources (e.g., from deficit spending or oil revenues) and how to empirically estimate the parameters (e.g., the marginal tax rate) of the linear income system that the population will regard as fair.
Decellularized banana leaves: eco-friendly scaffolds for cell-based seafood
Authors: Banavar Amiti , Sarkarat Reyhaneh , Amirvaresi Arian , Li Xinxin , Nguyen Cuong , Kaplan David L. , Nitin Nitin , Ovissipour Reza
Published: February 2024

Cellular agriculture holds the potential to address sustainability, food security, and agricultural resilience. Within the cell-based meat supply chain, one of the key steps is developing sustainable scaffolding. In this study, we evaluated the impact of decellularized banana leaves, various coating materials including soy protein and gelatine, and different cell seeding strategies on cell viability, cell growth, cell alignment, and the response of the materials to thermal processing. Kinetics of the quality degradation of the scaffolds with and without cells were determined through kinetics equations. The efficiency of decellularization was verified through DNA quantification, which decreased from 445 ng/mg in fresh banana leaves to non-detectable levels in the decellularized samples. The alignment of cells on gelatin-coated samples was the highest among the samples, with a dominant orientation of 65.8°, compared to soy-coated and uncoated samples, with dominant orientations of 9.2° and −6.3°, respectively. The kinetics of shrinkage indicated that coating with soy and the presence of cells increased the activation energy due to the higher energy required for protein denaturation. The kinetics of area changes in plain scaffolds without cells followed a first-order pattern, while with seeded cells a second-order pattern was followed. Overall, the results showed that decellularized banana leaves provide sustainable scaffoldings for cellular agriculture applications. In addition, soy coating provided many benefits for decellularized samples by supporting cell adhesion and cell proliferation.
Monitoring swine virus transmission in embryos derived from commercial abattoir oocytes
Authors: Pepin Brent , Rodriguez-Villamil Paula , Sammel Lauren , Yin Jie , Dacken Brian
Published: February 2024

Pigs are pivotal in agriculture and biomedical research and hold promise for xenotransplantation. Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) herds are essential for commercial swine production and xenotransplantation research facilities. Commercial herds aim to safeguard animal health, welfare, and productivity, and research facilities require SPF status to protect immunocompromised patients. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos are the norm for producing cloned and genetically edited animals. Oocytes for embryo reconstruction are most conveniently sourced from commercial abattoirs with unclear disease statuses. However, research on viral clearance from donor oocytes during embryo reconstruction remains limited. SCNT has previously been shown to reduce the transmission of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, Bovine viral diarrhea virus, Porcine Circovirus type 2, and Porcine parvovirus. Still, it is lacking for other pathogens, including endogenous viruses. This project contains two preliminary studies investigating the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay detection of common swine viruses through the phases of producing parthenogenic and SCNT embryos. Exogenous pathogens detected in oocyte donor tissue or the oocyte maturation media were not detected in the produced embryos. Porcine endogenous retrovirus type C (PERVC) was not removed by parthenogenic embryo activation and was detected in 1 of the 2 tested SCNT embryos reconstructed using a PERVC-negative cell line. SCNT and parthenogenic embryo construction similarly reduced exogenous virus detection. SCNT embryo construction helped reduce endogenous virus detection. This project demonstrates the importance of screening embryos for endogenous viruses and shows the usefulness of parthenogenic embryos in future exogenous virus clearance studies.
Review of Heat Transfer Characteristics of Natural Gas Hydrate
Authors: Mao Minghang , Yan Kefeng , Li Xiaosen , Chen Zhaoyang , Wang Yi , Feng Jingchun , Chen Chang
Published: February 2024

As a typical unconventional energy reservoir, natural gas hydrate is believed to be the most promising alternative for conventional resources in future energy patterns. The exploitation process of natural gas hydrate comprises a hydrate phase state, heat and mass transfer, and multi-phase seepage. Therefore, the study of heat transfer characteristics of gas hydrate is of great significance for an efficient exploitation of gas hydrate. In this paper, the research methods and research progress of gas hydrate heat transfer are reviewed from four aspects: measurement methods of heat transfer characteristics, influencing factors of heat transfer in a hydrate system and hydrate-containing porous media systems, predictive models for effective thermal conductivity, and heat transfer mechanisms of hydrate. Advanced measurement techniques and theoretical methods that can be adopted for the heat transfer characteristics of gas hydrate in the future are discussed.
Beneficial Impact of Eicosapentaenoic Acid on the Adverse Effects Induced by Palmitate and Hyperglycemia on Healthy Rat Chondrocyte
Authors: Deng Chaohua , Presle Nathalie , Pizard Anne , Guillaume Cécile , Bianchi Arnaud , Kempf Hervé
Published: February 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis and a major cause of pain and disability. The pathology of OA involves the whole joint in an inflammatory and degenerative process, especially in articular cartilage. OA may be divided into distinguishable phenotypes including one associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) of which dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia have been individually linked to OA. Since their combined role in OA pathogenesis remains to be elucidated, we investigated the chondrocyte response to these metabolic stresses, and determined whether a n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), i.e., eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), may preserve chondrocyte functions. Rat chondrocytes were cultured with palmitic acid (PA) and/or EPA in normal or high glucose conditions. The expression of genes encoding proteins found in cartilage matrix (type 2 collagen and aggrecan) or involved in degenerative (metalloproteinases, MMPs) or in inflammatory (cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase, mPGES) processes was analyzed by qPCR. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release was also evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our data indicated that PA dose-dependently up-regulated the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and -13. PA also induced the expression of COX-2 and mPGES and promoted the synthesis of PGE2. Glucose at high concentrations further increased the chondrocyte response to PA. Interestingly, EPA suppressed the inflammatory effects of PA and glucose, and strongly reduced MMP-13 expression. Among the free fatty acid receptors (FFARs), FFAR4 partly mediated the EPA effects and the activation of FFAR1 markedly reduced the inflammatory effects of PA in high glucose conditions. Our findings demonstrate that dyslipidemia associated with hyperglycemia may contribute to OA pathogenesis and explains why an excess of saturated fatty acids and a low level in n-3 PUFAs may disrupt cartilage homeostasis.
The Mechanism of Tigecycline Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii under Sub-Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations of Tigecycline
Authors: Liu Cunwei , Liu Jia , Lu Qinghui , Wang Ping , Zou Qinghua
Published: February 2024

The presence of sub-minimal inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) antibiotics in our environment is widespread, and their ability to induce antibiotic resistance is inevitable. Acinetobacter baumannii, a pathogen known for its strong ability to acquire antibiotic resistance, has recently shown clinical resistance to the last-line antibiotic tigecycline. To unravel the complex mechanism of A. baumannii drug resistance, we subjected tigecycline-susceptible, -intermediate, and -mildly-resistant strains to successive increases in sub-MIC tigecycline and ultimately obtained tigecycline-resistant strains. The proteome of both key intermediate and final strains during the selection process was analyzed using nanoLC-MS/MS. Among the more than 2600 proteins detected in all strains, we found that RND efflux pump AdeABC was associated with the adaptability of A. baumannii to tigecycline under sub-MIC pressure. qRT-PCR analysis also revealed higher expression of AdeAB in strains that can quickly acquire tigecycline resistance compared with strains that displayed lower adaptability. To validate our findings, we added an efflux pump inhibitor, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazine (CCCP), to the medium and observed its ability to inhibit tigecycline resistance in A. baumannii strains with quick adaptability. This study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying tigecycline resistance in A. baumannii under sub-MIC pressure.
Chronic Treatment with Nigella sativa Oil Exerts Antimanic Properties and Reduces Brain Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Uzzan Sarit , Rostevanov Ira-Sivan , Rubin Elina , Benguigui Olivia , Marazka Said , Kaplanski Jacob , Agbaria Riad , Azab Abed N.
Published: February 2024

Nigella sativa (NS) is a native herb consumed habitually in several countries worldwide, possessing manifold therapeutic properties. Among them, anti-inflammatory features have been reported, presumably relating to mechanisms involved in the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway, among others. Given the observed association between neuroimmune factors and mental illness, the primary aim of the present study was to examine the effects of chronic NS use on manic-like behavior in rats, as well as analyze levels of brain inflammatory mediators following NS intake. Using male and female rats, baseline tests were performed; thereafter, rats were fed either regular food (control) or NS-containing food (treatment) for four weeks. Following intervention, behavioral tests were induced (an open field test, sucrose consumption test, three-chamber sociality test, and amphetamine-induced hyperactivity test). Subsequently, brain samples were extracted, and inflammatory mediators were evaluated, including interleukin-6, leukotriene B4, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear phosphorylated-p65. Our findings show NS to result in a marked antimanic-like effect, in tandem with a positive modulation of select inflammatory mediators among male and female rats. The findings reinforce the proposed therapeutic advantages relating to NS ingestion.
A Comparative Biochemical and Pathological Evaluation of Brain Samples from Knock-In Murine Models of Gaucher Disease
Authors: Furderer Makaila L. , Berhe Bahafta , Chen Tiffany C. , Wincovitch Stephen , Jiang Xuntian , Tayebi Nahid , Sidransky Ellen , Han Tae-Un
Published: February 2024

Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder stemming from biallelic mutations in GBA1, characterized by glucocerebrosidase dysfunction and glucocerebroside and glucosylsphingosine accumulation. Since phenotypes of murine models of GD often differ from those in patients, the careful characterization of Gba1 mutant mice is necessary to establish their ability to model GD. We performed side-by-side comparative biochemical and pathologic analyses of four murine Gba1 models with genotypes L444P/L444P (p.L483P/p.L483P), L444P/null, D409H/D409H (p.D448H/p.D448H) and D409H/null, along with matched wildtype mice, all with the same genetic background and cage conditions. All mutant mice exhibited significantly lower glucocerebrosidase activity (p < 0.0001) and higher glucosylsphingosine levels than wildtype, with the lowest glucocerebrosidase and the highest glucosylsphingosine levels in mice carrying a null allele. Although glucocerebrosidase activity in L444P and D409H mice was similar, D409H mice showed more lipid accumulation. No Gaucher or storage-like cells were detected in any of the Gba1 mutant mice. Quantification of neuroinflammation, dopaminergic neuronal loss, alpha-synuclein levels and motor behavior revealed no significant findings, even in aged animals. Thus, while the models may have utility for testing the effect of different therapies on enzymatic activity, they did not recapitulate the pathological phenotype of patients with GD, and better models are needed.
Corrosion of an Additively Manufactured Ti6Al4V Alloy in Saline and Acidic Media
Authors: Mora-Sanchez Hugo , Collado-Vian Miguel , Mohedano Marta , Arrabal Raúl , Matykina Endzhe
Published: February 2024

The present work aims to provide corrosion performance data for an additively manufactured Ti6Al4V alloy in saline and polluted environments. The as-received additively manufactured material underwent heat treatment at 850 °C for 3 h to transform the acicular α’ microstructure into a lamellar α microstructure. Comparative corrosion assessments were conducted between the heat-treated substrates, the as-received condition, and a conventionally mill-annealed alloy. Potentiodynamic polarization experiments were carried out in saline (3.5 wt.% NaCl) and acid aqueous media ((NH4)2SO4 containing Harrison’s solution). The corrosion performance of additively manufactured substrates matched or surpassed that of the conventional alloy in Harrison’s solutions while remaining inferior in saline medium, despite forming a thicker passive film. Overall, the XY plane showed better corrosion performance, particularly after the elimination of the acicular α’ martensite by the applied heat treatment. The results also suggested that the presence of the coarse β phase was beneficial in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution and detrimental in Harrison’s solutions, more so in acidified and fluorinated conditions.
Small-Scale High-Pressure Hydrogen Storage Vessels: A Review
Authors: Li Jian , Chai Xingzai , Gu Yunpeng , Zhang Pengyu , Yang Xiao , Wen Yuhui , Xu Zhao , Jiang Bowen , Wang Jian , Jin Ge , Qiu Xiangbiao , Zhang Ting
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, high-pressure hydrogen storage is the most commercially used technology owing to its high hydrogen purity, rapid charging/discharging of hydrogen, and low-cost manufacturing. Despite numerous reviews on hydrogen storage technologies, there is a relative scarcity of comprehensive examinations specifically focused on high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage and its associated materials. This article systematically presents the manufacturing processes and materials used for a variety of high-pressure hydrogen storage containers, including metal cylinders, carbon fiber composite cylinders, and emerging glass material-based hydrogen storage containers. Furthermore, it introduces the relevant principles and theoretical studies, showcasing their advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional high-pressure hydrogen storage containers. Finally, this article provides an outlook on the future development of high-pressure hydrogen storage containers.
The Role of Natural and Synthetic Flavonoids in the Prevention of Marine Biofouling
Authors: Pereira Daniela , Pinto Madalena , Almeida Joana R. , Correia-da-Silva Marta , Cidade Honorina
Published: February 2024

Marine biofouling is a major concern for the maritime industry, environment, and human health. Biocides which are currently used in marine coatings to prevent this phenomenon are toxic to the marine environment, and therefore a search for antifoulants with environmentally safe properties is needed. A large number of scientific papers have been published showing natural and synthetic compounds with potential to prevent the attachment of macro- and microfouling marine organisms on submerged surfaces. Flavonoids are a class of compounds which are highly present in nature, including in marine organisms, and have been found in a wide range of biological activities. Some natural and synthetic flavonoids have been evaluated over the last few years for their potential to prevent the settlement and/or the growth of marine organisms on submerged structures, thereby preventing marine biofouling. This review compiles, for the first-time, natural flavonoids as well as their synthetic analogues with attributed antifouling activity against macrofouling and microfouling marine organisms.
Medicinal Chemistry Strategies for the Modification of Bioactive Natural Products
Authors: Ding Yuyang , Xue Xiaoqian
Published: February 2024

Natural bioactive compounds are valuable resources for drug discovery due to their diverse and unique structures. However, these compounds often lack optimal drug-like properties. Therefore, structural optimization is a crucial step in the drug development process. By employing medicinal chemistry principles, targeted molecular operations can be applied to natural products while considering their size and complexity. Various strategies, including structural fragmentation, elimination of redundant atoms or groups, and exploration of structure-activity relationships, are utilized. Furthermore, improvements in physicochemical properties, chemical and metabolic stability, biophysical properties, and pharmacokinetic properties are sought after. This article provides a concise analysis of the process of modifying a few marketed drugs as illustrative examples.
Divergent Syntheses of (-)-Chicanine, (+)-Fragransin A2, (+)-Galbelgin, (+)-Talaumidin, and (+)-Galbacin via One-Pot Homologative γ-Butyrolactonization
Authors: Choi Hosam , Han Jongyeol , Choi Joohee , Lee Kiyoun
Published: February 2024

In this study, the divergent syntheses of (-)-chicanine, (+)-fragransin A2, (+)-galbelgin, (+)-talaumidin, and (+)-galbacin are detailed. In this approach, an early-stage modified Kowalski one-carbon homologation reaction is utilized to construct the central γ-butyrolactone framework with the two necessary β,γ-vicinal stereogenic centers. The two common chiral γ-butyrolactone intermediates were designed to be capable for assembling five different optically active tetrahydrofuran lignans from commercially available materials in a concise and effective divergent manner in five to eight steps. These five syntheses are among the shortest and highest-yielding syntheses reported to date.