bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wearable Biosensor Utilizing Chitosan Biopolymer for Uric Acid Monitoring
Authors: Sato Mizuki , Kamiyama Tatsuya , Iitani Kenta , Yano Kazuyoshi , Mitsubayashi Kohji , Arakawa Takahiro
Published: October 2023

A wearable biosensor was specifically engineered to measure uric acid, a biomarker present at wound sites. This biosensor, fabricated as a disposable and wearable device, was seamlessly integrated onto a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate by utilizing carbon and silver conductive paste as the electrodes. The enzyme uricase was immobilized onto the working electrode by utilizing chitosan, a biocompatible material, to create this biosensor. Notably, the uric acid biosensor fabricated with chitosan showcased exceptional performance metrics, including remarkable output current values and impeccable stability. These findings suggest the prospective utilization of chitosan-based uric acid biosensors for the accurate measurement of uric acid on human skin in future applications.
Difference in the Osteoblastic Calcium Signaling Response Between Compression and Stretching Mechanical Stimuli
Authors: Sato Katsuya , Nakahara Tasuku , Minami Kazuyuki
Published: October 2023

In orthodontics, various forms of mechanical stimulation induce opposing bone metabolism mechanisms. Bone resorption and bone formation occur in areas of compressive and tensile force action, respectively. The mechanism that causes such a difference in bone metabolism is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the difference in the osteoblastic calcium signaling response between compression and stretching mechanical stimuli. We applied two types of mechanical stimuli to osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells: first microneedle direct indentation onto the cell as compression stimuli, and second stretching stimuli by using originally developed cell stretching MEMS device. Cells were treated with thapsigargin and calcium-free medium to investigate the source of the calcium ion. The results demonstrated variations in the osteoblastic calcium signaling response between the compression and stretching stimuli. The magnitude of an increase in the intracellular calcium ion concentration is much higher in the compression stimuli-applied cell group. Treatment of calcium-free medium nearly suppressed the calcium signaling response to both types of mechanical stimulation. Thapsigargin treatment induced an increase in the magnitude of calcium signaling response to the compression stimuli, while suppressed the slow and sustained increase in the calcium ion concentration in the stretching stimuli-applied cell group. These findings demonstrate the difference in the characteristics of osteoblastic calcium signaling response between compression and stretching mechanical stimuli.
Fabrication of a Magnetically Driven Cell-Stretching Device for Predefined Cell Alignment in Vitro
Authors: Nakahara Tasuku , Ono Sora , Minami Kazuyuki
Published: October 2023

Various devices have been developed that use stretching silicone sheets to evaluate cellular mechanotransduction. However, few studies have explored predefined cell alignments using mechanical stimuli for engineering applications, including cell sheets and drug screenings. Therefore, we proposed a magnetically driven cell-stretching device for predefined cell alignment in vitro, which consisted mainly of a circular silicone membrane with a neodymium magnet and standard cell culture dish. As the proposed device was incorporated into a cell culture dish, there may be a small risk of contamination in long-term incubation experiments. The device was fabricated by assembling a polydimethylsiloxane membrane and silicone ring. The fabricated device showed that the membrane strain increased with increasing voltage application to the electromagnet, and indicated that cell alignment occurs when strain exceeds 0.8%. Following cyclic stimulation of cells adhered to a membrane for 4 h in a CO2 incubator with 1.05% strain at 0.1 Hz, cell alignment with the predefined direction increased by 20.4% compared to that before stimulation. The findings imply that the proposed device may be utilized for predefined cell alignment.
Analysis of Inward Vascular Remodeling Focusing on Endothelial–Perivascular Crosstalk in a Microfluidic Device
Authors: Murai Ryosuke , Watanabe Masafumi , Sudo Ryo
Published: October 2023

Vascular remodeling is a crucial process for the effective delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the entire body during vascular formation. However, detailed mechanisms underlying vascular remodeling are not yet fully understood owing to the absence of an appropriate experimental model. To address this, in this study, we utilized a microfluidic vascular model with perivascular cells to investigate the mechanism of vascular remodeling by culturing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a microfluidic device. We compared two different cell culture conditions: culturing HUVECs and MSCs (1) separately in different channels and (2) in the same channel. In both conditions, microvascular networks covered with perivascular cells were formed. Interestingly, a significant inward vascular remodeling occurred over time when HUVECs and MSCs were cultured in different channels. This remodeling was mediated by direct endothelial–perivascular crosstalk through α6 integrin. Furthermore, computational fluid analysis revealed that hypothetical shear stress on the luminal surface of microvessels was attenuated during inward vascular remodeling, suggesting that the remodeling might be an adaptive change. Our findings and the microfluidic model will be useful not only for further elucidation of mechanisms underlying physiological and pathological vascular remodeling but also for constructing functional vascularized tissues and organs by controlling vascular remodeling.
Development of Cell Micropatterning Technique Using Laser Processing of Alginate Gel
Authors: Takemoto Haruhiko , Sonoda Keito , Ike Kanae , Saito Yoichi , Nakanishi Yoshitaka , Nakashima Yuta
Published: October 2023

Tissue formation from heterogeneous cell types, similar to those in vivo, is an important technique for development of new drugs and formation of artificial organs. In vivo tissues are complex arrangements of heterogeneous cells that interact with each other. To create such tissues in vitro, it is essential to develop a technique that arranges heterogeneous cells in an arbitrary configuration. Currently, we are developing a new gel patterning technique to create effective cell micropatterns by using photolithography and alginate gel, which inhibits cellular adhesion. In this study, we considered that a more flexible gel patterning technique was required for creating order-made formations of complex tissues. We created gel patterns by removing the alginate gel using laser processing, and cells were cultured on the formed patterns. Complex heterogeneous cell patterns were achieved by adjusting various technical parameters such as the laser power, spot diameter, and alginate gel film thickness. Based on our results, we anticipate that our technique will prove useful for the development of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Analysis of Separation Efficiency Focusing on Particle Concentration and Size Using a Spiral Microfluidic Device
Authors: Horade Mitsuhiro , Mukae Syunsuke , Yamawaki Tasuku , Yashima Masahito , Murakami Shuichi , Saiki Tsunemasa
Published: October 2023

This study discusses component separation using a microfluidic device. Based on the separation principle, a method was adopted to generate an external force due to centrifugal force in a spirally designed channel. In this study, four types of polystyrene particles with different diameters ranging within 1–45 µm were used, and the separation performance was evaluated for each particle size. The centrifugal force increased as the flow velocity in the channel increased; however, this time, the test was conducted with the flow rate, which is an input parameter fixed at 100 µL/min. The results of the micro-channel observation using a high-speed camera indicated that the particle density might be a factor in the decrease in separation efficiency. Therefore, by conducting tests at three different particle densities, we were able to experimentally investigate the change in separation efficiency based on the particle size and density. In this study, we considered the separation efficiency due to the size and density of the particle diameter along with its application to an onsite-type separation device.
Control of Osmotic-Engine-Driven Liposomes Using Biological Nanopores
Authors: Shibuya Hinata , Okada Shun , Shoji Kan
Published: October 2023

Liposome-based molecular robots that molecular systems are integrated into a giant liposome have been proposed; they are expected to be applied in the fields of medicine, environmental science, food science, and energy science. However, the performance of these molecular robotic components, including intelligence, sensors, and actuators, still hinders their practical use. In particular, the actuators used in the molecular robots, such as molecular motors, do not provide sufficient performance to move the giant liposomes. Hence, we propose an osmotic-engine-driven liposome and demonstrate the migration of liposomes in a microfluidic channel by applying a salt concentration difference between the front and rear of the liposome. Although the migration mechanism is simple and has the potential to provide sufficient mobility performance, control techniques for the movement speed and on/off switching are not established. Herein, we describe a speed control method of osmotic-engine-driven liposomes using pore-forming membrane proteins. In this study, we evaluated the effect of reconstituted α-hemolysin (αHL) nanopores on the water permeability through lipid bilayers. Thereafter, we demonstrated the change in displacement speeds of liposomes with and without nanopores. We expect the speed control method using nanopores to be applied to the liposome-based molecular robots.
Decentralized Control Mechanism Underlying Morphology-Dependent Quadruped Turning
Authors: Amaike Hayato , Fukuhara Akira , Kano Takeshi , Ishiguro Akio
Published: October 2023

Quadruped mammals can control the movement of their center of gravity when turning by skillfully utilizing their bodies to achieve adaptive turning movements. Interestingly, the low-speed turning behavior also changes depending on the animal’s morphology. Therefore, this study aims to understand the control algorithm of low-speed turning, which can reproduce the turning behavior according to the location of the center of gravity. Specifically, we constructed a control algorithm based on the knowledge that animals steer with the leg closest to the center of gravity and verified it with a quadruped robot whose center of gravity could be adjusted. Consequently, the behavior observed in animals was successfully reproduced, with a stable and large turning angle per time when the proposed control algorithm was used.
Speech-Driven Avatar Robot System with Changing Complexion for the Visualization of an Interactive Atmosphere
Authors: Sejima Yoshihiro , Yang Liheng , Inagaki Saki , Morita Daiki
Published: October 2023

Smooth interactions between talkers can be realized by transmitting and receiving mutual video images and voices in remote communication. However, in such remote communication, it is difficult to generate a sense of unity and an interactive atmosphere because humans recognize screens as a boundary of the physical space. Therefore, it is essential to develop a communication system that can generate and share an interactive atmosphere and interaction-activated communication even if talkers are in remote places. In this study, we developed a speech-driven avatar robot system incorporating an estimation model that simulates the degree of activated communication based on the talker’s speech. The developed avatar robot system can visualize an interactive atmosphere while changing the complexion based on an estimated value. The effectiveness of the developed system was demonstrated by means of sensory evaluations.
Learning analytics in formative assessment: A systematic literature review
Authors: ZHANG Ke , YILMAZ Ramazan , USTUN Ahmet Berk , KARAOĞLAN YILMAZ Fatma Gizem
Published: October 2023

This systematic review examines the use of learning analytics (LA) in formative assessment (FA). LA is a powerful tool that can support FA by providing real-time feedback to students and teachers. The review analyzes studies published on Web of Science and Scopus databases between 2011 and 2022 that provide an overview of the current state of published research on the use of LA for FA in diverse learning environments and through different delivery modes. This review also explores the significant potential of LA in FA practices in digital learning. A total of 63 studies met all selection criteria and were fully reviewed by conducting multiple analyses including selected bibliometrics, a categorical meta-trends analysis and inductive content analysis. The results indicate that the number of LA in FA studies has experienced a significant surge over the past decade. The results also show the current state of research on LA in FA, through a range of disciplines, journals, research methods, learning environments and delivery modes. This review can help inform the implementation of LA in educational contexts to support effective FA practices. However, the review also highlights the need for further research.
Evolutionary dynamics of chromatin structure and duplicate gene expression in diploid and allopolyploid cotton
Authors: Hu Guanjing , Grover Corrinne , Vera Daniel , Lung Pei-Yau , Girimurugan Senthil , Miller Emma , Conover Justin , Ou Shujun , Xiong Xianpeng , Zhu De , Li Dongming , Gallagher Joseph , Udall Joshua , Sui Xin , Zhang Jinfeng , Bass Hank , Wendel Jonathan
Published: October 2023

Polyploidy is a prominent mechanism of plant speciation and adaptation, yet the mechanistic understandings of duplicated gene regulation remain elusive. Chromatin structure dynamics are suggested to govern gene regulatory control. Here we characterized genome-wide nucleosome organization and chromatin accessibility in allotetraploid cotton, Gossypium hirsutum (AADD, 2n=4X=52), relative to its two diploid parents (AA or DD genome) and their synthetic diploid hybrid (AD), using DNS-seq. The larger A-genome exhibited wider average nucleosome spacing in diploids, and this inter-genomic difference diminished in the allopolyploid but not hybrid. Allopolyploidization also exhibited increased accessibility at promoters genome-wide and synchronized cis-regulatory motifs between subgenomes. A prominent cis-acting control was inferred for chromatin dynamics and demonstrated by transposable element removal from promoters. Linking accessibility to gene expression patterns, we found distinct regulatory effects for hybridization and later allopolyploid stages, including nuanced establishment of homoeolog expression bias and expression level dominance. Histone gene expression and nucleosome organization are coordinated through chromatin accessibility. Our study demonstrates the capability to track high resolution chromatin structure dynamics and reveals their role in the evolution of cis-regulatory landscapes and duplicate gene expression in polyploids, illuminating regulatory ties to subgenomic asymmetry and dominance.
Distinct Molecular Profiles and Drug Vulnerabilities in
Pancreatic Metastases of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Juusola Matilda , Kallio Pauliina , Luck Tamara , Polso Minttu , Kumari Romika , Mikkonen Piia , Välimäki Katja , Malmstedt Minna , Ellonen Pekka , Pellinen Teijo , Heckman Caroline , Mustonen Harri , Puolakkainen Pauli , Alitalo Kari , Kallioniemi Olli , Mirtti Tuomas , Rannikko Antti , Pietiäinen Vilja , Seppänen Hanna
Published: October 2023

Pancreatic metastases (PM) of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are rare, and little is known about them at patient level. The aim of this study was to define the patient-specific characteristics of PM-ccRCC and matching patient-derived cell (PDC) cultures.
We describe the genomic and single-cell transcriptomic profiles of five patients with PM-ccRCC as well as the functional drug sensitivities of their PDCs­­. First, the patients’ tumors depicted both common and novel somatic mutations and copy number alterations, which were maintained in their PDCs. Second, we show that PM-ccRCC transcriptomes differ from previously reported signatures for bone metastasis and primary ccRCC. Finally, we find both shared (e.g., PIK3, mTOR inhibitors) and patient-specific (e.g., EGFR, MEK1/2 inhibitors) drug sensitivities. We use integrated multi-omics to illuminate pathway-level deregulations explaining drug sensitivities, and to propose patient-specific druggable pathways. Altogether, our findings suggest enriched molecular profiles in PM-ccRCC and target pathways for PM-ccRCC treatment.
Research on User Review Analysis Based on Text Mining and ISM
Authors: Li Na , Liu Yutao , Chen Zhan
Published: October 2023

Effective keywords are extracted from the massive milk product user review data to construct thematic terms and explore the elemental influence relationships to assist manufacturers, and E-Commerce platforms in understanding user behaviour and preferences and further optimise product design and marketing strategies. By fusing two different text mining methods, TF-IDF and Word2vec, we explore the semantic relationships, then visualise the relevance of user reviews by drawing knowledge graphs with Neo4j, and finally, be able to explore the relationship between the themes of the mined reviews, ISM was used for a comprehensive evaluation, and the effectiveness of the method was verified on the Suning.com website dataset. The fusion of text mining and systematic analysis helps users to locate products quickly and precisely from the huge review information. The six elements of user reviews were categorized as Freshness of taste, Discounted prices, Logistics, Customer Repurchase, Product Packaging, Nutritional composition, and their element levels were divided into three layers. the first layer was Discounted prices, Customer Repurchase, and Logistics; the second layer was Product Packaging and Nutritional composition; and the third layer was Taste freshness.
Response mechanism of overexpress LBA0625 in Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 at freeze-drying process revealed by transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Sun Xiaoqian , Zeng Xiaoqun , Sun Jie , Wu Zhen , Du Qiwei , Guo Yuxing , Tu Maolin , Pan Daodong
Published: October 2023

Background:
Uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGPase) is an important cytosolic enzyme in polysaccharide synthesis, which plays an important role in the growth and development of bacteria. However, the regulatory mechanisms of UGPase in freeze-drying resistance are still unclear.
Results:
In this work, the LBA0625 gene of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC4356 which is able to induct of the production of UGPase-0625 were overexpressed in Lactococcus lactis NZ9000. And the physiological changes and transcriptomics of the strains were analyzed to determine possible survival mechanisms. The results showed that LBA0625 overexpression significantly enhanced survival rate from 57.14 % to 79.29% and increased UGPase activity by 48.35%, which indicating that there has a positive relationship between stress tolerance and LBA0625 overexpression. Transcriptome analysis showed that there were total 441 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after LBA0625 overexpression, including 433 upregulated DEGs and 8 downregulated DEGs. Many of the upregulated DEGs are related to oxidative phosphorylation and exopolysaccharide to facilitate L. lactis NZ9000 biochemical reactions, eventually enhanced freeze-drying resistance.
Conclusions:
The results of this study suggested the mechanisms involved in overexpression of LBA0625 in L. lactis NZ9000 and would construct in the field of stress-resistant to lactic acid bacteria.
Dynamic Multi-Layered Image Encryption scheme using User Driven Chaotic Sequences
Authors: Mathivanan P. , Ashwini K , Aljaedi Amer , Bouye Mohamed , Bassfar Zaid
Published: October 2023

With technological advances, sharing sensitive information, such as multimedia data, especially images, is common. To protect the integrity of such data, advanced encryption algorithms are utmost necessary. The proposed encryption scheme introduces a novel approach that capitalizes on the distinct characteristics of users' authenticated usernames to dictate the sequence in which image blocks are encrypted. The methodology encompasses two key strategies. Initially, a set of four individual chaotic maps - Sin, Chebyshev, Logistic, and Gaussian - are employed for encryption. Also, the image blocks are encrypted with a novel 4D chaotic map. The process begins with segmenting an N×N×3 color image into its red, blue, and green constituents, each of size N×N. These constituents are further subdivided into four arrays, each sized (4×4) × (N/4) × (N/4). The encryption process for various image bands is based on the use of chaotic sequences generated by schemes 1 and 2. These resulting sequences serve as the fundamental encryption keys, guiding a variety of processes including both confusion and diffusion. The proposed encryption schemes, Scheme 1 and Scheme 2 were rigorously evaluated through extensive simulations, comparing their performance with a traditional algorithm. Both procedures demonstrated robustness against statistical analysis differential attacks and showcased NPCR and UACI values closely approximating ideal standards of 99.6 and 33.4, respectively. Notably, Scheme 2, employing the proposed 4D map, outperformed Scheme 1, which used four different chaotic maps, particularly in terms of NPCR and UACI. The schemes exhibited a significant key space of 2540, rendering decryption infeasible within an astronomical time frame of 9.449 × 10130 years. Further, entropy and correlation analysis validation revealed values close to 7.99 and 0, aligning with traditional algorithms' values. Additionally, pixel distribution analyses indicated uniformity along horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions. The paper introduces an innovative encryption approach that capitalizes on user-specific characteristics and demonstrates superior security and performance compared to conventional methods.
Thermodynamic properties of propanol using DFT in the gas phase
Authors: Lopes Franklin dos Santos , Arouche TIAGO da Silva , Reis Arthur Felipe Vasconcelos Ferreira , Neto Abel Ferreira Gomes , Pereira Tais , de Almeida Ossalin , Junior Raul Nunes Carvalho , Costa Fabio Lopes Paranhos , Lima Romulo Costa , Costa Manuel , Costa José Franscisco Silva , Neto Antonio Maia de Jesus Chaves
Published: October 2023

This study aims to assess the impact of thermodynamic properties of propanols (propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol) and their isomers (2-methylpropan-1-ol and 2-methylpropan-2-ol) on fuel mixtures with gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. The evaluation is conducted using the Functional Density Theory, which determines various thermodynamic properties like specific molar heat at constant pressure, entropy, Gibbs free energy, and variation of formation enthalpy for calculating the heat of combustion. The simulation is performed using the functional hybrid B3LYP structures with bases 6–311 + + g (d, p) and 6-31g (d) through the software Gaussian 09W and the semi-empirical method PM3. Notably, 2-methylpropan-1-ol and 2-methylpropan-2-ol show higher energy gains, generating 13.38 KJ/g and 13.88 KJ/g more energy per unit mass compared to ethanol (22.73 KJ/g) and methanol (12.70 KJ/g), respectively. As the fraction of propanols increases by 10%, propan-1-ol with 33.49 KJ/g and propan-2-ol with 33.53 KJ/g exhibit the highest energy losses when compared to gasoline, which recorded 13.81 KJ/g and 13.77 KJ/g, respectively, under similar pressure and temperature conditions. The combustion of propan-1-ol shows the lowest values in all scenarios, particularly with diesel fuel at 11.31 KJ/g and kerosene at 12.71 KJ/g. Additionally, the study highlights the potential of these propanol-based mixtures as viable alternatives in the combustion phase, offering potential benefits in terms of energy efficiency and reduced emissions.
Pathomics models based on H&E slides to predict the survival prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang xinbin , Wang Fang , Liu Zhonglong , Li Hui , ONG Huishan , Guo Bing , Zhang Wenhao , Meng Zexiang , Qu Xingzhou , Xu Guangzhou , Chen Minjie , Yang X
Published: October 2023

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is the most common tumor of the head and neck region and has a low survival rate. This study innovatively proposes the use of pathomics to determine the correlation between clinicopathological and genomic data and patient prognosis, while exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms behind histology subtypes. In this study, hematoxylin and eosin slides were subjected to image segmentation and feature extraction, followed by unsupervised clustering analysis, to establish a predictive model for survival. Differential gene expression and pathways were explored based on the pathological subtypes, and transcriptome data from our hospital were used for validation. A total of 485 samples with complete pathological images and clinical information were included in this study, with 271 from the TCGA dataset and 214 from patients from our hospital with a 5-year follow-up. Thirteen pathomechanical features were selected based on different survival rates. In the training and validation set, there were significant differences in the pathological grade among the different pathological histology subtypes. In addition, different pathological classification also differed in early-stage tumor (Histologic grade G1/G2). A total of 76 differentially expressed genes were identified among the different pathological subtypes that were enriched in energy metabolism-related pathways. Visualization of mutation profiles for different pathomic subtypes revealed high mutation rates in PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and apoptosis pathways. Finally, using TCGA and our hospital's transcriptome data, we identified the differential expression of MTOR, COL9A1, and CD44 among pathological subtypes. The pathological histological subtype model had excellent predictive performance for survival. MTOR, COL9A1, and CD44 may regulate tumor differentiation and the immune microenvironment to ultimately drive pathological changes.
Computer-aided rational design strategy based on protein surface charge to improve the thermal stability of a novel esterase from Geobacillus jurassicus
Authors: Song Runfei , Zhang Jin , Zhu Mengyu , Lin Lin , Wei Wei , Wei Dongzhi
Published: October 2023

Objectives
Although Geobacillus are significant thermophilic bacteria source, there are no reports of thermostable esterase gene in G. jurassicus or rational design strategies to increase the thermal stability of esterases.
Results
Gene gju768 showed a highest similarity of 15.20% to esterases from Geobacillus sp. with detail enzymatic properties. Using a combination of Gibbs Unfolding Free Energy (∆∆G) calculator and the distance from the mutation site to the catalytic site (DsCα−Cα) to screen suitable mutation sites with elimination of negative surface charge, the mutants (D24N, E221Q, and E253Q) displayed stable mutants with higher thermal stability than the wild-type (WT). Mutant E253Q exhibited the best thermal stability, with a half-life (T1/2) at 65°C of 32.4 min, which was 1.8-fold of the WT (17.9 min).
Conclusion
Cloning of gene gju768 and rational design based on surface charge engineering contributed to the identification of thermostable esterase from Geobacillus sp. and the exploration of evolutionary strategies for thermal stability.
Quercetin stimulates trophoblast fusion via the mitochondrial function
Authors: Yoshida Kanoko , Kusama Kazuya , Shinohara Go , Sato Shiho , Yoshie Mikihiro , Tamura Kazuhiro
Published: October 2023

The fusion of mononuclear trophoblasts into multinucleate syncytiotrophoblasts is the critical event in the process of syncytialization, and its dysregulation can lead to pregnancy complications, notably hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Oxidative stress may disrupt trophoblast syncytialization in HDP. Specifically, placentas with HDP exhibit impaired mitochondria, giving rise to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent oxidative stress. Quercetin, a bioflavonoid known for its antioxidant and anti-aging properties, has the potential to mitigate oxidative stress during trophoblast syncytialization. However, the precise mechanism underlying the action of quercetin in these processes remains to be elucidated. To explore the impact of quercetin on syncytialization, mitochondrial function, and ROS generation, cyclic AMP-stimulated BeWo cells were treated with quercetin. The expression of markers associated with cell fusion, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress was determined using qPCR and western blotting. Additionally, morphological syncytialization and mitophagy (mitochondrial degradation) were assessed by immunofluorescence analysis. Our results revealed that quercetin increased the expression of syncytialization markers and promoted cell fusion. Furthermore, this compound also upregulated markers associated with mitophagy and mitochondrial fusion, which are corroborated by visual evidence of mitophagy through the fluorescence microscope. Cell fusion naturally stimulated ROS generation, which was attenuated by quercetin. Quercetin downregulated the expression of NRF2 and HO-1 during syncytialization, while increasing the expression of sirtuin1/3/6, which are known to play essential roles in antioxidant responses. In conclusion, quercetin effectively regulates mitochondrial function through its antioxidant properties and the suppression of ROS generation, ultimately promoting trophoblast fusion, suggesting that the flavonoid has the potential to ameliorate pregnancy-related disorder stemming from placental dysplasia.
Impaired striatal Glutamate/GABA regulation in violent offenders with antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy
Authors: Tully John , Pereira Andreia , Sethi Arjun , Griem Julia , Cross Ben , Williams Steven , Murphy Declan , Blair James , Blackwood Nigel
Published: October 2023

Men with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) with or without psychopathy (+/-P) are responsible for most violent crime in society. Development of effective treatments is hindered by poor understanding of the neurochemical underpinnings of the condition. Men with ASPD with and without psychopathy demonstrate impulsive decision-making, associated with striatal abnormalities in functional neuroimaging studies. However, to date, no study has directly examined the potential neurochemical underpinnings of such abnormalities. We therefore investigated striatal glutamate: GABA ratio using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in 30 violent offenders (16 ASPD-P, 14 ASPD+P) and 21 healthy non-offenders. Men with ASPD+/-P had a highly significant reduction in striatal glutamate : GABA ratio compared to non-offenders. We report, for the first time, striatal Glutamate/GABA dysregulation in ASPD+/-P, and discuss how this may be related to core behavioral abnormalities in the disorders.
Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Positive Infant Drug Toxicology
Authors: Pee Hannah , Kocherlakota Prabhakar , Hussein Karen
Published: October 2023

Background: Identifying substance use disorder (SUD) during pregnancy is challenging as there is no general consensus on which pregnant women should be tested for SUD during pregnancy. Recent studies have shown that a criteria-based approach may be essential for toxicological testing.
Objective: To identify maternal and neonatal risk factors associated with positive neonatal drug toxicology results.
Design/Methods: A retrospective chart review of mothers and their delivered infants from 2016 to 2022 at Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh, NY. Urine, umbilical cord, and meconium were analyzed for toxicological testing.
Results: Of the 5488 deliveries, 10.2% of mothers had risk factors, and 5.4% of dyads had positive toxicology results. Mothers with recent substance use disorder (SUD), including SUD on medication-associated treatment (MAT), infants with withdrawal signs, small for gestational age (SGA), and exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STD) had positive toxicology results.
Conclusion: Insufficient prenatal care, the most common indication for toxicology testing, was not associated with positive toxicology results.
The Well-Being of Social-Health Professionals: Relationship Between Coping Strategies, Emotion Regulation, Metacognition and Quality of Professional Life
Authors: Ferro Laura , Cariello Marina , Colombesi Alessandra , Adduci Chiara , Centonze Eleonora , Baccini Giorgia , Cristofanelli Stefania
Published: October 2023

Background
Social-health professionals should have knowledge, skills, and use personal resources that promote the helping relationship, access to effective intervention strategies, and well-being at work. In this professional group, the risk of developing burnout is common and the quality of professional life is strongly related to the intensity and frequency of exposure, including indirect exposure, to critical and traumatic events. In particular, social and health care professionals working with minors face great challenges, emotionally, metacognitively, and in terms of stress management. This study aims to investigate the relationship between some personal resources (coping strategies, emotional regulation and metacognition) and professional satisfaction in a group of social-health professionals working with minors suffering from psychosocial distress.
Method
Social-health professionals who work with minors completed self-assessment measures relating to the Professional Quality of Life Scale (PRQOL), Coping Orientation to the Problems Experienced—New Italian Version (COPE-NVI), Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS) and Metacognition Self-Assessment Scale (MSAS).
Results
The quality of professional life showed some significant correlations with the psychological characteristics studied. linear regression analysis using the dimensions measured by PRQOL as dependent variables. We then tested several regression models using the dimensions COPE, MSAS, and DERS as independent variables. MSAS showed no significance with any of the three PRQOL dimensions. Otherwise, COPE proved to be a significant predictor of quality of professional life for all three components. The DERS appears to predict only the burnout component.
Conclusions
The quality of professional life of social-health professionals who work with minors affected by psychosocial problems is influenced by individual resources at different levels, regardless of knowledge and skills. They show greater fatigue and aspects of secondary traumatization when emotional disengagement occurs and it seems difficult to accept their emotional reactions. Appropriate spaces for reflection and sharing can modulate maladaptive use of avoidance and promote caring relationships with minors.
Surgery for T4 rectal cancer- is treatment planning based on response MRI safe?
Authors: Ballal Devesh S , Raj Prudvi , M Janesh , Kazi Mufaddal , Desouza Ashwin , Ankathi Suman K. , Engineer Reena , Saklani Avanish P.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

There is no clear consensus on using the response-MRI as opposed to the pretreatment-MRI for surgical planning in cT4 low rectal cancer.

Methods

Retrospective review of a database of abdominoperineal resections conducted at a single tertiary cancer center. Patients divided into 2 groups- Group A (clinical T3 and mesorectal fascia positive) and Group B (clinical T4) with the primary outcome being rate of pathological circumferential resection margin positivity. After propensity score matching, factors influencing pathological circumferential resection margin positivity were analysed using logistic regression.

Results

There were 237 patients in Group A and 127 in Group B, in the unmatched cohort, with a significantly higher number of females (43.3% vs 28.7%, p=0.005) and anterior circumferential resection margin positivity (68.5% vs 49%, p<0.001), with a lower number of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Group B (38.6% vs 49.8%, p=0.041). After propensity matching baseline characters were comparable. There was a higher percentage of extended-Total Mesorectal Excisions in group B (58.5% Vs 40.5%, p=0.004). The rate of pathological circumferential positivity was comparable in both groups (20/168 in Group A{11.9%} Vs 13/107 in Group B{12.1%}, p=0.951) with no impact of group on circumferential resection margin positivity on univariate (OR 1.023, p=0.951) or multivariate regression (OR 0.993, p=0.987). Both the DFS (median DFS 39 months Vs 54 months, p=0.970) and OS (3-year OS 72% Vs 67%, p=0.798) were comparable between groups.

Conclusion

For T4 low rectal cancers, post-treatment MRI can be used for surgical planning without any detriment in outcomes.
Radiographic Evaluation of Pulmonary Embolus Study at Mouwasat University Hospita On the Radiological Signs of pulmonary embolus On plain chest images and CT scans.
Authors: Aldahouk Yara , khattab Khalid , Sallom Nmr
Published: October 2023

Pulmonary embolism results from an emboli in any part of the pulmonary circulation, it is usually caused by avenous thrombosis in the deep veins, Risk factors for pulmonary embolism include three basic forms called Virchow triad: Vascular trauma, Increased coagulability, Reduced blood flow, The clinical manifestations of pulmonary embolism are nonspecific, but their presence with one of the risk factors leads to pulmonary embolism, and then we carry out appropriate investigations and measures, Plain chest X-ray is often non directional and is used to ruleout symptoms clinically similar to pulmonary embolus, Pulmonary angiography is currently considered the gold standard for diagnosis, It is often performed using the multishider technique, wich has asensitivity and specificity equal to contrast angiography, but it is a non – invasive procedure and is therefore more widely used
One in Six Children and Adolescents in South Ethiopia Had Childhood trauma
Authors: Berhanu Tamene , Tesfaye Yonas , Girma Shimelis , Abera Mubarek
Published: October 2023

Background: Trauma in childhood is a serious experience that can affect the physical, psychological, and social development of the child and adolescent and has immense long-term effects on the child, and society. However, the condition is overlooked by parents, teachers, medical professionals, mental health practitioners, and researchers. Hence this study aimed to assess childhood trauma and its associated factors among children and Adolescents aged 5–14 years old at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, South Ethiopia, in 2022.
Method: From 22 September to 22 November, 2022, a hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted, at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. About 423 study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Childhood trauma was screening using the Child trauma screening questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive and logistic regression analysis methods. The strength as well as presence of association was presented using odds ratio and 95% CI with a corresponding p-value < 0.05.
Result: The magnitude of childhood trauma among children and Adolescents aged 5–14 was17.5%. Large family size (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.07, 3.13), educational level of parents (AOR = 4.4; 95% CI: 2.18, 9.00), and children and adolescent emotional problems (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.20) were significantly associated with childhood trauma
Conclusion and Recommendation: Approximately one in six children and adolescents had experienced childhood trauma. Large family size, educational level of parents, and emotional problems of children and adolescents were factors associated with childhood trauma. Therefore, a holistic preventive approach and early detection and management are important to halt the short and long-term impact of childhood trauma.
Dynamic De-identification Protection Adaptation for Sensitive User Data Scenarios in Virtual Power Plant
Authors: Shi Congcong , Yang Ruxia , Fei Jiaxuan , Liu Shidong , Tao Jing , Wu Jiawei
Published: October 2023

Virtual power plants serve as comprehensive dispatch platforms for load usage, energy supply, and market transactions in various scenarios. During the processing of distributed resource information, sensitive data of multiple users are involved. Traditional static desensitization methods face two challenges: difficulty in intelligent classification of multi-scene data and low efficiency in desensitization processing for different security requirements. To address these issues, this paper proposes a dynamic desensitization protection method based on scene adaptation of sensitive data in virtual power plants. The method utilizes machine learning techniques to achieve intelligent scene recognition and automatically selects the privacy protection strength based on the identified scene for dynamic desensitiza-tion of sensitive data. The proposed method introduces a novel similarity utility function that incorporates the concept of similarity and adaptively evaluates the similarity between scenes. This enables the method to perform scene recognition in an adaptive manner. Furthermore, a differential privacy algorithm based on Gaussian processes is employed to determine the privacy security parameters, ensuring privacy protection based on the identified business scenario. Experimental results demonstrate that when an appropriate privacy budget is selected, the proposed method achieves a recognition accuracy rate of 87.5%. This confirms the method’s effectiveness in terms of usability and security, as it successfully achieves differentiation in differential privacy protection and dynamic desensitization strategies corresponding to different scenarios. The proposed method provides a valuable contribution to the field by enabling dynamic desensitization protection of sensitive data in virtual power plants.
Association of Coffee and Caffeine Intake with Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Findings Based on NHANES 2007-2012
Authors: Liao Wan-Zhe , Li Jia-Xin , Feng Wei-Yi , Xiao Jia-Qi , Wang Zi-Xun , Xie Shuo-Jia , Hu Yi-Ming , Mao Jum-Hao , Huang Ze-Min , Guan Wei-Jie , Guo Xu-Guang
Published: October 2023

Objectives
This investigation aimed to examine the correlation between coffee and caffeine intake with the risk of COPD and lung function based on NHANES 2007-2012.
Materials and Methods
Exposure variables were established as coffee and caffeine consumption, while the risk of COPD and lung function were considered as the outcome variables. Other covariates were deemed potential confounders. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the NHANES to determine a definitive correlation between exposure variables and outcome variables.
Results
Multivariable regression models revealed positive associations between coffee and caffeine consumption and the risk of COPD and lung function. Subgroup analyses, stratified by sex, DM, hypertension status, and smoking habits, identified potential effect modifiers, as well as infection points from threshold effect examinations.
Conclusions
The results of this cross-sectional study indicated significant positive associations between coffee and caffeine consumption and the risk of COPD. Additionally, positive associations between exposure variables and FEV1 and FVC were discovered. Among the stratification factors, smoking status exhibited the most potential for modifying effects.
Trajectories of school refusal: sequence analysis using retrospective parent reports
Authors: BENOIT Laelia , PENG Edith CHAN SOCK , FLOURIOT Julien , DIGIOVANNI Madeline , BONIFAS Nicolas , ROUQUETTE Alexandra , MARTIN Andrés , FALISSARD Bruno
Published: October 2023

Background
School refusal (SR) is a form of school attendance problem (SAP) that requires specific mental health care. Despite improvements in the definition of SAPs, the course of SR is not well characterized.
Methods
To explore three-year patterns of SR course in children, as reported by their parents, we deployed an anonymous web-based survey. We defined SR onset as the absence of ≥ 2 school weeks during one academic year, combined with emotional distress. We defined standard SR trajectories using sequence analysis of parents’ recollection of three consecutive years of school attendance.
Results
We obtained 1,970 responses, 1,328 (67%) completed by a parent and meeting the definition of SR. Of these, 729 (55%) responses included three years of school attendance recollection. We identified five prototypical trajectories of SR: two profiles for children: beaded absences (n = 272), and rapid recovery (n = 132); and three for adolescents: prolonged recovery (n = 93), gradual decline (n = 89), and rapid decline (n = 143).
Conclusion
We found five distinct trajectories of retrospective recall of SR course. Through pattern recognition, this typology could help with timely identification of SR and implementation of evidence-based interventions to optimize outcomes. Prospective replication of these findings and their field application is warranted.
NaGdF 4 @ PEG-CLS@ MMP-13 cartilage-binding peptide NPs as a safe and effective MRI contrast agent for articular cartilage injury
Authors: Xu Jian , Zhang Yijun , Lin Mao , Ma Binbin , He Hongpu , Jiang Fangyi , He Shukun , Yuan Chengjie
Published: October 2023

Background
The precise and early detection of cartilage injuries bears immense significance, given their innate lack of self-healing capacity and propensity to cause joint dysfunction. Regrettably, the clinically conventional contrast agents, such as gadolinium-diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) with low longitudinal T1 relaxivity (r1) and a dearth of specificity limitted the MRI applications;
Methods
This study focused on NaGdF4 nanoparticles (NPs), subsequently augmenting their hydrophilicity and lipophilicity via polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cholesterol (CLS) modifications.Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP13) cartilage binding peptide (CBP) was harnessed to confer targeting capabilities. NaGdF4@PEG-CLS@MMP13 CBP NPs exhibited an elevated r1 value (8.07 mM − 1 s − 1) when juxtaposed with NaGdF4@PEG-CLS NPs (6.65 mM − 1 s − 1) and Gd-DTPA (3.01 mM − 1 s − 1);
Results
This NPs enhanced its affinity to cartilage and facilitated deeper penetration beyond the cartilage surface. Consequently, the NaGdF4@PEG-CLS@MMP13 CBP NPs instigated a notable enhancement in the quality of cartilage and lesion MR images. Specifically, a mere 2 hours following NP administration, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the injured cartilage site exhibited a remarkable 2.4-fold escalation in comparison to its pre-injection counterpart. Furthermore, the biocompatibility profile of NaGdF4@PEG-CLS@MMP13 CBP NPs proved favorable, with no observed adverse effects in blood samples or major organs;
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that Gd NPs underwent initial metabolism in the kidneys and liver, followed by excretion through urine. The cumulative evidence firmly positions NaGdF4@PEG-CLS@MMP13 CBP NPs as a promising and effective MRI contrast agent, poised to advance the early detection capabilities of cartilage injuries.