bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Building Design in BIM on the Carbon Footprint of Single-Family Houses: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Case Study of Masonry and Timber Technology
Authors: Mazur Łukasz , Olenchuk Anatoli
Published: September 2023

Building carbon footprint analysis is a key instrument for assessing the impact of different constructions on climate change. Several standards and methodologies are available to calculate the footprint of buildings, including standards and norms, life cycle assessment (LCA), and dedicated software tools. The use of BIM software for these calculations is both scientifically justified and very practical. This scientific publication focusses on the application of a BIM-based research methodology for the analysis of the carbon footprint of a single-family house. The research process included the following steps: (i) design of a single-family house with timber frame construction using Archicad BIM software, (ii) simulation of the building energy performance using the EcoDesigner Star plug-in, (iii) life cycle assessment (LCA) using the plug-in for Archicad, (iv) preparation of a second model with traditional masonry construction for comparison, and (v) comparative analysis of the single-family house models with timber frame and masonry construction. Analysis of the results highlights significant differences in CO2e emissions between masonry and timber buildings and the varying impact of individual elements on the total CO2e emissions of the buildings studied. These findings are relevant for future work on sustainable building design and construction, which aims to minimise negative environmental impacts. The goal of minimising the cumulative carbon footprint of buildings is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and combating climate change.
A Study on Biofilm Removal Efficacy of Bioelectric Toothbrush
Authors: Park Hyun Mok , Ryu Seungjae , Jo Eunah , Yoo Sun Kook , Kim Young Wook
Published: September 2023

Effective oral care is a critical requirement to maintain high quality of life. Most oral diseases are caused by plaque (oral biofilm), which is also correlated with systemic diseases. A common method to remove biofilm is brushing teeth with a toothpaste. However, 3.5 billion people in the world have oral diseases, meaning that more efficient methods of removing biofilms are needed. We have developed a toothbrush applying bioelectric effect (BE) utilizing an electric force for biofilm removal. It demonstrated significantly higher biofilm removal efficiency than non-BE manual toothbrushes. Tests were performed in saline and toothpaste conditions using various pressure. Results showed that the BE toothbrush had a significantly higher biofilm removal efficiency in saline (0.5 N: 215.43 ± 89.92 %, 2.5 N: 116.77 ± 47.02 %) and in a toothpaste slurry (0.5 N: 104.96 ± 98.93 %, 2.5 N: 96.23 ± 35.16 %) than non-BE manual toothbrushes. Results also showed that BE toothbrushes were less dependent on toothpaste. This study suggests that the application of BE can be a new solution to plaque problems in oral care.
Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of First-Episode Psychosis: A Pilot and Feasibility Non-Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Ayuso Lucia Santonja , Carmona-Simarro José Vicente , Pejó Laura Andreu
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Psychiatric care in Spain has experienced relevant changes both in the legislative and conceptual frameworks. This new approach advocates for the combination of carrying out mental health promotion, prevention of alterations and early diagnosis and treatment, enhancing actions against stigma and emphasising the attention on the most vulnerable groups, like childhood and youth. For that, it has seen fit to perform a nursing intervention on Education and Promotion of mental health for teachers and counsellors of a secondary school located in Valencia, with the general objective of assessing their impact on stigma.

Non-randomised clinical trial in which a nursing intervention on Education and Promotion of mental health was performed. Pre-intervention tools: multiple choice test validated by a group of experts; pre and post-intervention: AQ-27 (stigma attribution); in order to check its acceptance, satisfaction surveys were used. The inferential analysis included the Wilcoxon Test (pre and post AQ-27) and the Pearson Correlation Test for the quantitative variables of interest.

Sample (n=22): women aged 47.96 ± 10.12 years with 18.64 ± 10.34 years of work experience. The predominant stigmatising attitude before and after intervention was “Coercion”. The ones with lower score were “Segregation” and “Anger”. The p-values obtained in the Wilcoxon Test were statistically significant (p-value <0.05) except for “pre and post Responsibility” and “pre and post Pity”. The following constructs of interest were faced: “Age” vs “Fear” (r= -0.48, moderate), “Professional experience” and “Fear” (r= -0.46, moderate) and “Help” and “Psychosis test” (r= 0.51, severe). The overall satisfaction score was 9/10. Despite the scores obtained in “Coercion” and “Psychosis”, the intervention was useful for reducing stigma in the sample.
Analysis of the Influence of Calculation Parameters on the Design of the Gearbox of a High Power Wind Turbine
Authors: Rubio Francisco , Llopis-Albert Carlos , Pedrosa Ana M.
Published: September 2023

As wind turbine power requirements have evolved from the order of kilowatts (kW) to the order of several megawatts (MW), wind turbine components have been subjected to more demanding and critical operating conditions. The wind turbine must cope with higher wind loads due to larger blade sizes, which are also time-varying and ultimately higher power levels. One of the challenges in the manufacture of high-power wind turbines lies in the gearbox and consists of achieving ever greater power density without compromising efficiency, i.e., greater load capacity with lower weight (and production cost) and reduced power losses. In this paper we will analyze the influence that certain design parameters have on the size and weight of the gearbox components and therefore of the gearbox itself. For this purpose, the theoretical model of the gearbox will be planned and the influence of calculation parameters on the gearbox design will be analyzed. The influence of material, modulus and tooth width on the size and weight of the gearbox will be observed. Critical stresses are also calculated.
The goal is to prepare the theoretical basis for an optimization process that will result in a gearbox as compact as possible without compromising the service life of the components.
MK-DCCA Based Fault Diagnosis for Incipient Fault in Nonlinear Dynamic Processes
Authors: Wu Junzhou , Zhang Mei , Chen Lingxiao
Published: September 2023

incipient fault diagnosis is particularly important in process industrial systems, as its early detection helps to prevent major accidents. Against this background, this study proposes a combined method of Mixed Kernel Principal Components Analysis and Dynamic Canonical Correlation Analysis (MK-DCCA). The robust generalization performance of this approach is demonstrated through experimental validation on a randomly generated dataset. Furthermore, Comparative experiments were conducted on a CSTR Simulink model, comparing the MK-DCCA method with DCCA and DCVA methods, demonstrating its excellent detection performance for incipient fault in nonlinear and dynamic system. Meanwhile, fault identification experiments were conducted, validating the high accuracy of fault identification method based on contribution. The experimental findings demonstrate that the method possesses a certain industrial significance and academic relevance.
Understanding the Often Ignored, but Ever-Present Natural Units
Authors: Humpherys David
Published: September 2023

The natural units of measure lauded by Max Planck more than 100 years ago are rarely used today. But many physical constants, including Planck's constant, the gravitational constant, the speed of light, vacuum permittivity, and vacuum permeability, consist of natural units in their unit dimensions. The natural units are present in all formulas containing these constants. The defining characteristic of the natural units is an alignment of unit values at the Planck scale. This alignment gives a computational basis of proportionality from which the correlated properties and dynamics of elementary particles, including wavelength, period, mass, momentum, and energy, manifest in equal or inversely proportional ratios of the Planck scale. These correlations explain many of the defining equations of quantum mechanics, classical gravity, and electromagnetism.
Newly Breakfast Cereal Developed with Sprouted Whole Ryegrass Flour and Performance on Technological and Nutritional Parameters
Authors: Lima Cristiane Teles , Santos Tatiane Monteiro dos , Neves Nathália de Andrade , Lavado-Cruz Alicia Anais , Paucar-Menacho Luz Maria , Clerici Maria Teresa Pedrosa Silva , Meza Sílvia Letícia Rivero , Schmiele Marcio
Published: September 2023

Ryegrass is one such cereal that has been underutilized in human nutrition despite its high nutritional and functional value due to the presence of phytochemicals and dietary fibers It is a viable option, especially for countries that do not produce wheat, as it is easily adaptable and overgrows, making it economically viable. This study evaluated the nutritional impact, bioactive compounds, and physicochemical and technological properties of partially substituting maize flour (MF) with sprouted whole ryegrass flour (SR) in developing extrusion-cooked breakfast cereals. A completely randomized design with substitutions ranging from 0 to 20 % of MF with SR was employed as the experimental strategy (P < 0.05). Partial incorporation of SR increased the bioavailability of γ-aminobutyric acid and total soluble phenolic compounds. Using sprouted grains can adversely affect the technological quality of extruded foods, but ryegrass, with its high dietary fiber and low lipid content, mitigates these negative effects. Consequently, breakfast cereals containing 4 and 8 % SR exhibited better physicochemical properties, such as reduced hardness and increased crispness. These results are promising for ryegrass and suggest combining the age-old germination process with extrusion can enhance cereal-based breakfast products' nutritional quality and bioactive compound content.
Neuroprotective Effects of Fermented Blueberry and Black Rice Against Particulate Matter 2.5 μm-Induced Inflammation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Bayazid Al Borhan , Jeong Soo Ah , Azam Shofiul , Oh Seung Hyeon , Lim Beong Ou
Published: September 2023

The escalating prevalence of particulate matter (PM) has raised serious concerns regarding its detrimental effects on human health. This study aimed to investigate the potential of fermented blueberry and black rice (FBBR) in mitigating the effects of PM2.5, both in SH-SY5Y cells and mice exposed to PM2.5. Various assays, including MTT, NO, western blot, ELISA, and behavioral studies (MWM and Y-maze) were conducted. Our results demonstrated that PM2.5 induced significant cytotoxicity and elevated nitric oxide (NO) production at a concentration of 100μg/mL of PM2.5 in SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, administration of FBBR effectively attenuated PM2.5-induced cytotoxicity and suppressed NO production in SH-SY5Y cells. In an intranasal instilled mice model, exposure to 10 mg/kg body weight of PM2.5 resulted in cognitive impairments. However, FBBR treatment ameliorated these impairments in both the Y-maze and MWM tests in PM2.5-exposed mice. Furthermore, FBBR administration increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and reduced inflammatory markers in the brains of PM2.5-exposed SH-SY5Y cells. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of PM2.5 on the nervous system and highlight the potential of FBBR as a nutraceutical agent for mitigating these effects. Overall, this study emphasizes the urgency of addressing the harmful impact of PM2.5 on the nervous system and suggests the promising role of FBBR as a protective intervention against the adverse effects associated with PM2.5 exposure.
Exact Solution for the Production Planning Problem with Several Regimes Switching over an Infinite Horizon Time
Authors: Covei Dragos-Patru
Published: September 2023

We consider a stochastic production planning problem with regime switching. There are k≥1 regimes corresponding to different economic cycles. The problem is to minimize the production costs and analyze the problem by the value function approach. Our main contribution is to show that the optimal production is characterized by an exact solution of an elliptic system of partial differential equations. A verification result is given for the determined solution.
Removal of As(III) Using a Natural Laterite Fixed-Bed Column Intercalated with Activated Carbon: Solving the Clogging Problem to Achieve Better Performance
Authors: OUEDRAOGO Régie Dimanche , BAKOUAN Corneille , Sakira Abdoul Karim , SORGHO Brahima , GUEL Boubié , SOMÉ Issa Touridomon , HANTSON Anne-Lise , ZIEMONS Eric , MERTENS Dominique , HUBERT Philippe , Kauffmann Jean-Michel
Published: September 2023

Natural laterite fixed-bed column intercalated with activated carbon prepared from Balanites ae-gyptiaca (BA-AC) was used for As(III) removal from an aqueous solution. Investigations were carried out to solve the problem of column clogging which appears during water percolation through the column. Experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the hydraulic conductivity and the effects of various parameters such as grain size, bed height, and initial As(III) concentra-tion. The breakthrough increased from 15 to 85 h with the increase of the bed height from 20 to 40 cm, and decreased from 247 to 32 h with the increase of initial As(III) concentration from 0.5 to 2 mg/L. The permeability data showed that the fixed-bed column filled with laterites layers intercalated with activated carbon performs much better than the non-intercalated adsorbent col-umn. The Bohart-Adams model showed that increasing the bed height induced a decrease in kAB and N0 values. The critical bed depths determined using the bed depth service time (BDST) mod-el for As(III) removal were 15.23 and 7.98 cm for 1 and 20% breakthrough, respectively. The re-sults showed that the new low-cost filtration system, based on laterite layers alternated with BA-AC layers, could be used for the treatment of arsenic-contaminated water.
Lipid Profile in Children Born Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Zamojska Justyna , Niewiadomska-Jarosik Katarzyna , Kierzkowska Beata , Gruca Marta , Wosiak Agnieszka , Smolewska Elżbieta
Published: September 2023

Background: Lipid disorders are one of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the lipid profile in early childhood in the group of Polish children born small for gestational age (SGA). Materials and Methods: The study included 140 children (93 SGA and 47 controls) aged 5 to 11 years. All children underwent a physical examination and blood tests for the glucose and lipid profile. SGA group was divided in subgroups: symmetrical and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Results: Blood sample analysis revealed higher levels of total cholesterol levels (SGA group 190.61 +/- 24.66 mg/dl vs control 143.23 +/- 23.90; p<0.001). The analysis of particular fractions of cholesterol showed significantly higher mean values of triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol as well as lower mean values of HDL-cholesterol in children born as SGA. Children in both groups did not differ significantly according to weight and body mass index. A statistically significantly higher glucose concentration was obtained in the group of children with IUGR with symmetrical type of IUGR. Conclusions: Children born SGA even in their early childhood, without overweight or obesity, have abnormal lipid profile, which may be a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.
Re-Imagining Education for All Children
Authors: McConkey Roy , McKenzie Judith
Published: September 2023

Universal education is an elusive goal in many countries, especially for disabled children. Nonetheless determined efforts around the globe have shown that it can become a reality once existing systems were re-imagined by practitioners who arguably have been to the fore more so than academic researchers. Their efforts have identified new ways of thinking about children’s disabilities, the introduction of new practices in schools, forging partnerships between teachers and parents, and mobilising community resources. Societal change is both a consequence of, and a support to these local systems. The complexity of creating education for all may be daunting but it is achievable when driven by committed, creative and inspirational leadership from practitioners as is evident from the examples provided in this paper which have been further validated by research and evaluation into their efforts.
Structural changes of medium-tech economic sectors under digital transformation of industry
Authors: Seliverstova N. S. , Shkutko O. N. , Grigoryeva O. V.
Published: September 2023

Objective: to describe certain structural changes in industry influenced by digitalization.

Methods: general scientific, abstract-logical, dialectical, phenomenological methods, observation, and description.

Results: the general statistical characteristics of digitalization in the processing industry are shown, based on the meta-analysis by HSE and Rosstat; two directions of structural changes in industry influenced by digitalization are identified: the growing digital maturity and increased use of the Russian solutions in the field of software and information-telecommunication technologies in general, including the respective equipment; and digitalization of communication processes in the field of sustainable development. Two technological features of industry digitalization are identified, namely: the platform nature and the use of the Russian technological solutions for further industry digitalization.

Scientific novelty: it is proposed to consider the digital maturity indicators as an integral indicator of the development of a homogeneous group of economic agents; two directions of structural changes in the industrial sector among medium-tech industries are shown: firstly, the digital maturity growth and the increased use of the Russian solutions in the field of software and information-telecommunication technologies equipment; secondly, digitalization communication processes in the field of sustainable development.

Practical significance: the clarification of the interrelationships between the processes of digitalization and industrial development will not only allow a more structured approach to the development of industrial policy research programs for medium-tech industries, but will also create a basis for deepening existing knowledge in this area (which can be used both in industrial companies themselves and in regional, federal, and international projects on digital transformation).
An Objective Index for Rainy Season Onset and Withdrawal Dates Over the Mexico Valley Basin
Authors: Sanchez Rodrigo Muñoz , Ordoñez Paulina , Puyol David Gallego , Ochoa-Moya Carlos A.
Published: September 2023

This work aims to define an index to declare rainy season onset and withdrawal dates for the Mexico Valley Basin, located in central Mexico. The onset/withdrawal is obtained using only precipitation for the study period 1981-2020. The onset is defined as the first day, between May 1st and July 15th, of the first 20 consecutive days having a 20-day average precipitation over the Basin of at least 2.5 mm/day. The withdrawal is defined as the last day, between September 1st and November 15th, of the last 20 consecutive days having a 20-day average precipitation of at least 1.7 mm/day. The mean onset is June 6, with a standard deviation of 14.3 days; the mean withdrawal date is October 15, with a standard deviation of 16.1 days; and the average length of the rainy season is 131 days, with a standard deviation of 22.7 days. These criteria maximize the precipitation change slope during onset/withdrawal. We categorized pre- and post-onset/withdrawal periods to investigate mean circulation characteristic changes. Besides a stark increase (decrease) in rainfall over the Basin during onset (withdrawal), we found that vertically integrated moisture transport over the Caribbean Low-Level Jet core region increases (decreases). The onset/withdrawal dates derived show interannual trends, while a late (early) withdrawal is associated with a positive (negative) ENSO Index, and a strong (weak) Caribbean Lower Level Jet (CLLJ) is associated with a late (early) onset.
Sub-Saharan Africa needs better agronomy to meet maize demand without massive cropland expansion and imports
Authors: Grassini Patricio , Aramburu-Merlos Fernando , Tenorio Fatima , Mashingaidze Nester , Sananka Alex , Aston Stephen , Ojeda Jonathan
Published: September 2023

Maize demand in sub-Saharan Africa will increase 2.3 times during the next 30 years driven by demographic and dietary changes. Over the past two decades, the area cropped with maize has expanded by 17 million hectares in the region, with little improvement in farmer yields. If these trends persist, massive increase in maize area and/or imports will be needed to meet domestic demand. Here we used data collected from 13,364 smallholder fields to identify agronomic practices that can promptly deliver large on-farm yield gains. We show that good agronomic practices regarding nutrient, crop management, and cultivar selection can more than double on-farm yields and provide an additional 93 million tons of maize within current cropland. Given the magnitude and urgency of the challenge ahead, agricultural research and development investments must be re-oriented towards agricultural practices with proven capacity to raise yields in farmer fields.
The MyoKinetic prosthetic hand: Implanted magnets restore grasping in humans with upper limb amputation
Authors: Cipriani Christian , Gherardini Marta , Ianniciello Valerio , Masiero Federico , Paggetti Flavia , D'Accolti Daniele , Frazia Eliana La , Mani Olimpia , Dalise Stefania , Fragapane Noemi , Maggiani Luca , Ipponi Edoardo , Controzzi Marco , Nicastro Manuela , Chisari Carmelo , Andreani Lorenzo , Dejanovic Katarina
Published: September 2023

The loss of a hand disrupts the sophisticated neural pathways between the brain and the hand, severely affecting the level of autonomy of the patient and the ability to perform daily, work and social activities. Recent years have witnessed a rapid evolution of surgical techniques and technologies aimed at restoring dexterous motor functions akin to those of the human hand through bionic solutions. These approaches mainly rely on probing electrical signals from the residual nerves and muscles for achieving control. Here we report on the first clinical implementation of a novel interface aimed at achieving this goal by exploiting muscle deformation, sensed through passive magnetic implants: the myokinetic interface. One participant with a transradial amputation received the implantation of six permanent magnets in three muscles of the residual limb. For the first time, a truly self-contained myokinetic prosthetic arm which embedded all hardware components and the battery within the prosthetic socket, was developed. By retrieving muscle deformation caused by voluntary contraction through magnet localization, we were able to control in real-time a dexterous robotic hand following both a direct control strategy and a pattern recognition approach. In just six weeks, the participant successfully completed full batches of functional tests, achieving scores similar to standard of care solutions with comparable physical and mental workload. We are aware that this first experience raised conceptual and technical limits of the interface, which nevertheless pave the way for further investigations in a partially unexplored field. It also undoubtedly demonstrates a new viable possibility for interfacing humans with robotic technologies in an intuitive way.
Evidence of Molecular Hydrogen in the N-doped LuH3 System: a Possible Path to Superconductivity?
Authors: Tresca Cesare , Forcella Pietro Maria , Angeletti Andrea , Ranalli Luigi , Franchini Cesare , Reticcioli Michele , Profeta Gianni
Published: September 2023

The report of near-ambient superconductivity in nitrogen-doped lutetium hydrides could represent an epochal discovery, awaited for more than a century, possibly leading to inconceivable scientific and technological implications.
However, after months since the first report, clear experimental and theoretical confirmations are yet to come: The initially proposed compound structure fails to explain the superconducting behavior, calling for a shift in perspective.
By means of machine-learning-accelerated force-field molecular dynamics, we explore the formation of H$_2$ molecules in nitrogen-doped lutetium hydride, demonstrating the active role of nitrogen in stabilizing this phase.
Our density functional theory calculations show that the presence of hydrogen molecules leads to a dynamically stable structure, characterized by a superconducting phase requiring no applied pressure, although the predicted temperatures are still much lower than room temperature.
We believe that the possibility to stabilize hydrogen in molecular form represents a new route to explore disordered phases in hydrides and their transport properties at near ambient conditions.
The impact of pediatric intensivists on the management of severe pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis in pediatric intensive care units
Authors: Choi Ah Young , Park Esther
Published: September 2023

Introduction
The impact of pediatric intensivists on the management of pediatric patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pediatric intensivists on outcomes in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
Methods
This was a two-institution retrospective study of patients with DKA admitted to the PICU between 2012 and 2023. Pediatric patients (< 19 years of age) were included if they met the criteria for severe DKA on PICU admission. The patients were subsequently divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of a pediatric intensivist. The primary outcome was the PICU length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were adverse effects during DKA treatment, hospital LOS, time to DKA resolution, and mortality.
Results
Thirty-two patients admitted to the PICU with a median age of 11.50 years (range 0–18 years) were included; 18 (56.3%) were female. Patients managed by pediatric intensivists had significantly shorter PICU LOS (2.40 vs. 4.87 days, p < 0.05). Neither group had a significant difference in time to DKA resolution or in hospital LOS. However, adverse effects during DKA treatment were significantly decreased in the high-intensity group compared to the low-intensity group (7.7% vs. 52.6%, p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Management of DKA patients by pediatric intensivists can reduce the PICU LOS with significant improvement in DKA treatment complications.
Reliability, Validity and Distribution of the Spanish Female Sexual Function Index in Women with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Gil-Perotin Sara , Reddam Salma , González-Mingot Cristina , Gil-Sánchez Anna , González-Suarez Inés , Peralta Silvia , Escrivá Patricia , Barea-Moya Lucas , Sánchez-Sánchez Beatriz
Published: September 2023

The Spanish Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is a widely used scale to assess sexual dysfunction (SD), but its validation in Spanish women with multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been done. This cross-sectional multicenter study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the 19-item Spanish version of FSFI (svFSFI) in 137 women with MS and evaluate the prevalence of SD and its association with clinical and sociodemographic variables. Results showed excellent test-retest reliability and substantial-to-excellent internal consistency for the svFSFI. Convergent validity was significant in domain intercorrelations. Discriminant validity revealed differences in SD between women with high and low neurological disability, measured with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a five-factor structure for the svFSFI. The prevalence of SD in the MS cohort was 42.6%, with 'desire' and 'arousal' being the most affected spheres. Only EDSS, fatigue, depression, and having a stable partner influenced the total svFSFI. The study confirmed the svFSFI as suitable for evaluating SD in Spanish women with MS. MS predominantly affects young women, making SD a frequent occurrence in this population. The study's strengths include a relatively large multicenter cohort and being the first validation of the svFSFI in women with MS. However, disbalanced patient numbers in EDSS categories and lack of responsiveness evaluation to intervention are limitations. Overall, the svFSFI is a reliable and valid questionnaire to assess sexual spheres in women with MS, revealing the prevalence of SD in this population.
Semaglutide Attenuates Anxious And Depressive-Like Behaviors and Reverses The Cognitive Impairment in a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Via The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis
Authors: de Paiva Igor Henrique Rodrigues , Silva Rodrigo Soares da , Mendonça Ingrid Prata , Maciel Laís Macedo , de Souza José Roberto Botelho , Peixoto Christina Alves
Published: September 2023

Newly conducted research suggests that metabolic disorders, like diabetes and obesity, play a significant role as risk factors for psychiatric disorders. This connection presents a potential avenue for creating novel antidepressant medications by repurposing drugs originally developed to address antidiabetic conditions. Earlier investigations have shown that GLP-1 analogs exhibit neuroprotective qualities in various models of neurological diseases, encompassing conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Moreover, GLP-1 analogs have demonstrated the capability to enhance neurogenesis, a process recognized for its significance in memory formation and the cognitive and emotional aspects of information processing. Nonetheless, whether semaglutide holds efficacy as both an antidepressant and anxiolytic agent remains uncertain. To address this, our study focused on a mouse model of depression linked to type 2 diabetes induced by a High Fat Diet (HFD). In this model, we administered semaglutide (0.05mg/Kg intraperitoneally) on a weekly basis to evaluate its potential as a therapeutic option for depression and anxiety. Diabetic mice had higher blood glucose, lipidic profile, and insulin resistance. Moreover, mice fed HFD showed higher serum IL-1β and LPS associated with impaired humor and cognition. The analysis of behavioral responses revealed that the administration of Semaglutide effectively mitigated depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, concurrently demonstrating an enhancement in cognitive function. Additionally, Semaglutide treatment protected synaptic plasticity and reversed the hippocampal neuroinflammation induced by HFD fed, improving activation of the insulin pathway, demonstrating the protective effects of Semaglutide. We also found that Semaglutide treatment decreased astrogliosis and microgliosis in the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus. In addition, Semaglutide prevented the DM2-induced impairments of POMC, and GPR43 and simultaneously increased the NeuN + and GLP-1R + neurons in the hippocampus. Our data also showed that Semaglutide increased the 5-HT and its receptor (5-HTT) and glutamatergic receptors in the hippocampus. At last, Semaglutide changed the gut microbiota profile (increasing Bacterioidetes, Bacteroides acidifaciens, and Blautia coccoides) and decreased leaky gut, improving the gut-brain axis. Taken together, Semaglutide has the potential to act as a therapeutic tool for depression and anxiety.
Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells associated with white blood cells in solid cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 1471 patients with solid tumors
Authors: Ju Mingguang , Gao Ziming , Gu Gaoxiang , Huang Haibo , Sun Anqi , Zheng Chen , Li He , Zhang Yixiao , Li Kai
Published: September 2023

Background
The clinical relevance of circulating tumor cell-white blood cell (CTC-WBC) clusters in cancer prognosis is a subject of ongoing debate. This study aims to unravel their contentious predictive value for patient outcomes.
Methods
We conducted a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to December 2022. Eligible studies that reported survival outcomes and examined the presence of CTC-WBC clusters in solid tumor patients were included. Hazard ratios(HR) were pooled to assess the association between CTC-WBC clusters and overall survival (OS), as well as progression-free survival(PFS)/disease-free survival(DFS)/metastasis-free survival(MFS)/recurrence-free survival(RFS). Subgroup analyses were performed based on sampling time, treatment method, detection method, detection system, and cancer type.
Results
A total of 1471 patients from 10 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The presence of CTC-WBCs was assessed as a prognostic factor for overall survival and PFS /DFS /MFS /RFS. The pooled analysis demonstrated that the presence of CTC-WBC clusters was significantly associated with worse OS (HR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.74–3.40, P < 0.001) and PFS/DFS/MFS/RFS (HR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.49–2.24, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses based on sampling time, treatment method, detection method, detection system, and cancer type consistently supported these findings. Further analyses indicated that CTC-WBC clusters were associated with larger tumor size (OR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.58–4.44, P = 0.0002) and higher alpha-fetoprotein levels (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.50–4.22, P = 0.0004) in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, no significant association was found between CTC-WBC clusters and TNM stage, depth of tumor invasion, or lymph node metastasis in the overall analysis.
Conclusions
CTC-WBC clusters are negative predictors for OS and PFS /DFS /MFS /RFS in patients with solid tumors. Monitoring CTC-WBC levels may provide valuable information for predicting disease progression and guiding treatment decisions.
Parathyroid adenoma with successful recovery following surgical resection: Experience in a resource-poor setting
Authors: GUNARATHNE MALINGA , Edippuliarachchige udayakumara , Madhuranga priyantha , madhuwantha prabath , chathuranga sashika , jayasinghe saman , dissanayake tharaka , Eeshwara Janith , karunathilaka parakrama
Published: September 2023

Introduction
Parathyroid adenoma is a parathyroid proliferative disorder where the patients typically present with evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism where the diagnosis is challenging especially in a resource-poor setting like Sri Lanka and requires multiple imaging modalities.
Case presentation
We present a case of a 52-year female who presented with non-resolving long-standing back pain for more than 5 years, associated with progressive bilateral hip joint and shoulder joint pain with generalized body aches with prolonged fatigue who was found to have hypercalcemia and later diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid adenoma with multinodular goitre. She had a tremendous clinical improvement following the resection of the parathyroid adenoma along with a total thyroidectomy preserving other parathyroid glands.
This case concludes that parathyroid adenoma diagnosis requires high clinical suspicion when patients present with vague symptoms and hypercalcaemic symptoms and should proceed with a workup with multiple imaging modalities depending on the availability for early diagnosis to prevent potential complications.
Conclusion
Surgical resection of parathyroid adenoma preserving normal gland results in a good prognosis with complete symptomatic relief within a few months.
Striking erythroid multinuclearity in a case of pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Myelodysplasia related changes – a case report with diagnosis revisited in the light of previous vs updated classifications !
Authors: Javed Omer , Khan Hamza , Aali Anila , Ahmad Khubaib , Meraj Fatima
Published: September 2023

Background
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) having dysplastic changes is categorized in World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tumors 2017 as Acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC). It is a high-risk disease of adult population having poor patient outcomes. It is rarely seen in pediatric population. Labelling such a diagnosis in a pediatric patient is a challenge which is dealt with correlation between clinical presentation, morphological dysplasia and cytogenetic/molecular abnormalities. The new updated classifications of hematolymphoid neoplasms have modified this entity and refined it.
Case presentation:
Here we present an interesting case of an 11-year-old male child, who presented to us with fever and lymphadenopathy. Bone marrow biopsy performed revealed > 20% myeloblasts and > 50% dysplasia in erythroid precursors and megakaryocytes. The most interesting finding of the case was bizarre erythroid dysplasia. The case was concluded as AML-MRC as per WHO Classification 2017. The case is revisited in the light of the new updated classifications and key learning points are discussed in detail with review of literature.
Conclusions
In the light of revised World Health Organization (WHO) Classification 2022 and the new International Consensus Classification (ICC) 2022, this case could be either AML with myelodysplasia related gene mutations or AML with myelodysplasia related cytogenetic abnormalities. The present case highlight spectrum of dysplasia in AMLs and show that such cases could be seen in pediatric population as well.
Konjac flour-mediated gut microbiota alleviates insulin resistance and improves placental angiogenesis of obese sows
Authors: Wu Deyuan , Xiong Wenyu , Ma Shuo , Luo Jinxi , Ye Hongxuan , Huang Shuangbo , Li Fuyong , Xiang Xi’en , Chen Qiling , Gao Binghui , Deng Jinping , Yin Yulong , Tan Chengquan
Published: September 2023

Our previous study revealed that dietary konjac flour (KF) could remodel gut microbiota and improve reproductive performance of sows, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This experiment aimed to investigate how dietary KF improves reproductive performance of obese sows. Here, 60 sows were assigned into three groups according to their backfat thickness: normal backfat sows fed with control diet (CON-N), high backfat sows fed with control diet (CON-H) and high backfat sows fed with KF inclusion diet (KF-H). The characteristics of sows and piglets were recorded. Next, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed on female mice, followed by recording the characteristics of female mice. The results showed that compared with CON-H group, KF-H group showed downtrend in stillbirth rate (P = 0.07), an increase in placental efficiency (P < 0.01) and average piglet weight (P < 0.01); coupled with a decrease in the values of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (P < 0.01); as well as an increase in placental vascular density and protein expression of angiogenesis markers (P < 0.01). As expected, sows fed KF diets had improved abundance and diversity of gut microbiota. More importantly, compared with CON-H(FMT) group, KF-H(FMT) group showed improvement in reproductive performance and insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05), as well as an increase in placental labyrinth zone and protein expression of angiogenesis markers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we found a content increase (P < 0.05) of SCFAs in both KF-H group sow and KF-H(FMT) group mice. Overall, KF supplementation could alleviate insulin resistance, promote placental angiogenesis, and ultimately improve the reproductive performance of sows via gut microbiota remodeling.
Plasmid dispersal and recombination across human gut microbiomes is neutral, but overpowered by inflammatory diseases
Authors: Mizrahi Itzhak , Zorea Alvah , Pellow David , Levin Liron , Pilosof Shai , Friedman Jonathan , Shamir Ron
Published: September 2023

Plasmids are pivotal in driving bacterial evolution through horizontal gene transfer. Here, we investigated 3,467 human gut microbiome samples across continents and disease states, analyzing 11,086 plasmids. Our analyses reveal that plasmid dispersal is predominantly stochastic, indicating neutral processes as the primary driver of their wide distribution. We find that only 20-25% of plasmid DNA is being selected in various disease states, in ways that constrain its distribution across hosts. Selective pressures shape specific plasmid segments with distinct ecological functions, influenced by plasmid mobilization lifestyle, antibiotic usage, and inflammatory gut diseases. Notably, these elements are more commonly shared within groups of individuals with similar health conditions, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), regardless of geographic location across continents. These segments contain crucial genes for bacterial hosts beyond antibiotic resistance, including iron transport mechanisms, a significant gut signature of IBD that impacts inflammation severity. Our findings shed light on mechanisms driving plasmid dispersal and selection in the human gut, highlighting their role as carriers of vital gene pools impacting bacterial hosts and ecosystem dynamics.
Application of intranasal dexmedetomidine in magnetic resonance imaging of preterm infants: the ED50, efficacy and safety analysis
Authors: Wan Shengjun , Bu Wenhao
Published: September 2023

Background
Infants undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often require pharmacological sedation. Dexmedetomidine serves as a novel sedative agent that induces a unique unconsciousness similar to natural sleep, and therefore has currently been used as the first choice for sedation in infants and young children.
Objective
To determine the 50% effective dose (ED50) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of intranasal dexmedetomidine for MRI in preterm and term infants, and to observe the incidence of adverse events. To explore whether there were differences between the two groups, so as to provide guidance for clinical safe medication for the meanwhile.
Methods
A total of 68 infants were prospectively recruited for MRI examination under drug sedation (postconceptional age <60 weeks or weight <5kg). The children were divided into two groups according to whether they had preterm birth experience (Preterm group, Atterm group). The Dixon’s up-and-down method was used to explore ED50. The basic vital signs of the two groups were recorded, and the heart rate and SpO2 were recorded every 5 minutes until the infants were discharged from the hospital. The induction time, wake-up time and adverse events were recorded.
Results
The ED50 (95%CI) of intranasal dexmedetomidine in the Preterm group and the Atterm group were 2.23 (2.03-2.66) μg/kg and 2.64 (2.49-2.83) μg/kg, respectively (p<0.05). the wake-up time was longer in Preterm group (98.00min) than in Atterm group (81.00min) (p<0.05), the incidence of bradycardia in Preterm group was 3/33, which was higher than that in Atterm group (1/35). There was no difference in the induction time between the two groups（p>0.05）, and there was no significant difference in other adverse events.
Conclusions
Intranasal dexmedetomidine can be safely used for sedation in preterm infants undergoing MRI. Compared with term infants, the preterm infants have a lower dose of dexmedetomidine, a higher incidence of bradycardia, and a longer weak-up time.
P300 Regulates Histone Crotonylation and Preimplantation Embryo Development
Authors: Sun Qing-Yuan , Gao Di , Li Chao , Liu Shao Yuan , Lin Xiao Ting , Tan Yong Peng , Gao Fu Min , Yi Li Tao , Zhang Jian V , Ma Jun Yu , Meng Tie-Gang , Yeung William Shu Biu , Liu Kui , Ou Xiang Hong , Su Ruibao
Published: September 2023

Histone lysine crotonylation, an evolutionarily conserved modification differing from acetylation, exerts pivotal control over diverse biological processes. Among these are gene transcriptional regulation, spermatogenesis, and cell cycle processes. However, the dynamic changes and functions of histone crotonylation in preimplantation embryonic development in mammals remain unclear. Here, we showed that the transcription coactivator P300 functioned as a writer of histone crotonylation during embryonic development. Depletion of P300 resulted in significant developmental defects and dysregulation of the transcriptome of embryos. Importantly, we demonstrated that P300 catalyzes the crotonylation of histone, directly stimulating transcription and regulating gene expression, thereby ensuring successful progression of embryo development up to the blastocyst stage. Moreover, the modification of histone H3 lysine 18 crotonylation (H3K18cr) was primarily localized to active promoter regions. This modification served as a distinctive epigenetic indicator of crucial transcriptional regulators, facilitating the activation of gene transcription. Together, our results propose a model wherein P300-mediated histone crotonylation plays a crucial role in regulating the fate of embryonic development.
Karyoptosis mediates cell death and neurodegeneration upon proteotoxic stress
Authors: Casterton Rebecca , Hu Yanling , Martinez-Cotrina Aitana , Barnard Jodi , Anderson Rhys , Janel Sebastien , Solomon Daniel , Lafont Frank , Hirth Frank , De Nicola Gian Felice , Mizielinska Sarah , Fanto Manolis
Published: September 2023

Lysosomal clearance of proteotoxic stressors through autophagy is an essential process underlying cellular homeostasis. Its failure can lead to cell death1,2, by initiating apoptotic pathways3–11. However, in aging and neurodegenerative diseases apoptosis is insufficient to account for all neuronal death, and different cell death types may also be involved12–14. Here, we identify karyoptosis as a previously unknown form of non-apoptotic cell death. We report that karyoptosis is induced by lysosomal autophagic clearance impairment and proteotoxic stress; develops through nuclear degeneration; shares features with cellular senescence and is regulated by the p38a signalling pathway through direct phosphorylation of the nuclear lamina protein LaminB1. We further demonstrate that karyoptosis affects neurons in in-vitro and in-vivo models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD) pathology. Finally, we identify karyoptotic features in post-mortem frontal cortex of FTD and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, suggesting a common pathological signature. Together these findings establish a novel form of cell death directly linked to proteotoxic stress and cellular senescence that is associated with neurodegeneration. Finally, this mechanism provides new therapeutic opportunities in age-related neurodegenerative diseases.