bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusion of Nanoparticles in Heterogeneous Hydrogels as Vitreous Humour Substitutes
Authors: Lopez Moira Lorenzo , Kearns Victoria R. , Patterson Eann A. , Curran Judith M.
Published: March 2024

Nanomedicine has the potential to increase the biostability of drugs to treat retinal diseases, improving their performance and decreasing the required number of intravitreal injections. However, accurate pharmacokinetic studies of these nanoparticle-drug conjugates, nanoparticle motion across the vitreous humour and interaction with the retinal cell layers still need to be investigated. Existing nanoparticle tracking techniques require fluorescent labels, which can impact cytotoxicity, nanoparticles’ motion, protein interactions, and cell internalization. In this study, a real-time label-free tracking technology, for single nanoparticles in an optical microscope based on the optical phenomena of caustics, was used to characterise the diffusion of nanoparticles in agar-hyaluronic acid hydrogels, previously validated as vitreous humour substitutes for in vitro models. The results demonstrated that the diffusion of nanoparticles through these hydrogels was heterogeneous and that nanoparticle size had an important role in nanoparticle distribution across and within in vitro vitreous substitutes. These findings suggest that nanoparticle diameter is a critical parameter for designing novel therapeutics for retinal diseases. Moreover, nanoparticle charge did not affect nanoparticle diffusion or distribution in these synthetic hydrogels. The use of caustics in optical microscopy has been demonstrated to be a reproducible, inexpensive technique for screening novel therapeutics in eye in vitro models.
Trimethylamine N-oxide Aggravates Neuro-inflammation via lncRNA Fendrr/miR-145-5p/PXN axis in Vascular Dementia Rats
Authors: Deng Yang , Zou Junqing , Hong Ye , Peng Qiang , Li Zhongyuan , Shen Can , Ge Shenghui , Chen Xiangliang , Zhang Yingdong , Duan Rui
Published: March 2024

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common dementia in the world, and our previous investigation demonstrated that Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) exacerbates cognitive impairment and neuropathological alterations in VaD rats. Thus, this study is to evaluate the potential mechanism of TMAO in VaD. The rats using the bilateral common carotid artery (2VO) model were administered TMAO (120 mg/kg) for 8 consecutive weeks, 4 weeks preoperatively and 4 weeks postoperatively. High-throughput sequencing was conducted to investigate the effects of TMAO treatment on lncRNA expression in rat hippocampus and bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify potential downstream targets. Learning and spatial memory capacities were measured, as well as inflammatory factors. Nissl staining was used to observe neuronal injury in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. TMAO administration upregulated lncRNA Fendrr expression in the rat hippocampus, while the damaging effects of TMAO were counteracted after knockdown of Fendrr. Fendrr exhibits highly expressed in 2VO rats and sponged miR-145-5p, which targets PXN. Silencing of Fendrr or PXN, or promotion of miR-145-5p improved neurological function injury, reduced neuronal damage, as well as repressed inflammation response. Inhibition of miR-145-5p abrogated up Fendrr knockdown mediated influence on 2VO rats. To summarize, the results of this study indicated that TMAO inhibits the miR-145-5p/PXN axis by increasing the Fendrr expression, thus exacerbating the development of VaD.
Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine containing serogroups A, C, W-135, X, and Y in healthy adults: A randomized, single-center, active-controlled, double-blind, phase 1 study
Authors: Oh Jaeseong , Kim Yoonjin , Bae Sungyeun , Yu Kyung-Sang , Lee Chankyu , Kim Jinil , Her Howard , Lee SeungHwan
Published: March 2024

Introduction Invasive meningococcal disease is a significant health threat, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, and it often results in outbreaks and severe epidemics. However, existing meningococcal vaccines lack protection against the emerging serogroup X, which has been on the rise since 2010. To address this gap, EuNmCV-5, a pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine targeting serogroups A, C, W-135, X, and Y is newly developed. Methods A randomized, single-center, active-controlled, double-blind, first-in-human, phase 1 study was conducted in healthy Korean adults to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of EuNmCV-5. The test drug, a pentavalent vaccine targeting serogroups A, C, W-135, X, and Y, was compared with the reference drug, a quadrivalent vaccine containing serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y. After obtaining written informed consent, sixty subjects were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive a single intramuscular dose of either the test or reference drug. Safety assessment included monitoring anaphylactic reactions for 30 minutes, recording solicited adverse events for 7 days post-vaccination, unsolicited adverse events for 28 days post-vaccination, and serious adverse events over 180 days. Blood samples were collected before vaccination and 28 days after vaccination for immunogenicity assessment using a rabbit complement-dependent serum bactericidal antibody (rSBA) assay. Immunogenicity parameters, including seroconversion, seroprotection rates, geometric mean titers (GMT), and GMT ratio were compared between the two drugs. Result A total of sixty subjects completed the study as planned, and none of them reported anaphylactic reactions or life-threatening adverse events. The incidence rate and severity of adverse events were comparable between the test and reference drug. Following a single vaccination, the test drug induced seroconversion in over 85% of subjects and achieved a seroprotection rate exceeding 96.7% for all the targeted serogroups. The test drug showed higher seroconversion rates against serogroups A and C than the reference drug (p = 0.0016 and 0.0237, respectively) and maintained seroconversion rates greater than 90% for serogroups W-135 and Y. The GMT ratios (test to the reference drug) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were 5.5 (2.3–13.2), 9.0 (2.5–32.4), 6.1 (2.2–16.7), 397.1 (161.8-974.4), and 5.0 (2.1–12.0) for serogroup A, C, W-135, X, and Y, respectively. Conclusion A single dose of EuNmCV-5 was safe and well-tolerated in healthy Korean adults. It elicited high seroconversion and seroprotection rates, along with a substantial increase in GMT for all targeted serogroups. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05739292
KLF9 inhibits breast cancer metastasis by up-regulating E-cadherin
Authors: Pang Mengyao , Zhang Jie , Zhang Mengjie , Ni Rui , Zhang Mei , Wei Ranru , Li Guohui , Tang Ying , Ma Liming , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Miao
Published: March 2024

Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) plays an inhibitory role in the process of breast cancer metastasis. The metastasis of tumor cells is often related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Among them, the gradual decrease of E-cadherin expression on cell surface is an important feature of EMT process. However, the concrete mechanism involved in this process remains largely unknown. In order to explore the mechanism, we have done relevant research. Through the analysis of transcriptome data in TCGA database and immunohistochemistry, we found that KLF9 was at a low expression level in breast cancer patients. The expression of KLF9 was positively correlated with the expression of E-cadherin in breast cancer cells. Functionally, KLF9 transcriptionally up-regulated E-cadherin expression and inhibited breast cancer metastasis, depending on its DBD domain. Mechanistically, KLF9 promoted E-cadherin promoter activity by binding to the CACCC motif (-12 to + 8), increasing the mRNA and protein level of E-cadherin. We also found that KLF9 can compete with SNAI1 to bind to the promoter region(-206 to + 47)of E-cadherin, and inhibit the transcriptional activity of SNAI1, leading to the activation of E-cadherin in breast cancer cells. Taken together, these results confirmed a new mechanism by which KLF9 could up-regulate E-cadherin expression to inhibit breast cancer metastasis, providing a research support for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
Measurement of computed tomography modulation transfer function with a novel polymethyl methacrylate phantom
Authors: Svenson Jack , Irvine Michael Alan
Published: March 2024

A novel phantom for measuring the 10% and 50% values of the modulation transfer function (MTF) for computed tomography scanners (CT) was investigated. The phantom was constructed by drilling rows of holes of different sizes and frequencies into a small block of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The MTF at a given frequency was determined from the ratio of the range of Hounsfield units within the rows of holes at different frequencies, and the difference in Hounsfield units between air and PMMA. A MTF curve was plotted from measurements at different frequencies and the 10% and 50% MTF values were obtained from a cubic spline interpolation. The MTF results obtained with the drilled hole phantom method were compared to a conventional method - using a thin wire and Spice-CT ImageJ Plugin – and with identical acquisition and reconstruction parameters. The drilled hole phantom measured the 50% MTF with reasonable accuracy but underestimated the 10% MTF by 8.2% on average. MTF measurements were reproducible for repeated image acquisitions and with different users analysing the images, and the phantom was able to accurately measure the change in MTF when measured on images using different reconstruction kernels. The tool may find application as a cheap, easy to use method for routine QC testing of CT scanners.
The effect of using the Hip Exoskeleton Assistive (HEXA) robot compared to conventional physiotherapy on clinical functional outcomes in stroke patients with hemiplegia: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mamipour Hamed , Hoseini Seyed Ali , Negahban Hossein , Moradi Ali , Hojjati Amir , Rezaeitalab Fariborz , Torshizian Mohammadreza , Mehrali Arefeh , Parsa Mohammad , Kardan Iman , Tabesh Hamed , Hassankhani Ebrahim Ghayem , Akbarzadeh Alireza
Published: March 2024

Recovery of gait function is very crucial in stroke rehabilitation and robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) as a new approach is a good suggestion because conventional gait rehabilitation is expensive in various aspects and imposes a lot of burden on the physiotherapist. This study aimed to investigate the effect of using Hip Exoskeleton Assistive (HEXA) robot compared to conventional physiotherapy on the quality of walking, disability, and quality of life of stroke patients with hemiplegia. In this study, 24 patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group (robotic physiotherapy with HEXA robot), or control group (conventional physiotherapy). In each session, both groups received 30 minutes of conventional physiotherapy including electrotherapy and conventional exercises, and then the intervention group did gait training for 30 minutes with the HEXA robot and the control group for 30 minutes without the HEXA robot. The treatment program was 12 sessions, 3 times a week. Before the 1st and after the 12th sessions, both groups were evaluated for walking quality, disability, and quality of life. The results showed that the main effect of time was significant (P<0.05) in all outcomes and patients in both groups achieved significant improvement in all outcomes after the intervention. The main effect of the group was also significant in the outcomes of 6MWT (P<0.05) and TUG (P<0.05), and the intervention group patients experienced more distance and speed in these two tests. It seems that the HEXA robot can effectively improve walking capacity and speed. This study was approved by the ethics committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (IR.MUMS.FHMPM.REC.1400.079 dated 28th Jan 2022). The trial was registered with the clinical trials site of www.IRCT.ir (IRCT20210730052024N1) on January 28th 2022.
Numerical study of the acoustic spectrum of bubble clusters
Authors: Deng Fuqiang , Zhao Di , Zhang Linxin , Li Yang , Shao Xueming
Published: March 2024

This study delved into the acoustic spectrum of bubble clusters, each consisting of 352 vapor bubbles across volume fractions ranging from 0.005–40%. The clusters, organized in five distinct layers, were modeled using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to capture the bubble interfaces, and the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) methodology to compute the far-field acoustic pressure from bubble collapse. Further analysis revealed distinct sound pressure behaviors across different volume fractions: For 25%-40%, time-domain analysis shows that the peak acoustic pressure pulses from the two innermost layers of bubbles are significantly higher than those from the outer layers. In the frequency domain, the octave decay rate of the acoustic pressure levels is relatively low, around − 3dB/octave. For 0.5%-25%, four acoustic pressure pulses with similar widths and peak values were observed in the time domain. In the frequency domain, there are three distinct peaks in sound pressure levels(SPL), directly linked to the difference in collapse times of bubbles within the cluster, and the octave decay rate accelerates as the volume fraction decreases, stabilizing at -6dB/octave when the volume fraction is reduced to 17.5%. For 0.005%-0.5%, as the volume fraction decreases from 0.5–0.1%, the number of acoustic pressure pulses significantly reduces. Below 0.1% volume fraction, only a single wider pulse is observed. In the frequency domain, the octave decay rate gradually increases with decreasing volume fraction, significantly exceeding − 10dB/octave when it drops below 0.1%, reaching up to -11.7dB/octave.
Comparative Study on Key Time Series Models for Exploring the Agricultural Price Volatility in Potato Prices
Authors: Shankar S.Vishnu , Chandel Ashu , Gupta Rakesh Kumar , Sharma Subhash , Chand Hukam , Aravinthkumar A , Ananthakrishnan S
Published: March 2024

Potatoes are one of the widely consumed staple foods all over the world. The prices of potatoes were more unstable than other agricultural commodities due to factors such as perishability, production uncertainties, and seasonal fluctuations. These factors make it difficult for farmers to manage and predict production levels, resulting in supply and price fluctuations. Therefore, it is essential to develop predictive models that can accurately forecast the pricing of agricultural commodities like potatoes. The study attempted to explore the pattern of potato prices in major markets of northern India using different time series models. The empirical findings indicated positively skewed data distributed with a high instability index. In terms of forecasting accuracy, the EEMD-ANN model exhibited the best performance among the various time series techniques, generating the lowest MAPE values of 9.10%, 12.97%, and 4.27% for the Chandigarh, Delhi, and Shimla markets, respectively. Meanwhile, the EEMD-ARIMA model yielded the most accurate prediction results for the Dehradun market, with a MAPE value of 12.97%. The outcomes of this study offer significant insights to farmers, consumers, and government bodies for making informed decisions regarding the production, consumption, and distribution of potatoes. Moreover, the effectiveness of various time series models in handling complex agricultural price series was also investigated.
Characterization of immortalized ovarian epithelial cells with BRCA1/2 mutation
Authors: Komatsu Hiroaki , okawa Masayo , Kazuki Yasuhiro , Kazuki kanako , Hichiwa Genki , Shimoya kazuhito , Sato Shin , Taniguchi Fuminori , Oshimura Mitsu , Harada Tasuku
Published: March 2024

We aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying carcinogenesis by comparing normal and BRCA1/2-mutated ovarian epithelial cells established via Sendai virus-based immortalization. Ovarian epithelial cells (normal epithelium: Ovn; with germline BRCA1 mutation: OvBRCA1; with germline BRCA2 mutation: OvBRCA2) were infected with Sendai virus vectors carrying three immortalization genes (Bmi-1, hTERT, and SV40T). The immunoreactivity of anti-epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibodies in each cell line and cells after 25 passages was confirmed using flow cytometry. Chromosomes were identified and karyotyped to detect numerical and structural abnormalities. Total RNA extracted from the cells was subjected to human transcriptome sequencing. Highly expressed genes in each cell line were confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immortalization techniques allowed 25 or more passages of Ovn, OvBRCA1, and OvBRCA2 cells. No anti-EpCAM antibody reactions were observed in primary cultures or after long-term passages of each cell line. Structural abnormalities in the chromosomes were observed in each cell line; however, the abnormal chromosomes were successfully separated from the normal structures via cloning. Only normal cells from each cell line were cloned. MMP1, CCL2, and PAPPA were more predominantly expressed in OvBRCA1 and OvBRCA2 cells than in Ovn cells. Immortalized ovarian cells derived from patients with germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations showed substantially higher MMP1 expression than normal ovarian cells. However, the findings need to be validated in the future.
Reduction of Amine Consumption in Iron Ore Flotation through Direct Reuse of Process Water on Bench Scale
Authors: Monte Marisa Bezerra de Mello , Santos Iranildes Daniel , Veneu Diego Macedo , Moura Caio Philippe Carvalho , Hertel Cristiani
Published: March 2024

The present work investigated the direct reuse effect of process water containing residual amine from tailings and concentrate pulps on the performance of the cationic reverse flotation of iron ore. Iron ore sample collected after the desliming operation in Conceição Industrial Unit (Minas Gerais) was used for the bench scale flotation studies. The experiments used water recirculation for five cycles and amine to achieve the optimal flotation dosage, considering the residual amine contained in process water and according to the amine dosage used in the Conceição industrial circuit. The average recovery of amine in the aqueous phase (process water) was 46%; consequently, the consumption of the new amine fed into the circuit was reduced. The experiment results showed that the direct reuse of process water and reduction in new amine addition could be performed without negatively affecting the quality of the final iron ore concentrate (68% Fe and 1.3% SiO2). According to the results obtained in this work, process water containing residual amine can be reused in the iron ore flotation without loss of concentrate quality and flotation performance. The chemical composition of the water process is essential, and the residual amine in the aqueous phase must be controlled frequently.
Inhibition of fatty acid synthase in fibroblasts alleviates pulmonary fibrosis through the regulation of β- catenin
Authors: Lian Hui , Wan Ruyan , Yang Kun , Ma Shuaichen , Wang Yaxuan , Xu Kai , Cheng Lianhui , Zhao Wenyu , Li Yajun , Wang Lan , Yu Guoying
Published: March 2024

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal interstitial lung disease with poor therapeutic options while the pathogenesis keeps elusive. Herein we demonstrated that the expression of FASN was increased in fibroblasts of IPF and bleomycin-induced mouse lungs, and both TGF-β1 and overexpression of β-catenin promoted the protein and mRNA expression of FASN. In MRC-5 cells, inhibition of FASN with FASN shRNA or pharmacological inhibitor C75 restrained the proliferation and the migration of the fibroblasts, and reduced the transformation of lung fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. In addition, inhibition of FASN reduced the total protein and mRNA level of β-catenin, further decreased the protein content of β-catenin in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. These effects keep the fibroblasts in a quiescent state and contribute to the treatment of IPF. Mechanistic studies showed inhibition of FASN increased negative regulators of β-catenin including glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3B) and Axin1 through FASN interaction with GSK3B and Axin1. Animal studies shown that inhibition of FASN by pharmacological inhibitor C75 alleviated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Therefore, these results suggested that inhibition of FASN in fibroblast reduced the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, effectively alleviated pulmonary fibrosis. Inhibition of FASN in fibroblasts will be a potential approach for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
Physiological simulation of atrial-ventricular mechanical interaction in male rats during the cardiac cycle
Authors: Balakin Alexandr , Protsenko Yuri
Published: March 2024

Adequate assessment of the contribution of the different phases of atrial mechanical activity to the value of ejection volume and pressure developed by the ventricle is a complex and important experimental and clinical problem. A new method and an effective algorithm for controlling the interaction of isolated rat right atrial and right ventricular strips during the cardiac cycle were developed and tested in a physiological experiment. The presented functional model is flexible and has the ability to change many parameters (temperature, pacing rate, excitation delay, pre- and afterload levels, transfer length and force scaling coefficients) to simulate different types of cardiac pathologies. For the first time, the contribution of the duration of the excitation delay of the right ventricular strips to the amount of work performed by the muscles during the cardiac cycle was evaluated. Changes in the onset of atrial systole and the delay in activation of ventricular contraction may lead to a reduction in cardiac stroke volume, which should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and in resynchronization therapy.
Translational Research Approach to Social Orienting Deficits in Autism: The Role of Superior Colliculus-Ventral Tegmental Pathway
Authors: Bellone Camilla , Contestabile Alessandro , Kojovic Nada , Casarotto Giulia , Delevari Farnaz , Hagmann Patric , Schaer marie
Published: March 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social interaction and repetitive behaviors. A key characteristic of ASD is a decreased interest in social interactions, which affects individuals' ability to engage with their social environment. This study explores the neurobiological basis of these social deficits, focusing on the pathway between the Superior Colliculus (SC) and the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA). Adopting a translational approach, our research used Shank3 knockout mice (Shank3-/-), which parallel a clinical cohort of young children with ASD, to investigate these mechanisms. We observed consistent deficits in social orienting across species. In children with ASD, fMRI analyses revealed a significant decrease in connectivity between the SC and VTA. Additionally, using miniscopes in mice, we identified a reduction in the frequency of calcium transients in SC neurons projecting to the VTA, accompanied by changes in neuronal correlation and intrinsic cellular properties. Notably, the interneural correlation in Shank3-/- mice and the functional connectivity of the SC to VTA pathway in children with ASD correlated with the severity of social deficits. Our findings underscore the potential of the SC-VTA pathway as a biomarker for ASD and open new avenues for therapeutic interventions, highlighting the importance of early detection and targeted treatment strategies.
A new endemic species of the genus Haloxylon Bunge ex Fenzl. (Amaranthaceae s.l.) in the flora of Kazakhstan
Authors: Osmonali Bektemir B. , Vesselova Polina V. , Kudabayeva Gulmira M. , Serikbay Ussen , Daulet Abdildanov Sh. , Nikolai Friesen
Published: March 2024

The article discusses the results of comparative analysis of morphological, anatomical and molecular-genetic structure of species Arthrophytum longibracteatum, Arthrophytum balchaschense, Haloxylon aphyllum). Morphological-anatomical and molecular-genetic methods were used during the study. Transverse sections were viewed using a Levenhuk Zoom&Joy microscope (China), images of transverse sections were taken with a Levenhuk D740T 5.1 camera, using the LevenhukLite programme. To clarify the correctness of species identification, the collected specimens were compared with the Type specimen of Arthrophytum balchaschense stored at the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction (AA). Other herbarium specimens of this species stored in the AA Herbarium (Almaty, Kazakhstan) and herbarium collections: MW (Moscow, Russia), LE (St. Petersburg, Russia), TASH (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) were also reviewed. With the help of QGIS programme, a map of the location points of the studied specimens was made. The conducted studies allowed to form a proof base of clear belonging of Arthrophytum balchaschense to the genus Haloxylon. This circumstance became the reason for the necessity of nomenclatural changes consisting in assignment of Arthrophytum balchaschense to the genus Haloxylon under the name Haloxylon balchaschense (Iljin) Osmonali, Veselova & Kudab. This species has a central-eastern-North Turanian distribution, being endemic to the flora of Kazakhstan.
Effect of screw access hole on fracture resistance among 3 different implant-supported crown materials after cyclic loading: An in vitro study
Authors: Liwwattanakorn Thanus , Kamonkhantikul Krid , Homsiang Woraporn , Arksornnukit Mansuang
Published: March 2024

Background
The presence of screw access hole on the occlusal surface might affect the strength of an implant-supported crown. This study aimed to compare the fracture resistance among 5 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (5Y-TZP), lithium disilicate, and composite resin implant-supported premolar crowns with either a cement-retained or a combined cement- and screw-retained design after cyclic loading.
Methods
Forty-eight maxillary first premolar crowns and their abutments were attached on dental implants (ø4.0 x 10 mm) embedded in epoxy resin blocks and equally divided into 6 groups (n = 8) based on crown material (5Y-TZP (Z), lithium disilicate (L), and composite resin (C)) and restoration design (a cement-retained design and a combined cement- and screw-retained design). After 500,000 cycles of cyclic loading, the fracture resistance of each specimen was measured using a universal testing machine and analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis H test to compare between crown materials within each restoration design. The Mann-Whitney U test or independent t test was used to compare the restoration designs within each crown material (α = 0.05).
Results
The fracture loads in the Z groups with a cement-retained and a combined cement-and screw-retained designs (1514±442 N and 1171±204 N) were significantly higher than those in the L group (1077±247 N and 849±116 N) and C group (1066±213 N and 648±190 N). There was no significant difference in fracture loads between the L and C groups in both restoration designs. Within the same crown material, the fracture loads of both restoration designs in the Z group were comparable. In contrast, in the L and C groups, the fracture loads in the cement-retained groups were significantly higher than those in the combined cement- and screw-retained groups.
Conclusions
Fracture resistance of an implant-supported crown is dependent on the crown material. Z demonstrated the highest fracture resistance, followed by L and C. The presence of a screw access hole did not impact the fracture resistance in Z. In contrast, for both L and C, the fracture resistance decreased with the presence of a screw access hole.
Determination of adulteration in evening primrose oil capsules by ¹H NMR analysis and chemometric techniques
Authors: Figueiredo Alisson L. , Fernandes Cleverton S. , Fernandes Ingrid L. , Santos Patricia D. S. , Assakawa Amanda C. , Basso Ernani A. , Santos Oscar O.
Published: March 2024

The consumption of dietary supplements has grown exponentially over the last few years, among which the oil obtained from evening primrose seeds stands out for containing a high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially γ-linolenic fatty acid, which helps to reduce effects of menopause, premenstrual tension, among other benefits. This work presents a study of the lipid quality of the eight main brands of evening primrose oil capsules on the national market, evaluated using1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy together with chemometric analysis techniques (principal component analysis and multiple linear regression). Therefore, among the commercially acquired samples, only two had a lipid profile close to the reference evening primrose oil, the others had scores ranging from 18.1 to 25.5, making them unsuitable for consumption. This was possible based on the identification of markers in the1H spectra with potential for study and application in determining the lipid quality of other encapsulated vegetable oils.
Disparities in medical recommendations from AI-based chatbots across different countries/regions
Authors: Gumilar Khanisyah Erza , Indraprasta Birama Robby , Hsu Yu-Cheng , Yiou Zih-Ying , Hong Chen , Irawan Budi , Tambunan Zulkarnain , Wibowo Bagus Mukti , Nugroho Hari , Tjokroprawiro Brahmana Askandar , Dachlan Erry Gumilar , Mulawardhana Pungky , Rahestaningtyas Eccita , Pramuditya Herlangga , Putra Very Great Eka , Waluyo Setyo Teguh , Tan Nathan R. , Folarin Royhaan , Ibrahim Ibrahim Haruna , Lin Cheng-Han , Hung Tai-Yu , Lu Ting-Fang , Chen Yen-Fu , Shih Yu-Hsiang , Wang Shao-Jing , Huang Jingshan , Yates Clayton C. , Lu Chien-Hsing , Liao Li-Na , Tan Ming
Published: March 2024

This study explores disparities and opportunities in healthcare information provided by AI chatbots. We focused on recommendations for adjuvant therapy in endometrial cancer, analyzing responses across four regions (Indonesia, Nigeria, Taiwan, USA) and three platforms (Bard, Bing, ChatGPT-3.5). Utilizing previously published cases, we asked identical questions to chatbots from each location within a 24-hour window. Responses were double-blinded and evaluated on relevance, clarity, depth, focus, and coherence by ten endometrial cancer experts. Our analysis revealed significant variations across different countries/regions (p < 0.001). Interestingly, Bing's responses in Nigeria consistently outperformed others (p < 0.05), excelling in all evaluation criteria (p < 0.001). Bard also performed better in Nigeria compared to other regions (p < 0.05), consistently surpassing them across all categories (p < 0.001, with relevance reaching p < 0.01). Notably, Bard's overall scores were significantly higher than those of ChatGPT-3.5 and Bing in all locations (p < 0.001). These findings highlight concerning disparities and opportunities in the quality of AI-powered healthcare information based on user location and platform. This underscores the need for further research and development to ensure equitable access to reliable medical information through AI technologies.
Poly (ε‐caprolactone)/polybutylene adipate terephthalate/hydroxyapatite blend nanocomposites: Morphology-thermal degradation kinetics relationship
Authors: Bolourian Amirali , Khasraghi Samaneh Salkhi , Zarei Sara , Mahdavi Shahla , Khonakdar Hanieh , Mousavi Rasoul , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: March 2024

Polycaprolactone/polybutylene adipate terephthalate blends (PCL/PBAT) (90/10, 75/25, and 50/50 wt/wt) containing 1, 3, and 5 phr hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were prepared using solvent casting technique. Scanning electron microscopic studies confirmed a homogeneous morphology for the blends and nanocomposites. Some agglomeration can be recognized using Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping in the blends containing 5 phr HA. The DSC results confirmed the presence of nanoparticles in each phase, particularly in the crystalline region, as well wetting coefficient confirmed the localization of nanoparticles at the interface. Thermal stability and degradation kinetics were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Based on the TGA results, a multi-step degradation process resulted in the blends and blend nanocomposites and the PCL/PBAT blends showed better thermal stability and exhibited higher Tmax and residual mass. PCL/PBAT blends were more stable at higher temperatures compared to PCL and PBAT. Various kinetics evaluation techniques, including Friedman, Flynn-Ozawa-Wall, and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose methods, were utilized to determine the activation energy of degradation. PCL/PBAT blends were more difficult to thermally degrade and showed the highest degradation activation energy. Incorporating HA led to lower thermal stability and, therefore, lower degradation activation energy. Incorporation of only 5 phr of HA resulted in greater thermal stability at higher temperatures (T90%).
Field study on natural phytoplankton throughout “Bizerte City” oil spill on the south-western coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Grami Boutheina , Chkili Oumayma , Garali Sondes Melliti Ben , Kousri Kaouther Mejri , Meddeb Marouan , Chouba Lassaad , Niquil Nathalie , Hlaili Asma Sakka
Published: March 2024

Oil spills are recurrent worldwide. Assessing the response of phytoplankton – the basis of marine food webs – at the early stages of an oil spill and throughout its evolution is crucial to improve our understanding of the impact of oil spills on the marine environment. Field data collected 1, 4, 8 and 18 days after the “Bizerte City” oil spill showed that phytoplankton responded differentially over time. In the short term (1–8 days), picophytoplankton biomass and abundance increased, possibly due to reduced grazing. In contrast, nano- and microphytoplankton biomass decreased, probably owing to inhibited growth of species sensitive to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – the most toxic components of oil. After 18 days, the dispersal of oil and its decreasing negative effect were accompanied by outbreaks of all size fractions. Accordingly, the phytoplankton size structure shifted throughout the oil exposure level from a prevalence of microphytoplankton after a few days toward picophytoplankton dominance. Oil pollution influenced the species composition and significantly decreased diversity indexes. In the first days, nanophytoplankton was dominated by cryptophyceae (mainly Hillea fusiformis and H. marina), while microphytoplankton was mostly represented by the pennate diatoms Pseudo-nitzschia and Nitzschia, suggesting a better resistance of these genera to oil. Algal recovery after 18 days was associated with high proliferation of nano-sized Chaetoceros and micro-sized Astrionellopsis glacialis diatoms. These results improve our knowledge of the impact of oil pollution on coastal phytoplankton communities and reinforce the idea of using them as bio-indicators.
A simple method for preparing chlorophyll free phenols from olive leaves and efficiently enriching it in refined olive oil
Authors: Huang Yunfei , He Wenqing , Wang Ruifeng , Jia Yangyang , Li Lu , Xu Yawei , Lu Yuhan , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Wu Feixue , Li Chunmei
Published: March 2024

The refining process almost completely removes phenols from refined olive oil (ROO). Enriching ROO with olive phenols can significantly enhance its quality and health benefits. However, current enrichment methods are inefficient and overlook the negative impact of chlorophyll present in the phenol extract on the oil. In this study, we developed a straightforward two-step dissolve and resaturate process to prepare chlorophyll-free phenols from olive leaves and efficiently enrich ROO using the ultrasonic pulsed probe method. Under optimal conditions, the total phenol content in ROO increased by 424 mg/kg, including increases of 158.5 mg/kg (37.4%) for oleacein, 29.5 mg/kg (7.0%) for hydroxytyrosol, and 17.9 mg/kg (4.2%) for oleuropein aglycone. This also significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity, oxidative stability, and some flavor characteristics of ROO. Our study offers a straightforward, practical, and effective strategy for the valuable use of olive leaves and for improving the quality of ROO.
Accumulation of microtubule associated protein tau promotes hepatocellular carcinogenesis through inhibiting autophagosome-lysosome fusion
Authors: Liu Xuemin , Hao Zhiwei , He Huanhuan , Wang Xuan , Wang Wenqi , Shu Xiji , Sun Binlian , Hu Zhiyong , Hu Shaobo , Zhou Hongyan , Liu Yuchen , Wang Jianzhi , Fu Zhengqi
Published: March 2024

Dysregulated expression of microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT) has been reported in a variety of human cancers. However, whether and how MAPT influences hepatocellular carcinogenesis remains elusive. This study was aimed to investigate the role and the underlying mechanism of MAPT in the proliferation, invasion, migration and sorafenib sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. An increased level of MAPT was found in the primary tumor samples of HCC compared with the adjacent normal liver tissues, and the increase of MAPT was positively correlated with p62 evidenced by the data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and human samples from HCC patients. The high MAPT expression was also correlated with a poorer survival in HCC patients demonstrated by using the GEPIA survival and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Further studies showed that MAPT overexpression promoted the growth, invasion and migration and decreased sorafenib sensitivity in HepG2 and Huh7 cells; MAPT also accelerated growth of xenograft tumors with blockage of autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Finally, overexpressing MAPT inhibited AMPK, which contributed to MAPT-induced promotion of hepatocellular carcinogenesis. In conclusion, our study provides the proof-of-concept evidence validating MAPT as an attractive HCC target.
Challenging assumptions; exploring the burden of mental disorders among adolescents and young adults in high-income countries
Authors: Eissazade Negin , Amirkafi Ali , Heidari-Bateni Nomi , Sedaghat Mona , Moradi-Lakeh Maziar
Published: March 2024

Background.
The burden of diseases is generally higher in low- and middle-income compared to high-income countries. Mental disorders are among the rare categories that have the highest disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates in high-income countries. This is a paradox when we consider the higher percentage of socioeconomic stressors, such as poverty, violence, and political instability in many of the low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to review potential reasons for the higher burden of mental disorders in countries with higher incomes, focusing on adolescents and young adults.
Methods. Utilizing the data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors (GBD) 2019 study, this study explores the distribution of population-level prevalence, mortality, and DALY rates of mental disorders classified by income levels of the countries.
Results. In 2019, the DALY rate for mental disorders was 2,118 per 100,000 adolescents/young adults in high-income countries compared to 1,558 in low-income, 1,363 in lower-middle-income, and 1,516 in upper-middle-income countries. The DALY rate for “substance use disorders” is also higher in high-income, compared to other countries. self-harm did not follow the same pattern and was highest in lower-middle-income countries.
Conclusions. Our assessment supports the fact that the burden of mental disorders is a real issue in high-income countries, but the difference could be at least partially related to higher stigma and limited access to high-quality data in middle- and low-income countries. Mental disorders and substance use disorders in high-income countries both need comprehensive policies addressing mental health and its social determinants; our study also underscores the need for low- and middle-income countries to prioritize the collection of high-quality data and the reduction of the stigma of mental disorders to ensure more accurate assessments.
From neighborhood to household: connections between neighborhood vacant and abandoned property and family violence
Authors: Fleckman Julia M , Ford Julie , Eisenberg Sophia , Taylor Catherine A. , Kondo Michelle , Morrison Christopher N. , Branas Charles C. , Drury Stacy S. , Theall Katherine P.
Published: March 2024

Rates of family violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment, remain high in the U.S. and contribute to substantial health and economic costs. How neighborhood environment may influence family violence remains poorly understood. We examine the association between neighborhood vacant and abandoned properties and family violence, and the role collective efficacy may play in that relationship. Data were used from a longitudinal cohort of 218 maternal-child dyads in a southern U.S. city known for elevated rates of violence. Women were matched on their propensity score, for living in a neighborhood with elevated vacant and cited properties. Analyses accounting for clustering in neighborhood and matched groups were conducted to examine the association between neighborhood vacant and abandoned property and family violence, and the potential mediating relationship of collective efficacy. The likelihood of experiencing child maltreatment at 12-months of age was more than twice as high for children living in neighborhoods with a high vacant and cited property rates compared to women living in neighborhoods with fewer vacant and cited properties (OR=2.11, 95% CI=1.03, 4.31). Women living in neighborhoods characterized by high levels of vacant and cited properties were also more than twice as likely to report IPV (OR=2.52, 95% CI=1.21, 5.25). Associations remained mostly stable after controlling for key covariates. Collective efficacy did not act as a mediator in the relationship between vacant and cited properties and family violence. Reducing neighborhood vacant and cited properties may be an important target for interventions focused on reducing family violence.
In situ deposition reduced graphene oxide-silica for improving the corrosion resistance of organic epoxy coatings: A comparative study
Authors: Huang Jiaqi , Wu Meiping , Miao Xiaojin , Wang Jianyu , Chen Yiwen , Wang Yiyao , Wu Wangping
Published: March 2024

In this study, two facile routes for in situ construction and characterization of silica particles decorated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO-SiO2) based on the sol-gel principle are reported and incorporated into epoxy resins to prepare coatings for comparative testing of their corrosion protection and mechanical properties. The microstructure, phase identification and composition of the hybrid materials were characterized by SEM, XRD, and FT-IR, respectively. The results demonstrated that both two methods can successfully generate silica on the surface of reduced graphene oxide, but the silica generated by method I had lower content and finer size. And this trend was more obvious with the increase of reaction time. The mechanical properties and anticorrosion behavior of the epoxy coatings were investigated by coating adhesion automated scratch test, contact angle, salt spray test and EIS test. The results were shown that incorporation of rGO-SiO2 hybrids (produced in both methods I and II) into the epoxy coating notably enhanced its bongding strength, dispersion performance, barrier properties and corrosion resistance. It was also indicated that the hybrid material prepared by method I after 48h had the best mechanical and anti-corrosion properties.
Healthcare workforce satisfaction and perceptions pertaining to application of ergonomics in primary care settings in Qatar
Authors: Syed Muslim Abbas , Veettil Shajitha Thekke , Alnuaimi Ahmed Sameer , Syed Mohamed Ahmed , Mohamed Ahmed , Zainel Abduljaleel Abdullatif
Published: March 2024

Background
Globally, healthcare workforce operates in complex healthcare settings putting in strenuous efforts to provide highest standards of care to patients. Evidence suggests that there are serious health risks such as work-related musculoskeletal diseases, mental health diseases and lower job satisfaction levels among healthcare workforce who are exposed to work environments which are structured without proper consideration and application of ergonomic principles. The study aims to investigate the perceptions of a diverse healthcare workforce pertaining to their work environment to highlight the existing practices and application of ergonomics principles in a highly demanding and extensive primary care setting in the state of Qatar.
Methods
The study utilized validated online questionnaire (with structured and open-ended questions section) which was distributed through official emails to healthcare workforce registered in primary healthcare corporation which is comprised of 31 primary care clinics distributed across the country. The domains and items in the survey encompassed general principles of ergonomics within healthcare settings, overall satisfaction levels, wellbeing and perceptions pertaining to the work environment. Quantitative data was analyzed in Microsoft excel as frequency, distribution, and multiple regression model. Significance level: α = 0.05 (95% confidence). Responses to the open-ended section was analyzed by framework thematic analysis. This approach encompassed interpreting, exploring, and reporting patterns and clusters of meaning within the given data.
Results
Half of the healthcare workforce (50%) that participated in the online survey documented that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with work-life balance. Feeling supported by colleagues and supervisors in terms of mental and emotional well-being at work significantly reduced the risk of reporting a work-related discomfort by half (adjusted OR = 0.54) after adjusting for the remaining explanatory variables as reported by the multiple regression model. The themes that emerged from qualitative analysis included desirable workspace, working hours, awareness about ergonomics and satisfaction levels among staff.
Conclusions
The findings of the study further substantiate the existing evidence base in this area of research and suggest devising innovative strategies and interventions to ensure that ergonomic principles within specific healthcare systems are updated, regularly monitored and effectively implementation to safeguard the health and overall wellbeing of healthcare workforce.
Deformation analysis by a rigorous similarity transformation
Authors: Mahobub Vahid
Published: March 2024

In this contribution, deformation analysis is rigorously performed by a non-linear 3-D similarity transformation. In contrast to traditional methods based on linear least-squares (LS), here we solve a non-linear problem without any linearization. To achieve this, an extended weighted total least-squares (WTLS) approach is implemented to deformation analysis problem. Although some researchers have been trying to solve deformation analysis using TLS approaches, these attempts require modification since they used to apply unstructured TLS techniques such as Generalized TLS (GTLS) to similarity transformation which requires structured TLS (STLS) techniques while the WTLS approach preserves the structure of the functional model when based on the perfect description of the variance-covariance matrix. Also Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) confirms that the WTLS method provides the most accurate results among the linear LS, GTLS and WTLS approaches in a landslide area which is located in Turkey as a case study for deformation analysis.
Denoising Gradient Descent in Variational Quantum Algorithms
Authors: Simon Lars , Eble Holger , Kowalski Hagen-Henrik , Radons Manuel
Published: March 2024

In this article we introduce an algorithm for mitigating the adverse effects of noise on gradient descent in variational quantum algorithms. This is accomplished by computing a {\emph{regularized}} local classical approximation to the objective function at every gradient descent step. The computational overhead of our algorithm is entirely classical, i.e., the number of circuit evaluations is exactly the same as when carrying out gradient descent using the parameter-shift rules. We empirically demonstrate the advantages offered by our algorithm on randomized parametrized quantum circuits.