bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatigue among children and adolescents with acquired brain injury in a specialized neurorehabilitation setting
Authors: Proschowsky Marie-Louise Smidt , Reimers Sofie Hur , Granhøj Anette
Published: November 2024

Introduction

We investigated the fatigue experienced in children and adolescents with acquired brain injury (ABI) undergoing neurorehabilitation.

Methods

Fatigue was assessed using the pediatric quality of life inventory™ (PedsQL™). Multidimensional Fatigue Scale in 38 participants aged 2–19 years with ABI. Data were collected at enrollment and discharge, either from the participants themselves or their parents. The causes of ABI, including stroke, infection, tumor, and traumatic brain injury), were compared.

Results

Participant-reported fatigue levels significantly decreased over time (p = 0.005), whereas parent-reported fatigue levels did not show a significant change. Fatigue levels varied by ABI cause, with stroke-associated fatigue having the least impact and infection-related fatigue showing the greatest impact.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of individualized assessments that consider varying etiological factors and advocates for tailored interventions. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term impacts of fatigue in this population.
Masticatory performance and masticatory behavior in individuals with eating disorders: a pilot study
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Munirji Linda , Langlet Billy , Bostanci Nagihan , Grigoriadis Anastasios
Published: November 2024

Aim

The brief report aims to evaluate masticatory performance and components of chewing behavior in people with anorexia nervosa and compare it with a reference group of individuals with no history of eating disorders.

Material and methods

Eighteen women participated in the study: nine with anorexia nervosa (age 20.2 ± 5.9) and nine as controls in a reference group without anorexia nervosa (age 23.6 ± 0.9). Masticatory performance was assessed with a food comminution test. The participants also ate (chewed and swallowed) a second test food while their jaw movements were recorded to evaluate their chewing behavior. The number of comminuted pieces during the food comminution test, chewing cycles, chewing duration, and components like occlusal, and jaw opening/closing duration, were evaluated.

Results

In comparison to the reference group the anorexia nervosa patients performed poorly in the food comminution test (P = 0.007), and also chewed the test food significantly longer (P = 0.004) and with significantly more chewing cycles (P = 0.014). The results also showed a significantly longer jaw-closing duration in the anorexia nervosa group compared to the reference group (P = 0.021). However, there were no significant differences in either the jaw opening or the occlusal duration between the two groups.

Conclusion

Overall, the results of the study indicate that the anorexia nervosa group shows signs of poor masticatory performance and altered chewing behavior compared to the reference group of individuals with no history of eating disorders.
Humanizing sustainable development through green spaces: a case study of Saudi cities
Authors: Mostafa Ayman Mohamed , Alshahrani Adnan
Published: November 2024

This study aims to explore the impact of urban green spaces on improving quality of life and providing a healthier environment for residents, reflecting the growing global interest in green spaces and their role in sustainable development and climate change mitigation, especially in large cities like Jeddah. Analytical methods and field surveys were used to gather data from five urban parks in Jeddah. The study included questionnaires distributed to 409 park visitors between March and May 2021 to assess their satisfaction with park management, usage patterns, and social and environmental benefits. The findings indicate that green spaces play a crucial role in enhancing both mental and physical health, fostering social interactions, and reducing stress. Good infrastructure and a sense of safety increase visitor engagement, while the availability of green spaces per capita in Jeddah is relatively low compared to other cities. These results underscore the importance of developing public policies to improve access to and quality of green spaces in large urban areas. Green spaces can contribute to sustainable development goals by reducing social disparities and enhancing residents’ quality of life. The study recommends better green space management and increasing public awareness of their benefits.
Quality of life, anxiety, and depression improve at one-year after liver transplantation in patients with advanced liver disease
Authors: Cordoba-Alvarado Rosana , Romero-Fonnegra Valentina , Cortes-Mejia Nicolas , Bejarano-Ramirez Diana Fernanda , Maldonado-Hoyos Valentina , Sanchez-Garcia Sandra Janeth , Vera-Torres Alonso
Published: November 2024

Background

Liver transplantation (LT) improves survival in end-stage liver disease. Several reports have addressed the impact of LT on patients’ lives, beyond purely medical outcomes. Although the quality of life and mental health have been demonstrated to improve with this procedure, such studies are still missing in Latin America.

Methods

Patients who received LT at the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá between 2017 and 2019 were assessed for quality of life (QoL), anxiety, and depression and they were followed up for one year after the procedure. Pre-transplant data were gathered at inclusion on the waiting list, while post-transplant data at 3- and 12 months after LT. European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) and European Quality of Life-Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) instruments were used to evaluate QoL. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used for evaluating anxious and depressive symptoms.

Results

115 recipients met the inclusion criteria. Mean pre-transplant EQ-VAS was 70.78, rising to 87.16 and 92.56 at 3- and 12-months, respectively. Improvements in all EQ-5D dimensions were found in response to LT. According to the HADS questionnaire, anxiety was reduced by 2.35 points and depression by 1.63 points after LT.

Conclusion

in the short term, LT is a successful strategy for enhancing QoL, anxiety, and depression in patients with liver disease. Long-term benefits must be assessed.
Surgical vs. nonoperative treatment for acute Achilles' tendon rupture: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Fan Lei , Hu Yunan , Zhou Leng , Fu Weili
Published: November 2024

Background

Acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR) is common among young individuals. There are various management options available, including conservative treatment, open surgical repair, and minimally invasive treatments. However, the optimal treatment approach remains controversial.

Purpose

In this study, we conducted a thorough analysis of the existing literature to compare the clinical outcomes of surgical and nonoperative treatments for patients with AATR by conducting a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Study design

Meta analysis; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods

Eligible trials randomly assigned adults with AATR to surgical or conservative treatment and assessed by three independent reviewers. We searched in PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library. The assessment of risk of bias was conducted by entering the data from each included study into the Revman computer program. Extracted data were meta-analyzed. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 test. Pooled results were expressed as odds ratios, risk ratios (OR), and mean differences (MD).

Results

The meta-analysis included a total of 14 studies and 1,399 patients, with 696 patients receiving surgical intervention and 703 patients undergoing non-surgical treatment. The follow- up duration ranged from 12 to 30 months. The surgical group was found to have a significantly lower re-rupture rate (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.18–0.54; P < 0.00001), but also had a higher risk of other complications (OR: 3.28, 95% CI: 1.56–6.93, P = 0.002). The surgical group also had significantly abnormal calf (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.26–0.76, P = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of returning to sports, ATRS, abnormal motion of foot and ankle, unable heel-rise, and torque for plantar flexion.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis results indicate that surgical intervention for AATR is associated with a lower re-rupture rate, but a higher risk of other complications. Our assessment of life-quality and functional outcomes also suggests that surgery leads to significantly better outcomes in terms of sick leave, abnormal calf, and torque for plantar flexion. Based on these findings, we recommend that surgery is a preferable option for patients who have a higher risk of re-rupture and require a quick rehabilitation.
Silicone as a smart solution for simulating soft tissue—an iterative approach to developing a high-fidelity sustainable training model for laparoscopic appendectomy
Authors: Roche Adam F. , Diebold Gabrielle , McCawley Niamh , Duggan William P. , Doyle Andrea J. , Lawler Tim , O’Conghaile Caoimhin , Condron Claire M.
Published: November 2024

Background

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is an effective treatment for the surgical care of appendicitis, with this minimally invasive approach allowing patients to typically spend less time in hospital and promptly return to normal life activities. Residents can acquire the competence and confidence needed in a safe learning environment prior to real patient encounters through simulation-based learning of these techniques. We propose a low cost, sustainable, high fidelity simulation-based training model for LA to compliment regular resident practice of these skills.

Methods

A team dedicated to developing this surgical simulation training model was established, equipped with the clinical knowledge and model engineering expertise. We used concepts of design-based research (DBR) to iteratively develop this model at key intervals. Our LA training model underwent four stages of model development prior to unified stakeholder consensus that this model was deemed effective and suitable for integration into formative surgical simulation curricula.

Results

This model simulates most of the key anatomical structures associated with performing an LA. In order to provide high fidelity haptic feedback, attempts were made to mimic the tensile properties of real tissue using different concentrations of silicone. The model can be utilized with laparoscopic box trainers of various sizes due to its scalability. It cost €9.67 to create, and single use appendix components cost €1.22 to build thereafter.

Conclusions

Surgical residents can benefit from the platform that simulation-based education offers to develop the psychomotor skills necessary to perform LA in a safe learning environment. We describe a model for LA, which allows learners to develop their skill proficiency in this area under expert supervision.
The Characterisation of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Teaching Hospital in Malaysia
Authors: Lau Min Yi , Ponnampalavanar Sasheela , Chong Chun Wie , Dwiyanto Jacky , Lee Yee Qing , Woon Jia Jie , Kong Zhi Xian , Jasni Azmiza Syawani , Lee Michelle Chin Chin , Obaidellah Unaizah Hanum , Teh Cindy Shuan Ju
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: The emergence and dissemination of carbapenem-resistant organisms, particularly Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, pose a significant threat to healthcare systems worldwide. This retrospective study aims to characterise carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains in a teaching hospital and to determine the risk factors associated with patients’ in-hospital mortality. Methods: A total of 90 CRAB and 63 CRKP were included in this study. Carbapenemase genes and MLST types of CRAB and CRKP were determined using specific primers. Risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality were analysed with collected data. Results: All the CRAB strains consisted of OXA carbapenemase genes, with 98% of the strains co-harbouring blaOXA-23-like and blaOXA-51-like carbapenemase genes. Conversely, blaNDM is the predominant carbapenemase gene in CRKP, followed by blaOXA-48-like carbapenemase genes. ST2 and ST20 are the dominant MLST types in CRAB and CRKP, respectively. In CRAB, multivariate analysis identified age, ethnicity, the presence of a mechanical ventilator, and patients who experienced previous exposure to clindamycin in the last 90 days as associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. In contrast, older age, male, ICU admission, and the presence of an indwelling urinary catheter were significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality for patients with CRKP. Conclusions: Both CRAB and CRKP lead to high rates of mortality. The MLST profile showed that the genomic patterns of CRKP were highly diverse, whereas CRAB strains had low genetic diversity. To tackle these challenging pathogens, robust surveillance and an in-depth understanding of molecular epidemiology and genomics studies are needed to tailor infection control strategies and individualise treatment approaches.
Improved Mechanistic Degradation Modes Modeling of Lithium and Sodium Plating
Authors: Beck David , Greszta Agata , Roberts Alexander , Dubarry Matthieu
Published: November 2024

Lithium and sodium plating are inevitable when using negative electrodes with an electrochemical potential close to one of the charge carriers. Typical testing and modeling assume that plating occurs at 0 V when measured against the charge carrier. While this might be true under thermodynamic equilibrium, this is not true outside of steady state. This has significant implications as, by taking this into account, the testing voltage window of negative electrodes could be extended to allow gathering data for more complete discharges at higher rates. Moreover, from a modeling standpoint, it could also allow us to more accurately predict plating initiation potentials dynamically. This work presents the preliminary results of the investigation of what parameters are influencing the plating potential and how to take them into account in testing and modeling.
Optimization of Culture Conditions for High Cell Productivity and Astaxanthin Accumulation in Vietnam’s Green Microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis HB and a Neuroprotective Activity of Its Astaxanthin
Authors: Ha Nguyen Cam , Tam Luu Thi , Hien Hoang Thi Minh , Thu Ngo Thi Hoai , Hong Dang Diem , Thom Le Thi
Published: November 2024

Background: Haematococcus pluvialis, a green microalga, is a rich source of natural astaxanthin and a potent antioxidant with high commercial value. This study investigates the biological characteristics and potential of H. pluvialis HB isolated from Hoa Binh, Vietnam, for growth and astaxanthin accumulation using a two-phase culture method. Methods: H. pluvialis HB was cultured in a C/RM medium at 25 °C, and morphological characteristics were examined. NMR spectroscopy was used to determine the structure of the astaxanthin, which was extracted using the Soxhlet method. Results: After 22 days, the highest cell density (4.96 × 106 cells mL−1) was achieved under optimized light and ultraviolet conditions. Nutrient deprivation followed by bicarbonate supplementation resulted in a maximal astaxanthin accumulation of 48.8 mg g−1 dry cell weight within two days. The extracted astaxanthin demonstrated potent antioxidant activity (IC50: 3.74 mg mL−1) compared to ascorbic acid (IC50: 18.53 µg mL−1) and exhibited strong acetylcholinesterase inhibition (IC50: 297.99 µg mL−1). It also showed neuroprotective effects against H2O2 and amyloid beta-induced neurotoxicity in C6 cells. Conclusions: This study highlights H. pluvialis HB as a promising source for large-scale astaxanthin production with potential applications in neuroprotective health products.
Lightweight Super-Resolution Techniques in Medical Imaging: Bridging Quality and Computational Efficiency
Authors: Abdusalomov Akmalbek , Mirzakhalilov Sanjar , Dilnoza Zaripova , Zohirov Kudratjon , Nasimov Rashid , Umirzakova Sabina , Cho Young-Im
Published: November 2024

Medical imaging plays an essential role in modern healthcare, providing non-invasive tools for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions. However, the resolution limitations of imaging hardware often result in suboptimal images, which can hinder the precision of clinical decision-making. Single image super-resolution (SISR) techniques offer a solution by reconstructing high-resolution (HR) images from low-resolution (LR) counterparts, enhancing the visual quality of medical images. In this paper, we propose an enhanced Residual Feature Learning Network (RFLN) tailored specifically for medical imaging. Our contributions include replacing the residual local feature blocks with standard residual blocks, increasing the model depth for improved feature extraction, and incorporating enhanced spatial attention (ESA) mechanisms to refine the feature selection. Extensive experiments on medical imaging datasets demonstrate that the proposed model achieves superior performance in terms of both quantitative metrics, such as PSNR and SSIM, and qualitative visual quality compared to existing state-of-the-art models. The enhanced RFLN not only effectively mitigates noise but also preserves critical anatomical details, making it a promising solution for high-precision medical imaging applications.
Drug-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis: National Database Analysis
Authors: Butranova Olga I. , Terekhina Elizaveta N. , Zyryanov Sergey K. , Gildeeva Geliia N. , Abramova Anna A. , Kustov Yury O. , Asetskaya Irina L. , Polivanov Vitaly A.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) results in a progressive decline of lung function due to scarring. Drugs are among the most common causes of PF. The objective of our study was to reveal the structure of drugs involved in PF development. Methods: we performed a retrospective descriptive pharmacoepidemiologic study on spontaneous reports (SRs) with data on PF registered in the Russian National Pharmacovigilance database for the period from 4 January 2019 to 31 May 2024. Results: A total of 1308 SRs on PF were finally identified with patients mean age of 59.3 ± 23.4 years. Death was reported in 30.7% (n = 401) with mean age of 59.9 ± 13.8 years. In the structure of culprit drugs, the following groups were leaders: antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents (51.9%); systemic hormonal preparations, excluding sex hormones and insulins (7.4%); drugs affecting nervous system (7.1%); respiratory system (7.1%); alimentary tract and metabolism (6.5%); and cardiovascular system (5.5%). In the total sample, the top ten drugs were rituximab (5.5%), methotrexate (4.4%), etanercept (4.2%), leflunomide (4.0%), adalimumab (3.7%), tocilizumab (3.3%), abatacept (3.0%), alendronic acid (2.7%), secukinumab (2.6%), and infliximab (2.4%). The number of SRs per year nearly doubled from 2021 to 2022 and from 2022 to 2023 with a maximum peak expected for 2024. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated increased reporting on PF in the National Pharmacovigilance database from 2019 to 2024. We revealed outstanding results for the role of antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents in PF development.
Sex-Related Differences in Heart Failure Development in Patients After First Myocardial Infarction: The Role of Galectin-3
Authors: Dekleva Milica , Djuric Tamara , Djordjevic Ana , Soldatovic Ivan , Stankovic Aleksandra , Suzic Lazic Jelena , Zivkovic Maja
Published: November 2024

Backgrounds: Galectin-3 (gal-3) is upregulated in remodeling, and failing myocardium and gal-3 levels are increased in hypertrophy, fibrosis and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of sex-related differences in the following: risk factors, left ventricular (LV) structural and functional changes, coronary angiography, expression of the gal-3 encoding gene LGALS-3 and plasma gal-3 levels in heart failure (HF). Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 137 men and 44 women with first MI who underwent Doppler echocardiography within 2–4 days of MI and after 6 months. Relative LGALS-3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was detected using TaqMan® technology. Plasma gal-3 concentration was determined by ELISA method. Results: In the acute phase of MI, LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes (LVEDVI and LVESVI) were significantly lower in women compared to men (58.2 ± 13.1 vs. 46.3 ± 11.1, p < 0.001; 33.7 ± 9.5 vs. 27.0 ± 9.2, p < 0.001, respectively). The incidence of LV hypertrophy (LVH) and HF was significantly higher in women compared to men (70.0% vs. 44.6%, p = 0.03; 37.5% vs.19.5%, p = 0.02, respectively). There was a significant correlation between the grade of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and plasma gal-3 levels (p < 0.001). The relative expression of LGALS-3 mRNA in PBMCs was higher in females (fold induction = 1.326, S.E. range = 0.748–2.587, p = 0.007). Plasma gal-3 levels were higher in women compared to men (44.66 ± 28.04 vs. 16.30 ± 12.68, p < 0.001) and higher in patients with HF than in patients without HF (31.14 ± 27.09 vs.21.39 ± 18.17, p = 0.025). Conclusions: Gender-specific factors such as LVH, LVDD, LGALS-3 mRNA expression and plasma gal-3 levels may explain the increased incidence of HF in women. The differences in the model and determinants of HF between men and women may be relevant for further therapeutic strategies including the inhibition of gal-3.
The Crosstalk Between Cartilage and Bone in Skeletal Growth
Authors: Hernández-García Frank , Fernández-Iglesias Ángela , Rodríguez Suárez Julián , Gil Peña Helena , López José M. , Pérez Rocío Fuente
Published: November 2024

While the flat bones of the face, most of the cranial bones, and the clavicles are formed directly from sheets of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, most bones in the human body are first formed as cartilage templates. Cartilage is subsequently replaced by bone via a very tightly regulated process termed endochondral ossification, which is led by chondrocytes of the growth plate (GP). This process requires continuous communication between chondrocytes and invading cell populations, including osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and vascular cells. A deeper understanding of these signaling pathways is crucial not only for normal skeletal growth and maturation but also for their potential relevance to pathophysiological processes in bones and joints. Due to limited information on the communication between chondrocytes and other cell types in developing bones, this review examines the current knowledge of how interactions between chondrocytes and bone-forming cells modulate bone growth.
Design and Rapid Prototyping of 3D-Printed Microfluidic Systems for Multiphase Flow
Authors: Oldach Bastian , Fortmann Robin , Pleie Theo , Timm Philip , Kockmann Norbert
Published: November 2024

Since the emergence of microfluidic devices, subtractive manufacturing techniques have dominated their production. Although the conventional manufacturing processes are well established, they come along with some disadvantages that limit the accessibility and hinder the further development of microfluidics. With the rise of additive manufacturing, researchers are focused on developing alternative fabrication methods to promote affordability and accessibility. This paper presents the opportunities and challenges of laser-based stereolithography printers for the fabrication of microfluidic equipment. Emphasis is put on the design and iterative prototyping process from the initial design idea to the final device. To print with adequate and sufficient geometrical accuracy and suitable material, the optimization of the printer’s performance is discussed. Regarding the design of multiphase microfluidics and its complex fluid behavior, suitable surface treatments, including an appropriate cleaning protocol, and coating strategies to make the printed channels either hydrophilic or hydrophobic are presented to ensure applicability. With these fundamentals of additive manufacturing in microfluidic fabrication at hand, the second focus of this contribution is on the application of a modular co-flow device and a monolithic flow-focusing device to generate droplets and slugs in different multiphase flow applications. The presented co-flow setup features a tapered capillary that affects the droplet and slug sizes due to differing diameters, with larger diameters leading to larger droplets and slugs and vice versa. Several design parameters for the flow-focusing device were evaluated to determine the influence of device design on multiphase flow formation. It was found that the diameter of the inlet for the dispersed phase has the greatest effect on the size of the resulting droplets and slugs and covers the largest range of adjustable sizes.
Oxysophocarpine Prevents the Glutamate-Induced Apoptosis of HT–22 Cells via the Nrf2/HO–1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yuan Ruiying , Gao Dan , Yang Guibing , Zhuoma Dongzhi , Pu Zhen , Ciren Yangzhen , Li Bin , Yu Jianqing
Published: November 2024

Oxysophocarpine (OSC), a quinolizidine alkaloid, shows neuroprotective potential, though its mechanisms are unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of OSC through the nuclear factor erythroid 2−related factor 2 (Nrf2)/ heme oxygenase−1 (HO–1) signaling pathway using the HT–22 cell line. Assessments of cell viability were conducted utilizing the 3−(4,5−dimethylthiazol−2−yl)−2,5−diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Assessments of oxidative stress (OS) were conducted through the quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The integrity of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was scrutinized using fluorescent probe technology. Apoptosis levels were quantified using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The trafficking of Nrf2 within the cell nucleus was examined through immunofluorescence analysis. Furthermore, Western blotting (WB) was applied to evaluate the expression levels of proteins implicated in apoptosis and the Nrf2/HO–1 pathway. To further probe the influence of OSC on the overexpression of antioxidant enzymes, cells were subjected to transfection with HO–1 siRNA. The results showed that OSC inhibited glutamate-induced OS, as evidenced by reduced cell viability and ROS levels. Furthermore, the apoptotic condition induced by glutamate in HT–22 cells was significantly reduced following OSC treatment. More interestingly, the Nrf2/HO–1 signaling pathway was upregulated following OSC treatment. These results suggest that OSC can exert neuroprotective effects by regulating the Nrf2/HO–1 pathway to inhibit neuronal cell apoptosis, potentially aiding in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Transmembrane-4 L-Six Family Member-1 Is Essential for Embryonic Blood Vessel Development
Authors: Lin Chi-Iou , Merley Anne , Wada Hiromi , Zheng Jianwei , Jaminet Shou-Ching S.
Published: November 2024

Transmembrane-4 L-six family member-1 (TM4SF1) is a small cell surface glycoprotein that is highly and selectively expressed on endothelial cell and mesenchymal stem cell surfaces. TM4SF1 regulates cellular functions by forming protein complexes called TMED (TM4SF1-enriched microdomains) that either recruit growth-factor activated proteins and internalize them via microtubules to distribute the recruited molecules intracellularly or support the formation of nanopodia for intercellular interactions extracellularly. Through a genetically manipulated mouse model for global Tm4sf1 gene knockout, we demonstrate here that TM4SF1 is essential for blood vessel development. Tm4sf1-null embryos fail to develop blood vessels and experience lethality at E9.5. Tm4SF1-heterozygous embryos are smaller in body size during early embryonic development, and almost half die in utero due to intracranial hemorrhage in the intraventricular and subarachnoid space, which becomes apparent by E17.5. Surviving Tm4SF1-heterozygotes do not display overt phenotypic differences relative to wild type littermates postnatally. Together, these studies demonstrate that TM4SF1, through its molecular facilitator and nanopodia formation roles in TMED, intimately regulates blood vessel formation during embryonic development.
A Set of Proximal Regulatory Elements Contribute to the Transcriptional Activity of the Human Lipoprotein Lipase Promoter
Authors: Bastaki Nasmah K. , Albarjes Taybha A. , Mohamed Afnan K. , Sabri Noorhan H. , Al-Bustan Suzanne A.
Published: November 2024

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a multifunctional protein that catalyzes the hydrolysis of plasma triglycerides, releasing free fatty acids, which play critical roles in the metabolism and transport of lipids. The transcription of LPL in response to cell types and regulatory factors is a complex process that starts with its promoter. In previous studies, several proximal regulatory elements within the human LPL promoter were individually characterized. This study was designed to characterize the effect of 12 proximal regulatory elements as a combined unit on the transcriptional activity of the LPL promoter. The hypothesis was that these proximal regulatory elements collectively result in the optimal transcriptional activity of the human LPL promoter. Full and partial LPL promoter sequences, which contained and excluded the 12 regulatory elements, respectively, were cloned and inserted into a promoterless luciferase reporter vector. The functional activities of these constructs were tested in vitro using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Our results showed that HEK-293 cells transfected with the full LPL promoter exhibited significantly greater luciferase activity than cells transfected with partial LPL promoters. Our results indicate that the proximal regulatory elements within the LPL promoter, including four TATA boxes, two Oct-1 sites, one CT element, two C/EBPα sites, one SP1 site, and two cis-acting regions (LP-α and LP-β), are essential for its transcriptional activity.
Multiomics Analysis of Molecules Associated with Cancer in Mesenchymal-Stem-Cell-(MSC)-Derived Exosome-Treated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Gao Wen-Yong , Boonyarat Chantana , Samar Nutjakorn , Sethabouppha Benjabhorn , Waiwut Pornthip
Published: November 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer in humans, with an increasing incidence worldwide. The current study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms that inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells, a hepatoblastoma-derived cell line. MSC-derived exosomes (UC-MSCs) were prepared with a median particle size (N50) of 135.8 nm. Concentrations of UC-MSCs ranging from 10 μg/mL to 1000 μg/mL were applied to HepG2 cell cultures and compared to untreated and anticancer drug-treated HepG2 cells. A combined approach was employed, integrating a proteomic analysis of UC-MSCs, metabolomic analysis of HepG2 cells, and transcriptomic profiling of HepG2 cells to decipher the inhibitory mechanisms of UC-MSC exosomes on HepG2 cell growth. Treatment with a high concentration of UC-MSCs led to a notable reduction in HepG2 cell viability, with survival decreasing by 65%. A proteomic analysis of UC-MSCs revealed enriched degranulation processes in Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, in addition to the known exosomal pathways. Transcriptomic profiling showed distinct changes in the expression of genes related to hepatocellular diseases in UC-MSC-treated HepG2 cells, contrasting with changes observed in HepG2 cells treated with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX). Combined with a metabolomic analysis, the detailed GO and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that pathways associated with neutrophil extracellular trap formation played a critical role in mediating protein degradation and suppressing central carbon metabolism in cancer cells. Our results revealed that the UC-MSC treatment mimicked molecular mechanisms similar to those involved in neutrophil extracellular trap formation, exhibiting effects on HepG2 cell growth suppression that differed from those of chemical cancer drugs. Notably, the UC-MSC treatment demonstrated that protein degradation in HepG2 cells was regulated through canonical signaling pathways activated by bacterial peptides in neutrophils. This research has provided valuable insights into the potential of MSC-derived exosomes as a therapeutic approach for cancer treatment in the future.
Willaertia Lysate: A Hydrobiome-Biosourced Ingredient with Multi-Site Antioxidative and Antiaging Properties
Authors: Dos Santos Morgan , Rorteau Julie , Laho Kilian , Osman-Ponchet Hanan , Barthe Manon , Quelard Benjamin , Carlino Antoine , Saha Adeline , Troussieux Sandrine
Published: November 2024

Aging is synonymous with the skin becoming increasingly thin and fragile, which is associated with a decrease in epidermal cell layers. Beyond this intrinsic aging process, the skin is continually exposed to environmental stressors such as UV radiation that accelerate aging. To fight the signs of aging, a comprehensive program was implemented in this study to evaluate the efficacy of an innovative ingredient, Willaertia lysate, through a multi-scale approach encompassing cellular and advanced 3D skin models. The results show that Willaertia lysate, initially sourced from French Alps thermal spring waters, is able to (i) promote cell migration; (ii) improve the quality and abundance of the extracellular matrix in aged skins and in young skins exposed to UV radiation to a similar level to that in unexposed young skins; (iii) decrease tyrosinase activity and melanin content; and (iv) reduce oxidative stress after UV exposure by decreasing exposome markers such as protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation expression. This complete set of coherent results demonstrates the global protective efficacy of Willaertia lysate against the effects of photoaging. This study is the first to report the use of a protozoan lysate as a natural and biosourced postbiotic active ingredient in the fields of cosmetics and dermocosmetics.
Towards a Risk-Based Follow-Up Surveillance Imaging Schedule for Children and Adolescents with Low-Grade Glioma
Authors: Roka Kleoniki , Kersbergen Karina J. , Schouten-van Meeteren Antoinette Y. N. , Avula Shivaram , Sehested Astrid , Otth Maria , Scheinemann Katrin
Published: November 2024

The frequency and duration of imaging surveillance in children and adolescents with pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGGs) aims for the early detection of recurrence or progression. Although surveillance of pLGGs is performed routinely, it is not yet standardized. The aim of the current review is to provide a comprehensive synthesis of published studies regarding the optimal frequency, intervals, and duration of surveillance. Several key influencing factors were identified (age, the extent of resection, the tumor location, the histological type, and specific molecular characteristics). However, the lack of consistent definitions of recurrence/progression and the extent of resection meant that it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis of the data from the 18 included articles. This review highlights the need for updating the definition of these terms for uniform and global use both in routine clinical practice as well as in upcoming trials. Thus, future studies on the heterogenous group of pLGGs will allow for the better tailoring of both the frequency and duration of imaging surveillance protocols in relevant settings.
Policy Coordination Effects of APPCAP and ETS on Pollution and Carbon Reduction
Authors: Liu Na , Yang Siyue , Gao Xinwei , Yang Ruirui
Published: November 2024

Coordinated control of pollution and carbon reduction is an imperative choice for China’s overall transition towards sustainability. However, China’s environmental policies often treat pollutants and CO2 separately, potentially resulting in imbalanced pollution and carbon reduction. Since several cities are not only critical cities for the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (APPCAP) policy but also pilot cities for the Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), this study aims to examine the extent to which the policy coordination of APPCAP and ETS can influence air pollutants and CO2 emissions. Using panel data from 2011 to 2019 for China’s 231 prefecture cities, we compare the pollution and carbon reduction effects of separate and coordinated policy implementation of APPCAP and ETS via the difference-in-differences (DID) model and the causal forest model. Research shows that (1) the policy coordination of APPCAP and ETS has significantly reduced both air pollutants and CO2 emissions in dual-policy pilot cities. For non-dual pilot cities, the separate implementation of APPCAP or ETS only exerts significant unilateral effects. (2) Enhancing government supervision, weakening the relationship between government and enterprises, and raising enterprises’ green innovation capabilities are the main mechanisms through which policy coordination can significantly influence pollution and carbon reduction. (3) The combined implementation impacts of APPCAP and ETS are more evident in pollution-intensive cities and cities with weak carbon-peaking trends. Our research inspires the development of a collaborative system of pollution reduction and carbon reduction policies.
Green Hydrogen—Production and Storage Methods: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Chirosca Ana-Maria , Rusu Eugen , Minzu Viorel
Published: November 2024

Green hydrogen has become a central topic in discussions about the global energy transition, seen as a promising solution for decarbonizing economies and meeting climate goals. As part of the process of decarbonization, green hydrogen can replace fossil fuels currently in use, helping to reduce emissions in sectors vital to the global economy, such as industry and transport, as well as in the power and heat sectors. Whilst there is significant potential for green hydrogen, there are also challenges. The upfront costs for infrastructure and technology are high, and the availability and accessibility of the renewables needed for production varies by region. Green hydrogen production and storage technologies are continuously evolving and being promoted as the demand for hydrogen in many applications grows. Considering this, this paper presents the main methods for its production and storage, as well as its economic impact. Hence, the trend of governments and international organizations is to invest in research and development to make this technology more accessible and efficient, given the carbon reduction targets.
Reliability Model of Battery Energy Storage Cooperating with Prosumer PV Installations
Authors: Bartecka Magdalena , Marchel Piotr , Zagrajek Krzysztof , Lewandowski Mirosław , Kłos Mariusz
Published: November 2024

The energy transition toward low-carbon electricity systems has resulted in a steady increase in RESs. The expansion of RESs has been accompanied by a growing number of energy storage systems (ESSs) that smooth the demand curve or improve power quality. However, in order to investigate ESS benefits, it is necessary to determine their reliability. This article proposes a four-state reliability model of a battery ESS operating with a PV system for low-voltage grid end users: households and offices. The model assumes an integration scenario of an ESS and a PV system to maximize autoconsumption and determine generation reliability related to energy availability. The paper uses a simulation approach and proposes many variants of power source and storage capacity. Formulas to calculate the reliability parameters—the intensity of transition λ, resident time Ti, or stationary probabilities—are provided. The results show that increasing the BESS capacity above 80% of daily energy consumption does not improve the availability probability, but it may lead to an unnecessary cost increase; doubling the PV system capacity results in a decrease in the unavailability probability by almost half. The analysis of the results by season shows that it is impossible to achieve a high level of BESS reliability in winter in temperate climates.
Empowering Healthcare Leaders: Coaching for Leadership Development
Authors: Hunaiti Ziad
Published: November 2024

Coaching is a dynamic, evolving field that seeks to unlock individuals’ potential to achieve their personal and professional best. It has gained widespread recognition across various sectors as an effective means of leadership skills development, including in the vital healthcare sector, which requires innovative strategies to build leadership skills that can sustain high-quality services and maintain patient safety. Many healthcare organizations have thus embraced coaching as a valuable tool for leadership development. This review presents the definitions, concepts, methodology, and applications of coaching, and identifies its salient characteristics in relation to other professions. The second section of this study focuses on a literature review, specifically examining coaching in the healthcare industry and its role as a method for leadership development. The outcome from the review offers insights and results from a review of related research, specifically identifying the potential for coaching within healthcare and its effectiveness in leadership development. The information gathered from this study provides valuable guidance to healthcare leaders and organizations seeking to implement coaching practices in their leadership development programs.
Production, Purification, and Characterization of Extracellular Lipases from Hyphopichia wangnamkhiaoensis and Yarrowia deformans
Authors: Romo-Silva Misael , Flores-Camargo Emanuel Osmar , Chávez-Camarillo Griselda Ma. , Cristiani-Urbina Eliseo
Published: November 2024

The efficient production of microbial lipases from organic wastes has garnered great interest because of the diverse and potential biotechnological applications of these enzymes. However, the extracellular lipases from the novel yeast strains Hyphopichia wangnamkhiaoensis and Yarrowia deformans remain uncharacterized. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the characteristics and production of lipases from both yeasts. Lipases from H. wangnamkhiaoensis and Y. deformans were purified and biochemically characterized, and their production was measured in batch cultures with olive oil (reference), waste cooking oil, and glycerol as substrates. The purified lipases from H. wangnamkhiaoensis and Y. deformans had molecular weights of approximately 33 and 45 kDa, respectively. Their activities on p-nitrophenyl palmitate were optimal at pH 8.0 and 40 °C. Moreover, the activities of the lipases were inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, and 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride, and were reactivated by Ca2+ and Mg2+, indicating that both lipases are metalloenzymes and serine-type enzymes. The lipases were more tolerant to hydrophilic solvents than to hydrophobic solvents, and they followed Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Among the various substrates used, waste cooking oil yielded the highest lipase production and productivity. These results indicate that H. wangnamkhiaoensis and Y. deformans are suitable and potential candidates for lipase production.
Aerosol Emission Patterns from the February 2019 Karnataka Fire
Authors: Bhawar Rohini L. , Kumar Vinay , Lawand Divyaja , Kedia Sumita , Naik Mrunal , Modale Shripriya , Reddy P. R. C. , Islam Sahidul , Khare Manoj
Published: November 2024

Forests are vital for life on Earth but are threatened by forest fires, which have significant impacts on climate change both locally and globally. This study examines a forest fire that lasted from 15 to 26 February 2019 in Karnataka, India, using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model to analyze the effects and atmospheric spread of fire-emitted aerosols. Model simulations are analyzed to understand the horizontal and vertical transport and radiative effects of the fire. The results show high aerosol levels and smoke particles reaching up to 3.5 km altitude and above. The fire raised near-surface air temperatures by ~1–1.5 °C. The net atmospheric forcing due to the fire over the affected area ranged from approximately 10 to 14 W/m2, resulting in heating rates between about 0.002 and 0.005 K/day in the impacted region.
Multifunctional Applications of Lactic Acid Bacteria: Enhancing Safety, Quality, and Nutritional Value in Foods and Fermented Beverages
Authors: Anumudu Christian Kosisochukwu , Miri Taghi , Onyeaka Helen
Published: November 2024

Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) have garnered significant attention in the food and beverage industry for their significant roles in enhancing safety, quality, and nutritional value. As starter cultures, probiotics, and bacteriocin producers, LAB contributes to the production of high-quality foods and beverages that meet the growing consumer demand for minimally processed functional and health-promoting food products. Industrial food processing, especially in the fresh produce and beverage sector, is shifting to the use of more natural bioproducts in food production, prioritizing not only preservation but also the enhancement of functional characteristics in the final product. Starter cultures, essential to this approach, are carefully selected for their robust adaptation to the food environment. These cultures, often combined with probiotics, contribute beyond their basic fermentation roles by improving the safety, nutritional value, and health-promoting properties of foods. Thus, their selection is critical in preserving the integrity, quality, and nutrition of foods, especially in fresh produce and fruits and vegetable beverages, which have a dynamic microbiome. In addition to reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and spoilage through the metabolites, including bacteriocins they produce, the use of LAB in these products can contribute essential amino acids, lactic acids, and other bioproducts that directly impact food quality. As a result, LAB can significantly alter the organoleptic and nutritional quality of foods while extending their shelf life. This review is aimed at highlighting the diverse applications of LAB in enhancing safety, quality, and nutritional value across a range of food products and fermented beverages, with a specific focus on essential metabolites in fruit and vegetable beverages and their critical contributions as starter cultures, probiotics, and bacteriocin producers.
Compositional Analysis of Grape Berries: Mapping the Global Metabolism of Grapes
Authors: Hou Huanteng , Li Yufei , Zhou Shen , Zhang Ran , Wang Yuanyue , Lei Long , Yang Chenkun , Huang Sishu , Xu Hang , Liu Xianqing , Gao Min , Luo Jie
Published: November 2024

To characterize the nutrients and bioactive compounds in grape berries and to explore the real cause of the “French paradox” phenomenon, we performed metabolomic analysis of 66 grape varieties worldwide using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). A nontargeted metabolomics approach detected a total of 4889 metabolite signals. From these, 964 bioactive and nutrient compounds were identified and quantified, including modified flavonoids, medicinal pentacyclic triterpenoids, vitamins, amino acids, lipids, etc. Interestingly, metabolic variations between varieties are not explained by geography or subspecies but can be significantly distinguished by grapes’ color, even after excluding flavonoids and anthocyanins. In our analysis, we found that purple grape varieties had the highest levels of key bioactive components such as flavonoids, pentacyclic triterpenes, and polyphenols, which are thought to have a variety of health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties, when compared to grapes of other colors. In addition, we found higher levels of vitamins in red and pink grapes, possibly explaining their role in preventing anemia and scurvy and protecting the skin. These findings may be a major factor in the greater health benefits of wines made from purple grapes. Our study provides comprehensive metabolic profiling data of grape berries that may contribute to future research on the French paradox.