bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The native Iranian soil bacteria with high potential to produce extracellular methionine gamma-lyase
Authors: Nasirian Matin , Mobini-Dehkordi Mohsen , Khosravian Pegah
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to screen native methionine gamma-lyase (L-methioninase) producing bacteria from soil samples and optimize the culture media for enhanced enzyme production using statistical design. Three bacteria, Pseudomonas mosselii, Ralstonia solanacearum, and Cytobacillus kochii, were identified as novel L-methioninase producers, which alternative source of L-methioninase for cancer treatment could be utilized alongside other therapeutic agents. The bacteria were isolated from various garden soils and cultured on a modified M9 medium and screened by Nessler reagent. According to Bergey’s manual of systematic bacteriology, identification tests determined the morphological, physiological, and biochemical characterizations. Further identification was performed using the analysis of the 16 s rDNA gene sequences using PCR and universal bacterial primers. The optimization of medium constituents for L-methioninase production was performed in two steps using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The first step used the “one factor at a time” method to screen and identify critical medium components for L-methioninase production. The second step used the Box–Behnken design to assess quadratic effects and two-way interactions between variables and determine the response’s nonlinear nature. The study found that three isolates produced L-methioninase, namely Pseudomonas mosselii spp.MN02 (GenBank PP431975), Ralstonia solanacearum spp.MN02 (GenBank PP431636), and Cytobacillus kochii spp.MN02 (GenBank PP432622). Among these, Pseudomonas mosselii spp.MN02 produced the highest amount of L-methioninase and was therefore chosen for enzyme production optimization process. The maximum L-methioninase production of 1.5 ± 0.1 U/mL was obtained at a pH 6, and the best nitrogen source was yeast extract (1% concentration). The influence of different carbon sources revealed that glucose was the best carbon source for L-methioninase production (3.25 ± 0.1 U/mL). The optimization experiments using the Box–Behnken design predicted that L-methioninase would have an activity of 12.56 U/mL under optimal conditions, including 2% glucose, 2% yeast extract, pH 6, and temperature at 30°C. In conclusion, this study presents a promising new methods for identifying potential L-methioninase producers and optimizing the culture medium for more enzyme production by microbial fermentation. This could pave the way for developing a drug that assists in human cancers treatment.
Comparative performance of PtRu/C catalysts synthesized by different methods for direct methanol fuel cells under various operating conditions
Authors: Souza Elson Almeida De , Silva Rudyere Nascimento , Gonçalves Daniel A. , Pocrifka Leandro Aparecido , Passos Raimundo Ribeiro
Published: December 2024

This work presents a comparative study of three synthesis methods for PtRu/C catalysts for use in polymer electrolyte fuel cells, investigating their activity in methanol oxidation. The evaluated methods were formic acid reduction (FAM), methanol reduction (ARM), and ethylene glycol reduction (ARE). XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a Pt-Ru binary alloy in all syntheses. Electrochemical tests indicated that all catalysts were properly prepared, with the PtRu/CARE catalyst standing out as having the best performance, achieving a power density of 74,88 mW cm−2 at 90°C and an oxygen pressure of 3 atm on the cathode. These results highlight the potential of PtRu/CARE for application in direct methanol fuel cells, surpassing the catalysts obtained through the other methods.
Beyond awareness: the binding of reflexive mechanisms with the conscious mind: a perspective from default space theory
Authors: Jerath Ravinder , Beveridge Connor
Published: December 2024

How do reflexes operate so quickly with so much multimodal information on the environment? How might unconscious processes help reveal the nature of consciousness? The Default Space Theory of Consciousness (DST) offers a novel way to interpret these questions by describing how sensory inputs, cognitive functions, emotional states, and unconscious processes are integrated by a single unified internal representation. Recent developments in neuroimaging and electrophysiology, such as fMRI, EEG, and MEG, have improved our knowledge of the brain mechanisms that underpin the conscious mind and have highlighted the importance of neural oscillations and sensory integration in its formation. In this article, we put forth a perspective on an underresearched relationship of reflexes with the dynamic character of consciousness and suggest that future research should focus on the interplay of the unconscious processes of reflexes and correlates of the contents of consciousness to better understand its nature. Existing research on the top-down cortical influence over the subcortical operations of reflexes is severely lacking. This top-down influence has been demonstrated, but how the complex multimodal model of the self and environment is encoded and utilized to produce quick and coordinated reflex responses is not understood. Integrating unconscious/subconscious reflexive mechanisms with models of consciousness may illuminate a boundary between or gradient among conscious and unconscious activity. This perspective in light of the DST’s framework may reveal future research avenues aimed at understanding the complexities and physical nature of consciousness.
Regulation of bile acids and their receptor FXR in metabolic diseases
Authors: Li Yao , Wang Lulu , Yi Qing , Luo Linsong , Xiong Yuxia
Published: December 2024

High sugar, high-fat diets and unhealthy lifestyles have led to an epidemic of obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases, seriously placing a huge burden on socio-economic development. A deeper understanding and elucidation of the specific molecular biological mechanisms underlying the onset and development of obesity has become a key to the treatment of metabolic diseases. Recent studies have shown that the changes of bile acid composition are closely linked to the development of metabolic diseases. Bile acids can not only emulsify lipids in the intestine and promote lipid absorption, but also act as signaling molecules that play an indispensable role in regulating bile acid homeostasis, energy expenditure, glucose and lipid metabolism, immunity. Disorders of bile acid metabolism are therefore important risk factors for metabolic diseases. The farnesol X receptor, a member of the nuclear receptor family, is abundantly expressed in liver and intestinal tissues. Bile acids act as endogenous ligands for the farnesol X receptor, and erroneous FXR signaling triggered by bile acid dysregulation contributes to metabolic diseases, including obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes. Activation of FXR signaling can reduce lipogenesis and inhibit gluconeogenesis to alleviate metabolic diseases. It has been found that intestinal FXR can regulate hepatic FXR in an organ-wide manner. The crosstalk between intestinal FXR and hepatic FXR provides a new idea for the treatment of metabolic diseases. This review focuses on the relationship between bile acids and metabolic diseases and the current research progress to provide a theoretical basis for further research and clinical applications.
The cardiometabolic benefits of okra-based treatment in prediabetes and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bahari Hossein , Shahraki Jazinaki Mostafa , Rahnama Iman , Aghakhani Ladan , Amini Mohammad Reza , Malekahmadi Mahsa
Published: December 2024

Background

This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the effects of okra consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes. Okra is a widely consumed vegetable with potential health benefits, and understanding its impact on metabolic parameters in these populations is important.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted up to May 2024 in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science to find relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) by using following keyword: (“okra” OR “okras” OR “abelmoschus esculentus”) AND (“intervention” OR “controlled trial” OR “randomized” OR “randomized” OR “randomly” OR “clinical trial” OR “trial” OR “randomized controlled trial” OR “randomized clinical trial” OR “RCT” OR “blinded” OR “placebo” OR “Cross-Over” OR “parallel”). The selected trials were subjected to heterogeneity tests using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were examined based on the heterogeneity tests, and the pooled data were calculated as weighted mean differences (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). In this meta-analysis, all the analyses were performed by using the STATA version 17 software.

Results

Of the 1,339 papers, nine eligible RCTs were included in the present meta-analysis. Our findings indicated that okra consumption significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) levels (WMD: −14.40 mg/dL; (95% CI: −20.94 to −7.86); p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD: −7.90 mg/dL; (95% CI: −13.30 to −2.48); p = 0.004), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD: −39.58 mg/dL; (95% CI: −61.60 to −17.56); p < 0.001), and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) (WMD: −0.46 mg/dL; (95% CI: −0.79 to −0.13); p = 0.005). Overall effect size showed that okra intake failed to change triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), Insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body weight, and body Mass Index (BMI) significantly.

Conclusion

Okra decreased TC, LDL, FBG, and HbA1c levels in the intervention compared to the control group. A dose ≤3,000 mg/day caused a significant decrease in TG, TC, LDL, HbA1c, and a significant increase in HDL. More study is needed to determine the optimum dose and duration of intervention.
Post–operative glioblastoma cancer cell distribution in the peritumoural oedema
Authors: Macarie Andrei Ciprian , Suveges Szabolcs , Okasha Mohamed , Hossain-Ibrahim Kismet , Steele J. Douglas , Trucu Dumitru
Published: December 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive primary brain tumour, exhibits low survival rates due to its rapid growth, infiltrates surrounding brain tissue, and is highly resistant to treatment. One major challenge is oedema infiltration, a fluid build-up that provides a path for cancer cells to invade other areas. MRI resolution is insufficient to detect these infiltrating cells, leading to relapses despite chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this work, we propose a new multiscale mathematical modelling method, to explore the oedema infiltration and predict tumour relapses. To address tumour relapses, we investigated several possible scenarios for the distribution of remaining GBM cells within the oedema after surgery. Furthermore, in this computational modelling investigation on tumour relapse scenarios were investigated assuming the presence of clinically relevant chemo-radio therapy, numerical results suggest that a higher concentration of GBM cells near the surgical cavity edge led to limited spread and slower progression of tumour relapse. Finally, we explore mathematical and computational avenues for reconstructing relevant shapes for the initial distributions of GBM cells within the oedema from available MRI scans. The results obtained show good overlap between our simulation and the patient’s serial MRI scans taken 881 days into the treatment. While still under analytical investigation, this work paves the way for robust reconstruction of tumour relapses from available clinical data.
CT-based radiomics features for the differential diagnosis of nodular goiter and papillary thyroid carcinoma: an analysis employing propensity score matching
Authors: Zhang Haiming , Li Zhenyu , Zhang Fengtao , Li Hengguo
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CT-based radiomics features in discriminating between nodular goiter (NG) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

A retrospective cohort comprising 228 patients with nodular goiter (NG) and 227 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) diagnosed between January 2018 and December 2022 was consecutively enrolled. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to align patients with NG and PTC. A total of 851 radiomics features were extracted from CT images acquired during the arterial phase for each individual. Feature selection was carried out utilizing the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression algorithm to generate the radiomics score (Rad-score). Subsequently, the Rad-score was incorporated into a multivariate logistic regression analysis to construct a radiomics nomogram for visual representation.

Results

Following PSM implementation, 101 patients diagnosed with NG were matched with an equivalent number of patients diagnosed with PTC. The developed radiomics score exhibited excellent predictive performance in distinguishing between NG and PTC, with high values of AUC, sensitivity, and specificity in both the training cohort (AUC = 0.823, accuracy = 0.759, sensitivity = 0.794, specificity = 0.740) and validation cohort (AUC = 0.904, accuracy = 0.820, sensitivity = 0.758, specificity = 0.964).

Conclusion

The utilization of CT-based radiomics analysis following PMS offers a quantitative and data-driven approach to enhance the accuracy of distinguishing between nodular goiter (NG) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
Prognostic significance of blood immune cells in children with sepsis and establishment of a predictive model for PICU mortality: a retrospective study
Authors: He Mulan , Meng Qiuxia , Wei Zhixin , Yang Zhiyong
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This article aimed to investigate the correlation between blood immune cells and the prognosis in the early phase of pediatric sepsis and construct a prediction model for pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) mortality.

Methods

A total of 348 children admitted with sepsis to our PICU were retrospectively collected between January 2020 and June 2024. Of these, 242 children admitted from January 2020 to October 2022 were designated as the modeling group, while 106 children admitted between November 2022 and June 2024 were designated as the prospective validation group. Peripheral blood immune-related parameters, measured from the day of PICU admission to day 7, were analyzed in the modeling group. Risk factors were identified through multivariate logistic regression and integrated into a predictive nomogram. The nomogram was then applied to the prospective validation group to assess its discrimination and calibration. The nomogram's performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis for both groups.

Results

Complicated with underlying diseases, invasive mechanical ventilation, increased pediatric risk of mortality score or pediatric sequential organ failure assessment score, and lymphopenia (d1) were independent risk factors for PICU mortality. The 90-day survival of patients with lymphopenia on the first day after admission was low. In addition, patients with persistent lymphopenia had higher mortality. The nomogram showed an AUC of 0.861 (95% CI: 0.813 to 0.909) in the modeling group and 0.875 (95% CI: 0.797 to 0.953) in the prospective validation group. The nomogram also performed well based on the calibration curve and decision curve analysis.

Conclusion

Assessing lymphocytes within seven days of PICU admission may be conducive to identifying children with sepsis at increased mortality risk. The nomogram performed well in predicting PICU mortality among patients of interest.
Non-linear association between C-reactive protein levels and length of stay in pediatric appendicitis patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy
Authors: Liu Ming , Yang Ping , Gou Yunpeng
Published: December 2024

Objective

To examine the correlation between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at hospital admission and the length of stay (LOS) in pediatric patients with appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the clinical data from pediatric patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis and treated with laparoscopic appendectomy. Multivariate generalized linear regression analyses were performed to determine the independent relationship between CRP and LOS. Smooth curve fitting was constructed to examine the potential non-linear relationship between CRP and LOS. A segmented regression model was used to calculate threshold effects and determine the inflection point.

Results

A total of 815 participants were included in the study. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the higher the CRP levels, the longer the LOS. Fully adjusted smooth curve fitting suggested a non-linear relationship between CRP and LOS. A segmented regression showed that the inflection point value of CRP was 34.13 mg/L. A 1 mg/L increase in CRP levels was significantly associated with a 0.013-day increase in length of stay (95% CI: 0.009, 0.018; P < 0.001) when CRP levels > 34.13 mg/L. However, there was no significant association between CRP and LOS when CRP levels < 34.13 mg/L (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

There was a non-linear association and threshold effect between CRP levels and LOS. CRP levels above 34.13 mg/L were associated with longer LOS in pediatric appendicitis patients. These findings contribute to the understanding of inflammatory markers in recovery dynamics and underscore the necessity for further research to investigate their potential clinical implications.
School absenteeism as a predictor of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children
Authors: Tersteeg Seth M. , Borowitz Stephen M.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Chronic abdominal complaints are common in school-aged children. Most affected children do not have underlying organic diseases but suffer from functional gastrointestinal disorders. While many children with chronic abdominal complaints experience school problems, no prospective studies have examined if school absenteeism is more common among children suffering from functional as opposed to organic gastrointestinal disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association between school absenteeism and functional gastrointestinal disorders in children presenting to a pediatric gastroenterology clinic with chronic gastrointestinal complaints.

Methods

Over a single year, families of school-aged children presenting to a pediatric gastroenterology clinic with gastrointestinal complaints were asked how many days of school their child had missed in the previous month due to their symptoms. At least six months after their visit, each child's final diagnosis was established and categorized as a functional disorder or an organic disease. Differences between children suffering from each diagnosis type were compared using unpaired t-tests.

Results

Children with functional gastrointestinal disorders were more likely to experience significant school absenteeism than children with gastrointestinal diseases. Missing more than three days of school in the month prior to their visit had a negative predictive value of 82% for a gastrointestinal disease and being homebound from school during the month prior to their visit had a negative predictive value of 88% for a gastrointestinal disease. As compared to children with functional disorders, those with organic diseases were more likely to have missed three or fewer days of school in the previous month (sensitivity = 93%) and to have attended any school in the previous month (sensitivity = 99%).

Discussion

Our data suggest children with functional gastrointestinal disorders are more likely to experience significance school absenteeism than children suffering from organic diseases. We suspect this may be due to higher perceived levels of pain and symptom catastrophizing caused by the duration and character of the diagnostic process, as well as biopsychosocial characteristics of these children.
Factors influencing vancomycin trough concentration in burn patients: a single center retrospective study
Authors: Shi Yan , Yin Zongqi , Zhang Qin , Yi Lei , Dou Yi
Published: December 2024

Objective

To analyze factors influencing the vancomycin trough concentration in burn patients to provide a basis for the more rational use of vancomycin in these patients.

Materials and methods

We collected the clinical data of adult burn patients treated with vancomycin in a Chinese hospital. Vancomycin was administered at a dosing regimen of 1.0 g q12 h. Patients were divided into a therapeutic group with vancomycin trough concentration in the target therapeutic range (10–20 μg/mL) and a subtherapeutic group with vancomycin trough concentration in the subtherapeutic range (<10 μg/mL).

Results

The therapeutic group included 14 patients (17.5%), with an average trough concentration of 14.36 ± 2.82 μg/mL; the subtherapeutic group included 66 patients (82.5%), with an average trough concentration of 5.18 ± 2.77 μg/mL. The serum creatinine level was significantly higher in the therapeutic group (84.93 ± 47.26 μmol/L) than that in the subtherapeutic group (62.44 ± 14.49 μmol/L) (p < 0.01). Serum albumin levels were significantly lower in the therapeutic group (30.50 ± 2.28 g/L) than those in the subtherapeutic group (34.00 ± 6.22 g/L) (p < 0.05). Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, for serum albumin, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 0.67 (0.553, 0.788); the optimal cut-off point was 34.50 g/L (p = 0.046), the sensitivity was 0.379, and the specificity was 1.0. For creatinine clearance, the AUC (95% CI) was 0.72 (0.537, 0.902); the optimal cut-off point was 76.64 mL/min (p = 0.01), the sensitivity was 0.985, and the specificity was 0.5. The linear stepwise regression equation was as follows: trough concentration = 0.14 × age + 0.071 × serum creatinine −4.196.

Conclusion

In this study, a high proportion of burn patients had a vancomycin trough concentration below the standard range. Serum creatinine clearance and albumin levels are important indicators for predicting whether the vancomycin trough concentration is within the standard range. Using a linear stepwise regression equation, the vancomycin trough concentration can be estimated using the patient’s age and serum creatinine level.
Macranthoidin B restrains the epithelial-mesenchymal transition through COX-2/PGE2 pathway in endometriosis
Authors: Ding Yi , Yang Xiaoqian , Wei Qinghua , Bi Xuanming , Zhang Yuxin , Ma Yuxia , Yang Meisen , Xu Xiaoyu , Li Cong , Wang Qin , Chen Yi
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Macranthoidin B is one of the primary and unique triterpenoid saponin metabolites from Lonicera macranthoides Hand. –Mazz, which is used to treat endometriosis (EMS) in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the effect of macranthoidin B remains unknown in EMS. This study aimed to elucidate the effect and mechanism of macranthoidin B in EMS.

Methods

Using rat autograft EMS model, the volume of ectopic endothelium, the histopathology, serum E2 and PROG were evaluated after macranthoidin B’s treatment. In primary endometriotic stromal and HEC1-B cells, the invasion and metastasis were assessed by scratch wound and Transwell tests. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition and COX-2/PGE2 pathway were examined in vivo and in vitro. Macranthoidin B were combined with LPS or celecoxib.

Results

In a rat autograft EMS model, macranthoidin B suppressed ectopic lesion volume, improved histopathological morphology, and regulated serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PROG) levels. Additionally, macranthoidin B inhibited invasion and metastasis of primary endometriotic stromal cells and HEC1-B cells. Mechanistically, macranthoidin B suppressed COX-2/PGE2 pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition both in vivo and in vitro. LPS, the COX-2/PGE2 pathway activator, showed the promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and metastasis. Macranthoidin B exhibited the antagonistic effects against LPS. Celecoxib, the COX-2/PGE2 pathway inhibitor, restrained the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and metastasis. This effect of celecoxib was enhanced by macranthoidin B.

Discussion

Macranthoidin B prevents epithelial-mesenchymal transition through COX-2/PGE2 pathway in EMS. It will facilitate the macranthoidin B’s development and broaden its potential application.
Optimized automated radiosynthesis of 18F-JNJ64413739 for purinergic ion channel receptor 7 (P2X7R) imaging in osteoporotic model rats
Authors: Lu Yingtong , Cui Yan , Hou Lu , Jiang Yuanfang , Shang Jingjie , Wang Lu , Xu Hao , Ye Weijian , Qiu Yang , Guo Bin
Published: December 2024

Objective

To optimize the automated radiosynthesis of the purinergic ion channel receptor 7 (P2X7R) imaging agent 18F-JNJ64413739 and evaluate its potential for brain imaging in osteoporotic model rats.

Methods

A more electron-deficient nitropyridine was employed as the labeling precursor to facilitate the 18F-labeling. The radiosynthesis was conducted on an AllinOne synthesis module, and followed by purification via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The resulting 18F-JNJ64413739 was subjected to quality control tests. Small-animal PET/CT imaging studies were performed in sham and osteoporotic model rats.

Results

The optimized automated radiossynthesis of 18F-JNJ64413739 was successfully completed in approximately 100 min with non-decay-corrected radiochemical yield of 6.7% ± 3.8% (n = 3), >97% radiochemical purity and >14.3 ± 1.3 GBq/μmol molar activity. The product met all clinical quality requirements. 18F-JNJ64413739 PET/CT imaging showed revealed significantly higher radioactivity uptake in various brain regions of the osteoporotic model rats compared to sham control group.

Conclusion

We successfully optimized the automated radiosynthesis of 18F-JNJ64413739. The resulting tracer not only met clinical quality requirements but also demonstrated potential for clinical application in the diagnosis of osteoporosis, as evidenced by higher radioactivity uptake in various brain regions of osteoporotic model rats compared to normal controls.
Gender differences in climate change denial in Sweden: the role of threatened masculinity
Authors: Remsö Amanda , Bäck Hanna , Aurora Renström Emma
Published: December 2024

Previous research in the Western world shows that men are in general more likely than women to deny human-induced climate change or certain aspects of it. We hypothesize that threatened masculinity contributes to such gender differences in Sweden. Threatened masculinity refers to the perception that a man’s masculinity is being challenged, undermined, or devalued, often due to societal changes that advance women’s rights. Given that environmental care and concern are typically associated with femininity, men who perceive that masculinity is threatened may be more likely to deny climate change to restore a sense of masculinity. Across three cross-sectional online surveys with representative samples of Swedish adults (total N = 2,476), men were more likely to deny climate change than women. Threatened masculinity—measured by belief in a shift in sexism and belongingness with men’s rights activists—predicted climate change denial. In line with our hypothesis, belief in a sexism shift and, to a lesser extent, belongingness with men’s rights activists mediated from gender to climate change denial. Hence threatened masculinity contributes to a higher tendency among men compared to women to deny climate change in these samples. This research adds to the understanding of gender gaps in environmental attitudes found in many Western countries and highlights climate change denial as a potential correlate of the growing gender-related polarization observed in these contexts.
Depression and health literacy among adolescents and adults in Germany: findings from two representative samples
Authors: König Lars , Schröder Rebekka , Hamer Tim , Suhr Ralf
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Depressive disorders constitute a significant public health challenge. Health literacy might be an important factor to consider in prevention strategies for depressive disorders, which is why this study aimed at exploring the association between depressive symptom levels and severity and health literacy, along with additional sociodemographic factors.

Materials and methods

Data were collected from two large samples of adults (N = 3,011) and adolescents (N = 1,021) representative of the German-speaking population in Germany. Levels of health literacy (HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire), depressive symptom severity, rates of depression levels (PHQ-9 questionnaire) and sociodemographic information (age, gender, social status, level of education) were obtained. The associations between sociodemographic factors, health literacy and depression were analyzed using t-tests, analyses of variance and χ2-tests.

Results

Overall, rates of depression were high in both samples (16.5% in adults and 18.4% in adolescents) when measured with the sum score ≥ 10 cut-off criterion and substantially lower when assessed with the diagnostic algorithm criterion (7.2% in adults and 9.8% in adolescents). Rates of depression and severity of depressive symptoms were higher in female than male individuals in both samples. Depressive symptom severity and depression rates increased with increasing age in adolescents and decreased with increasing age in adults. Higher levels of education and lower social status were associated with higher depressive symptom severity and rates in adults, with a more heterogeneous picture in adolescents. In both samples, depressive symptom severity and rates were higher in individuals with poorer health literacy.

Discussion

The results point to a potential role for health literacy in preventing depressive disorders. More research is needed with longitudinal and experimental study designs into the question whether public health interventions targeting health literacy improvements could play a critical role in reducing the burden of depression across different age cohorts.
Developing a codebook for assessing auditory hallucination complexity using mixed methods
Authors: Pietkiewicz Igor J. , Tomalski Radosław , Hełka Anna M.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In recent years there has been a notable expansion of psychotherapeutic approaches to treat people experiencing auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH). While many psychotherapists conceptualize voices as “dissociative parts” and apply therapeutic techniques derived from the field of dissociation, research investigating AVH from this perspective is limited. Despite the acknowledgment that voices encountered in dissociative identity disorder (DID) often exhibit high complexity and autonomy, there is a critical need for assessment tools capable of exploring voice complexity across different clinical groups. Such tools hold significant potential for aiding clinicians to identify patients who may benefit more from dissociation-based therapy approaches. This study aims to operationalize the concept of voice complexity (VC) by identifying its different dimensions and indicators.

Methods

Using concept mapping procedures, 12 healthcare professionals and two voice-hearers participated in brainstorming, and 24 people with clinical backgrounds performed sorting and rating tasks.

Results

Seven dimensions of VC were identified: System Complexity, Content Complexity, Voice’s Interest Complexity, Interaction Complexity with Voice-Hearer, Voice’s Own Life, Voice Influence, and Voice’s Vocal Characteristics. A codebook for assessing VC with indicators for varying levels of complexity across these dimensions was developed and can be used with the Structured Clinical Interview for Voice-Hearers. Inter-rater reliability, measured by comparing the assessments of two interview transcripts by seven raters using Kendall’s Coefficient, indicated substantial agreement in one interview (W = .613) and almost perfect agreement in the second (W = .805).

Discussion

The new instrument has promise as an effective tool for comparative studies exploring VC in diverse clinical and non-clinical populations, with potential implications for clinical practice and future research.
HealthPass: a contactless check-in and adaptive access control system for lowering cluster infection risk in public health crisis
Authors: Luo Guofeng , Wang Yufei , Hong Linghong , He Xin , Wang Jiaru , Shen Qu , Wang Cheng , Chen Longbiao
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Ensuring effective measures against the spread of the virus is paramount for educational institutions and workplaces as they resume operations amidst the ongoing public health crisis. A touchless and privacy-conscious check-in procedure for visitor assessment is critical to safeguarding venues against potential virus transmission.

Methods

In our study, we developed an interaction-free entry system featuring anonymous visitors who voluntarily provide data. This system introduces an adaptable venue entry management mechanism that accounts for both visitors' potential risk and the venue's capacity, aiming to curb the risk of localized infections. We assess visitors' liability based on their voluntarily provided data through radar map analysis. Additionally, we evaluate the venue's situation by quantifying its risk from multiple dimensions. A queuing model is then employed to control visitor access adaptively based on visitors' liability and the venue's availability.

Results

Since May, our university campus has been the operational site for the implemented system, catering to the needs of visitors across distinct venues. Using real-world implementation, we conduct a series of simulation experiments and case studies to verify the effectiveness of the HealthPass system in lowering infection risks.

Discussion

The system has demonstrated its capacity to reduce infection risks by adapting visitor entry procedures based on individual risk factors and venue conditions. Our results suggest that the integration of a dynamic queuing model and real-time data analysis can effectively manage the flow of visitors while ensuring public health safety.
An educational initiative aimed at increasing antimicrobial resistance awareness among school-going Jordanian youth
Authors: Qenab Basmah , Aqel Tahreer , Younis Hanin , AbuShweimeh Rahmeh , Al Zghoul Anwaar , Sweedan Zaina , Omran Mohammad , Joshi Mohan P. , Konduri Niranjan
Published: December 2024

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended strategies and actions to enhance awareness and understanding of AMR. Gaps in AMR awareness remain in Jordan, particularly among the youth.

Aim

To describe our programmatic approach to AMR education across Jordanian governorates among school-aged children.

Methods

Our approach depicts the development of comprehensive health messages, pilot and expansion phases in schools, and pre- and post-session knowledge assessments.

Results

2,700 students across 30 schools reached with AMR health messages. Gained knowledge was assessed in 932 students, revealing significant improvements in understanding the importance of consulting a doctor before taking antibiotics, the relationship between nutrition and immunity, the dangers of sharing medicines, and proper handwashing techniques. The average expenditure was approximately $8.55 per student.

Conclusion

The intervention underscores the critical role of targeted educational initiatives in improving AMR awareness among youth, emphasizing the need for sustained and scalable approaches to combat AMR effectively.
Endocrine disruptor chemicals exposure and female fertility declining: from pathophysiology to epigenetic risks
Authors: Tricotteaux-Zarqaoui Sophian , Lahimer Marwa , Abou Diwan Maria , Corona Aurélie , Candela Pietra , Cabry Rosalie , Bach Véronique , Khorsi-Cauet Hafida , Benkhalifa Moncef
Published: December 2024

Over the last decades, human infertility has become a major concern in public health, with severe societal and health consequences. Growing evidence shows that endocrine disruptors chemicals (EDCs) have been considered as risk factors of infertility. Their presence in our everyday life has become ubiquitous because of their universal use in food and beverage containers, personal care products, cosmetics, phytosanitary products. Exposure to these products has an impact on human reproductive health. Recent studies suggest that women are more exposed to EDCs than men due to higher chemical products use. The aim of this review is to understand the possible link between reproductive disorders and EDCs such as phthalates, bisphenol, dioxins, and pesticides. In women, the loss of endocrine balance leads to altered oocyte maturation, competency, anovulation and uterine disorders, endometriosis, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or embryonic defect and decreases the in vitro fertilization outcomes. In this review, we consider EDCs effects on the women’s reproductive system, embryogenesis, with a focus on associated reproductive pathologies.
The impact of track and field training on dynapenia: gender differences in age-related decline of vertical jump performance among older adults
Authors: Fernández-Peña Eneko , Formiglio Eugenio , Gervasi Marco , Benelli Piero , Bertuccioli Alexander , Russo Giuseppe , Giustino Valerio , Patti Antonino
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Alongside sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle strength and power, known as dynapenia, increases the risk of functional disability and mortality in older adults. However, engaging in sporting activities during old age appears to enhance functional capacity. The differences in effects between athletes and sedentary individuals, as well as between genders, have yet to be fully clarified.

Methods

The vertical jump test is recognized as a measure of lower limb performance with almost no learning effect. In the present study, we quantified age-related countermovement jump (CMJ) height loss in 120 subjects over 58 years old among both master athletes and sedentary counterparts, and analysed gender differences.

Results

Both male and female master athletes showed significantly higher jump heights results than their sedentary counterparts (male athletes 28.5 ± 4.3 cm vs. male sedentaries 15.1 ± 5.2 cm; p < 0.01; female athletes 22.7 ± 2.5 cm vs. female sedentaries 8.2 ± 3.3 cm; p < 0.01). Female athletes were found to have higher CMJ performance than even sedentary men (p < 0.01). The rate of decline in jumping ability was the same for male athletes and non-athletes, but female athletes had the shallower rate of decline of all the groups observed (2.78 cm per decade).

Discussion

Sporting activity in the older age allows both men and women to perform at a higher level, with the latter also benefiting from a slower rate of decline, which can have a positive impact on functional ability and quality of life.
Socio-ecological surveys of Apis dorsata in the mountains of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats, India
Authors: Rehel Shiny Mariam , Basavegowda Mahadesha , Thankiyan Justinraj , Roy Pratim
Published: December 2024

This paper provides insights into the ecology and conservation of Apis dorsata (Giant Honey Bee) which are integral to the ecology and livelihoods of those living in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR). Rather than directly comparing nest densities across regions and seasons, our study integrates scientific approaches with Indigenous knowledge to examine changes in nest locations, nesting behaviors, and seasonal patterns across three decades. Social surveys indicate that there has been a decline in wild colony populations over the past 10–20 years. This underscores the critical role of sacred sites and protected areas in conserving Apis dorsata populations. This research aims to inform future conservation strategies and policy frameworks, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding and preserving wild bee species.
Participant selection procedures in qualitative research: experiences and some points for consideration
Authors: Dahal Niroj , Neupane Bharat Prasad , Pant Binod Prasad , Dhakal Rebat Kumar , Giri Dhudi Raj , Ghimire Puna Ram , Bhandari Laxman Prasad
Published: December 2024

Qualitative research is widely embraced in the social sciences and education. Among the different traditional, modern, and community-oriented qualitative methodologies, we have drawn on our experiences to adopt seven qualitative methodologies: auto/ethnography, narrative inquiry, participatory action research, ethnography, case study, grounded theory, and phenomenology. Despite the abundance of literature on qualitative methodologies, there is still a need for a more focused exploration of participant selection procedures in qualitative studies. This article examines the discourse around participant selection procedures within these seven methodologies, highlighting their unique nuances and differences. It offers practical insights and guidelines for novice and experienced researchers and graduate and postgraduate students to enhance their understanding of participant selection procedures, and some thinking points for consideration. Drawing from our experiences, we aim to provide a useful resource that encourages thoughtful consideration of participant selection in qualitative studies.
Unleashing nature's defense: potent antimicrobial power of plant extracts against oral pathogens and Streptococcus mutans biofilms
Authors: Hickl Joachim , Argyropoulou Aikaterini , Al-Ahmad Ali , Hellwig Elmar , Skaltsounis Alexios Leandros , Wittmer Annette , Vach Kirstin , Karygianni Lamprini
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The increasing demand for alternatives to antibiotics against resistant bacteria has led to research on natural products. The aim of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of 16 Mediterranean herb extracts.

Materials and methods

The extracts were analyzed using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the extracts from Achillea taygetea, Cistus creticus ssp. creticus, Cistus monspeliensis, Lavandula stoechas, Mentha aquatica, Mentha longifolia, Origanum vulgare, Phlomis cretica, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia sclarea, Satureja parnassica, Satureja thymbra, Sideritis euboea, Sideritis syriaca, Stachys spinosa, and Thymus longicaulis were determined against eight oral bacteria and fungus Candida albicans. Microtiter plate test was conducted to evaluate the antibiofilm activity against Streptococcus mutans.

Results

Overall, all tested extracts efficiently suppressed the growth of obligate anaerobic bacteria. When applied at concentrations ≥0.15 mg/ml, the extracts exhibited moderate to high antibiofilm activity comparable to that of chlorhexidine (CHX) against S. mutans. Interestingly, R. officinalis (MIC: 0.01–0.06 mg/ml) and O. vulgare (MIC: 0.04–1.25 mg/ml) demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity against oral bacteria. Additionally, R. officinalis and L. stoechas significantly inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation at 0.15 mg/ml.

Conclusions

The tested plant extracts can be considered as alternative natural antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents.

Clinical relevance

Mediterranean herb extracts show promise as natural alternatives to combat oral bacteria and biofilm formation, offering potential new therapies for infectious oral diseases in the context of antibiotic resistance.
Mitochondrial dysfunction signatures in idiopathic primary male infertility: a validated proteomics-based diagnostic approach
Authors: Sawaid Kaiyal Raneen , Mukherjee Sromona D. , Panner Selvam Manesh Kumar , Miller Aaron W. , Vij Sarah C. , Lundy Scott D.
Published: December 2024

Research question

Male infertility accounts for almost half of all infertility cases worldwide, with idiopathic male infertility accounting for up to 30% of the cases. Sperm proteomics has revealed critical molecular pathway changes in men with infertility. However, the sperm mitochondrial proteome remains poorly understood. We attempted to answer the following question: Do patients with idiopathic primary male infertility exhibit a proteomic signature associated with mitochondrial dysfunction that could be used as a target for future mechanistic investigations?

Design

Patients with idiopathic primary infertility (20–40 years old) referred to the Cleveland Clinic between March 2012 and April 2014 were compared with fertile donor controls. Sperm proteins were analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis page (SDS-PAGE) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified based on significance test results and fold change thresholds. Protein expression was validated using western blotting.

Results

Proteomic analysis of pooled samples from fertile donors (n = 5) and patients with idiopathic primary infertility (n = 5) identified 1,134 proteins, including 344 DEPs. Mitochondrial dysfunction topped the ingenuity toxicity list. Analysis of expression levels of three mitochondrial proteins known to combat oxidative stress revealed that peroxiredoxin-5 (PRDX5) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), but not glutathione disulphide reductase, were significantly decreased in patient samples compared with those in fertile-donor samples.

Conclusions

This study revealed an association of downregulated expression of PRDX5 and SOD2 in sperm samples of patients with idiopathic primary male infertility. Our results support future mechanistic studies and development of advanced diagnostic methods to better identify men with mitochondria-related male infertility.
Non-Maxwellian ion distribution in the equatorial and auroral electrojets
Authors: Koontaweepunya Rattanakorn , Dimant Yakov S. , Oppenheim Meers M.
Published: December 2024

Strong electric fields in the auroral and equatorial electrojets can distort the background ion distribution function away from the Maxwellian. We developed a collisional plasma kinetic model using the Boltzmann equation and a simple BGK collision operator to predict a relatively simple relationship between the intensity of the background electric field and the resulting ion distribution function. To test the model, we perform 3-D plasma particle-in-cell simulations and compared the results to the model. Both the simulation and the analytical model assume a constant ion-neutral collision rate. The simulations show less ion heating in the Pedersen direction than in the analytical model but nearly identical overall heating. The model overestimates heating in the Pedersen direction because the simple BGK operator models collisions as a kinetic friction only in the Pedersen direction. On the other hand, the fully kinetic particle-in-cell code captures the physics of ion scattering in 3-D and therefore heats ions more isotropically. Although the simple BGK analytical theory does not precisely model the non-Maxwellian ion distribution function, it does capture the overall momentum and energy flows and therefore can provide the basis of further kinetic analysis of E-region wave evolution during strongly driven conditions.