bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It’s not in my head: a qualitative analysis of experiences of discrimination in people with mental health and substance use conditions seeking physical healthcare
Authors: Cunningham Ruth , Imlach Fiona , Haitana Tracy , Every-Palmer Susanna , Lacey Cameron , Lockett Helen , Peterson Debbie
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Clinician bias contributes to lower quality healthcare and poorer health outcomes in people with mental health and substance use conditions (MHSUC). Discrimination can lead to physical conditions being overlooked (diagnostic overshadowing) or substandard treatment being offered to people with MHSUC. This research aimed to utilise experiences of people with MHSUC to identify discrimination by clinicians, including the role of clinician’s beliefs and assumptions in physical health service provision.

Methods

We surveyed people with MHSUC who accessed physical healthcare services. Of 354 eligible participants, 253 responded to open-ended questions about experiences of those services. Thematic descriptive analysis of survey responses was completed using existing stigma frameworks and inductive coding.

Results

One dominant theme from survey responses was that diagnostic overshadowing by clinicians was driven by clinician mistrust. Another theme was that clinicians assumed respondent’s physical symptoms, including pain, were caused by MHSUC. This influenced decisions not to initiate investigations or treatment. Respondents perceived that clinicians focused on mental health over physical health, contributing to suboptimal care.

Discussion

Discrimination based on MHSUC leads to poor quality care. Health systems and clinicians need to focus quality improvement processes on access to and delivery of equitable physical healthcare to people with MHSUC, address stereotypes about people with MHSUC and improve integration of mental and physical healthcare.
Selective zygomaticus muscle activation by ball electrodes in synkinetically reinnervated patients after facial paralysis
Authors: Arnold Dirk , Thielker Jovanna , Klingner Carsten M. , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Volk Gerd Fabian
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Although many different treatments were developed for facial palsy, only a few therapeutic options are available for facial synkinesis. Electrical stimulation of specific muscles via implants could be useful in restoring facial symmetry in synkinetic patients. A challenge in developing stimulation devices is finding the right stimulation location, type, and amplitude. This work assesses the ability to selectively stimulate the zygomaticus muscle (ZYG) in patients with oral-ocular synkinesis to elicit a visually detectable response of the ipsilateral corner of the mouth (COM), without causing a reaction of the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM). We aimed to assess how close to the COM the stimulation should be delivered in order to be selective.

Methods

A total of 10 patients (eight females, two males) were enrolled. Facial function was graded according to the Sunnybrook facial grading system. Needle EMG was used to test the activities of the muscles, during volitional and “unintended” movements, and the degree of synkinesis of the ZYG and OOM. Two ball electrodes connected to an external stimulator were placed on the paretic ZYG, as close as possible to the COM.

Results

Independent of the waveform with which the stimulation was presented, a selective ZYG response was observed within 4.5 cm of the horizontal plane and 3 cm of the vertical plane of the COM. When the distance between the electrodes was kept to ≤2 cm, the amplitude necessary to trigger a response ranged between 3 and 6 mA when the stimulation was delivered with triangular pulses and between 2.5 and 3.5 mA for rectangular pulses. The required amplitude did not seem to be dependent on the applied phase duration (PD), as long as the PD was ≥5 ms.

Conclusion

Our results show that selective stimulation of the ZYG presenting synkinetic ZYG–OOM reinnervation can be achieved using a broad PD range (25–1,000 ms) and an average amplitude ≤6 mA, which may be further decreased to 3.5 mA if the stimulation is delivered via rectangular rather than triangular waves. The most comfortable and effective results were observed with PDs between 50 and 250 ms, suggesting that this range should be selected in future studies.

Clinical Trial Registration

[https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00019992], identifier (DRKS00019992).
A century of pluralistic ignorance: what we have learned about its origins, forms, and consequences
Authors: Miller Dale T.
Published: October 2023

The concept of pluralistic ignorance was introduced a century ago by social psychologist, Floyd Allport. It has been broadly applied in the social sciences, including psychology, sociology, political science, and economics. Pluralistic ignorance is a situation in which group members systematically misestimate their peers' attitudes, feelings, and private behaviors. This paper reviews the range of phenomena that pluralistic ignorance has been invoked to explain, the different accounts that have been offered for its emergence, and the various techniques that have been employed to dispel it. It distinguishes between micro and macro variants of pluralistic ignorance and discusses the challenges involved in generating a theory that encompasses both variants.
Big Mama Is Watching You—A Bedtime Story About How Giraffes Sleep
Authors: Burger Anna Lena , Dierkes Paul Wilhelm
Published: October 2023

Have you ever seen a sleeping giraffe in the wild? For years, researchers have been interested in how wild animals sleep and what factors influence their sleep behavior. However, very little is known about the sleeping behavior of wild giraffes. Since modern technology now allows scientists to more easily observe and analyze animal behavior, even at night, we were the first to describe the sleeping behavior of wild giraffes in Namibia. Besides the timing and rhythm of their sleep, the sleeping position of these attractive animals will probably surprise you the most. In this article, you will learn about the position that giraffes sleep in, how little they actually sleep at night, and how a sleeping giraffe is well protected by other giraffes, who always keep an eye on it!
Microbial “Janitors” Clean Up Our Liquid Waste
Authors: Sim Clarence Bo Wen , Sim Edric Shao Zhe , Lim Elton Wenxiong , Gan Su Xuan , Lopes dos Santos Adriana
Published: October 2023

Have you wondered what happens to our pee and poop after we flush the toilet bowl? What about food bits and soapy water from sinks and dishwashers? The liquid waste we all produce when using the toilet, having a bath or shower, or washing our clothes and dishes is called sewage. Sewage also includes rainwater running from the streets and liquid waste from factories. This liquid waste flows in hidden pipes called sewers, to sewage treatment facilities. Sewage treatment facilities are designed such that numerous microbes help to clean our waste so that it does not harm people, rivers, and oceans. In this article, we will explore how microbes are the super cleaners behind sewage treatment and why these microbes are beneficial to us.
Hippocampal Asymmetry Increases with Age
Authors: Kurth Florian , Luders Eileen
Published: October 2023

It is unclear whether differences between the two brain hemispheres become larger or smaller with increasing age. Given that the hippocampus is particularly susceptible to age-related changes, here, we set out to investigate the correlation between chronological age and hippocampal asymmetry, both for the hippocampal complex as a whole and in cytoarchitectonically defined subregions (cornu ammonis 1, 2, 3, dentate gyrus, subiculum, and entorhinal cortex). We analyzed T1-weighted data of the brain from a sample of 725 healthy individuals (406 women/319 men) spanning a wide age range (36–100 years) from The Lifespan Human Connectome Project in Aging. Correlations between the absolute asymmetry index and chronological age were positive for all six subregions and also for the hippocampal complex as a whole, albeit effects the effects were not significant for the dentate gyrus. This suggests that, overall, hippocampal asymmetry increases with increasing age (i.e., the left and right hippocampi become more different over time). Given that the subregions of the hippocampal complex serve different brain functions, follow-up research is needed to explore the functional implications within the framework of brain aging. In addition, longitudinal studies will be necessary to confirm the observed cross-sectional effects.
In Vitro Study of the Effects of Five Chemically Modified Tetracycline (CMT) Analogs on Human Epidermal Melanogenesis: Potential as Novel Anti-Melanogenic Agents
Authors: Goenka Shilpi , Golub Lorne M.
Published: October 2023

Treatment of hyperpigmented skin disorders by novel drug candidates without side effects remains an ongoing area of research. Chemically modified tetracyclines (CMTs) are a group of nonantimicrobial tetracycline drugs that have been shown to possess multiple pharmacological activities. We have previously documented the anti-melanogenic effects of CMT-3 and its 9-amino derivative, CMT-308. Herein, we have extended our analysis to evaluate other CMT analogs, namely CMT-1, CMT-4, CMT-5, CMT-6, and CMT-8, for their impact on melanogenesis using primary human epidermal melanocytes (HEMn-DP cells). CMT analogs were screened using a tetrazolium-based assay to identify nontoxic concentration ranges that were further used to analyze the effects of CMTs on cellular melanin content and morphology (via quantitation of dendricity). Cellular tyrosinase (TYR) activity and levels of melanogenesis proteins, TYR, and microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) were also evaluated to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their effects on melanogenesis. The findings demonstrated that exposure to CMT-8 resulted in notable cytotoxic effects at concentrations >10 µM; hence, all five analogs were further evaluated and compared at 10 µM. None of the five CMT analogs exhibited any impact on intracellular melanin in HEMn-DP cells at the concentration of 10 µM. However, CMT-1, CMT-4, and CMT-8 robustly suppressed dendricity parameters in HEMn-DP cells, while CMT-5 and CMT-6 showed no effect, suggesting that only a subset of CMT analogs can attenuate melanocyte dendricity. Moreover, the analog CMT-5, which has β-diketone blocked, was ineffective, thus confirming the role of this moiety in suppressing dendrite formation. CMT-1 and CMT-8 did not affect cellular tyrosinase activity, while CMT-4 suppressed TYR activity at 10 µM. The capacity of CMT-4 and CMT-8 to suppress dendricity was partly associated with their ability to downregulate MITF protein levels, while CMT-1 had no effect on MITF but suppressed TYR protein levels. The results of this study indicate that CMT-1, CMT-4, and CMT-8 merit further investigation using in vivo studies as potential drug candidates for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders.
Modelling Air Flow through Pneumatic Valves: A Brief Review with an Experimental Case Study
Authors: Koury Costa Gustavo
Published: October 2023

Compressible flow models are commonly used for describing air flow through pneumatic valves. Because of the difficulties in predicting viscous losses, these models ultimately rely on experimental determination of coefficients. Different equations have been proposed for different fluid speeds, having the sonic fluid velocity as a reference mark. However, one might question whether a much simpler approach, where the fluid is considered as incompressible, would still give good results within the typical range of industrial applications. Moreover, practically all models presuppose that the valve output pressure decreases in time, as in a discharge process. This paper reviews some representative one-dimensional compressible flow models and discusses the appropriateness of using equations based solely on discharging flows. Two experimental circuits, where an air reservoir is pressurized and, subsequently, decompressed, are used for comparison between different flow models. It is shown that a simpler set of equations still produces acceptable results for practical pneumatic applications.
The MYB Transcription Factor Family in Eucommia ulmoides: Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Network Analysis in Relation to the Rubber Biosynthetic Genes
Authors: Hu Xiaotong , Li Yun , Xia Yufei , Ma Yanjun
Published: October 2023

The MYB transcription factor family is one of the largest families of plant transcription factors (TFs), and it plays a vital role in the entire process of a plant’s growth and development. Well known in China, Eucommia ulmoides (E. ulmoides) produces a form of natural rubber called Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG). Nevertheless, there is little research on the evolutionary history and expression patterns of its MYBs, as well as on the regulation of EUG by MYB TFs. This research provides a comprehensive description, classification, and potential functional analysis of the EuMYB gene family. A total of 119 MYB members of E. ulmoides were identified based on the whole genome sequencing data, and their gene structure, phylogenetics, chromosome location, conserved motifs, etc., were analyzed. Based on the phylogenetic tree results, EuMYBs could be divided into 35 sub-groups. In addition, chromosomal localization and collinearity analysis revealed the heterogeneous distribution of the MYB family in the E. ulmoides’ genome, indicating the expansion of its gene family. Moreover, promoter cis-acting elements showed that the promoter contained abundant light-responsive elements, anaerobic-induction-responsive elements, and abscisic-acid-responsive elements. A co-expression regulatory network between the EUG biosynthesis genes and the EuMYBs was built. Meanwhile, regarding the six EuMYBs with high expression in the gum-forming tissues selected that correlated with the farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS1) structural gene, RT-qPCR experiments showed a possible regulatory relationship between EuMYBs and FPS1, which played an important role in EUG biosynthesis. In conclusion, this paper defines a research gap and lays a foundation for further studies on the biological functions of EuMYBs.
CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 Variant Coverage of Commercial Antidepressant Pharmacogenomic Testing Panels Available in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Forbes Malcolm , Hopwood Mal , Bousman Chad A.
Published: October 2023

Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing to inform antidepressant medication selection and dosing is gaining attention from healthcare professionals, patients, and payors in Australia. However, there is often uncertainty regarding which test is most suitable for a particular patient. Here, we identified and evaluated the coverage of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 variants in commercial antidepressant PGx testing panels in Victoria, a large and ethnically diverse state of Australia. Test characteristics and star alleles tested for both genes were obtained directly from pathology laboratories offering PGx testing and compared against the Association of Molecular Pathology’s recommended minimum (Tier 1) and extended (Tier 2) allele sets. Although all tests covered the minimum recommended alleles for CYP2C19, this was not the case for CYP2D6. This study emphasizes that PGx tests might not be suitable for all individuals in Australia due to the limited range of star alleles assessed. Inadequate haplotype coverage may risk misclassification of an individual’s predicted metabolizer phenotype, which has ramifications for depression medication selection and dosage. This study underscores the urgent need for greater standardization in PGx testing and emphasizes the importance of considering genetic ancestry when choosing a PGx testing panel to ensure optimal clinical applicability.
Predictors of Unmet Needs in Chilean Older People with Dependency: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Carvacho Raffaela , Carrasco Marcela , Fernández María Beatriz , Miranda-Castillo Claudia
Published: October 2023

Approximately one in five Chilean older adults has some degree of dependency. Limited evidence is available on self-perceived needs in Latin-American older people. The main aim of this study was to identify predictors of unmet needs of dependent older persons without cognitive impairment, considering personal and primary informal caregivers’ factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 77 dyads of older people with dependency and their caregivers. A survey was administered, evaluating sociodemographic characteristics, anxious and depressive symptomatology, health-related quality of life, and social support. Older people’s self-reported met and unmet needs and caregivers’ burden and self-efficacy were also assessed. To determine predictors of unmet needs, a multiple regression analysis was carried out. Most participants had mild to moderate levels of dependency. The most frequent unmet needs were “daytime activities” (33.8%), “company” (23.4%), “benefits” (23.4%), and “psychological distress” (24.7%). Older people’s higher level of dependency and anxious symptomatology were predictors of a higher number of unmet needs, with a model whose predictive value was 31%. The high prevalence of anxious symptomatology and its relationship with the presence of unmet needs highlight the importance of making older people’s psychological and social needs visible and addressing them promptly.
Evaluation of Cytotoxicity, Cell Attachment, and Elemental Characterization of Three Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers
Authors: Melo Anahi de Paula , de Rosatto Camila Maria Peres , Ferraz Danilo Cassiano , de Souza Gabriela Leite , Moura Camilla Christian Gomes
Published: October 2023

We investigated three calcium silicate-based sealers with respect to their chemical characterization, cytotoxicity, and attachment to RAW264.7 cells. BioRoot RCS (BR), Bio-C Sealer (BC), and Sealer Plus BC (SPBC) were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) (n = 4) for elemental characterization, and using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate cell morphology and adhesion. Cytotoxicity was determined at different dilutions (1:1, 1:2, and 1:5) using the succinate dehydrogenase activity (MTT assay). Statistical analysis was performed for normal distribution using the Shapiro–Wilk test and for homoscedasticity using Levene’s test, and one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s/Dunnett’s post hoc tests for cell viability and XRF (α = 0.05). Calcium silicate hydrate and calcium hydroxide were detected by FTIR in all groups. EDX detected a higher calcium content for BR and SPBC and aluminum only in the premixed sealers. XRF detected the highest calcium release in BR (p < 0.05). The surface morphology showed irregular precipitates for all the sealers. SPBC at a 1:2 dilution resulted in the lowest cell viability compared to BR (p < 0.05) and BC (p < 0.05). The calcium silicate-based sealers produced a statistically significant reduction in cellular viability at a 1:1 dilution compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). All the sealers maintained viability above 70%.
The Impact of Heating Rate on the Kinetics of the Nitriding Process for 52100 Steel
Authors: Frączek Tadeusz , Prusak Rafał , Michalski Jerzy , Skuza Zbigniew , Ogórek Marzena
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the heating rate of steel balls made of AISI 52100 alloy steel on the kinetics and efficiency of the gas nitriding process when carried out using a chemical reactor with precise thermo-gravimetric measurements, which allowed for changes in sample mass during heating and nitriding to be monitored with an accuracy of 50 µg. In the chemical reactor, the examined alloy steel was subjected to a heating process at the selected nitriding temperature of 590 °C. Two heating variants were used: the first variant relied on heating to the nitriding temperature with different rates—1 °C per minute, 2 °C per minute, 5 °C per minute and 10 °C per minute, respectively—whereas the second variant relied on the fast—25 °C per minute—heating of treated specimens to a temperature of 475 °C, at which, the nitrogenous potential of the atmosphere promotes faster nitrogen diffusion deep into the nitrided substrate, followed by reheating up to the nitriding temperature at different rates: 1 °C per minute, 2 °C per minute, 5 °C per minute, and 10 °C per minute, respectively. To evaluate the impact of heating rate kinetics and effectiveness during nitriding on the obtained surface layer quality, we investigated the phase composition, microhardness distribution, and thickness of the obtained diffusion layers. It was found that heating to a temperature of 475 °C in the nitriding process does not significantly affect the average mass gain of a sample. Above this temperature, within the range of nitriding temperatures, the extension of time increases the sample’s mass gain. Simultaneously, it was found that the use of a constant heating rate allows for thicker nitrided layers and a greater sample hardness to be obtained. Dual-stage heating, in turn, is more effective in the context of sample mass gain per time unit.
Association of Different Total Bilirubin Levels with Prognosis of Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis
Authors: He Yujian , Zhu Jingjing , Xiao Fei , Luo Qingyun , Wang Pengpeng , Wang Xu , He Yan , Xiong Zibo
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (PDAP) poses significant challenges in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient management and outcomes. Total bilirubin has gained attention due to its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. However, its relationship with PDAP prognosis remains underexplored. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study involving 243 PDAP patients stratified into tertile-based groups according to total bilirubin levels. The association between total bilirubin levels and treatment failure risk was investigated through statistical analyses and restricted cubic spline curve analysis. Results: Our analysis revealed a non-linear correlation between total bilirubin levels and PDAP treatment failure risk. At total bilirubin levels below 8.24 µmol/L, a protective effect was observed, while levels exceeding this threshold heightened the risk of treatment failure. Conclusions: This study unveils a dual role of total bilirubin in PDAP prognosis. Below a certain threshold, it confers protection, while higher levels exacerbate the risk of treatment failure. These findings emphasize the need for further investigation in larger, multicenter prospective studies to validate and elucidate the mechanisms behind bilirubin’s impact on PDAP, potentially guiding the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Fatigue Damage Mechanism and Fatigue Life Prediction of Metallic Materials
Authors: Cui Haitao , Han Qinan
Published: October 2023

Metallic materials are crucial in engineering applications and often subjected to complex loads and extreme environments, with fatigue being one of the key problems [...]
ECHOPvir: A Mixture of Echinacea and Hop Extracts Endowed with Cytoprotective, Immunomodulatory and Antiviral Properties
Authors: Percaccio Ester , De Angelis Marta , Acquaviva Alessandra , Nicotra Giovanna , Ferrante Claudio , Mazzanti Gabriela , Di Giacomo Silvia , Nencioni Lucia , Di Sotto Antonella
Published: October 2023

Respiratory viral infections continue to pose significant challenges, particularly for more susceptible and immunocompromised individuals. Nutraceutical strategies have been proposed as promising strategies to mitigate their impact and improve public health. In the present study, we developed a mixture of two hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (ECP) and the cones of Humulus lupulus L. (HOP) that can be harnessed in the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory diseases. The ECP/HOP mixture (named ECHOPvir) was characterized for the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties in airway cells. Moreover, the immunomodulating properties of the mixture in murine macrophages against antioxidant and inflammatory stimuli and its antiviral efficacy against the PR8/H1N1 influenza virus were assayed. The modulation of the Nrf2 was also investigated as a mechanistic hypothesis. The ECP/HOP mixture showed a promising multitarget bioactivity profile, with combined cytoprotective, antioxidant, immunomodulating and antiviral activities, likely due to the peculiar phytocomplexes of both ECP and HOP, and often potentiated the effect of the single extracts. The Nrf2 activation seemed to trigger these cytoprotective properties and suggest a possible usefulness in counteracting the damage caused by different stressors, including viral infection. Further studies may strengthen the interest in this product and underpin its future nutraceutical applications.
Ketone Bodies in Diabetes Mellitus: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Veneti Stavroula , Grammatikopoulou Maria G. , Kintiraki Evangelia , Mintziori Gesthimani , Goulis Dimitrios G.
Published: October 2023

In glucose-deprived conditions, ketone bodies are produced by the liver mitochondria, through the catabolism of fatty acids, and are used peripherally, as an alternative energy source. Ketones are produced in the body under normal conditions, including during pregnancy and the neonatal period, when following a ketogenic diet (KD), fasting, or exercising. Additionally, ketone synthesis is also augmented under pathological conditions, including cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), alcoholism, and several metabolic disorders. Nonetheless, diet is the main regulator of total body ketone concentrations. The KDs are mimicking the fasting state, altering the default metabolism towards the use of ketones as the primary fuel source. Recently, KD has gained recognition as a medical nutrition therapy for a plethora of metabolic conditions, including obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM). The present review aims to discuss the role of ketones, KDs, ketonemia, and ketonuria in DM, presenting all the available new evidence in a comprehensive manner.
Tailoring Potential Natural Compounds for the Treatment of Luminal Breast Cancer
Authors: da Silva Fernanda Cardoso , Brandão Douglas Cardoso , Ferreira Everton Allan , Siqueira Raoni Pais , Ferreira Helen Soares Valença , Da Silva Filho Ademar Alves , Araújo Thaise Gonçalves
Published: October 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide, mainly affecting the epithelial cells from the mammary glands. When it expresses the estrogen receptor (ER), the tumor is called luminal BC, which is eligible for endocrine therapy with hormone signaling blockade. Hormone therapy is essential for the survival of patients, but therapeutic resistance has been shown to be worrying, significantly compromising the prognosis. In this context, the need to explore new compounds emerges, especially compounds of plant origin, since they are biologically active and particularly promising. Natural products are being continuously screened for treating cancer due to their chemical diversity, reduced toxicity, lower side effects, and low price. This review summarizes natural compounds for the treatment of luminal BC, emphasizing the activities of these compounds in ER-positive cells. Moreover, their potential as an alternative to endocrine resistance is explored, opening new opportunities for the design of optimized therapies.
Modulation of Hepatic Functions by Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Extract: Preclinical Study in Rats
Authors: Krepkova Lubov V. , Babenko Alexandra N. , Lemyaseva Svetlana V. , Saybel Olga L. , Sherwin Catherine M. , Enioutina Elena Y.
Published: October 2023

The liver is important in detoxifying organisms from xenobiotics, supporting immune functions, and metabolizing lipids and glucose. In addition, a growing number of drug-induced liver injuries and diseases associated with liver dysfunction make the development of phytodrugs targeting multiple liver functions particularly crucial. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a novel chicory extract prepared from aerial parts of the wild Cichorium intybus L. plant (CE) on liver enzymes and on lipid and glucose metabolism in rats with acute liver injury or hyperlipidemia. A single subcutaneous injection of mercury chloride induced an acute liver injury. Hyperlipidemia was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Tween-80 or by feeding rats with cholesterol and mercazolil for 28 days. Under varying regimens, the experimental rats received 100 mg/kg b.w. or 500 mg/kg b.w. of CE. CE treatment ameliorated acute liver injury by reducing liver enzyme activity, bilirubin, glucose, and lipid levels. Treatment of hyperlipidemic rats with CE effectively reduced serum lipid and glucose levels. The data obtained in this study suggest that chicory-based phytodrugs may be used to effectively treat acute liver injury and for the prophylaxis or treatment of diseases such as hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Clinical trials are needed to prove the effectiveness of chicory extract in human patients.
Tumor-Infiltrating iNKT Cells Activated through c-Kit/Sca-1 Are Induced by Pentoxifylline, Norcantharidin, and Their Mixtures for Killing Murine Melanoma Cells
Authors: Correa-Lara Maximiliano V. M. , Lara-Vega Israel , Nájera-Martínez Minerva , Domínguez-López María Lilia , Reyes-Maldonado Elba , Vega-López Armando
Published: October 2023

The involvement of NK and other cytotoxic cells is considered the first defense line against cancer. However, a significant lack of information prevails on the possible roles played by factors considered characteristic of primitive cells, such as c-kit and Sca-1, in activating these cells, particularly in melanoma models subjected to treatments with substances under investigation, such as the case of norcantharidin. In this study, B16F1 murine melanoma cells were used to induce tumors in DBA/2 mice, estimating the proportions of NK and iNKT cells; the presence of activation (CD107a+) and primitive/activation (c-kit+/Lya6A+) markers and some tumor parameters, such as the presence of mitotic bodies, nuclear factor area, NK and iNKT cell infiltration in the tumor, infiltrated tumor area, and infiltrating lymphocyte count at 10x and 40x in specimens treated with pentoxifylline, norcantharidin, and the combination of both drugs. Possible correlations were estimated with Pearson’s correlation analysis. It should be noted that, despite having demonstrated multiple correlations, immaturity/activation markers were related to these cells’ activation. At the tumor site, iNKT cells are the ones that exert the cytotoxic potential on tumor cells, but they are confined to specific sites in the tumor. Due to the higher number of interactions of natural killer cells with tumor cells, it is concluded that the most effective treatment was PTX at 60 mg/kg + NCTD at 0.75 mg/kg.
Pharmacological Modulation of the Ca2+/cAMP/Adenosine Signaling in Cardiac Cells as a New Cardioprotective Strategy to Reduce Severe Arrhythmias in Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Tallo Fernando Sabia , de Santana Patricia Oliveira , Pinto Sandra Augusta Gordinho , Lima Rildo Yamaguti , de Araújo Erisvaldo Amarante , Tavares José Gustavo Padrão , Pires-Oliveira Marcelo , Nicolau Lucas Antonio Duarte , Medeiros Jand Venes Rolim , Taha Murched Omar , David André Ibrahim , Luna-Filho Bráulio , Filho Carlos Eduardo Braga , Barbosa Adriano Henrique Pereira , Silva Célia Maria Camelo , Wanderley Almir Gonçalves , Caixeta Adriano , Caricati-Neto Afonso , Menezes-Rodrigues Francisco Sandro
Published: October 2023

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is characterized by severe and fatal arrhythmias induced by cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (CIR). However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these arrhythmias are still little understood. To investigate the cardioprotective role of the cardiac Ca2+/cAMP/adenosine signaling pathway in AMI, L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCC) were blocked with either nifedipine (NIF) or verapamil (VER), with or without A1-adenosine (ADO), receptors (A1R), antagonist (DPCPX), or cAMP efflux blocker probenecid (PROB), and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA), atrioventricular block (AVB), and lethality (LET) induced by CIR in rats was evaluated. VA, AVB and LET incidences were evaluated by ECG analysis and compared between control (CIR group) and intravenously treated 5 min before CIR with NIF 1, 10, and 30 mg/kg and VER 1 mg/kg in the presence or absence of PROB 100 mg/kg or DPCPX 100 µg/kg. The serum levels of cardiac injury biomarkers total creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB were quantified. Both NIF and VER treatment were able to attenuate cardiac arrhythmias caused by CIR; however, these antiarrhythmic effects were abolished by pretreatment with PROB and DPCPX. The total serum CK and CK-MB were similar in all groups. These results indicate that the pharmacological modulation of Ca2+/cAMP/ADO in cardiac cells by means of attenuation of Ca2+ influx via LTCC and the activation of A1R by endogenous ADO could be a promising therapeutic strategy to reduce the incidence of severe and fatal arrhythmias caused by AMI in humans.
Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors of the NDVI Based on the GEE Cloud Platform and Landsat Images
Authors: Liu Zhisong , Chen Yankun , Chen Chao
Published: October 2023

Vegetation is an important type of land cover. Long-term, large-scale, and high-precision vegetation monitoring is of great significance for ecological environment investigation and regional sustainable development in protected areas. This paper develops a long-term remote sensing monitoring method for vegetation by calculating the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform and Landsat satellite remote sensing images. First, based on Landsat long-term satellite images and GEE, the spatiotemporal distribution map of the NDVI is accurately drawn. Subsequently, the NDVI is accurately classified, and the time trend analysis of the NDVI is conducted based on the NDVI mean trend graphs, transition matrices, etc. Then, combined with Moran’s I, high/low clusters, and other methods, the spatial pattern characteristics of the NDVI are analyzed. Finally, climate factors, terrain factors, and anthropologic factors are considered comprehensively. An analysis of the factors affecting the evolution of the NDVI is performed. Taking Zhoushan Island, China, as an example, an experiment is conducted, and the results reveal that (1) the average NDVI exhibits a decreasing trend from 1985 to 2022, decreasing from 0.53 in 1985 to 0.46 in 2022. (2) Regarding vegetation index transitions, the high NDVI areas (0.6–1) exhibit the most substantial shift toward moderately high NDVI values (0.4–0.6), covering an area of 83.10 km2. (3) There is an obvious spatial agglomeration phenomenon in the NDVI on Zhoushan Island. The high-high NDVI clusters and the significant hot spots are predominantly concentrated in the island’s interior regions, while the low-low NDVI clusters and the significant cold spots are mainly situated along the coastal areas. (4) The DEM, slope, and temperature have a greater influence among the single factors on the spatial pattern distribution of the NDVI in 2015. There are significant differences in the spatial pattern distribution of the NDVI between the temperature and DEM, temperature and slope, DEM and precipitation, slope and precipitation, aspect and population, and aspect and gross domestic product (GDP). The DEM and slope, DEM and temperature, and DEM and population are three sets of factors with a strong influence on spatial pattern interaction. This study provides data support for the scientific management of vegetation resources on Zhoushan Island and is of great significance to the sustainable development of the island region.
Hyperspectral Image Super-Resolution Algorithm Based on Graph Regular Tensor Ring Decomposition
Authors: Sun Shasha , Bao Wenxing , Qu Kewen , Feng Wei , Zhang Xiaowu , Ma Xuan
Published: October 2023

This paper introduces a novel hyperspectral image super-resolution algorithm based on graph-regularized tensor ring decomposition aimed at resolving the challenges of hyperspectral image super-resolution. This algorithm seamlessly integrates graph regularization and tensor ring decomposition, presenting an innovative fusion model that effectively leverages the spatial structure and spectral information inherent in hyperspectral images. At the core of the algorithm lies an iterative optimization process embedded within the objective function. This iterative process incrementally refines latent feature representations. It incorporates spatial smoothness constraints and graph regularization terms to enhance the quality of super-resolution reconstruction and preserve image features. Specifically, low-resolution hyperspectral images (HSIs) and high-resolution multispectral images (MSIs) are obtained through spatial and spectral downsampling, which are then treated as nodes in a constructed graph, efficiently fusing spatial and spectral information. By utilizing tensor ring decomposition, HSIs and MSIs undergo feature decomposition, and the objective function is formulated to merge reconstructed results with the original images. Through a multi-stage iterative optimization procedure, the algorithm progressively enhances latent feature representations, leading to super-resolution hyperspectral image reconstruction. The algorithm’s significant achievements are demonstrated through experiments, producing sharper, more detailed high-resolution hyperspectral images (HRIs) with an improved reconstruction quality and retained spectral information. By combining the advantages of graph regularization and tensor ring decomposition, the proposed algorithm showcases substantial potential and feasibility within the domain of hyperspectral image super-resolution.
Incorporating Green Bonds into Portfolio Investments: Recent Trends and Further Research
Authors: Marín-Rodríguez Nini Johana , González-Ruiz Juan David , Valencia-Arias Alejandro
Published: October 2023

The analysis of green bonds and the composition of portfolio investments has gained importance in recent research. The current global context of Sustainable Development Goals requires investors to be environmentally, politically, and socially sustainable, in which the financing of green innovations has occupied a central role. Through the Web of Science and Scopus databases, we focused on analyzing recent trends and further research on green bonds into portfolio investments. The study was performed on 102 studies using Tree of Science (ToS), VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix techniques. We recognize the principal authors and sources, the most influential studies, and the bibliography coupling of studies and authors to identify their importance in the topic analysis. In order to expand the green bond market, particularly at the small and medium enterprise level, more policy instruments are needed. Thus, this study provides an extensive understanding of the research status of the analysis of green bonds and portfolio investments research as an essential input for market participants, researchers, policymakers, and decision-makers.
Sourcing, Refining and Recycling of Rare-Earth Magnets
Authors: Ormerod John , Karati Anirudha , Baghel Ajay Pal Singh , Prodius Denis , Nlebedim Ikenna C.
Published: October 2023

Permanent magnets today are used in a wide range of transportation, industrial, residential/commercial, consumer electronics, defense, domestic, data storage, wind energy, and medical markets and applications. There are five classes of commercial permanent magnet materials; however, magnets based on Nd-Fe-B account for over 60% of the global magnet production by value. They typically contain around 31 wt.% of rare earth elements (REEs), principally, Nd and Pr, plus Dy for higher-temperature performance. Nd-Fe-B magnets are forecast to grow throughout this decade, largely driven by the growth in electric vehicles of all types. However, several studies forecast a shortfall of the primary REEs from mined resources. In this paper, the sourcing, processing, and recycling of REEs are discussed. Additionally, presented are the advantages and disadvantages of the major recovery and recycling technologies for REEs.
Sustainability Evaluation of the Stormwater Drainage System in Six Indian Cities
Authors: Vishwakarma Rajesh Kumar , Joshi Himanshu , Goonetilleke Ashantha
Published: October 2023

Over the past several decades, urbanisation has spread rapidly over the globe. Research on the viability of urban stormwater drainage systems and the search for solutions to the related problems constitute an important prerequisite for their sustainability evaluation. The Government of India’s sub-committee for the development of “National sustainable habitat parameters on urban stormwater management” has proposed twenty key indices to promote and monitor the sustainable urban stormwater management paradigm. Their evaluation may be taken up at various stages of development, including planning/design, execution, post-operation audits, impact assessment, etc. Eleven of these sustainability indices, including the “Natural drainage system index (NDSI), the Drainage coverage (constructed) index (DCI), the Permeability Index (PI), Water bodies rejuvenation index (WBRI), Water body vulnerability index (WBVI), Water logging index (WLI), Area vulnerability index (AWI), Stormwater discharge quality index (SWDQI), and Rainfall intensity index (RII)” were evaluated for three Tier I cities (Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai) and three Tier II cities (Varanasi, Chandigarh, and Roorkee) in India based on the available data for 2010 as the datum year and 2020 as the test year. All the considered cities serve as economically and institutionally important urban centres, fall in different climatic zones, and are distributed in two major categories based on the scale of development and population density. All the indices enumerated individually fell within the range of 0 to 1, the two extremities of the sustainability range. Further, ranking of various indices was done employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process, and after deriving the weights for each, aggregation of all these indices was performed to yield an “Overall sustainability index” for each city. Different values were demonstrated along the sustainability scale for all the cities based on performance with regard to various constituent indices in a standalone mode and their interplay in an aggregated mode. The findings are expected to provide important insights to meet the goal of the developing sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDSs).
Using System Dynamics to Examine Effects of Satisfaction with PV Systems, Advertising, and Competition on Energy Security and CO2 Emissions in Jordan
Authors: Al-Refaie Abbas , Lepkova Natalija , Hadjistassou Constantinos
Published: October 2023

With rapid technology advancements in renewable energy systems, rooftop photovoltaic (PV) products and systems can be considered a crucial element in the transition toward energy sustainability in residential buildings. Still, residents’ initiatives are required to expand the adoption of clean energy-efficient technology to replace conventional energy systems and thereby achieve a sustainable environment. The aim of this study was, therefore, to develop system dynamics models to relate adopters’ satisfaction with PV systems through word-of-mouth (WoM), advertising, and competition and then evaluate their impacts on the number of PV installations, generated electric power, and the reduction in CO2 emissions for rooftop buildings in Jordan for the years from 2020 to 2040. Results revealed that the predicted cumulative PV installations will increase to 262 and 558 MW in 2030 and 2040, respectively. Due to this, the cumulative generated power (kWh) (=42.5 GWh) will reach 452 and 964 GWh in 2030 and 2040, respectively. Moreover, the cumulative CO2 emission reductions may reach 262 and 558 million kg CO2 in 2030 and 2040, respectively. In conclusion, continual assessment of the adopters’ feedback on installed PV systems, adopting effective advertising, and advancement of PV designs and technology can significantly support achieving energy sustainability in residential buildings and reduce the dependency on traditional, scarce energy resources.
Impact of Future Work Self-Salience on Proactive Behaviors: An Integrative and Comparative Study of Multiple Proactive Behaviors
Authors: Yang Chen-Lu , Li Yuhui , Qiao Kun
Published: October 2023

The concept of Future Work-Salience (FWSS) plays a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable employability. Previous studies on FWSS have primarily focused on career-related outcomes, neglecting the broader domain of proactive behaviors. Furthermore, the existing literature lacks research that has comprehensively compared and analyzed multiple categories of proactive behavior within the same study. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, the present study aims to examine the effects of FWSS on pro-organizational, prosocial, and pro-self-proactive behaviors via career planning, and the potential moderator of uncertainty avoidance. Data were collected using two-wave questionnaires from 191 Chinese employees and analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results showed that FWSS positively affected pro-organizational, prosocial, and pro-self-proactive behaviors via the mediator of career planning. Uncertainty avoidance weakened the positive effect of career planning on pro-self-proactive behavior, but did not significantly moderate the relationship between career planning and pro-organizational or prosocial–proactive behaviors. This study reveals the positive effects of FWSS on organizations, colleagues, and individuals, as well as the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions. By comparing the similarities and differences among multiple proactive behaviors, the theoretical applications and research scope of proactive behaviors were expanded. Finally, we have provided effective management suggestions for organizations on how to improve employees’ proactive behaviors.
Statistical Building Energy Model from Data Collection, Place-Based Assessment to Sustainable Scenarios for the City of Milan
Authors: Mutani Guglielmina , Alehasin Maryam , Usta Yasemin , Fiermonte Francesco , Mariano Angelo
Published: October 2023

Building energy modeling plays an important role in analyzing the energy efficiency of the existing building stock, helping in enhancing it by testing possible retrofit scenarios. This work presents an urban scale and place-based approach that utilizes energy performance certificates to develop a statistical energy model. The objective is to describe the energy modeling methodology for evaluating the energy performance of residential buildings in Milan; in addition, a comprehensive reference dataset for input data from available open databases in Italy is provided—a critical step in assessing energy consumption and production at territorial scale. The study employs open-source software QGIS 3.28.8 to model and calculate various energy-related variables for the prediction of space heating, domestic hot water consumptions, and potential solar production. By analyzing demand/supply profiles, the research aims to increase energy self-consumption and self-sufficiency in the urban context using solar technologies. The presented methodology is validated by comparing simulation results with measured data, achieving a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 5.2%, which is acceptable, especially considering city-scale modeling. The analysis sheds light on key parameters affecting building energy consumption/production, such as type of user, volume, surface-to-volume ratio, construction period, systems’ efficiency, solar exposition and roof area. Additionally, this assessment attempts to evaluate the spatial distribution of energy-use and production within urban environments, contributing to the planning and realization of smart cities.