bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced harris hawks optimization based load frequency control of multi area microgrid based water treatment plant with consideration of 3DOF-(FO-PIDN)/(TIDN) controller
Authors: Rohmingtluanga C. , Datta Subir , Sinha Nidul , Singh Ksh. Robert , Deb Subhasish , Cali Umit , Ustun Taha Selim
Published: April 2024

Municipal water supply system (WSS) consist of different pumping stages viz. intake, water treatment plant (WTP) and intermediate pumping station (IPS). Usually, the power supply for WSS is obtained through public power tapping sources. However, this often leads to load shedding and disruption of the water supply. This paper focuses on the concept, considering WSS as a multi-source multi-area microgrid scheme, this includes renewable energy sources (RES) such as solar, wind, etc. Moreover, the study incorporates a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and a Diesel Engine Generator (DEG) to provide power supply during peak demand at each pumping station. Frequency control is essential for optimizing system performance. This paper proposes Enhanced Harris Hawks Optimization Algorithm (EHHO) based PID controller for regulating the frequency in the multi-microgrid-based water supply system. The proposed controller is implemented in MATLAB simulation software, and its response is compared with other optimization methods such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO). Moreover, implementation and comparison of higher degree order controller such as 3DOF-FOPIDN controller and 3DOF-TIDN controllers are tested under PSO method to observe the performance as well as robustness of the controller. The results indicate that the proposed controller provides better performance in controlling the load frequency deviation, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of the multi-microgrid system for consideration of municipal water supply.
Eco-decisional well-being networks as a tool for community decision support
Authors: Fulford R. S. , Paulukonis E.
Published: April 2024

Community decision making based on the sustainability of ecosystem services is an integrated process that involves multiple complex decisions and is greatly aided by an understanding of how those decisions are interrelated. The interrelatedness of decisions can be understood and even measured based on connections between actions and services and influence of services on domains of human well-being. These connections can be formed into a network structure so that quantifiable properties of networks can be applied to understanding decision impacts. We developed an eco-decisional network based on weighted social-ecological networks as a tool for integrated decision making based on ecosystem services and human well-being. Nodes are actions, services, or domains of human well-being and they are linked by weighted influence derived from community stakeholder input. Examination of the eco-decisional network, as well as comparison to pattern in the random networks, suggest there are important patterns of influence among different influence pathways from actions to community well-being, which describe community priorities and define unique roles through which chosen sets of actions can influence human well-being. The eco-decisional network is generalized across communities but can also be made community specific, which provides a tool for comparison between communities in decisional priorities (network properties), as well as comparisons between proposed actions within a community (network paths). The well-studied properties of networks, well-established network theory, as well as established network metrics make this approach promising for application to integrated decision making and for communicating possible outcomes to stakeholders. The result is a guidance tool for connecting propose actions to ecosystem services and human well-being.
The unseen patient: competing priorities between patients and providers when cannabis is used in pregnancy, a qualitative study
Authors: Gould Erin E. , Ganesh Siddhi S. , Nguyen Ryan Mikeala , Breton Carrie V. , Bastain Theresa M. , Dunton Genevieve F. , Ceasar Rachel Carmen
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to explore competing priorities when cannabis is used during pregnancy from the perspective of providers and Black and Latina people. Maternal cannabis use is increasingly common, but patients and providers alike struggle to navigate it.

Methods

This pilot used qualitative, constructivist ground theory methods to conduct semi-structured, remote interviews between 16 November 2021, and 7 February 2022 with 7 Black and Latina people who used cannabis during pregnancy, and 10 providers between 15 March 2022, and 6 April 2022, all of who were in Southern California, U.S.

Results

We identified three main findings: (1) Providers reported barriers to caregiving and relationship building with patients due to maternal cannabis use stigma, (2) Providers prioritized the fetus despite patients’ current health system challenges that drove cannabis use, and (3) Both patients and providers engaged in personal research beyond the healthcare system to better understand maternal cannabis use.

Discussion

Our findings indicate that challenges exist between people who use cannabis during pregnancy and providers. Both groups need accurate, sociocultural sensitive information about maternal cannabis use via a harm reduction lens.
Mapping the interaction sites of human and avian influenza A viruses and complement factor H
Authors: Rabeeah Iman , Billington Elizabeth , Nal Béatrice , Sadeyen Jean-Remy , Pathan Ansar A. , Iqbal Munir , Temperton Nigel J. , Zipfel Peter F. , Skerka Christine , Kishore Uday , Shelton Holly
Published: April 2024

The complement system is an innate immune mechanism against microbial infections. It involves a cascade of effector molecules that is activated via classical, lectin and alternative pathways. Consequently, many pathogens bind to or incorporate in their structures host negative regulators of the complement pathways as an evasion mechanism. Factor H (FH) is a negative regulator of the complement alternative pathway that protects “self” cells of the host from non-specific complement attack. FH has been shown to bind viruses including human influenza A viruses (IAVs). In addition to its involvement in the regulation of complement activation, FH has also been shown to perform a range of functions on its own including its direct interaction with pathogens. Here, we show that human FH can bind directly to IAVs of both human and avian origin, and the interaction is mediated via the IAV surface glycoprotein haemagglutinin (HA). HA bound to common pathogen binding footprints on the FH structure, complement control protein modules, CCP 5-7 and CCP 15-20. The FH binding to H1 and H3 showed that the interaction overlapped with the receptor binding site of both HAs, but the footprint was more extensive for the H3 HA than the H1 HA. The HA - FH interaction impeded the initial entry of H1N1 and H3N2 IAV strains but its impact on viral multicycle replication in human lung cells was strain-specific. The H3N2 virus binding to cells was significantly inhibited by preincubation with FH, whereas there was no alteration in replicative rate and progeny virus release for human H1N1, or avian H9N2 and H5N3 IAV strains. We have mapped the interaction between FH and IAV, the in vivo significance of which for the virus or host is yet to be elucidated.
Infection of domestic pigs with a genotype II potent strain of ASFV causes cytokine storm and lymphocyte mass reduction
Authors: Zuo Xuezhi , Peng Guorui , Zhao Junjie , Zhao Qizu , Zhu Yuanyuan , Xu Yuan , Xu Lu , Li Fangtao , Xia Yingju , Liu Yebing , Wang Cheng , Wang Zhen , Wang Haidong , Zou Xingqi
Published: April 2024

The whole-genome sequence of an African swine fever virus (ASFV) strain (HuB/HH/2019) isolated from Hubei, China, was highly similar to that of the Georgia 2007/1 strain ASFV. After infection with strong strains, domestic pigs show typical symptoms of infection, including fever, depression, reddening of the skin, hemorrhagic swelling of various tissues, and dysfunction. The earliest detoxification occurred in pharyngeal swabs at 4 days post-infection. The viral load in the blood was extremely high, and ASFV was detected in multiple tissues, with the highest viral loads in the spleen and lungs. An imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory factors in the serum leads to an excessive inflammatory response in the body. Immune factor expression is suppressed without effectively eliciting an immune defense. Antibodies against p30 were not detected in acutely dead domestic pigs. Sequencing of the peripheral blood mononuclear cell transcriptome revealed elevated transcription of genes associated with immunity, defense, and stress. The massive reduction in lymphocyte counts in the blood collapses the body’s immune system. An excessive inflammatory response with a massive reduction in the lymphocyte count may be an important cause of mortality in domestic pigs. These two reasons have inspired researchers to reduce excessive inflammatory responses and stimulate effective immune responses for future vaccine development.
Patient-derived tumoroids and proteomic signatures: tools for early drug discovery
Authors: Lê Hélène , Deforges Jules , Cutolo Pasquale , Lamarque Anissa , Hua Guoqiang , Lindner Véronique , Jain Shreyansh , Balloul Jean-Marc , Benkirane-Jessel Nadia , Quéméneur Eric
Published: April 2024

Onco-virotherapy is an emergent treatment for cancer based on viral vectors. The therapeutic activity is based on two different mechanisms including tumor-specific oncolysis and immunostimulatory properties. In this study, we evaluated onco-virotherapy in vitro responses on immunocompetent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient-derived tumoroids (PDTs) and healthy organoids. PDTs are accurate tools to predict patient’s clinical responses at the in vitro stage. We showed that onco-virotherapy could exert specific antitumoral effects by producing a higher number of viral particles in PDTs than in healthy organoids. In the present work, we used multiplex protein screening, based on proximity extension assay to highlight different response profiles. Our results pointed to the increase of proteins implied in T cell activation, such as IFN-γ following onco-virotherapy treatment. Based on our observation, oncolytic viruses-based therapy responders are dependent on several factors: a high PD-L1 expression, which is a biomarker of greater immune response under immunotherapies, and the number of viral particles present in tumor tissue, which is dependent to the metabolic state of tumoral cells. Herein, we highlight the use of PDTs as an alternative in vitro model to assess patient-specific responses to onco-virotherapy at the early stage of the preclinical phases.
The clinical significance of sarcopenia in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors
Authors: Sun Wei , Yin Xue , Liu Xiaomin , Wei Jianying , Yu Minghua , Li Wendong , Ding Xiaoyan , Chen Jinglong
Published: April 2024

Background and aim

Sarcopenia has gained considerable attention in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma, as it has been correlated with a poorer prognosis among patients undergoing sorafenib or lenvatinib treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The clinical significance of sarcopenia in first-line advanced HCC patients treated with lenvatinib and programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors needs to be clarified.

Methods

Sarcopenia was diagnosed using CT (Computed tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), with the psoas muscle index (PMI) as the surrogate marker. Patients were grouped based on sarcopenia presences, and a comparative analysis examined characteristics, adverse events, and prognosis. The Cox regression analysis was applied to identify independent prognostic factors for survival, while nomograms were constructed to predict 1-year survival.

Results

Among 180 patients, 46 had sarcopenia. Patients with baseline sarcopenia demonstrated significantly inferior median progression-free survival (mPFS) (3.0 vs. 8.3 months) and median overall survival (mOS) (7.3 vs. 21.6 months). The same results for mPFS (3.3 vs. 9.2 months) and mOS (9.4 vs. 24.2 months) were observed in patients who developed sarcopenia after treatment. Furthermore, significantly higher grade 3 or higher adverse events (AEs) (73.91% vs 41.79%, p<0.001) were recorded in the sarcopenia group compared to the non-sarcopenia group. In the multivariate analysis, distant metastasis, elevated PLR and CRP levels, and low PMI remained independent predictive factors for poor OS. Additionally, skeletal muscle loss remained a significant independent risk factor for PFS. We developed a nomogram incorporating these four indicators, which predicted 12-month survival with a C-index of 0.853 (95% CI, 0.791 – 0.915), aligning well with actual observations.

Conclusion

The prognosis of patients with HCC and sarcopenia is significantly worse when treated with lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors. The combination regimen of lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors should be cautiously recommended due to the inferior prognosis and higher AEs.
Interleukin-2 is required for NKp30-dependent NK cell cytotoxicity by preferentially regulating NKp30 expression
Authors: Kim Nayoung , Yi Eunbi , Lee Eunbi , Park Hyo Jin , Kim Hun Sik
Published: April 2024

Natural killer (NK) cells are key effectors in cancer immunosurveillance, eliminating a broad spectrum of cancer cells without major histocompatibility complex (MHC) specificity and graft-versus-host diseases (GvHD) risk. The use of allogeneic NK cell therapies from healthy donors has demonstrated favorable clinical efficacies in treating diverse cancers, particularly hematologic malignancies, but it requires cytokines such as IL-2 to primarily support NK cell persistence and expansion. However, the role of IL-2 in the regulation of activating receptors and the function of NK cells expanded for clinical trials is poorly understood and needs clarification for the full engagement of NK cells in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we demonstrated that IL-2 deprivation significantly impaired the cytotoxicity of primary expanded NK cells by preferentially downregulating NKp30 but not NKp46 despite their common adaptor requirement for expression and function. Using NK92 and IL-2-producing NK92MI cells, we observed that NKp30-mediated cytotoxicity against myeloid leukemia cells such as K562 and THP-1 cells expressing B7-H6, a ligand for NKp30, was severely impaired by IL-2 deprivation. Furthermore, IL-2 deficiency-mediated NK cell dysfunction was overcome by the ectopic overexpression of an immunostimulatory NKp30 isoform such as NKp30a or NKp30b. In particular, NKp30a overexpression in NK92 cells improved the clearance of THP-1 cells in vivo without IL-2 supplementation. Collectively, our results highlight the distinct role of IL-2 in the regulation of NKp30 compared to that of NKp46 and suggest NKp30 upregulation, as shown here by ectopic overexpression, as a viable modality to harness NK cells in cancer immunotherapy, possibly in combination with IL-2 immunocytokines.
Assessing policy coherence for developing a blue economy: a case study in the Republic of Panama
Authors: de Ycaza Ricardo A. , Spalding Ana K. , Cisneros-Montemayor Andrés M.
Published: April 2024

The blue economy approach to ocean governance promises environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially equitable ocean-based economic growth. However, the blue economy has been inconsistently defined, interpreted, and applied, often leading to incompatibilities between the blue economy approach and existing ocean policies. We explore the blue economy in the Republic of Panama, where recent government commitments include designing and implementing a blue economy approach to ocean sector development. We use qualitative text analysis and a policy coherence assessment to examine the consistency of objectives across existing ocean policies in Panama and their compatibility with broader blue economy goals. Our results indicate that Panama’s existing ocean policies address some blue economy goals but also reveal how policy coherence assessments and precise deliberation can inform a more contextually sensitive blue economy approach that aligns with existing ocean policies while also adding value to ocean governance and better integrating blue economy objectives. Findings suggest that Panama’s existing ocean policies could better address social, environmental, and resource use objectives, without disregarding the need to reinforce economic and governance goals; elevating social objectives, especially social equity, can truly differentiate Panama’s blue economy from its current ocean governance approach. Finally, while we acknowledge that greater policy coherence can potentially increase the likelihood of attaining policy objectives, our findings show that coherence alone does not ensure their realization in practice. Our study contributes to blue economy scholarship by providing the first Latin America-based case study using policy coherence to assess compatibilities between existing ocean policies and a blue economy. Other countries seeking to transition to a blue economy could use our findings to inform the design of their approach and its integration with their existing ocean policy frameworks.
Methylene blue in sepsis and septic shock: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ballarin Raquel Simões , Lazzarin Taline , Zornoff Leonardo , Azevedo Paula Schmidt , Pereira Filipe Welson Leal , Tanni Suzana Erico , Minicucci Marcos Ferreira
Published: April 2024

Background

Methylene blue is an interesting approach in reducing fluid overload and vasoactive drug administration in vasodilatory shock. The inhibition of guanylate cyclase induced by methylene blue infusion reduces nitric oxide production and improves vasoconstriction. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of methylene blue administration compared to placebo on the hemodynamic status and clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis and septic shock.

Methods

The authors specifically included randomized controlled trials that compared the use of methylene blue with placebo in adult patients with sepsis and septic shock. The outcomes were length of intensive care unit stay, hemodynamic parameters [vasopressor use], and days on mechanical ventilation. We also evaluated the abnormal levels of methemoglobinemia. This systematic review and meta-analysis were recorded in PROSPERO with the ID CRD42023423470.

Results

During the initial search, a total of 1,014 records were identified, out of which 393 were duplicates. Fourteen citations were selected for detailed reading, and three were selected for inclusion. The studies enrolled 141 patients, with 70 of them in the methylene blue group and 71 of them in the control group. Methylene blue treatment was associated with a lower length of intensive care unit stay (MD −1.58; 95%CI −2.97, −0.20; I2 = 25%; p = 0.03), decreased days on mechanical ventilation (MD −0.72; 95%CI −1.26, −0.17; I2 = 0%; p = 0.010), and a shorter time to vasopressor discontinuation (MD −31.49; 95%CI −46.02, −16.96; I2 = 0%; p < 0.0001). No association was found with methemoglobinemia.

Conclusion

Administering methylene blue to patients with sepsis and septic shock leads to reduced time to vasopressor discontinuation, length of intensive care unit stay, and days on mechanical ventilation.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023423470, CRD42023423470.
Machine learning approaches to cryoEM density modification differentially affect biomacromolecule and ligand density quality
Authors: Berkeley Raymond F. , Cook Brian D. , Herzik Mark A.
Published: April 2024

The application of machine learning to cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) data analysis has added a valuable set of tools to the cryoEM data processing pipeline. As these tools become more accessible and widely available, the implications of their use should be assessed. We noticed that machine learning map modification tools can have differential effects on cryoEM densities. In this perspective, we evaluate these effects to show that machine learning tools generally improve densities for biomacromolecules while generating unpredictable results for ligands. This unpredictable behavior manifests both in quantitative metrics of map quality and in qualitative investigations of modified maps. The results presented here highlight the power and potential of machine learning tools in cryoEM, while also illustrating some of the risks of their unexamined use.
Expression of Toll-like receptors in the cerebellum during pathogenesis of prion disease
Authors: Liao Xiangyu , Zhu Wufei , Liao Xingyu , Liu Wensen , Hou Yiwei , Wan Jiayu
Published: April 2024

Prion diseases, such as scrapie, entail the accumulation of disease-specific prion protein (PrPSc) within the brain. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial components of the pattern recognition system. They recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and play a central role in orchestrating host innate immune responses. The expression levels of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the central nervous system (CNS) were not well-defined. To establish a model of prion diseases in BALB/C mice, the 22L strain was employed. The features of the 22L strain were analyzed, and the cerebellum exhibited severe pathological changes. TLR1-13 levels in the cerebellum were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) at time points of 60, 90, 120, and the final end point (145 days post-infection). During the pathogenesis, the expression levels of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 increased in a time-dependent manner. This trend mirrored the expression patterns of PrPSc (the pathological isoform of the prion protein) and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Notably, at the end point, TLR1-13 levels were significantly elevated. Protein level of TLR7 and TLR9 showed increasing at the end point of the 22L-infected mice. A deeper understanding of the increased Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in prion diseases could shed light on their role in initiating immune responses at various stages during pathogenesis. This insight is particularly relevant when considering TLRs as potential therapeutic targets for prion diseases.
Hypogammaglobulinemia and infections in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with anti-CD20 treatments: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 19,139 multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Elgenidy Anas , Abdelhalim Nagham Nader , Al-kurdi Mohammed Al-mahdi , Mohamed Lobna A. , Ghoneim Mohamed M. , Fathy Ahmed Wagdy , Hassaan Hazem Khaled , Anan Ahmed , Alomari Omar
Published: April 2024

Background

Recent years have seen the emergence of disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis (MS), such as anti-cluster of differentiation 20 (anti-CD20) monoclonal antibodies, aiming to modulate the immune response and effectively manage MS. However, the relationship between anti-CD20 treatments and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, particularly the development of hypogammaglobulinemia and subsequent infection risks, remains a subject of scientific interest and variability. We aimed to investigate the intricate connection between anti-CD20 MS treatments, changes in IgG levels, and the associated risk of hypogammaglobulinemia and subsequent infections.

Method

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases have been searched for relevant studies. The “R” software utilized to analyze the occurrence of hypogammaglobulinemia, infections and mean differences in IgG levels pre- and post-treatment. The subgrouping analyses were done based on drug type and treatment duration. The assessment of heterogeneity utilized the I2 and chi-squared tests, applying the random effect model.

Results

Thirty-nine articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria and were included in our review which included a total of 20,501 MS patients. The overall prevalence rate of hypogammaglobulinemia was found to be 11% (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.15). Subgroup analysis based on drug type revealed varying prevalence rates, with rituximab showing the highest at 18%. Subgroup analysis based on drug usage duration revealed that the highest proportion of hypogammaglobulinemia occurred in individuals taking the drugs for 1 year or less (19%). The prevalence of infections in MS patients with a focus on different infection types stratified by the MS drug used revealed that pulmonary infections were the most prevalent (9%) followed by urinary tract infections (6%), gastrointestinal infections (2%), and skin and mucous membrane infections (2%). Additionally, a significant decrease in mean IgG levels after treatment compared to before treatment, with a mean difference of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.93).

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of anti-CD20 drugs on serum IgG levels in MS patients, exploring the prevalence of hypogammaglobulinemia, based on different drug types, treatment durations, and infection patterns. The identified rates and patterns offer a foundation for clinicians to consider in their risk-benefit.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=518239, CRD42024518239.
Macronutrient intake is associated with intelligence and neural development in adolescents
Authors: Nakamura Yuko , Yamasaki Syudo , Okada Naohiro , Ando Shuntaro , Nishida Atsushi , Kasai Kiyoto , Koike Shinsuke
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Macronutrient intake can be one of the most influential factors in cognitive and neural development in adolescents. Adolescence is a specific period of cognitive and neural development, and nutritional effects during this period could be life-long. Therefore, understanding the effects of macronutrient intake on cognitive and neural development in adolescents is crucially important. We thus examined the association across macronutrient intake, intelligence, and neural development using population-based cohort data.

Methods

We conducted two studies. In study 1, we included a total of 1,734 participants (boys, 907, age [mean ± standard deviation] 171.9 ± 3.44 months; range 163.0–186.0 months) from the Tokyo TEEN Cohort (TTC) to examine the association between macronutrient intake and intelligence quotient (IQ). In study 2, we included a total of 63 participants (boys, 38, age 174.4 ± 7.7 months; range 160.7–191.6 months) to investigate the effect of nutrition intake on neural development using graph theory analysis for resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) derived from a subset of the TTC.

Results

TTC data revealed that a higher IQ was associated in boys with increased protein intake (β = 0.068, p = 0.031), and in girls, with reduced carbohydrate intake (β = −0.076, p = 0.024). Graph theory analysis for rs-fMRI at approximately age 12 has shown that impaired local efficiency in the left inferior frontal gyrus was associated with higher carbohydrate and fat intake ([x, y, z] = [−51, 23, 8], pFDR-corrected = 0.00018 and 0.02290, respectively), whereas increased betweenness centrality in the left middle temporal gyrus was associated with higher carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake ([x, y, z] = [−61, −43, −13], pFDR-corrected = 0.0027, 0.0029, and 0.00075, respectively). Moreover, we identified a significant moderating effect of fat and protein intake on the relationship between change in betweenness centrality over a 2-year measurement gap in the left middle temporal gyrus and intelligence (β = 12.41, p = 0.0457; β = 12.12, p = 0.0401, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study showed the association between macronutrient intake and neural development related to intelligence in early adolescents. Appropriate nutritional intake would be a key factor for healthy cognitive and neural development.
Fecal microbiota transplantation from female donors restores gut permeability and reduces liver injury and inflammation in middle-aged male mice exposed to alcohol
Authors: Lamas-Paz Arantza , Mesquita Mariana , Garcia-Lacarte Marcos , Estévez-Vázquez Olga , Benedé-Ubieto Raquel , Gutierrez Alejandro H. , Wu Hanghang , Leal Lasalle Hector , Vaquero Javier , Bañares Rafael , Martínez-Naves Eduardo , Roa Sergio , Nevzorova Yulia A. , Jorquera Gonzalo , Cubero Francisco Javier
Published: April 2024

Background

Alcohol misuse, binge drinking pattern, and gender-specific effects in the middle-aged population has been clearly underestimated. In the present study, we focused on understanding gender-specific effects of alcohol exposure on the gut-liver axis and the role of gut microbiota in modulating gender-specific responses to alcohol consumption.

Methods

Fifty-two-week-old female and male C57BL/6 mice were fasted for 12 h, and then administered a single oral dose of ethanol (EtOH) (6 g/kg). Controls were given a single dose of PBS. Animals were sacrificed 8 h later. Alternatively, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed in 52-week-old male mice from female donors of the same age. Permeability of the large intestine (colon), gut microbiota, liver injury, and inflammation was thoroughly evaluated in all groups.

Results

Middle-aged male mice exposed to EtOH showed a significant increase in gut permeability in the large intestine, evaluated by FITC-dextran assay and ZO-1, OCCLUDIN and MUCIN-2 immuno-staining, compared to PBS-treated animals, whilst female mice of the same age also increased their gut permeability, but displayed a partially maintained intestinal barrier integrity. Moreover, there was a significant up-regulation of TLRs and markers of hepatocellular injury, cell death (AST, TUNEL-positive cells) and lipid accumulation (ORO) in male mice after EtOH exposure. Interestingly, FMT from female donors to male mice reduced gut leakiness, modified gut microbiota composition, ameliorated liver injury and inflammation, TLR activation and the senescence phenotype of middle-aged mice.

Conclusion

Our findings highlighted the relevance of gender in middle-aged individuals who are exposed to alcohol in the gut-liver axis. Moreover, our study revealed that gender-specific microbiota transplantation might be a plausible therapy in the management of alcohol-related disorders during aging.
From an understanding of etiopathogenesis to novel therapies—what is new in the treatment of celiac disease?
Authors: Skoracka Kinga , Hryhorowicz Szymon , Tovoli Francesco , Raiteri Alberto , Rychter Anna Maria , Słomski Ryszard , Dobrowolska Agnieszka , Granito Alessandro , Krela-Kaźmierczak Iwona
Published: April 2024

Celiac disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder caused by genetic factors and exposure to gluten, is increasingly being recognized and diagnosed in both children and adults. Scientists have been searching for a cure for this disease for many years, but despite the impressive development of knowledge in this field, a gluten-free diet remains the only recommended therapy for all patients. At the same time, the increasing diagnosis of celiac disease in adults, which was considered a childhood disease in the 20th century, has opened a discussion on the etiopathology of the disease, which is proven to be very complex and involves genetic, immunological, nutritional, environmental and gut microbiota-related factors. In this review, we extensively discuss these factors and summarize the knowledge of the proposed state-of-the-art treatments for celiac disease to address the question of whether a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of celiac disease has opened new directions for therapy.
High-efficiency Nd:LuVO4 laser at 1343 nm recycling-pumped by a laser diode at 916 nm
Authors: Dai Wantian , Liu Tongyu , Ding Yu , Zhao Yuwei , Zhang Yongning
Published: April 2024

A high-efficiency Nd:LuVO4 laser, pumped by a fiber-coupled laser diode at 916 nm, was successfully demonstrated. Employing a recycling-pumping architecture, an output power of 12.1 W at 1,343.2 nm was achieved with an incident pump power of 20 W, resulting in a slope efficiency of 62.1% and an optical conversion efficiency of 60.5%. Furthermore, the beam quality factor was measured to be approximately 1.1 at the maximum output level.
Evaluating atmospheric pressure cold plasma decontamination techniques for packaging materials: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Maccaferri Caterina , Gherardi Matteo , Laurita Romolo
Published: April 2024

Decontaminating food packaging surfaces is a crucial step in the food processing industry to ensure the quality and safety of the product. Decontamination is intended as a procedure aimed to reduce the microbial load present on contaminated packaging to a safe level. Several techniques are traditionally employed, but the industry is seeking innovative methods that could offer economic and environmental benefits. Cold plasma is emerging as a promising solution among the range of possibilities. The present review aims to assess the effectiveness of plasma-assisted systems for decontaminating packaging materials. A systematic collection of inherent records was carried out, and the study outcomes were extracted using the protocol for meta-analysis. The synthesis of the results demonstrates the efficacy of this sanitation technique, since the average logarithmic reduction of the pathogen charge on the packaging was above 4. This outcome is promising since it aligns with standard requirements for traditionally employed antiseptics. Future research should focus on the optimization of processes from the perspective of industrial applications.
Impact of meteorological variability on diurnal and seasonal net ecosystem productivity in a desert riparian forest ecosystem
Authors: Teng Dexiong , Gong Xuewei , He Xuemin , Wang Jingzhe , Lv Guanghui , Wang Jinlong , Yang Xiaodong
Published: April 2024

The desert riparian forests are susceptible to meteorological changes and contribute significantly to the net ecosystem productivity (NEP) variations of arid ecosystems. However, the responsive patterns of their NEP variations to the meteorological variabilities remain inadequately comprehended. To address this gap, we utilized seven years of eddy covariance flux measurements in a representative desert riparian forest to investigate the NEP variations and its response to changing meteorological factors across diverse temporal scales. The results revealed significant periodic variations in half-hourly NEP, with dominant cycles spanning from five hours to one year, with a principal oscillation period of one day. Key meteorological factors including global solar radiation (Rg), relative humidity (RH), air temperature (Ta), soil temperature (Ts), and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) exhibited synchronization with NEP on daily scales. This synchronization, coupled with the observed one-day periodic NEP variations, provides robust evidence supporting the existence of a circadian rhythm in the ecosystem carbon exchange of desert riparian forest regulated by meteorological conditions. Seasonal patterns were significant in the impact of Rg phase, Ta diurnal amplitude, and VPD diurnal amplitude on NEP diurnal amplitude and phase. The NEP diurnal amplitude significantly, directly, and positively affected daily NEP in both the dormant and growing seasons, whereas its phase yielded significant negative effects (P< 0.05). The averages, amplitudes, and phases of diurnal meteorological conditions controlled the daily NEP by regulating NEP diurnal amplitude and phase. These findings provide evidence that the variability in circadian rhythms, caused by the increase in diurnal Ta and VPD, significantly impact the daily NEP at an ecosystem scale. This study enriches our comprehension of the meteorological mechanisms governing diurnal and seasonal carbon uptake dynamics within desert riparian forests, providing fresh insights into the direct and indirect roles of climate change in shaping patterns of ecosystem carbon exchange.
Geographic pattern of the prevalence of intimate partner violence against women in Zanjan (Iran)
Authors: Karamitanha Farzaneh , Ahmadi Farzane , Fallah Abadi Vahid
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a serious public health issue and refers to physically, sexually and psychologically harmful behaviors as well as emotionally controlling behaviors and financial abuse that occur in the form of marriage or cohabitation. Knowing the current situation of the IPV prevalence against women and high-risk areas in the Zanjan city, Iran, can help policymakers to establish better health programs for risk reduction.

Methods

This population-based cross-sectional study consisted of married women aged 18–55 years living in Zanjan city in 2021. 760 married women covered by 19 urban comprehensive health service centers (UCHSCs) were selected by the stratified systematic random sampling method. The prevalence of IPV against women was measured in four types: psychological, physical, sexual, and economic.

Results

Mean (SD) age of the women was 35.49 (8.76) years. 606 women (79.7%) experienced one type of IPV. The highest and lowest IPV prevalence against women were psychological (76.6%) and economic (12%), respectively. The highest and lowest prevalence of psychological violence were observed in CUHSCs 2 and 17, physical violence in CUHSCs 1 and 14, sexual violence in CUHSCs 2 and 17, and economic violence in CUHSCs 2 and 8, respectively. The severity of violence was higher among self-employment or workers husbands, with low monthly household income, and among younger women.

Discussion

The IPV rate in the target population is high, and the highest rate is related to psychological violence. These results highlight the need to intervention in the society and high-risk women for policymakers of the health system.
Cognitive-motor interference during walking with modified leg mechanics: a dual-task walking study
Authors: Riedel Norman , Herzog Michael , Stein Thorsten , Deml Barbara
Published: April 2024

Background

The use of mobile exoskeletons as assistive walking devices has the potential to affect the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system due to their weight and restricted range of motion. This may result in physical and cognitive load for the user. Understanding how lower extremity loading affects cognitive-motor interference is crucial for the design of wearable devices, including powered exoskeletons, and the development of effective training interventions.

Objective

This study aims to examine the effects of modified leg mechanics on cognitive-motor interference in dual-task walking. Gait variability, as an indicator of motor control, was analyzed to investigate its relation to cognitive task difficulty and to determine whether lower extremity loading modifies this relationship. Additionally, the impact on the gait pattern, as represented by the mean values of spatio-temporal gait parameters were investigated.

Method

Fifteen healthy young adults walked on a treadmill with and without weight cuffs bilaterally attached to their thighs and shanks while performing a visual-verbal Stroop test (simple task) and a serial subtraction task (difficult task). Dependent variables include mean values and variability (coefficients of variation) of step length, step width, stride time and double support time. Additionally, secondary task performance as correct response rates and perceived workload were assessed.

Results

Double support time variability decreased during dual-task walking, but not during walking with modified leg mechanics while performing the difficult secondary task. Walking with modified leg mechanics resulted in increased gait variability compared to normal walking, regardless of cognitive load. During walking with modified leg mechanics, step length, step width, and stride time increased, while double support time decreased. The secondary tasks did not affect the gait pattern.

Conclusion

The interplay between an external focus of attention and competition for attentional resources may influence the variability of double support time. The findings suggest that walking with modified leg mechanics could increase cognitive-motor interference for healthy young adults in demanding dual-task situations. Therefore, it is important to analyze the underlying mechanisms of cognitive-motor interference in the context of human-exoskeleton interaction.
The effect of event impact on fear of missing out: the chain mediation effect of coping styles and anxiety
Authors: He Bofeng , Tan Zhenjing , Lai Kaiying , Qiu Boyu , Wang Suiping
Published: April 2024

The fear of missing out is a generalized anxiety stemming from the possibility of not being present at new events or advantageous situations of others. To explore potential mechanisms, a survey measuring the impact of event, coping style, anxiety, and fear of missing out was conducted with 1,014 college students (367 males and 647 females, aged 19–24 years). In addition, the study delved deeper into the dimensions of intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal concerning the impact of event, examining their roles in coping style, anxiety, and fear of missing out. Results showed that: (1) The impact of event could predict the fear of missing out positively. (2) A more positive coping style is negatively associated with anxiety. (3) A chain mediation effect of coping style and anxiety is observed in the path from hyperarousal and avoidance to the fear of missing out. (4) In contrast to the hyperarousal or avoidance, the path from intrusion to the fear of missing out is mediated by anxiety but not coping style. These findings motivate us to implement different intervention tactics for varying impacts of events.
Palliative care patients’ attitudes and openness towards psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for existential distress
Authors: Wang Julia Ruixi , Mendez Araque Samuel J. , Micciche Gina , McMillan Andrew , Coughlin Emily , Mattiola Rosalie , English Diana , Kaliebe Kristopher
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Patients with incurable illnesses often experience existential distress, profoundly impacting their well-being. Current medical approaches have limitations in addressing these burdens. Psilocybin, a promising psychedelic compound, may offer therapeutic benefits. This pilot survey study aimed to investigate the attitudes and openness toward psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAT) among patients with incurable illnesses. The objective is to assess patients’ attitudes toward PAT and identify potential barriers and concerns, including exploring the association between beliefs in psilocybin’s therapeutic benefits and interest in receiving this treatment.

Methods

The survey study was conducted at the Tampa General Hospital Palliative Care Outpatient office in the United States. Participants were 32 English-fluent patients, aged 18 or older, with incurable illnesses. The survey included demographic questions, a validated tool to measure existential distress, and questions about knowledge and concerns regarding psilocybin. Attitudes toward PAT and interest in its future use were assessed using Likert scale responses.

Results

Among the 31 analyzed participants, 51.6% expressed interest in future psilocybin treatment, while 32.3% did not indicate interest. Belief in the psilocybin’s therapeutic benefits for stress and anxiety significantly correlated with interest in use. Concerns included risk of psychosis, lack of trained providers, and potential for exploitation. No demographic factors were associated with interest or levels of distress.

Conclusions

This pilot study provides insights into the attitudes and concerns toward PAT among patients with incurable illnesses. Over half of participants expressed interest. However, concerns regarding its use were identified, with patients’ concern for the risk of exploitation associated with PAT as an especially novel concern documented in this patient population. This highlighted the need for further education of risks and benefits or PAT by trained clinicians and rigorous training of clinicians with the establishment of safeguards against exploitation. Further research is necessary to explore the potential benefits of PAT and related non-psilocybin psychedelic compounds in addressing existential distress among patients with incurable illnesses.
Bridging childhood to adulthood: the impact of early life stress on acute stress responses
Authors: Huang Zheng , Bai Huizhi , Yang Ziyu , Zhang Jingyu , Wang Peishan , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Liang
Published: April 2024

Background

Childhood trauma exerts enduring impacts on the physical and psychological well-being of individuals in adulthood, influencing their daily functioning. This study aims to investigate the impact of childhood trauma on stress recovery in adults, concentrating on heart rate variations during acute stress exposure.

Methods

A cohort of 126 participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) to elicit acute stress, with continuous heart rate (HR) monitoring for stress recovery assessment.

Results

The results revealed a negative correlation between childhood trauma and stress recovery, prominently observed in instances of emotional neglect and abuse. Individuals with heightened childhood trauma exhibited protracted stress recovery following acute stress exposure.

Conclusion

Childhood traumatic experiences were associated with the recovery from acute stress, as indicated by heart rate indices. These findings contribute to the foundational framework for psychological interventions tailored to individuals with a history of childhood trauma.
Cross-border mobility in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion: impact of COVID-19 border restrictions on everyday activities and visiting social network members
Authors: van Bilsen Céline J. A. , Brinkhues Stephanie , Hoebe Christian J. P. A. , Stabourlos Christina , Moonen Chrissy P. B. , Demarest Stefaan , Hanssen Daniëlle A. T. , van Loo Inge H. M. , Savelkoul Paul H. M. , Philippsen Dirk , van der Zanden Brigitte A. M. , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H. T. M.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Cross-border mobility (CBM) to visit social network members or for everyday activities is an important part of daily life for citizens in border regions, including the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion (EMR: neighboring regions from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany). We assessed changes in CBM during the COVID-19 pandemic and how participants experienced border restrictions.

Methods

Impact of COVID-19 on the EMR’ is a longitudinal study using comparative cross-border data collection. In 2021, a random sample of the EMR-population was invited for participation in online surveys to assess current and pre-pandemic CBM. Changes in CBM, experience of border restrictions, and associated factors were analyzed using multinomial and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Pre-pandemic, 82% of all 3,543 participants reported any CBM: 31% for social contacts and 79% for everyday activities. Among these, 26% decreased social CBM and 35% decreased CBM for everyday activities by autumn 2021. Negative experience of border restrictions was reported by 45% of participants with pre-pandemic CBM, and was higher (p < 0.05) in Dutch participants (compared to Belgian; aOR= 1.4), cross-border [work] commuters (aOR= 2.2), participants with cross-border social networks of friends, family or acquaintances (aOR= 1.3), and those finding the measures ‘limit group size’ (aOR= 1.5) and ‘minimalize travel’ (aOR= 2.0) difficult to adhere to and finding ‘minimalize travel’ (aOR= 1.6) useless.

Discussion

CBM for social contacts and everyday activities was substantial in EMR-citizens, but decreased during the pandemic. Border restrictions were valued as negative by a considerable portion of EMR-citizens, especially when having family or friends across the border. When designing future pandemic control strategies, policy makers should account for the negative impact of CBM restrictions on their citizens.