bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent insights in the correlation between social media use, personality traits and exercise addiction: a literature review
Authors: Minutillo Adele , Di Trana Annagiulia , Aquilina Valeria , Ciancio Gerolama Maria , Berretta Paolo , La Maida Nunzia
Published: May 2024

Introduction and aim

The excessive involvement in physical activity without stopping in between sessions despite injuries, the continuous thinking to exercise feeling insane thoughts and experiencing withdrawal symptoms are all characteristics of the Exercise Addiction (EA), an addictive behavior. While the primary exercise addiction is directly caused by compulsive exercise, many studies highlighted the relationship between Eating Disorders (ED) and EA, defining the secondary EA. The correlation between EA, social media use (SMU) and other individual traits remains a relatively underexplored domain. Therefore, this review aimed to examine the latest evidence on the relationship between EA, SMU, and some personality traits such as perfectionism and body image.

Methods

Electronic databases including PubMed, Medline, PsycARTICLES, Embase, Web of Science were searched from January 2019 to October 2023, following the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

A total of 15 articles were examined and consolidated in this review. EA was found to be related to different individual traits such perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, depression, obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. While controversial results were found regarding the relationship between EA and SMU.

Conclusion

The interaction between mental health, exercise addiction and social media use is complex. Excessive engagement in these latter may result in negative mental health consequences despite their potential benefits. Understanding individual differences and developing effective interventions is crucial to promoting healthy habits and mitigating the EA risks, ultimately enhancing mental well-being. Further research should focus on the identification of risks and protective factors with the eventual aim of developing and implementing effective prevention strategies.
The positive impact of smoking on poor sleep quality is moderated by IGF1 levels in cerebrospinal fluid: a case-control study among Chinese adults
Authors: Shan Ligang , Wu Yuyu , Lao Jiaying , Ma Mingwei , Luo Xingguang , Zheng Ke , Hu Weiming , Kang Yimin , Wang Fan , Liu Yanlong , Xu Yali , Jin Xiaoya
Published: May 2024

Objective

Previous research indicates associations between cigarette smoking, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1), and sleep disturbances. This study aimed to examine the association between smoking and sleep quality and investigate the moderating role of IGF1.

Methods

This case-control study involved 146 Chinese adult males (53 active smokers and 93 non-smokers) from September 2014 to January 2016. Sleep quality and disturbances were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which includes seven scales. Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were utilized to examine the link between IGF1 levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and PSQI scores. The effect of IGF1 was assessed using the moderation effect and simple slope analysis, with adjustments made for potential confounders.

Results

Active smokers exhibited significantly higher global PSQI scores and lower IGF1 levels in CSF compared to non-smokers. A significant negative correlation was observed between IGF1 and PSQI scores (â = -0.28, P < 0.001), with a stronger association in non-smokers (Pearson r = -0.30) compared to smokers (Pearson r = -0.01). Smoking was associated with higher global PSQI scores (â = 0.282, P < 0.001), and this association was moderated by IGF1 levels in CSF (â = 0.145, P < 0.05), with a stronger effect at high IGF1 levels (Bsimple = 0.402, p < 0.001) compared to low IGF1 levels (Bsimple = 0.112, p = 0.268). Four subgroup analysis revealed similar results for sleep disturbances (Bsimple = 0.628, P < 0.001), with a marginal moderation effect observed on subjective sleep quality (Bsimple = 0.150, P = 0.070). However, independent associations rather than moderating effects were observed between IGF1 and sleep efficiency and daytime disturbance.

Conclusion

We provided evidence to demonstrate the moderation effect of IGF1 on the relationship between smoking and sleep in CSF among Chinese adult males.
Psychometric properties of the positive mental health questionnaire: short form (PMHQ-SF18) in young adults
Authors: Sequeira Carlos , Carvalho José Carlos , Roldan-Merino Juan , Moreno-Poyato Antonio R. , Teixeira Sónia , David Beatriz , Costa Patrício Soares , Puig-Llobet Montserrat , Lluch-Canut Maria Teresa
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Positive Mental Health (PMH) plays a pivotal role in the promoting of mental health. Assessing this phenomenon is essential for early recognition and intervention in mental health. To date, only one tool was validated with 39 items to assess PMH among Portuguese young adults.

Method

This study sought to examine the psychometric properties of the short version of the Positive Mental Health Questionnaire (PMHQ) among Portuguese university students. The PMHQ Short Form was administered to a sample of 3,647 university students via an online platform. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. The principal factor solution was employed because some items showed higher levels of kurtosis. Multivariate analysis was tested using the Mardia’s Test, Henze-Zirkler, and Royston. Findings of content, construct validity tests, and Cronbach’s alfa demonstrated the satisfactory validity and suitable reliability of the PMHQ-Short Form (PMHQ-SF).

Results and discussion

The exploratory factor analysis produced six dimensions of the PMHQ-SF with three items in each factor demonstrating adequate internal reliability. The global internal consistency was 0.92, with factors ranging between 0.60 to 0.82. The results suggest that the PMHQ-SF is reliable, easier, and more practical to complete by university students due to the shortening of the number of items. The PMHQ-SF is useful for assessing positive mental health in young adults. The final version of the instrument contains from 32 to 18 items.
Polystyrene nanoplastics mediate oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptosis in a human alveolar epithelial cell line
Authors: Milillo Cristina , Aruffo Eleonora , Di Carlo Piero , Patruno Antonia , Gatta Marco , Bruno Annalisa , Dovizio Melania , Marinelli Lisa , Dimmito Marilisa Pia , Di Giacomo Viviana , Paolini Cecilia , Pesce Mirko , Ballerini Patrizia
Published: May 2024

Background

Nanoplastics, an emerging form of pollution, are easily consumed by organisms and pose a significant threat to biological functions due to their size, expansive surface area, and potent ability to penetrate biological systems. Recent findings indicate an increasing presence of airborne nanoplastics in atmospheric samples, such as polystyrene (PS), raising concerns about potential risks to the human respiratory system.

Methods

This study investigates the impact of 800 nm diameter-PS nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on A549, a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, examining cell viability, redox balance, senescence, apoptosis, and internalization. We also analyzed the expression of hallmark genes of these processes.

Results

We demonstrated that PS-NPs of 800 nm in diameter significantly affected cell viability, inducing oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and apoptosis. PS-NPs also penetrated the cytoplasm of A549 cells. These nanoparticles triggered the transcription of genes comprised in the antioxidant network [SOD1 (protein name: superoxide dismutase 1, soluble), SOD2 (protein name: superoxide dismutase 2, mitochondrial), CAT (protein name: catalase), Gpx1 (protein name: glutathione peroxidase 1), and HMOX1 (protein name: heme oxygenase 1)], senescence-associated secretory phenotype [Cdkn1a (protein name: cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A), IL1A (protein name: interleukin 1 alpha), IL1B (protein name: interleukin 1 beta), IL6 (protein name: interleukin 6), and CXCL8 (protein name: C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8)], and others involved in the apoptosis modulation [BAX (protein name: Bcl2 associated X, apoptosis regulator), CASP3 (protein name: caspase 3), and BCL2 (protein name: Bcl2, apoptosis regulator)].

Conclusion

Collectively, this investigation underscores the importance of concentration (dose-dependent effect) and exposure duration as pivotal factors in assessing the toxic effects of PS-NPs on alveolar epithelial cells. Greater attention needs to be directed toward comprehending the risks of cancer development associated with air pollution and the ensuing environmental toxicological impacts on humans and other terrestrial mammals.
Deconstructing subjective unmet healthcare needs: a South Korean case study with policy implications
Authors: Chung Woojin
Published: May 2024

Background

Despite widespread efforts by many countries to reduce the prevalence of unmet healthcare needs within their populations, there remains a scarcity of research systematically exploring the components of these needs.

Objectives

This study aims to deconstruct subjective unmet healthcare needs into two distinct components: the experience of subjective healthcare needs (the “Needs” component) and the experience of unmet needs contingent on those healthcare needs (the “Unmet” component).

Methods

This analysis utilizes data from 13,359 adults aged 19 or older, collected through the 2018 Korea Health Panel survey, with the aim of minimizing the influence of the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic. The two dependent variables are the experience of subjective healthcare needs and whether these needs have been met. The independent variables include 15 socio-demographic, health, and functional characteristics. The study employs both a population proportion analysis and a multivariable bivariate probit model with sample selection.

Results

In South Korea, 11.6% (CI [confidence interval] = 11.0–12.3%) of the population experienced subjective unmet healthcare needs. Upon deconstructing these, 96.7% (CI = 96.2–97.1%) of the population exhibited the Needs component, and 12.0% (CI = 11.4–12.7%) displayed the Unmet component. Each independent variable showed different associations between the two components. Furthermore, effective interventions targeting the characteristics associated with each component could reduce the proportion of the population experiencing subjective unmet healthcare needs from 11.6 to 4.0%.

Conclusion

South Korea faces a significant challenge due to the considerable prevalence of subjective unmet healthcare needs. To address this challenge effectively, the universal healthcare coverage system should adapt its approach based on the characteristics associated with both the Needs and Unmet components of subjective unmet healthcare needs. To achieve this goal, it is highly recommended that the government prioritize strengthening community-based primary healthcare, which currently suffers from insufficient resources.
Artificial intelligence challenges in the face of biological threats: emerging catastrophic risks for public health
Authors: de Lima Renan Chaves , Sinclair Lucas , Megger Ricardo , Maciel Magno Alessandro Guedes , Vasconcelos Pedro Fernando da Costa , Quaresma Juarez Antônio Simões
Published: May 2024

The threat landscape of biological hazards with the evolution of AI presents challenges. While AI promises innovative solutions, concerns arise about its misuse in the creation of biological weapons. The convergence of AI and genetic editing raises questions about biosecurity, potentially accelerating the development of dangerous pathogens. The mapping conducted highlights the critical intersection between AI and biological threats, underscoring emerging risks in the criminal manipulation of pathogens. Technological advancement in biology requires preventative and regulatory measures. Expert recommendations emphasize the need for solid regulations and responsibility of creators, demanding a proactive, ethical approach and governance to ensure global safety.
Implementation of the electronic health record in the German healthcare system: an assessment of the current status and future development perspectives considering the potentials of health data utilisation by representatives of different stakeholder groups
Authors: Rau Elisabeth , Tischendorf Tim , Mitzscherlich Beate
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The digitalisation of the German healthcare system enables a wide range of opportunities to utilize healthcare data. The implementation of the EHR in January 2021 was a significant step, but compared to other European countries, the implementation of the EHR in the German healthcare system is still at an early stage. The aim of this paper is to characterise the structural factors relating to the adoption of the EHR in more detail from the perspective of representatives of stakeholders working in the German healthcare system and to identify existing barriers to implementation and the need for change.

Methods

Qualitative expert interviews were conducted with one representative from each of the stakeholder groups health insurance, pharmacies, healthcare research, EHR development and panel doctors.

Results

The interviews with the various stakeholders revealed that the implementation process of the EHR is being delayed by a lack of a viable basis for decision-making, existing conflicts of interest and insufficient consideration of the needs of patients and service providers, among other things.

Discussion

The current status of EHR implementation is due to deficiency in legal regulations as well as structural problems and the timing of the introduction. For instance, the access rights of various stakeholders to the EHR data and the procedure in the event of a technical failure of the telematics infrastructure are remain unclear. In addition, insufficient information and communication measures have not led to the desired acceptance of EHR use among patients and service providers.
Validation of spectral sleep scoring with polysomnography using forehead EEG device
Authors: Onton Julie A. , Simon Katherine C. , Morehouse Allison B. , Shuster Alessandra E. , Zhang Jing , Peña Andres A. , Mednick Sara C.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Visual scoring of sleep electroencephalography (EEG) has long been considered the gold standard for sleep staging. However, it has several drawbacks, including high cost, time-intensiveness, vulnerability to human variability, discomfort to patients, lack of visualization to validate the hypnogram, and no acknowledgment of differences between delta and slow oscillation deep sleep. This report highlights a spectral scoring approach that addresses all these shortcomings of visual scoring. Past algorithms have used spectral information to help classify traditional visual stages. The current method used the clearly visible spectral patterns to develop new spectral stages, which are similar to but not the same as visual stages. Importantly, spectral scoring delivers both a hypnogram and a whole-night spectrogram, which can be visually inspected to ensure accurate scoring.

Methods

This study compared traditional visual scoring of 32-channel polysomnography with forehead-only spectral scoring from an EEG patch worn concurrently. The PSG was visually scored by trained technicians and the forehead patch was scored spectrally. Because non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage divisions in spectral scoring are not based on visual NREM stages, the agreements are not expected to be as high as other automated sleep scoring algorithms. Rather, they are a guide to understanding spectral stages as they relate to the more widely understood visual stages and to emphasize reasons for the differences.

Results

The results showed that visual REM was highly recognized as spectral REM (89%). Visual wake was only scored as spectral Wake 47% of the time, partly because of excessive visual scoring of wake during Light and REM sleep. The majority of spectral Light (predominance of spindle power) was scored as N2 (74%), while less N2 was scored as Light (65%), mostly because of incorrect visual staging of Lo Deep sleep due to high-pass filtering. N3 was scored as both Hi Deep (13 Hz power, 42%) and Lo Deep (0–1 Hz power, 39%), constituting a total of 81% of N3.

Discussion

The results show that spectral scoring better identifies clinically relevant physiology at a substantially lower cost and in a more reproducible fashion than visual scoring, supporting further work exploring its use in clinical and research settings.
Development and validation of a sunflower crop growth module for the Daisy model
Authors: Pouryazdankhah Hedyeh , Shahnazari Ali , Ahmadi Mirkhalegh Z. , Khaledian Mohammadreza , Andersen Mathias N.
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to develop a crop model for sunflower in Daisy. For this intent, the field experiment data of two full irrigation treatments for 2 years, 2012 and 2013, were used to develop the crop model. The average RMSE of the dry matter (DM), leaf area index (LAI), height of plant (H), and water content parameters in the treatments utilized for calibration was calculated 0.093 Ton/ha, 0.198 cm2/cm2, 2.25 cm, and 1.035%, respectively. The average RMSE of the parameters of DM, LAI, H, and water content in the treatments utilized for validation were estimated 0.207 Ton/ha, 0.272 cm2/cm2, 4.22 cm, and 1.123%, respectively. The results of the validation showed that the developed crop model had good accuracy making it useful for simulation of sunflower agroecology. It is suggested to use the developed crop model in the information library of Daisy and survey and calibrate it for other areas with different climates and sunflower varieties.
Accounting of carbon sequestration and tradeoff under various climatic scenarios in alternative agricultural system: a comprehensive framework toward carbon neutrality
Authors: Ansari Meraj Alam , Ravisankar Natesan , Shamim Mohammad , Rani Meenu , Prusty Ashisa K. , Singh Raghuveer , K. J Raghavendra , Joshi Himanshu , Kumar Sunil , Panwar Azad Singh , Kumar Mahesh
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, which mainly is attributed to fossil-fuel combustion and deforestation, is often suggested as one of the prime causative factors toward accelerated global warming. This commends for sequestration of atmospheric carbon under terrestrial systems to partially offset fossil-fuel emissions. Concerning the same, agricultural sector presents an extensive opportunity, especially for countries such as India where over 55% of the population is engaged in the agriculture sector.

Methods

Sequestering atmospheric carbon in agriculture requires the adoption of climate-resilient alternative agriculture practices without compromising food security. The deliberated study highlights the options of alteration in current conventional farming practices and its economic evaluation for sequestrating carbon under two Climate Change (CC) scenarios, viz., RCP 4.5 and 8.5, over three temporal scales, i.e., 2020, 2030, and 2050. Considering the current land-use pattern and existing growth rate in land-use shifting, three land-use policies, namely, Business as Usual (BaU), Optimistic, and Pessimistic scenario, integrated with CC scenarios were contemplated. Six possible futuristic scenarios were generated for the assessment of carbon sequestration and its valuation following the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoff (InVEST) model.

Results

The results suggested that across the studied region adopting an optimistic policy over BaU and pessimistic scenario, carbon can sequestrate an additional 0.64 to 1.46 Mt. (2.35 to 5.36 million ton CO2e) having an economic value of 193.4 to 504.8 million USD.

Results

Moreover, the outcomes of the study are advocated for the policy of carbon credit in the agriculture sector, which shall contribute toward meeting various nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and sustainable development goals (SDGs) as well.
Comparison of ultrasound-guided closed reduction and percutaneous pinning fixation for unstable humeral lateral condylar fractures
Authors: Xu Jianbing , Liu Chaoyu , Jia Guoqiang , Huang Xiuming
Published: May 2024

Objective

Ultrasound-guided techniques have become popular in severe humeral lateral condylar fractures (HLCFs). This study compared the results of ultrasound-guided closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (UG-CRPP) for Song types 4 and 5 and dislocation type of HLCFs.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in patients with HLCFs treated between January 2021 and October 2022 at three hospitals. The patients were divided into three groups according to Song's classification and elbow dislocation. The surgical time, reduction failure rate, and outcomes of the three groups were compared.

Results

The mean surgical time of the 94 patients across the three groups (Song 4 group, 42 cases; Song 5 group, 38 cases; and dislocation group, 14 cases) was the longest for Song 4 (66.14 ± 23.05 min), followed by the dislocation group (59.71 ± 21.07 min) and Song 5 (52.16 ± 14.94 min) (for all, P = 0.009). The failure rate decreased in the following order: dislocation group (5/14), Song 4 group (7/42), and Song 5 group (2/38). The failure rate of closed reduction in Song 4 was 3.2-fold higher than that in Song 5, and for the dislocation group, it was 7.6-fold higher than that in Song 5. Significant differences were observed between the Song 4, Song 5, and dislocation groups in terms of shaft-condylar angle and supination (P = 0.015, P = 0.043). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the carry angle, flexion, extension, or pronation of the three groups. Two cases of delayed healing, four cases of superficial infection, one case of trochlear necrosis, and 39 cases of lateral spur in the Song 4 group were observed. In the Song 5 group, five had a superficial infection, one had re-displacement, and 26 had a lateral spur. In the dislocation group, there were two cases of superficial infection and 10 of lateral spurs.

Conclusions

Song 4 HLCFs require longer surgical time and present more postoperative complications than Song 5 and dislocation-type HLCFs and can easily lead to lateral spurs. The failure rates of closed reduction in Song 4 and the dislocation type were higher than those in Song 5. Thus, UG-CRPP can be used to treat patients with unstable HLCFs.
Adopción del b-learning en la enseñanza de las matemáticas para ingenieros: Validación de un modelo de aceptación
Authors: Trejo-Trejo Elia , Trejo-Trejo Natalia
Published: May 2024

Este estudio explora la percepción de estudiantes de ingeniería hacia el b-learning en matemáticas, fundamentándose en el Modelo de Aceptación de la Tecnología (TAM). Adoptando una metodología cuantitativa con diseño descriptivo y explicativo, se analizó una muestra de 153 estudiantes de una institución de educación superior en México. Utilizando un cuestionario adaptado de Davis (1989), se evaluó la aceptación del b-learning y se realizaron análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio para validar el Modelo de Aceptación del b-learning (MAb-L). El MAb-L demostró coherencia interna y validez convergente, sustentada por una correlación positiva entre las variables latentes y observadas. Se confirmaron seis de las siete hipótesis, destacando la influencia de la utilidad percibida, la facilidad de uso y la actitud de los estudiantes hacia el b-learning. Los resultados enfatizan la importancia de personalizar el contenido, mejorar la interacción social, la infraestructura tecnológica y la retroalimentación para optimizar la enseñanza de matemáticas en ingeniería. Se resalta la “Facilidad de Uso” como un factor crítico. El estudio respalda la validez del MAb-L, resaltando cómo la utilidad y la facilidad de uso percibidas impactan positivamente la actitud y la intención de aprendizaje en matemáticas. Además, se ofrecen recomendaciones prácticas para la mejora del b-learning en la enseñanza de matemáticas en ingeniería, subrayando la necesidad de adaptación personalizada y fomento de la interacción social. Esta investigación contribuye al entendimiento de los factores que influencian la aceptación del b-learning en matemáticas, proporcionando una base sólida para el avance del conocimiento en este campo dinámico.
A Systematic Review on Autism and Hyperserotonemia: State-of-the-Art, Limitations, and Future Directions
Authors: Esposito Dario , Cruciani Gianluca , Zaccaro Laura , Di Carlo Emanuele , Spitoni Grazia Fernanda , Manti Filippo , Carducci Claudia , Fiori Elena , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Pascucci Tiziana
Published: May 2024

Hyperserotonemia is one of the most studied endophenotypes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but there are still no unequivocal results about its causes or biological and behavioral outcomes. This systematic review summarizes the studies investigating the relationship between blood serotonin (5-HT) levels and ASD, comparing diagnostic tools, analytical methods, and clinical outcomes. A literature search on peripheral 5-HT levels and ASD was conducted. In total, 1104 publications were screened, of which 113 entered the present systematic review. Of these, 59 articles reported hyperserotonemia in subjects with ASD, and 26 presented correlations between 5-HT levels and ASD-core clinical outcomes. The 5-HT levels are increased in about half, and correlations between hyperserotonemia and clinical outcomes are detected in a quarter of the studies. The present research highlights a large amount of heterogeneity in this field, ranging from the characterization of ASD and control groups to diagnostic and clinical assessments, from blood sampling procedures to analytical methods, allowing us to delineate critical topics for future studies.
Serum Levels of Zinc, Albumin, Interleukin-6 and CRP in Patients with Unipolar and Bipolar Depression: Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Bagarić Tihana , Mihaljević-Peleš Alma , Skočić Hanžek Milena , Živković Maja , Kozmar Ana , Rogić Dunja
Published: May 2024

Unipolar (UD) and bipolar depression (BDD) show a high degree of similarity in clinical presentations, which complicates the differential diagnosis of these disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin (Alb), and zinc (Zn) in patients with UD, BDD, and healthy controls (HC). A total of 211 samples were collected: 131 patient samples (65 UD and 68 BDD) and 80 HC. The Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), along with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), were administered to patient groups to evaluate symptoms. A cross-sectional study was performed to analyse the serum levels of IL-6, CRP, albumin, and zinc. The concentration of CRP was determined using the immunoturbidimetry method, zinc using the colorimetric method, and albumin using the colorimetric method with bromocresol green on the Alinity c device. IL-6 cytokine concentration in serum samples was ascertained using a commercial enzyme immunoassay, ELISA. We found no significant differences in serum concentrations of zinc, albumin, CRP, and IL-6 between the groups of patients with unipolar and bipolar depression. There was a significant statistical difference (p < 0.001) between serum levels of all investigated parameters in both groups of depressed patients in comparison with HC. Furthermore, correlations with specific items on HAMD-17; (namely, hypochondrias, work and activities, somatic symptoms-general, and weight loss) and on MADRS (concentration difficulties, lassitude) were observed in both patient groups. These findings confirm the presence of low-grade inflammation in depression, thus adding better insight into the inflammation hypothesis directed to explain the aetiology of depressive disorders. Our results do not indicate potential biomarkers for distinguishing between unipolar and bipolar depression.
Modification of LaB6 with ZrO2-Al2O3-TiO2 for Improvement of Density and Mechanical and Electrical Properties
Authors: Yang Sen , Ba Ruiqing , Hong Jingnan , Li Jing , Guo Jingdong , He Xinghui , Zhang Hongwei , Yi Naihe , Ma Weibing
Published: May 2024

Pure lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) ceramics were prepared using powders of different grain sizes. The ceramics could reach a relative density of 98.2% at high temperatures and pressures, but had a low flexural strength (136.9 MPa). LaB6 ceramics were synthesized using ZrO2-Al2O3-TiO2 (ZAT) as sintering additives. The ceramics demonstrate high density and excellent mechanical properties. The hot pressure sintering (HPS) method was utilized in the synthesis of the ceramics. Investigations were conducted on the effects of ZAT content, as well as the effects of the sintering temperature and pressure on the sintering behavior, microstructure, and mechanical and electrical properties of LaB6 ceramics. LaB6 ceramics fabricated with a ZAT addition of 6 wt.%, at a sintering temperature of 1700 °C, and under a pressure of 50 MPa, exhibited superior sintering and electrical properties, including a relative density of 97%, a conductivity of 7.2 MS/m, a flexural strength of 281.5 MPa, and a Vickers hardness of 21.2 GPa. The LaB6 ceramics synthesized in this research exhibit promising potential as electron-emitting cathodes for field emission applications.
An Investigation of Changes in the Rheological Properties of Toast Pan Bread Dough during the Various Processing Steps of Kneading in an Industrial Bakery
Authors: Ntalios Euripides , Raphaelides Stylianos , Marinopoulou Anna
Published: May 2024

The dough formation during the kneading for the industrial production of toast pan bread was examined using a series of mechanical tests to assess possible transformations in its rheological properties. For this purpose, the Young’s modulus of elasticity and squeeze flow viscometry of the doughs taken from various processing stages of the kneading process were determined. The rheological properties of the dough were assessed using dynamic and creep tests. Young’s modulus data revealed the changes in the elasticity of the dough exhibited during the different steps of kneading, whereas dynamic and creep tests indicated that throughout kneading, the dough displayed the behavior of a weak solid. Elongational viscosity measurements showed that the dough exhibited pseudoplastic behavior throughout the kneading process. The doughs from the various processing steps exhibited differences in zero shear viscosity values. It is suggested that the changes occurred during the processing stages, related to the development of secondary bonding within the gluten matrix.
“This Is How/You’ll End”: Holocaust Poems as War Ephemera
Authors: Hacohen Yael S.
Published: May 2024

During the Holocaust, poets went to extraordinary lengths to write their poems and transmit them. Poems that were written during those years were often buried in the ground, stitched into clothing, smuggled out of prisons, or graffitied onto walls. These object documents carried more than facts about these events; they carried the feeling of living through these events. This research explores the last poems of four Holocaust poets, Władysław Szlengel, Selma Meerbaum-Eisinger, Hannah Szenes, and Abramek Koplowicz, investigating not only the poems but their object-ness and their stories of transference. These poems, like urgent postcards, deliver messages to a family, to a community, to the world. They ask―what does it mean to write a poem as a last will and testament?
Ecological Requirements for Abundance and Dispersion of Brazilian Yellow Fever Vectors in Tropical Areas
Authors: Prado Amanda Francisco , Prist Paula Ribeiro , Mucci Luis Filipe , de Freitas Patrícia Domingues
Published: May 2024

In the Americas, wild yellow fever (WYF) is an infectious disease that is highly lethal for some non-human primate species and non-vaccinated people. Specifically, in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Haemagogus leucocelaenus and Haemagogus janthinomys mosquitoes act as the major vectors. Despite transmission risk being related to vector densities, little is known about how landscape structure affects vector abundance and movement. To fill these gaps, we used vector abundance data and a model-selection approach to assess how landscape structure affects vector abundance, aiming to identify connecting elements for virus dispersion in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Our findings show that Hg. leucocelaenus and Hg. janthinomys abundances, in highly degraded and fragmented landscapes, are mainly affected by increases in forest cover at scales of 2.0 and 2.5 km, respectively. Fragmented landscapes provide ecological corridors for vector dispersion, which, along with high vector abundance, promotes the creation of risk areas for WYF virus spread, especially along the border with Minas Gerais state, the upper edges of the Serra do Mar, in the Serra da Cantareira, and in areas of the metropolitan regions of São Paulo and Campinas.
Clinical Studies Using Topical Melatonin
Authors: Greco Giovanni , Di Lorenzo Ritamaria , Ricci Lucia , Di Serio Teresa , Vardaro Eleonora , Laneri Sonia
Published: May 2024

Melatonin is ubiquitously present in all animals and plants, where it exerts a variety of physiological activities thanks to its antioxidant properties and its key role as the first messenger of extracellular signaling functions. Most of the clinical studies on melatonin refer to its widespread oral use as a dietary supplement to improve sleep. A far smaller number of articles describe the clinical applications of topical melatonin to treat or prevent skin disorders by exploiting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This review focuses on the clinical studies in which melatonin was applied on the skin as a photoprotective, anti-aging, or hair growth-promoting agent. The methodologies and results of such studies are discussed to provide an overall picture of the state of the art in this intriguing field of research. The clinical studies in which melatonin was applied on the skin before exposure to radiation (UV, sunlight, and high-energy beams) were all characterized by an appropriate design (randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled) and strongly support its clinical efficacy in preventing or reducing skin damage such as dermatitis, erythema, and sunburn. Most of the studies examined in this review do not provide a clear demonstration of the efficacy of topical melatonin as a skin anti-aging or as a hair growth-promoting agent owing to limitations in their design and/or to the use of melatonin combined with extra active ingredients, except for one trial that suggests a possible beneficial role of melatonin in treating some forms of alopecia in women. Further research efforts are required to reach definitive conclusions concerning the actual benefits of topical melatonin to counteract skin aging and hair loss.
Laboratory Diagnosis of Intrathecal Synthesis of Immunoglobulins: A Review about the Contribution of OCBs and K-index
Authors: Morello Maria , Mastrogiovanni Simone , Falcione Fabio , Rossi Vanessa , Bernardini Sergio , Casciani Stefania , Viola Antonietta , Reali Marilina , Pieri Massimo
Published: May 2024

The diagnosis of MS relies on a combination of imaging, clinical examinations, and biological analyses, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assessments. G-Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) are considered a “gold standard” for MS diagnosis due to their high sensitivity and specificity. Recent advancements have involved the introduced of kappa free light chain (k-FLC) assay into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum (S), along with the albumin quotient, leading to the development of a novel biomarker known as the “K-index” or “k-FLC index”. The use of the K-index has been recommended to decrease costs, increase laboratory efficiency, and to skip potential subjective operator-dependent risk that could happen during the identification of OCBs profiles. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of recent scientific articles, focusing on updated methods for MS diagnosis with an emphasis on the utility of the K-index. Numerous studies indicate that the K-index demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity, often comparable to or surpassing the diagnostic accuracy of OCBs evaluation. The integration of the measure of the K-index with OCBs assessment emerges as a more precise method for MS diagnosis. This combined approach not only enhances diagnostic accuracy, but also offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative.
Revolution in Cancer Treatment: How Are Intelligently Designed Nanostructures Changing the Game?
Authors: Gül Désirée , Önal Acet Burcu , Lu Qiang , Stauber Roland H. , Odabaşı Mehmet , Acet Ömür
Published: May 2024

Nanoparticles (NPs) are extremely important tools to overcome the limitations imposed by therapeutic agents and effectively overcome biological barriers. Smart designed/tuned nanostructures can be extremely effective for cancer treatment. The selection and design of nanostructures and the adjustment of size and surface properties are extremely important, especially for some precision treatments and drug delivery (DD). By designing specific methods, an important era can be opened in the biomedical field for personalized and precise treatment. Here, we focus on advances in the selection and design of nanostructures, as well as on how the structure and shape, size, charge, and surface properties of nanostructures in biological fluids (BFs) can be affected. We discussed the applications of specialized nanostructures in the therapy of head and neck cancer (HNC), which is a difficult and aggressive type of cancer to treat, to give an impetus for novel treatment approaches in this field. We also comprehensively touched on the shortcomings, current trends, and future perspectives when using nanostructures in the treatment of cancer.
Distinctiveness of Femoral and Acetabular Mesenchymal Stem and Progenitor Populations in Patients with Primary and Secondary Hip Osteoarthritis Due to Developmental Dysplasia
Authors: Plečko Mihovil , Kovačić Nataša , Grčević Danka , Šućur Alan , Vukasović Barišić Andreja , Duvančić Tea , Bohaček Ivan , Delimar Domagoj
Published: May 2024

Primary hip osteoarthritis (pOA) develops without an apparent underlying reason, whereas secondary osteoarthritis arises due to a known cause, such as developmental dysplasia of the hips (DDH-OA). DDH-OA patients undergo total hip arthroplasty at a much younger age than pOA patients (50.58 vs. 65 years in this study). Recently, mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells (MSPCs) have been investigated for the treatment of osteoarthritis due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative potential. This study identified cells in subchondral bone expressing common MSPC markers (CD10, CD73, CD140b, CD146, CD164, CD271, GD2, PDPN) in vivo and compared the proportions of these populations in pOA vs. DDH-OA, further correlating them with clinical, demographic, and morphological characteristics. The differences in subchondral morphology and proportions of non-hematopoietic cells expressing MSPC markers were noted depending on OA type and skeletal location. Bone sclerosis was more prominent in the pOA acetabulum (Ac) in comparison to the DDH-OA Ac and in the pOA Ac compared to the pOA femoral head (Fh). Immunophenotyping indicated diagnosis-specific differences, such as a higher proportion of CD164+ cells and their subsets in DDH-OA, while pOA contained a significantly higher proportion of CD10+ and GD2+ cells and subsets, with CD271+ being marginally higher. Location-specific differences showed that CD271+ cells were more abundant in the Fh compared to the Ac in DDH-OA patients. Furthermore, immunohistochemical characterization of stromal bone-adjacent cells expressing MSPC markers (CD10, CD164, CD271, GD2) in the Ac and Fh compartments was performed. This research proved that immunophenotype profiles and morphological changes are both location- and disease-specific. Furthermore, it provided potentially effective targets for therapeutic strategies. Future research should analyze the differentiation potential of subsets identified in this study. After proper characterization, they can be selectively targeted, thus enhancing personalized medicine approaches in joint disease management.
Insect Cell-Expressed Major Ragweed Allergen Amb a 1.01 Exhibits Similar Allergenic Properties to Its Natural Counterpart from Common Ragweed Pollen
Authors: Buzan Maria-Roxana , Grijincu Manuela , Zbîrcea Lauriana-Eunice , Haidar Laura , Tamaș Tudor-Paul , Cotarcă Monica-Daniela , Tănasie Gabriela , Weber Milena , Babaev Elijahu , Stolz Frank , Valenta Rudolf , Păunescu Virgil , Panaitescu Carmen , Chen Kuan-Wei
Published: May 2024

Common ragweed pollen allergy has become a health burden worldwide. One of the major allergens in ragweed allergy is Amb a 1, which is responsible for over 90% of the IgE response in ragweed-allergic patients. The major allergen isoform Amb a 1.01 is the most allergenic isoform in ragweed pollen. So far, no recombinant Amb a 1.01 with similar allergenic properties to its natural counterpart (nAmb a 1.01) has been produced. Hence, this study aimed to produce a recombinant Amb a 1.01 with similar properties to the natural isoform for improved ragweed allergy management. Amb a 1.01 was expressed in insect cells using a codon-optimized DNA construct with a removable N-terminal His-Tag (rAmb a 1.01). The recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography and physicochemically characterized. The rAmb a 1.01 was compared to nAmb a 1.01 in terms of the IgE binding (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblot) and allergenic activity (mediator release assay) in well-characterized ragweed-allergic patients. The rAmb a 1.01 exhibited similar IgE reactivity to nAmb a 1.01 in different IgE-binding assays (i.e., IgE immunoblot, ELISA, quantitative ImmunoCAP inhibition measurements). Furthermore, the rAmb a 1.01 showed comparable dose-dependent allergenic activity to nAmb a 1.01 regarding basophil activation. Overall, the results showed the successful expression of an rAmb a 1.01 with comparable characteristics to the corresponding natural isoform. Our findings provide the basis for an improvement in ragweed allergy research, diagnosis, and immunotherapy.
Genetic Variants in KCTD1 Are Associated with Isolated Dental Anomalies
Authors: Ruangchan Cholaporn , Ngamphiw Chumpol , Krasaesin Annop , Intarak Narin , Tongsima Sissades , Kaewgahya Massupa , Kawasaki Katsushige , Mahawong Phitsanu , Paripurana Kullaya , Sookawat Bussaneeya , Jatooratthawichot Peeranat , Cox Timothy C. , Ohazama Atsushi , Ketudat Cairns James R. , Porntaveetus Thantrira , Kantaputra Piranit
Published: May 2024

KCTD1 plays crucial roles in regulating both the SHH and WNT/β-catenin signaling pathways, which are essential for tooth development. The objective of this study was to investigate if genetic variants in KCTD1 might also be associated with isolated dental anomalies. We clinically and radiographically investigated 362 patients affected with isolated dental anomalies. Whole exome sequencing identified two unrelated families with rare (p.Arg241Gln) or novel (p.Pro243Ser) variants in KCTD1. The variants segregated with the dental anomalies in all nine patients from the two families. Clinical findings of the patients included taurodontism, unseparated roots, long roots, tooth agenesis, a supernumerary tooth, torus palatinus, and torus mandibularis. The role of Kctd1 in root development is supported by our immunohistochemical study showing high expression of Kctd1 in Hertwig epithelial root sheath. The KCTD1 variants in our patients are the first variants found to be located in the C-terminal domain, which might disrupt protein–protein interactions and/or SUMOylation and subsequently result in aberrant WNT-SHH-BMP signaling and isolated dental anomalies. Functional studies on the p.Arg241Gln variant are consistent with an impact on β-catenin levels and canonical WNT signaling. This is the first report of the association of KCTD1 variants and isolated dental anomalies.
Evaluation of the Inhibitory Potential of Synthetic Peptides Homologous to CDR3 Regions of a Monoclonal Antibody against Bothropic Venom Serine Proteases
Authors: Saladini Lucas Yuri , Magalhães-Junior Marcos Jorge , da Silva Cristiane Castilho Fernandes , Oliveira Priscila Gonçalves Coutinho , Kodama Roberto Tadashi , Gomes Lais , Nishiyama-Jr Milton Yutaka , Spencer Patrick Jack , da Silva Wilmar Dias , Portaro Fernanda Calheta Vieira
Published: May 2024

Snakebite accidents, neglected tropical diseases per the WHO, pose a significant public health threat due to their severity and frequency. Envenomation by Bothrops genus snakes leads to severe manifestations due to proteolytic enzymes. While the antibothropic serum produced by the Butantan Institute saves lives, its efficacy is limited as it fails to neutralize certain serine proteases. Hence, developing new-generation antivenoms, like monoclonal antibodies, is crucial. This study aimed to explore the inhibitory potential of synthetic peptides homologous to the CDR3 regions of a monoclonal antibody targeting a snake venom thrombin-like enzyme (SVTLE) from B. atrox venom. Five synthetic peptides were studied, all stable against hydrolysis by venoms and serine proteases. Impressively, four peptides demonstrated uncompetitive SVTLE inhibition, with Ki values ranging from 10−6 to 10−7 M. These findings underscore the potential of short peptides homologous to CDR3 regions in blocking snake venom toxins, suggesting their promise as the basis for new-generation antivenoms. Thus, this study offers potential advancements in combatting snakebites, addressing a critical public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions.
Graphene and Natural Products: A Review of Antioxidant Properties in Graphene Oxide Reduction
Authors: dos Santos Filipe Kayodè Felisberto , Júnior Antônio Augusto Martins Pereira , Filho Arquimedes Lopes Nunes , Fonseca Clícia Joanna Neves , Isidorio Daysianne Kessy Mendes , Araújo Filipe de Almeida , Oliveira Pablo Henrique Ataide , Veiga Júnior Valdir Florêncio da
Published: May 2024

This review article addresses the antioxidant properties of different natural products, including ascorbic acid, gallic acid, oxalic acid, L-glutathione (GSH), bacteriorhodopsin, green tea polyphenols, glucose, hydroxycinnamic acid, ethanoic acid, betanin, and L-glutathione, in the reduction of graphene oxide (rGO). rGO can cause damage to cells, including oxidative stress and inflammation, limiting its application in different sectors that use graphene, such as technologies used in medicine and dentistry. The natural substances reviewed have properties that help reduce this damage, neutralizing free radicals and maintaining cellular integrity. This survey demonstrates that the combination of these antioxidant compounds can be an effective strategy to minimize the harmful effects of rGO and promote cellular health.