bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of nonpharmacological concussion management in children: systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Siahaan Andre Marolop Pangihutan , Ivander Alvin , Indharty Rr. Suzy , Tandean Steven , Ginting Anastasia Grace Milenia , Ginting Masrini , Khosasi Felix , Elbert
Published: October 2024

Concussion is a global public health problem that affects many children worldwide. Most patients present with postconcussion syndrome and normal brain imaging findings. Despite the high incidence of concussion in children, published research on nonpharmacological management is lacking and much more often concerns pharmacological interventions. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the role of nonpharmacological interventions in managing concussion based on randomized controlled trials. The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were extensively searched for articles published between January 2013 and July 2023. A modified patient intervention, comparison, and outcome framework was used to construct the search strategy and eligibility criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias-2 tool. A total of 16 studies conducted between January 2013 and July 2023 were analyzed. Three studies were conducted in an acute care setting (<24-hour postinjury) involving rest, computer time, and doing nothing, while the other 13 studies were conducted in a chronic care setting (>24-hour postinjury) and included aerobic exercise, collaborative care intervention, cervical spine rehabilitation, education by physiotherapists, a hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol, family intervention therapy, virtual reality, traditional occupational therapy, virtual rehabilitation, oculomotor control exercises, vestibular rehabilitation, coordination exercises, and balance exercises. This systematic review highlights the importance of nonpharmacological therapy in pediatric concussion cases. Active rehabilitation may yield promising outcomes. Another interesting approach may be useful in pediatric concussion management. However, this systematic review shows a lack of high-quality literature supporting nonpharmacological pediatric concussion treatments.
Efficacies of different treatment strategies for infants hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis
Authors: Jeong Hyeri , Park Dawon , Ha Eun Kyo , Kim Ju Hee , Shin Jeewon , Baek Hey-Sung , Hwang Hyunsoo , Shin Youn Ho , Jee Hye Mi , Han Man Yong
Published: October 2024

Background: Acute bronchiolitis is a common cause of hospitalization during infancy that carries significant morbidity and mortality rates.Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of different treatment modalities for infants with bronchiolitis in terms of hospital stay and clinical severity scores.Methods: The PubMed database was searched for relevant studies. Eligibility criteria included double-blind randomized controlled trial design, assessment of the effect of treatment on bronchiolitis in infants under 2 years of age, and publication in English from inception through July 31, 2020. The primary efficacy outcome was the length of hospital stay, while the secondary outcome was the clinical severity score. The standardized treatment effect and standard error of the effect size were calculated.Results: We identified 45 randomized controlled trials of 24 pairwise comparisons. These 45 trials included 5,061 participants and investigated 13 types of interventions (12 active, 1 placebo). Inhalation therapy with epinephrine (standard mean difference [SMD], -0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.8 to -0.03) and hypertonic saline (SMD, -0.29; 95% CI, -0.55 to -0.03) reduced the length of hospital stay compared with normal saline. Hypertonic saline was the most effective at improving the clinical severity score (SMD, -0.52; 95% CI, -0.95 to -0.10).Conclusion: Inhalation therapy with epinephrine and hypertonic saline reduced the length of hospital stay and the clinical severity of bronchiolitis among infants under 2 years of age.
Examining the contribution of lithology and precipitation to the performance of earthquake-induced landslide hazard prediction
Authors: Wang Hui , Wu Wei , Yang Wentao , Liu Meiyu
Published: October 2024

Earthquake-induced landslides (EQIL) are one of the most catastrophic geological hazards. Immediate and swift evaluation of EQIL hazard in the aftermath of an earthquake is critically important and of substantial practical value for disaster reduction. The selection of influencing factor layers is crucial when using machine learning methods to predict EQIL hazard. As important input factors for EQIL hazard models, lithology and precipitation are extensively employed in forecasting EQIL hazard. However, few work explored whether these layers can improve the accuracy of EQIL hazard predictions. With Random Forest (RF) models, we employed a traditional and a state-of-the-art sampling strategy to assess EQIL modelling with and without lithology and precipitation data for the 2022 Luding earthquake in China. First, by excluding both factors, we used eight other influencing factors (land use, slope aspect, slope, elevation, distance to faults, distance to rivers, NDVI, and peak ground acceleration) to generate a landslide hazard map. Second, lithology and precipitation were separately added to the original EQIL hazard models. The results indicate that neither lithology nor precipitation have positive effects on the prediction of EQIL for both sampling strategies. The high-risk areas (or low-risk areas) tend to cluster within certain lithology types or precipitation ranges, which significantly affects the accuracy of the hazard map. Additionally, the model with the state-of-the-art sampling strategy deteriorates more than the model with the traditional sampling strategy. We believe this is very likely due to the strong spatial clustering of negative sample points caused by the latest sampling strategy. Our findings will contribute to the assessment of post-earthquake landslide hazards and the advancement of emergency disaster mitigation efforts.
Unveiling the prediction model and mechanism of the collapse of bank slope in the lancangjiang area
Authors: An Xiaofan , Guo Shuangfeng , Ju Guanghong , Bai He , Hu Hua , Wang Zhe , Hu Yanbo
Published: October 2024

This study takes the bank collapse at the left bank of Badi Township of the Lidi Hydropower Station in the Lancang Area as an example. To address the lack of in-depth research on the prediction model and mechanisms of bank collapse, this study conducts field drilling surveys, investigates influencing factors, analyzes causal mechanisms, and proposes prediction methods based on the geological survey data of bank collapse in the reservoir area. The study explores the stratigraphic lithology, determines the key parameters for bank collapse prediction, and studies the failure modes and bank collapse mechanisms. It also proposes the finite element method of bank collapse to predict the width and elevation of bank collapse and provides the influence on the surrounding environment. The results show that the collapsed bank on the left bank of Badi Township is a high and steep soil-like slope, and forms the collapse and retreat type of failure mode after impoundment. The Kachukin method, the bank slope structure method, and the proposed finite element method are used to predict the width and elevation of the collapsed bank. The results indicate that the Kachujin method predicts a larger range of bank collapses and is biased towards safety. In contrast, the prediction ranges of the bank slope structure method and the finite element method are close. The bank collapse position is located in the middle and rear of the residential houses in Badi Township, which is consistent with the on-site investigation and has strong reliability. The predicted width of the bank collapse is about 34 m and the elevation is about 1,845 m. The research results can be directly applied to preventing and controlling bank collapse and have powerful practical application value.
Why students feel anxious in group work: an investigation into students’ perspectives on the sources of their anxious experiences in group work
Authors: Xethakis Larry J. , Rupp Michael , Plummer Brendan R. B.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This large-scale, mixed-methods study aimed to uncover sources of learner anxiety when interacting in small groups in the language classroom. A secondary aim of the study was to examine relationships between these sources and learners’ levels of small-group anxiety.

Methods

Data was gathered from 1,344 learners enrolled in English classes at four universities in western Japan. Qualitative content analysis was employed to identify anxiety-inducing situations described in learner’ responses, and categorize these situations based on the underlying source of anxiety.

Results

The analysis revealed two primary sources of small-group anxiety: interacting with other learners and L2 communication. The most prominent interaction-related situations were interacting with new people, expressing opinions, and uncomfortable silence, while those related to L2 communication were competence and proficiency, conveying meaning and understanding others. Levels of small-group anxiety were significantly related to the source of anxiety. Learners with a high level of anxiety were twice as likely to cite interaction as the source of their anxiety than learners with a low level of anxiety.

Discussion

The results suggest that interaction anxiety may be more salient than foreign language anxiety when language learners work in small groups, and that the impact of this form of social anxiety needs to be taken into consideration for learners to fully receive the benefits of group work.
A genome-wide association study identifies genetic determinants of hemoglobin glycation index with implications across sex and ethnicity
Authors: House John S. , Breeyear Joseph H. , Akhtari Farida S. , Evans Violet , Buse John B. , Hempe James , Doria Alessandro , Mychaleckyi Josyf C. , Fonseca Vivian , Shi Mengyao , Li Changwei , Liu Shuqian , Kelly Tanika N. , Rotroff Daniel , Motsinger-Reif Alison A.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

We investigated the genetic determinants of variation in the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI), an emerging biomarker for the risk of diabetes complications.

Methods

We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for HGI in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial (N = 7,913) using linear regression and additive genotype encoding on variants with minor allele frequency greater than 3%. We conducted replication analyses of top findings in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study with inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis. We followed up with stratified GWAS analyses by sex and self-reported race.

Results

In ACCORD, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with HGI, including a peak with the strongest association at the intergenic SNP rs73407935 (7q11.22) (P = 5.8e−10) with a local replication in ARIC. In black individuals, the variant rs10739419 on chromosome 9 in the Whirlin (WHRN) gene formally replicated (meta-P = 2.2e−9). The SNP-based heritability of HGI was 0.39 (P< 1e−10). HGI had significant sex-specific associations with SNPs in or near GALNT11 in women and HECW2 in men. Finally, in Hispanic participants, we observed genome-wide significant associations with variants near USF1 and NXNL2/SPIN1.

Discussion

Many HGI-associated SNPs were distinct from those associated with fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c, lending further support for HGI as a distinct biomarker of diabetes complications. The results of this first evaluation of the genetic etiology of HGI indicate that it is highly heritable and point to heterogeneity by sex and race.
The chosen few: Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates for IMPAc-TB
Authors: Larsen Sasha E. , Abdelaal Hazem F. M. , Plumlee Courtney R. , Cohen Sara B. , Kim Ho D. , Barrett Holly W. , Liu Qingyun , Harband Matthew H. , Berube Bryan J. , Baldwin Susan L. , Fortune Sarah M. , Urdahl Kevin B. , Coler Rhea N.
Published: October 2024

The three programs that make up the Immune Mechanisms of Protection Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Centers (IMPAc-TB) had to prioritize and select strains to be leveraged for this work. The CASCADE team based at Seattle Children’s Research Institute are leveraging M.tb H37Rv, M.tb CDC1551, and M.tb SA161. The HI-IMPACT team based at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, have selected M.tb Erdman as well as a novel clinical isolate recently characterized during a longitudinal study in Peru. The PHOENIX team also based at Seattle Children’s Research Institute have selected M.tb HN878 and M.tb Erdman as their isolates of choice. Here, we describe original source isolation, genomic references, key virulence characteristics, and relevant tools that make these isolates attractive for use. The global context for M.tb lineage 2 and 4 selection is reviewed including what is known about their relative abundance and acquisition of drug resistance. Host–pathogen interactions seem driven by genomic differences on each side, and these play an important role in pathogenesis and immunity. The few M.tb strains chosen for this work do not reflect the vast genomic diversity within this species. They do, however, provide specific virulence, pathology, and growth kinetics of interest to the consortium. The strains selected should not be considered as “representative” of the growing available array of M.tb isolates, but rather tools that are being used to address key outstanding questions in the field.
Csk controls leukocyte extravasation via local regulation of Src family kinases and cortactin signaling
Authors: Stegmeyer Rebekka I. , Holstein Katrin , Spring Kathleen , Timmerman Ilse , Xia Min , Stasch Malte , Möller Tanja , Nottebaum Astrid F. , Vestweber Dietmar
Published: October 2024

C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) targets Src family kinases (SFKs) and thereby inactivates them. We have previously shown that Csk binds to phosphorylated tyrosine 685 of VE-cadherin, an adhesion molecule of major importance for the regulation of endothelial junctions. This tyrosine residue is an SFK target, and its mutation (VE-cadherin-Y685F) inhibits the induction of vascular permeability in various inflammation models. Nevertheless, surprisingly, it increases leukocyte extravasation. Here, we investigated whether endothelial Csk is involved in these effects. We found that the deficiency of Csk in endothelial cells augments SFK activation and the phosphorylation of VE-cadherin-Y685 but had no net effect on vascular leak formation. In contrast, the lack of endothelial Csk enhanced leukocyte adhesion and transmigration in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the silencing of Csk increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the SFK substrate cortactin. Importantly, the effects of Csk silencing on the increase in SFK activation, cortactin phosphorylation, and neutrophil diapedesis were all dependent on Y685 of VE-cadherin. Deletion of cortactin, in turn, erased the supporting effect of Csk silencing on leukocyte transmigration. We have previously shown that leukocyte transmigration is regulated by endothelial cortactin in an ICAM-1-dependent manner. In line with this, blocking of ICAM-1 erased the supporting effect of Csk silencing on leukocyte transmigration. Collectively, our results establish a negative feedback loop that depends on the phosphorylation of VE-cadherin-Y685, which recruits Csk, which in turn dampens the activation of SFK and cortactin and thereby the clustering of ICAM-1 and the extravasation of neutrophils.
The role of DC subgroups in the pathogenesis of asthma
Authors: Xu Jiangang , Cao Shuxian , Xu Youhua , Chen Han , Nian Siji , Li Lin , Liu Qin , Xu Wenfeng , Ye Yingchun , Yuan Qing
Published: October 2024

Dendritic cells (DCs), specialized antigen-presenting cells of the immune system, act as immunomodulators in diseases of the immune system, including asthma. The understanding of DC biology has evolved over the years to include multiple subsets of DCs with distinct functions in the initiation and maintenance of asthma. Moreover, most strategies for treating asthma with relevant therapeutic agents that target DCs have been initiated from the study of DC function. We discussed the pathogenesis of asthma (including T2-high and T2-low), the roles played by different DC subpopulations in the pathogenesis of asthma, and the therapeutic strategies centered around DCs. This study will provide a scientific theoretical basis for current asthma treatment, provide theoretical guidance and research ideas for developing and studying therapeutic drugs targeting DC, and provide more therapeutic options for the patient population with poorly controlled asthma symptoms.
The influence of pragmatic function on children's comprehension of complex because- and if-sentences
Authors: Lemen Heather C. P. , Lieven Elena V. M. , Theakston Anna L.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

In complex adverbial sentences, the connectives because and if can perform different pragmatic functions (e.g. Content, Speech-Act), although this is often overlooked in studies investigating children's acquisition of these connectives. In this study, we investigated whether pragmatic variation is responsible for some of the difficulty young children have in understanding because- and if-sentences and tested the extent to which patterns of acquisition are related to the cognitive complexity or input frequency of the different pragmatic types.

Methods

Ninety-two children (aged 3–5; F = 39) and 20 adults (F = 12) took part in a forced-choice picture task where they had to identify correct pictures after hearing Content and Speech-Act because- and if-sentences.

Results

Results showed that children were most accurate on the sentence type where cognitive simplicity and input frequency converge (If Content), but this pattern was largely driven by the girls in the study. For response times, children were fastest with the least cognitively complex sentence types. However, for because Speech-Act sentences, there was an inverse relationship between response time and input frequency.

Discussion

Taken together, these findings suggest that neither account (cognitive complexity or input frequency) can fully explain the findings. Instead, we suggest that the relative contributions of both factors are best understood in terms of the relevance of these utterances to children and the precise contexts in which children hear these utterances produced.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NMGL2 exopolysaccharide ameliorates DSS-induced IBD in mice mainly by regulation of intestinal tight junction and NF-κB p65 protein expression
Authors: Zhou Zengjia , Zhang Min , Yao Mengke , Naseeb Jasra , Sarwar Abid , Yang Zhennai , Aziz Tariq , Alhomrani Majid , Alsanie Walaa F. , Alamri Abdulhakeem S.
Published: October 2024

Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a common chronic intestinal disease, by exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by lactic acid bacteria has raised increasing concerns. Here, the EPS produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NMGL2 was evaluated for its ameliorating effect on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced IBD in mice. Administration of the EPS was shown to decrease the body weight loss and the values of disease activity index (DAI) and alleviate the colon damage as evidenced by an improvement in colonic length shortening, a reduction in colonic coefficient, and a reduction in colonic mucosal architecture and inflammatory infiltration. Cytokine assay of the blood and colon tissue samples showed that the EPS could decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-1β, and increase anti-inflammatory IL-10. Oxidative stress assay of the colon tissue showed that the nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) after the EPS intervention. These results were further confirmed by the significantly (p < 0.05) down-regulated levels of NF-κB p65, p-IKKβ, and p-IκBα, and significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced expression of ZO-1 and occludin, as evaluated by Western-blot analysis of these proteins expressed in colonic tissue. The EPS produced by L. plantarum NMGL2 alleviated IBD by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as a functional food agent in the prevention of IBD.
Time dependent changes in protein expression induced by intermittent theta burst stimulation in a cell line
Authors: Ismail Fatima Y. , Krishnan Manigandan , Jayaraj Richard L. , Bru-Mercier Gilles , Pessia Mauro , Ljubisavljevic Milos R.
Published: October 2024

Background

Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, is recognized for its ability to modulate cortical neuronal activity. However, its effects over time and the dynamics following stimulation are less well understood. Understanding the temporal dynamics of iTBS effects is essential for optimizing the timing and frequency of stimulation in therapeutic applications.

Objective

This study investigated the temporal changes in protein expression induced by iTBS in Neuro-2a cells.

Methods

We analyzed protein expression in retinoic acid-differentiated Neuro-2a cells at multiple time points — 0.5, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours post-iTBS — using Western blot and immunocytochemistry techniques.

Results

Our findings reveal a significant early increase in neurotransmitter receptor subunits, neurotrophic factors, and cytoskeletal proteins within the first 0.5 hour following iTBS. Notably, proteins such as mGLuR1, NMDAR1, GABBR2, and β-tubulin III showed substantial increase in expression. However, the effects of iTBS on protein expression was not sustained at later timepoints.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that iTBS can transiently alter the expression of specific proteins in Neuro-2a cells. Future research should investigate the potential benefits of repeated stimulations within the early time window to refine iTBS interventions, potentially expanding their research and clinical applications.
Effects of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) and its combination with irbesartan in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy via the gut–kidney axis
Authors: Yu Hongmei , Tang Haitao , Saxu Rengui , Song Yuhui , Cui Xu , Xu Jingjing , Li Nan , Cui Siyuan , Ge Haitao , Tang Wei , Gu Harvest F.
Published: October 2024

Background

Clinical observations have recently shown that Abelmoschus manihot (L.) in the form of Huangkui capsule (HKC) and in combination with irbesartan (EB) is an effective therapy for diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The present study aims to explore the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacies of HKC and its combination with EB in DN via the gut-kidney axis.

Methods

HKC, EB, and their combination or vehicle were administered in db/db mice, which is an animal model for the study of T2D and DN. Comparative analyses of the gut microbiota, serum metabolites, and kidney transcriptomics before and after drug administration were performed.

Results

After treatment with HKC, EB, and their combination for 4 weeks, the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios decreased significantly in the db/db mice with DN. In terms of the gut microbiota, the abundances of Faecalitalea, Blautia, and Streptococcus increased but those of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Enterobacteriaceae, and Desulfovibrio decreased. Parallelly, serum metabolites, mainly including quercetin 3′-glucuronide and L-dopa, were elevated while cortisol and cytochalasin B were reduced. Furthermore, the S100a8, S100a9, Trem1, and Mmp7 genes in the kidneys were downregulated. These altered elements were associated with proteinuria/albuminuria reduction. However, EB had no effects on the changes in blood pressure and specific differentially expressed genes in the kidneys.

Conclusion

The present study provides experimental evidence that HKC regulates the gut microbiota, circulating metabolites, and renal gene activities, which are useful for better understanding of the action mechanisms of A. manihot in the treatment of DN through the gut-kidney axis.
Modulation of Notch signaling pathway in activated hepatic stellate cells does not ameliorate the outcome of liver fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride and DDC-feeding models
Authors: Šisl Dino , Planinić Pavao , Novak Sanja , Filipović Maša , Flegar Darja , Šućur Alan , Turčić Petra , Kovačić Nataša , Kalajzić Ivo , Grčević Danka , Kelava Tomislav
Published: October 2024

Background

Recent research suggests a possible role of Notch signaling pathway in development of liver fibrosis, but exact cellular and molecular mechanisms are still not well defined. Methods: We modulated Notch signaling in activated hepatic stellate cells/myofibroblasts using the model of inducible activation or inhibition of Notch signaling selective for αSMA positive cells in murine models of toxic fibrosis induced by CCl4 and cholestatic fibrosis induced by DDC supplemented feeding.

Results

Our results confirm that Notch signaling pathway is activated in both CCL4 and DDC model of liver fibrosis and that αSMA positive myofibroblasts are of activated hepatic stellate cells origin. However, neither the inhibition of canonical Notch signaling (in tamoxifen treated αSMACreER/RBP-Jfl/fl mice) nor its overactivation (in tamoxifen treated αSMACreER/NICD1 mice) changed the degree of liver fibrosis in comparison to the control groups in either of the investigated models. Furthermore, after the withdrawal of the fibrogenic treatment the degree of resolution of fibrosis was similar between the animals with Notch overactivation and controls. In addition to genetic manipulation, we investigated the effect of antibodies against NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 on the development of liver fibrosis. Treatment with antibodies had effects on thymus and spleen respectively, but failed to ameliorate liver fibrosis. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that modulation of Notch activity in activated HSC is not sufficient to change the outcome of liver fibrosis. The results obtained with inhibitory antibodies further demonstrate limitations of targeting Notch 1 and 2 receptors as antifibrotic therapy. Notch pathway remains a potential target for the treatment of liver fibrosis, but future studies should be directed to Notch 3 signaling and/or targeting different populations of cells.
Therapeutic targets for lung cancer: genome-wide Mendelian randomization and colocalization analyses
Authors: Luan Yi , Xian Desheng , Zhao Changwen , Qing Xin , He Hanlin , Zheng Kaixuan , Song Wenjun , Jiang Taijiao , Wang Wenjian , Duan Chaohui
Published: October 2024

Background

Lung cancer, categorized into non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), remains a significant global health challenge. The development of drug resistance and the heterogeneity of the disease necessitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a genome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analysis using a comprehensive dataset of 4,302 druggable genes and cis-expressed quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTLs) from 31,884 blood samples. The study integrated genomic analysis with eQTL data to identify key genes associated with lung cancer risk.

Results

The analysis revealed five actionable therapeutic targets for NSCLC, including LTB4R, LTBP4, MPI, PSMA4, and TCN2. Notably, PSMA4 demonstrated a strong association with both NSCLC and SCLC risks, with odds ratios of 3.168 and 3.183, respectively. Colocalization analysis indicated a shared genetic etiology between these gene expressions and lung cancer risk.

Conclusion

Our findings contribute to precision medicine by identifying druggable targets that may be exploited for subtype-specific lung cancer therapies.
Effects of fermented Arctium lappa L. root by Lactobacillus casei on hyperlipidemic mice
Authors: Chen MingJu , Wu Yuxiao , Yang Hongxuan , Liu Tianfeng , Han Tongkun , Dai Wangqiang , Cen Junyue , Ouyang Fan , Chen Jingjing , Liu Jianxin , Zhou Lin , Hu Xuguang
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to establish a fermentation system based on Lactobacillus casei (LC) and Arctium lappa L. root (AR) to investigate its effects. The objectives included comparing metabolite profiles pre- and post-fermentation using untargeted metabolomics and evaluating the impact of LC-AR in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice.

Methods

Untargeted metabolomics was used to analyze differences in metabolites before and after fermentation. In vitro antioxidant activity, liver injury, lipid levels, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and cholesterol-related mRNA expression were assessed. 16S rRNA sequencing was conducted to evaluate changes in gut microbiota composition.

Results

LC-AR exhibited stronger antioxidant activity and higher metabolite levels than AR. It also improved liver injury as well as better regulation of lipid levels, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and cholesterol-related mRNA. 16S rRNA analysis revealed that LC-AR decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which correlated negatively with triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Discussion

These findings suggest that LC-AR may serve as a promising functional food and drug raw material for improving hyperlipidemia, particularly through its beneficial effects on gut microbiota and lipid regulation.
From amoeboid myosin to unique targeted medicines for a genetic cardiac disease
Authors: Spudich James A.
Published: October 2024

The importance of fundamental basic research in the quest for much needed clinical treatments is a story that constantly must be retold. Funding of basic science in the USA by the National Institutes of Health and other agencies is provided under the assumption that fundamental research eventually will lead to improvements in healthcare worldwide. Understanding how basic research is connected to clinical developments is important, but just part of the story. Many basic science discoveries never see the light of day in a clinical setting because academic scientists are not interested in or do not have the inclination and/or support for entering the world of biotechnology. Even if the interest and inclination are there, often the unknowns about how to enter that world inhibit taking the initial step. Young investigators often ask me how I incorporated biotech opportunities into my otherwise purely academic research endeavors. Here I tell the story of the foundational basic science and early events of my career that led to forming the biotech companies responsible for the development of unique cardiac drugs, including mavacamten, a first in class human β-cardiac myosin inhibitor that is changing the lives of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients.
Effect of microplastics on the allelopathic effects of native and invasive plants on co-occurring invaders
Authors: Yuan Ling , Zhou Li , Li Junmin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a significant global change factor, with the potential to alter the biological, physicochemical properties of soil and to subsequently affect plant growth. Despite growing recognition of the impacts of microplastic pollution, the mechanisms by which microplastics modify plant leaf chemistry and influence allelopathic interactions among co-existing plant species remain unclear.

Methods

We used the native perennial forb Achyranthes bidentata and the invasive annual forb Amaranthus spinosus as focal species. We grew the two species with and without competition with each other. This setup was further combined with a treatment involving the addition of polyethylene (PE). We then testd the effects of aqueous extract on seed germination and seedling growth for five invasive and five native species. Subsequently, metabolomic analysis was conducted on the aqueous extracts, in which significant allelopathic effects were observed on test species.

Results and discussion

The presence of PE microplastics enhanced the biomass of both Achyranthes and Amaranthus under competitive and non-competitive growth conditions. Furthermore, PE microplastics were found to induce a negative allelopathic effect for the native plant Achyranthes on co-occurring plants, which appeared to be mediated through changes in leaf chemistry. Bisdemethoxycurcumin, ethylparaben, salicin 6’-sulfate and 5-hydroxy-3’,4’,7-trimethoxyflavone glucoside were proven important compounds for allelopathic enhancement. Overall, these results suggest that microplastic pollution has the capability to influence the co-existence of invasive and native plants by altering their allelopathic potential. This insight into the interactions between microplastics and plant allelopathy provides a novel perspective on how microplastic pollution could modify plant species interactions and ecosystem dynamics. Future studies could aim to answer how microplastics might affect plant root exudates and whether this process would mediate biological invasion.
Loneliness and low fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in Japan
Authors: Stickley Andrew , Shirama Aya , Sumiyoshi Tomiki
Published: October 2024

Background

Loneliness is the distressing feeling that arises when a person's network of social relations is perceived as being inadequate in some way. Research has linked loneliness to a number of detrimental health outcomes. There is also some evidence that lonely individuals are more likely to engage in poorer health behaviors. However, as yet, there has been comparatively little attention paid to the relation between loneliness and dietary behavior. In particular, there has been little focus on the association between loneliness and fruit and vegetable intake.

Objective

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between loneliness and low fruit and vegetable consumption in the Japanese general population.

Methods

Data were analyzed from 3,410 Japanese adults collected in an online survey in early 2023. Information was obtained on past-week fruit and vegetable consumption with a single-item measure, while loneliness was assessed with the Three-Item Loneliness Scale. Information was also collected on sociodemographic characteristics, physical health status, health-risk behaviors and depressive symptoms. Logistic regression was used to assess associations.

Results

One in twenty (5.3%) adults reported low fruit and vegetable consumption. In a fully adjusted analysis loneliness was associated with higher odds for low fruit and vegetable consumption (OR: 1.14, 95%CI: 1.04–1.26). In sex- and age-stratified analyses loneliness was significantly associated with low fruit and vegetable consumption in both women and middle-aged adults, although confidence intervals overlapped for this association across all of the sex and age groups in the fully adjusted analyses.

Conclusions

Loneliness is associated with low fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in Japan. As loneliness and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake have both been linked to poorer health outcomes, the results of this study underscore the potential importance and public health benefits of reducing loneliness in Japan.
A cross-sectional study on health behavior changes during COVID-19 among adults in Malaysia
Authors: Ithnain Norbaidurah , Kassim Rosnani , Amirudin Nadia , Aimanan Siti Nurhanim Mohamed , Krishnan Manimaran , Panting Albeny Joslyn
Published: October 2024

Introduction

COVID-19 has triggered significant disruptions globally, necessitating swift adaptations in individuals’ health behaviors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted during Phase Four of Malaysia’s National Recovery Plan and examines how the pandemic has affected health behaviors among adult Malaysians. The study gathered data online using convenience sampling with 1,004 respondents aged 18 and above. The research focused on diverse health domains, including eating habits, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleep patterns. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and descriptive statistics were employed to compare health behaviors before and after COVID-19.

Results

Findings indicate noteworthy shifts in eating behaviors, with increased water and fruit consumption (p < .001). The frequency of home-cooked meals stayed relatively stable despite declining dinner preference and increasing daily snacks. Physical activity declined, marked by increased sedentary behavior and screen time (p < .001). There were differences in the patterns of smoking and alcohol consumption; some had started these behaviors during the pandemic. Notably, intentions to quit smoking among respondents were more prominent than attempts to stop drinking. Respondents’ sleep patterns also changed, with more sleeping fewer than seven hours daily (p < .001).

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the need for focused interventions to address new challenges by highlighting the impact on health behaviors. As Malaysia navigates the post-pandemic landscape, understanding and mitigating the persisting effects on health behaviors are crucial for promoting overall well-being.
Membrane characterization for electrochemical LiOH production from Li2SO4 with simultaneous H2SO4 valorization
Authors: Henderson Guillaume , Martin Diaz Lara , Schutyser Wouter , Bonin Luiza
Published: October 2024

This work characterized different cation- and anion-exchange membranes to improve the efficiency for the electrochemical conversion of Li2SO4 into LiOH and simultaneously recover H2SO4 as a byproduct, an essential process for sustainable alternatives for lithium−ion battery recycling. The membrane’s ability to block H+ and OH− migration over the membrane to the feed stream of the electrolyzer was investigated. Simultaneously, the membrane resistance was measured to assess its impact on the cell voltage and overall energy consumption. The best CEM, Sx-2301-Wn, enabled to concentrate LiOH up to 1.7M with a current efficiency (CE) of 77.3%, while Fumasep FAB-130-PK, the best AEM, was able to concentrate H2SO4 up to 0.6M with a CE of 74.6%. The recirculation of LiOH into the middle compartment to maintain a constant pH was also investigated and showed to improve both Li+ (4.2%–8%) and SO42- (5.1%) migration, but pH higher than 3 led to an increased membrane resistance. The results of this work contributed to the selection of a suited membrane and ideal operational conditions for producing LiOH and H2SO4 through a three-compartment membrane electrolysis cell.
“I stayed on the street, as if there was no COVID-19”: enacting practices of care with youth at risk of violence and social exclusion in Portugal
Authors: Ferreira Patrícia
Published: October 2024

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, a world of carelessness was made visible. Public health guidelines against the spread of COVID-19 (e.g., school closures, staying home, social distancing) have substantially affected youth’s health and well-being and highlighted the need for context-specific understandings of infection, risk, and care. Our research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the impacts of COVID-19 on boys and girls serving educational measures and placed in the custody of the juvenile justice system in Portugal during the pandemic. Sustained by the use of ethnographic principles and methods along with participatory techniques, this article uncovers complex entanglements between the public health measures to mitigate contagion and the dynamics that exacerbated socio-spatial dynamics of social exclusion and isolation, educational and (mental) health inequities, and lived and practiced forms of violence by youth-serving tutelary measures in Portugal’s six educational centers. Following Tronto’s feminist ethical–political proposal of care, I argue that COVID-19 became a lens to access youth care needs — self-care, care for others, care as essential work of nurturing affective trajectories and solidarities and promoting positive and non-violent relationships. By caring for youth stories, the engagement of researchers and professionals in this action-oriented research aimed to promote the enactment of practices of care with youth in the Portuguese detention centers as a way to positively affect their inhabited present, promote healthier lives and nurture the construction of caring and non-violent post-pandemic futures.
Human cellular restriction factors that target SARS-CoV-2 replication
Authors: Marivate Amukelani , Bekker Shani , Fish Muhammad Qasim , Mosebi Salerwe
Published: October 2024

Millions of people have died and a worldwide economic catastrophe has been brought on by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Infections caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may presently be treated with less than 10 antiviral drugs such as Remdesivir. The need for medical intervention due to sickness has led to unprecedented research efforts to study the biology of coronaviruses. Additionally, there is a strong likelihood that coronaviruses will cause pandemics in the future. All viruses cannot replicate optimally due to host restriction factors. Given that they are genetically more stable than viral targets and may be shared by similar viruses, these antiviral host factors provide appealing targets for antiviral treatment. The identification of antiviral host factors that are a component of human innate immunity and that prevent the completion of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle has been made possible by the deployment of several “omics” technologies. In this review, we provide an overview of the antiviral host factors that limit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in this, which were mostly discovered using functional genetic and interactome screening. Important cellular mechanisms for the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle are covered. Finally, we highlight host restriction factors that could be targeted by clinically approved molecules and the induction of these factors as potential antiviral therapies for COVID-19.
Test Mass Capture Control for Drag-Free Satellite Based on State-Dependent Riccati Equation Method
Authors: Chen Yingjie , Wang Yankai , Chen Ti , Wei Zhengtao , Tayebi Javad
Published: October 2024

The drag-free satellite plays an important role in the space-based gravitational wave observatory. The capture control of test mass after release is a crucial technology that can affect the success of the mission. The test mass must be released to the center of the electrostatic suspension cage accurately. This paper presents a nonlinear dynamic model of drag-free satellites in Lagrange formalism. A capture control scheme for test mass release phase is proposed based on the state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) strategy. To deal with the actuator saturation problem, a nonlinear saturation model is introduced to the dynamics of satellite, while the SDRE strategy is applied to the non-affine system. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is verified by the numerical simulation for the drag-free satellite.
Navigating Toward a Gender-Balanced Culture in Leadership Roles in Higher Tertiary Institutions (HTIs)
Authors: Krambia Kapardis Maria , Spanoudis George
Published: October 2024

The European Commission (EC) and the United Nations advocate the importance of gender equality in their agendas and goals. More specifically, the EC has highlighted the importance of increasing women’s representation in leadership positions, yet in a minority of universities around the globe, there is a gender imbalance. By excluding women from key academic leadership roles, a culture that superficially accepts women into roles that do not challenge the hierarchy is normalized, and a rubber stamp to hegemonic masculinity is established as typical conduct. This study utilizes data from a national survey distributed across all full-time academic and administrative staff in Cyprus’s 13 universities to examine the presence of gender disparities in leadership. The survey was designed based on a comprehensive review of the literature and pilot tested by experts in the field. It was then distributed by university rectors, reaching a total of 337 respondents. The data were analyzed to confirm that the characteristics of an extremely gendered environment, as established by researchers, are found in higher tertiary institutions (HTIs). Secondly, the authors found that the disparities between the leadership skills and traits held most prominently by women in HTIs, as opposed to their male counterparts, enhance the arguments put forward toward gender balance in leadership. Thirdly, the barriers holding women back from voicing their wishes to seek leadership roles in HTIs were identified. Finally, recommendations are made on how to overcome the androgenic environment, to move the needle and have more women seek leadership positions in a culture which preserves hegemonic masculinity. Changing this culture will navigate towards a more balanced working environment for staff and students, and can thus address ethical issues in a more inclusive and gender-balanced environment.
Models of the Impact of Socio-Economic Shocks on Higher Education Development
Authors: Rayevnyeva Olena , Ponomarenko Volodymyr , Matusova Silvia , Stryzhychenko Kostyantyn , Filip Stanislav , Brovko Olha
Published: October 2024

This article is devoted to the analysis of the impact of socio-economic shocks on the dynamics of higher education development. It is substantiated that, on the one hand, higher education influences the development of society and the economy, on the other hand, the development trends of a country provide both opportunities and limitations for its development. An algorithmic model for studying the impact of social and economic shocks on the development of the higher education system (HES) has been developed. To diagnose the relationship between higher education and the socio-economic development of Ukraine and Slovakia, the following indicators were used: GDP per capita, the Human Development Index, school enrollment, tertiary, and net migration. The presence of nonlinear trends in the change in indicators has been shown and portraits of the socio-economic development of the countries have been constructed. To assess the impact of socio-economic shocks on the HES, the time-series decomposition method and cross-spectral analysis were used. The time-series decomposition allowed us to identify cyclical components of indicators, based on applying cross-spectral analysis, and the most significant local harmonics and the lag of their influence on the occurrence of shocks in the HES were determined. The use of the developed models allows us to predict periods of shock points in the HES depending on shocks in the tendencies of GDP per capita and net migration.