bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of SARS-CoV-2 drug repurposing: databases and machine learning models
Authors: Elkashlan Marim , Ahmad Rahaf M. , Hajar Malak , Al Jasmi Fatma , Corchado Juan Manuel , Nasarudin Nurul Athirah , Mohamad Mohd Saberi
Published: August 2023

The emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) posed a serious worldwide threat and emphasized the urgency to find efficient solutions to combat the spread of the virus. Drug repurposing has attracted more attention than traditional approaches due to its potential for a time- and cost-effective discovery of new applications for the existing FDA-approved drugs. Given the reported success of machine learning (ML) in virtual drug screening, it is warranted as a promising approach to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. The implementation of ML in drug repurposing requires the presence of reliable digital databases for the extraction of the data of interest. Numerous databases archive research data from studies so that it can be used for different purposes. This article reviews two aspects: the frequently used databases in ML-based drug repurposing studies for SARS-CoV-2, and the recent ML models that have been developed for the prospective prediction of potential inhibitors against the new virus. Both types of ML models, Deep Learning models and conventional ML models, are reviewed in terms of introduction, methodology, and its recent applications in the prospective predictions of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. Furthermore, the features and limitations of the databases are provided to guide researchers in choosing suitable databases according to their research interests.
Efficacy and safety of total glucosides of paeony in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers: a single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Liu Zijian , Guo Xiang , Li Shufang , Lu Mingxing , Guo Qianyun , Liu Xingyun , Wang Yutian , Han Ying , Liu Hongwei
Published: August 2023

Introduction: There has been a lack of treatments available to lower the frequency of recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAUs) until now. Total glucosides of paeony (TGP) is a botanical drug extracted from the dried roots of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. [Ranunculaceae; Paeoniae Radix Alba]. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TGP in the treatment of RAU.

Methods: This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900025623). Patients were randomly assigned to the TGP or placebo group and treated with 1.8 g/day for 24 weeks. Participants were observed for a total of 36 weeks and were asked to record ulcer severity, medication, and adverse reactions in the form of diaries or apps every day. The primary outcome was the monthly ulcer-free interval.

Results: A total of 79 individuals were enrolled, with 40 assigned to the TGP group and 39 to the placebo group. The dropout rate was 18.18%. In the TGP group, the monthly ulcer-free interval was significantly longer than baseline (median, 9.6 days) since weeks 13–24 (median, 18.5 days) (p < 0.05), and after discontinuation, it was further prolonged (median, 24.7 days) than in weeks 13–24 (p < 0.05). In addition, the monthly ulcer-free interval was longer in the TGP group than in the placebo group (median, 15.9 days) at weeks 25—36 (p < 0.001). There were better improvements in the monthly number of ulcers and monthly area of ulcers, and visual analog scoring in the TGP group at weeks 25—36 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: TGP had a good long-term therapeutic effect on RAU with frequent occurrence.

Systematic Review Registration:www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR1900025623.
New advances in clinical application of neostigmine: no longer focusing solely on increasing skeletal muscle strength
Authors: Si Shangkun , Zhao Xiaohu , Su Fan , Lu Hongxiu , Zhang Dongbin , Sun Li , Wang Fulei , Xu Li
Published: August 2023

Neostigmine is a clinical cholinesterase inhibitor, that is, commonly used to enhance the function of the cholinergic neuromuscular junction. Recent studies have shown that neostigmine regulates the immune-inflammatory response through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, affecting perioperative neurocognitive function. This article reviews the relevant research evidence over the past 20 years, intending to provide new perspectives and strategies for the clinical application of neostigmine.
The efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan compared with ACEI/ARB in the treatment of heart failure following acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gao Jinquan , Zhang Xin , Xu Mengzhuo , Deng Shisu , Chen Xiaoping
Published: August 2023

Purpose: To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan (SV) by comparison with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for the treatment of heart failure caused by acute myocardial infarction (HF-AMI) based on current randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods: Several electronic databases were searched up to 27 May 2023. Primary endpoints were the efficacy including the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and 6-min walk test (6MWT) and secondary endpoints were the safety including the major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) and adverse reaction (AE).

Results: A total of 14 RCTs were included and all patients were from China. Among included 1,991 patients, 997 patients received SVs and 994 patients received ACEIs/ARBs. The pooled results demonstrated that patients in the SV group showed significantly better efficacy representing as increased LVEF [weighted mean difference (WMD): 4.43%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.84%–6.02%, p < 0.001] and 6MWT (WMD: 30.84 m, 95% CI: 25.65 m–36.03 m, p < 0.001) and decreased LVEDD (WMD: −3.24 mm, 95% CI: −4.96 mm ∼ -1.52 mm, p < 0.001) and NT-proBNP (WMD: −188.12 pg/mL, 95% CI: −246.75 pg/mL ∼ 129.49 pg/mL, p < 0.001), which was also verified by subgroup analysis based on the history of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Besides, the SV group showed significantly lower incidence rate of MACE [relative risk (RR): 0.60, 95% CI: 0.47–0.75, p < 0.001] and patients receiving SVs in the non-PCI group also showed lower incidence of AE (RR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.20–0.71, p = 0.002).

Conclusion: For the treatment of HF-AMI, SV is more effective and safer than ACEI/ARB based on current evidence, but more high-quality RCTs are still needed to verify above findings.
Development of critical K dilution curves for diagnosing sweetpotato K status
Authors: He Weichen , Li Jing , Lu Yanjun , Chen Shaojie , Deng Lijuan , Xu Ximing , Zhu Yueming , Jin Minghuan , Liu Yuheng , Lu Guoquan , Lv Zunfu
Published: August 2023

Scientific and reasonable application of potassium fertilizer is an important agronomic measure to achieve high yield and high quality of sweetpotato, and it is of great significance to determine the appropriate amount of potassium fertilizer in the field. For this we constructing a model of the critical K dilution curve (CKDC) of sweetpotato under different N levels to determine crop nutritional statuses. In this study, a 3-year field experiment was conducted in Zhejiang Province in China, using two nitrogen levels (N0: 0 kg ha−1 and N1: 120 kg ha−1) and five K fertilization rates (K0: 0, K1: 75, K2: 150, K3: 225, K4: 300 kg ha−1) for two sweetpotato cultivars of ‘Shang 19’ and ‘Yan 25’. Plant dry matter first increased and then decreased and the K concentration increased continuously with an increase in K application rate. The required amount of K fertilizer to achieve maximum sweetpotato yield under high N conditions was greater than that under low nitrogen conditions. A new CKDC based on dry matter and K concentration was created to assess K nutrition in sweetpotato. At two N levels, CKDC was expressed by the negative power function equation, aboveground: Kc(N0)=5.30W-0.463, R2 = 0.79, and Kc(N1)=4.23W-0.298, R2 = 0.78, under-ground: Kc(N0)=1.38W-0.125, R2 = 0.81, and Kc(N1)=1.32W-0.132, R2 = 0.72;whole-plant: Kc(N0)=4.31W-0.421, R2 = 0.80; Kc(N1)=3.89W-0.415, R2 = 0.79. There is no significantly different for CKDC of whole-plant and underground between N0 and N1 levels, while there is significantly different for CKDC of aboveground between N0 and N1 levels. N fertilizer can strengthen the dilution effect of K concentration, and its effect on the aboveground is greater than that on the underground and whole-plant. Then, potassium nutrition indexes were constructed to identify K nutrition status and could be used as a reliable indicator for K nutrition diagnosis of sweetpotato. The results provide a theoretical basis to improve K fertilization management and sustainability of sweetpotato.
Genome-wide identification, evolution and expression pattern analysis of the GATA gene family in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Yao Xin , Lai Dili , Zhou Meiliang , Ruan Jingjun , Ma Chao , Wu Weijiao , Weng Wenfeng , Fan Yu , Cheng Jianping
Published: August 2023

The GATA family of transcription factors is zinc finger DNA binding proteins involved in a variety of biological processes, including plant growth and development and response to biotic/abiotic stresses, and thus play an essential role in plant response to environmental changes. However, the GATA gene family of Sorghum (SbGATA) has not been systematically analyzed and reported yet. Herein, we used a variety of bioinformatics methods and quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) to explore the evolution and function of the 33 SbGATA genes identified. These SbGATA genes, distributed on 10 chromosomes, are classified into four subfamilies (I-IV) containing one pair of tandem duplications and nine pairs of segment duplications, which are more closely related to the monocot Brachypodium distachyon and Oryza sativa GATA genes. The physicochemical properties of the SbGATAs are significantly different among the subfamilies, while the protein structure and conserved protein motifs are highly conserved in the subfamilies. In addition, the transcription of SbGATAs is tissue-specific during Sorghum growth and development, which allows for functional diversity in response to stress and hormones. Collectively, our study lays a theoretical foundation for an in-depth analysis of the functions, mechanisms and evolutionary relationships of SbGATA during plant growth and development.
Integrative analysis of chloroplast genome, chemicals, and illustrations in Bencao literature provides insights into the medicinal value of Peucedanum huangshanense
Authors: Sun Haibing , Chu Shanshan , Jiang Lu , Tong Zhenzhen , Cheng Ming’en , Peng Huasheng , Huang Luqi
Published: August 2023

The genus Peucedanum L. (Apiaceae) is a large group comprising more than 120 species distributed worldwide. Many plants of the genus Peucedanum have been studied and used in traditional Chinese medicine. In 2020, a new species, Peucedanum huangshanense Lu Q. Huang, H. S. Peng & S. S. Chu, was found in the Huangshan Mountains of Anhui Province, China. However, little is known about its medicinal properties. Thus, the objective of this study is to explore the potential medicinal value of P. huangshanense and its relationship with other Peucedanum species. Through textual research on illustrations of Qianhu in Bencao literature, it can be inferred that at least five species of genus Peucedanum have been used in Chinese medicine. Therefore, we chose these five species of Peucedanum and P. huangshanense together for subsequent research. We conducted morphological, chloroplast genome, and chemical analyses of six Peucedanum species, including the newly discovered P. huangshanense. The chloroplast genomes of Peucedanum showed a typical tetrad structure, and the gene structure and content were similar and conservative. There were significant differences in genome size and the expansion of the inverted repeat boundary. Through nucleotide polymorphism analysis, we screened 14 hotspot mutation regions that have the potential to be used as specific molecular markers for the taxonomy of Peucedanum. Our results showed an inversion of the trnD-trnY-trnE gene in the P. huangshanense chloroplast genome, which can be developed as a specific molecular marker for species identification. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the phylogenetic trees had high support and resolution, which strongly supports the view that Peucedanum is not a monophyletic group. P. huangshanense had the closest genetic relationship to P. ampliatum K. T. Fu, followed by P. harry-smithii Fedde ex Wolff. Furthermore, the main coumarins of P. huangshanense were most similar to those of P. japonicum Thunb. and P. harry-smithii. In summary, our research lays a foundation for the systematic classification of Peucedanum and sheds light on the medicinal value of P. huangshanense.
An empirical study on the collaborative usability of age-appropriate smart home interface design
Authors: Zhou Chengmin , Zhan Wenjing , Huang Ting , Zhao Hanxiao , Kaner Jake
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The smart home has become a popular product, but with the development of the aging population, the differentiated characteristics of the elderly smart home products in terms of demand and use are becoming more and more significant. The existing smart products are complicated to operate and cumbersome to interact with, which increases the cognitive load of the elderly group and hinders the daily use and user experience feeling of the elderly. The purpose of this paper is to study the interface data information and interface visual design starting from hardware and software, interface interaction, to explore the better interface data information and interface visual design, and to output, a new prototype of the operating interface of smart home system for the elderly, so that the smart products can be better used by the elderly.

Methods

Thirty-two participants aged 55–75 were invited to conduct the test, and subjective evaluation was conducted at the end of the test. Through the tests, the operability of the prototype structure for smart furniture systems for the elderly was demonstrated.

Results

In terms of functionality a new task based on a combination of icons and text is proposed. In the control of devices, the switching status of devices, etc., needs to be clearly distinguished visually, eye-protective bright colors are used, paired with low saturation to highlight the focus, and high bright colors with gray to distinguish the device status. In terms of the density of the content, an appropriate proportion of images and text were used to make the information less dense. ln the arrangement of web content, information content relevant to users was placed first as much as possible.

Discussion

Based on this, a secondary optimal design was carried out to improve the interactive design of the smart home for the elderly and output it as a prototype interactive interface. Thus, the operability, rationality, and aesthetic comfort of the prototype design of smart home interaction in an age-friendly scenario are improved, allowing the elderly to have a better experience when using the smart home.
Relationship between quality of professional capacity building for kindergarten teachers and children’s language development: the mediating role of kindergarten language education activities quality
Authors: Wu Qiong , Wang Guoxia , Li Chang
Published: August 2023

Strengthening the professional capacity building for kindergarten teachers is crucial for improving the quality of kindergarten education and promoting children’s development. In order to explore the impact of the quality of professional capacity building for kindergarten teachers and kindergarten language education activities quality on children’s language development, a study was conducted. A total of 1,584 children from 90 kindergartens in 5 provinces in China were randomly selected as research participants. Utilizing an independent sample t-test and correlation analysis (with SPSS 26.0 as the tool), the study analyzed the disparities in the professional capacity building for kindergarten teachers of different types, kindergarten language education activities quality, and the children’s language developmental levels, as well as the interrelationships among these factors. A multilevel structural equation model (using MPLUS 8.3 as the tool) was employed to analyze the mediating role that the kindergarten language education activities quality plays between the quality of professional capacity building for kindergarten teachers and children’s language development levels. The results indicate that children in public kindergartens demonstrate significantly higher language development levels than those in private kindergartens. A positive correlation exists between the quality of professional capacity building for kindergarten teachers, kindergarten language education activities quality and children’s language development levels. Furthermore, kindergarten language education activities quality shows partial mediating effects on the relationship between them. These findings highlight the need to enhance the quality of education in private kindergartens, reduce the disparities in language development levels between private and public kindergartens, and reinforce the quality of professional capacity building for kindergarten teachers to provide effective support for children’s language development. Ultimately, the study suggests concentrating on the organization and implementation of kindergarten language education activities as a means of evaluating the quality of professional capacity building for kindergarten teachers.
What we know about grief intervention: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Jie , Li Yuan , Wang Yali , Jishi Wuga , Fang Jinbo
Published: August 2023

Background

Grief is a natural and individualized response to different losses, but if grief persists or becomes pathological, professional interventions are required. Grief and corresponding interventions have received increasing attention, as the related concepts have been incorporated into the DSM-5 and ICD-11. Therefore, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to explore the developments in the field of grief intervention research.

Methods

Articles on grief interventions were systematically searched and screened from the Web of Science Core Collection. The retrieved data were analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software for journals, authors, institutions, countries, references, and keywords.

Results

A total of 9,754 articles were included. The number of articles on grief interventions has increased significantly each year since 1990. Death Studies was the journal that published the most articles in this field. We identified 25,140 authors contributed to this research area and these authors were from 123 countries and 6,630 institutions. Boelen PA secured the first position in article production, Columbia University emerged as the most productive affiliation and the United States was the foremost leading in grief intervention research. The prevalent keywords utilized in this field comprised bereavement, grief, death, depression, and palliative care.

Conclusion

The quantity of publications regarding grief interventions is increasing. Although most prior studies have focused on mortality, grief, and health, emerging themes such as COVID-19, grief among workers, and disfranchised grief have drawn increasing attention in recent years. Future studies may focus on investigating the complexities and challenges of grief, including its underlying mechanisms and impact on mental well-being.
Predictors of treatment dropout in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder due to childhood abuse1
Authors: Bremer-Hoeve Susanne , van Vliet Noortje I. , van Bronswijk Suzanne C. , Huntjens Rafaele J.C. , de Jongh Ad , van Dijk Maarten K.
Published: August 2023

Background

Knowledge about patient characteristics predicting treatment dropout for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is scarce, whereas more understanding about this topic may give direction to address this important issue.

Method

Data were obtained from a randomized controlled trial in which a phase-based treatment condition (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing [EMDR] therapy preceded by Skills Training in Affect and Interpersonal Regulation [STAIR]; n = 57) was compared with a direct trauma-focused treatment (EMDR therapy only; n = 64) in people with a PTSD due to childhood abuse. All pre-treatment variables included in the trial were examined as possible predictors for dropout using machine learning techniques.

Results

For the dropout prediction, a model was developed using Elastic Net Regularization. The ENR model correctly predicted dropout in 81.6% of all individuals. Males, with a low education level, suicidal thoughts, problems in emotion regulation, high levels of general psychopathology and not using benzodiazepine medication at screening proved to have higher scores on dropout.

Conclusion

Our results provide directions for the development of future programs in addition to PTSD treatment or for the adaptation of current treatments, aiming to reduce treatment dropout among patients with PTSD due to childhood abuse.
Magnitude of placebo response in clinical trials of paroxetine for vasomotor symptoms: a meta-analysis
Authors: Rhodes Joshua R. , Alldredge Cameron T. , Elkins Gary R.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Vasomotor symptoms, or hot flashes, are among the most common complaints for menopausal and postmenopausal women. As an alternative to hormone replacement therapy, paroxetine mesylate became the only non-hormonal treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), despite limited evidence for its efficacy. More specifically, there is uncertainty around paroxetine's unique benefit and the magnitude of the placebo response in clinical trials of paroxetine.

Methods

Relevant databases were searched to identify randomized clinical trials examining the efficacy of paroxetine to treat hot flashes. The primary outcomes of interest were hot flash frequency and hot flash severity scores. Data was extracted from the published results, and risk of bias assessments were conducted.

Results

Six randomized clinical trials that included a total of 1,486 women were coded and analyzed. The results demonstrated that 79% of the mean treatment response for hot flash frequency is accounted for by a placebo response, resulting in a mean true drug effect of 21% at most. Additionally, 68% of the mean treatment response for hot flash severity is accounted for by a placebo response, resulting in a maximum true drug effect of 32%.

Discussion

The results herein call into question the actual efficacy of the only FDA approved, non-hormonal treatment for hot flashes by demonstrating that a placebo response accounts for the majority of treatment responses for reductions in both hot flash frequency and severity. The findings provide evidence to reevaluate the use of paroxetine to treat postmenopausal hot flashes and emphasize the importance of considering effective, alternative treatments for vasomotor symptoms.
Pathophysiological mechanisms of post-myocardial infarction depression: a narrative review
Authors: Garrels Eric , Kainth Tejasvi , Silva Briana , Yadav Garima , Gill Gurtej , Salehi Mona , Gunturu Sasidhar
Published: August 2023

Myocardial infarction (MI) can have significant physical and mental consequences. Depression is a prevalent psychiatric condition after MI which can reduce the quality of life and increase the mortality rates of patients. However, the connection between MI and depression has remained under-appreciated. This review examines the potential connection between depression and MI by overviewing the possible pathophysiologic mechanisms including dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system, coagulation system dysfunction, inflammation, environmental factors, as well as, genetic factors. Furthermore, depression can be an adverse event of medications used for MI treatment including beta-blockers, statins, or anti-platelet agents. The need for early detection and management of depression in patients with MI is, therefore, crucial for improving their overall prognosis. Adherence to treatments and regular follow-up visits can ensure the best response to treatment.
Identifying circulating biomarkers for major depressive disorder
Authors: Zhang En , Huang Zhongfei , Zang Zongjun , Qiao Xin , Yan Jiaxin , Shao Xuefei
Published: August 2023

Objective

To date, the current diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) still depends on clinical symptomatologic criteria, misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment are common. The study aimed to explore circulating biomarkers for MDD diagnosis.

Methods

A high-throughput antibody array technology was utilized to detect 440 circulating cytokines in eight MDD patients and eight age–and gender-matched healthy controls. LASSO regression was conducted for MDD-related characteristic proteins selection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to validate the characteristic proteins in 40 MDD patients and 40 healthy controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to evaluate the diagnostic values of characteristic proteins for discriminating MDD patients from healthy controls. Correlations between the levels of characteristic proteins and depression severity (HAMD-17 scores) were evaluated using linear regression.

Results

The levels of 59 proteins were found aberrant in MDD patients compared with healthy controls. LASSO regression found six MDD-related characteristic proteins including insulin, CD40L, CD155, Lipocalin-2, HGF and LIGHT. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve (AUC) values of six characteristic proteins were more than 0.85 in discriminating patients with MDD from healthy controls. Furthermore, significant relationship was found between the levels of insulin, CD155, Lipocalin-2, HGF, LIGHT and HAMD-17 scores in MDD group.

Conclusion

These results suggested that six characteristic proteins screened from 59 proteins differential in MDD may hold promise as diagnostic biomarkers in discriminating patients with MDD. Among six characteristic proteins, insulin, CD155, Lipocalin-2, HGF and LIGHT might be useful to estimate the severity of depressive symptoms.
A study on the emotional and attitudinal behaviors of social media users under the sudden reopening policy of the Chinese government
Authors: Zhang Qiaohe , Niu Tianyue , Yang Jinhua , Geng Xiaochen , Lin Yinhuan
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese government has implemented a series of strict prevention and control policies to prevent the spread of the virus. Recently, the Chinese government suddenly changed its approach and lifted all prevention and control measures. This sudden change in policy is expected to lead to a widespread outbreak of COVID-19 in China, and the public and local governments are not adequately prepared for the unknown impact on society. The change in the “emergency” prevention and control policy provides a unique research perspective for this study.

Methods

The purpose of this study is to analyze the public's attitudes and emotional responses to COVID-19 under the sudden opening policy, identify the key factors that contribute to these attitudes and emotions, and propose solutions. In response to this sudden situation, we conducted data mining on topics and discussions related to the opening of the epidemic on Sina Weibo, collecting 125,686 interactive comments. We used artificial intelligence technology to analyze the attitudes and emotions reflected in each data point, identify the key factors that contribute to these attitudes and emotions, explore the underlying reasons, and find corresponding solutions.

Results

The results of the study show that in the face of the sudden release of the epidemic, the public mostly exhibited negative emotions and behaviors, with many people experiencing anxiety and panic. However, the gradual resumption of daily life and work has also led some people to exhibit positive attitudes.

Conclusion

The significance of this study is to help the government and institutions understand the impact of policy implementation on users, and to enable them to adjust policies in a timely manner to respond to potential social risks. The government, emergency departments, and the public can all prepare for similar situations based on the conclusions of this study.
Bouncing back from COVID-19: a Western Australian community perspective
Authors: Sarasjärvi Kiira Karoliina , Chivers Paola , Bhoyroo Ranila , Codde Jim
Published: August 2023

Introduction

This study explored the behavioral profiles of residing Western Australians during a COVID-19 lockdown period and transitions in behavior post-lockdown.

Methods

A total of 313 participants (76% female, age: M = 50.1, SD = 15.7 years) completed behavioral and mental health questionnaire items ~2 months after a 3-month COVID-19 lockdown in October 2020, using a retrospective recall to assess their experience during the lockdown period. Latent transition analysis (LTA) was used to identify behavioral profiles and transitions. Indicators were identified by assessing during–post-lockdown group differences (Kruskal–Wallis, chi-square tests) and profiles described using qualitative open-ended questions.

Results

Significant indicators included changes in physical activity, leisure screen time, alcohol intake, psychological distress, and loneliness, but not fast food consumption. The significant indicators were used to form LTA models. The five latent class model showed the best model fit (Log-likelihood = −1301.66, AIC = 426.12, BIC = 609.68). Approximately one in four participants reported a change in their behavior profiles after the lockdown ceased. Key differences between the profiles were age, household income, education, resilience, sense of control, existing mental health issues, and social relations. Washing hands and social distancing were the most recalled and effective health campaigns across the classes, with health campaigns encompassing physical activity/alcohol consumption, or domestic violence having the least attention.

Discussion

Overall, while most participants recovered relatively well after the lockdown period, LTA did identify subgroups such as those who were inactive and lonely experienced more difficulties than other groups, and engagement with public health campaigns differed. The results provide important insights for future public health campaigns on how these campaigns might be diversified to effectively target more people and particular groups to maximize engagement for maintaining people's mental health with additional focus on physical activity, alcohol consumption, and domestic violence.
MOSAIC, an example of comprehensive and integrated social and health care: care and practices oriented towards personal recovery
Authors: Cano-Prieto Ivan , Prat-Vigué Gemma , Vilanova-Masana Rut , Guillaume-Cornet Aida , Giralt Palou Rosa , Lana-Francos Gemma , Simó-Algado Salvador
Published: August 2023

Background

The Mosaic project is a socio-health integration model that promotes the personal recovery of people with severe mental illness in a territory of Central Catalonia: the Bages region. The recovery approach in mental health care promotes meaningful activities and social inclusion for people with mental health disorders. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the level of meaningful activities and other factors associated with the mental health recovery model.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used. Participants (n = 59) signed an informed consent and completed the following standardized instruments: Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey; The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale; Hert Hope Scale; and Recovery Assessment Scale.

Results

A Pearson correlation test was performed between the level of meaningful activities and life satisfaction, resilience, hope, and recovery. These data indicate that the amount of meaningful activities are strongly associated with variables related to the personal recovery process from mental health problems.

Conclusions

The integration process of MOSAIC confirms the need to accompany the recovery processes through significant occupations.
Peripheral calcifying odontogenic cyst: a case report and comprehensive review of 60 years of literature
Authors: Sheng Sally , Tipton Nicholas , Chang Jennifer , Meng Hsiu-Wan , Tribble Gena D.
Published: August 2023

Peripheral Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst (PCOC) is the extraosseous form of calcifying odontogenic cyst that is limited to peripheral soft tissue without bony involvement. This case report presents a case of PCOC manifested as a progressive growth of gingival mass in a young male treated with excisional biopsy. Histological examination confirmed diagnosis of PCOC with presence of characteristic ghost cells and sporadic calcifications. No recurrence of the lesion and no complication were noted at three-year follow-up. Review of available literature on PCOC noted a predilection of occurrence in the mandible (61%) and in the anterior area of the jaws (58%). Mean age of patients was 41.7 ± SD25.43 (7–83) and 95% CI [33.6, 49.8] yrs. Mean size of the lesions was 1.38 ± SD1.1 (0.5–4.3) and 95% CI [0.93, 1.83] cm. Gender distribution was noted to be 51.3% male and 48.7% female.
Hard rock dark biosphere and habitability
Authors: Escudero Cristina , Amils Ricardo
Published: August 2023

The discovery that most of the prokaryotic diversity and biomass on Earth resides in the deep subsurface, calls for an improved definition of habitability, which should consider the existence of dark biospheres in other planets and moons of the Solar System and beyond. The discovery of “interior liquid water worlds” on some ice moons with waterless surfaces has piqued wide astrobiological interest, but the sporadic mentions of the possibility of life in the deep subsurface of rocky planets in recent habitability reviews calls for a methodical effort to develop sufficient knowledge, both scientific and technological, to include the dark biospheres in our habitability assessments. In this review we analyze recent developments and the methodologies employed to characterize Earth’s continental hard rock deep subsurface to both prepare the future exploration of the putative dark biosphere of Mars and to highlight its importance when evaluating planetary habitability.
Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in COVID-19 Era—Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Ficik Jozef , Andrezál Michal , Drahovská Hana , Böhmer Miroslav , Szemes Tomáš , Liptáková Adriána , Slobodníková Lívia
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 era brought about new medical challenges, which, together with nosocomial bacterial infections, resulted in an enormous burden for the healthcare system. One of the most alarming nosocomial threats was carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). Monitoring CRKP incidence and antimicrobial resistance globally and locally is vitally important. In a retrospective study, the incidence of CRKP in the pre-COVID-19 period (2017–2019) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022) was investigated in the Central Military Hospital in Ružomberok, Slovak Republic. The relative incidence of CRKP significantly increased during the COVID-19 period—by 4.8 times, from 0.18 to 0.76%. At the same time, 47% of CRKP-positive patients also had COVID-19. Twenty-six KPC and sixty-nine NDM-producing isolates were identified. CRKPs isolated in the year 2022 were submitted to whole genome sequencing, and their susceptibility was tested to cefiderocol, ceftazidime–avibactam, imipenem–relebactam and meropenem–vaborbactam, with excellent results. KPC-producing isolates were also highly susceptible to colistin (92%). The NDM isolates revealed lower susceptibility rates, including only 57% colistin susceptibility. ST-307 prevailed in KPC and ST-11 in NDM isolates. Despite the excellent activity of new antimicrobials, rational antibiotic policy must be thoroughly followed, supported by complementary treatments and strict anti-epidemic precautions.
Partial Purification and Biochemical Evaluation of Protease Fraction (MA-1) from Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii and Its Fibrinolytic Effect
Authors: Lee Sung-Ho , Song Seung-Yub , Choi Jun-Hui , Kim Seung , Lee Hyo-Jeong , Park Jin Woo , Park Dae-Hun , Bae Chun-Sik , Cho Seung-Sik
Published: August 2023

The antioxidative proteolytic fraction, MA-1, was partially purified from Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii. MA-1 was purified to homogeneity using a two-step procedure, which resulted in an 89-fold increase in specific activity and 42.5% recovery. SDS-PAGE revealed two proteins with a molecular weight of 48 kDa. The zymography results revealed proteolytic activity based on the MA-1 band. MA-1 was found to be stable in the presence of Na+, Ca2+, Fe3+, K+, and Mg2+. MA-1 was also stable in methanol, ethanol, and acetone, and its enzyme activity increased by 15% in SDS. MA-1 was inhibited by ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid or ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid and exerted the highest specificity for the substrate, MeO-Suc-Arg-Pro-Tyr-pNA, for chymotrypsin. Accordingly, MA-1 belongs to the family of chymotrypsin-like metalloproteins. The optimum temperature was 40 °C and stability was stable in the range of 20 to 35 °C. The optimum pH and stability were pH 5.5 and pH 4–11. MA-1 exhibited stronger fibrinolytic activity than plasmin. MA-1 hydrolyzed the Aα, Bβ, and γ chains of fibrinogen within 2 h. MA-1 exhibited an antithrombotic effect in animal models. MA-1 was devoid of hemorrhagic activity at a dose of 80,000 U/kg. Overall, our results show that M. aitchisonii produces an acid-tolerant and antioxidative chymotrypsin-like fibrinolytic enzyme, and M. aitchisonii containing MA-1 could be a beneficial functional material for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and possible complications.
Antioxidant Phytocomplexes Extracted from Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Using Hydrodynamic Cavitation Show Potential Anticancer Activity In Vitro
Authors: Minutolo Antonella , Gismondi Angelo , Chirico Rossella , Di Marco Gabriele , Petrone Vita , Fanelli Marialaura , D’Agostino Alessia , Canini Antonella , Grelli Sandro , Albanese Lorenzo , Centritto Mauro , Zabini Federica , Matteucci Claudia , Meneguzzo Francesco
Published: August 2023

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), as an effective, efficient, and scalable extraction technique for natural products, could enable the affordable production of valuable antioxidant extracts from plant resources. For the first time, whole pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits, rich in bioactive phytochemicals endowed with anti-cancer properties, were extracted in water using HC. Aqueous fractions sequentially collected during the process (M1–M5) were lyophilized (L), filtered (A), or used as such, i.e., crude (C), and analyzed for their biochemical profile and in vitro antioxidant power. The fractions M3 and M4 from the L and C series showed the highest antiradical activity and phytochemical content. While the lyophilized form is preferable for application purposes, sample L-M3, which was produced faster and with lower energy consumption than M4, was used to assess the potential antiproliferative effect on human breast cancer line (AU565-PAR) and peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) cells from healthy donors. In a pilot study, cell growth, death, and redox state were assessed, showing that L-M3 significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation and intracellular oxygen reactive species. No effect on PBMCs was detected. Thus, the antioxidant phytocomplex extracted from pomegranate quickly (15 min), at room temperature (30 °C), and efficiently showed potential anticancer activity without harming healthy cells.
Solid Electrolytes Based on NASICON-Structured Phosphates for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Stenina Irina , Novikova Svetlana , Voropaeva Daria , Yaroslavtsev Andrey
Published: August 2023

All-solid-state lithium batteries are a promising alternative to commercially available lithium-ion batteries due to their ability to achieve high energy density, safety, and compactness. Electrolytes are key components of all-solid-state batteries, as they are crucial in determining the batteries’ efficiency. Herein, the structure of LiM2(PO4)3 (M = Ti, Ge, Zr) and lithium-ion migration mechanisms are introduced as well as different synthetic routes and doping (co-doping), and their influence on conductivity is discussed. The effective methods of reducing electrolyte/electrode interface resistance and improving ion-conducting properties are summarized. In addition, different polymer/NASICON composites are considered. The challenges and prospects of practical applications of NASICON-type lithium phosphates as electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries are discussed.
Redox Flow Batteries: Recent Development in Main Components, Emerging Technologies, Diagnostic Techniques, Large-Scale Applications, and Challenges and Barriers
Authors: Olabi Abdul Ghani , Allam Mohamed Adel , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali , Deepa T. D. , Alami Abdul Hai , Abbas Qaisar , Alkhalidi Ammar , Sayed Enas Taha
Published: August 2023

Redox flow batteries represent a captivating class of electrochemical energy systems that are gaining prominence in large-scale storage applications. These batteries offer remarkable scalability, flexible operation, extended cycling life, and moderate maintenance costs. The fundamental operation and structure of these batteries revolve around the flow of an electrolyte, which facilitates energy conversion and storage. Notably, the power and energy capacities can be independently designed, allowing for the conversion of chemical energy from input fuel into electricity at working electrodes, resembling the functioning of fuel cells. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the components, advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of redox flow batteries (RFBs). Moreover, it explores various diagnostic techniques employed in analyzing flow batteries. The discussion encompasses the utilization of RFBs for large-scale energy storage applications and summarizes the engineering design aspects related to these batteries. Additionally, this study delves into emerging technologies, applications, and challenges in the realm of redox flow batteries.
Co-ERA-Net: Co-Supervision and Enhanced Region Attention for Accurate Segmentation in COVID-19 Chest Infection Images
Authors: He Zebang , Wong Alex Ngai Nick , Yoo Jung Sun
Published: August 2023

Accurate segmentation of infected lesions in chest images remains a challenging task due to the lack of utilization of lung region information, which could serve as a strong location hint for infection. In this paper, we propose a novel segmentation network Co-ERA-Net for infections in chest images that leverages lung region information by enhancing supervised information and fusing multi-scale lung region and infection information at different levels. To achieve this, we introduce a Co-supervision scheme incorporating lung region information to guide the network to accurately locate infections within the lung region. Furthermore, we design an Enhanced Region Attention Module (ERAM) to highlight regions with a high probability of infection by incorporating infection information into the lung region information. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated using COVID-19 CT and X-ray datasets, with the results showing that the proposed schemes and modules are promising. Based on the baseline, the Co-supervision scheme, when integrated with lung region information, improves the Dice coefficient by 7.41% and 2.22%, and the IoU by 8.20% and 3.00% in CT and X-ray datasets respectively. Moreover, when this scheme is combined with the Enhanced Region Attention Module, the Dice coefficient sees further improvement of 14.24% and 2.97%, with the IoU increasing by 28.64% and 4.49% for the same datasets. In comparison with existing approaches across various datasets, our proposed method achieves better segmentation performance in all main metrics and exhibits the best generalization and comprehensive performance.
Precision Medicine in a Community Cancer Center: Pan-Cancer DNA/RNA Sequencing of Tumors Reveals Clinically Relevant Gene Fusions
Authors: Darabi Sourat , Zuazo Carlos E. , Braxton David R. , Eisenberg Burton L. , Demeure Michael J.
Published: August 2023

Background: Gene fusions occur when two independent genes form a hybrid gene through genomic rearrangements, which often leads to abnormal expression and function of an encoded protein. In hematological and solid cancers, oncogenic fusions may be prognostic, diagnostic, or therapeutic biomarkers. Improved detection and understanding of the functional implications of such fusions may be beneficial for patient care. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of our internal genomic database to identify known and novel gene fusions in different solid tumors seen in our community cancer center. We then investigated the clinical implications of the fusions we identified. Results: We identified 420 known oncogenic fusions and 25 unclassified gene fusions across twenty-six different cancer types. Of 420 fusion-positive tumors with known fusions, there were 366 unique gene fusions. Conclusions: About 10% of tumors investigated had oncogenic fusions, which supports the notion that comprehensive molecular profiling, including RNA sequencing, should be provided for patients with advanced cancers.
Kinin B1 Receptor Antagonism Prevents Acute Kidney Injury to Chronic Kidney Disease Transition in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion by Increasing the M2 Macrophages Population in C57BL6J Mice
Authors: Estrela Gabriel Rufino , Santos Raisa Brito , Budu Alexandre , de Arruda Adriano Cleis , Barrera-Chimal Jonatan , Araújo Ronaldo Carvalho
Published: August 2023

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a multifactorial, world public health problem that often develops as a consequence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and inflammation. Strategies are constantly sought to avoid and mitigate the irreversibility of this disease. One of these strategies is to decrease the inflammation features of AKI and, consequently, the transition to CKD. Methods: C57Bl6J mice were anesthetized, and surgery was performed to induce unilateral ischemia/reperfusion as a model of AKI to CKD transition. For acute studies, the animals received the Kinin B1 receptor (B1R) antagonist before the surgery, and for the chronic model, the animals received one additional dose after the surgery. In addition, B1R genetically deficient mice were also challenged with ischemia/reperfusion. Results: The absence and antagonism of B1R improved the kidney function following AKI and prevented CKD transition, as evidenced by the preserved renal function and prevention of fibrosis. The protective effect of B1R antagonism or deficiency was associated with increased levels of macrophage type 2 markers in the kidney. Conclusions: The B1R is pivotal to the evolution of AKI to CKD, and its antagonism shows potential as a therapeutic tool in the prevention of CKD following AKI.