Circles

Sorry, no results were found.

Posts

10/07/2024


Implications are discussed.With a high rate of attrition and burnout of teachers as a global concern, teacher resilience has become a trendy topic in the research of their professional development as one of the pillars of positive psychology (positive character traits). However, the literature reveals that little research has been done on the mid-career teachers in the Chinese context, especially on how resilience may be nurtured, sustained, or eroded over time. https://www.selleckchem.com/GSK-3.html Focusing on a mid-career EFL female teacher (the author) in China as a case study, this longitudinal self-reflective study employs a narrative inquiry to investigate the challenges that the experienced teacher was encountered with and to depict her trajectories of resilience-building by fleshing out the interaction between challenges, resources, and coping strategies in her three different scenarios. "Hard data," such as teaching journals, reflective field notes, and messages with students were collected and analyzed inductively by using thematic analysis, and "soft data," like memory was also referred to. The findings unfolded challenges confronting the experienced teacher peculiar to the Chinese context and charted a detailed bumpy journey of resilience building in three phases, accompanied by her growing emotional, intellectual, and psychological capacities. Implications are drawn out for teacher resilience building, school leaders, and policymakers.Reading comprehension entails a set of distinct, yet interdependent cognitive, linguistic, and nonlinguistic processes. Previous second language (L2) Chinese studies have identified significant and positive impacts of grapho-morphological knowledge at the character and subcharacter (radical) levels on passage reading comprehension; however, little is known regarding how early L2 grapho-morphological knowledge at the character and radical levels jointly predict later L2 reading comprehension. This study aimed to fill this gap. One hundred and five beginning-level L2 Chinese collegiate learners were recruited, and completed two character-related and two radical-related tasks in Week 8, as well as one reading comprehension tasks in Week 18. The main findings, based on correlational and path analyses, suggested that L2 Chinese learners' early character-level and radical-level grapho-morphological knowledge significantly predicted later reading comprehension, yet the interrelations among grapho-morphological knowledge at the character and radical levels were complex. Path analyses identified direct and indirect paths from early character-level grapho-morphological knowledge to later reading comprehension, as well as indirect paths from early radical-level grapho-morphological knowledge to later reading comprehension. Methodological and pedagogical implications for L2 Chinese reading research and practices are discussed.Background The COVID-19 pandemic forced most Italian athletes to cease their regular training activities, with possible consequences on both mental and physical health. The present study aimed at assessing changes in Physical Activity (PA) from pre- to lockdown, and examining the relationships among lockdown PA, quality of life (mental and physical health), motivation to exercise, psychological distress, intolerance of uncertainty, and body dissatisfaction. Methods A total of 204 athletes of different sports (91 elite; 110 females; mean age = 22.55, SD = 5.76) answered an online survey investigating demographics, sport-related questions, PA (IPAQ-S), quality of life (SF-12), and psychological variables (BREQ-2, DASS-21, IUS-R, and EDI-3-Body dissatisfaction subscale). Results Both elite and non-elite athletes significantly reduced their PA intensity and volume (p 0.05). Elite and individual athletes showed higher intrinsic motivation to exercise compared to non-elite and team sports (p less then 0.01). Female athletes displayed higher distress, worse mental health, and higher body dissatisfaction than males (p less then 0.05). Mediation models showed that vigorous PA positively affected both mental (p less then 0.05) and physical (p less then 0.001) health during lockdown, independently of distress and intolerance of uncertainty. Conclusion The COVID-19 lockdown was taxing for athletes, particularly professionals; those who were able to practice PA at high intensity during lockdown reported better mental and physical health.New generation employees have become the main force of the organization, and their proactive behavior directly affects the organization's future development. How to effectively stimulate the proactive behavior of new generation employees has become a hot topic in the field of organizational management. Based on the integrated perspective of social exchange and self-enhancement, we constructed a multistep mediation model to explore the influence mechanism of distributed leadership on the proactive behavior of new generation employees. We designed a three-stage research method of supervisor-employee pairing to collect data from 26 supervisors and 304 new generation employees in a new energy vehicle company in East China. Results indicated that (a) distributed leadership is positively related to proactive behavior of new generation employees; (b) idiosyncratic deals and meaningfulness of work mediated the linkage between distributed leadership and new generation employees' proactive behavior; (c) idiosyncratic deals and meaningfulness of work play a multistep mediation role between distributed leadership and new generation employees' proactive behavior. These findings have theoretical implications for the proactive behavior literature and managerial implications for practitioners.Background Preventing suicide among adolescents is an urgent global public-health challenge, especially in Africa. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the early initiation ( less then 12 years old) of substance use (cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and drug use) and attempted suicide among in-school adolescents in seven African countries. Methods Data on the early initiation of substance use and on attempted suicide among in-school adolescents over the previous 12 months in Benin, Liberia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, and the United Republic of Tanzania were collected from Global School-based Student Health Surveys and were pooled to determine the overall prevalence of these behaviors in adolescents. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were then performed to evaluate country-specific associations between the early initiation of substance use and attempted suicide in these adolescents, followed by meta-analyses to evaluate overall pooled associecrease the early initiation of substance use among adolescents should be implemented in African LMICs to prevent subsequent suicide attempts, especially among adolescent girls.Errors in discriminating right from left, termed right-left confusion, reflect a failure in translating visuospatial perceptions into verbal representation of right or left (i.e., visuo-verbal process). There may also be verbo-visual process, where verbal cues are translated into visual representations of space. To quantify these two processes underlying right-left confusion, Study 1 investigated the factor structure of the Right-Left Confusability Scale, which assesses daily experiences of right-left confusion. Exploratory factor analysis suggested that these two processes and another factor reflecting mental rotation underlie right-left confusion. Study 2 examined correlations between the (sub)scale scores and performance on orientation judgment tasks reflecting visuo-verbal and verbo-visual processes. Overall, self-reported measures were not associated with the behavioral performances presumably reflecting the two processes. These results suggest that the cognitive mechanisms underlying right-left confusion can be classified into visuo-verbal and verbo-visual processes and mental rotation, although their psychometric and behavioral indices might be distinct. Further studies may develop better assessments of right-left confusion reflecting these processes.Background Cognitive dysfunction is one of the main symptoms of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). As an important cognitive function, working memory (WM) has rarely been systematically analyzed in NF1 by isolating the particular domain of WM, and existing data involving WM in adult patients with NF1 are insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of different types of WM in NF1 from the perspective of the adult population. Method We comprehensively analyzed WM in both verbal and visuospatial WM domains by using the N-back task (including the verbal N-back task and the visuospatial N-back task) in 31 adults with NF1 and 34 healthy controls matched for age, gender, education levels, and general cognitive status. The accuracy and reaction times (RTs) in the N-back task were entered into mixed-design ANOVA. Results Compared with healthy controls, adults with NF1 presented significantly lower mean accuracy and longer RTs in the visuospatial N-back task. However, no significant difference was found between the NF1 group and healthy controls in the verbal N-back task. Conclusions The present study suggested that adults with NF1 might have deficits in visuospatial WM. We did not find evidence for verbal WM deficits in adult patients with NF1. Our findings supplement and refine the existing data on WM in the context of NF1.In recent years, the learning efficacy of online to offline (O2O) teaching methods seems to outperform traditional teaching methods in the field of education. Students can use a small private online course (SPOC) teaching platform to preview class-related materials, learn basic knowledge, and enhance the practical experience of system development in offline courses. The research team applied an artificial intelligence (AI) precision education strategy to design a teaching experiment that evaluated whether this approach may lead to better learning outcomes. In addition to questionnaire surveys to ascertain students' attitudes toward and their satisfaction with learning, this study employed in-depth interviews to understand a potential influence on changes in teachers' curriculum design and teaching approaches when SPOCs was integrated into the traditional university classroom, as well as the impact of the AI precision education model. The results showed that the AI precision education model may facilitate students' learning experience and enhance student achievement.Drawing on ego depletion theory and trait activation theory, this study examines why and when employee perfectionism personality is linked with incivility toward coworkers. The study indulges ego depletion as a mediator between perfectionism personality and incivility toward coworkers, with coworker empathic concern moderating the relationship between perfectionism personality and ego depletion. A three-waved questionnaire was incorporated with sample of 253 employee-coworker dyads. Our findings demonstrate that dimensions of perfectionism personality are positively associated with incivility toward coworkers. In addition, our study confirms that ego depletion mediates the relationship between self-oriented perfectionism, other-oriented perfectionism, and incivility toward coworkers. Furthermore, our study shows that high levels of coworker empathic concern weakens the direct effect of self-oriented perfectionism on ego depletion along with the indirect effect of self-oriented perfectionism on incivility toward coworkers.

10/05/2024


Future research may be focused on biochemical characteristics of intertidal mats and biofilms, pollutant-microbial interactions and ecosystem influences.Despite its legislative regulation and control, the quality and safety of aquatic products is somewhat questioned due to the potential bioaccumulation of pollutants. The elements (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) were determined in the liver and muscle of wild and captive-reared Seriola dumerili with the aim of studying possible differences between origins, and sex-related variations. Additionally, the dietary intake of these elements derived from its consumption was also evaluated. Most of the elements and metals analyzed were accumulated to a higher extent in the liver of wild specimens whereas lower differences were observed in the muscle. Overall, the elements and metal composition of wild females strongly differed from that of captive-reared specimens probably related to the mobilization of nutrients for the spawning season in wild mature females, which were greater than their captive-reared counterparts.We studied the abundance of seafloor litter in the bay of Bejaia, Algeria, in order to better understand its sources and distribution and provide scientists with the technical basis for further monitoring and reduction measures. Data were collected during trawl surveys dedicated to fishing activity, between 40 and 200m. After each trawl, litter items were manually sorted and analyzed. The highest concentration of 58,998 items/ha was recorded to the east of the bay. Overall, plastic was the dominant component of the litter with 88% of the total amount, in weight. Most of the waste was of terrestrial origin, with rivers and beaches being the main sources due to population density, highly developed tourism during the summer season, and inadequate waste management. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/alflutinib-ast2818-mesylate.html Overall, the results provide relevant benchmarks for future monitoring and are discussed in terms of poor waste management, a critical issue in the region.The effects of herbicide diuron on photosynthesis and vertical migration of intertidal microphytobenthos (MPB) assemblages were investigated using chlorophyll fluorometry. The results shown diuron ≤ 60 μg L-1 had no obvious effect on MPB vertical migration during 24 h indicated by consistent rhythm. Low concentration of 10 μg L-1 diuron had no significant influence on MPB photosynthesis throughout, however, high concentrations of 40, 50, and 60 μg L-1 had significant impacts exhibited by decreased parameters of maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax), maximal PS II quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). For middle concentrations of 20 and 30 μg L-1, above decreased 3 parameters recovered sooner or later after 2 h or 16.5 h. Comparatively, rETRmax, Fv/Fm and NPQ are concentration dependent and more sensitive than other parameters in assessing diuron toxicity. This study revealed the potential of using MPB assemblages and chlorophyll fluorometry for rapid assessing diuron toxicity in coastal sediments.The present work aimed to evaluate the sources and ecological risks of heavy metal (HM) contamination in the soils of marine origin in central Saudi Arabia. HM concentrations were determined in 30 soil samples in October 2020, from Al Uyaynah-Al Jubailah region and their averages were in the following order Al > Fe > Zn > Cr > Pb > Ni > As > Cu > Se > Cd > Hg > Sb. Average values of Zn, Ni, Co, Cr, and Cu in the investigated soils were less than averages of the continental crust, worldwide soils, and European soils, in contrast to the average values of As, Hg, Cd, and Se which were greater than the continental crust and worldwide soils. Enrichment factor, contamination factor, and degree of contamination revealed minor enriched and moderate contamination factors with As, Se, Hg, and Pb. Potential ecological risk index indicated that 93.33% of the soil samples fell under no-to-low risk, whereas 6.67% were categorized as moderate risk. Multivariate statistical analyses determined natural processes for Pb, Al, Cr, Sb, Zn, Fe, and Ni, while anthropogenic processes for As, Hg, and Se, mainly attributed to the chemicals used in agricultural applications and P fertilizers.To evaluate the trace metals contamination status in the Gulf of Tunis, forty one sediment samples were analyzed using different approaches. According to certain contamination and ecological risk indices (Contamination Factor, Geoaccumulation index and Ecological risk index), Hg has the highest contamination level while pollution by Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr was absent. The highest concentrations of trace metals were found in sediments collected from the offshore and coastal areas located opposite the main exchange points with the gulf particularly, the Mejerda and Meliane Rivers, the Khalij Channel, Ghar El Melh and El Malah lagoons, Tunis Lake and Sebkhat Ariana. However, further ecological indices (Potential ecological risk index, Toxic unit and Mean effect-range median quotient) and comparison with sediment quality guidelines suggest that in addition to Mercury, Cr, Pb and Ni concentrations are detrimental to biota in both the offshore and areas near to the exchange points with the gulf. Moreover, in these areas the results from sequential extraction and individual contamination factor calculation pointed to the mobility and bioavailability of Cr, Pb and Ni.Seabird eggs are considered a favourable matrix for monitoring marine pollutants and are widely used as higher trophic level indicators. Concentrations of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Σ15PAH) were determined in the eggs of four piscivorous seabirds in Ireland from multiple colonies for the first time, Common Guillemot Uria aalge, Northern Gannet Morus bassanus, Common Tern Sterna hirundo and Arctic Tern S. paradisaea. PAH concentrations were generally lower than levels detected in eggs from other seabird studies and considerably lower than concentrations associated with no adverse effect in the eggs of domestic avian species. This study indicates potential site and species differences in PAH concentrations. Baseline data of PAHs in a range of seabird species from this study may provide an important reference point should a major pollution event occur in European waters, such as an oil spill.Bioindicators are useful for determining nutrient regimes in marine environments, but their ability to evaluate corals reefs in different ecological states is poorly understood. The precision, availability and congruency of eight potential bioindicators (brown macroalgae, green macroalgae, turf algae, cyanobacteria, soft corals, zoanthids, sponges, and sediment) and their stable isotopic and elemental signatures (δ15N, δ13C, %N, %C, and CN Ratio) were assessed across 21 reefs in the Inner Seychelles. The coefficient of variation (CoV) for δ15N showed that green and brown macroalgae were highly precise (2.47 ± 0.95, n = 11; 4.68 ± 1.33, n = 16, respectively), though were less common on coral-mortality reefs relative to macroalgal-dominated ones. Zoanthids were also highly precise for δ15N (2.98 ± 1.20), but were more readily available regardless of reef state (n = 18). Congruency was low among these indicators, suggesting that different physiological mechanisms for nutrient processing have a stronger influence on a bioindicator's effectiveness than reef state.Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) is the causative agent of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Lower production of type I and III interferons and higher levels of inflammatory mediators upon SARS-CoV2 infection contribute to COVID-19 pathogenesis. Optimal interferon production and controlled inflammation are essential to limit COVID-19 pathogenesis. However, the aggravated inflammatory response observed in COVID-19 patients causes severe damage to the host and frequently advances to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Toll-like receptor 7 and 8 (TLR7/8) signaling pathways play a central role in regulating induction of interferons (IFNs) and inflammatory mediators in dendritic cells. Controlled inflammation is possible through regulation of TLR mediated response without influencing interferon production to reduce COVID-19 pathogenesis. This review focuses on inflammatory mediators that contribute to pathogenic effects and the role of TLR pathways in the induction of interferon and inflammatory mediators and their contribution to COVID-19 pathogenesis. We conclude that potential TLR7/8 agonists inducing antiviral interferon response and controlling inflammation are important therapeutic options to effectively eliminate SARS-CoV2 induced pathogenesis. Ongoing and future studies may provide additional evidence on their safety and efficacy to treat COVID-19 pathogenesis.Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy is one of the most common indications for corneal transplantation, and impaired anti-oxidative function is observed in corneal endothelial cells (CECs). Curcumin is well-known for its anti-oxidative property; but, no study has examined the effect of curcumin on anti-oxidative therapeutic roles in corneal endothelial disease. In our experiments, oxidative stress 0.25 mM tert-butyl hydroperoxide for 2 h was induced in immortalized human CECs pretreated with curcumin. Cell behavior and viability, reactive oxygen species production, and the protein expression of the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway were examined; the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway is crucial anti-oxidative pathway of curcumin. The results showed that pretreatment with 12.5 μM curcumin significantly reduced the ROS production and improved the survival of CECs under oxidative stress. In addition, curcumin pretreatment significantly increased the expression of nuclear Nrf2, and the productions of superoxide dismutase 1 and heme oxygenase-1, which were the target anti-oxidative enzymes of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway. Our findings showed that curcumin enhanced the growth and differentiation of CECs under oxidative stress. The activation of Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway by curcumin was crucial for CECs to improve their anti-oxidative capacity.
The development of multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major cause for the failure of chemotherapy, which requires the aid of nanomedicine.

Here in our study, a Cu
based metal-organic framework (COF) was firstly developed and employed as a carrier for the delivery of glucose oxidase (GOx) and doxorubicin (Dox) (COF/GOx/Dox) for the therapy of MDR lung cancers.

Our results showed that the GOx can catalyze glucose and produce H
O
. In the mean time, the Cu
can react with GSH and then transform into Cu
, which resulted in GSH depletion. Afterwards, the produced Cu
and H
O
trigger Fenton reaction to generate ROS to damage the redox equilibrium of cancer cells. Both effects contributed to the reverse of MDR in A549/Dox cells and finally resulted in significantly enhanced in vitro/in vivo anticancer performance.

The combination of glutathione depletion/reactive oxygen species elevation might be a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and reverse MDR in cancers.
The combination of glutathione depletion/reactive oxygen species elevation might be a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and reverse MDR in cancers.

10/04/2024


Ethics and dissemination XENOBREAST belongs to category 2 interventional research on the human person. This study has been approved by the Sud Méditerranée IV - Montpellier ethics committee. It is conducted notably in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Study data and findings will be published in peer-reviewed medical journals. We also plan to present the study and all data at national congresses and conferences. Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04133077; registered on October 21, 2019.Background Cardiac, hepatic and pancreatic T2* measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proven to be an accurate and non-invasive method for measuring iron overload in iron overload conditions. There is accumulating evidence that pancreatic iron can predict cardiac iron in young children because the pancreas loads earlier than the heart. The aim of our study was to assess the relationships between pancreatic T2* values and pancreatic iron loading with cardiac dysfunctions and liver and cardiac iron among patients with β-thalassaemia major (βTM) and sickle cell disease (SCD). Methods 40 βTM and 20 transfusion-dependant SCD patients were included along with 60 healthy age and sex-matched controls. Echocardiography and Tissue Doppler Imaging were performed for all subjects as well as the control group. Hepatic, cardiac and pancreatic iron overload in cases were assessed by MRI T2*. Results The mean age of our patients was 13.7 years with mean frequency of transfusion/year 12. Mean cardiac T2* was 32.9 ms and mean myocardial iron concentration was 0.7 mg/g; One patient had cardiac iron overload of moderate severity. Mean pancreatic T2* was 22.3 ms with 20 patients having mild pancreatic iron overload. Pancreatic T2* correlated positively peak late diastolic velocity at septal mitral annulus (r=0.269, p=0.038), peak early diastolic velocity at tricuspid annulus (r=0.430, p=0.001) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (r=0.326, p=0.01); and negatively with end systolic pulmonary artery pressure (r=-0.343, p=0.007) and main pulmonary artery diameter (MPA) (r=-0.259, p=0.046). We couldn't test the predictability of pancreatic T2* in relation to cardiac T2* as only one patient had cardiac T2* less then 20 ms. Conclusion There was a relationship between pancreatic iron siderosis with cardiac dysfunction in multi-transfused patients with βTM and SCD. No direct relation between pancreatic iron and cardiac siderosis was detected.Background The Lethrinidae (emperors) include many important food fish species. Accurate determination of species and stocks is important for fisheries management. The taxonomy of the genus Lethrinus is problematic, for example with regards to the identification of the thumbprint emperor Lethrinus harak. Little research has been done on L. harak diversity in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometric and genetic characters of the thumbprint emperor, L. harak (Forsskål, 1775) in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Methods This research was conducted in the Marine Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, and Division of Fisheries Science, University of Miyazaki. Morphometric character measurements were based on holotype character data, while genetic analysis was performed on cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence data. Morphometric data were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) statistical tests in MINITAB, and genetic data were analysed in MEGA 6. Results Statistical test results based on morphometric characters revealed groupings largely representative of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Seychelles was separated from other Indian Ocean sites and Australian populations were closer to the Pacific than the Indian Ocean group. The genetic distance between the groups was in the low category (0.000 - 0.042). The phylogenetic topology reconstruction accorded well with the morphometric character analysis, with two main L. harak clades representing Indian and Pacific Ocean, and Australia in the Pacific Ocean clade. Conclusions These results indicate that the morphological character size of L. harak from Makassar and the holotype from Saudi Arabia have changed. Genetic distance and phylogeny reconstruction are closely related to low genetic distance.Background Healthcare services, in many countries, are increasingly being provided by cadres not trained as physicians, and these substitute health workers are referred to as mid-level health providers (MLHPs). The objective of this study was to rapidly synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of MLHPs involved in the delivery of healthcare, with a perspective on low- and middle-income countries. Methods The review team performed an overview of systematic reviews assessing various outcomes for participants receiving care from MLHPs. The team evaluated systematic reviews for methodological quality and certainty of the evidence. Also, the review team consulted relevant stakeholders in India. Results The final report included seven systematic reviews, with six assessed as moderate to high methodological quality. Mortality outcomes concerning pregnancy and childbirth care services showed no significant differences in care provided by MLHPs when compared with doctors. Pregnancy care provided by midwives was found erent care domains.Background Despite the potential benefits, the effects of Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) gait training on changes in neuromuscular activation that accompany functional gains in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type III is not well known. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/gsk583.html In this article, we quantify the effects of HAL gait training on spatial muscle activity patterns in a patient with SMA type III using multi-channel surface electromyography (SEMG). Methods A 21-years old male (168 cm, 47.8 kg) with spinal muscular atrophy type III, when diagnosed at 18-years old by genetic screening, participated in this case study. Although he presented with forearm distal muscle weakness, atrophy of the intrinsic muscles of the hand, and neuromuscular fatigue, his activities of daily living is independent. The patient underwent a separate, single 33-minute session of both HAL and treadmill gait training. To evaluate the coefficient of variation (CoV) of force and alterations in the SEMG spatial distribution patterns, modified entropy and CoV of root mean square (RMS) were calculated from the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle before and after the intervention of HAL and treadmill gait training. Each training session was separated by a period of one month to avoid cross-over effects. Results There was a greater decrease in the ΔCoV of force and an increase in the magnitude of whole VL muscle activation from pre-intervention to post-intervention with the HAL gait training as compared to the treadmill gait training. In response to only HAL gait training, the CoV of RMS was higher, and the modified entropy was lower post-intervention than pre-intervention. Conclusions Our results support the notion that HAL gait training has a positive benefit on motor output not only in the magnitude of SEMG generated but also the patterns of neural activation.Background Zuotai (mainly β-HgS)-containing 70 Wei-Zhen-Zhu-Wan (70W, Rannasangpei) is a famous Tibetan medicine for treating cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. We have shown that 70W protected against CCl 4 hepatotoxicity. CCl 4 is metabolized via cytochrome P450 (CYP) to produce reactive metabolites. Whether 70W has any effect on CYPs is unknown and such effects should be compared with mercury compounds for safety evaluation. Methods Mice were given clinical doses of 70W (0.15-1.5 g/kg, po), Zuotai (30 mg/kg, po), and compared to HgCl 2 (33.6 mg/kg, po) and MeHg (3.1 mg/kg, po) for seven days. Liver RNA and protein were isolated for qPCR and Western-blot analysis. Results 70W and Zuotai had no effects on hepatic mRNA expression of Cyp1a2, Cyp2b10, Cyp3a11, Cyp4a10 and Cyp7a1, and corresponding nuclear receptors [aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα); farnesoid X receptor (FXR)]. In comparison, HgCl 2 and MeHg increased mRNA expression of Cyp1a2, Cyp2b10, Cyp4a10 and Cyp7a1 except for Cyp3a11, and corresponding nuclear receptors except for PXR. Western-blot confirmed mRNA results, showing increases in CYP1A2, CYP2B1, CYP2E1, CYP4A and CYP7A1 by HgCl 2 and MeHg only, and all treatments had no effects on CYP3A. Conclusions Zuotai and Zuotai-containing 70W at clinical doses had minimal influence on hepatic CYPs and corresponding nuclear receptors, while HgCl 2 and MeHg produced significant effects. Thus, the use of total Hg content to evaluate the safety of HgS-containing 70W is inappropriate.Background In general, the length of photoperiod affects the physiology of Pangasionodon hypophthalmus. This study aimed to understand the growth and health status of this fish reared under manipulated photoperiods. Methods The study was conducted between June to August 2020[A1] . Three treatments were applied control (natural photoperiod); 18 hours of darkness (18D6L; tanks were placed under a dark tarp tent for 18 hours); and 24 hours of darkness (24D0L; tanks were placed under a dark tarp tent continuously). Three replications were performed per treatment. At baseline, fish were approx. 7.5 cm [A2] total length (TL) and 4 g body weight (BW), and were reared in circular plastic tanks (100 L; 30 fish/tank) with aerators and filters, and fed with commercial fish feed pellet (2 times/day to satiation). Fish growth and survival were studied once/week, and blood and tissue samples were taken at the end of the experiment (8 th week). Tissue was formalin fixed and HE stained. Results The survival of fish in all treatment was 100%. The fish reared in 24D0L and 18D6L grew better than control, achieving mean TL of 23 cm and BW of 98 g (control = 19 cm TL and 72 g BW). There was no difference in hematology condition or tissue structure between the three groups. Tissue structure of gill, kidney and liver were normal, but light abnormality due to parasites was present in the gill of fish reared in 24D0L. Blood samples for all three groups showed mean red blood cell count of 1,800,000 cells/ml and white blood cell (WBC) count of 55,200 cells/ml. WBC consisted of lymphocyte 65%, monocyte 24%, thrombocyte 6%, neutrophil 3%, eosinophil 1% and basophile 1%. Conclusion Data obtained indicate that a short photoperiod improves the growth of P. hypophthalmus fish and does not negatively affects their health.Background Childhood cancer is considered one the most important causes of death in children and adolescents, despite having a low incidence in this population. Spatial analysis has been previously used for the study of childhood cancer to study the geographical distribution of leukemias. This study aimed to identify the presence of space-time clusters of childhood of cancer excluding leukemia in Colombia between 2014 and 2017. Methods All incident cancer cases (excluding leukemia) in children under the age of 15 years that had been confirmed by the National Surveillance System of Childhood Cancer between 2014 and 2017 were included. Kulldorf's circular scan test was used to identify clusters using the municipality of residence as the spatial unit of analysis and the year of diagnosis as the temporal unit of analysis. A sensitivity analysis was conducted with different upper limit parameters for the at-risk population in the clusters. Results A total of 2006 cases of non-leukemia childhood cancer were analyzed, distributed in 432 out of 1,122 municipalities with a mean annual incidence rate of 44 cases per million children under the age of 15.

Videos

Sorry, no results were found.

Circles

Sorry, no results were found.

Videos

Sorry, no results were found.

Posts

10/07/2024


Implications are discussed.With a high rate of attrition and burnout of teachers as a global concern, teacher resilience has become a trendy topic in the research of their professional development as one of the pillars of positive psychology (positive character traits). However, the literature reveals that little research has been done on the mid-career teachers in the Chinese context, especially on how resilience may be nurtured, sustained, or eroded over time. https://www.selleckchem.com/GSK-3.html Focusing on a mid-career EFL female teacher (the author) in China as a case study, this longitudinal self-reflective study employs a narrative inquiry to investigate the challenges that the experienced teacher was encountered with and to depict her trajectories of resilience-building by fleshing out the interaction between challenges, resources, and coping strategies in her three different scenarios. "Hard data," such as teaching journals, reflective field notes, and messages with students were collected and analyzed inductively by using thematic analysis, and "soft data," like memory was also referred to. The findings unfolded challenges confronting the experienced teacher peculiar to the Chinese context and charted a detailed bumpy journey of resilience building in three phases, accompanied by her growing emotional, intellectual, and psychological capacities. Implications are drawn out for teacher resilience building, school leaders, and policymakers.Reading comprehension entails a set of distinct, yet interdependent cognitive, linguistic, and nonlinguistic processes. Previous second language (L2) Chinese studies have identified significant and positive impacts of grapho-morphological knowledge at the character and subcharacter (radical) levels on passage reading comprehension; however, little is known regarding how early L2 grapho-morphological knowledge at the character and radical levels jointly predict later L2 reading comprehension. This study aimed to fill this gap. One hundred and five beginning-level L2 Chinese collegiate learners were recruited, and completed two character-related and two radical-related tasks in Week 8, as well as one reading comprehension tasks in Week 18. The main findings, based on correlational and path analyses, suggested that L2 Chinese learners' early character-level and radical-level grapho-morphological knowledge significantly predicted later reading comprehension, yet the interrelations among grapho-morphological knowledge at the character and radical levels were complex. Path analyses identified direct and indirect paths from early character-level grapho-morphological knowledge to later reading comprehension, as well as indirect paths from early radical-level grapho-morphological knowledge to later reading comprehension. Methodological and pedagogical implications for L2 Chinese reading research and practices are discussed.Background The COVID-19 pandemic forced most Italian athletes to cease their regular training activities, with possible consequences on both mental and physical health. The present study aimed at assessing changes in Physical Activity (PA) from pre- to lockdown, and examining the relationships among lockdown PA, quality of life (mental and physical health), motivation to exercise, psychological distress, intolerance of uncertainty, and body dissatisfaction. Methods A total of 204 athletes of different sports (91 elite; 110 females; mean age = 22.55, SD = 5.76) answered an online survey investigating demographics, sport-related questions, PA (IPAQ-S), quality of life (SF-12), and psychological variables (BREQ-2, DASS-21, IUS-R, and EDI-3-Body dissatisfaction subscale). Results Both elite and non-elite athletes significantly reduced their PA intensity and volume (p 0.05). Elite and individual athletes showed higher intrinsic motivation to exercise compared to non-elite and team sports (p less then 0.01). Female athletes displayed higher distress, worse mental health, and higher body dissatisfaction than males (p less then 0.05). Mediation models showed that vigorous PA positively affected both mental (p less then 0.05) and physical (p less then 0.001) health during lockdown, independently of distress and intolerance of uncertainty. Conclusion The COVID-19 lockdown was taxing for athletes, particularly professionals; those who were able to practice PA at high intensity during lockdown reported better mental and physical health.New generation employees have become the main force of the organization, and their proactive behavior directly affects the organization's future development. How to effectively stimulate the proactive behavior of new generation employees has become a hot topic in the field of organizational management. Based on the integrated perspective of social exchange and self-enhancement, we constructed a multistep mediation model to explore the influence mechanism of distributed leadership on the proactive behavior of new generation employees. We designed a three-stage research method of supervisor-employee pairing to collect data from 26 supervisors and 304 new generation employees in a new energy vehicle company in East China. Results indicated that (a) distributed leadership is positively related to proactive behavior of new generation employees; (b) idiosyncratic deals and meaningfulness of work mediated the linkage between distributed leadership and new generation employees' proactive behavior; (c) idiosyncratic deals and meaningfulness of work play a multistep mediation role between distributed leadership and new generation employees' proactive behavior. These findings have theoretical implications for the proactive behavior literature and managerial implications for practitioners.Background Preventing suicide among adolescents is an urgent global public-health challenge, especially in Africa. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the early initiation ( less then 12 years old) of substance use (cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and drug use) and attempted suicide among in-school adolescents in seven African countries. Methods Data on the early initiation of substance use and on attempted suicide among in-school adolescents over the previous 12 months in Benin, Liberia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, and the United Republic of Tanzania were collected from Global School-based Student Health Surveys and were pooled to determine the overall prevalence of these behaviors in adolescents. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were then performed to evaluate country-specific associations between the early initiation of substance use and attempted suicide in these adolescents, followed by meta-analyses to evaluate overall pooled associecrease the early initiation of substance use among adolescents should be implemented in African LMICs to prevent subsequent suicide attempts, especially among adolescent girls.Errors in discriminating right from left, termed right-left confusion, reflect a failure in translating visuospatial perceptions into verbal representation of right or left (i.e., visuo-verbal process). There may also be verbo-visual process, where verbal cues are translated into visual representations of space. To quantify these two processes underlying right-left confusion, Study 1 investigated the factor structure of the Right-Left Confusability Scale, which assesses daily experiences of right-left confusion. Exploratory factor analysis suggested that these two processes and another factor reflecting mental rotation underlie right-left confusion. Study 2 examined correlations between the (sub)scale scores and performance on orientation judgment tasks reflecting visuo-verbal and verbo-visual processes. Overall, self-reported measures were not associated with the behavioral performances presumably reflecting the two processes. These results suggest that the cognitive mechanisms underlying right-left confusion can be classified into visuo-verbal and verbo-visual processes and mental rotation, although their psychometric and behavioral indices might be distinct. Further studies may develop better assessments of right-left confusion reflecting these processes.Background Cognitive dysfunction is one of the main symptoms of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). As an important cognitive function, working memory (WM) has rarely been systematically analyzed in NF1 by isolating the particular domain of WM, and existing data involving WM in adult patients with NF1 are insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of different types of WM in NF1 from the perspective of the adult population. Method We comprehensively analyzed WM in both verbal and visuospatial WM domains by using the N-back task (including the verbal N-back task and the visuospatial N-back task) in 31 adults with NF1 and 34 healthy controls matched for age, gender, education levels, and general cognitive status. The accuracy and reaction times (RTs) in the N-back task were entered into mixed-design ANOVA. Results Compared with healthy controls, adults with NF1 presented significantly lower mean accuracy and longer RTs in the visuospatial N-back task. However, no significant difference was found between the NF1 group and healthy controls in the verbal N-back task. Conclusions The present study suggested that adults with NF1 might have deficits in visuospatial WM. We did not find evidence for verbal WM deficits in adult patients with NF1. Our findings supplement and refine the existing data on WM in the context of NF1.In recent years, the learning efficacy of online to offline (O2O) teaching methods seems to outperform traditional teaching methods in the field of education. Students can use a small private online course (SPOC) teaching platform to preview class-related materials, learn basic knowledge, and enhance the practical experience of system development in offline courses. The research team applied an artificial intelligence (AI) precision education strategy to design a teaching experiment that evaluated whether this approach may lead to better learning outcomes. In addition to questionnaire surveys to ascertain students' attitudes toward and their satisfaction with learning, this study employed in-depth interviews to understand a potential influence on changes in teachers' curriculum design and teaching approaches when SPOCs was integrated into the traditional university classroom, as well as the impact of the AI precision education model. The results showed that the AI precision education model may facilitate students' learning experience and enhance student achievement.Drawing on ego depletion theory and trait activation theory, this study examines why and when employee perfectionism personality is linked with incivility toward coworkers. The study indulges ego depletion as a mediator between perfectionism personality and incivility toward coworkers, with coworker empathic concern moderating the relationship between perfectionism personality and ego depletion. A three-waved questionnaire was incorporated with sample of 253 employee-coworker dyads. Our findings demonstrate that dimensions of perfectionism personality are positively associated with incivility toward coworkers. In addition, our study confirms that ego depletion mediates the relationship between self-oriented perfectionism, other-oriented perfectionism, and incivility toward coworkers. Furthermore, our study shows that high levels of coworker empathic concern weakens the direct effect of self-oriented perfectionism on ego depletion along with the indirect effect of self-oriented perfectionism on incivility toward coworkers.

10/05/2024


Future research may be focused on biochemical characteristics of intertidal mats and biofilms, pollutant-microbial interactions and ecosystem influences.Despite its legislative regulation and control, the quality and safety of aquatic products is somewhat questioned due to the potential bioaccumulation of pollutants. The elements (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) were determined in the liver and muscle of wild and captive-reared Seriola dumerili with the aim of studying possible differences between origins, and sex-related variations. Additionally, the dietary intake of these elements derived from its consumption was also evaluated. Most of the elements and metals analyzed were accumulated to a higher extent in the liver of wild specimens whereas lower differences were observed in the muscle. Overall, the elements and metal composition of wild females strongly differed from that of captive-reared specimens probably related to the mobilization of nutrients for the spawning season in wild mature females, which were greater than their captive-reared counterparts.We studied the abundance of seafloor litter in the bay of Bejaia, Algeria, in order to better understand its sources and distribution and provide scientists with the technical basis for further monitoring and reduction measures. Data were collected during trawl surveys dedicated to fishing activity, between 40 and 200m. After each trawl, litter items were manually sorted and analyzed. The highest concentration of 58,998 items/ha was recorded to the east of the bay. Overall, plastic was the dominant component of the litter with 88% of the total amount, in weight. Most of the waste was of terrestrial origin, with rivers and beaches being the main sources due to population density, highly developed tourism during the summer season, and inadequate waste management. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/alflutinib-ast2818-mesylate.html Overall, the results provide relevant benchmarks for future monitoring and are discussed in terms of poor waste management, a critical issue in the region.The effects of herbicide diuron on photosynthesis and vertical migration of intertidal microphytobenthos (MPB) assemblages were investigated using chlorophyll fluorometry. The results shown diuron ≤ 60 μg L-1 had no obvious effect on MPB vertical migration during 24 h indicated by consistent rhythm. Low concentration of 10 μg L-1 diuron had no significant influence on MPB photosynthesis throughout, however, high concentrations of 40, 50, and 60 μg L-1 had significant impacts exhibited by decreased parameters of maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax), maximal PS II quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). For middle concentrations of 20 and 30 μg L-1, above decreased 3 parameters recovered sooner or later after 2 h or 16.5 h. Comparatively, rETRmax, Fv/Fm and NPQ are concentration dependent and more sensitive than other parameters in assessing diuron toxicity. This study revealed the potential of using MPB assemblages and chlorophyll fluorometry for rapid assessing diuron toxicity in coastal sediments.The present work aimed to evaluate the sources and ecological risks of heavy metal (HM) contamination in the soils of marine origin in central Saudi Arabia. HM concentrations were determined in 30 soil samples in October 2020, from Al Uyaynah-Al Jubailah region and their averages were in the following order Al > Fe > Zn > Cr > Pb > Ni > As > Cu > Se > Cd > Hg > Sb. Average values of Zn, Ni, Co, Cr, and Cu in the investigated soils were less than averages of the continental crust, worldwide soils, and European soils, in contrast to the average values of As, Hg, Cd, and Se which were greater than the continental crust and worldwide soils. Enrichment factor, contamination factor, and degree of contamination revealed minor enriched and moderate contamination factors with As, Se, Hg, and Pb. Potential ecological risk index indicated that 93.33% of the soil samples fell under no-to-low risk, whereas 6.67% were categorized as moderate risk. Multivariate statistical analyses determined natural processes for Pb, Al, Cr, Sb, Zn, Fe, and Ni, while anthropogenic processes for As, Hg, and Se, mainly attributed to the chemicals used in agricultural applications and P fertilizers.To evaluate the trace metals contamination status in the Gulf of Tunis, forty one sediment samples were analyzed using different approaches. According to certain contamination and ecological risk indices (Contamination Factor, Geoaccumulation index and Ecological risk index), Hg has the highest contamination level while pollution by Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr was absent. The highest concentrations of trace metals were found in sediments collected from the offshore and coastal areas located opposite the main exchange points with the gulf particularly, the Mejerda and Meliane Rivers, the Khalij Channel, Ghar El Melh and El Malah lagoons, Tunis Lake and Sebkhat Ariana. However, further ecological indices (Potential ecological risk index, Toxic unit and Mean effect-range median quotient) and comparison with sediment quality guidelines suggest that in addition to Mercury, Cr, Pb and Ni concentrations are detrimental to biota in both the offshore and areas near to the exchange points with the gulf. Moreover, in these areas the results from sequential extraction and individual contamination factor calculation pointed to the mobility and bioavailability of Cr, Pb and Ni.Seabird eggs are considered a favourable matrix for monitoring marine pollutants and are widely used as higher trophic level indicators. Concentrations of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Σ15PAH) were determined in the eggs of four piscivorous seabirds in Ireland from multiple colonies for the first time, Common Guillemot Uria aalge, Northern Gannet Morus bassanus, Common Tern Sterna hirundo and Arctic Tern S. paradisaea. PAH concentrations were generally lower than levels detected in eggs from other seabird studies and considerably lower than concentrations associated with no adverse effect in the eggs of domestic avian species. This study indicates potential site and species differences in PAH concentrations. Baseline data of PAHs in a range of seabird species from this study may provide an important reference point should a major pollution event occur in European waters, such as an oil spill.Bioindicators are useful for determining nutrient regimes in marine environments, but their ability to evaluate corals reefs in different ecological states is poorly understood. The precision, availability and congruency of eight potential bioindicators (brown macroalgae, green macroalgae, turf algae, cyanobacteria, soft corals, zoanthids, sponges, and sediment) and their stable isotopic and elemental signatures (δ15N, δ13C, %N, %C, and CN Ratio) were assessed across 21 reefs in the Inner Seychelles. The coefficient of variation (CoV) for δ15N showed that green and brown macroalgae were highly precise (2.47 ± 0.95, n = 11; 4.68 ± 1.33, n = 16, respectively), though were less common on coral-mortality reefs relative to macroalgal-dominated ones. Zoanthids were also highly precise for δ15N (2.98 ± 1.20), but were more readily available regardless of reef state (n = 18). Congruency was low among these indicators, suggesting that different physiological mechanisms for nutrient processing have a stronger influence on a bioindicator's effectiveness than reef state.Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) is the causative agent of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Lower production of type I and III interferons and higher levels of inflammatory mediators upon SARS-CoV2 infection contribute to COVID-19 pathogenesis. Optimal interferon production and controlled inflammation are essential to limit COVID-19 pathogenesis. However, the aggravated inflammatory response observed in COVID-19 patients causes severe damage to the host and frequently advances to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Toll-like receptor 7 and 8 (TLR7/8) signaling pathways play a central role in regulating induction of interferons (IFNs) and inflammatory mediators in dendritic cells. Controlled inflammation is possible through regulation of TLR mediated response without influencing interferon production to reduce COVID-19 pathogenesis. This review focuses on inflammatory mediators that contribute to pathogenic effects and the role of TLR pathways in the induction of interferon and inflammatory mediators and their contribution to COVID-19 pathogenesis. We conclude that potential TLR7/8 agonists inducing antiviral interferon response and controlling inflammation are important therapeutic options to effectively eliminate SARS-CoV2 induced pathogenesis. Ongoing and future studies may provide additional evidence on their safety and efficacy to treat COVID-19 pathogenesis.Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy is one of the most common indications for corneal transplantation, and impaired anti-oxidative function is observed in corneal endothelial cells (CECs). Curcumin is well-known for its anti-oxidative property; but, no study has examined the effect of curcumin on anti-oxidative therapeutic roles in corneal endothelial disease. In our experiments, oxidative stress 0.25 mM tert-butyl hydroperoxide for 2 h was induced in immortalized human CECs pretreated with curcumin. Cell behavior and viability, reactive oxygen species production, and the protein expression of the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway were examined; the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway is crucial anti-oxidative pathway of curcumin. The results showed that pretreatment with 12.5 μM curcumin significantly reduced the ROS production and improved the survival of CECs under oxidative stress. In addition, curcumin pretreatment significantly increased the expression of nuclear Nrf2, and the productions of superoxide dismutase 1 and heme oxygenase-1, which were the target anti-oxidative enzymes of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway. Our findings showed that curcumin enhanced the growth and differentiation of CECs under oxidative stress. The activation of Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway by curcumin was crucial for CECs to improve their anti-oxidative capacity.
The development of multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major cause for the failure of chemotherapy, which requires the aid of nanomedicine.

Here in our study, a Cu
based metal-organic framework (COF) was firstly developed and employed as a carrier for the delivery of glucose oxidase (GOx) and doxorubicin (Dox) (COF/GOx/Dox) for the therapy of MDR lung cancers.

Our results showed that the GOx can catalyze glucose and produce H
O
. In the mean time, the Cu
can react with GSH and then transform into Cu
, which resulted in GSH depletion. Afterwards, the produced Cu
and H
O
trigger Fenton reaction to generate ROS to damage the redox equilibrium of cancer cells. Both effects contributed to the reverse of MDR in A549/Dox cells and finally resulted in significantly enhanced in vitro/in vivo anticancer performance.

The combination of glutathione depletion/reactive oxygen species elevation might be a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and reverse MDR in cancers.
The combination of glutathione depletion/reactive oxygen species elevation might be a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and reverse MDR in cancers.

10/04/2024


Ethics and dissemination XENOBREAST belongs to category 2 interventional research on the human person. This study has been approved by the Sud Méditerranée IV - Montpellier ethics committee. It is conducted notably in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Study data and findings will be published in peer-reviewed medical journals. We also plan to present the study and all data at national congresses and conferences. Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04133077; registered on October 21, 2019.Background Cardiac, hepatic and pancreatic T2* measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proven to be an accurate and non-invasive method for measuring iron overload in iron overload conditions. There is accumulating evidence that pancreatic iron can predict cardiac iron in young children because the pancreas loads earlier than the heart. The aim of our study was to assess the relationships between pancreatic T2* values and pancreatic iron loading with cardiac dysfunctions and liver and cardiac iron among patients with β-thalassaemia major (βTM) and sickle cell disease (SCD). Methods 40 βTM and 20 transfusion-dependant SCD patients were included along with 60 healthy age and sex-matched controls. Echocardiography and Tissue Doppler Imaging were performed for all subjects as well as the control group. Hepatic, cardiac and pancreatic iron overload in cases were assessed by MRI T2*. Results The mean age of our patients was 13.7 years with mean frequency of transfusion/year 12. Mean cardiac T2* was 32.9 ms and mean myocardial iron concentration was 0.7 mg/g; One patient had cardiac iron overload of moderate severity. Mean pancreatic T2* was 22.3 ms with 20 patients having mild pancreatic iron overload. Pancreatic T2* correlated positively peak late diastolic velocity at septal mitral annulus (r=0.269, p=0.038), peak early diastolic velocity at tricuspid annulus (r=0.430, p=0.001) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (r=0.326, p=0.01); and negatively with end systolic pulmonary artery pressure (r=-0.343, p=0.007) and main pulmonary artery diameter (MPA) (r=-0.259, p=0.046). We couldn't test the predictability of pancreatic T2* in relation to cardiac T2* as only one patient had cardiac T2* less then 20 ms. Conclusion There was a relationship between pancreatic iron siderosis with cardiac dysfunction in multi-transfused patients with βTM and SCD. No direct relation between pancreatic iron and cardiac siderosis was detected.Background The Lethrinidae (emperors) include many important food fish species. Accurate determination of species and stocks is important for fisheries management. The taxonomy of the genus Lethrinus is problematic, for example with regards to the identification of the thumbprint emperor Lethrinus harak. Little research has been done on L. harak diversity in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometric and genetic characters of the thumbprint emperor, L. harak (Forsskål, 1775) in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Methods This research was conducted in the Marine Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, and Division of Fisheries Science, University of Miyazaki. Morphometric character measurements were based on holotype character data, while genetic analysis was performed on cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence data. Morphometric data were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) statistical tests in MINITAB, and genetic data were analysed in MEGA 6. Results Statistical test results based on morphometric characters revealed groupings largely representative of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Seychelles was separated from other Indian Ocean sites and Australian populations were closer to the Pacific than the Indian Ocean group. The genetic distance between the groups was in the low category (0.000 - 0.042). The phylogenetic topology reconstruction accorded well with the morphometric character analysis, with two main L. harak clades representing Indian and Pacific Ocean, and Australia in the Pacific Ocean clade. Conclusions These results indicate that the morphological character size of L. harak from Makassar and the holotype from Saudi Arabia have changed. Genetic distance and phylogeny reconstruction are closely related to low genetic distance.Background Healthcare services, in many countries, are increasingly being provided by cadres not trained as physicians, and these substitute health workers are referred to as mid-level health providers (MLHPs). The objective of this study was to rapidly synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of MLHPs involved in the delivery of healthcare, with a perspective on low- and middle-income countries. Methods The review team performed an overview of systematic reviews assessing various outcomes for participants receiving care from MLHPs. The team evaluated systematic reviews for methodological quality and certainty of the evidence. Also, the review team consulted relevant stakeholders in India. Results The final report included seven systematic reviews, with six assessed as moderate to high methodological quality. Mortality outcomes concerning pregnancy and childbirth care services showed no significant differences in care provided by MLHPs when compared with doctors. Pregnancy care provided by midwives was found erent care domains.Background Despite the potential benefits, the effects of Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) gait training on changes in neuromuscular activation that accompany functional gains in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type III is not well known. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/gsk583.html In this article, we quantify the effects of HAL gait training on spatial muscle activity patterns in a patient with SMA type III using multi-channel surface electromyography (SEMG). Methods A 21-years old male (168 cm, 47.8 kg) with spinal muscular atrophy type III, when diagnosed at 18-years old by genetic screening, participated in this case study. Although he presented with forearm distal muscle weakness, atrophy of the intrinsic muscles of the hand, and neuromuscular fatigue, his activities of daily living is independent. The patient underwent a separate, single 33-minute session of both HAL and treadmill gait training. To evaluate the coefficient of variation (CoV) of force and alterations in the SEMG spatial distribution patterns, modified entropy and CoV of root mean square (RMS) were calculated from the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle before and after the intervention of HAL and treadmill gait training. Each training session was separated by a period of one month to avoid cross-over effects. Results There was a greater decrease in the ΔCoV of force and an increase in the magnitude of whole VL muscle activation from pre-intervention to post-intervention with the HAL gait training as compared to the treadmill gait training. In response to only HAL gait training, the CoV of RMS was higher, and the modified entropy was lower post-intervention than pre-intervention. Conclusions Our results support the notion that HAL gait training has a positive benefit on motor output not only in the magnitude of SEMG generated but also the patterns of neural activation.Background Zuotai (mainly β-HgS)-containing 70 Wei-Zhen-Zhu-Wan (70W, Rannasangpei) is a famous Tibetan medicine for treating cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. We have shown that 70W protected against CCl 4 hepatotoxicity. CCl 4 is metabolized via cytochrome P450 (CYP) to produce reactive metabolites. Whether 70W has any effect on CYPs is unknown and such effects should be compared with mercury compounds for safety evaluation. Methods Mice were given clinical doses of 70W (0.15-1.5 g/kg, po), Zuotai (30 mg/kg, po), and compared to HgCl 2 (33.6 mg/kg, po) and MeHg (3.1 mg/kg, po) for seven days. Liver RNA and protein were isolated for qPCR and Western-blot analysis. Results 70W and Zuotai had no effects on hepatic mRNA expression of Cyp1a2, Cyp2b10, Cyp3a11, Cyp4a10 and Cyp7a1, and corresponding nuclear receptors [aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα); farnesoid X receptor (FXR)]. In comparison, HgCl 2 and MeHg increased mRNA expression of Cyp1a2, Cyp2b10, Cyp4a10 and Cyp7a1 except for Cyp3a11, and corresponding nuclear receptors except for PXR. Western-blot confirmed mRNA results, showing increases in CYP1A2, CYP2B1, CYP2E1, CYP4A and CYP7A1 by HgCl 2 and MeHg only, and all treatments had no effects on CYP3A. Conclusions Zuotai and Zuotai-containing 70W at clinical doses had minimal influence on hepatic CYPs and corresponding nuclear receptors, while HgCl 2 and MeHg produced significant effects. Thus, the use of total Hg content to evaluate the safety of HgS-containing 70W is inappropriate.Background In general, the length of photoperiod affects the physiology of Pangasionodon hypophthalmus. This study aimed to understand the growth and health status of this fish reared under manipulated photoperiods. Methods The study was conducted between June to August 2020[A1] . Three treatments were applied control (natural photoperiod); 18 hours of darkness (18D6L; tanks were placed under a dark tarp tent for 18 hours); and 24 hours of darkness (24D0L; tanks were placed under a dark tarp tent continuously). Three replications were performed per treatment. At baseline, fish were approx. 7.5 cm [A2] total length (TL) and 4 g body weight (BW), and were reared in circular plastic tanks (100 L; 30 fish/tank) with aerators and filters, and fed with commercial fish feed pellet (2 times/day to satiation). Fish growth and survival were studied once/week, and blood and tissue samples were taken at the end of the experiment (8 th week). Tissue was formalin fixed and HE stained. Results The survival of fish in all treatment was 100%. The fish reared in 24D0L and 18D6L grew better than control, achieving mean TL of 23 cm and BW of 98 g (control = 19 cm TL and 72 g BW). There was no difference in hematology condition or tissue structure between the three groups. Tissue structure of gill, kidney and liver were normal, but light abnormality due to parasites was present in the gill of fish reared in 24D0L. Blood samples for all three groups showed mean red blood cell count of 1,800,000 cells/ml and white blood cell (WBC) count of 55,200 cells/ml. WBC consisted of lymphocyte 65%, monocyte 24%, thrombocyte 6%, neutrophil 3%, eosinophil 1% and basophile 1%. Conclusion Data obtained indicate that a short photoperiod improves the growth of P. hypophthalmus fish and does not negatively affects their health.Background Childhood cancer is considered one the most important causes of death in children and adolescents, despite having a low incidence in this population. Spatial analysis has been previously used for the study of childhood cancer to study the geographical distribution of leukemias. This study aimed to identify the presence of space-time clusters of childhood of cancer excluding leukemia in Colombia between 2014 and 2017. Methods All incident cancer cases (excluding leukemia) in children under the age of 15 years that had been confirmed by the National Surveillance System of Childhood Cancer between 2014 and 2017 were included. Kulldorf's circular scan test was used to identify clusters using the municipality of residence as the spatial unit of analysis and the year of diagnosis as the temporal unit of analysis. A sensitivity analysis was conducted with different upper limit parameters for the at-risk population in the clusters. Results A total of 2006 cases of non-leukemia childhood cancer were analyzed, distributed in 432 out of 1,122 municipalities with a mean annual incidence rate of 44 cases per million children under the age of 15.

10/04/2024


The review synthesised evidence examining the association between a. loneliness with inflammation and b. social isolation with inflammation in adults aged 16 or older from the general population. From an initial 7,400 articles we identified 14 papers that examined loneliness, and 16 that examined social isolation. Qualitative syntheses indicated mixed results, variable study quality, and methodological heterogeneity. Most studies provided associations for C-reactive protein CRP, fibrinogen and Interleukin-6 IL-6, and these results were synthesised using random-effects meta-analyses. There was no association between loneliness with CRP or fibrinogen, but there was a significant association between loneliness and IL-6 for most-adjusted but not least-adjusted analyses. There was also a significant least-adjusted association between social isolation with CRP and fibrinogen, which remained significant for fibrinogen in most-adjusted analyses. There was no association between social isolation with IL-6. Sensitivity analyses indicated that methodological heterogeneity impacted on results. Results indicate that social isolation and loneliness could be linked with systemic inflammation, but more robust methodology is needed to confirm these associations and unpack mechanisms. Crown All rights reserved.Perceptual control theory (PCT) proposes that perceptual inputs are controlled to intentional 'reference' states by hierarchical negative feedback control, evidence for which comes from manual tracking experiments in humans. We reviewed these experiments to determine whether tracking is a process of perceptual control, and to assess the state-of-the-evidence for PCT. A systematic literature search was conducted of peer-review journal and book chapters in which tracking data were simulated with a PCT model (13 studies, 53 participants). We report a narrative review of these studies and a qualitative assessment of their methodological quality. We found evidence that individuals track to individual-specific endogenously-specified reference states and act against disturbances, and evidence that hierarchical PCT can simulate complex tracking. PCT's learning algorithm, reorganization, was not modelled. Limitations exist in the range of tracking conditions under which the PCT model has been tested. Future PCT research should apply the PCT methodology to identify control variables in real-world tasks and develop hierarchical PCT architectures for goal-oriented robotics to test the plausibility of PCT model-based action control. BACKGROUND Human exposure to mercury (Hg) is widespread and both organic and inorganic Hg are routinely found in the human brain. Millions of people are exposed to methyl Hg (MeHg) due to the consumption of fish and to inorganic Hg from dental amalgams, small scale gold mining operations, use of Hg containing products, or their occupations. Neuropathology information associated with exposures to different species of Hg is primarily based on case reports of single individuals or collections of case studies involving a single species of Hg at toxic exposure levels such as occurred in Japan and Iraq. METHODS/RESULTS This study brings together information on the neuropathological findings and deposition of Hg in the central nervous system of people exposed to different species of Hg at varying concentrations. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/jsh-23.html The low dose exposures were lifetime exposures while the high dose exposures were generally acute or short term by different exposure routes with survival lasting various lengths of time. Total and inorganicre present in the brains of either Rochester or Seychelles residents despite substantial differences in dietary MeHg exposure. Increasing concentrations of inorganic Hg were present in the brain of relatively low exposure subjects with increasing age. V.BACKGROUND AIMS Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) reduces quality of life and creates significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Approximately 30% of patients with GERD who receive label-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) still have symptoms. We performed a trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IW-3718, a bile acid sequestrant, as an adjunct to PPI therapy. METHODS We performed a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial from March 2016 through April 2017, of 280 patients with confirmed GERD. The patients, stratified by esophagitis status, were randomly assigned (1111) to groups given placebo or IW-3718 (500, 1000, or 1500 mg) twice daily, with ongoing label-dose PPI. The primary end point was percent change from baseline to week 8 in weekly heartburn severity score. We also analyzed percent change from baseline to week 8 in weekly regurgitation frequency score. RESULTS Mean changes from baseline to week 8 in weekly heartburn severity scores were reductions of 46.0% in the placebo group, 49.0% in the 500 mg group, 55.1% in the 1000 mg group, and 58.0% in the 1500 mg IW-3718 groups (dose-response P=.02). The treatment difference was 11.9% between the 1500-mg IW-3718 and placebo groups (P=.04, analysis of covariance). The mean change in weekly regurgitation frequency score from baseline to week 8 in the 1500-mg IW-3718 vs placebo groups was a reduction of 17.5% (95% CI, reductions of 31.4% to 3.6%). The most common adverse event was constipation (in 8.1% of patients receiving IW-3718 and 7.1% of patients receiving placebo). There were no drug-related serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS In a randomized trial of patients with refractory GERD, adding 1500-mg IW-3718 to label-dose PPIs significantly reduced heartburn symptoms compared with adding placebo. Regurgitation symptoms also decreased. IW-3718 was well tolerated. ClinicalTrials.gov no NCT02637557. BACKGROUND & AIMS We evaluated the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib, an oral selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 1, as induction therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS We performed a multicenter, double-blind, phase 2b study of 250 adults with moderately to severely active UC and an inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance to corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and/or biologic therapies. Patients were randomly assigned to groups that received placebo or induction therapy with upadacitinib (7.5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, or 45 mg, extended release), once daily for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects who achieve clinical remission according to the Adapted Mayo score at week 8. No multiplicity adjustments were applied. RESULTS At week 8, 8.5%, 14.3%, 13.5%, and 19.6% of patients receiving 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, or 45 mg upadacitinib, respectively, achieved clinical remission compared with none of the patients receiving placebo (P = .052, P = .013, P = .011, and P = .002, compared with placebo, respectively).

10/04/2024


Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to rage, disclosure of exposure to the virus is of great significance to safety management, especially considering the long latency of the disease. We conducted a survey based on terror management theory of 2,542 people in 71 cities, representing all provinces in mainland China. The results revealed that fear of being isolated influenced disclosure of exposure to the virus and that this influence was mediated by defensive impression management motivation. An inclusive climate buffered both the direct and the indirect effects of fear of isolation on disclosure behaviour via defensive impression management motivation. The implications of these findings for research and safety management during the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed.Coral restoration initiatives are gaining significant momentum in a global effort to enhance the recovery of degraded coral reefs. However, the implementation and upkeep of coral nurseries are particularly demanding, so that unforeseen breaks in maintenance operations might jeopardize well-established projects. In the last 2 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a temporary yet prolonged abandonment of several coral gardening infrastructures worldwide, including remote localities. Here we provide a first assessment of the potential impacts of monitoring and maintenance breakdown in a suite of coral restoration projects (based on floating rope nurseries) in Colombia, Seychelles, and Maldives. Our study comprises nine nurseries from six locations, hosting a total of 3,554 fragments belonging to three coral genera, that were left unsupervised for a period spanning from 29 to 61 weeks. Floating nursery structures experienced various levels of damage, and total fragment survival spanned from 40 to 95% among projects, with Pocillopora showing the highest survival rate in all locations present. Overall, our study shows that, under certain conditions, abandoned coral nurseries can remain functional for several months without suffering critical failure from biofouling and hydrodynamism. Still, even where gardening infrastructures were only marginally affected, the unavoidable interruptions in data collection have slowed down ongoing project progress, diminishing previous investments and reducing future funding opportunities. These results highlight the need to increase the resilience and self-sufficiency of coral restoration projects, so that the next global lockdown will not further shrink the increasing efforts to prevent coral reefs from disappearing.Although many resting state and task state characteristics have been studied, it is still unclear how the brain network switches from the resting state during tasks. The current theory shows that the brain is a complex dynamic system and synchrony is defined to measure brain activity. The study compared the changes of synchrony between the resting state and different task states in healthy young participants (N = 954). It also examined the ability to switch from the resting state to the task-general architecture of synchrony. We found that the synchrony increased significantly during the tasks. And the results showed that the brain has a task-general architecture of synchrony during different tasks. The main feature of task-based reasoning is that the increase in synchrony of high-order cognitive networks is significant, while the increase in synchrony of sensorimotor networks is relatively low. In addition, the high synchrony of high-order cognitive networks in the resting state can promote task switching effectively and the pre-configured participants have better cognitive performance, which shows that spontaneous brain activity and cognitive ability are closely related. These results revealed changes in the brain network configuration for switching between the resting state and task state, highlighting the consistent changes in the brain network between different tasks. Also, there was an important relationship between the switching ability and the cognitive performance.Sleep manifests itself by the spontaneous emergence of characteristic oscillatory rhythms, which often time-lock and are implicated in memory formation. Here, we analyze a neural mass model of the thalamocortical loop in which the cortical node can generate slow oscillations (approximately 1 Hz) while its thalamic component can generate fast sleep spindles of σ-band activity (12-15 Hz). We study the dynamics for different coupling strengths between the thalamic and cortical nodes, for different conductance values of the thalamic node's potassium leak and hyperpolarization-activated cation-nonselective currents, and for different parameter regimes of the cortical node. The latter are listed as follows (1) a low activity (DOWN) state with noise-induced, transient excursions into a high activity (UP) state, (2) an adaptation induced slow oscillation limit cycle with alternating UP and DOWN states, and (3) a high activity (UP) state with noise-induced, transient excursions into the low activity (DOWN) state. During UP states, thalamic spindling is abolished or reduced. During DOWN states, the thalamic node generates sleep spindles, which in turn can cause DOWN to UP transitions in the cortical node. Consequently, this leads to spindle-induced UP state transitions in parameter regime (1), thalamic spindles induced in some but not all DOWN states in regime (2), and thalamic spindles following UP to DOWN transitions in regime (3). The spindle-induced σ-band activity in the cortical node, however, is typically the strongest during the UP state, which follows a DOWN state "window of opportunity" for spindling. When the cortical node is parametrized in regime (3), the model well explains the interactions between slow oscillations and sleep spindles observed experimentally during Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep. The model is computationally efficient and can be integrated into large-scale modeling frameworks to study spatial aspects like sleep wave propagation.
As of April 2019, the dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimen is replacing the efavirenz-based regimen in Ethiopia, mainly due to its superiority in viral load suppression. However, there is a growing concern about this medication-based regimen, the most serious of which is excessive weight gain. In this study, we looked at weight gain disparities among human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) who have been shifted to tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (TLD) from a tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz (TLE)-based regimen versus those who are maintained on a tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz-based regimen.

A facility-based retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in pursuit of weight change disparities between tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir and tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz-based regimens among patients who have attained optimal viral suppression at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital antiretroviral clinic. Chi-sqght, and clinicians should advise them of the risks of weight gain as well as cost-effective ways to prevent weight gain linked to poor health outcomes in these patients. Future investigations should confirm the findings of this study, and more research into the effects of weight gain in these people is required.
According to this study, tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (TLD)-based antiretroviral medication (ART) users are more likely to gain weight, and clinicians should advise them of the risks of weight gain as well as cost-effective ways to prevent weight gain linked to poor health outcomes in these patients. Future investigations should confirm the findings of this study, and more research into the effects of weight gain in these people is required.
Our objective was to evaluate uptake and satisfaction with an out-of-pocket (OOP) cost tracker as a means for cancer patients to manage their personalized costs of care and to identify characteristics associated with usage.

Within a longitudinal survey evaluating financial toxicity among gynecologic cancer patients on active systemic therapy over a 6-month period, we provided paper worksheets for participants to voluntarily track expenses. We assessed usage and satisfaction at 3 and 6months using frequency and percentage. We used Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum analysis to evaluate patient characteristics based upon usage. Participants were encouraged to submit their completed cost tracker worksheets.

Fifty-three of 121 (44%) participants reported ever using the OOP cost tracker. Most users reported it was easy to use (97%, 100%) and helpful (86%, 72%); however, fewer users rated it as useful for budgeting (42%, 26%) at 3 and 6months, respectively. More patients who knew their insurance premium were users compared to non-users (74.4% vs. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/cep-18770.html 54.4%, p=0.04). Among thirteen users who submitted their completed cost tracker worksheets, non-medical costs (i.e., transportation) had the highest monthly out of pocket costs (mean $213, range $0-587). User feedback included suggestions to enhance the cost tracker with educational tutorials or a reminder system.

Future studies should explore if cost tracker uptake and satisfaction are enhanced with the addition of reminders and whether usage decreases financial toxicity or increases patient self-efficacy in managing the costs of cancer care.
Future studies should explore if cost tracker uptake and satisfaction are enhanced with the addition of reminders and whether usage decreases financial toxicity or increases patient self-efficacy in managing the costs of cancer care.
Eligibility for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine now includes adults 27 through 45years. It has not been reported how providers are addressing HPV vaccination in patients with existing preinvasive disease. Our objectives were to determine the rates at which vaccination is offered to and received by patients undergoing surgery for high-grade cervical or vulvar dysplasia.

This was a single-institution retrospective cohort study including patients ages 18 through 45years undergoing surgery for high-grade cervical or vulvar dysplasia from 10/2018 to 2/2020. Our primary outcome was the rate at which HPV vaccination was discussed at the pre- and/or post-operative visits. The secondary outcome was the rate of vaccine uptake in these individuals. Characteristics of those offered HPV vaccination were compared to those not offered vaccination.

Of the 115 patients included, 36 (31.3%) had HPV vaccination addressed in the perioperative setting. Thirty-two of these patients had never been vaccinated, and 21 ofamenable to vaccination. Quality improvement initiatives are warranted to increase the rate of HPV vaccine counseling in this context.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (SaRS-Cov-2) associated respiratory disease (COVID-19), announced as a pandemic, is a multisystem syndrome. SARS-CoV-2 directly infects and damages vascular endothelial cells, which leads to microvascular dysfunction and promotes a procoagulant state. Dipyridamole (DP) acts as a reversible phosphodiesterase inhibitor and is used mainly as an antiplatelet agent. It is hypothetised that it has possible activities in COVID-19.

We report our retrospective, real-world results of DP added to low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in the treatment of 462 clinically diagnosed and hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We compared anticoagulation with and without DP addition with no administration of anticoagulation in the same time frame. The primary outcome was proven or highly suspected coagulopathy within 30 days of hospitalization.

Definitive coagulopathy has been diagnosed in 3 (3.5%) of 85 LMWH administered patients and 7 (2.13%) of 328 DP + LMWH received patients (P=0.