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Effects of Conocarpus lancifolius and crocin on superoxide dismutase and protein kinase B genes and protein expressions in diabetic rats

Background Diabetes mellitus, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, is a global health challenge. Effective management strategies often focus on improving insulin sensitivity and enhancing antioxidant defenses to mitigate diabetes-related complications. This study explored the therapeutic potential of Conocarpus lancifolius (Co) and crocin in modulating insulin signaling and antioxidant gene expression in diabetic rats. Methods Male Wistar rats were rendered diabetic via alloxan injection and treated orally with C. lancifolius and crocin. Control groups included normal healthy control and untreated diabetic rats. Insulin signaling pathways were assessed by measuring key markers such as protein kinase B (AKT) through western blot and RT-PCR analysis. Antioxidant gene expressions, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), were quantified to evaluate oxidative stress response. Results C. lancifolius and crocin treatment significantly improved fasting blood-glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats. Notably, C. lancifolius and crocin administration resulted in the upregulation of AKT, promoting glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. Additionally, C. lancifolius and crocin increased the expression of the SOD gene, improving antioxidant defense in diabetic rats. Discussion C. lancifolius and crocin had a dual beneficial effect on diabetic rats by modulating key components of the insulin signaling pathway and bolstering antioxidant defenses. The upregulation of AKT as a key gene in insulin signaling pathways suggests an improvement in insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for glycemic control. Concurrently, the elevated antioxidant SOD gene expression indicates reduced oxidative stress, which is vital for preventing diabetic complications. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that C. lancifolius and crocin significantly improved glucose tolerance, reduced fasting blood glucose levels, and enhanced antioxidant defense in diabetic rats. Histopathological improvements in the pancreas, liver, kidney, and heart further highlight their protective effects against diabetes-induced tissue damage. Additionally, the upregulation of SOD and AKT at both gene and protein levels suggests a role in modulating oxidative stress and insulin signaling pathways. While promising, further studies are needed to clarify their molecular mechanisms, particularly regarding insulin receptor interaction. These findings support the use of C. lancifolius and crocin as natural adjunct therapies to enhance diabetes treatment outcomes.

Mirror, mirror on the coast: Exploring body image perception and its nexus with self-esteem, mental well-being among student population at an education hub in South-India

Introduction Young people’s body image dissatisfaction (BID) is a worrying problem that could impact both their physical and mental health. In addition to determining the prevalence and severity of BID among college students in the coastal region of Karnataka, India, this cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between BID and anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Materials and methods Data was gathered using a variety of social media channels from a sample of 382 students who were older than 18 years. The following validated measures were used: the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale for anxiety, the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale for depression, the Body Shape Questionnaire-16B for body shape concern, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale for self-esteem and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression. Additionally, self-reported anthropometric data and sociodemographic information were gathered. Results According to the study, 73.03% of participants had a negative perception of their bodies and strongly preferred to have a smaller ideal body image. BID showed a positive correlation with anxiety and depression and a negative correlation with self-esteem. When compared to pupils with normal BMI, those who were overweight or obese showed considerably higher probabilities of being unhappy with their body image. A curious discrepancy between body image dissatisfaction and body form concern was noted, indicating the necessity for a multifaceted evaluation. Conclusion The results highlight the significance of providing thorough, evidence-based therapies that are customized to the individual requirements of college students to address body image concerns. Using a comprehensive strategy that incorporates psychological, emotional, and physical health can help students succeed and thrive.

Increased sensitivity of primary aniridia limbal stromal cells to travoprost, leading to elevated migration and MMP-9 protein levels, in vitro

Purpose In congenital aniridia, not only limbal epithelial cells but also limbal stromal cells may contribute to the development of aniridia associated keratopathy (AAK). Secondary glaucoma affects 50–75% of patients with congenital aniridia, and prostaglandin analogs are commonly used for conservative treatment. This study aimed to explore the effect of travoprost on corneal limbal stromal cells from healthy (LSCs) and congenital aniridia subjects (AN-LSCs), in vitro. Materials and methods Cells were extracted from aniridia (AN-LSCs) (n=7) and healthy donors (LSCs) (n=7). In culture, the cells were treated with travoprost at concentrations ranging from 0.039–40 μg/mL for 20 minutes. Cell viability, proliferation and migration were determined to assess the effect of travoprost on AN-LSCs and LSCs. Analysis of inflammation-, retinoic acid signaling-, and apoptosis-related genes and proteins was performed using qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze cell viability and proliferation. The Mann–Whitney test was applied to compare between-group differences, while the Friedman test was used to assess within-group differences. Results Both in LSCs and AN-LSCs, travoprost treatment at 0.078 μg/mL and higher concentrations significantly reduced cell viability (p≤0.033; p<0.001) and proliferation decreased both in LSCs and AN-LSCs at 40 μg/mL travoprost concentration (p=0.006; p=0.002). At 6 and 12 hours, 0.313 μg/mL travoprost significantly increased the migration rate of AN-LSCs (p=0.021; p=0.021). AN-LSCs displayed lower PAX6 and JNK (MAPK8) mRNA (p<0.001) but higher MMP-3, MMP-9, ADH7, FABP5 and VEGFA mRNA levels (p≤0.037) than LSCs. PTGFR and JNK mRNA levels, MMP9 and ADH7 protein levels increased significantly in AN-LSCs after 0.313 μg/mL travoprost treatment (p≤0.039), while NF-κB and ADH7 protein levels decreased significantly in LSCs using 0.313 μg/mL travoprost (p=0.039; p<0.001). Conclusions Travoprost may affect viability, proliferation, and migration of both LSCs and AN-LSCs, with AN-LSCs exhibiting greater sensitivity than LSCs. Additionally, travoprost may regulate MMP-9 expression in AN-LSCs via the JNK signaling pathway. Furthermore, in AN-LSCs, travoprost treatment does not lead to a decrease in NF-κB and ADH7 protein levels.

Neural mechanisms of emotion during shifting perspectives and recognizing new information: An fMRI study

In generating novel ideas during the creative process, what ignites positive emotions like “Aha” experiences of insight? This study explored this by validating the biological plausibility of a mathematical model predicting emotions when shifting perspectives to recognize alternate information regarding an event. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we assessed brain activity as participants watched card magic videos with experimentally varied ease of information recognition. The results indicated that when shifting from certain to uncertain belief-based recognition, subjective interest arises if the new recognition is distant from the prior certain belief but close to the subsequent uncertain belief, accompanied by brain activations related to positive emotions. These findings suggest that interest emerges when deviating from conventional ideas towards unexpected yet easily comprehensible new ones, providing strategic insights for ideation.

‘Natural history museums can save the world’: anti-colonialism, conservation and climate change

Study on the influence of customers’ consumption intention in online food delivery service: Calorie label as the moderator variable

Online food delivery (OFD) service, is a catering service model taking the Internet as the platform, where customers place orders online and enjoy offline delivery services. Customers’ attention on calorie labels when ordering food online is increasing with the increased health awareness in recent years. According to SERVQUAL model and Theory of Planned Behavior, this article constructed a structural equation model and then introduced calorie labels as a moderator variable. The data was obtained through a questionnaire survey, and a total of 222 valid responses from Chinese OFD service users were collected. Data was measured by SPSS software, and the structural equation model was analyzed by AMOS software. The results showed that food quality (path coefficient = 0.652, p < 0.001) and the kitchen photos (path coefficient = 0.849, p < 0.001) had greater influence on customers’ consumption intention. At the same time, calorie labels for OFD service stores have partly moderating effect on customers’ consumption intention. Regarding light-meal food and home-cooked food stores, calorie labels have a significantly positive moderating effect on the impact of OFD service quality on customers’ consumption intention. Regarding dessert and fried food stores, calorie labels have no moderating effect. The above researches put forward model reference and decision-making reference for improving OFD service quality and customers’ consumption intention and also contribute to the literature on OFD service by offering new insights into calorie labels.

Genomic and genetic insights into Mendel’s pea genes

Association between functional dentition and ultra-processed food consumption in Brazilian adults: A cross-sectional study

Objective This study aimed to verify if there is an association between functional dentition and ultra-processed diet in Brazilian adults. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health Survey (PNS) 2019. For the present study, we included only adults aged 18–49 (n = 50,146). The outcome was the ultra-processed food consumption score, calculated based on the sum of positive responses regarding the consumption of 10 subgroups of ultra-processed foods on the previous day. These subgroups represent foods widely consumed in Brazil, and the scoring method has been previously validated for this purpose. The main predictor used was the variable ‘functional dentition’, categorized into individuals with less than 20 teeth and individuals with 20 or more teeth (functional dentition). Multivariate analysis was performed using the Poisson regression model with robust variance to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR). Results It was observed that the presence of functional dentition (20 or more teeth) was not associated with a greater consumption of an ultra-processed diet (RP = 0.97 [95% CI: 0.91–1.05]), p = 0.578). Conclusion The lack of a significant association between functional dentition and ultra-processed foods consumption suggests that social determinants might play a more important role in shaping dietary habits. The implementation of public policies that promote equitable access to healthy foods and preventive oral health care could contribute to overall health improvements and inequalities reduction.

Tardigrade-obsessed: meet the researchers trying to turn water bears into neuroscience models

Heavy metals in essential oils proposed for the modification of footwear lining leather—Quality management and product safety

Due to their antiseptic action, essential oils can be incorporated into leather in order to improve the hygienic properties of footwear by reducing microbial growth and multiplication in the interior. This paper presents the results of analyses of the contents of heavy metals, i.e., As, Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb in cinnamon, eucalyptus, oregano, manuka and thyme oils proposed for modification of lining leather. Experiments carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry were designed to evaluate the impact of the addition of these oils on the quality and safety of footwear considering the possible presence of toxic metals. In the context of the limits for metal contents in products set out in the European REACH Regulation, Oeko-Tex® Leather Standard by Oeko-Tex® Association, Restricted Substances List by AFIRM Group and List of Restricted Substances in Shoes by CADS Association, it was found that the oils tested were characterised by low levels of As (thyme, oregano and eucalyptus oils: not detected, other oils: 0.002 mg/kg – 0.015 mg/kg), Cd (0.001 mg/kg – 0.022 mg/kg), Cu (0.06 mg/kg – 0.184 mg/kg), Ni (0.025 mg/kg – 0.144 mg/kg) and Pb (0.06 mg/kg – 0.097 mg/kg). Therefore, their application to lining leather should not impair the quality of footwear understood in terms of its safety for the user. Given the limited number of analyses of heavy metal contents in essential oils of various applications, in the context of the study conducted, which, although in small numbers, nevertheless confirmed the presence of metals in oils, it was concluded that such analyses should be conducted on a larger scale. In order to ensure the quality and safety of products enriched with essential oils, it is necessary to continuously monitor an important property of essential oils, namely their content of harmful heavy metals.

Progression and natural history of Atypical Parkinsonism (ATPARK): Protocol for a longitudinal follow-up study from an underrepresented population

Background Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes (APS) form the third largest group of neurodegenerative disorders including Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS). These conditions are characterized by rapid progression, poor prognosis, low survival rates, and limited treatment options. Few studies have suggested that genetic, environmental factors and inflammation contribute to the pathobiology of these complex disorders, however, the etiology of disease and progression remains unclear. Methods A multicenter prospective longitudinal (3-time point) study will be conducted with a total sample size of 400 across all the groups (PSP, MSA, CBS). Patients with APS will be recruited after a detailed evaluation by movement disorder specialists and obtaining valid informed consent. The socio-demographic data and whole exome sequencing will be performed only at the baseline. Non-invasive procedures such as neurological and cognitive assessments, sleep quality assessments including polysomnography, brain imaging, and retinal imaging will be conducted at each time point. In addition, gene expressions, methylation patterns, inflammatory cytokines, disease-associated pathological proteins (Tau, pTau-181, α-synuclein and β-amyloid), non-targeted proteomics, skin biopsy, and iPSC will be performed at each time point eventually. The statistical analysis will be performed, followed by the developing of machine learning (ML) models. Expected outcomes and conclusion This unique native dataset in APS will enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving pathological protein aggregation and disease progression. Furthermore, the longitudinal design of the study enables a detailed examination of symptom development, progression, and management. The ML models combined with advanced imaging techniques will aid in early diagnosis, differentiation among APS types, and the development of future clinical trials and treatment strategies.

Groupwise registration of infant brain diffusion tensor images using intermediate subgroup templates

Registering infant brain images is challenging, as the infant brain undergoes rapid changes in size, shape and tissue contrast in the first months of life. Diffusion tensor images (DTI) have relatively consistent tissue properties over the course of infancy compared to commonly used T1 or T2-weighted images, presenting great potential for infant brain registration. Moreover, groupwise registration using intermediate templates can reduce deformation and bias introduced by predefined atlases, but most methods use scalar (e.g., fractional anisotropy) images, which lack the microstructural orientation information in tensor images that can help differentiate brain structures and further improve infant image registration accuracy. Here, we propose an intermediate subgroup tensor template-based groupwise (IST-G tensor) registration approach to align infant tensor images to a sample-specific common space. First, tensor images are clustered into more homogenous subgroups using Louvain clustering based on image similarity. Within each subgroup, tensor images are aligned using DTI-toolkit to generate subgroup tensor templates, which are subsequently aligned to a sample-specific common space. Results show that our approach significantly improved registration accuracy both globally and locally compared to standard tensor-based and fractional anisotropy-based approaches. Clustering based on image similarity yielded significantly higher registration accuracy than no clustering and performed comparably to clustering by chronological age. By leveraging the consistency of features in tensor maps across early infancy and reducing deformation through intermediate subgroup tensor templates, our IST-G tensor registration framework facilitates more accurate alignment of longitudinal infant brain tensor images.

Medical AI can transform medicine — but only if we carefully track the data it touches

Protocol for a Hybrid-type 1 pilot study of a randomized control trial of a brief, peer-delivered treatment to improve father depression and child mental health in Kenya

Background Few treatments specifically target father depression and alcohol use, despite their high prevalence worldwide and adverse impacts on families and youth. Fathers are also less likely to engage in treatment than female caregivers. To address this gap, a team of US- and Kenyan-based clinician-researchers developed Learn, Engage, Act, Dedicate (LEAD), a five-session, task-shifted psychosocial intervention for fathers in Eldoret, Kenya. Objective This hybrid type-1 study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of LEAD, a peer-father delivered psychosocial intervention for fathers at risk for depression and alcohol use. Secondary aims include exploring changes in child mental health and family functioning, potential mechanisms of change, and key implementation outcomes such as fidelity. Methods We will conduct a hybrid type-1 pilot study using a parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, enrolling 102 fathers randomized 2:1 to LEAD or a waitlist control group. All participants will be offered treatment as usual at baseline, with waitlist participants receiving LEAD following the waitlist period. Assessments will be conducted with fathers, their female partners, and one child aged 8–17. Primary aims are to explore changes in fathers’ depression and alcohol use; secondary aims include examining changes in family functioning and child well-being, understanding mechanisms driving change or nonresponse, and assessing the feasibility and acceptability of peer-father counselor implementation. Discussion Findings will inform a future hypothesis-testing hybrid trial to examine LEAD’s effectiveness in improving father and child mental health and evaluate associated implementation strategies. This work will contribute to strategies for engaging and retaining men in mental health services. Trial Registration #: NCT06489314 (ClinicalTrials.gov); July 4, 2024

Ice society: looking for life at unlikely altitudes

Research on mechanical characteristics and key technology of integral intelligent lifting construction of large-span heavy steel box girder

This paper aims to address the problems of aerial orientation control and safety in sudden extreme working conditions during the integral intelligent lifting of large-span heavy steel box girder. Based on the project of Xiaotun Bridge of Fuyi Expressway, a new integral lifting system and control method were proposed. To prevent extreme conditions during the lifting process, the mechanical properties of steel box girders in both synchronous and asynchronous integral lifting states were investigated using the finite element method. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the steel box girders during the lifting process were analyzed through on-site monitoring. The results show that an alignment device has been added to the existing synchronous hydraulic lifting system, which achieves precise control of the aerial orientation and stress of each component of the steel box girder through informal lifting, micromotion lifting and other methods. In the synchronous lifting condition, the failure of the lifting point will cause the redistribution of internal forces in the lifting sling, thereby endangering the lifting lugs, but the stress and deformation of the steel box girder change relatively little. In the asynchronized lifting condition, the use of double lifting points may potentially result in overturning and torsion of the girder. However, under the asynchronous lifting within the displacement error limits, the overall mechanical performance of the steel box girder meets the codes. The on-site monitoring results correlate closely with the simulation results for the normal lifting conditions of the steel box girder. The maximum stress and vertical displacement of the steel box girder are approximately 74 MPa and 70 mm, respectively, indicating that the overall girder structure is safe and reliable throughout the entire lifting process.

Gait kinetics before and after total hip arthroplasty in people with unilateral hip osteoarthritis

Background Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common intervention for end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) that improves gait kinetics. However, full restoration of mobility through THA remains elusive. Limited studies have examined changes in hip kinetics throughout the entire stance phase. In this study, we explored the differences in hip moment and power between preoperative and postoperative states in unilateral hip OA and compared these patients with healthy controls. Methods A secondary analysis was conducted using a publicly available dataset. A total of 69 healthy controls and 67 participants with a history of THA for whom preoperative and postoperative data were available for analysis were included in the study. Motion capture data obtained using the Plug-in Gait marker set was analyzed and modeled in Visual3D. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) paired t tests were used to determine the differences in hip moment and power during the stance phase between preoperative and postoperative states. Independent-samples t tests were conducted to compare these metrics in healthy controls and both preoperative and postoperative groups. SPM regression was used to analyse the correlation between changes in walking speed and hip kinetics. Results Significant changes in hip sagittal moment (0.0–4.3% stance phase, P = 0.037; 66.7–100.0% stance phase, P < 0.001), frontal moment (9.9–38.7% stance phase, P < 0.001; 55.2–93.7% stance phase, P < 0.001) and hip power (50.8–70.8% stance phase, P < 0.001; 84.2–100.0% stance phase, P < 0.001) were observed between the preoperative and postoperative participants, and a minor difference was noted in the total difference duration between the postoperative participants and healthy controls. The postoperative participants experienced hip kinetic deficits, and a significant association was observed between hip kinetics and changes in walking speed. Conclusion The hip kinetics of patients gradually normalise by 6 months after THA. Specific exercise programmes may be required to improve the specific gait patterns deficits of patients undergoing THA.

Author Correction: DNA-guided transcription factor interactions extend human gene regulatory code

Hepatoprotective action of Sonchus oleraceus against paracetamol-induced toxicity via Nrf2/KEAP-1/HO-1 pathway in relation to its metabolite fingerprint and in silico studies

Background Paracetamol overdose causes severe hepatotoxicity. Sonchus oleraceus is traditionally used to treat liver disorders, but its potential against paracetamol-induced liver injury is unexplored. This work aimed to investigate the protective mechanisms of an S. oleraceus extract (SOEtOH) using in vivo, histological and biochemical assessments along with metabolomics profiling and in silico studies, including molecular docking and dynamic simulations (MD). Methods and findings SOEtOH was administered to rats with paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg doses. Serum enzymes, hepatic antioxidants, and histopathology were evaluated. UPLC-MS characterized bioactive metabolites and molecular docking and assessed their anti-inflammatory potential. SOEtOH significantly restored serum ALT and AST toward normal levels in a dose-dependent manner. It also replenished depleted hepatic glutathione (up to 3.9-fold) and superoxide dismutase (up to 4.7-fold). Immunohistochemistry revealed SOEtOH progressively attenuated caspase-3 expression related to apoptosis. It also ameliorated characteristic histopathological alterations like necrosis, inflammation, and sinusoidal congestion. Thirty-two bioactive metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes, were identified. Molecular docking revealed potent anti-inflammatory effects via JNK inhibition, with luteolin-O-dihexoside, isorhamnetin-O-hexoside, di-O-caffeoylquinic, and kaempferol-O-hexoside having the strongest binding affinities. MD simulations demonstrated that these compounds’ complexes significantly contribute to JNK1 and JNK2’s catalytic binding site. Conclusion This integrated study demonstrates that SOEtOH protects against paracetamol hepatotoxicity by mitigating oxidative stress and inhibiting pro-inflammatory/apoptotic signaling. Our results reveal therapeutic lead compounds that may be further explored for clinical applications.

Ivermectin inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via Wnt signaling in endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells

Ivermectin (IVM), an antiparasitic drug, has been explored for its anticancer properties in various cancer types, including breast cancer. Endocrine therapy resistance poses a significant challenge in breast cancer treatment, often leading to metastasis prevention failure. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IVM on endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells, focusing on mechanisms associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). IVM was administered to endocrine-resistant breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7/LCC2 (tamoxifen resistant) and MCF-7/LCC9 (fulvestrant resistant), to evaluate its influence on cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT-related mechanisms. The findings indicated that IVM’s half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) inhibited MCF-7/LCC2 and MCF-7/LCC9 at 9.35 and 9.06 µM, respectively, within 24 h of treatment. Moreover, IC50 concentration treatment for 24 h led to over a 50% reduction in cell motility and a 62% and 35% decrease in cell invasion in MCF-7/LCC2 and MCF-7/LCC9 cells, respectively. Metastasis biomarkers demonstrated that IVM treatment reduced the expression of vimentin and snail. The study also discovered that IVM diminished the expression of Wnt5a/b and lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), associated with the metastasis-related Wnt signaling pathway. In conclusion, IVM inhibits the Wnt signaling pathway associated with EMT in the metastasis of endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells. These insights underscore the potential of repurposing IVM for endocrine-resistant breast cancer patients.