Browse Articles

The contribution of the Golgi and the endoplasmic reticulum to calcium and pH homeostasis in Toxoplasma gondii

Suicidal behaviour in adolescents with affective disorders: A study in a crisis intervention unit (CIU)

Background Suicidal behaviour is a critical mental health issue in the adolescent population, often linked to serious emotional problems that leave survivors vulnerable to future risk. Psychological crises in adolescence are primarily associated with relational conflicts, with emotional crises involving depression or anxiety significantly increasing suicidal risk. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the rates of suicidal behaviour in adolescents undergoing emotional crises and explore their association with psychiatric diagnoses and demographic factors in Ecuador. Methods An observational, correlational study using a quantitative approach was conducted. Data from 252 adolescents admitted to the Crisis Intervention Unit at the Institute of Neurosciences in Guayaquil, Ecuador, between 2011 and 2023 were analysed. Hospitalisation frequencies by year, gender, and associated psychiatric diagnoses were assessed. Data were obtained from each patient’s unified clinical history. Results The study found that suicidal behaviour in adolescents hospitalised for emotional crises was most prevalent among females aged 16–18 years. Depressive episodes were the most common psychiatric diagnosis (73%), and cutting was the most frequent method of self-harm, followed by the ingestion of psychotropic substances. A combination of suicidal ideation and attempts was the most frequent presentation (64%), with family conflicts identified as the main source of distress. Conclusions The high frequency of suicidal behaviour in adolescent females aged 16-18 years underscores the need for targeted prevention programs addressing emotional crises and stress management in this high-risk group.

Assessment, frequency, and reasons for child-to-parent violence in a sample of Italian adolescents

Spiroplasma eriocheiris FtsZ assembles the ring-like structure assisted by SepF

Clade IIb Mpox virus (MPXV) vertical transmission and fetal demise in a pregnant rhesus macaque model

Infection with clade I Mpox virus (MPXV) results in adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet the potential for vertical transmission resulting in fetal harm with clade IIb MPXV, the clade that is currently circulating in the Western Hemisphere, remains unknown. We sought to establish a pregnant rhesus macaque model of clade IIb MPXV infection with early gestation inoculation to understand if infection results in vertical transmission and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Three pregnant rhesus macaques were inoculated intradermally with 1.5 x 105 plaque forming units (PFU) of clade IIb MPXV near gestational day (GD) 30 and animals were monitored for viremia and maternal and fetal well-being. Animals were euthanized to collect tissues at 5, 14, or 25 days post-inoculation (dpi). Tissues were evaluated for viral DNA (vDNA) loads, infectious virus titers, histopathology, MPXV mRNA and protein localization, as well as MPXV protein co-localization with placental cells including, Hofbauer cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, endothelial cells, and trophoblasts. vDNA was detected in maternal blood and skin lesions by 5 dpi. Lack of fetal heartbeat was observed at 14 or 25 dpi for two dams indicating fetal demise; the third dam developed significant vaginal bleeding at 5 dpi and was deemed an impending miscarriage. vDNA was detected in placental and fetal tissue in both fetal demise cases. MPXV localized to placental villi by ISH and IHC. Clade IIb MPXV infection in pregnant rhesus macaques results in vertical transmission to the fetus and adverse pregnancy outcomes, like clade I MPXV. This suggests that clade IIb MPXV infection in human pregnancy poses a danger to maternal and fetal health as well. Further studies are needed to determine whether antiviral therapy with tecovirimat will prevent vertical transmission and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Application of CIPP flipped lining method in the rehabilitation of old gas pipelines

Abstract With the increase of urban gas pipeline operation time, more and more underground gas pipelines are facing various problems, and old gas pipelines urgently need to be updated and repaired. Realizing the comprehensive excavation, demolition, and replacement of old pipes with new ones poses pain points such as high construction difficulty, repair costs, and uncertainty of routing construction planning. Therefore, the implementation of trenchless repair and transformation of old gas pipelines has positive and practical significance. The CIPP flipped lining repair technology, as an emerging trenchless pipeline repair technology, provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for the repair of old gas pipelines. A case study on the application of CIPP flipped lining method was conducted for the rehabilitation project of Liangshen Road gas pipeline in Weituo Industrial Park, Chongqing. By comparing the characteristics of different trenchless pipeline repair techniques, the technical adaptability of CIPP flipped lining method was analyzed, and the construction parameter design, key process flow, and construction difficulties of using CIPP flipped lining to repair gas pipelines were explored and revealed, as well as the control of engineering quality impact. Practice has shown that CIPP flipped lining can provide a feasible technical choice for the preventive repair of urban gas pipelines. The repaired pipeline performance meets the operational requirements of urban gas pipelines, and has broad prospects and promotion value. It can provide reference for the non-excavation repair and utilization of old gas pipelines in the future.

Spermine attenuates TGF-β-induced EMT by downregulating fibronectin

The effect of the choice of screening test when measuring the prevalence of gambling disorder: A cross-sectional study in Japan

This study examines the influence of the selection of screening tests and cut-off scores on the prevalence of gambling disorders by simultaneously administering several tests to the same sample. The survey was conducted online in 2021, with 2,000 respondents distributed equally across two prefectures in Japan. Four screening tests were administered simultaneously: the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), Lie/Bet questionnaire, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5). The prevalence at the original cut-off scores was markedly different, with the SOGS (10.3%) showing the highest prevalence and the DSM-5 (3.8%) showing the lowest prevalence. Adjusting the cut-off score from 5 to 4 for the SOGS increased prevalence by 2.9%, while changing the PGSI cut-off score from 8 to 7 only increased it by 0.5%. This is the first study in Japan to simultaneously compare the scores for multiple screening tests and cut-off scores regarding gambling disorders. The SOGS screens more individuals with a possible gambling disorder than other measures, and altering the cut-off score significantly affected its prevalence. Selecting appropriate screening tests and cut-off scores is crucial to accurately assessing the prevalence of possible gambling disorders.

Robust ensemble classifier for advanced synthetic aperture radar target classification in diverse operational conditions

The structural basis of substrate selectivity of the acinetobactin biosynthetic adenylation domain, BasE

Preferences and willingness for starting daily, on-demand, and long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among transfeminine persons in the US, 2022–2023

Background There remains limited information concerning US transfeminine persons preferences across varying PrEP options. We examined PrEP option willingness, preferences, and associated factors among a US nationwide sample of transfeminine persons. Methods Sexually active transfeminine persons age 15 + were recruited online between June 2022-October 2023 through social media advertisements. Transfeminine persons not diagnosed with HIV were asked about willingness to initiate, and ranked preference, of three PrEP options– daily oral (DO), on-demand, and long-acting injectable (LA-PrEP). Log-binomial models were used to examine PrEP modality willingness and associated sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Results Among 2657 transfeminine persons not currently using PrEP, 51% reported willingness to start at least one PrEP option. The highest willingness was reported for on-demand PrEP (42.6%), followed by DO (38.1%) and LA PrEP (27.1%). LA PrEP was ranked the most preferred PrEP option among transfeminine persons who reported willingness to start multiple PrEP options (43%, 277/651). Willingness to start on-demand PrEP was higher among participants who were 15-24 years, resided in the South, did not have health insurance, had more than one sex partners and reported prior awareness of on-demand PrEP. Willingness to use DO and LA PrEP was higher among those who had both private and public insurance, reported condomless anal sex, had more than one sex partners and had used non-injection illicit drugs. Additional factors for DO and LA PrEP willingness was residing in the South and prior awareness of LA PrEP, respectively. Conclusions Among transfeminine persons, the highest willingness was reported for on-demand PrEP; and LA PrEP was ranked the most preferred option among those who reported willingness to try multiple options. Offering a variety of PrEP options, informed by an understanding of individual preferences and socio-demographic and behavioral differences, can increase overall PrEP uptake and help meet diverse needs of the transfeminine community.

Effect of 3D surface topographies on the temperature field of machined potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystals

Glutamate decarboxylase confers acid tolerance and enhances survival of mycobacteria within macrophages

Improving patient recruitment to randomised trials can be cost-effective: A case-study of dexamethasone from the RECOVERY trial

Background The RECOVERY trial assessed the effectiveness of treatments on preventing severe outcomes from COVID-19 disease in hospitalised patients from 176 NHS hospitals. Clinical benefits of Dexamethasone were observed for hospitalised COVID-19 patients. About 15% of all eligible patients were recruited into the trial. Had patient recruitment been higher the study would have been completed more rapidly. Aim To estimate the cost-effectiveness of improving recruitment to the RECOVERY trial from 15% to 50%, by employing or redeploying two research nurses to each hospital participating in the RECOVERY trial. The analysis is restricted to the evaluation of Dexamethasone versus No Dexamethasone. Methods A decision tree model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of Dexamethasone, against No Dexamethasone. Probability, utility, and cost inputs were used for each pathway and treatment. Then, a cost-utility analysis of clinical practice post-RECOVERY trial (83% Dexamethasone, 17% No Dexamethasone) versus previous clinical practice (100% No Dexamethasone) was undertaken; this analysis was aggregated at the population level and the cost of employing or redeploying two research nurses at each hospital was added, to estimate the cost-effectiveness of faster recruitment to the RECOVERY trial. Results Faster recruitment to the RECOVERY trial could have generated an incremental net benefit of £13,955,476 related to the evaluation of Dexamethasone against No Dexamethasone, thus highlighting the magnitude of the foregone incremental net benefit due to not adopting a more cost-effective clinical practice (83% Dexamethasone, 17% No Dexamethasone) earlier. The findings remain robust following variations in the model’s parameters, with a 85% and 94% probability of faster recruitment being cost-effective given a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20,000 and £30,000 per Quality Adjusted Life Year respectively. Conclusion Slow recruitment to randomised trials can have huge implications for healthcare systems as a result of not introducing a more cost-effective treatment earlier through faster patient recruitment.

Topological transition of Pancharatnam–Berry phase in a nonlocal twisted bilayer metasurface

In vitro characterization of the yeast DEAH/RHA RNA helicase Dhr1

The correlation between plasma cortisol levels and scores of psychological scales among patients with recurrent depressive disorder in Vietnam

Objectives We aimed to examine levels of plasma cortisol in the morning and evening before and after standardised treatment, and analyze the correlation between these levels and scores of psychological assessment scales among patients with recurrent depressive disorder (PRDD) in Vietnam. Methods From January 2020 to December 2021, a cross-sectional study was carried out at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bach Mai Hospital. After using a convenience sampling method, 109 consecutive patients met our criteria were recruited. We measured and analysed plasma cortisol levels in all participants at baseline (T0), two weeks after treatment (T1) and four weeks after treatment (T2). Spearman correlation was applied to assess the correlations between plasma cortisol at six different time and scores of six psychological assessment scales including HAM-D, HAM-A, BDI, SAS, DASS, and MMSE. Results Among 109 PRDD, the percentage of subjects had high cortisol levels decreased during hospital treatment. At admission (T0), these figures were 4.76% in the morning and 8% in the evening. After 4-week treatment (T2), these figures declined to 1.32% and 3.09%, respectively. At T0, the morning cortisol concentrations had a positive correlation with the mean scores of HAM-A (r = 0.257), BDI (r = 0.251), and SAS (r = 0.276) (p ≤ 0.05), whereas the evening cortisol concentrations in the evening had a positive correlation with the mean scores of BDI (r = 0.197), SAS (r = 0.206), and Depression subscale of DASS (r = 0.252) (p ≤ 0.05). At T2, we did not detect any correlation between morning or evening cortisol levels and six test scores. Conclusion The utilization of psychological measures for monitoring purposes can facilitate the assessment of alterations in cortisol levels among individuals experiencing recurrent depression, hence aiding in the treatment of depression in this population. Additional investigation using a more extensive sample size is required to furnish additional substantiation on this matter in Vietnam.

Assessment the performance of chemical constituents of agro wastes in production safety alternative carbon black filler in rubber composite purpose

Abstract Recently, minimizing petroleum resources as well as safely disposing of agro-wastes are essential for the production process to comply with environmental legislation. Bio-filler as an alternative to non-safety carbon black (CB) from petroleum resources in the production of rubber composites is investigated by many researchers, but unfortunately it leads to deterioration of the properties of rubber composites. To avoid this drawback, different agro-wastes (rice straw, date palm fiber, and reed (Arundo donax L.) with different chemical constituents as precursors of biofillers (biochars) are assessed toward the performance of ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber (EPDM). The role of replacing parts of CB with biochar on the rheological characteristics, physico-mechanical properties, hardness, swelling, and crosslinking density of EPDM composites is studied. The results proved the efficient low replacing ratio of biochar towards increasing the minimum and maximum torque; this indicates a homogeneous filler structure and crosslinking interactions between the components matrix as emphasized from the morphological analysis of EPDM rubber. The reverse trend is noticed on increasing the replacement ratio over 25%, where it deteriorates the tensile strength in comparison to pristine CB. The data demonstrated the most efficient biochar, which is derived from RS. The formulation containing 75% CB and 25% RS-biochar provided EPDM with tensile strength (14.4 MPa), higher than the pure CB (12.45 MPa). Moreover, this optimum formulation provided high crosslinking density, high hardness shore A, and swelling resistance of motor oil and toluene when compared to EPDM with pure carbon black. This promising finding trend is not noticed in the literature on using biochars, which usually caused the deterioration in properties of rubber products.

BANCR-containing extracellular vesicles enhance breast cancer resistance

Experienced inclusion and recognition amongst people with spinal cord injury: A comparative study in Norway, The Netherlands, and Australia

Background The aim of this article is to study inclusion and recognition experienced amongst people with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in Norway, The Netherlands, and Australia. This is approached both from the perspectives of an interest in the impact of mobility limitations versus social attitudes, and from a consideration of differences between societies. Methods The data derive from the core questionnaire of International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey with extended national modules on the attitudes and values of respondents from Norway, The Netherlands, and Australia. The data gathered in 2017–18 include 2,450 participants aged 18 years or older. The data are analysed and presented with descriptive statistics and OLS regression analyses. In order to explore our main questions, we run regression controlling for country effects in addition exploring within country effects. Results Mobility limitations are a substantially weaker predictor of self-perceived inclusion and recognition than experiences of negative attitudes towards disabled people. Stereotypical attitudes and norms in society are shown to have various impacts on inclusion in the three countries. The Norwegian respondents report overall better results on inclusion and recognition than respondents in Australia and The Netherlands, illustrating the importance of national contexts. Conclusions Challenges associated with inclusion, recognition, and respect after SCI need to be defined in a language broader than mobility limitations and stereotypical attitudes towards people with an SCI. The main road to both inclusion and recognition in society is primarily linked to job and educational status, in addition to family and friends. The results are of particular interest as measures to support reintegration into society, including a strengthening of labour market integration programs.