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Curcumin ameliorates aging-induced blood-testis barrier disruption by regulating AMPK/mTOR mediated autophagy
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is composed of tight junctions (TJ) between adjacent Sertoli cells (SCs) and is crucial for sperm growth and development. Aging-induced TJ impairment is closely related to testicular dysfunction. Curcumin, a natural compound, has been widely demonstrated to have a wide range of pharmacological activities, but its regulatory effects on tight junction damage in the testis remain unclear. We here explored the effect of curcumin on TJ function and its underlying molecular mechanism by using D-galactose (D-gal)-induced mouse testis and mouse testicular SCs (TM4) aging models in vitro. In this study, D-gal increased the expression of aging-related proteins p16 and p21, whereas significantly decreased the expression of TJ proteins (ZO-1, Claudin-4, Claudin-7, and Occludin). In addition, curcumin restored the adverse effects of D-gal in the SCs. Autophagy is a degradation system for maintaining cell renewal and homeostasis. D-gal significantly decreased the autophagy level, whereas curcumin restored the effect of D-gal. Using chloroquine (CQ), an inhibitor of autophagy, and rapamycin (RAPA), an activator of autophagy, it was demonstrated that autophagy plays a key role in curcumin amelioration of TJ injury in testicular SCs. Further studies unveiled that autophagy activation was mediated through the AMPK/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, curcumin ameliorates aging-induced TJ damage through AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway-regulated autophagy. This study thus clearly identifies a novel action mechanism of curcumin in the treatment of age-related male reproductive disorders.
Comparative effectiveness of pristine and H3PO4-modified biochar in combination with bentonite to immobilize cadmium in a calcareous soil
Correction of stomach cancer CT attenuation values for variations due to differences in CT imaging conditions through repeated CT scans
Purpose To develop methods for correcting variations in CT attenuation values of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) due to differences in CT imaging conditions using repeated pre-treatment CT scans. Methods A total 211 patients (146 men) with AGC who underwent pre-treatment CT twice were included in this retrospective study. The Pearson correlation between the difference in tumor attenuation values measured on both CT scans and the difference in attenuation values of other organs was analyzed. A formula to correct tumor CT attenuation values was developed using univariate linear regression analysis. Results The Pearson correlation coefficient was the highest between the difference in tumor attenuation values and that of the main portal vein (MPV) attenuation values (0.86, P <.01). The formula to correct tumor attenuation values was as follows: calculated tumor attenuation value on CT scan 2 = tumor attenuation value on CT scan 1 - (-3.5 + 0.4 x (MPV attenuation value on CT scan 1 - MPV attenuation value on CT scan 2)). The mean difference between calculated and actual tumor attenuation values was 1.6 HU (SD, 8.7; range -22.5–24.72), with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.95 (P <.01). Conclusion Utilizing the attenuation value of the MPV allows for correction of variations in tumor attenuation values caused by different CT imaging conditions, enabling the prediction of reproducible tumor attenuation in patients with AGC. Future studies are needed to validate these findings and address the study’s limitations, including its retrospective design and the absence of unenhanced CT data. Advances in knowledge The attenuation value of the MPV can be used to predict reproducible tumor attenuation values in gastric cancer.
Identification and verification of mitochondria-related genes biomarkers associated with immune infiltration for COPD using WGCNA and machine learning algorithms
Exploring the interplay of stress, fatigue, and empathy: The mediating role of cognitive flexibility in enhancing the well-being of university students in medical and social disciplines
This study investigates the interplay between stress, fatigue, and empathy among university students in medical and social disciplines, focusing on the mediating role of cognitive flexibility. University students, particularly those in medical fields, experience significant stress and fatigue, which adversely affect their well-being and academic performance. Empathy, essential in both interpersonal and professional contexts, is negatively impacted by stress and fatigue. Cognitive flexibility, the ability to adapt and manage diverse cognitive demands, is proposed as a key mediator that could alleviate the negative effects of stress and fatigue on empathy. The study involved 1,701 students from the Medical University of [to preserve anonymity, the institution’s name has been omitted] and the University of to preserve anonymity, the institution’s name has been omitted], who completed validated questionnaires measuring perceived stress, fatigue, empathy, and cognitive flexibility. The results indicated that cognitive flexibility was positively related to empathy and negatively related to stress and fatigue. Mediation analyses revealed that cognitive flexibility significantly mediated the relationships between stress and empathy, as well as between fatigue and empathy. These findings suggest that enhancing cognitive flexibility may help students better manage stress and fatigue, thereby maintaining higher levels of empathy. This research contributes to understanding the cognitive and emotional interactions in educational settings and highlights the importance of developing interventions that enhance cognitive flexibility to support student mental health and academic success.
Hesitant bi-fuzzy multi-attribute information fusion with expert reliability
Suffering in silence: Accessing mental health care and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for peripartum depression - A qualitative study
Peripartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent and serious mental health disorder that is often underdiagnosed and undertreated due to limited effective and safe treatment options. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a non-invasive treatment for PPD, yet awareness among patients is low. This study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing mental health treatment, particularly rTMS, for PPD. We conducted 36 interviews with individuals who experienced depressive symptoms during the peripartum period and health providers, followed by a descriptive interpretive thematic analysis. Key risk factors identified include personal (i.e., age), clinical (i.e., traumatic birth), situational (i.e., COVID-19, homelessness), and social (i.e., discrimination, domestic abuse). Five themes emerged regarding barriers and facilitators: 1) the need for mom-centered care, 2) systemic challenges, 3) the importance of mental health education, 4) stigma and custody concerns, and 5) challenges in accessing care. Eighty-three percent of participants were unaware of rTMS, but following a brief description, 75% were willing to receive or refer to rTMS if it was available to them. Addressing systemic and access-related concerns is crucial to ensuring patients with PPD have access to safe, effective, and accessible treatments.
Bacterial profile, antibiotic susceptibility patterns and associated factors among neonates suspected of omphalitis in Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
Psychometric validation of Young’s Internet Addiction Test among Chinese undergraduate students
The global prevalence of internet addiction is escalating annually and uncontrollable use of the internet can cause significant physical and psychological damage. Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT), widely utilized across diverse cultures, has demonstrated structural inconsistencies in previous research, with some items requiring refinement. This study aimed to validate the IAT among Chinese undergraduate students and assess its psychometric properties. The IAT’s structure was initially explored through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) using pilot study data (n=376), with internal consistency and test-retest reliability (n=96) evaluated. Subsequently, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted using data from the actual study (n=1042) to confirm the structure. Results showed that a three-factor solution explained 61.29% of the total variance with a satisfactory model fit (χ2/df = 4.382, RMSEA = 0.057, CFI = 0.952, TLI = 0.943, SRMR = 0.045, AIC = 798.755) and psychometric properties, validating the IAT’s utility for future investigations of internet addiction in Chinese undergraduates. Notably, a high prevalence of moderate internet addiction was observed within the sample, highlighting the significance of this issue in the target population and emphasizing the need for further research and potential interventions.
Improved aerosol deposition predictions in human upper respiratory tract using coupled mesh phantom-based computational model
Factors associated with non-adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in adult individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Mogadishu, Somalia: A hospital-based cross-sectional study
Background Antiretroviral Therapy is an effective method against HIV, reducing mortality and opportunistic infections. In Somalia, high rates of these infections and low adherence to therapy have been reported. However, factors contributing to non-adherence remain unidentified. Therefore, The study aims to assess the magnitude of antiretroviral therapy non-adherence and identify associated factors for individuals living with HIV in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methodology A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire containing socio-demographic, behavioral, familial, psychosocial, clinical, and laboratory characteristics. Antiretroviral Therapy adherence was assessed by quantifying the number of prescribed pills taken in the past month. Those who adhered to ≥95% of the prescribed Antiretroviral Therapy drugs were considered adherent to Antiretroviral Therapy. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with Antiretroviral Therapy non-adherence at significance levels of p < 0.05. Results Out of 453 participants, the magnitude of non-adherence to ART among people living with HIV in Mogadishu, Somalia, was 138 (30.5%) with its 95% CI: 26.3–34.9. The predominant reasons for missing ART were forgetting (7.3%), transportation issues (5.5%), side effects and being busy with other commitments (4.4%), stigma (3.8%), and ART facilities being distant from home (2.6%). In multivariable logistic regression, living alone (AOR=1.81, 95%CI:1.182–2.782), perceived stigma (AOR=3.19, 95%CI:1.784–5.720), smoking cigarettes (AOR=2.96, 95%CI:1.759–5.003), and living with a co-morbid chronic disease (AOR=1.80, 95%CI:1.155–2.813) were factors associated with ART non-adherence among people living with HIV in Mogadishu, Somalia. Conclusion Individuals living with HIV in Mogadishu, Somalia suffer sub-optimal adherence to ART. Priority should be given to strategically addressing the needs of those living alone and individuals with co-morbid chronic conditions, eliminating HIV stigma, and discouraging substance abuse.
The effect of anisotropic electrical conductivity of amphiboles on geophysical anomalies observed in subduction zones
Abstract Electrical-conductivity anomalies in subduction zones are believed to be strongly connected with global water cycling, volcanism and seismicity. However, the causal atomic-scale processes related to conductivity of rock-forming minerals in subducting rocks are virtually unknown. Here, in situ simultaneous high-temperature Raman spectroscopy and resistivity measurements on riebeckite as a model Fe-rich amphibole in subduction zones show that (1) electronic small polarons, with high mobility along the c-axis of the amphibole structure, activate above 500 K; (2) H+ starts diffusing within the crystal above 650 K, although electron transport via polaron hopping is still the dominant mechanism of charge transfer; (3) the anisotropy in the conductivity is enhanced with increasing temperature, emphasizing the dominant role of e − over H+ in causing the high conductivity (above 0.01 S/m) of Fe-rich amphiboles. We show that conductivity data obtained via magnetotelluric measurements are best modelled by considering the effect of stress-driven alignment of amphiboles during plate motion. Our results thus link atomic- and Earth-scale conductivity processes, significantly improving our understanding of subduction processes.
Development of a clinical predictive score for allergic reactions during oral food challenges in pediatric patients
Background The oral food challenge (OFC) is the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies; but, it carries risks ranging from mild to life-threatening reactions, including anaphylaxis. Understanding and predicting these reactions is critical for safe clinical practice. Objectives This study aimed to develop and validate a clinically predictive score for allergic reactions during OFCs in pediatric patients. Methods Using a retrospective database of pediatric patients undergoing OFCs at a pediatric outpatient clinic in Southern Thailand from January 2014 to December 2022, a multivariable predictive model was developed. Data on the reaction rates, demographics, and treatments were collected. Logistic regression analysis with predictor selection using a backward stepwise approach, was employed. The model’s performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration, and classification measures. Results This study included 179 patients with an allergic reaction incidence of 12.3%. Predictors encompassed female, anaphylaxis and positive skin prick testing. The developed model achieved an ROC of 0.71. The patients were categorized into the low-risk (score 0–1) and high-risk (score 2–3) groups. Reaction rates during the OFCs were 6.7% in the low-risk group and 29.5% in the high-risk group. Conclusions Our scoring model demonstrated predictive ability for OFC reactions in pediatric patients, offering valuable insights for clinical risk assessment.
Exploring Erythrina flavonoids as potential SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitors through virtual screening, in silico ADMET evaluation, and molecular dynamics simulation studies
Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has intensified the search for effective antiviral agents. This study investigates the inhibitory potential of 473 flavonoids from the genus Erythrina against the key enzyme of SARS-CoV-2, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Virtual screening campaign using molecular docking identified 128 flavonoids with stronger binding energies to RdRp than remdesivir, a WHO-endorsed drug. Lipinski’s Rule of Five and ADMET profiling suggested butein (119) as the promising RdRp inhibitor. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that 119 binds effectively to RdRp and interacts with the RNA template and primer, suggesting a multi-faceted inhibitory mechanism. Our findings highlight the potential of Erythrina-derived flavonoids, particularly compound 119, as potent RdRp inhibitors, warranting further experimental studies.
Dispositional goal orientation and perceptions of coach motivational climate on attitudes towards doping among Kenyan endurance runners
Changing athletes’ attitudes towards doping has been shown as crucial in prevention efforts in combating doping in sports, with dispositional goal orientation and perceptions of coach motivational climate identified as factors shaping doping attitudes among athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between dispositional goal orientation and motivational climate on attitudes towards doping among Kenyan Endurance runners. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 323 Kenyan runners with 215 males (66.6%) and 108 females (33.3%). The study assessed athletes’ goal orientation through the Task and Ego Goal Orientation Sport Questionnaire, perceptions of coach motivational climate through Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire, and attitudes towards doping through Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis H tests was used for data analysis. The study found significant inverse relationships between mastery climate and doping attitudes (rho = -.242; p <.001), as well as between task orientation and doping attitudes (rho = -.158; p <.004). Conversely, performance climate (rho =.362; p <.001) and ego orientation (rho =.362; p <.001) showed significant positive relationships with doping attitudes. There were no significant differences in doping attitudes based on age (U = 11582.500, p <.191), gender (U = 11437.500, p <.827) and athlete’s length of experience (χ2 (2) = 1.359, p <.507). The study concludes that fostering mastery-oriented coach motivational climate and promoting task-oriented goal orientation could effectively cultivate anti-doping attitudes among athletes and enhance clean sport.
Rising public costs of preterm infant hospitalization in South Korea from a nationwide observational study
Microfinance institutions failure prediction in emerging countries, a machine learning approach
This study is about what matters: predicting when microfinance institutions might fail, especially in places where financial stability is closely linked to economic inclusion. The challenge? Creating something practical and usable. The Adjusted Gross Granular Model (ARGM) model comes here. It combines clever techniques, such as granular computing and machine learning, to handle messy and imbalanced data, ensuring that the model is not just a theoretical concept but a practical tool that can be used in the real world.Data from 56 financial institutions in Peru was analyzed over almost a decade (2014–2023). The results were quite promising. The model detected risks with nearly 90% accuracy in detecting failures and was right more than 95% of the time in identifying safe institutions. But what does this mean in practice? It was tested and flagged six institutions (20% of the total) as high risk. This tool’s impact on emerging markets would be very significant. Financial regulators could act in advance with this model, potentially preventing financial disasters. This is not just a theoretical exercise but a practical solution to a pressing problem in these markets, where every failure has domino effects on small businesses and clients in local communities, who may see their life savings affected and lost due to the failure of these institutions. Ultimately, this research is not just about a machine learning model or using statistics to evaluate results. It is about giving regulators and supervisors of financial institutions a tool they can rely on to help them take action before it is too late when microfinance institutions get into bad financial shape and to make immediate decisions in the event of a possible collapse.
Assessment of untreated and vermifiltration treated pharmaceutical industrial effluent in fish Channa punctata using biochemical, histopathological, ultrastructural and ATR-FTIR analysis
Infertility misperception and improper health-seeking behavior between urban and rural areas
Objectives The prevalence of infertility among reproductive-age couples in Indonesia is around 10-15%. Lack of understanding, misleading myths, and negative attitudes could result in improper behavior. This study aims to reveal the discrepancy between perception and behavior towards infertility in urban and rural areas in Indonesia. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study using an internet-based questionnaire was given to 408 individuals, divided into two groups, Java and outside Java, representing urban and rural populations. The study included Indonesian citizens over 18 who were willing to participate, encompassing individuals of both genders, regardless of their fertility status. All participants completed the questionnaire from October 2020 to April 2021. Results Half of the respondents from both groups consider infertility a disease. All respondents have excellent access to information. Although more than 80% of subjects from each group had been exposed to infertility information, a better understanding was observed in the urban community. Most subjects answered that smoking is the leading risk factor for infertility, followed by stress and advanced age. More respondents in rural areas have the wrong perception that stress causes infertility. Furthermore, they seek unwarranted advice, as 19.5% came to midwives and only 9.1% came to general practitioners. This study showed that 35.6% of subjects in the urban group and 41.6% in the rural group are considered late to seek healthcare assistance. Most respondents from both groups accept using Assisted Reproductive Technology and fertility-enhancing drugs as treatment options. Conclusion Infertility misconceptions are more prevalent in rural groups than in urban groups. Fertility education among both groups needs to be improved to optimize the chance of conceiving and having a healthy baby.