The present review aimed to identify through what means neurologic injury can predispose individuals to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In recent years, comprehensive studies have helped to clarify which structures in the central nervous system (CNS) that, when damaged, lead to distinct PTSD symptoms–namely dissociative reactions or flashbacks. Our review narrowed its focus to three common neurologic injuries including traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and stroke. Beyond discussing the potential mechanisms by which neurotrauma may lead to PTSD, we summarized our current understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorder and discussed predicted associations between the limbic system and PTSD. In particular, the role of noradrenergic neuromodulatory signaling on the HPA axis as it pertains to fear memory recall needs to be further explored to better understand its effects on limbic structures in PTSD patients. This paper also described how damage to the CNS can alter the function of the limbic system and result in characteristic symptoms of PTSD like intrusive memories and acute psychological distress. Further, our review intended to draw attention to a lack of PTSD prognosis in TBI, SAH, and stroke patients who could benefit from early treatment. PTSD symptoms often compound with pre-existing issues further deteriorating health outcomes for these patients. It is ultimately our goal to clarify the relationship between neurotrauma and PTSD such that earlier diagnoses and appropriate treatment are observed in clinic.

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common debilitating psychiatric condition for which pharmacological therapy is not always solvable. Various treatments have been suggested for these patients. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is currently under investigation for patients affected by PTSD. 2) Methods: We review the neurocircuitry and up to date clinical concepts that may be of relevance for the implementation of DBS in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 3) Results: The role of DBS in treatment-refractory PTSD patients has been investigated relying on both preclinical and clinical studies. 4) Conclusions: DBS for PTSD is in its preliminary phases and likely to provide hope to patients with medical refractory PTSD following the results of randomized controlled studies.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder that occurs following exposure to traumatic events. The prevalence of PTSD is estimated to be 5-10% worldwide, and it is associated with significant distress and disability. Recent evidence suggests that PTSD may be a risk factor for the development of subsequent neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Identification of biomarkers known to be associated with neurodegeneration in patients with PTSD would shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms linking these disorders, and would also help in the development of preventive approaches aimed at reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders in PTSD. In the current review, the PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies aimed at identifying genetic, biochemical, neuroimaging or behavioral markers associated with neurodegeneration in patients with PTSD. Out of a total of 342 citations retrieved, 29 relevant studies were identified for inclusion in the review. The results of these studies suggest that several potentially relevant biological markers, including cerebral cortical thinning, disrupted white matter integrity, specific genetic polymorphisms, immune-inflammatory alterations, vitamin D deficiency, metabolic syndrome and parasomnias, may be associated with an increased risk of neurodegeneration in patients with PTSD. Though many of these results need replication, they highlight a number of biological pathways that plausibly link PTSD with neurodegenerative disorders, and suggest potentially valuable avenues for prevention and early intervention in this patient population.

Trauma in childhood and adolescence has long-term negative consequences in brain development and behavior and increases the risk for psychiatric disorders. Among them, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during adolescence illustrates the connection between trauma and substance misuse, as adolescents may utilize substances to cope with PTSD. Drug misuse may in turn lead to neuroadaptations in learning processes that facilitate the consolidation of traumatic memories that perpetuate PTSD. This reflects, apart from common genetic and epigenetic modifications, overlapping neurocircuitry engagement triggered by stress and drug misuse that includes structural and functional changes in limbic brain regions and the salience, default-mode, and frontoparietal networks. Effective strategies to prevent PTSD are needed to limit the negative consequences associated with the later development of a substance use disorder (SUD). In this review, we will examine the link between PTSD and SUDs, along with the resulting effects on memory, focusing on the connection between the development of a SUD in individuals who struggled with PTSD in adolescence. Neuroimaging has emerged as a powerful tool to provide insight into the brain mechanisms underlying the connection of PTSD in adolescence and the development of SUDs.

(1) Background: although current theories of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) had focused on depressed mood and intrusion, the mechanism through which depression increases the risk of PTSD remains unclear. Research has concentrated on the hyper-active negative valence system (NVS) (e.g., increased fear and threat responses), but a significant role for hypo-active positive valence system (PVS) (e.g., less neural activation towards rewards) was conceivable. (2) Methods: To investigate the implicit processing in a refugee’s sample, ratings of arousal, dominance, and valence for 60 IAPS pictures (positive, neutral, and negative) were collected from 42 individuals with probable PTSD, and 26 trauma-exposed individuals (M age = 28.49 years, SD = ± 7.78). (3) Results: ANOVAs revealed a main group effect (η2p = 0.379) on arousal, dominance, and valence dimensions, and pictures’ categories (η2p = 0.620). Participants with PTSD responded to unpleasant images with enhanced arousal and lower valence ratings compared with individuals without PTSD. Moreover, arousal ratings were negatively correlated with valence (r = - 0.709, p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: Our findings supported evidence according to which PTSD origins a state of maladaptive hyperarousal and difficulties in regulating emotions. Positive stimuli are considered less pleasant providing evidence for a complementary involvement of NVS and PVS in PTSD development.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental disorder caused by exposure to traumatic stress, affects 5-10% of the world’s population. PTSD is associated with several medical and neurological comorbidities. It has been suggested that these are due to accelerated aging, and that changes in telomere length (TL) and telomerase enzyme activity may serve as biomarkers of this process. Early research in this field suggested that TL was significantly reduced in PTSD. The current review was conducted to provide a critical analysis of recent clinical and translational research on telomere length and telomerase in PTSD. The results of 26 clinical studies suggest that TL in PTSD is highly variable, and may be influenced by methodological, demographic, trauma-related and psychosocial factors. There is no evidence for altered telomerase activity in PTSD, though this was hypothesized by earlier workers in the field. Translational research suggests that exposure to traumatic stress does lead to TL shortening. Overall, it is likely that TL in PTSD depends on several variables that are specific to individuals and groups. Other markers of cellular aging, such as epigenetic changes, may be more specific indices of accelerated aging in patients with PTSD.

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health concern among traumatized children and adolescents. The specific objective is to describe post-traumatic stress disorder in children (6 to 12 years old) and adolescents (12 to 18 years old). This comprehensive review compiles the clinical interventions targeting PTSD in this age group and systematizes the empirical evidence about their efficacy. Methods: The PRISMA method was used to present and evaluate the clinical interventions implemented for PTSD. Results: Significant symptoms of PTSD include avoidance, overstimulation, and flashbacks, typically accompanied by a depressed mood and anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Systemic Therapy, Play Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Relaxation Techniques, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy are essential interventions for the treatment of patients between the ages of 6 and 18. CBT, particularly Trauma-focused CBT, is the most effective and extensively used therapy for dealing with cases of juvenile PTSD, according to the findings of the vast majority of previous research. Conclusions: The present systematic review summarizes the findings of several studies on psychotherapeutic interventions for PTSD in children and adolescents. PTSD in this population differs from PTSD in adults, necessitating various age-appropriate approaches and therapeutic models.

Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that represents a significant burden in terms of individual disability and societal costs. Despite decades of research investigating treatment options, PTSD remains a major cause of quality-of-life impairment. We hypothesized that patients with PTSD might benefit from peripheral somatosensory stimulation (PSS) therapy. Methods Six adult patients with clinically diagnosed PTSD were enrolled to undergo daily PSS therapy over a 4-week period. Patients completed two surveys evaluating satisfaction with treatment and overall well-being (Survey 1) and severity of PTSD symptoms (Survey 2). Survey 1 was completed weekly during the course of the study. Survey 2 was based on the 9-question National Stressful Events Survey PTSD Short Scale (NSESSS) and was completed as a baseline prior to initiation of therapy and then at the conclusion of the trial. All data were analyzed by an independent statistician. Results Six male patients were enrolled in the study; all completed the trial. All patients demonstrated a decrease in symptoms within one week of initiation of therapy. This benefit was sustained and appeared to further improve over the course of the trial. For Survey 1, the overall median scores demonstrated a significant time-dependent improvement across measurement times (p < 0.001). For Survey 2, patients had statistically significant improvements from baseline regarding feelings of being emotionally upset and being overly alert. Results from a cumulative link mixed model demonstrated that treatment yielded a 38.2-fold higher likelihood of transitioning from a higher PTSD score at baseline to a lower (improved) score at week 4. No adverse events were described by the patients. Conclusions PSS stimulation appeared to improve symptoms in all six patients with PTSD symptoms in this trial. Patients had unanimous and clinically meaningful improvement in overall PTSD symptoms with treatment. By week 4, all patients responded that they enjoyed the treatment and would like to keep their device. We suggest that further investigation into the potential usefulness of PSS therapy in patients with PTSD is warranted.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health disorder that causes significant dysfunction in individuals. Currently, there are many approved Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy treatment options for PTSD, but unfortunately, half of the patients do not respond to traditional therapies. In this article, we reviewed clinical trials and research on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) assisted Psychotherapy in PTSD patients, its pharmacokinetics and current treatment guidelines for PTSD. Based on the results of the efficacy of MDMA assisted Psychotherapy from six phases II Randomized controlled trials. MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD has received the “Breakthrough Therapy” designation from the FDA. MDMA can potentially reduce PTSD symptoms even in treatment-resistant cases by increasing certain neurohormones, i.e. dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and oxytocin. It also modulates activities in the brain regions involved in fear and anxiety. Future research is needed to show whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and whether its use can be integrated into available treatment options for PTSD.

Background: The present work aimed to estimate the economic impact of PTSD following COVID-19 in a population of patients affected by systemic autoimmune disease (SAD) using a cost-of-illness approach and accounting for the perspective of society. Methods: Considering data collected from SAD patients enrolled in a specialized outpatient clinic in the Tuscany region, Italy, generalized-linear-models and LASSO logistic regression were used to evaluate the impact of PTSD on costs and its relevance as possible predictors of being a high-cost patient, respectively. Results: Considering 301 SAD patients, 161 (51.2%) of whom diagnosed with PTSD, the overall costs were 3,670 [890;40,529] Euro per patient/year among patients with PTSD and 2,736.7 [283;21,078] Euro per patient/year among those without PTSD (P-value

For a subject suffering from complex post-traumatic stress disorder, a psychological intervention program was designed, monitored in real-time during psychotherapy, and evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively after psychotherapy. One male subject participated in this program under consent. The proposed intervention program was designed using cognitive behavioral therapy and stabilization treatments for body-based sensory processes in four sessions of 90 min each. During psychotherapy, a wearable heart sensor and a communication application were utilized to determine the subject’s current psychological state. After the intervention, the effect of the proposed program was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R-K), Athens insomnia scale (AIS), and heart rate variability (HRV). After the intervention program was conducted, the subject reconstructed his traumatic events and trained himself with certain psychological techniques to decrease his negative thoughts and emotions induced by his previous traumatic events. The IES-R-K and AIS ten months after the last session were changed positively by approximately 25% compared with the subject’s state before the first session. During psychotherapy, the HRV exhibited a significant correlation with the subject’s emotional state. The proposed intervention program induced a positive change in the subject. Although the HRV was well utilized in this investigation, more sophisticated statistical analysis will be required for clinical trials.

Previous studies suggested that trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) is effective in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in children and adolescents. However, the effects of app-assisted TF-CBT-based interventions in psychiatric clinics compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU) are under-explored. The purpose of this study was to reveal the added value of the app-assisted TF-CBT-based intervention as an add-on to TAU. The digitalized measures of the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS), The Adolescent Dissociative Experience Scale (A-DES), Short Moods and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ), PTSD Checklist (PCL-5), and Children's Post-Traumatic Cognitions Inventory (CPTCI) were applied at baseline and post-treatment. The app-assisted TF-CBT-based group participants started with higher levels of negative alterations in cognition and mood compared to TAU participants but at post-treatment, no significant differences were observed between the app-assisted TF-CBT and TAU groups. Within the app-assisted TF-CBT group, post-treatment scores were significantly lower in post-traumatic stress symptoms, intrusion symptoms, alterations in arousal and reactivity, overall post-traumatic cognitions, and belief in being "a fragile person in a scary world”. Within the TAU group, post-treatment scores were notably lower just in dissociation and intrusion symptoms. The study suggests that app-assisted TF-CBT-based intervention can be effective in addressing specific trauma-related symptoms. The findings imply the necessity for screening for traumatic experiences, incorporating trauma-informed care, implementation of TF-CBT into treatment protocols, utilization of app-assisted interventions, tailoring interventions to individual needs, and comprehensive assessment and monitoring of treatment progress.

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) and deficit irrigation (DI) play a crucial strategic role in sustaining agricultural yield and reducing water stress in drought prone areas. The study was carried out in 2021-2022 to assess the impact of various PGRs (SA & NAA) & irrigation levels (60% Epan, 80 % Epan, and 100 % Epan) with DI & partial root drying (PRD) irrigation strategies. PGR application boosted fruit yields and demonstrated its significance in reducing water stress by lowering canopy temperature, maintaining higher relative water content in the leaves, modifying stomatal opening, and increasing photosynthetic rate. PGRs were used to assess the increased accumulation of total phenols, flavonoids, and improved antioxidant activity. Results indicated that exogenous use of PGRs like SA+NAA in conjunction with 80% irrigation levels increased fruit yield (31.97 and 40.38%) and water productivity (64.92 and 75.39%) for DI and PRD treatments, respectively. Thus standardizing irrigation and crop management practices including PGR application can be recommended to boost pomegranate productivity particularly in water-scarce environments.

Phosphite (Phi) has gained attention in agriculture due to its biostimulant effect on crops. This molecule has been found to benefit plant performance by providing protection against pathogens, improving yield and fruit quality, and improving nutrient and water use efficiency. It is still unclear how Phi enhances plant growth and protects against multiple stresses. It has been hypothesized that Phi acts by directly affecting the pathogens and interacting with the plant cellular components and molecular machinery to elicit defense responses. This study delves into elucidating the mechanisms underlying Phi’s beneficial effects on plants, revealing a complex interplay with fundamental signaling pathways. A RNA-seq study of Arabidopsis seedlings under optimal and limiting phosphate conditions helped us unveil Phi’s role in promoting plant growth by activating the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis and signaling pathways associated with abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), and jasmonic acid (JA). Expression of ABA-related genes, known for their involvement in stress response and development regulation, is triggered by Phi treatment, contributing to enhanced resilience and growth. Simultaneously, the activation of the SA pathway, associated with defense responses, suggests Phi’s potential in bolstering plant immunity. Moreover, Phi influences JA biosynthesis and signaling, which are crucial for defense against herbivores and pathogens, thereby strengthening plants’ defenses. Our findings reveal a multifaceted mechanism through which Phi benefits Arabidopsis development. Understanding its intricate interplay with key signaling pathways opens avenues for leveraging Phi as a strategic tool to enhance plant resilience, immunity, and growth in agricultural and ecological contexts.

Neurodegeneration is a major problem in neuroscience and medicine as it causes and worsens many neurological and psychiatric disorders. It involves gradual loss of neurons at different levels of the brain, affecting cognition, emotion, behavior, consciousness, and attention. Understanding the causes and consequences of neurodegeneration is crucial for identifying the risk factors, biomarkers, and treatments. However, the current therapies are mostly symptomatic and ineffective. Therefore, new and innovative methods, such as noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS), are needed to modulate brain activity and plasticity in a safe and reversible manner. This field is rapidly developing, with a focus on exploring new clinical applications, mechanisms, and combinations of NIBS and drugs. This special issue covers the latest progress and challenges in the study of neurodegeneration in cognitive impairment and mood disorders from the experimental, clinical, and translational perspectives. It addresses the complexity and diversity of these conditions, the lack of disease-modifying treatments, the ethical and practical issues of conducting research in vulnerable and diverse populations, the integration and interpretation of data from multiple sources and modalities, and the development and validation of novel methods such as NIBS, artificial intelligence, and drug repurposing. Collaborative efforts among various stakeholders are needed to improve our knowledge and treatment of neurodegeneration underlying cognitive impairment and mood disorders.

Abstract: Brassinosteroids (BR) are essential plant hormones that play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development, as well as their resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, including pathogen infections. In the context of plant im-munity, BR influence various processes such as the expression of genes related to pathogen defense, the production of antimicrobial compounds, and the re-inforcement of the plant cell structure. The aim of work is understand the role of BR in plant defense against abiotic and biotic stresses. BR are involved in the regulation of metabolic processes, water economy, and photosynthesis, contributing to increased plant resistance to abiotic stresses. The study discusses various mechanisms of BR action on plant immunity, including the regulation of gene expression related to defense, activation of the plant defense system, in-teraction with other plant hormones, regulation of water and salt balance, and influence on photosynthetic processes. In the context of plant immunity, BR influence various processes, including the expression of genes related to pathogen defense, the production of antimicrobial compounds, and the reinforcement of the plant cell structure. Additionally, BR are involved in the regulation of metabolic processes, water economy, and photosynthesis, con-tributing to increased plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. The paper emphasizes the importance of further research on the role and mechanisms of action of BR in plant immunity, which may contribute to the development of more effective strategies for the use of BR in agriculture, horticulture, and plant protection.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major impact on the mental and physical health of hospitalized patients. In our study we focused on the onset of symptoms correlated with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and physical disabilities in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because of a severe respiratory distress related to COVID-19 (COVID Group) compared with patients admitted to the same ICU for trauma and other medical conditions than COVID-19 (No-COVID Group). The physical symptoms and the level of disability were evaluated with the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E), the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) and the 3 levels version of EQ-5D (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire; psychiatric symptoms were investigated using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised 22-item (IES-R), the Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-Item Version (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment, 7-items version (GAD-7). These questionnaires were administered 6 months after discharge. Patients in the No-COVID Group showed statistically significant more severe scores in all the physical assessments while similar relevant PTSD and depressive symptoms were reported in both groups. The results of the present study underline the psychopathological impact of being hospitalized in ICU because of COVID-19 even after 6 months from discharge ,suggesting the importance of assessing the psychiatric effects of COVID-19 in the long term in order to create supportive measures.

Inflammation and insulin resistance are recognized as central features in the pathology of psoriasis, profoundly affecting the lives of those affected by this condition. The relationship between lifestyle choices and psoriasis is well-documented, highlighting the potential benefits of dietary modifications and physical activity in managing the condition during exacerbations. Furthermore, growing evidence emphasizes the significant impact of nutritional interventions on various skin disorders, particularly those characterized by inflammation and insulin dysregulation. Notably, the role of dietary fats is of particular interest, with their influence on inflammation and insulin resistance in psoriasis garnering increasing attention. Moreover, the association between excessive adiposity and heightened psoriatic severity underscores the importance of weight management strategies in disease management. This review explores the intricate relationship between specific dietary fats and inflammation in psoriasis, offering a comprehensive analysis of their implications for disease progression and management.

(1) Background: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the inhibitory neurotransmitters with beneficial effects including sedative property. However, despite various clinical trials, scientific evidence regarding the impact of orally ingested GABA, whether natural or synthesized through biological pathways, on sleep is not clear.; (2) Methods: The present study work evaluated GABA-A biding affinity of GABALAGEN(GBL), a low-molecular-weight collagen infused with GABA, through receptor binding assays. The sedative effects of GBL were investigated through electroencephalography (EEG) analysis in the electro foot shock (EFS) stress-induced sleep animal model and then we examined the expression orexin, GABAA receptor in the brain region using immunohistochemistry.; (3) Results: We found that on the binding assay, GBL displayed high affinity to GABAA receptor (IC50 value, 31.5µg/mL)). Also, after treatment of GBL, percent of total time of REM and NREM were significantly and dose-dependently increased compared to the Con group. Consistent with behavioral results, the GBL-treated groups showed that the expression of GABAA receptor immune-positive cells in the VLPO were markedly and dose-dependently increased compared to the Con group. Also, the GBL-treated groups showed that the expression of orexin immune-reactive cells in the LH were significantly decreased compared to the Con group.; (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, GBL showed efficacy and potential to be used as an anti-stress therapy to treat sleep deprivation through antagonism of GABA receptors and consequent inhibition of orexin activity.

To enhance pomegranate production on marginal gravelly lands, standardized planting techniques were evaluated in an 8-year-old orchard. Trenching, wider pit excavation, pit digging, and auger digs with dimensions of 1 and 2 m were employed. Utilizing native soil from barren land, with or without spent wash, and mixing it with black soil up to 1 m deep, growth parameters, leaf nutrients, fruit production, and fruit quality were assessed. The trench and wider pit methods outperformed others, yielding greater above-ground biomass (>70.3 kg tree⁻¹), root biomass (>24.5 kg, tree⁻¹), and cross-sectional area (>3.30 m² tree⁻¹). These methods also produced longer roots (>4.0 m tree⁻¹) and higher leaf phosphorus (>0.28%) and potassium (>1.81%) levels, fruit juice content (>48.50%), and total soluble solids (>16.05°) compared to other planting methods. This resulted in higher and more sustainable fruit yield production under the trench and wider pit planting methods (>7.21 t ha⁻¹). Similarly, the native and black soil mixture produced healthy fruit trees, improved fruit quality, and sustainably higher fruit yield over the native soil alone. In summary, the trench and wider pit methods (2–3 m³), combined with a soil mixture, are recommended for sustainable, high-quality fruit production in shallow gravelly terrains, thereby improving food security and the livelihoods of farmers in arid regions.

Direct and indirect effects after mine operations cease must ideally be subject to perpetual monitoring routines in order to detect possible risks or avoid adverse effects on the surrounding ecosystems at an early stage. In this contribution, mining subsidence lakes created inside the nature reserve Kirchheller Heide and Hilsfeld Forest are subjected to analysis for a long-term monitoring scheme. For this purpose, we employ high-resolution unmanned aerial system (UAS)-based multispectral and thermal mapping tools to provide a fast, non-invasive and multitemporal environmental monitoring method. Specifically, we propose to monitor vegetation evolution through multispectral analysis, biotypes identification using machine learning algorithms, and water surface extent detection, together with their thermal behavior. The aim of this contribution is to present the proposed workflow and first results to establish a baseline for future analyses and subsequent surveys for longterm multi-temporal monitoring

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty maintaining attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Although the cause of this disorder is still unclear, recent studies state that heredity is important in the development of ADHD. This is linked to a few comorbidities: depression, criminal behavior and anxiety. Although genetic factors play a major role in the pathogenesis of ADHD, there are also non-genetic factors, one of which would be oxidative stress (OS) that are associated with ADHD. OS is implicated in the pathogenesis of ADHD, through lower levels of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as a lower total antioxidant status (TOS) compared to control groups. Moreover, there is a close bidirectional connection between the nervous system and the intestinal microbiota, and the communication between the two systems is carried out through the gut-brain axis (GBA). A thorough review of diet, OS implications, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and drug-drug interactions are reviewed here, with a special focus on treatment in adults with comorbid conditions.

Cystic artery bleeding (CAB), a relatively uncommon entity, can arise from both traumatic and non-traumatic etiologies. This pictorial essay aims to elucidate the computed tomography (CT) findings associated with CAB in these distinct contexts. In traumatic CAB, particularly blunt or penetrating trauma, a cystic artery lesion is the culprit behind the hemoperitoneum characteristically located within the gallbladder fossa. Prompt diagnosis is crucial. Fortunately, trans-arterial embolization offers a successful treatment option for traumatic cystic artery lesions, especially in settings where non-operative management is preferred. Non-traumatic CAB, on the other hand, often stems from inflammation in the hepatobiliary and pancreatic system, gallbladder tumours, or iatrogenic injuries. The underlying mechanism typically involves cystic artery wall damage, either due to inflammation or procedural complications, leading to the formation of a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm (CAP). Notably, CAP bleeding can manifest long after the causative event, posing a diagnostic challenge with a variable clinical presentation. This pictorial essay serves to illustrate the CT signs and features of CAB in both traumatic and non-traumatic scenarios. Additionally, it will delve into the characteristic CT appearance of CAP.

Memory and emotion are highly vulnerable to psychiatric disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which has been linked to serotonin (5-HT) metabolism disruptions. In fact, over 90% of the 5-HT precursor tryptophan (Trp) is metabolized via the Trp-kynurenine (KYN) meta-bolic pathway, producing a variety of bioactive molecules. The aadat (kat2) gene encodes mito-chondrial kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) isotype 2, responsible for kynurenic acid (KYNA) production. Little is known about its role in behavior. In CRISPR/Cas9-induced aadat knockout (kat2−/−) mice, we examined the effects on emotion, memory, motor function, Trp and its metabolite levels, enzyme activities in the plasma and the urine of 8-week-old males compared to wild-type mice. Transgenic mice showed more depressive-like behaviors in the forced swim test, but not in the tail suspension, anxiety, or memory tests. They also had fewer center field and corner entries, shorter walking distances, and fewer jumping counts in the open field test. Plasma metabolite levels are generally consistent with those of urine: KYN, antioxidant KYNs, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid, and indole-3-acetic acid levels are lower; enzyme activities in KATs, kynureninase, and monoamine oxidase/aldehyde dehydrogenase are lower, but kynurenine 3-monooxygenase is higher; and ox-idative stress and excitotoxicity indices are higher. Transgenic mice show depression-like behavior in a learned helplessness model, emotional indifference, and motor deficits, coupled with a decrease in KYNA, a shift of Trp metabolism toward the KYN-3-HK pathway, and a partial decrease in the gut microbial Trp-indole pathway metabolite. This is the first evidence that deleting the aadat gene causes depression-like behaviors that are unique to despair experience, which appears to be linked to excitatory neurotoxic and oxidative stresses. This may lead to the development of a double-hit preclinical model in experience-based depression, better understanding of these complex condi-tions, and more effective therapeutic strategies by elucidating the relationship between Trp me-tabolism and PTSD pathogenesis.

Several Lung diseases can result in lung damage structural changes, with lung transplantation as a only therapeutic option when the disease reaches an advanced progression, unfortunately, the success of lung transplantation is limited. In this context, lung bioengineering is considered a potential therapeutic alternative and the current approach is based on the use of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the decellularized lung. The use of undifferentiated cells to seed an ECM can be a more practical strategy for lung bioengineering but the sterilization of the organ for this recellularization process is still a challenge. In this sense, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can emerge as a potential treatment alternative. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify if LLLT, can optimize lung recelularization with mesenchymal stem cells by cytokine modulation. For this, we decellularized lungs from C57BL/6 mice perfusing SDS 1% via pulmonary artery, sterilized with LLL (660nm, 100mW, 30s). Whole lung scaffolds were recellularized: (1) Recellularized Lung (2) Recellularized Lung + LLLT. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human tooth pulp (DPSc) were seeded into lungs and incubated for 24 hours at 37ºC, 5% CO₂, in a bioreactor-like conditions, maintaining CPAP at 20cmH2O, 90% O2, and LLL at wavelength of 808nm, 100mW, 30s. Culture medium were analyzed at 24 hours. H&amp;E, immunostaining, SEM and ELISA assay were performed. We produced viable biological scaffolds absent of DNA content, preserving glycosaminoglycans and collagen I, III and IV, fibronectin, laminin and elastin and lung structure (SEM). The levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were stable during the 24 hours of culture. IFN-γ levels showed significant difference in the DPSc and DPSc+LLLT group in the 24-hour evaluation. The levels of IL-10 decreased after LLLT. These findings highlight LLLT's role in cytokine regulation and contamination prevention during lung recellularization with mesenchymal stem cells. Overall, these results demonstrated that LLLT's modulated cytokine levels and could prevent contamination during the lung recellularization process with mesenchymal stem cells, offering promise for enhanced therapeutic strategies in lung bioengineering.

This study aims to provide an updated overview of the systematic evaluation and management of Post-Traumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain (PTTN) resulting from dental procedures or trauma. PTTN arises following an injury to the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensory and motor functions in the maxillofacial region. The etiology encompasses various dental procedures and craniofacial trauma, leading to a spectrum of symptoms, from tingling to severe pain. Diagnostic challenges stem from the absence of standardized criteria and the overlap with focal neuralgia, necessitating comprehensive evaluation. Misdiagnosis can result in prolonged suffering and unnecessary procedures. Successful management hinges on prompt diagnosis and interdisciplinary collaboration, with early intervention crucial in mitigating chronicity. While nerve recovery post-trauma is challenging, preventive measures through accurate evaluation and treatment are paramount.  Management for PTTN includes non-invasive and surgical interventions. Non-invasive intervention includes systematic and local pharmacological management. This review enhances uniformity in PTTN evaluation and treatment approaches despite standardized study limitations.

Individuals with BPD grapple with unstable relationships, marked by extreme emotional swings and interpersonal conflicts. Emotional instability, a distorted self-image, and impulsivity further complicate matters, often leading to self-harm and suicide attempts as desperate coping mechanisms. Genetics and adverse childhood experiences contribute to BPD's development, shaping brain function and emotional regulation. Diagnosis involves meticulous assessments, paving the way for personalized treatments like dialectical behavior therapy and, in severe cases, hospitalization. Early intervention, professional support, and societal understanding are pivotal for positive outcomes, and challenging mental health stigma.

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) often result in post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). To better understand the molecular mechanisms behind PTOA development following ACL injury, we profiled ACL injury-induced gene expression changes in knee joints of three mouse strains with varying susceptibility to OA: STR/ort (highly susceptible), C57BL/6 (moderately susceptible) and super-healer MRL/MpJ (not susceptible). Right knee joints of the mice were injured using a non-invasive tibial compression injury model that closely mimics ACL rupture in humans and global gene expression was quantified before and at 1-day, 1-week, and 2-weeks post-injury using RNA-seq. Following injury, STR/ort displayed severe cartilage degeneration while MRL/MpJ had little cartilage damage. Gene expression analysis suggested that prolonged inflammation and elevated catabolic activity in STR/ort injured joints, compared to the other two strains may be responsible for the severe PTOA phenotype observed in this strain. MRL/MpJ had the lowest expression values for several inflammatory cytokines and catabolic enzymes activated in response to ACL injury. Furthermore, we identified several genes highly expressed in MRL/MpJ compared to the other two strains including B4galnt2 and Tpsab1 which may contribute to enhanced healing in the MRL/MpJ. Overall, this study has increased our knowledge of early molecular changes associated with PTOA development.

This study investigated the effects of fish oil (FO) treatment, particularly enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice. The investigation focused on elucidating the impact of FO on epigenetic modifications in white adipose tissue (WAT) and the involvement of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). C57BL/6j mice were submitted to a control diet or a HFD for 16 weeks, treated (or not) with FO for the last 8 weeks. WAT was removed for RNA and protein extraction, while ASCs were isolated, cultured, and treated with Leptin. All samples were analyzed using functional genomics tools, including PCR-array, RT-PCR and Western Blot assays. Mice receiving HFD displayed increased body mass, fat accumulation, and altered gene expression associated with WAT inflammation and dysfunction. FO supplementation attenuated these effects, a potential protective role against HFD-induced obesity. Analysis of H3K27 revealed HFD-induced changes in histone, which were partially reversed by FO treatment. The study further explored leptin signaling in ASCs, suggesting a potential mechanism for ASC dysfunction in the leptin-rich environment of obese WAT. Overall, FO supplementation demonstrated efficacy in mitigating HFD-induced obesity, influencing epigenetic and molecular pathways, and shedding light on the role of ASCs and leptin signaling in WAT dysfunction associated with obesity.

This study explored differences in student-athletes’ symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress pre- to post-COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO reported a 25% increase in depression and anxiety rates worldwide with young people disproportionately affected. Student-athletes face many stressors related to their sporting and academic feats but what is not known is how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their experiences of mental illness. A multiple cohort cross-sectional study design was employed, and data collected using physical and online surveys. Participants (M age = 19.98 years, SD = 1.50) were recruited from UK universities (N = 807; 427 pre-pandemic cohort, 380 post-pandemic cohort). Results revealed statistically significant differences in mean depression, anxiety, and stress scores between cohorts. Scores for the post-pandemic cohort were significantly higher than pre-pandemic, suggesting a worsening of symptom severity. Distributions of student-athletes across categories of symptom severity also worsened for depressive and anxiety symptoms post-pandemic and were skewed towards more severe categories. Symptoms of de-pression, anxiety, and stress were a concern pre-pandemic. Rates are higher in the post-pandemic cohort, suggesting a worsening of symptoms. This data adds to evidence on student-athletes’ symptoms of mental illness by exploring a UK sample and comparing scores pre- and post-pandemic.

The focus of this article is the evaluation of the quality and the degree of community engagement in an expert-based, public-health communicative intervention for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). In 2023 the Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society collaborated with a grass-roots community health group, a regional health authority, and an academic participatory researcher to organize a working group to mount a social-marketing campaign to increase community support for AUD medical treatment in family-practice settings in a rural community in British Columbia. The partnership working group conducted a series of activities in the school system, the town council, and the community. This article covers the formative evaluation and the summative evaluation of the working group's effectiveness. The formative evaluation ("lessons learned" and "recommendations") consists of consensus evaluations of the quality of each activity using a variety of data sources. The formative evaluation followed improvement science methods and used consensus meetings to provide and reflect on formal and informal feedback. Formative results reflect the consensus of the participants in the working group and they record the reactions in the community. The summative evaluation measures evidence of community engagement found in transcribed text from meeting minutes. The summative evaluation used theory-based frameworks and text data visualization to assess the engagement dynamics of the working group. The summative evaluation helps to put the formative evaluation into perspective as communicative action. The summative evaluation validates the formative evaluation by revealing the communicative dynamics of engagement which resulted in the community’s increased capacity to understand and support Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment options. The working group and the entire intervention was seen by the participants and the public as a success and capable of replication. In a small community, it instilled new understandings and attitudes, bringing an emerging awareness of medication as an optional health mitigation strategy for Alcohol Use Disorder. Our study furthers this overall assessment by using theoretical constructs and analysis of communicative records to trace engagement characteristics of interest to researchers, societies, and community groups contemplating similar interventions in the future. The study also validates the effectiveness of communicative analysis as a measure of social-marketing for expert-based public health interventions.

The Sustainable Development Center of the University of Brasilia is one of the modernist buildings that make up the Darcy Ribeiro campus. The architectural project contains several recommendations for the execution of the flat roof waterproofing system, as well as details for rainwater runoff and drainage, which reveals a certain concern with watertightness. The research seeks to identify the relationship between the pathological manifestations recognized on the roof and the semicircular shape of the building, assessing the state of conservation through the use of damage maps as an analysis tool. The article is based on a field survey using aerophotogrammetry with a drone, the application of vector drawing software for graphic representation and discussion of the possible causes, agents and mechanisms of degradation at work. The results show the importance of mechanical protection for the good performance of the waterproofing system, as well as the need for correct sizing of expansion joints in order to absorb and relieve the stresses caused by hygrothermal variations. The methodology incorporated proved to be effective and economical in diagnosing and monitoring pathological manifestations, making it possible to plan maintenance actions that extend the useful life and preserve the intrinsic characteristics of building systems.

Ectopic expression of the MYB transcription factor of AmROSEA1 from Antirrhinum majus has been reported to change anthocyanin and other metabolites in several species. In this study, we found that overexpression of AmRosea1 significantly improved the tolerance of transgenic rice to drought and salinity stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed that a considerable amount of stress-related genes were affected by exogenous AmRosea1 during both drought and salinity stress treatments. These affected genes are involved in stress signal transduction, the hormone signal pathway, ion homeostasis and the enzymes that remove peroxides. This work suggests that the AmRosea1 gene is a potential candidate for genetic engineering of crops.

Regardless of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic containment, it remains paramount to comprehensively understand its underlying mechanisms to mitigate potential future health and economic impacts, comparable to those experienced throughout the course of the pandemic. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) provide anchorage for SARS-CoV-2 binding, thus implicating that ACE and ACE2 might contribute to the variability in infection severity. This study aimed to elucidate predisposing factors influencing the disease course among people infected by SARS-CoV-2, focusing on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 polymorphisms. Notably, despite similar demographics and comorbidities, COVID-19 patients exhibit substantial differences in prognosis. Genetic polymorphisms in ACE and ACE2 have been implicated in disease progression, prompting our investigation into their role in COVID-19 evolution. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we analyzed ACE and ACE2 genes in a sample group comprising six subjects infected by SARS-CoV-2. Our findings revealed a correlation between specific polymorphisms and COVID-19 outcomes. Specifically, ACE and ACE2 intronic deletions were observed in all deceased patients, suggesting a potential association with mortality. These results highlight the significance of genetic factors in shaping the clinical course of COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of further research into the impact of genetic variations on COVID-19 severity.

Abstract: Wildfires in forest ecosystems exert substantial ecological, economic, and social impacts. The effectiveness of fire management hinges on precise pre‐fire risk assessments to inform mitigation efforts. This study aims to investigate the relationship between predictions from pre‐fire risk assessments and outcomes observed through post‐fire burn severity analyses. In this study, forest fire risk was assessed with the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process, in which fire behavior factors were used as input. The degree of burn was determined using the Random Forest method using 11519 training points and 400 test points on Sentinel‐2 satellite images in three different classes. According to the results obtained from 266 selected test points located within the forest boundaries, all primary factors showed an increased effect in areas with high burn severity. Climate, in particular, emerged as the most influential factor, accounting for 52% of the overall impact. However, in cases of high fire severity, climate proved to be the most effective risk factor, ac‐counting for 67%. It followed by topography with 50% accuracy at high fire intensity. In the risk assessment is based on the FAHP method, climate was assigned the highest weight value among other factors with 32.2%. Topography emerged as the second most effective risk factor with 27 %. To evaluate the results more comprehensively both visually and statistically, two regions with different stand canopy characteristics were selected within the study area. While high burn severity had the highest accuracy in Case 1 area, moderate burn severity had the highest in Case 2 area. During the days when the fire continued, the direction of spread was obtained from MODIS images. In this way, the fire severity depending on the direction of fire progression was also interpreted. Through an analysis of various case studies and existing literature, the research underscores both the strengths and limitations inherent in predicting forest fire behavior‐based pre‐fire risk assessments. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity of continuous improvement to increase the success of forest fire management.

Poverty has long been associated intricately with neurological disorders. Majority of the previous studies designed to describe the effects of poverty on neurological ailments have mostly linked the association of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and nutritional deficiency disorders with poverty. Authors herein try to delve deeper into this issue. The association of begging with neuropsychiatric disorders is robust. The burden of probable autosomal dominant neurological ailments is very common among beggars; followed by neurological disorders with social stigma like abnormal movements, facial dysmorphism and gait unsteadiness. Dearth of support from family members in autosomal dominant neurological disorders (as family members are likely to be suffering from similar neurodegenerative disorder ) and poor perception about neurological diseases, misconceptions, myths and low educational attainment at large in the society can be implicated as the often overlooked but important factors underneath this association of begging and neurological disorders.

Powdery mildew is a severe disease causing substantial yield losses in wheat production worldwide. The Chinese wheat landrace Changanhongmai (CAHM) exhibits high resistance to the physiological race E09 of powdery mildew. This study aims to characterize the powdery mildew resistance gene in CAHM, and develop molecular markers for marker-assisted selection of wheat. To investigate the genetic characteristics of this resistant gene, we developed F1 plants, F2 generation population, and F2:3 families from a cross between CAHM and SY225. Genetic analysis demonstrated that all F1 plants were resistant to the disease, while the ratio of resistant to susceptible plants was 3: 1 in both the F2 population and F2:3 families, indicating that CAHM is inherited in a manner of single dominant powdery mildew resistance gene, which was tentatively designated as PmCAHM. By using bulk segregation analysis, we constructed a genetic map encompassing Xgwm273, Xwmc626, Xgwm11, Xgwm18, Xgdm28, Xgpw7812, Xgpw5195, Xwmc694 and PmCAHM. Among these markers, Xgpw7812 and Xgpw5195 were flanking markers tightly linked to PmCAHM at a genetic distance of 2.5 cM and 8.4 cM, respectively. Furthermore, nullisomic-tetrasomic analysis revealed that PmCAHM is located on chromosome 1B. These results indicate that PmCAHM differs from the internationally recognized powdery mildew resistance genes in both location and source. In addition, a new germplasm/line NW1748 with large seeds and powdery mildew resistance was developed from the cross and back cross populations of Fengyou 1718 (FY1718)/CAHM//FY 1718. Therefore, PmCAHM can serve as a novel powdery mildew resistance source for breeding of wheat by using NW1748 as the donor in the future.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant risk factor for post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the injury-induced epileptogenesis are under under investigation. The dentate gyrus, a structure highly susceptible to injury, and has been implicated in the evolution of seizure development. Methods: Utilizing the murine unilateral focal control cortical impact (CCI) injury, we evaluated seizure onset using 24/7 EEG video analysis at 2-4 months post-injury. Cellular changes in the dentate gyrus and hilus of the hippocampus were quantified by non-biased stereology and Imaris image analysis to evaluate Prox1-positive cell migration, astrocyte branching and morphology, as well as neuronal loss at four months post-injury. Isolation of region-specific astrocytes and RNA-seq was performed to determine differential gene expression in PTE+ vs. PTE- that may comport with the epileptogenic process. Results: CCI injury resulted in 37% PTE+-incidence, which increased with injury severity and hippocampal damage. Histological assessments uncovered a significant loss of hilar interneurons that coincided with aberrant migration of Prox1-positive granule cells and reduced astroglial branching in PTE+ compared to PTE- mice. We uniquely identified Cst3 as a PTE+-specific gene signature in astrocytes across all brain regions. Conclusions: These findings suggest that epileptogenesis may emerge following TBI due to distinct aberrant cellular remodeling events and key molecular changes in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus.

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion accounts for the bulk of all head injuries and represents a major health concern. Although an mTBI event may not manifest in neurobehavioral impairment, repeated injuries, known as repeated mTBI (rmTBI), can result in a cumulative effect that may progress to long-term cognitive and functional deficits. To date, there is no FDA-approved drug for TBI in general and rmTBI in particular. In previous studies, we have demonstrated the neuroprotective role of mitoquinone (MitoQ), a mitochondrial antioxidant, in an open head injury model and a model of repeated mild TBI (rmTBI) at a chronic time point (30 days). In this work, we set out to assess the neuroprotective potential of MitoQ at acute (3 days) and subacute time points (7 days) post-injury in a controlled cortical impact model of rmTBI. C57BL/6 male mice were injected intraperitoneally with MitoQ (5 mg/kg) one hour after the first mTBI, and three days after the first injury in both the 3-day and 7-day MitoQ + rmTBI subgroups, with an additional injection four days after the second injection in the 7-day group. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) while gross and fine motor functions were evaluated by the pole climbing, grip strength, and ladder rung tests. Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was performed to evaluate oxidative stress while qRT-PCR was used to measure the gene expression of different antioxidant enzymes. Also, immunofluorescence staining was performed on brain tissue to assess the degree of microgliosis and astrocytosis. Our results showed that MitoQ conferred significant protection on days 3 and 7 post-injury against fine motor function impairment induced by rmTBI. Moreover, MitoQ enhanced cognitive function and reduced astrogliosis, microgliosis, and levels of oxidative stress on day 7 post-injury. However, antioxidant gene expression generally remained unaffected. In light of our results, MitoQ administration may be considered a preventive approach that helps to alleviate the neurological manifestations associated with rmTBI early before symptoms progress to long-term deficits.

Background: Alongside their long-term effects - post-concussion syndrome (PCS) - mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are significant public health concerns. Currently, there is a lack of reliable biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring mTBI and PCS. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles secreted by cells that have recently emerged as a potential source of biomarkers for mTBI and PCS due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and reflect the pathophysiology of brain injury. This study aimed to investigate the role of salivary exosomal biomarkers in mTBI and PCS. Methods: A systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines was conducted, and studies were selected based on their relevance to the topic. Results: Studies have shown that exosomal tau, phosphorylated tau (p-tau), amyloid beta (Aβ), and microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers for mTBI and PCS. Specifically, elevated levels of exosomal tau and p-tau have been associated with mTBI and PCS, as well as with repetitive mTBI. Dysregulated exosomal miRNAs have also been observed in individuals with mTBI and PCS. Additionally, exosomal Prion cellular protein (PRPc), coagulation factor XIII (XIIIa), synaptogyrin-3, IL-6, and aquaporins have been identified as promising biomarkers for mTBI and PCS. Conclusion: Salivary exosomal biomarkers have the potential to serve as non-invasive and easily accessible diagnostic and prognostic tools for mTBI and PCS. Further studies are needed to validate these biomarkers and to develop standardized protocols for their use in clinical settings. Salivary exosomal biomarkers can improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of mTBI and PCS, leading to improved patient outcomes.

About 14% of adolescents experience mental illnesses globally. The rate increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of COVID-related major mental illnesses (depression and anxiety) and their predictors among adolescents. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 adolescents aged 10-19 years, recruited from rural communities in West Bengal, India. The study areas included 27 subcenters in the Budge Budge II Block, which comprised 1,91,709 population and 45,333 households. Data were collected from randomly selected households by trained research assistants through house-to-house interviews. Pretested standardized questionnaires, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) for depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) for anxiety, and a demographic questionnaire were used for data collection. The prevalence of anxiety was 35.7% (125 out of 350), and the prevalence of depression was 30.0% (105 out of 350). Females had significantly higher scores of anxiety (6.67 ± 4.76 vs. 3.42 ± 3.17, respectively, p &lt;0.001) and depression (5.51 ± 4.99 vs. 3.26 ± 3.86, respectively, p &lt;0.001) compared to males. Adolescents who had COVID-19 cases or deaths in the family had significaly higher scores of anxiety and depression compared to those who didn’t have these events. In multivariate analysis, the statistically significant predictors of anxiety were COVID-19 death in the family, COVID-19 cases in the family, female gender, and a lower income group (p &lt;0.001 for all). For depression, the significant predictors included COVID-19 death in the family, COVID-19 cases in the family, female gender, a lower income group, and a higher age group in adolescents (p &lt;0.001 for all). Based on the study results, we recommend that immediate attention is needed for adolescents’ mental health support and coping with stresses following COVID-19.

Abstract Objectives To assess the causes and risk factors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adult asylum seekers and refugees. To explore whether the causes and risk factors of PTSD, between male and female adult refugees/ asylum seekers is different. Study design Systematic review of current literature. Data Sources PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar up until February 2019 Method A structured systematic search was conducted in the relevant databases. Papers were excluded, if they failed to meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Afterwards, a qualitative assessment was performed on the selected papers. Results 12 Studies were included for the final analysis. All papers were either case studies/report or cross sectional studies. The number of traumatic events experienced by refugees/asylum seekers, is the most frequently reported pre-migration causes for PTSD development. Whilst acculturative stress, is the most common post migration stressor. There were mixed reports, regarding the causes of PTSD between both genders of refugees/asylum seekers. Conclusion This reviews’ findings, have potential clinical application into helping clinicians, to risk stratify refugees/asylum seekers for PTSD development and thus aid in embarking on earlier intervention measures. However, more rigorous research similar to this one, is needed for it to be implemented into clinical practice.

The intricate architecture of dendritic arborization is fundamental to the formation and functionality of neural networks, serving as the primary site for synaptic integration and signal propagation. This study presents a pioneering computational model that simulates dendritic growth dynamics, employing exponential and logarithmic scaling over an extended developmental period of 720 days. This model offers a valuable tool for investigating the implications of diverse dendritic growth patterns on neural development, synaptic connectivity, and ultimately, cognitive functions. The computational framework incorporates biologically plausible parameters, allowing for the systematic exploration of dendritic branching patterns and their potential impact on neuronal information processing. By simulating exponential and logarithmic growth scales, the model captures the inherent complexity and diversity of dendritic morphologies observed in various neuronal populations across different brain regions. The findings from this study hold significant implications for our understanding of neural circuit assembly, synaptic integration, and the potential functional consequences of aberrant dendritic growth patterns observed in neurodevelopmental disorders. Furthermore, the model's ability to simulate extended developmental trajectories over a prolonged period of 720 days offers insights into the dynamic interplay between dendritic growth and synaptic pruning, which is crucial for the refinement and optimization of neural networks.

Aileen Oeberst and Roland Imhoff’s remarkable paper (Perspectives on Psychological Science 2023; 18: 1464-87). should be compulsory reading for all intelligence analysts. It offers a tantalisingly parsimonious explanation comprising the combination of strongly held prior 'beliefs' coupled with subsequent 'belief-consistent information processing' (akin to confirmation bias) - an explanation that simplifies understanding of a vast array of cognitive biases, and thereby suggests that all of these might be attenuated through the application of accessible analytical and assessment practices. What this means for intelligence analysis will be determined by the explicit and implicit 'beliefs' (or, more generally, ‘value[s]’) attributed to any evidence available, and any insight generated, to reduce decision-makers’ uncertainty and unsubstantiated certainty, and thereby offer them future advantage. Analysts are well aware that different sources of evidence (whether empirical, theoretical or entirely speculative) can assign different types and amounts of ‘prior value’ to the information available for intelligence analysis and assessment. Acknowledging such value as a potential driver of subsequent confirmation bias should help analysts guard against any inherent tendency to preference evidence solely on the basis that this was initially considered most ‘valuable’. Instead they should subject all evidence and all insight – regardless of perceived ‘value’ – to a consistent battery of systematic, rigorous and robust evaluation.

Continual learning, a crucial facet of machine learning, involves the perpetual acquisition of valuable insights from incoming data, sans the necessity for full dataset access. Esteemed as a fundamental goal in artificial intelligence, continual learning grapples with an enduring challenge—catastrophic forgetting. A proficient model must exhibit adaptability for new data assimilation and robustness to retain existing knowledge. Class-incremental learning (CIL) aids the gradual integration of knowledge from newly introduced classes, forming a universal classifier. However, directly training the model with fresh class instances triggers a problem—forgetting distinguishing features of prior classes, causing a performance decline. Addressing such issues in machine learning, this survey aims to delineate significant challenges, outcomes, and recent advancements, including our contributions to CIL techniques, especially in image classification.

Weather-related risks in aviation are one of the main causes of accidents worldwide. This article aims to analyze aviation risks resulting from adverse weather conditions, using the case study of the Pucallpa accident that occurred on August 23, 2005, in eastern Peru. In this analysis, we have determined the relationship between meteorological information and aviation risks, presented a matrix of risks associated with the most predominant meteorological variables at Pucallpa airport, and drawn up three maps of meteorological risks indicating the month of the year in which their incidence is most relevant. Finally, we conclude that it is essential to emphasize the importance of considering the prevailing weather conditions at Pucallpa airport to help mitigate the potential risks that may occur during different phases of the flight.

Background: The cumulative exposure of UV radiation can result in dangerous consequences such as skin burns, photoaging, and skin cancer, hence the importance of using photoprotective formulations. Currently, the formulations seek to be more efficient, innovative and reach a wider audience. Many sunscreens are vegan, and have antioxidant substances to ensure additional photochemoprotective action. To evaluate biological, functional, and mechanical characteristics of them on the skin, biometric and rheologic methods can be used. Objective: Evaluate biophysical, rheological and sensorial parameters of Face Care Facial Moisturizing Cream® (P1) and a vegan formulation (P2) by in vitro and in vivo tests. Methods: A UV scan experiment was performed covering the range of 250 to 400 nm. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was evaluated by Mansur method. Rheological profiles were obtained using a MARS II (Haake®) controlled shear stress and gradient rheometer. Biophysical parameters were analyzed: skin sebum content, hydration level, transepidermal water loss, erythema and melanin level, skin color, and skin pH. The acceptance profile of the formulations by the volunteers was determined using a 9-point hedonic scale and a 5-point purchase intention test. Results: The formulations effectively absorbed light covering the UV radiation spectrum from UVA to UVB. The SPF of P1 was 25.21 and of P2 was 12.10 by in vitro tests. They had also pseudoplastic and thixotropic behavior, it can contribute to better spreadability and to form a protective film. Biometric tests showed an increase in hydration and skin sebum, decreased erythema, and maintenance of skin pH after application of both formulations. The products also had similarly good acceptance and purchase intention by the volunteers. Conclusion: The comparation of a commercialized product and a vegan test version showed very similar rheological and great acceptance profiles. Therefore, the vegan formulation is a good alternative to reach a different market.

Traumatic cardiac arrest has a high mortality. We report the case of a 65 years old women who presented a cardiac arrest following traffic accident. Examinations concluded to a tension gastro thorax with a delayed diagnosis. Naso gastric tube insertion was for many authors a temporary care while waiting for surgery. We report on the diagnostic difficulties found in the literature and a recent review of published cases.

A monocular vision pose estimation and identification algorithm used on a small spacecraft for future orbital servicing is studied in this paper. A tracker spacecraft equipped with a short-range vision system is proposed to recover the 3D structural model of a space target in orbit and automatically identify its solar panels and main body using only visual information from an onboard camera. The proposed reconstruction and identification framework is tested using structure-from-motion and point cloud identification methods. The Efficient Perspective-n-Points (EPnP) descriptor is used for pose estimation. Triangulated points are used for component segmentation by means of orientation histogram descriptors. Experimental results based on laboratory images of a spacecraft model show the effectiveness and robustness of our approach.

Our environment has been impacted by man-made pollutants mainly industries make substantial use of synthetic dyes which exhibit cytotoxicity and have significant environmental consequences. Effective photocatalyst-based approaches for degrading synthetic dyes into less toxic chemical are of great interest. Synthesizing NPs using biological approaches, particularly plant-based approaches offer advantages, decreasing the risk of NPs losing biocompatibility during synthesis, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. In this study, we employed a green synthesis method to produce manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO NPs) utilizing leaf extract from the Lathyrus Aphaca plant. The synthesized MnOx NPs were characterized through various techniques; X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–visible spectroscopy. XRD analysis showed distinct peaks, indicated the presence crystallographic planes within the MnO₂ nanoparticles, thus confirming their crystalline structure. SEM study highlighted closely packed configurations with average size of approximately ≥ 50-70 nm, with well-defined boundaries. EDX analysis showed the presence of elemental manganese (Mn) in the samples, with peaks corresponding to Mn detected at lower energy levels, predominantly represented by MnO. FTIR, showed the presence of the O-O stretching mode at a frequency of 719 cm^-1, the presence of MnO₆ oxides of manganese, and peak at 548 cm^-1 corresponded to the Mn-O stretching mode. Furthermore, the green-synthesized manganese oxide nanoparticles exhibited promising photocatalytic and adsorption capabilities against Methylene Blue (MB) dye, leading to approximately 93.21% degradation of MB when treated with the green-synthesized MnO nanoparticles derived from plant extract. This highlights the efficacy and potential of these nanoparticles in environmental remediation applications, particularly in the degradation of methylene blue contaminants.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death, making timely diagnosis and prognosis very important. Utilization of AI (artificial intelligence) enables providers to organize and process patient data in a way that can lead to better overall outcomes. This review paper aims to look at the varying uses of AI for diagnosis and prognosis and clinical utility. PubMed and EBSCO databases were utilized for finding publications from January 1, 2013, to December 22, 2023. Articles were collected using key search terms such as “artificial intelligence” and “machine learning.” Included in the collection were studies of the application of AI in determining cancer diagnosis and prognosis using multi-omics data, radiomics, pathomics, clinical and laboratory data. The resulting 89 studies were categorized into eight sections based on the type of data utilized and then further subdivided into two subsections focusing on cancer diagnosis and prognosis, respectively. 8 studies integrated more than one form of omics, namely genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics. Incorporating AI into cancer diagnosis and prognosis alongside omics and clinical data represents a significant advancement. Given the considerable potential of AI in this domain, ongoing prospective studies are essential to enhance algorithm interpretability and to ensure safe clinical integration.

Importance: Neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder lack objective diagnostic markers, hindering accurate diagnosis and treatment. A novel approach using patient-derived cerebral organoids and digital analysis of electrophysiological recordings could provide much-needed objective biomarkers.Objective: To develop a digital analysis pipeline that can identify distinct electrophysiological signatures of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder using multi-electrode array recordings from patient-derived cerebral organoids.Design: This was an experimental study using previously published data. The study type can be classified as a case-control study, comparing cerebral organoids and 2D neuronal cultures derived from patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and healthy controls. The study utilized multi-electrode array recordings for analysis. Setting: The study was conducted in a laboratory setting using previously recorded data. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the accuracy of a support vector machine classifier in distinguishing between healthy control, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder samples based on electrophysiological features extracted from the recordings. Key cellular-digital biomarkers were identified using minimum redundancy maximum relevance feature selection.Results:Our Support Vector Machine classifier achieved 95.8% accuracy in distinguishing SCZ from control samples in 2D neuronal cultures under both baseline and post-electrical stimulation (PES) conditions. For cerebral organoids, classification accuracy was 83.3% under baseline conditions, improving to 91.6% under PES when distinguishing between control, SCZ, and BPD samples. Key features for classification included channel-specific measures such as median, covariance, autocorrelation, and kurtosis of neural activity. Confusion matrices visualize classification performance, with most misclassifications occurring in the BPD class under baseline conditions. These results demonstrate that our digital analysis pipeline can effectively distinguish between healthy control and patient-derived samples using electrophysiological features from multi-electrode array recordings, particularly under PES conditions.Conclusions and Relevance: This digital analysis pipeline demonstrates the potential to identify objective electrophysiological signatures of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder using patient-derived cerebral organoids. This approach could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and personalized treatment strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Background: Clinical trails have revealed that patients with depression generally accompanied with learning and memory impairment, which critically impact on individual’s health and development. Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS), a famous Chinese complex prescription, significantly overcame depression and relieved cognitive disorder based on previous research and publication. However, its effectsand potential mechanism against chronic restraint stress (CRS) remained unknown. Methods: CRS animal model was established and mice were divided to six groups while they were oral administrated with Danggui-Shaoyao-San at doses of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 g/kg for 14 days. Emotional and cognitive performances were detected by behavior tests, meanwhile neural plasticity and its molecular mechanism were examined by Dil staining, western blot and immunofluorescence. Results: DSS treatment dose-dependently improved locomotion ability in open filed test, overcame depression behavior in forced swimming test and elevated plus maze test, enhanced learning and memory ability in Morris water maze test. CRS decreased number of total spines and mushroom spines, while DSS treatment dose-dependently restored these by Dil staining. Expression of BDNF and GluR1 were significantly down-regulated in CRS group, which were significantly normalized by DSS. Conclusions: DSS treatment dose-dependently reversed CRS-induced cognitive impairments by inducing structural remodeling of neurons.

Background: Anxiety disorders can be both an independent risk factor of many somatic conditions and the cause of complications of various organic disorders leading to poor prognosis. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare the heart rate variability (HRV) recorded both during the day and at night in patients with anxiety disorders and healthy individuals. Methods: The study was conducted on fifty consecutive outpatients with anxiety disorders who participated in intensive group psychotherapy. The diagnosis was made according to DSM-IV-TR criteria using the PSE-10 questionnaire. Out of 50 patients under study, 17 were diagnosed with panic disorder (PD) and 21 with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The control group consisted of 40 healthy people. The resulting three groups were compared in terms of circadian HRV using the Oxford Medilog Suprima Holter System. Results: The HRV analysis showed the nocturnal falls in the time and frequency parameters related to parasympathetic activity (rMSSD, pNN50, HF). The most unfavourable alterations were observed in the PD group, which comprised the disappearance of day vs. night amplitude of the majority of HRV parameters. Hence, the PD group was particularly susceptible to the arrhythmic events. It was noticeable that nocturnal vagotonia in the PD group was significantly lower as compared with the GAD and control group. Conclusions: The innovative aspect of the present study was to find a distinct profile of HRV with regard to the types of anxiety disorders because of the existing considerable differences between the nature of PD and GAD.

This article describes the POTENTIALS project, which aimed to develop business models for the reuse of former industrial and mining sites in different regions. The project focused on the creation of eco-industrial parks as a result to enable sustainable energy production and reduce waste and pollution. A key aspect was the Territorial Impact Assessment (TIA), a new and complex policy assessment tool. Therefore, the TEQUILA (Territorial Efficiency Quality and Identity Layer Assessment) approach is used to describe the TIA and emphasizes its application in assessing the impact of EU policies and projects on territorial cohesion. It underlines the need for a differentiated understanding of the regional characteristics and potential impacts of policies; and stresses the importance of regionalized impact models for the assessment. Furthermore, the process and results of applying the TEQUILA methodology to assess the territorial impact of different scenarios of business models within the POTENTIALS project is given.

The accumulation of brown algae from the genus Sargassum has been increasing over the years in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Africa, Brazil, and Mexico. This causes harmful effects to the ecosystem, health, economy, and climate due to gas emissions from its decomposition process. There is the possibility of this biomass being reused in civil construction, and few studies have been carried out on its application to common Portland cement mortar. As such, the objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of sargassum ash as a mineral addition to partial replacement of fine aggregates in Portland cement mortar. Characterizations of the raw materials were carried out through X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, loss on ignition, particle size distribution, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), real density, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and dispersion spectroscopy of electrons. The mortars were prepared by partially replacing the fine aggregate (sand) with sargassum ash, at 0%, 5%, 10% and 20%. Mortar performance was evaluated through water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent specific mass, compressive strength after 7, 28, and 63 days after curing. Lastly, a life cycle assessment in accordance with ISO standards 14040:2006 and 14044:2006. The results showed that replacing sand with sargassum ash increases water absorption, apparent porosity, and decreases the apparent specific mass and compressive strength as replacement increases. Nevertheless, the compressive strength results after 63 days, for 5 and 10% replacement did not differ statistically from reference values. The life cycle assessment indicates that mortars with partial replacement of sand by sargassum ash showed positive environmental impacts when compared to reference values for most categories regardless of the scenario analyzed, especially for mortar with 10% replacement. As such, the use of sargassum ash at 10% does not alter compressive strength values after 63 days while reducing its environmental impact. The application of this biomass in civil construction materials provides a destination for this algae that has been causing several social, environmental, and economic problems.

Correlations among estrus cycle, pyometra, and canine diabetes mellitus (CDM) have been described since the late 1950s, and substantial progress in understanding mechanisms beyond was achieved nowadays. Progesterone-related diabetes mellitus (PRDM) in dogs is known for its particular potential for diabetes remission. Thus, a deep understanding of the physiopathological aspects involved is crucial to postulate treatment guidelines to improve the PRDM remission rate, as well as to inform preventive measures. This narrative review aims to provide relevant detailed information on 1) canine estrus cycle and its impact on CDM etiology and management, 2) the role of pyometra as a further cause of insulin resistance, and 3) useful individual therapeutic and preventive strategies. Pharmacological annulment of progesterone effects, as well as inflammatory and progesterone-related conditions resolution in association with adequate exogenous insulin therapy, and residual beta cell function, are key aspects to achieve remission, or at least to improve diabetic clinical control. In this way, spaying should be considered mandatory in most PRDM cases. Preventive measures against CDM can include spaying recommendations; however, individual-based recommendations should be considered since castration may be associated with some long-term health issues.

Sporotrichosis’ clinical manifestations, lesions in the cutaneous or subcutaneous tissues, it is caused by dimorphic fungi of the Sporothrix complex, is a cosmopolitan mycosis that affects humans and animals. This study aimed to identify prevalent species in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and characterize virulence profiles and antifungal susceptibility associated with Sporothrix isolates. Isolates were identified using macro and micro-morphological traits as well molecular biology techniques. Antifungal susceptibility was determined using the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration test, while, virulence factors such as growth at different temperatures, biofilm formation, melanin production, and urease activity were assessed. Our findings revealed S. brasiliensis as a predominant species isolated. Urease activity was a crucial factor associated with growth at 50°C in S. brasiliensis isolates, highlighting their high thermotolerance. Furthermore, strains isolated from humans produced a more robust biofilm compare to those from felines. Strains of S. brasiliensis isolated from Felis catus exhibited faster melanin production, decreased susceptible to antifungal agents tested, and superior growth capacity at 50°C to strains isolated from humans. Therefore, our study highlights the prevalence of S. brasiliensis causing sporotrichosis in both human and felines. However, it underscores the circulation of different strains, with varying levels of virulence and susceptibility to antifungal agents.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid growth in telemental health services and investment in digital mental health technologies. Digital mental health technologies could expand access to mental health care amid increasing provider deficit by providing tools for expedited psychiatric symptom assessment and treatment augmentation. This systematic review explores the recent evidence for the use of scalable digital tools, including virtual reality, neurofeedback training, wearables, mobile apps, digital phenotyping, and machine learning for PTSD symptom assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Methods: A PubMed search identified studies on digital technologies with current or future potential for scalability (accessible through a small, digital device without the virtual or in-person presence of a mental health care provider)–and PTSD diagnosis, symptom assessment, or symptom treatment as the primary outcome. Thirty-five studies inform this review. Results: Virtual reality exposure therapy is efficacious for combat-related PTSD treatment. Conclusions of studies investigating apps and neurofeedback training are limited by low sample size and methodological heterogeneity. Machine learning models demonstrate capability in detecting PTSD symptoms via passively collected data from smartphones, wearables, and actively collected data from patient speech, writing, and videos, but standardization of data collection and modeling are needed before application to clinical settings. Conclusions: Advancements in scalable digital tools could address barriers in healthcare access and improve patient engagement by providing asynchronous assessment and treatment augmentation. Future research utilizing diverse patient populations in standardized controlled trials is needed to determine evidence-based protocols for implementation.

Fever control is essential in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in severe TBI has been investigated over the last few decades; however, in contrast to experimental studies showing benefits, no evidence of efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical practice. In this review, the mechanisms and history of hypothermia were briefly outlined, while the results of major randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses investigating TH for adult TBI are introduced and discussed. The retrieved meta-analyses showed conflicting results, with a limited number of studies indicating benefits of TH. Some studies have shown benefits of long-term TH compared with short-term TH. Although TH is effective at lowering elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), reduced ICP does not lead to favorable outcomes. Low-quality RCTs overestimated the benefits of TH, while high-quality RCTs showed no difference or worse outcomes with TH. RCTs assessing standardized TH quality demonstrated the benefits of TH. As TBI has heterogeneous and complicated pathologies, applying a uniform treatment may not be ideal. A meta-analysis of young patients who underwent early cooling and hematoma removal showed better TH results. TH should not be abandoned, and its optimal should be advocated on an individual basis.

Background: Mental capacity is a fundamental aspect that enables patients to fully par-ticipate in various healthcare procedures. To assist healthcare professionals (HCPs) in assessing patients' capacity, especially in the mental health field, several standardized tools have been developed. These tools include the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment (MacCAT-T), the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Clinical Research (MacCAT-CR), and the Competence Assessment Tool for Psychiatric Advance Directives (CAT-PAD). The core dimensions explored by these tools include Understanding, Appreciation, Reasoning, and Expression of a choice. Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to investigate potential differences in deci-sion-making capacity within the healthcare context among groups of patients with bi-polar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). Methods: A systematic search was conducted on Medline/Pubmed, and Scopus. Addi-tionally, Google Scholar was manually inspected, and a manual search of emerging re-views and reference lists of the retrieved papers was performed. Eligible studies were specifically cross-sectional, utilizing standardized assessment tools, and involving pa-tients diagnosed with BD and SSD. Data from the studies were independently extracted and pooled using random-effect models. Hedges g was used as a measure for outcomes. Results: Six studies were identified, with three studies using the MacCAT-CR, two studies the MacCAT-T, and one the CAT-PAD. The participants included 189 individuals with BD and 324 individuals with SSD. The meta-analysis revealed that patients with BD performed slightly better, and the difference was statistically significant, compared to patients with SSD, particularly in the domain of Appreciation (ES=0.23, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.04, p=0.037). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for Understanding (ES=0.09, 95% CI: - 0.10 to 0.27, p=0.352), Reasoning (ES=0.18, 95% CI: - 0.12 to 0.47, p=0.074), and Expression of a choice (ES = 0.23, 95% CI: - 0.01 to 0.48, p=0.60). In the sensitivity analysis, furthermore, when considering only studies involving patients in symptomatic remission, the difference for Appreciation also resulted in non-significant (ES=0.21, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.46, p=0.102). (ES=0.21, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.46, p=0.102). Conclusions: These findings indicate that there are no significant differences between patients with BD and SSD during remission phases, while differences are minimal during acute phases. The usefulness of standardized assessment of capacity at any stage of the illness should be considered, both for diagnostic-therapeutic phases and for research and advance directives. Further studies are necessary to understand the reasons for the overlap in capacity between the two diagnostic categories compared in this study.

In the realm of metal steel and iron manufacturing, there is a constant drive to optimize production efficiency and enhance the quality of the final products. This abstract explores a paradigm shift in this industry through the utilization of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a powerful tool for achieving these goals .The study focuses on various critical aspects of the manufacturing process. Firstly, it delves into three-phase processes such as slag and gas entrainment in liquid steel, which have a significant impact on the overall product quality. Understanding and optimizing these processes is crucial to ensure the desired chemical composition and physical properties of the final metal.The abstract investigates the role of CFD in vacuum degassing, a process that plays a pivotal role in removing impurities, such as hydrogen and oxygen, from the liquid steel. By leveraging CFD to simulate and analyze the fluid flow patterns, researchers and engineers can design more efficient vacuum degassing systems, leading to improved product purity and reduced waste.Another crucial aspect explored in this abstract is the alloy melt and mixing process. By employing CFD simulations, researchers can gain insights into the movement of different alloy components and optimize their distribution within the melt. This aids in achieving the desired alloy composition, ensuring uniformity, and enhancing the mechanical properties of the final product.In addition, the study delves into the movement and flotation of inclusions, which are unwanted impurities present in the metal. CFD can be utilized to model and analyze the behavior of these inclusions, enabling engineers to design efficient strategies for their removal, thereby enhancing the purity and integrity of the final product.Moreover, the abstract considers the impact of melt temperature losses, which can occur during different stages of the manufacturing process. By employing CFD, it becomes possible to understand and mitigate these temperature losses, leading to improved energy efficiency and better control over the manufacturing parameters.Part 1 of this abstract critically evaluates the use of CFD in iron making, analyzing its benefits and limitations. It highlights how CFD can aid in process optimization, improving the understanding of complex phenomena involved in iron making, and ultimately leading to enhanced production efficiency.Part 2 focuses on the application of CFD in steel making and steel operation. It explores the fluid flow dynamics during different stages of steel production, including refining, casting, and rolling. By leveraging CFD, engineers can optimize these processes, leading to improved product quality, reduced defects, and increased productivity.This abstract demonstrates the transformative potential of Computational Fluid Dynamics in metal, steel, and iron manufacturing. By utilizing CFD as a tool to model and analyze complex fluid flow phenomena, researchers and engineers can revolutionize the production process, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring high-quality end products.

The main goal of optimization is to find factors values that bring minimum feedstock consumption or maximum final product or services of the production process. In a production process, the factors that make up the model that describes it are usually the properties of the final product. In the case of biodiesel, which is the final product of the process that is the object of study, among the various properties, the glycerol content is among the most important. The present study aims to maximize the model yield that defines glycerol content on the biodiesel composition. This optimization was executed by a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm (SAGAC),and its experimental results are compared with other optimization techniques named by RSM (Response Surface Methodology). After run the experimental assays, SAGAC algorithm has find the follow values of model factors: molar ratio = 3(mol/mol), catalyst content = 0.52 (wt%), reaction temperature = 49(^oC), Time = 45 (min) generating model yield of 14.46 that, match with EN 14105 standard value of 0.33 (wt%). Comparing results between SAGAC and RSM methodologies, SAGAC has presented an improvement of 31%.

The COVID-19 outbreak and the sudden lockdown of society in March 2020 had a large impact on people’s daily life and gave rise to concerns for the mental health in the general population. The aim of the study was to examine post-traumatic stress reactions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of symptom-defined post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and factors associated with post-traumatic stress in the Norwegian population during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. A survey was administered via social media channels, to which a sample of 4527 adults (≥18 years) responded. Symptom-defined PTSD was measured with the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5. The items were specifically linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. We used the DSM-5 diagnostic guidelines to categorize participants as fulfilling the PTSD symptom criteria or not. Associations with PTSD were examined with single and multiple logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of symptom-defined PTSD was 12.5% for men and 19.5% for women. PTSD was associated with lower age, female gender, lack of social support, and a range of pandemic-related variables such as economic concerns, expecting economic loss, having been in quarantine or isolation, being at high-risk for complications from COVID-19 infection, and having concern for family and close friends. In conclusion, posttraumatic stress reactions were common in the Norwegian population in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. Concerns about finances, health, and family and friends seem to matter.

Electrolyte disturbances are common in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly affecting sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium levels. This study aims to provide insights into these disturbances within the first 24 hours post-injury. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 50 TBI patients, excluding those with conditions affecting electrolyte balance. Electrolyte levels were measured, and correlations with demographic data, trauma mechanisms, imaging findings, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were analyzed. Results indicated that chloride levels inversely correlated with GCS scores (ρ = -0.515; p = 0.002), suggesting that elevated chloride may indicate severe neurological impairment. Potassium levels were significantly associated with subdural hematoma (p = 0.032) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (p = 0.043), highlighting their potential as markers for severe brain injuries. No significant associations were found between sodium or calcium levels and the studied variables. These findings underscore the importance of early monitoring of chloride and potassium levels in TBI patients to improve management and outcomes. Future research should focus on larger, multi-center studies to validate these findings and develop comprehensive guidelines for managing electrolyte imbalances in TBI patients.

The restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic left many older adults isolated and confined. Under active aging theory, self-management is crucial for well-being among older adults coping with aging. The current study examines how (a) initial self-management, and (b) changes in self-management due to independent physical training, affect psychological outcomes in a sample of care home residents following outbreak of the pandemic. 64 older adults (53 females, 11 males), mean age is 82.23, reported on their self-management abilities, then embarked on six months of training in chair exercises (one session per week). The training exercises were halted after 22 sessions due to the pandemic, but some residents continued to practice independently. Eight weeks after the outbreak of the pandemic, residents who had continued to practice at least once per week (n = 35) and those who had not continued to practice (n = 29) were questioned again about their self-management, and about five psychological outcomes: anxiety, traumatic stress, satis-faction, general mood, and post-traumatic growth (PTG). Self-management improved among older adults who independently practiced the exercises, and declined among those who did not. Pre-pandemic self-management significantly predicted post-outbreak traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, general mood, and satisfaction with life, but not PTG. However, the difference in self-management between the pre-pandemic and post-outbreak measures was associated with PTG, and made a unique contribution to prediction of the other effects. Self-management abilities among older adults can be seen as a protective factor against adverse psychological outcomes at times of trauma. Further, the improvement in self-management among older adults who independently practiced physical excises made a unique contribution beyond initial self-management abilities.

YOLOv8, as an efficient object detection method, can swiftly and precisely identify objects within images. However, traditional algorithms encounter difficulties when detecting small targets in remote sensing images, such as missing information, background noise, and interactions among multiple objects in complex scenes, which may affect performance. To tackle these challenges, we propose an enhanced algorithm optimized for detecting small objects in remote sensing images, named HP-YOLOv8. Firstly, we design the C2f-D-Mixer (C2f-DM) module as a replacement for the original C2f module. This module integrates both local and global information, significantly improving the ability to detect features of small objects. Secondly, we introduce a feature fusion technique based on attention mechanisms, named Bi-Level Routing Attention in Gated Feature Pyramid Network (BGFPN). This technique utilizes an efficient feature aggregation network and reparameterization technology to optimize information interaction between different scale feature maps, and through the Bi-level Routing Attention (BRA) mechanism, it effectively captures critical feature information of small target objects. Finally, we propose the Smooth Mean Perpendicular Distance Intersection over Union (SMPDIoU) loss function. The method comprehensively considers the shape and size of detection boxes, enhances the model's focus on the attributes of detection boxes and provides a more accurate bounding box regression loss calculation method. To demonstrate our approach's efficacy, we conduct comprehensive experiments across the RSOD, NWPU VHR-10, and VisDrone2019 datasets. The experimental results show that the HP-YOLOv8 achieves 95.11%, 93.05%, and 53.49% in the mAP@0.5 metric, and 72.03%, 65.37%, and 38.91% in the more stringent mAP@0.5:0.95 metric, respectively.

Research on wearable solutions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been conducted to detect stress. However, studies on stress detection for an individual with ASD have been limited, especially on how it should design for individuals with ASD. Wearable solutions may be a tool for parents and caregivers for emotional monitoring for individuals with ASD who have a high risk of experiencing very stressful. However, wearable solutions for individuals with ASD may differ from those without ASD. Individuals with ASD have sensory sensitiveness; therefore, they do not tolerate any accessory type or discomfort to use. We used the Scopus, PubMed, WoS, and IEEE-Xplore databases to answer different research questions related to wearable solutions for individuals with ASD, physiological parameters, and algorithms of artificial intelligence used for stress detection studies found from 2013 to 2023. Our review found 34 articles; not all the studies considered individuals with ASD or were out of the scope.

The introduction of ventricular shunts dramatically changed the outcome and quality of life of hydrocephalic patients. However, shunt surgery continues to be associated with numerous adverse events. Headache is one of the most common complications after shunt operation. It is often over a prolonged duration, the symptoms resemble migraine, and pain does not respond to medication. We propose invasive peripheral nerve stimulation as a possible solution in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic headache associated with shunted hydrocephalus. A young woman with daily holocephalic headache with diffuse pain exacerbated by lying down. Imaging revealed panventricular enlargement and possible stenosis of the aqueduct. When a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed, clinical symptoms resolved. Nevertheless, she gradually exacerbated after a second valve replacement due to wound infection. Imaging revealed decompressed ventricles and appropriate shunt placement. The diagnosis of chronic post-intracranial disorder headache was set. Therefore, occipital nerve stimulation was applied and considering that the patient had not a total response, bilateral parietal stimulation was added. Three months after the combined PNS she experienced total remission of headache. Combined PNS eases refractory headaches much more than occipital nerve stimulation alone and could be considered as a solution for shunted hydrocephalus associated headache.

The Universe is treated as an unbound thermodynamic system in which two forces of Nature compete: Attractive gravity loss and repulsive entropic gain. Entropic gain, although not presently considered a force of Nature, is otherwise well known and can be expressed with the gas laws. The Universe at the time of last scattering was all gas. Its instant gain is expressed as gas pressure. When the Gibbs equation is properly applied to this unbound gas, the resulting atomic Hubble parameter is found to be exclusively dependent on baryon density, giving a constant and perpetual two-to-one gain/loss ratio. Instant loss to gravity cannot offset gas pressure in this “thermal equation”. By contrast, the Friedmann equation, a ΛCDM foundation, treats baryon mass as accreted, having little if any entropic gain. These two equations are actually equivalent. Expanding accreted matter at its comoving critical density is herein shown to behave exactly like a freely expanding gas. However, neither equation includes all of today’s Universal kinetic energy, and cannot by themselves fully account for observed stellar movement. The present paper proposes the plausible existence of highly energetic or “suprathermal” free electrons which comprise about half of the intergalactic medium’s kinetic total. It is this suprathermal energy which Λ expresses. The fluid equation, another ΛCDM foundation, eliminates entropic gain from the Gibbs equation. Additionally, rest mass’s Einstein energy E=Mc² is treated as a thermal variable. These two assumptions, isoentropy and energy conflation, led astronomers to populate Λ as they followed the prior art.

This study explores novel techniques to improve the detection accuracy of skarn iron deposits using advanced image processing methodologies. Leveraging the capabilities of Aster image, Band Ratio (BR) images, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), alongside the power of 3D Convolutional Neural Networks (3D-CNN), the research aims to enhance the precision and efficiency of ore detection in complex geological environments. The proposed method employs a specific 3D-CNN architecture, accepting input as a 7×7×C image patch, where C represents the combined number of selected Aster image bands, Principal Component (PC) bands, and computed BR images. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method, five distinct image bands combinations, including the proposed bands combination, were tested and evaluated based on the overall accuracy (OA), average accuracy (AA), and kappa coefficient. The results demonstrated that while the incorporation of BR images alongside Aster bands initially seemed promising, it introduced significant confusion in certain classifications, leading to unexpected mis-classification rates. Surprisingly, utilizing solely Aster bands as input parameters yielded higher accuracy rates (OA= 93.13%, AA = 91.96%, Kappa = 90.91%) compared to scenarios involving the integration with band ratios (OA = 87.02%, AA = 79.15, and Kappa = 82.60%) or the integration of BR images to PC bands (OA= 87.78%, AA = 82.39%, Kappa = 83.81%). However, the amalgamation of Aster bands with selected PC bands showed slight improvements in accuracy (OA= 94.65%, AA = 92.93%, Kappa = 93.45%), although challenges in accurately classifying certain features persisted. Ultimately, the proposed combination of Aster bands, PC bands, and BR images (proposed bands combination) presented the most visually appealing and statistically accurate results (OA = 96.95%, AA= 94.87%, and Kappa = 95.93%), effectively addressing misclassifications observed in the other combinations. These findings underscore the synergistic contributions of each of the Aster bands, PC bands, and BR images, with Aster bands proving pivotal for optimal skarn classification, PC bands enhancing intrusions classification accuracy, and BR images strengthening wall rock classification accuracy. In conclusion, the proposed combination of input image bands emerges as a robust and comprehensive methodology, demonstrating unparalleled accuracy in the remote sensing detection of skarn iron minerals.

One of the most prevalent illnesses, diabetes does not directly result in patient mortality. But, it increases the risk of death. Any disease that may be predicted in its early stages can lessen its fatal effects while also enhancing the quality of the healthcare system. For the early-stage prediction of diabetes or such types of non-communicable diseases, we need the proper set of influential features. This research has developed a machine learning-based disease prediction model to identify the influential features for diabetes prediction and give a near-perfect classification accuracy. This model includes Min-Max normalization for data normalization, Isolation Forest (iForest) for outlier removal, Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) for oversampling, Random Forest based Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE-RF) test, Chi-Square test, and Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevancy (mRMR) test based feature selection methods for identifying the influential features, and Support Vector Machine (SVM), K Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Naive Bayes (NB) for the classification. The results clarify that the proposed model outperforms the previous models and studies. The SVM has attained an accuracy of 99.58% in classification using the five features chosen from the Chi-Square test. Lastly, SHAP, an explainable AI model, has been used to assess the classifier model’s performance. These selected features and the classifier model can be used for early-stage diabetes prediction.

Objective: To investigate whether the relationships between acute care occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) utilization and community discharge are moderated by functional or physical performance at discharge among individuals hospitalized with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Setting: 14 acute care hospitals in the state of Colorado. Participants: We studied 5,599 adults hospitalized with TBI between June 2018 and April 2021. Design: In a secondary analysis of de-identified electronic health record (EHR) data, multivariable moderation logistic regression models were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for the likelihood of community discharge among patients who utilized OT/PT services. Main Measures: Functional (activities of daily living [ADL]) and physical (mobility) performance at discharge, OT and PT utilization, and community discharge status. Results: Overall, 67% of patients discharged to the community. The mean age of the sample was 55 years (SD = 20 years). Most participants were male (64%) and non-Hispanic white (72%). Mean hospital length of stay was 6 days (SD = 6 days). Both OT and PT utilization (OT: OR= 1.21, 95% CI [1.11, 1.33]; PT: OR= 1.22, 95% CI [1.14, 1.30]) and discharge ADL and mobility scores (ADL: OR= 1.34, 95% CI [1.30, 1.39]; mobility: OR= 1.38, 95% CI [1.33, 1.42]) were significantly and positively associated with community discharge. The OT and PT utilization-by-discharge ADL and mobility interaction terms yielded slightly negative, but statistically significant moderation effects in both models (ORs= 0.99, 95% CIs [0.98, 1.00]); indicating the magnitude of the OT and PT utilization effect diminished as ADL and mobility scores increased. Several sociodemographic characteristics and clinical factors were also independently associated with community discharge in both models (p-values

Involving industrial waste into economic circulation, in particular flotation waste from coal enrichment, is an urgent task. The coal preparation waste of ArcelorMittal Temirtau JSC was studied with a view to the possibility of using it as an alternative substitute for coke breeze in the sintering process. During a thermoanalytical study on a synchronous thermal analyzer STA 449 NETZSCH in dynamic mode with a heating rate of 10, 20, 30 °C/min in an air flow of 30 cm³/min in the temperature range 30–1000 °C, we determined the lower heat of combustion of carbon-containing material, change mass during calcination, change and rate of change in the mass of the sample, thermal effect of the process, the temperature of the beginning, end and maximum development of thermal effects. It has been established that the greatest mass loss is observed in the temperature range 580 °C- 610 °C, which is about 65–67% of the total mass of the organic component of coal. The maximum burnout rate corresponds to a temperature of 540–563 °C. The lowest calorific value of the studied waste was 15.9 MJ/kg. The results of thermal analytical research and technical analysis substantiate the possibility of using flotation waste in a mixture of up to 10% with coke breeze for combustion in the sintering layer for the production of sinter. Analysis of the composition of flotation waste showed that they have a high specific surface area (56.8∙10³ m²/kg), are highly dispersible, soggy, and capable of swelling, and the predominant amount of clay substance makes them a plastic material. The possibilities of using coal flotation waste as an alternative substitute for coke breeze have been studied after the regimes of its preparation for sintering have been developed and a rational regime of layer-by-layer combustion in the sintering layer has been established. The optimal ratio of coke and OPC in the fuel mixture of the sintering charge was determined.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a high suicide-risk mental disorder. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between temperament and character traits with suicide probability, suicide attempt and perceived stress level in patients with BD. A total of 39 euthymic patients with bipolar disorder who had a history of suicide attempt and 39 euthymic patients without a history of suicide attempt were included in this study. Sociodemographic and clinical data form, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5-Clinician Version (SCID-5/CV), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Suicide Probability Scale were used for obtaining the data. HDRS, PSS and SPS scores of the group comprised of patients who attempted suicide were higher than the other group. There was no significant difference between the group of patients who had attempted suicide and the other group in terms of temperament characteristics. In the group of patients who had attempted suicide, self-directedness (SD) and cooperativeness (CO) scores were lower and self-transcendence (ST) score was higher than the other group. HA and ST were positively and SD negatively associated with SPS scores. In the regression analysis for suicide risk, the factors most associated with suicide risk were high HDRS and low CO score. Low SD in BD, high ST with CO may be associated with suicide attempt. Alongside low SD, high HA and ST may be associated with suicidal ideation. Treating residual depressive symptoms can reduce the risk of suicide.

In the evolving landscape of higher education, St. Michael's College (SMC) recognizes the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student welfare. This paper emphasizes the critical importance of addressing mental health, time management, and stress in the college environment, underlining their influence on academic success and personal growth. The call to action urges students to prioritize their well-being. Diverse cultural and religious perspectives, including Islam, emphasize the importance of a balanced mind and body. The wide-ranging literature review uncovers empirically supported strategies for mental health, time management, and stress reduction. Personal autonomy emerges as crucial in addressing these challenges. This study underscores the importance of these dimensions, calls for student action, and highlights the diversity of perspectives contributing to holistic well-being.

The goal of the project was to understand how topography/bathymetry is imported and used in GeoFlood with an aim towards improving efficiency and computational cost of bathymetry handling in GeoFlood.GeoFlood is a software to simulate overland flooding basing on shallow water equations.Numerical methods and programming were used for this study.The GeoFlood was ran on a given data set (Malpasset data) and it was found out that indeed topography handling during simulations has to be improved to minimise the computational time and also improve the efficiency.Through this research, we also looked at the the shallow water equations, and the numerical techniques used to solve the equations

This study investigates the emerging applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strategic management and its impact on organizational decision-making processes. As AI technology rapidly advances, it has become a crucial component in redefining organizational strategies. According to a global survey by the Boston Consulting Group, over 60% of executives believe that AI can significantly improve key performance indicators and enhance opportunities for strategic differentiation and sustainable competitive advantages. Using a descriptive-survey methodology and questionnaire-based data collection, this research examines the influence of AI on strategic decision-making in large organizations. The statistical population comprises senior managers across various industries, with sampling conducted through convenience sampling. Data analysis was performed using SMART-PLS software, revealing significant improvements in strategic decision-making processes through AI implementation. The study demonstrates that AI, by analyzing complex data sets and identifying hidden patterns, assists managers in making more optimal decisions. Furthermore, AI's predictive analytics capabilities contribute to enhanced strategic planning and risk mitigation in decision-making processes. The research findings indicate a statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.72, p < 0.001) between AI adoption and the quality of strategic decisions. This paper concludes by proposing that organizations should leverage AI as a tool to strengthen their organizational strategies, while emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and human oversight. The implications of this research extend to both academic and practical domains, offering insights into the integration of AI in strategic management processes and its potential to revolutionize organizational decision-making paradigms.

Purpose: This study investigates the influence of human brands on the formation of Generation Z's digital identity. Given the increasing importance of the digital space in this generation's life, understanding how their identity is shaped by human brands in this environment is crucial. Method: Using a netnographic approach, qualitative data was collected and analyzed from 500 posts and interactions of Gen Z users on Instagram and TikTok platforms. Thematic content analysis was conducted using NVivo 12 software, with inter-coder reliability confirmed (κ = 0.85). Findings: Results indicate that human brands influence Gen Z's digital identity through three main mechanisms: 1) lifestyle emulation (β = 0.42, p < 0.001), 2) value alignment (β = 0.38, p < 0.001), and 3) self-presentation modeling (β = 0.35, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed these three factors explain 67\% of the variance in digital identity formation (R² = 0.67, F(3,496) = 335.42, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that human brands play a significant role in shaping Generation Z's digital identity. Understanding this influence can help marketers and policymakers design more effective strategies for engaging with this generation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly disrupted small businesses, exacerbating financial vulnerabilities and operational challenges. As these enterprises play a crucial role in economic stability and growth, identifying effective recovery strategies is imperative. This study investigates the legal and management solutions necessary for small businesses to recover and thrive post-pandemic. The research aims to examine the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses, evaluate the effectiveness of existing legal and governmental support measures, and propose management strategies that enhance resilience and drive recovery. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, comprising both quantitative and qualitative analyses. A survey was conducted with 500 small businesses across various sectors to collect data on financial performance, operational disruptions, and the utilization of government support programs. Additionally, 30 in-depth interviews with small business owners provided qualitative insights into adaptive strategies and challenges faced. A review of relevant legal documents and policy frameworks was also performed to assess the support mechanisms in place. The study revealed that 68% of small businesses experienced substantial revenue losses, with 50% encountering severe liquidity crises. Government support measures, such as grants and low-interest loans, were pivotal but often marred by accessibility issues and delays. Successful management strategies identified included accelerating digital transformation, diversifying revenue streams, and optimizing supply chain management. Legal measures that temporarily eased regulatory requirements and offered tax relief significantly aided in alleviating immediate pressures. The economic recovery of small businesses post-COVID-19 hinges on comprehensive legal and management solutions. Enhancing the effectiveness and reach of government support programs is crucial, as is the adoption of agile and innovative management practices by small businesses. Policymakers and business leaders must work collaboratively to create an environment that fosters resilience and sustainable growth, ensuring small businesses can navigate future economic uncertainties.

The social fear conditioning (SFC) paradigm, which is an animal model of social anxiety disorder, has been extensively used to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the psychopathology of this disorder. Studies using the SFC paradigm have suggested that the lateral septum plays a pivotal role in regulating social fear. While several lines of evidence have indicated the involvement of various neuronal mechanisms within the LS in modulating social fear, the role played by LS astrocytes in the tripartite synapses in regulating social fear expression is not yet fully understood. Over the years, astrocytes have emerged as key players in regulating synaptic transmission and a plethora of animal behaviors. Given their dynamic morphological and molecular response to various stimuli, studying astrocyte morphology remains an excellent tool for understanding their role in brain function and disease. By applying immunofluorescent-immunohistochemical methods, here we describe a protocol to characterize changes in the morphology of astrocytes in response to social fear acquisition using confocal microscopy.

The Sars-Cov-2 pandemic led to several needed containing measures that conditioned the onset of depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms in population. These symptoms, espe-cially if not diagnosed and treated, can also occur in patients undergoing surgery with high im-pact on people’s lives, like hysterectomy. To evaluate the post-surgical distress and anx-ious-depressive symptoms following hysterectomy for benign disease focusing on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The prospective observational cohort study included patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease. Psychologic evaluation through social-demographic question-naires was obtained before surgery (T1), postoperatively (T2), and 3 months after surgery (T3). The HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) was used to evaluate anxious-depressive symptoms and the PCL-5 (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5) compared the on-set of post-surgical distress and anxiety and depressive symptoms. The pre-COVID-19 pan-demic period was compared to the post-COVID-19 pandemic phase. Patients treated after COVID-19 pandemic showed higher depressive symptoms rate compared to those treated before (p-value=0.02); conversely, pre-COVID-19 patients were more prone to develop a PTSD (p-value=0.04). A significative association between the occurrence PTSD and anxiety-depressive symptoms registered at T2 a (p-value=0.007) and T3 (p-value

This study evaluated the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) DNA in breast cancer (BC) samples from women in Northeastern Brazil. We analyzed 186 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block samples using PCR and qPCR to detect HPV and BLV DNA. BLV DNA was not detected in any BC patients. However, HPV DNA was found in 46.2\% of the BC samples: 44.6\% were positive for HPV16, 3.5\% for HPV31, and 2\% were coinfected with HPV16 and HPV31. Additionally, we found an association between HPV-positive BC and Ki-67 expression (P=0.03, OR=1.85; CI=1.02-3.34), as well as between HPV31-positive BC and mitotic index (P=0.047). Although BLV was not detected in BC patients from Northeastern Brazil, the association between HPV and cell proliferation markers warrants further investigation, as HPV may contribute to the aggressiveness of BC in these patients.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important global clinical issue, requiring not only prevention but also effective treatment. Following TBI, diverse parallel and intertwined pathological mechanisms affecting biochemical, neurochemical, and inflammatory pathways can have severe impact on the patient’s quality of life. The current review summarizes evidence for utility of amantadine in TBI in connection to its mechanism of action. Amantadine combining multiple mechanisms of action may offer both neuroprotective and neuroactivating effects in TBI patients. Indeed, use of amantadine in TBI has been encouraged by several clinical practice guidelines/recommendations. Amantadine is also available as infusion which may be of particular benefit in unconscious patients with TBI, due to immediate delivery to the central nervous system and the possibility of precise dosing. In other situations, orally administered amantadine may be used. There are several questions that remain to be addressed: Can amantadine be effective in disorders of consciousness requiring long-term treatment and in combination with drugs approved for treatment of TBI? Do the observed beneficial effects of amantadine extend to disorders of consciousness due to factors other than TBI? Well controlled clinical studies are warranted to ultimately confirm its utility in the TBI and provide answers these questions.

. Background: Recent studies suggest that acquired brain injury with impaired consciousness in infancy is related to more severe and persistent effects and may have a cumulative effect on ongoing development. In this work, we aim to describe vocational outcome in a group of patients at 15 years from a severe brain lesion they suffered in developmental age. Methods: This study included a total of 147 patients aged 1.5 to 14 years with acquired brain lesion. Clinical, functional details (“Glasgow Outcome Scale – Extended”, “Functional Independent Measure”, Intelligence Quotient) were collected at the time of their first hospitalization and vocational outcome was determined after 15 years. Results: 94 patients (63.9%) presented with traumatic brain injury, while 53 patients (36.1%) presented with a brain lesion of other origin. Traumatic patients had a higher probability to be partly or fully productive than non-traumatic ones: 75.5% of traumatic subjects were working –taking into account limitations due to the traumatic event, versus 62.3% of non-traumatic ones. A relationship between some clinical variables and the vocational outcome was found. Conclusions: Rehabilitation should adequately emphasize “vocational rehabilitation” because a significant proportion of people experiencing a disorder of consciousness in childhood may show good social integration in adult age.

Accurate classification of objects in 3D point clouds is a significant problem in several applications, such as autonomous navigation and augmented/virtual reality scenarios, which has become a research hot spot. In this paper, we presented a deep learning strategy for 3D object classification in augmented reality. The proposed approach is a combination of the GRU and LSTM. LSTM networks learn longer dependencies well, but due to the number of gates, it takes longer to train; on the other hand, GRU networks have a weaker performance than LSTM, but their training speed is much higher than GRU, which is The speed is due to its fewer gates. The proposed approach used the combination of speed and accuracy of these two networks. The proposed approach achieved an accuracy of 0.99 in the 4,499,0641 points dataset, which includes eight classes (unlabeled, man-made terrain, natural terrain, high vegetation, low vegetation, buildings, hardscape, scanning artifacts, cars). Meanwhile, the traditional machine learning approaches could achieve a maximum accuracy of 0.9489 in the best case.

The greatly diversified flowering plants (angiosperms) are the dominating and defining group in the current earth ecosystem. However, from which group by what way the flowers, especially their gynoecia (key characteristics of angiosperms), are derived have been the questions in botany unanswered over centuries. Such an embarrassing situation can be attributed to the lack of plants with partially enclosed ovules, which are supposed to be a post between gymnosperms and angi-osperms. Here we report a fossil plant that has an apparent coniferous vegetative and reproduc-tive morphologies but has a single seed partially wrapped by the subtending bract. Such a mor-phology suggests that the carpels in angiosperms may be equivalent to bracts enclosing their axil-lary seed(s). Such a non-traditional interpretation of the homology of angiosperm carpels is com-patible with various new progresses made in botany and is in line with Tomlinson’s recent hy-pothesis. Together with other fossil evidence reported recently, it appears that gynoecia in angio-sperms are derived in multiple ways.

Background: Sexual dysfunction is the most common side effect encountered by cervical cancer patients during and after treatment, and rehabilitation strategies are needed to improve their quality of life. A variety of rehabilitation strategies have been reported in previous studies, varying by country, race and even continent. However, the common rehabilitation strategies used by cervical cancer survivors in Tanzania and their outcomes are unknown. The study aimed to unfold sexual rehabilitation strategies and outcome practiced by cervical cancer survivors who experienced sexual dysfunction during and after treatment in North-western Tanzania. Methods: Descriptive qualitative study were employed. Phenomenology study design used with a sample of 7 participants and data corrected via in-depth interview guided by 11 questions. Audiotaped and transcribed to get main themes and sub themes through deductive analysis. Results: Most participants reported inability to achieve an orgasm and low libido and dyspareunia after treatment. Most participants were eagerly to have their sexual activity recovered. However, they were not familiar with any rehabilitation strategy after the experience of sexual dysfunction. Even though, some of the participants attempted various interventions, but all were unsatisfactory leading to a significant decline in sexual interest and activity. Conclusion: Cervical cancer survivors are not familiar with any sexual rehabilitation strategies. Health education concerning various sexual rehabilitation strategies should be provided to survivors during and even after treatment.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Patient treatment and management pose a challenge for healthcare systems. The prognosis of these patients may be influenced by factors such as sex. This study aims to describe the clinical parameters of patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Spanish hospital due to Trauma Brain Injury and to establish differences based on sex. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted from March 2015 to December 2019. All patients admitted to the ICU during this period who presented isolated significant Traumatic Brain Injury, defined as an abbreviated injury scale (AIS) ≥ 3, were included. Data on baseline characteristics, mechanism of injury, substance use, and acute management in the prehospital and hospital stages (including the need for hospitalization) were recorded. A descriptive and in-ferential analysis was conducted using the chi-square test. Results: A total of 950 patients were ultimately included. The majority of the patients were men (723) with a mean age of 45.16 (± 17.55). There were statistically significant differences in terms of the mechanism of injury (p

In this paper, we introduce a novel controlled quantum communication protocol utilizing a quantum random walk involving one sender, one receiver, and multiple controllers. Inspired by classical random walk theory, quantum random walk serves as the foundation of our proposed protocol. With this protocol, we demonstrate the ability to transfer any n- dimensional quantum state to any party facilitated by any m number of controllers. Furthermore, any of the (m+1) individuals has the freedom to accept the role of the receiver. Rigorous testing of the protocol’s performance is conducted through quantum state tomography. We have run different variations of the circuits in IBMQ QASM simulator. Additionally, we explore the effectiveness of a weak measurement-based protocol designed to mitigate amplitude-damping noise’s detrimental effects on quantum states. By analyzing fidelity versus amplitude damping noise-strength plots for scenarios with and without the weak measurement protocol, we provide valuable insights into its protective capabilities across various levels of noise. These find- ings illuminate the protocol’s potential applications in quantum information processing

This study investigates Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Greece, focusing on estimating prevalence and identifying regional disparities in children aged 4 to 7 years. Utilizing a quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory methodology, the research employed a structured questionnaire to gather extensive maternal and child health data. The sample consisted of 517 mothers of children diagnosed with ASD from all over Greece contributing to a nuanced understanding of ASD predictors. The study aims to elucidate the role of prenatal factors in the likelihood of an ASD diagnosis and their impact on the subsequent functionality of children with ASD. The study identified significant predictors of lower functionality in children with ASD, including higher maternal age, delayed ASD diagnosis, lower family income, and higher birth order. Prenatal health issues, such as vaginal bleeding and infections, also influenced functional outcomes. Notably, a family history of neurological or psychiatric conditions appeared protective. The regression model demonstrated robust predictive power, underscoring the complexity of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors in ASD development. The findings advocate for early diagnosis and intervention, systematic screening, and addressing socioeconomic disparities to improve functional outcomes. The results support evidence-based service development and policy adjustments to enhance early identification, intervention, and rehabilitation for children with ASD. Establishing standardized case-recording procedures and an ASD register at national and regional levels is recommended for systematic monitoring and resource evaluation.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is among the leading causes of mortality and long-term impairment globally. TBI has a dynamic pathology encompassing a variety of metabolic and molecular events that occur in two phases, primary and secondary. An external forceful blow to the brain initiates the primary phase, which is followed by a secondary phase that involves the release of calcium ions (Ca2+) and the initiation of a cascade of inflammatory processes, including mitochondrial dysfunction, rise in oxidative stress, activation of glial cells, and damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), resulting in paracellular leakage. There is currently no FDA-approved drug for TBI, but existing approaches rely on delivering small and macromolecular treatments, which are severely constrained by the BBB, poor retention, off-target toxicity, and complex pathology of TBI. Therefore, there is a demand for innovative and alternative therapeutics with effective delivery tactics for diagnosis and treatment of TBI. Tissue engineering and use of biomaterials is one such alternative approach. With this approach, neuronal stem cell therapy is combined with synthetically generated tissue materials such as hydrogels, self-assembling peptides, and electrospun nanofibers, which may induce neurite outgrowth, differentiation of human neural stem cells, and nerve gap bridging in TBI. This review examines tissue engineering and the use of biomaterials as potential treatments for TBI, including their synthesis, mechanisms of action, and limitations. The review also discusses challenges facing tissue engineering and biomaterial technology including survival rate of transplanted stem cells and the development of biodegradable, biocompatible, and mechanically flexible biomaterials. A better understanding of the mechanisms and drawbacks of these novel therapeutic approaches will help guide the design of future TBI therapies.

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging tool in the management of anxiety, one of the most disturbing symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), which often leads to relapse. Still, patients with Alcohol Use Disorder frequently have a history of Acute Symptomatic Seizures, and they are subsequently excluded from studies using VR because of the hypothesized fear of inducing photosensitive seizures. The first part of this narrative review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms of seizures associated with AUD, specifically acute symptomatic seizures. In contrast, the second part explores virtual reality’s safe use in seizure-prone individuals, highlighting that the current state-of-the-art is based on a biased per-ception and old epidemiological data from studies conducted on photosensitive seizures in the late 90s. VR exposure has yet to be reported as triggering seizures within known pharmacovigilance databases. Significance: The implications weigh heavily on VR research currently associated with this significant adverse event. Further studies are necessary to address the risk of seizures triggered by VR in patients predisposed to developing seizures, like alcohol use disorder patients with a history of acute symptomatic seizures. Such research is essential to ensure that the potential benefits of Virtual Reality as a tool for managing anxiety in individuals with alcohol use disorder and acute symptomatic seizures are not unduly restricted. Furthermore, AUD can also serve as an intervention model feasible to de-bias attitudes toward the current lack of evidence base concerning the significant adverse events of VR-induced seizures, therefore facilitating the clinical implementation of this unharnessed digital treatment interface.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is mainly caused by mutations in methyl CpG-binding protein 2, cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5, or forkhead box protein G1. These RTT-causing proteins harbor an intrinsically disordered region (IDR) whose conformation exhibits spatiotemporal heterogeneity, which not only confer versatility to the protein, but also implicates them in diseases. The IDR generally evolves more rapidly than an ordered structure. In this study, we examined the relationship between pathogenic RTT-associated point mutations in RTT-causing proteins and the evolutionary dynamics of sequence features including structural order–disorder, phosphorylation sites, and evolutionary rates. We also analyzed the molecular properties and evolution of proteins that interact with RTT-causing proteins in terms of phylogenetic profiles, tissue specificity, subcellular localization, expression level, and functions. The results indicate that constrained IDRs may function by forming contacts with other regions in the protein sequence causing pathogenic missense mutations likely to arise in the rapidly evolving IDR and affect molecular networks, leading to disease. The results also provide novel insights into the genetic basis for RTT and the evolution of the neocortex in higher vertebrates.

Music has the innate potential to reach all parts of the brain, stimulates certain brain areas which are not achievable through other modalities. Music Therapy (MT) is being used for more than a century to treat individuals who needs personalized care. MT optimizes motor, speech and language responsibilities of the brain and improves cognitive performance. Pervasive developmentdisorder (PDD) is a multifaceted, neuro developmental disorder and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comes under PDD, which is defined by deficiencies in three principal spheres: social connection with others, communicative and normal movement skills. The conventional imaging studies illustrate reduced brain area connectivity in people with ASD, involving selected parts of the brain cortex. People with ASD express much interest in musical activities which engages the brain network areas and improves communication and social skills.The main objective of this review is to analyze the potential role of MT in treating the neurological conditions, particularly ASD. Evidence based studies have reported the extensive therapeutic application of music on various part of the brain in a nonverbal child with autism through hearing or making music.Hence we hypothesized that MT intervention can improve the communication capacity in people with ASD, than customary neurorestoration therapy alone.

The abundant and renewable resources from fruit byproducts are getting emphasis on their valorization. These byproducts are suspected of possible toxications during cultivation, harvesting, transporting, preservation, or processing. Hence, presenting scientific overviews of the toxicological qualities and detoxification trends of these byproducts is critical to implicating their possible valorization. This review emphasized the toxicological qualities of byproducts from fruits for which the maximum global production occurred in 2022. In this review, heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Hg), mycotoxins, toxicant organic compounds, anti-nutritional factors, and pesticide/fungicide residues of the selected fruit byproducts were discussed. Current trends to reduce possible toxicants of these byproducts during their valorization were emphasized. Novel functional foods valorized from these fruit byproducts and future perspectives of detoxification were also focused on in this review.

Bio-absorbable stents are a novel tool which relieve stenosis and then resorb as the patient grows, avoiding obligatory re-intervention. This case describes the novel use of an iron bio-absorbable stent in a child with surgically repaired Tetralogy of Fallot who post-operatively developed a severely stenotic right ventricular outflow tract.

Background and Objectives: In recent years Electronic scooters (E-Scooters) have gained popularity, whether for private use or as a publicly available transportation method. With introduction of these vehicles, reports of E-Scooter related accidents have surged, sparking a public debate and concern. Aim of this study was to analyse epidemiological data, characteristics and severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI) related to E-Scooter accidents. Materials and Methods: This retrospective case series evaluated 28 patients who were admitted to three largest neurosurgery clinics in Riga, Latvia between time period from April to October in two separate years – 2022 and 2023 after an E-Scooter related accident. Data were collected on patient demographics, time of the accident, alcohol consumption, helmet use, type of TBI, other related injuries, treatment and assessment at discharge. Results: A total of 28 patients were admitted with TBI related to E-Scooter use, with median age 30 years (Q1-Q3, 20.25-37.25), four individuals under age of 18, majority (64%) were male. In 23 cases the injury mechanism was fall, in 5 cases collision. None were wearing a helmet at time of injury. Alcohol intoxication was evident in over half of the patients (51.5%), with severe intoxication (&gt;1.2ppm) in 75% cases among them. Neurological symptoms upon admission were noted in 50% of cases. All patients had intracranial trauma - 50% brain contusions, 43% traumatic subdural hematoma, almost 30% - epidural hematoma. Craniofacial fractures were evident in 71% of cases, fractures in other parts of body in 3 patients. 6 patients required emergency neurosurgical intervention. Neurological complications were noted in 2 patients, 1 patient died. Conclusions: E-Scooter related accidents result in a significant number of brain and other associated injuries, with notable frequency linked to alcohol influence and lack of helmet use. Prevention campaigns to raise awareness of potential risks and implementation of more strict regulations should be done.

The purpose of the present study was to examine if 14 days of supplementation with a pine bark extract leading up to and following an exercise test would increase performance and reduce biomarkers associated with muscle damage, inflammation and oxidative stress. The study used a double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over design. Participants ingested either 800mg pine bark extract or placebo for 14 days prior to the first exercise trial and for 2 days post-exercise. On the exercise day, participants submitted a pre-exercise blood sample, then completed a VO₂ peak test until volitional failure. A post-blood sample was collected 1 hour after completion of exercise. Participants returned at 24 & 48 hours after the exercise testing for measures of muscle pain in the lower body using an algometer. Participants then had a 7-day washout period before beginning to crossing over to the alternate treatment. Analysis via ordinal regression demonstrated a significant difference in oxidative stress in the pine bark extract group compared to placebo (ChiSq = 2.63; p = 0.05). The pine bark extract was effective at affording protection from oxidative stress post exercise. Further work should be undertaken to evaluate the findings with other exercise modes or in participants with known metabolic syndrome.

Age-related diseases place an intense and growing stress on healthcare systems. Numerous theories of ageing exist. Yet prediction, prevention and treatment limitations of age-related disease persist because we lack a complete aetiological understanding of their origins. Here we propose a new theory that aims to provide a blueprint-type understanding of ageing and disease aetiology, working across multiple scientific disciplines. Supported by specific examples, we demonstrate that the primary driver of much of age-related diseases is the futile triggering of specific molecular pathways in a pathological manner, which we term patho-pathways. Patho-pathways induce pathological cell, tissue and system changes in the form of hyperactivity (undesirable increased and new biological activities that are typical of age related disease). As part of patho-pathways, all wild-type (normal) genes have the potential to contribute to age-related diseases (though specific risk varies and can be formularised). In a domino-style effect, one patho-pathway typically triggers others, resulting in complex, but traceable, cascades. Utility, in terms of changing clinical and scientific practice, is derived from mapping these cascades to create Blueprint Maps that allow identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets far upstream in the causal chain of events. Finally, our theory provides testable hypotheses concerning predictions of links between otherwise seemingly disparate diseases as well as new interventions into ageing.