Search Results (494)

Natural products with high antioxidant activity are considered as innovative prevention strategies to effectively prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the early stage because the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to the development of drusen is reported as an important cause of this disease. To investigate the prevention effects of the methanol extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla L. (MEE) on AMD, its effects on the antioxidant activity, inflammatory response, apoptosis pathway, neovascularization, and retinal tissue degeneration were analyzed in N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E)-landed spontaneously arising retinal pigment epithelia (ARPE)-19 cells and BALB/c mice after exposure to blue light (BL). The MEE contained 10 active components and showed high free radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and nitric oxide (NO) radicals. The pretreatments of high-dose MEE remarkably suppressed the production of intracellular ROS (88.2%) and NO (25.2%) and enhanced (SOD) activity (84%) and the phosphorylation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) in A2E + BL-treated ARPE-19 cells compared to Vehicle-treated group. The activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mediated pathway, inflammasome activation, and expression of inflammatory cytokines was significantly inhibited in A2E + BL-treated ARPE-19 cells after the MEE pretreatment. The activation of the apoptosis pathway and increased expression of neovascular proteins (36% for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9) were inhibited in the MEE pretreated groups compared to the Vehicle-treated group. Furthermore, the thickness of the whole retina (31%), outer nuclear layer (ONL), inner nuclear layer (INL), and photoreceptor layer (PL) were significantly increased by the MEE pretreatment of BALB/c mice with BL-induced retinal degeneration. Therefore, these results suggest that the MEE, with its high antioxidative activity, protects against BL-induced retinal degeneration through the regulation of the antioxidative system, inflammatory response, apoptosis, and neovascularization in the AMD mouse model. Full article

Protected areas are an effective mechanism usually supported by a statute to conserve and protect wildlife-rich areas worldwide. Such extensive external management needs elaborate planning, regular monitoring, and periodic assessment of results. Thus, management effectiveness evaluation (MEE) has emerged as one of the major tools for quantifying the performance of any protected area globally since 2006. India has successfully conducted a complete round of management effectiveness evaluation of all its terrestrial protected areas (except conservation reserves and community reserves), with 25 such areas already undergoing a repeat assessment. Simultaneously, India biennially carries out a country-wide status of forest cover in all its states and union territories. This study has correlated the trend in change in forest cover for the states that contain those 25 repeat evaluated protected areas with their change in MEE scores over the same period. Our study found a positive correlation between the change in forest cover and the change in management effectiveness score from 2005–2006 to 2018–2019. Owing to increased protection regimes in the PAs including the degraded areas if they make part of such areas, the habitat often shows recovery. Effective habitat conservation is thus intertwined with the monitoring and preservation of the wildlife populations in the protected areas; therefore, reduction in forest cover equally impacts the management scores. However, in states where the loss in forest cover has been reported, more protected areas need to be assessed to plan complementary strategies for both habitat and species conservation. Full article

The spread of COVID-19 has significantly increased research on antiviral drugs and measures such as case isolation and contact tracing. This study compared the effects of lopinavir/ritonavir and remdesivir on COVID-19 patients with a control group receiving no antiviral drugs. Patients confirmed to have a SARS-CoV-2 infection via real-time RT-PCR were divided into three groups: lopinavir/ritonavir, remdesivir, and control. We assessed the efficacy of these drugs in reducing viral load and viral shedding duration using real-time RT-PCR and Vero E6 cell cultures. Lopinavir/ritonavir led to no detectable infectious SARS-CoV-2, with a median viral clearance time of one day, whereas one remdesivir-treated case remained culture-positive until day 12. Lopinavir/ritonavir significantly reduced viral load compared to remdesivir and control groups (p = 0.0117 and p = 0.0478). No infectious virus was detected in the lopinavir/ritonavir group, and the non-infectious SARS-CoV-2 proportion remained constant at 90%, higher than in the remdesivir and control groups (p = 0.0097). There was a significant difference in culture positivity among the groups (p = 0.0234), particularly between the lopinavir/ritonavir and remdesivir groups (p = 0.0267). These findings suggest that lopinavir/ritonavir reduces viral load and shortens the viral shedding duration compared to remdesivir, despite not being an effective treatment option. Full article

The minimum error entropy (MEE) criterion finds extensive utility across diverse applications, particularly in contexts characterized by non-Gaussian noise. However, its computational demands are notable, and are primarily attributable to the double summation operation involved in calculating the probability density function (PDF) of the error. To address this, our study introduces a novel approach, termed the fast minimum error entropy (FMEE) algorithm, aimed at mitigating computational complexity through the utilization of polynomial expansions of the error PDF. Initially, the PDF approximation of a random variable is derived via the Gram–Charlier expansion. Subsequently, we proceed to ascertain and streamline the entropy of the random variable. Following this, the error entropy inherent to the linear regression model is delineated and expressed as a function of the regression coefficient vector. Lastly, leveraging the gradient descent algorithm, we compute the regression coefficient vector corresponding to the minimum error entropy. Theoretical scrutiny reveals that the time complexity of FMEE stands at $O(n)$, in stark contrast to the $O(n^2)$ complexity associated with MEE. Experimentally, our findings underscore the remarkable efficiency gains afforded by FMEE, with time consumption registering less than 1‰ of that observed with MEE. Encouragingly, this efficiency leap is achieved without compromising accuracy, as evidenced by negligible differentials observed between the accuracies of FMEE and MEE. Furthermore, comprehensive regression experiments on real-world electric datasets in northwest China demonstrate that our FMEE outperforms baseline methods by a clear margin. Full article

This study evaluates the R3THA™ assessment protocol (R3THA-AP™), a technology-supported testing module for personalized rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy (CP). It focuses on the reliability and validity of the R3THA-AP in assessing hand and arm function, by comparing kinematic assessments with standard clinical assessments. Conducted during a 4-week summer camp, the study assessed the functional and impairment levels of children with CP aged 3–18. The findings suggest that R3THA is more reliable for children aged 8 and older, indicating that age significantly influences the protocol’s effectiveness. The results also showed that the R3THA-AP’s kinematic measurements of hand and wrist movements are positively correlated with the Box and Blocks Test Index (BBTI), reflecting hand function and dexterity. Additionally, the R3THA-AP’s accuracy metrics for hand and wrist activities align with the Melbourne Assessment 2’s Range of Motion (MA2-ROM) scores, suggesting a meaningful relationship between R3THA-AP data and clinical assessments of motor skills. However, no significant correlations were observed between the R3THA-AP and MA2’s accuracy and dexterity measurements, indicating areas for further research. These findings validate the R3THA-AP’s utility in assessing motor abilities in CP patients, supporting its integration into clinical practice. Full article

Mobile devices (MDs) are used by mobile cloud computing (MCC) customers and by other users because of their portability, robust connectivity, and ability to house and operate third-party applications (apps). However, the apps installed on an MD may pose data security risks to the MD owner and to other MCC users, especially when the requested permissions include access to sensitive data (e.g., user’s location and contacts). Calculating the risk score of an app or quantifying its potential harmfulness based on user input or on data gathered while the app is actually running may not provide reliable and sufficiently accurate results to avoid harmful consequences. This study develops and evaluates a risk assessment framework for Android-based MDs that does not depend on user input or on actual app behavior. Rather, an app risk evaluator assigns a risk category to each resident app based on the app’s classification (benign or malicious) and the app’s risk score. The app classifier (a trained machine learning model) evaluates the permissions and intents requested by the app. The app risk score is calculated by applying a probabilistic function based on the app’s use of a set of selected dangerous permissions. The results from testing of the framework on an MD with real-life resident apps indicated that the proposed security solution was effective and feasible. Full article

Dry eye disease (DED) is caused by inflammation and damage to the corneal surface due to tear film instability and hyperosmolarity. Various eye drops are used to treat this condition. Each eye drop has different properties and mechanisms of action, so the appropriate drug should be used according to clinical phenotypes. This study aims to compare the therapeutic mechanisms of cyclosporine A (CsA) and diquafosol tetrasodium (DQS). An experimental in vivo/in vitro model of DED using hyperosmolarity showed decreased cell viability, inhibited wound healing, and corneal damage compared to controls. Treatment with cyclosporine or diquafosol restored cell viability and wound healing and reduced corneal damage by hyperosmolarity. The expression of the inflammation-related genes il-1β, il-1α, and il-6 was reduced by cyclosporine and diquafosol, and the expression of Tnf-α, c1q, and il-17a was reduced by cyclosporine. Increased apoptosis in the DED model was confirmed by increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl expression, but treatment with cyclosporine or diquafosol resulted in decreased apoptosis. Diquafosol increased NGF expression and translocation into the extracellular space. DED has different damage patterns depending on the progression of the lesion. Thus, depending on the type of lesion, eye drops should be selected according to the therapeutic target, focusing on repairing cellular damage when cellular repair is needed or reducing inflammation when inflammation is high and cellular damage is severe. Full article

Neurofibromas, rare benign tumors of the peripheral nerve sheath, present diagnostic challenges, particularly in diabetic patients with toe ulcers. This case involves a 55-year-old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus who developed an enlarging ulcer on her right second toe. The initial evaluation suggested a diabetic ulcer; however, advanced imaging revealed a mass-like lesion. Partial excision and biopsy confirmed a neurofibroma with spindle cells within the myxoid stroma and S100 protein expression. One month later, total excision and Z-plasty reconstruction were performed under general anesthesia. The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged without complications. Follow-up revealed successful healing with no recurrence or functional issues. This case highlights the importance of considering neurofibromas in the differential diagnosis of diabetic toe ulcers to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate management. Full article

Understanding the biodiversity–productivity relationship (BPR) is crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. While it is known that diversity enhances forest productivity, the underlying mechanisms at the local neighborhood level remain poorly understood. We established a 9.6 ha dynamic forest plot to study how neighborhood diversity, intraspecific competition, and interspecific competition influence tree growth across spatial scales using linear mixed-effects models. Our analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between neighborhood species richness (NSR) and relative growth rate (RGR). Notably, intraspecific competition, measured by conspecific neighborhood density and resource competition, negatively impacts RGR at finer scales, indicating intense competition among conspecifics for limited resources. In contrast, interspecific competition, measured by heterospecific density and resource competition, has a negligible impact on RGR. The relative importance of diversity and intra/interspecific competition in influencing tree growth varies with scale. At fine scales, intraspecific competition dominates negatively, while at larger scales, the positive effect of NSR on RGR increases, contributing to a positive BPR. These findings highlight the intricate interplay between local interactions and spatial scale in modulating tree growth, emphasizing the importance of considering biotic interactions and spatial variability in studying BPR. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has presented numerous health challenges, including long-term COVID, which affects female reproductive health. This review consolidates the current research on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the menstrual cycle, ovarian function, fertility, and overall gynecological health. This study emphasizes the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme receptors in viral entry and the subsequent tissue-specific pathological effects. It also explores the potential influence of long COVID on hormonal balance and immune responses, contributing to menstrual irregularities and impaired ovarian function. The findings indicate a higher prevalence of long-term COVID-19 among women, highlighting the substantial implications for reproductive health and the need for sex-sensitive longitudinal studies. Enhanced surveillance and targeted research are essential to develop effective interventions that prioritize women’s reproductive well-being following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review advocates for a sex-informed approach to ongoing COVID-19 research and healthcare strategies, aiming to provide up-to-date and pertinent data for healthcare providers and the general public, ultimately improving outcomes for females affected by long COVID. Full article

Due to the health benefits of polyphenols and dietary fiber in combating mental disorders, we hypothesized that a polyphenol- and dietary fiber-enriched soup (RJ6601) would improve mental wellness in a rat model of middle-aged women. To test this hypothesis, female Wistar rats aged 18 months (350–450 g) were orally administered RJ6601 at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg BW for 28 days. The anxiolytic, antidepression, and memory-enhancing effects were assessed every 7 days throughout the study period. The neuron density and levels of activities of AChE, total MAO, MAO-A, MAO-B, MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, IL-1β, IL-6, and BDNF in the prefrontal cortex at the end of study were also investigated. Furthermore, the amounts of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in their feces were also determined. The results revealed that the developed soup shows anxiolytic, antidepression, and memory-enhancing effects. An increased neuron density; reductions in AChE, total MAO, MAO-A, MAO-B, and MDA; and an elevation of serum BDNF, together with increased amounts of both bacterial species in feces, were also observed. Our results suggest that RJ6601 is a potential mental wellness promotion supplement that enhances BDNF levels, brain plasticity, neurotransmitter balance, and oxidative stress and inflammation status, along with improving microbiota. Full article

Background: We aimed to identify the risk factors for impaired cellular and humoral immunity after three doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Methods: Six months after the third vaccine dose, T-cell immunity was evaluated using interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) in 60 healthy and 139 immunocompromised (IC) individuals, including patients with hematologic malignancy (HM), solid malignancy (SM), rheumatic disease (RD), and kidney transplantation (KT). Neutralizing antibody titers were measured using the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). Results: T-cell immunity results showed that the percentages of IGRA-positive results using wild-type/alpha spike protein (SP) and beta/gamma SP were 85% (51/60) and 75% (45/60), respectively, in healthy individuals and 45.6% (62/136) and 40.4% (55/136), respectively, in IC individuals. IC with SM or KT showed a high percentage of IGRA-negative results. The underlying disease poses a risk for impaired cellular immune response to wild-type SP. The risk was low when all doses were administered as mRNA vaccines. The risk factors for an impaired cellular immune response to beta/gamma SP were underlying disease and monocyte%. In the sVNT using wild-type SP, 12 of 191 (6.3%) individuals tested negative. In the PRNT of 46 random samples, 6 (13%) individuals tested negative for the wild-type virus, and 19 (41.3%) tested negative with omicrons. KT poses a risk for an impaired humoral immune response. Conclusions: Underlying disease poses a risk for impaired cellular immune response after the third dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine; KT poses a risk for impaired humoral immune response, emphasizing the requirement of precautions in patients. Full article

Yukmijihwang-tang (YJT) is a blend of six herbal ingredients that has long been used in Asia for various diseases, including diabetes mellitus and mental decline. Here, we assessed the prophylactic efficacy of YJT in a murine model of asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA). Male C57BL/6 mice underwent sensitization followed by an airway challenge with OVA for 1 h. YJT (100 or 300 mg/kg once daily) was administered orally for 6 days. Our analyses revealed that YJT significantly reduced inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), decreased the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in BALF, and lowered the relative mRNA levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in lung tissues. Histological analyses showed that YJT substantially decreased inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in the bronchial airway. YJT also effectively reduced oxidative stress, as evidenced by improved levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione, glutathione reductase (GR), and reduced glutathione (GSH). YJT also markedly suppressed the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in lung tissues. Together, these results show that YJT effectively inhibits respiratory inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and oxidative stress induced by OVA, suggesting its potential for asthma treatment. Full article

Mobile monitoring is used as an additional tool to collect air quality data at a high spatial resolution and to complement data from fixed air quality stations. Citizens are interested in contributing to air quality monitoring, and while the availability of low-cost air quality sensors can create opportunities to measure the air quality at a high spatial resolution, the data are often of lower quality, and sensors that measure combustion-related aerosols (like black carbon) are not commonly available. Mobile monitoring using a mid-range instrument can fill this gap. We present the results of a mobile BC (black carbon) monitoring campaign performed by citizens in Mechelen as part of a local citizen observatory (CO), Meet Mee Mechelen, initiated as part of the European H2020 project, Ground Truth 2.0. The goal of the study was two-fold: (1) to propose and evaluate a mobile monitoring method (data collection and data processing) to construct pollution maps of BC concentrations and (2) to demonstrate how to organize community-based air quality monitoring to measure both the spatial and temporal variations in air pollution levels. Measurements were taken during peak hours in four campaigns characterized by different meteorological conditions: October–November 2017, February–March 2018, June–July 2018 and September 2018. The results show large spatial and temporal variabilities. Spatial variability is influenced by traffic volume, stop-and-go traffic and also the building environment and the distance of biking paths from road traffic. The four different campaigns show similar spatial patterns, but due to background and meteorological influences, the absolute concentrations differ between seasons. A rescaling method using data from fixed stations in the air quality monitoring network (AQMN) was presented to construct maps representative of longer periods. This paper shows that mobile measurements can be used by CO to assess the spatial variability of air quality in a city. The data can be used to evaluate mobility plans, carry out hot spot detection, evaluate the exposure of cyclists as a function of cycling infrastructure and perform model validation. However, it is important to use high-quality instruments and apply the correct measurement methodology (number of repetitions, season) to obtain meaningful data. Full article

Children have persistent difficulty with foundational measurement concepts, which may be linked to the instruction they receive. Here, we focus on testing various ways to support their understanding that rulers comprise spatial interval units. We examined whether evidence-based learning tools—disconfirming evidence and/or structural alignment—enhance their understanding of ruler units. Disconfirming evidence, in this context, involves having children count the spatial interval units under an object that is not aligned with the origin of a ruler. Structural alignment, in this context, involves highlighting what a ruler unit is by overlaying plastic unit chips on top of ruler units when an object is aligned with the origin of a ruler. In three experiments employing a pre-test/training/post-test design, a total of 120 second graders were randomly assigned to one of six training conditions (two training conditions per experiment). The training conditions included different evidence-based learning principles or “business-as-usual” instruction (control), with equal allocation to each (N = 20 for each condition). In each experiment, children who did not perform above chance level on the pre-test were selected to continue with training, which resulted in a total of 88 students for the analysis of improvement. The children showed significant improvement in training conditions that included disconfirming evidence, but not in the structural alignment or control conditions. However, an exploratory analysis suggests that improvement occurred more rapidly and was retained better when structural alignment was combined with disconfirming evidence compared to disconfirming evidence alone. Full article