Preference Ratio Research Articles

Preparation and Physicochemical Properties of Inorganic Solidified Foam for Forest Fire

ABSTRACTTo optimize the performance of inorganic solidified foam and apply it effectively in forest fire fighting, three different ionic surfactants were combined with four viscosity‐increasing foam stabilizers. Then, the ratio of inorganic solidified foam was changed to investigate the effects of four factors, namely, water–binder ratio, quick‐setting agent dosing, fly ash dosing, and foam dosing, on the foaming multiple and stability of the inorganic solidified foam. Finally, the fluidity and adhesion ability of the inorganic solidified foam were tested with different quick‐setting agent dosages and foam dosages, and the optimal working condition range of the inorganic solidified foam was determined based on the test results. The results showed that when SDS:APG = 7:1, the foaming multiples of the foam were higher and it could reach 52.5 times when the surfactant content in the solution was 1.2 wt%; among the four viscosity‐increasing stabilizers, the stabilizing effect of xanthan gum was the best. The inorganic solidified foam exhibits an extended foaming time when utilizing a water–binder ratio of 0.45 and a fly ash dosage of 0.5. To ensure optimal mobility and a specific adhesion thickness, it is recommended to maintain a foam dosage of 6 V or higher, with mobility falling within the 11–13 range. The preferred ratio for creating inorganic solidified foam involves a water–binder ratio of 0.45, a 0.6 wt% dosage of accelerating agent, a 0.5 fly ash content, and a foam mixing of 7 V.

Taste preference and conditioned taste aversion of the metallothionein-1/2 null mice

To investigate the effects of metallothionein (MT)-1/2 gene knockout on the taste preference and the conditioned taste aversion (CTA), we performed an experiment comparing the behavior of wild type (WT) mice and MT-1/2 null (KO) mice. The taste preference ratio of saccharin solutions (0.1 or 0.2 %) was significantly greater in KO mice than WT mice. The preference ratio of salt and bitter solutions was not different between KO mice and WT mice. After feeding with a low zinc diet, the average saccharin preference ratio was not significantly different between WT and KO mice at any concentration of saccharin. Concentrations of zinc in plasma in KO mice was slightly higher than WT mice, but both were within the physiological range. When conditioning for saccharin using intraperitoneal injection of LiCl, a marked CTA was produced in both WT and KO mice. These results suggest that MT may be involved in the regulation of sweet taste preferences and indicate that the brain function that mediates sweet taste-induced CTA acquisition is maintained in KO mice. In addition, it was suggested that MT was not actively involved in the regulation of plasma zinc concentration in either mice fed a normal diet or mice fed a low zinc diet for a week. The relation between the malfunction of MT-1/2 and signal transduction of intracellular zinc remained to be determined.

Formulation and Assessment of Tolnaftate Microsponges for Topical Medication Deliverance

Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the sustained delivery of Tolnaftate using topical polymeric microsponges. Materials and Methods: Tolnaftate-loaded microsponges made of ethyl cellulose were prepared via quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion. The effects of the drug-to-polymer ratio on active drug content, particle size, and entrapment efficiency were examined. The optimized formulation was incorporated into a Carbopol gel and evaluated for drug content, pH, viscosity, and in vitro drug release. The study considered internal phase volume, stirring rate, and emulsifier concentration as variables and analyzed their impact on entrapment efficiency and particle size. Results: Increasing stirring speed reduced particle size and improved entrapment efficiency, while a higher volume of dichloromethane decreased particle size. Scanning electron microscopy revealed porous and spherical microsponges. The 1.5:1 drug-to-polymer ratio yielded the highest active drug content, optimal entrapment efficiency, and smallest particle size, making it the preferred ratio for further studies. Conclusions: The drug release from the microsponge gel was more sustained compared to both the marketed product and pure drug gel. An ex vivo drug deposition study using rat abdominal skin showed satisfactory drug deposition. These polymeric microsponges show potential as a topical drug delivery system for antifungal therapy.

Assessment of solvency-liquidity relationship in food and meat producing organizations

Cash flow management in commercial organizations of the production sector is one of the key problems of financial management in the post-crisis stages of the pandemic and its overcoming, which requires new solutions. This article presents practical solutions for improving financial management in the context of liquidity-solvency relationship, cash flow, and current asset valuation in six leading companies that produce food and meat products by capitalization listed on the world stock exchange and studied. Since the role of artificial intelligence is highly valued in the current period, financial management professionals have also started to use various learning forecasting models in order to increase the efficiency of their decision-making. Forecasting the capital structure in commercial organizations with an artificial intelligence model is a completely new approach in the financial management system, the main task of which is to define the preferred ratio of the components of liabilities in connection with the minimum cost of capital.

7089 The Effects of Asprosin on Reproductive Parameters in the Rats

Abstract Disclosure: H. Kelestimur: None. Z. Oz: None. M. Ozdede: None. &. Serhatlioglu: None. E. Kacar: None. B. Yilmaz: None. Purpose: Asprosin, a novel glucogenic adipokine produced by the fibrillin 1 (FBN1) gene, is integral to the body's energy regulation processes. Generated and released by white adipose tissue during fasting, asprosin affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, impacting reproduction. While its effects on metabolic parameters are well established, the understanding of its impact on reproductive health and functionality is still emerging. This study investigates the effects of exogenous asprosin administration on the reproductive capabilities of male and female rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats, 21 days old and weighing 35±2 grams, were divided into control and asprosin-treated groups (n = 12 per group, for both genders). This approach allowed direct comparison between treated and untreated groups. From postnatal day 21, treatment groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of asprosin (500 ng/kg) for ten weeks (male) and eight weeks (female), while control groups received only saline (1 ml/kg). The study examined various reproductive parameters, including those related to pubertal maturation and sexual behavior, and conducted hormonal analyses on blood samples collected at the experiment's conclusion. Results: Asprosin administration did not alter puberty onset or weight in either gender. However, asprosin-treated rats showed significantly earlier sperm formation in males and earlier estrus in females compared to controls. In male sexual behavior, asprosin reduced intromission latency and increased ejaculation frequency. While interaction with females remained unchanged, asprosin notably increased time near males and male preference ratio. The rate of male investigation preference and the activity index (frequency of passing through the test device's center) also significantly increased in the asprosin-treated group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that asprosin may stimulate the reproductive system in both male and female rats. They highlight the potential role of asprosin in reproductive biology and underscore the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms by which asprosin influences reproduction. Such studies could significantly advance our knowledge in endocrine regulation. Acknowledgement: This study was supported by TUBITAK (Project No: 220S744). Presentation: 6/1/2024

Sustainable Ecological Non-Sintered Ceramsite (SENC) with Alkali Activators: Performance Regulation and Microstructure

The development of novel materials made from waste is one of the main measures to achieve sustainable materials development. In this study, ash of mushroom and corn straw (MCA) and furnace slag (FS) were used as raw materials to prepare alkali-activated biomass ash-slag material (AABS) and sustainable ecological non-sintered ceramsite (SENC). In this paper, the effects of quicklime powder (QL), NaOH, and sodium silicate solution (SS) on AABS were analyzed using single factor and orthogonal tests, and the preferred ratio of the composite alkali activator configuration was established. SENC was prepared based on the composite alkali activator, and the microstructure and phase composition of SENC were explored using XRD and SEM–EDS. The results showed that 3 wt% QL enhanced the early age compressive strength of AABS. The composite alkali activator was best configured when the additions of QL, NaOH, and SS were 3%, 2%, and 15%, respectively. At this configuration, the 28 d compressive strength of AABS was 47.4 MPa, and most of the internal pores were less than 0.4 μm; the 28 d numerical tube pressure of the SENC reached 12.2 MPa with a softening coefficient of 0.96. According to the results of XRD and SEM–EDS, SENC contained various hydration products such as C-A-S-H, calcium hemicarboaluminate, hydrotalcite, portlandite, and vaterite. The largest proportion of hydration products was C-A-S-H, which contributed to the pore refinement and structural densification. SENC has the potential to be used as coarse aggregate in sustainable lightweight concrete.

Antidepressant advantage of Chaihushugan san in female mice: A novel signaling mechanism in hippocampus

Ethnopharmacological relevancyChaihushugan san (CSS), a classic formula for soothing the liver and relieving depression, has been identified to produce rapid antidepressant-like effects in female mice. However, the gender predominance and underlying mechanisms of CSS's antidepressant remain unclear. Aim of the studyIn this study, we focused on unraveling the gender predominance of CSS in antidepressant and the specific neuronal mechanisms that mediate this predominance. Methods and materialsTail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST) and sucrose preference test (SPT) were used to evaluate depressive phenotypes or antidepressant-like effects of CSS in female and male chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice model. RNA-sequencing was used to screen specific target for CSS antidepressant gender dominance. RT-PCR and elisa were used to detect the expressions of specific molecule, hormones, and inflammatory factors in the hippocampus. hippocampal viral overactivation and pharmacological blockade were used to detect the correlation between CSS antidepressant gender dominance and related targets. ResultsIn the present study, both female and male mice displayed depressive phenotypes including significant increasing immobility time in TST and reducing sucrose preference ratio in SPT after exposing CUMS for 3 weeks. However, acute administration of CSS (2, 4 g/kg) improved the depressive phenotypes only in female mice or not male mice at 2 h later. Moreover, the expressions of TC2N were increased only in female mice after exposing CUMS for 3 weeks, which were also reversed by CSS after a single administration 2 h later, but no alterations in male mice. The hippocampal expressions of estrogen receptor β (Erβ), pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10, TGF-β and IL-1Rα) were all abnormal in female CUMS mice model, which were all normalized by CSS. Furthermore, overactivation of hippocampal TC2N by AAV-TC2N+/+ blocked the antidepressant-like effects of CSS and the up-regulation of hippocampal Erβ in female mice. However, inhibition of Erβ blunted the antidepressant-like effects of CSS and CSS's suppression of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β and TNF-α), which had no any effect on hippocampal TC2N and anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10 and TGF-β). ConclusionsThe study revealed that CSS had antidepressant superiority in female mice depending on inhibiting hippocampal TC2N and then activating Erβ, further inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory factors to produce antidepressant effects, which provided a basis for the guidance of CSS in clinical application, new ideas and targets for the development of drugs for depression with gender differences.

Development of Tetramycin-Loaded Core–Shell Beads with Hot-/Wet-Responsive Release Properties for Control of Bacterial Wilt Disease

Plant bacterial wilt is caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, a soilborne pathogen that infects plant conduits, leading to wilt disease. It is extremely difficult to cure plants infected with Ralstonia solanacearum; however, bactericide-loaded beads with hot-/wet-responsive properties may be able to release a biocide in line with the increase in the hot-/wet-associated activity of Ralstonia solanacearum, effectively killing the pathogenic cells and providing high levels of plant protection. A biopesticide, Tetramycin, was embedded in corn kernel powder (CKP)-based cores. An oil-phase mixture was sprayed onto the core surface to form a hot-/wet-responsive intermediate shell (IMS). Subsequently, a layer of ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) was coated onto the IMS to create a single wet-responsive outer shell (OTS). The ratios of the components in the cores, including the corn kernel powder (CKP), xanthan gum (XG), and Tetramycin, were optimized, as well as those of the IMS, including pentaerythrityl tetrastearate (PETS), pentaerythrityl tetraoleate (PETO), polyethylene glycol stearate (PEG400MS), and polyethylene glycol monooleate (PEG400MO), and those of the outer shell (OTS), including ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). A texture performance analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), temperature and humidity response performance tests, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, and a field effectiveness test were conducted to characterize the Tetramycin-loaded beads. The results indicated that the optimal formula for the bead cores comprised a mass ratio of CKP/Tetramycin solution/XG = 13.5:23:2. The preferred mass ratio for IMS was PETS/PETO/PEG400MO = 10:30:10, and the formula for the applicable OTS consisted of a mass ratio of EC/HPMC = 5:1. In soil with a temperature of 30–35 °C and humidity of 30%, the release period of the Tetramycin-loaded beads, with a cumulative release rate of over 95%, could last up to 35 days. Furthermore, the Tetramycin-loaded beads exhibited a gradual and multi-cyclic release process under alternating hot/wet and dry/cold environments. The relative preventive efficacy of 54.74% on tobacco was revealed at a field-testing scale. A significant reduction in the abundance of Ralstonia solanacearum was also observed under treatment with the Tetramycin-loaded beads. The early fungal community structure exhibited higher consistency compared to the control. However, in the later stage, the diversity differences between the soil layers were restored. In conclusion, Tetramycin-loaded beads that could effectively respond to temperature and humidity fluctuations were developed, resulting in enhanced disease prevention efficacy and offering broad prospects for the prevention and control of Ralstonia solanacearum in agricultural settings.

Adolescent alcohol binge drinking and withdrawal: behavioural, brain GFAP-positive astrocytes and acute methamphetamine effects in adult female rats

RationaleAlcopop beverages are generally the first alcoholic beverage that young females drink which contain high levels of sugar and alcohol. The over-consumption of these drinks may encourage alcohol co-administration with methamphetamine (METH) impacting on drinking behaviour and glial function.AimsThe aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of adolescent binge alcohol exposure on consumption level, anxiety-like behaviour, cross-sensitization with METH and on astrocyte expression in reward related brain regions.MethodsAdolescent female Sprague-Dawley rats had daily 1-hour oral alcohol consumption of alcopop (ALCP; with sucrose) or ethanol-only (ETOH; without sucrose), transitioned from 5 to 15% (v/v) ethanol content for 34 days. Water and sucrose groups act as controls. During alcohol withdrawal, rats were tested for anxiety on the elevated plus maze (EPM) and locomotor activity following saline or METH (1 mg/kg i.p) treatment. Brains were then collected to assess astrocyte immunofluorescence for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in reward-related brain regions.ResultsRats pretreated with 5% ALCP consumed significantly more volume and ethanol intake when compared to 5% EtOH rats. Both ALCP and EtOH groups had a higher preference ratio for 5% than 15% alcohol solutions and ALCP rats had greater ethanol intake at 15% than EtOH rats. Alcohol withdrawal showed no significant differences between groups on anxiety, METH cross-sensitization effects or GFAP intensity in the regions studied.ConclusionsOverall, the addition of sucrose to alcoholic solutions encouraged female rats to consume larger volumes and greater ethanol intake compared to ethanol-only solutions, yet did not have long lasting effects on behaviour and astrocytes.

Du-moxibustion ameliorates depression-like behavior and neuroinflammation in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced mice

BackgroundNeuroinflammation is involved in the advancement of depression. Du-moxibustion can treat depression. Here, we explored whether Du-moxibustion could alleviate neuroglia-associated neuro-inflammatory process in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were distributed into five groups. Except for the CON group, other four groups underwent CUMS for four consecutive weeks, and Du-moxibustion was given simultaneously after modeling. Behavioral tests were then carried out. Additionally, Western blot was conducted to measure the relative expression levels of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Immunofluorescence was employed to evaluate the positive cells of ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Furthermore, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were analyzed using an ELISA assay. ResultsWe found that CUMS induced depression-like behaviors, such as reduced sucrose preference ratio, decreased locomotor and exploratory activity, decreased the time in open arms and prolonged immobility. Furthermore, versus the CON group, the expression of HMGB1, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, positive cells of Iba-1, IL-1β and TNF-α were increased but positive cells of GFAP were decreased in CUMS group. However, the detrimental effects were ameliorated by treatment with CUMS+FLU and CUMS+DM. LimitationsA shortage of this study is that only CUMS model of depression were used, while other depression model were not included. ConclusionsDu-moxibustion alleviates depression-like behaviors in CUMS mice mainly by reducing neuroinflammation, which offers novel insights into the potential treatment of depression.

Target for lipid-to-carbohydrate intake minimizes cost of growth.

Many theoretical treatments of foraging use energy as currency, with carbohydrates and lipids considered interchangeable as energy sources. However, herbivores must often synthesize lipids from carbohydrates since they are in short supply in plants, theoretically increasing the cost of growth. We tested whether a generalist insect herbivore (Locusta migratoria) can improve its growth efficiency by consuming lipids, and whether these locusts have a preferred caloric intake ratio of carbohydrate to lipid (C : L). Locusts fed pairs of isocaloric, isoprotein diets differing in C and L consistently selected a 2C : 1L target. Locusts reared on isocaloric, isoprotein 3C : 0L diets attained similar final body masses and lipid contents to locusts fed the 2C : 1L diet, but they ate more and had a ~12% higher metabolic rate, indicating an energetic cost for lipogenesis. These results demonstrate that some animals can selectively regulate carbohydrate-to-lipid intake and that consumption of dietary lipids can improve growth efficiency.

The Effect of W, Cr, Mo Content on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the Weld Interface of TiC Cermet and Low-Carbon Steel

In this study, the influence of W, Cr, and Mo on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the arc-welded interface of TiC cermet and low-carbon steel was investigated. MIG arc welding was employed to deposit muti-alloyed low-carbon steel flux-cored wire onto the surface of the TiC cermet to create the arc-welded interface. Analysis of the microstructure, phase composition, and shear fracture of the interface were conducted by OM (optical microscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscope), EMPA (Electron Probe X-ray Micro-Analyzer), and XRD (X-ray diffraction) methods. The results indicate that the order of influence on the performance of the welded interface is perceived as Cr > W > Mo. The preferred ratio of element content is W at 1.0 wt.%, Cr at 0.5 wt.%, and Mo at 2.0 wt.%. During the arc-welding process, W and Mo formed a rim structure of TiC particles to inhibit the dissolution of TiC particles, while Cr formed dispersed carbides in the bonding phase. The synergistic impact of these components resulted in the simultaneous enhancement of both the TiC particles and the bonding phase. This led to a significant increase in the shear strength of the TiC cermet welded interface to 787 MPa, marking an 83% improvement compared to the welded interface without reinforcement, which exhibited a shear strength of 430 MPa.

Sensory reweighting of postural control requires distinct rambling and trembling sway adaptations

BackgroundImplementation of the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) under the rambling-trembling (RM-TR) framework allows for an examination of both individual sensory contributions and compensatory mechanisms, a valuable insight in research and clinical settings. Such investigation could substantially improve our ability to assess and treat fall risk in older adults and people living with neurological disorders. Research questionHow are RM and TR components of sway influenced by SOT-induced challenges in healthy adults? MethodsTwenty-three healthy adults (27.4±8 years; 10 male) volunteered to participate in this cross-sectional study. Each participant completed a VR-based SOT program, which included six conditions with varied visual environments (normal, blacked-out, conflict) and support surfaces (stable, unstable foam), while a force plate captured forces at the plantar surface. Center of pressure (COP) was calculated and decomposed into RM-TR components. For each time series, range, root-mean-square (RMS) and sample entropy (SampEn) were extracted. Individual contributions of somatosensation, vision, and vestibular sense, as well as the preference ratio, were calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare the effects of time series type (COP, RM, TR) and SOT condition. Paired t-tests were used to assess the difference in preference ratio between RM and TR components. Results and significanceTR sway behavior was impacted significantly by the sensory challenges induced by the SOT procedure, while RM was largely unaffected. Such findings are characteristic of healthy individuals, capable of competently re-weighting sensory input, but still facing challenge-based adaptations. Additionally, the mediolateral SampEn preference ratio was higher in TR compared to RM, indicating potential differences in compensation strategies between supraspinal and spinal/peripheral control mechanisms. These findings serve as a foundation for future RM-TR analyses using SOT procedures, aiding in our ability to implement targeted diagnostic and treatment methods, ultimately reducing the incidence of falls in aging and individuals with neurological conditions.

Maternal separation regulates sensitivity of stress-induced depression in mice by affecting hippocampal metabolism

Depression is a serious mental illness. Previous studies found that early life stress (ELS) plays a vital role in the onset and progression of depression. However, relevant studies have not yet been able to explain the specific effects of early stress on stress-induced depression sensitivity and individual behavior during growth. Therefore, we constructed a maternal separation (MS) model and administered chronic social frustration stress at different stages of their growth while conducting metabolomics analysis on the hippocampus of mice. Our results showed that the immobility time of mice in the forced swimming test was significantly reduced at the end of MS. Meanwhile, mice with MS experience significantly decreased total movement distance in the open field test and sucrose preference ratio in the sucrose preference test when subjected to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) during adolescence. In adulthood, the results were the opposite. In addition, we found that level changes in metabolites such as Beta-alanine, l-aspartic acid, 2-aminoadipic acid, and Glycine are closely related to behavioral changes. These metabolites are mainly enriched in Pantothenate, CoA biosynthesis, and Beta Alanine metabolism pathways. Our experiment revealed that the effects of ELS vary across different age groups. It will increase an individual's sensitivity to depression when facing CSDS in adolescence, but it will reduce their sensitivity to depression when facing CSDS in adulthood. This may be achieved by regulating the hippocampus's Pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis and Beta Alanine metabolism pathways represented by Beta-alanine, l-Aspartic acid, 2-aminoadipic acid, and Glycine metabolites.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of radioiodinated benzoxazole and benzothiazole derivatives for imaging myelin in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that results from destruction of the myelin sheath. Due to heterogeneity of the symptoms and course of MS, periodic monitoring of disease activity is important for diagnosis and treatment. In the present study, we synthesized four radioiodinated benzoxazole (BO) and benzothiazole (BT) derivatives, and evaluated their utility as novel myelin imaging probes for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In a biodistribution study using normal mice, three compounds ([125I]BO-1, [125I]BO-2, and [125I]BT-2) displayed moderate brain uptake (2.7, 2.9, and 2.8% ID/g, respectively) at 2 min postinjection. On ex vivo autoradiography using normal mice, [125I]BO-2 showed the most preferable ratio of radioactivity accumulation in white matter (myelin-rich region) versus gray matter (myelin-deficient region). In addition, the radioactivity of [125I]BO-2 was reduced in the lysophosphatidylcholine-induced demyelination region. In conclusion, [123I]BO-2 demonstrated the fundamental characteristics of a myelin imaging probe for SPECT.

Optimistic vs Pessimistic Message Framing in Communicating Prognosis to Parents of Very Preterm Infants

In the neonatal intensive care unit, there is a lack of understanding about how best to communicate the prognosis of a serious complication to parents. To examine parental preferences and the effects of optimistic vs pessimistic message framing when providing prognostic information about a serious complication. This crossover randomized clinical trial was conducted at a single German university medical center between June and October 2021. Eligible participants were parents of surviving preterm infants with a birth weight under 1500 g. Data were analyzed between October 2021 and August 2022. Alternating exposure to 2 scripted video vignettes showing a standardized conversation between a neonatologist and parents, portrayed by professional actors, about the prognosis of a hypothetical very preterm infant with severe intraventricular hemorrhage. The video vignettes differed in the framing of identical numerical outcome estimates as either probability of survival and probability of nonimpairment (optimistic framing) or a risk of death and impaired survival (pessimistic framing). The primary outcome was preference odds (ratio of preference for optimistic vs pessimistic framing). Secondary outcomes included state anxiety, perceptions of communication, and recall of numerical estimates. Of 220 enrolled parents (142 [64.5%] mothers; mean [SD] age: mothers, 39.1 [5.6] years; fathers, 42.7 [6.9] years), 196 (89.1%) preferred optimistic and 24 (10.1%) preferred pessimistic framing (preference odds, 11.0; 95% CI, 6.28-19.10; P < .001). Preference for optimistic framing was more pronounced when presented second than when presented first (preference odds, 5.41; 95% CI, 1.77-16.48; P = .003). State anxiety scores were similar in both groups at baseline (mean difference, -0.34; -1.18 to 0.49; P = .42) and increased equally after the first video (mean difference, -0.55; 95% CI, -1.79 to 0.69; P = .39). After the second video, state anxiety scores decreased when optimistic framing followed pessimistic framing but remained unchanged when pessimistic framing followed optimistic framing (mean difference, 2.15; 95% CI, 0.91 to 3.39; P < .001). With optimistic framing, participants recalled numerical estimates more accurately for survival (odds ratio, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.64-9.79; P = .002) but not for impairment (odds ratio, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.85-2.63; P = .16). When given prognostic information about a serious complication, parents of very preterm infants may prefer optimistic framing. Optimistic framing may lead to more realistic expectations for survival, but not for impairment. German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00024466.

АГРЕГИРОВАННЫЙ ИНДЕКС ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ ПРОИЗВОДСТВЕННЫХ СИСТЕМ В УСЛОВИЯХ НЕОПРЕДЕЛЕННОСТИ

The aim of the study is to develop a universal method for measuring the economic security of production systems in conditions of uncertainty and the influence of various external factors, which is especially important for the production units of the UIS. To determine the weights of the criteria for assessing sustainability, a goal formation model based on the ratio of interval preferences was used, which can eliminate the uncertainty and ambiguity existing in human judgments. To prioritize industrial systems, an aggregated index is proposed, which is calculated using three vectors of sustainability. The proposed approach can effectively prioritize the LPR in solving the problems of ensuring the economic security of industrial systems in conditions of uncertainty.

Stability of electrostatically stabilized emulsions and its encapsulation of astaxanthin against environmental stresses: Effect of sodium caseinate-sugar beet pectin addition order

Two addition orders, i.e., the layer-by-layer (L) and mixed biopolymer (M) orders, were used to generate sodium caseinate - sugar beet pectin electrostatically stabilized o/w emulsions with 0.5% oil and varying sodium caseinate: sugar beet pectin ratios (3:1–1:3) at pH 4.5. Emulsion stability against environmental stresses (i.e., pH, salt addition, thermal treatment, storage and in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion) and its astaxanthin encapsulation against degradation during storage and in vitro digestion were evaluated. Results indicated that a total biopolymer concentration of 0.5% was optimal, with the preferred sodium caseinate-sugar beet pectin ratios for L and M emulsions being 1:1 and 1:3, respectively. L emulsions generally exhibited smaller droplet diameters than M emulsions across all ratios, except at 1:3. Lowering the pH to 1.5 substantially reduced the net negative charge of all emulsions, with only L emulsions precipitating at pH 3. M emulsions showed greater tolerance to salt addition, remaining stable up to 500 mM sodium and calcium concentrations, whereas L emulsions destabilized at levels exceeding 50 mM and 30 mM, respectively. All emulsions were stable when heated at 37 °C or 90 °C for 30 min. Astaxanthin degradation rates increased with prolonged storage, reaching 61.66% and 54.08% by day 7 for L and M emulsions, respectively. Encapsulation efficiency of astaxanthin in freshly prepared M emulsions (86.85%) was significantly higher compared to L emulsions (72.82%). M emulsions had 30% and 25% higher encapsulation efficiency of astaxanthin than L emulsions after in vitro digestion for 120 min and 240 min respectively. This study offers suggestions for interface design and process optimization to improve the performance of protein-polysaccharide emulsion systems, such as in beverages and dairy products, as well as their delivery effect of bioactives.

Social isolation during adolescence causes increased generalised anxiety-like behaviour in male rats and increased sociability in male and female rats

As one of the main characteristics of adolescence is the increased desire for social interaction and formation of meaningful relationships, it represents a particularly vulnerable period for social stressors. Moreover, social isolation during adolescence can significantly alter brain function and increase the likelihood of anxiety disorders in early adulthood. The aim of this retrospective meta-analysis and prospective behavioural experiment was to investigate whether chronic isolation stress during adolescence causes generalised and social anxiety-like behaviour in rodents. The meta-analysis of previously published data showed that social isolation during adolescence leads to an increase in generalised anxiety-like behaviour exclusively in male isolated rodents and has ambiguous effect on social anxiety-like behaviour. In the subsequent prospective experiment, Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes were subjected to six weeks of social isolation and their behaviour was investigated in the open field, elevated plus maze, and three-chamber test. Consistent with the retrospective literature analysis, social isolation in adolescence increased generalised anxiety-like behaviour exclusively in males, as indicated by a decrease in time spent in the centre of the open field and open arms of the elevated plus maze, compared to controls. Both male and female isolated rats showed an increase in sociability in the three-chamber test, as indicated by the increase in the preference ratio for social versus neutral stimuli, compared to controls. Altogether, social isolation leads to an increase in generalised anxiety-like behaviour exclusively in males and to increased sociability in both males and females.

Effects of the pandemic on adolescent and caregiver attitudes towards telemedicine use.

Telemedicine use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We compared both adolescent/caregiver attitudes towards telemedicine pre- and intra-pandemic. In a tertiary care setting with a large remote catchment area, we conducted qualitative analysis of structured interviews with dyads of 11to18-year-old patients and their caregivers using NVivo during the pandemic and compared the findings to our previous research [1]. We enrolled 14 dyads (35±27 in-person visits and 4±3 telemedicine visits per participant) and compared these with 11 dyads before the pandemic. Adolescents' mean age was 15.2±2.1 years (range 11.2-18.2). The median distance to our medical center was 184.8 km (range 3.9-1,214 km, 6 dyads >100 km). While the preferred ratio of telemedicine to in-person visits was 2:1 in caregivers (like pre-pandemic), many emphasized telemedicine as the safer option. Interestingly, adolescents preferred more in-person visits during the pandemic (1:1 ratio) compared to pre-pandemic (2:1 ratio). Qualitative analysis identified two main themes: consultation-specific factors and contextual factors. Consultation-specific factors were more valued during in-person visits, especially by adolescents. Consultation-specific factors remained the same pre- and post-pandemic, however, adolescents more often emphasized comfort, communication, and personal connection for in-person visits during the pandemic. Contextual factors were valued for telemedicine by adolescents and caregivers, and telemedicine was identified as the norm during the pandemic. Interestingly, the two main contextual themes pre-pandemic: frustration with technological aspects of telemedicine and adolescents not taking telemedicine seriously, disappeared during the pandemic. No disadvantages for telemedicine in the contextual factors were identified during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the user-expressed attitudes (especially among adolescents) on the transfer to telemedicine for chronic care.