Successive Days Research Articles

Active cooling of a photovoltaic module in hot-ambient temperatures: theory versus experiment

Abstract The performance improvement of a PV-module is investigated theoretically and experimentally in a long-term research-plan via module cooling by different approaches including passive, active, and evaporative cooling as well as water cooling for the same module. In the present paper, the investigation is conducted to decide on the suitability of active-cooling of the module in hot-ambient temperatures. A module without cooling is used as a base case for comparison against cooled modules with and without fins attached to the module’s rear-surface and extended down in an air-cooling duct underneath the module. At first, a theoretical study of heat transfer through the module is conducted to investigate how the calculated cell temperature and module output power are influenced by the air velocity from a blower, ambient temperature and solar irradiation. The results showed a decrease of cell temperature by about 7–10 °C with a subsequent increase of electrical efficiency. The cell temperature decreases significantly with the increase of duct height and with the increase of the number and length of fins, the same as in passive cooling. The cell temperature decreases by more than 3 °C at duct height of 0.2 m. The calculated values of cell temperature, open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of the module with and without active cooling agreed reasonably with the present measured values over the day hours of two successive days in summer season. At air velocity of 1.5 m/s, the increase of electrical efficiency by active cooling was found 0.67–0.80 %. Further increase of air-flow velocity or duct-height in active cooling seeking higher efficiency is not recommended due to increase of consumed electric power by air-blower and limited decrease of cell temperature. This concludes that air cooling is not effective in regions of hot ambient temperatures. For a non-cooled module, the cell temperature is related to the ambient temperature in terms of the solar radiation and NOCT, the datasheet value of normal-operating-cell-temperature. The relationship is modified in the present paper to account for air-flow through the duct seeking its extension for application to air-cooled modules.

Development of single-pin, un-barbed, pole-tagging of free-swimming dolphins and sharks with satellite-linked transmitters

BackgroundTo tag large marine vertebrates, without the need to catch them, avoiding using barbs for tag retention, and precisely controlling tag location, the remote Tag Attachment Device on a pole (TADpole) was developed. This allows single-pin tags (Finmount, Wildlife Computers) to be attached to the dorsal fins of free-swimming large marine vertebrates.ResultsTADpole comprises a pole-mounted holster that carries a tag. It uses compressed air, and a micro-controller, to rapidly insert a stainless-steel pin through a corrodible metal retaining ring in the first tag attachment wing, the animal’s dorsal fin, and then a press fit Delrin retaining ring in the tag wing on the other side of the fin. Tagging only occurs when the trailing edge of the dorsal fin touches a trigger bar in the holster, ensuring optimal pin placement. It was developed using fins from cadavers, then trialed on briefly restrained coastal dolphins that could be followed in successive days and weeks, and then on free-swimming animals in the field. The latter showed very short touch/response intervals and highlighted the need for several iterative revisions of the pneumatic system. This resulted in reducing the total time from triggering to tag application to ~ 20 ms. Subsequent efforts expanded the TADpole’s applicability to sharks. One free-swimming Atlantic spotted dolphin, two white sharks, and one whale shark were then tagged using the TADpole.ConclusionsBeing able to tag free-swimming dolphins and sharks remotely and precisely with satellite-linked telemetry devices may contribute to solving conservation challenges. Sharks were easier to tag than dolphins. Dolphin touch-to-response times were 28 ms or less. Delphinid skin has unique polymodal axon bundles that project into the epidermis, perhaps a factor in their uniquely fast response, which is 10 × faster than humans. Their primary reaction to tagging is to abduct the flippers and roll the fin out of the TADpole holster. This device has the potential to deliver high-quality tag data from large vertebrates with dorsal fins without the stress and logistics associated with catch-and-release, and without the trauma of tags that use barbs for retention. It also collects a dorsal fin biopsy core.

Total sleep deprivation effects on the attentional blink.

The Attentional Blink (AB) is a phenomenon that reflects difficulty in detecting or identifying the second of two successive targets (T1 and T2) that are presented in rapid succession, between 200-500ms apart. The AB involves indicators of attentional and temporal integration mechanisms related to the early stages of visual processing. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of 24-h of sleep deprivation (total sleep deprivation, TSD) on the attentional and temporal integration mechanisms of the AB. Twenty-two undergraduate students were recorded during five successive days, in these three conditions: baseline (two days), TSD (one day), and recovery (two days). Each day, at around 12:00h, participants responded to a Rapid Serial Visual Presentation task (RSVP) that presented two targets separated by random intervals from 100 to 1000ms. The attentional mechanisms were assessed by the AB presence, the AB magnitude, and the AB interval, while the temporal integration mechanisms were evaluated by lag-1 sparing and order reversal responses. TSD negatively affected the attentional mechanisms, which is expressed by an overall reduction in performance, an extended AB interval, and a reduced AB magnitude. TSD also negatively affected the temporal integration mechanisms, manifested by an absence of lag-1 sparing and an increase in order reversals. These results suggest that people are still able to respond to two successive stimuli after 24h without sleep. However, it becomes more difficult to respond to both stimuli because the attentional and temporal integration mechanisms of the AB are impaired.

Water-soluble phenolics from Phoenix dactylifera fruits as potential reno-protective agent against cisplatin-induced toxicity: pre- and post-treatment strategies

Nephrotoxicity is the major side effect of cisplatin, an effective platinum-based chemotherapeutic drug that is applicable in the treatment of several solid-tissue cancers. Studies have indicated that certain water-soluble phenolics offer renal protection. Thus, this study investigates the role of pre and post-treatment of rats with water-soluble phenolics from Phoenix dactylifera (PdP) against nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin. Rats were either orally pretreated or post-treated with 200 mg/kg body weight of PdP before or after exposure to a single therapeutic dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight) for 7 successive days intraperitoneally. The protective effects of PdP against Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was based on the evaluation of various biochemical and redox biomarkers, together with histopathological examination of kidney tissues. The composition, structural features, and antioxidative influence of PdP were determined based on chromatographic, spectroscopic, and in vitro antioxidative models. Cisplatin single exposure led to a substantial increase in the tested renal function biomarkers (uric acid, creatinine, and urea levels), associated with an increase in malondialdehyde indicating lipid peroxidation and a significant decline (p < 0.05) in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the renal tissue when compared with the control group. A marked decline exists in the kidney antioxidant enzymes (catalase, SOD, and GPx). Nevertheless, treatment with PdP significantly suppressed the heightened renal function markers, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. Spectroscopic analysis revealed significant medicinal phenolics, and in vitro tests demonstrated antioxidative properties. Taken together, results from this study indicate that pre- and/or post-treatment strategies of PdP could serve therapeutic purposes in cisplatin-induced renal damage.

Evaluation of effect of brief-intensive cognitive behavior therapy on symptoms severity in relation with catastrophic cognition in patients with panic disorder: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction Due to a dearth of evidence, we examined the effectiveness of brief-intensive CBT on symptom severity and catastrophic cognition in patients with panic disorder (PD). Materials and methods In this randomized controlled trial, 155 patients were assigned to either the experimental group (2 successive days of brief-intensive CBT-3 h per day) or the control group (regular pharmacotherapy only). After excluding ineligible participants, 20 patients in the brief intensive CBT group and 18 patients in the control group completed the study and were included in the final analysis. The primary outcome was symptom severity, and the secondary outcome was catastrophic cognition, assessed by the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) for symptoms severity and the Agoraphobic Cognition Scale (ACS) for cognitive assessment, respectively. Results The study showed that after one month of treatment, the PDSS (1.70 vs. 4.78; p = 0.0172) in the brief-intensive CBT group was significantly lower compared to the control group in contrast with the ACS (5.10 vs. 5.44; p = 0.8533). The mean score of PDSS and ACS significantly decreased from 21.60 to 1.7 (p < 0.0001) and from 22.55 to 5.10 (p < 0.0001) in the brief CBT group and from 19.44 to 4.78 (p < 0.0001) and 20.00 to 5.44 (p < 0.0001) in the control group, respectively. After treatment, the mean scores of PDSS and ACS significantly decreased in the brief intensive CBT and control groups. Both higher ACS and lower education levels contributed to higher PDSS in the brief intensive CBT group. However, only the PDSS correlated to the ACS in the control group. Conclusions The study showed that brief-intensive CBT is an effective technique for reducing the severity of symptoms among PD patients. But, it was not effective to improve the cognitive level in PD patients at one month.

(274) BMP2 Restores Erectile Dysfunction Through Neurovascular Regeneration and Fibrosis Reduction in Diabetic Mice

Abstract Introduction The odds of erectile dysfunction (ED) are thrice more prevalent in diabetes. Severe peripheral vascular and neural damage in diabetic patients responds poorly to PDE5 inhibitors. However, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is known to be involved in angiogenesis. Objective To assess the efficacy of BMP2 stimulating angiogenesis and augmenting nerve regeneration in a mouse model of diabetic-induced erectile dysfunction. Methods The induction of diabetes mellitus was done by streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg daily) administered intraperitoneally for five successive days to male C57BL/6 mice that were 8 weeks old. Eight weeks post inductions, animals were allocated to one of five groups: a control group, an STZ-induced diabetic mouse group receiving two intra-cavernous 20 μL PBS injections, or one of three BMP2 groups administered two injections of BMP2 protein (1μg, 5 μg, or 10 μg) diluted in 20 μL of PBS with three days interval between the first and second injection. The erectile functions were assessed two weeks after PBS or BMP2 protein injections by recording the ICP (intracavernous pressure) through cavernous nerve electrical stimulation. Angiogenic activities also nerve regenerating effects of BMP2 were determined in penile tissues, aorta, vena cava, the main pelvic ganglions, the dorsal roots, and from the primary cultured MCECs (mouse cavernous endothelial cells). Moreover, fibrosis-related factors protein expressions were evaluated by western blot. Results Erectile function recovery to 81% of the control value in diabetic mice was found with intra-cavernous BMP2 injection (5 μg/20 μL). Pericytes and also endothelial cells were extensively restored. It was confirmed that angiogenesis was promoted in the corpus cavernosum of diabetic mice treated with BMP2 through increased ex vivo sprouting of aortic rings, vena cava and penile tissues, and migration and tube formation of MCECs. BMP2 protein enhanced cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis in MCECs and penile tissues, and promoted neurite outgrowth in major pelvic ganglia and dorsal root ganglia under high-glucose conditions. Furthermore, BMP2 suppressed fibrosis by reducing MCEC fibronectin, collagen 1, and collagen 4 levels under high-glucose conditions. Conclusions BMP2 modulates neurovascular regeneration and inhibits fibrosis to revive the mice's erection function in diabetic conditions. Our findings propose that the BMP2 protein represents a novel and promising approach to treating diabetes-related erectile dysfunction (ED). Disclosure No.

In vitro true root cultures of Lotus hebranicus Hochst. ex brand: profiling of secondary metabolites and plausible in vivo gastroprotective effect

In vitro, the Lotus hebranicus produces true root cultures under entirely growth regulator-free culture conditions. These roots are completely independent of the shoots and gives abundant amounts of biomass of true root culture as raw materials in a short time. Lately, gastric ulcer have gained an increasing interest as it affects millions around the world. So, this study aimed to screen and evaluate the chemical constituents of the L. hebranicus extract (plant and true root culture), in addition to studying the biological effect of these extracts on mice with ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and the possible role of mediating oxidative stress, inflammation and TGFβ/Smad3 as underlying mechanisms. Fifty-four Albino mice were assigned into nine groups (n = 6). Lotus was orally administered for seven successive days, followed by a single dose of oral ethanol for ulcer induction. Using histological assessment and immunohistochemical studies as well as colorimetric analysis, ELISA and qRT-PCR, the results revealed that ethanol-induced ulcers exhibited a substantial increase (p < 0.05) in malondialdehyde and interleukin 18 with a remarkable lessening in the gastro-protective mediators; superoxide dismutase, prostaglandin E2 and glutathione, parallel with an increase in TGFβ/Smad3 expressions relative to control. Pre-treatment with L. hebranicus showed a comparable result to those with omeprazole and showed a significant inhibitory effect on inflammatory mediators and significant elevation of the gastro-protective mediators relative to the positive control. In conclusion, L. hebranicus extract (plant/true root culture) has the potential to protect the gastric tissues against ethanol by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation and enhancing TGFβ/Smad3 mediators along with gastric protective mediators.

Coordinated Same- or Next-Day Radiosurgery and Cochlear Implantation for Vestibular Schwannoma.

To describe the experience and results from coordinated and closely scheduled radiosurgery and cochlear implantation (CI) in a vestibular schwannoma (VS) cohort. Patients with VS who underwent radiosurgery followed by CI on the same or next day. Interventions included sequential radiosurgery and CI. Tumor control defined by tumor growth on posttreatment surveillance and audiometric outcomes including consonant-nucleus-consonant words and AzBio sentences in quiet. In total, six patients were identified that met the inclusion criteria, with an age range of 38 to 69 years and tumor sizes ranging from 2.0 to 16.3 mm. All patients successfully underwent radiosurgery and CI on the same or immediately successive day. Postoperatively, all patients obtained open-set speech recognition. Consonant-nucleus-consonant word scores ranged from 40 to 88% correct, and AzBio scores ranged from 44 to 94% correct. During posttreatment magnetic resonance imaging surveillance, which ranged from 12 to 68 months, all tumors were noted to be adequately visualized, and no tumor progression was noted. Coordinated radiosurgery and CI can be safely performed in patients with VS on the same or next day, serving to decrease burden on patients and increase access to this vital rehabilitative strategy.

Evaluation of Stain Removal Efficacy and Color Stability of Three Different Dentifrices on Artificially Stained Enamel Surface-An In Vitro Study.

The aim of the present study was to assess the stain removal ability and color stability of three distinct dentifrices on artificially stained enamel surface. This study included 75 intact, healthy premolars free of dental caries that were extracted during orthodontic therapy. The samples were allowed to dry for 6 hours after being submerged in the prepared tea solution for roughly 18 hours every day. Then this procedure was repeated for seven successive days. All samples were randomly divided into three experimental groups with 25 samples in each group. Group I: control dentifrice, group II: dentifrice containing hydrogen peroxide, group III: dentifrice containing papain and bromelain. A specially designed toothbrushing simulator was used to brush every sample in the relevant group. Using a spectrophotometer and a measurement program, color measurement was evaluated after staining process after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of teeth cleaning. Using a profilometer, the surface roughness values (Ra) were assessed. After 8 weeks of brushing of stained samples, the color stability was better in dentifrice containing hydrogen peroxide (1.14 ± 0.11) followed by dentifrice containing papain and bromelain (1.22 ± 0.08) and control group (1.30 ± 0.09). And after 8 weeks of brushing of stained samples, the surface roughness was more in dentifrice containing hydrogen peroxide (0.237 ± 0.02) followed by dentifrice containing papain and bromelain (0.229 ± 0.13) and control group (0.207 ± 0.05). The present study concluded that the dentifrice containing hydrogen peroxide showed a superior whitening effect on the stained enamel surface than dentifrice containing papain and bromelain and control dentifrice. The development of various dentifrice products has been greatly aided by the increased demand for an improved esthetic appearance. Teeth's natural color and any external stains that could accumulate on the tooth surface combine to determine a tooth's color. Additionally, the use of whitening dental pastes to remove external stains has grown in favor. With the development of these whitening toothpastes, dentifrices' ability to lessen or eliminate extrinsic dental stains has increased. How to cite this article: Mishra D, Kamath DG, Alagla M, et al. Evaluation of Stain Removal Efficacy and Color Stability of Three Different Dentifrices on Artificially Stained Enamel Surface-An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(1):68-71.

Home electricity data generator (HEDGE): An open-access tool for the generation of electric vehicle, residential demand, and PV generation profiles

In this paper, we present the Home Electricity Data Generator (HEDGE), an open-access tool for the random generation of realistic residential energy data. HEDGE generates realistic daily profiles of residential PV generation, household electric loads, and electric vehicle consumption and at-home availability, based on real-life UK datasets. The lack of usable data is a major hurdle for research on residential distributed energy resources characterisation and coordination, especially when using data-driven methods such as machine learning-based forecasting and reinforcement learning-based control. We fill this gap with the open-access HEDGE tool which generates data sequences of energy data for several days in a way that is consistent for single homes, both in terms of profile magnitude and behavioural clusters.•From raw datasets, pre-processing steps are conducted, including filling in incomplete data sequences, and clustering profiles into behaviour clusters. Transitions between successive behaviour clusters and profiles magnitudes are characterised.•Generative adversarial networks (GANs) are then trained to generate realistic synthetic data representative of each behaviour groups consistent with real-life behavioural and physical patterns.•Using the characterisation of behaviour cluster and profile magnitude transitions, and the GAN-based profiles generator, a Markov chain mechanism can generate realistic energy data for successive days.

Factors associated with safe and successful postoperative day 1 discharge after lung operations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundA shorter length of stay (LOS) is associated with fewer hospital-acquired adverse conditions and decreased utilization of hospital resources. While modern perioperative care protocols have enabled some ambitious surgical teams to achieve discharge as early as within postoperative day 1 (POD1), most other teams remain cautious about such an approach due to the perceived risk of missing postoperative complications and increased readmission rates. We aimed to identify factors that would help guide surgical teams aiming for safe and successful POD1 discharge after lung resection.MethodsWe searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and CENTRAL databases for articles comparing perioperative characteristics in patients discharged within POD1 (DWPOD1) and after POD1 (DAPOD1) following lung resection. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.ResultsWe included eight retrospective cohort studies with a total of 216,887 patients, of which 22,250 (10.3%) patients were DWPOD1. Our meta-analysis showed that younger patients, those without cardiovascular and respiratory comorbidities, and those with better preoperative pulmonary function are more likely to qualify for DWPOD1. Certain operative factors, such as a minimally invasive approach, shorter operations, and sublobar resections, also favor DWPOD1. DWPOD1 appears to be safe, with comparable 30-day mortality and readmission rates, and significantly less postoperative morbidity than DAPOD1.ConclusionsIn select patients with a favorable preoperative profile, DWPOD1 after lung resection can be achieved successfully and without increased risk of adverse outcomes such as postoperative morbidity, mortality, or readmissions.

Neuroprotective effect of Dark Chocolate on ketamine-induced animal model of psychosis through the reversal of behavioral, biochemical and histopathological changes

The present study was designed to evaluate the antipsychotic-like activity of dark chocolate against Ketamine-induced psychosis in animals and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms for this activity. Dark chocolate (200, 400 mg/kg, along with diet), haloperidol (1mg/kg, i.p.), and olanzapine (5mg/kg, i.p) were administered daily to different groups of mice and rats; after 30 min Ketamine was injected for 21 successive days. The antipsychotic- like activity was assessed using an actophotometer, stereotypic behaviors, forced swim test (FST), and passive avoidance test. Dark Chocolate (DC) and olanzapine remarkably decreased the immobility period of Ketamine-treated mice in FST, indicating the beneficial effect of DC against depressive or negative symptoms of psychosis. There was no significant effect on the locomotor activity of the mice with the administration of DC, while it showed a reducing impact against stereotypic behaviors. Furthermore, DC significantly reduced the time taken by the rats to climb the pole, showing the effect of DC on cognition. In addition, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and tissue necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels were markedly decreased and increased GABA and enhanced reduced glutathione (GSH) levels with the treatment of DC. Furthermore, DC was also effective in reducing the ketamine induced hyperchromatic nuclei, perinuclear vacuolization, and dilated vascular channels in the cortex part of the brain. Behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological studies suggest the protective effect of DC against Ketamine induced psychosis.

Research progress on rat model of drug-induced liver injury established by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (celecoxib) and royal jelly ameliorative effect.

NSAIDs, like celecoxib, are widely used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation, with celecoxib being particularly effective in managing arthritis symptoms and acute or chronic pain especially with its favorable gastrointestinal tolerability. The study aimed at exploring the effect of chronic administration of celecoxib on hepatic tissues in male albino rats. It also examined the royal jelly celecoxib interplay. 50 male albino rats in 5 equal groups; Group 1: received no drug. Group 2: received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally), for 30 successive days. Group 3: received celecoxib plus royal jelly (300 mg/kg/day, orally) for 30 successive days. Group 4: received celecoxib, for 30 days, then were left untreated for another 30 days. Group 5: received celecoxib plus royal jelly for 30 days, then were left untreated for another 30 days. Chronic celecoxib administration caused hepatotoxicity in male albino rats, with ameliorative effect of royal jelly. Celecoxib discontinuation significantly diminished the celecoxib-induced toxicity, and normal liver enzymes and serum protein levels were regained in the case of dual medications (celecoxib+RJ) discontinuation. Long-term celecoxib administration caused hepatotoxicity, with ameliorative effects of royal jelly against celecoxib-induced oxidative and apoptotic stress. In addition, it could be concluded that royal jelly may prove a useful adjunct in patients being prescribed celecoxib.

Mitigation of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by 17α-ethinylestradiol via nanoformulation of Silybum marianum L.

BackgroundCholestasis is an important predisposing factor for hepatocyte damage, liver fibrosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and even liver failure. Silybum marianum L. (SM) plant is used in teas or eaten in some countries due to its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Because of its low and poor oral bioavailability, so we improve the therapeutic activity of Silybum marianum L. extract (SM) by studying the potential effects of nanoformulation of Silybum marianium L. extract (nano-SM) on 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE)-induced intrahepatic cholestasis.MethodsThirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups (6 rats/group). Group I: Rats were received the treatment vehicle and served as normal group. Group II:Rats were injected daily with EE (10 mg/kg) for five successive days. Group III-V: Rats were injected daily with EE (10 mg/kg) and treated with either Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) (40 mg/kg), SM (100 mg/kg) and nano-SM (100 mg/kg) orally once/day throughout the trialfor five successive days, respectively.ResultsNano-SM greatly dampened the increase in serum levels of total and direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransaminase, and alkaline phosphatase caused by EE. Furthermore, nano-SM increased the hepatic contents of reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) and also upregulated the relative hepatic gene expressions of Rho-kinase (ROCK-1), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), and myosin phosphatase target subunit (MYPT1) compared to the EE-induced group. Administration of nano-SM reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation and downregulated the relative hepatic expressions of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ҡB) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In addition, nano-SM improved the histopathological changes induced by EE.ConclusionNano-SM possessed a superior effect over SM, which can be considered an effective protective modality against EE-induced cholestatic liver injury through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and enhancing bile acid (BA) efflux.

Morphological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical changes in tissues of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats orally treated with isotretinoin

Isotretinoin (ISO) is the most effective drug prescribed by dermatologists for the treatment of acne vulgaris and other clinical skin cases. A significant obstacle to using ISO is concerns regarding its adverse effect profile. Despite the well-established reproductive toxicity in females, information on the effects on human male fertility is scarce, contradictory, and inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the potential histological and histochemical effects of ISO. Isotretinoin was administered orally for seven successive days to Sprague Dawley male rats in a 5-20 mg/kg/day dose range. Standard histological and immunohistochemical techniques were used to evaluate ISO side effects. High doses of ISO led to infiltration of inflammatory cells in hepatic tissues, atrophy of the kidney glomeruli, and collapse of testicular compartments. Decreased E2F4 production was positively correlated to a reduced rate of spermatogenesis. The findings provide further evidence for ISO's cytotoxic and reprotoxic potencies. These effects are probably partly due to slowing down the expression of an E2F4 transcription factor. The dysregulated gene may play an essential role in spermatogenesis. The diagnostic value of the E2F4 gene needs to be further validated by different proteomics approaches, and its precise role in spermatogenesis needs to be investigated.

Predicting a short-term change of suicidal ideation in inpatients with depression: An ecological momentary assessment

IntroductionPatients with depression often require inpatient treatment due to their high suicide risk. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) studies have shown that suicidal ideation (SI) fluctuates over time. As affective instability and psychological pain (PP) are common experiences in borderline personality disorder (BPD), often comorbid with depression, we examined factors predicting short-term changes of SI in depressive inpatients with or without BPD. MethodsPsychiatric inpatients with depression with (N = 30) or without (N = 37) comorbid BPD assessed their anxiety, PP, severity of depression, SI, and hopelessness three times daily using visual analogue scales. Multilevel regression models were estimated. ResultsAltogether 4320 EMA observations, spanning on average 3.4 successive days, were collected. Only severity of depression (β = 0.19; [95 % CI = 0.06, 0.32]) and previous SI (β = 0.32; [95 % CI = 0.23, 0.41]) predicted near-future SI within several hours. PP predicted near-future SI in inpatients with depression and BPD (β = 0.28; [95 % CI = 0.11, 0.46]), but not in patients without BPD. LimitationsThe follow-up data represents only the first days of hospitalization. The context of the EMA is the acute psychiatric ward, affecting generalizability to outpatients. ConclusionsShort-terms changes in SI are predicted by changes in severity of depression and previous SI in depressed inpatients without BPD, and also by changes in PP in depressed inpatients with BPD. As SI and its risk factors may oscillate within a time scale of hours, frequent monitoring of momentary severity of depression, PP, and SI may be warranted in inpatient settings.

OUTCOME OF AZITHROMYCIN AND MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE ON HISTOLOGIC AND BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN RATS’ LIVER

Background: Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a commonly used flavouring, mediated hepatotoxic and pro-inflammatory responses. Azithromycin (AZT), an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory activity, may be co-consumed with MSG to present unknown outcomes on the liver, a major organ for the detoxification of xenobiotics. Aim: This study evaluated the effect of AZT and MSG on histologic and biochemical changes in rats’ liver. Methods: Thirty rats in five groups were for seven successive days orally exposed to groups 1, (distilled water 1 mL Kg−1), 2, (MSG 8000 mg/kg), 3, overdose AZT, OAZT (AZT 412.5 mg Kg−1), 4, therapeutic concentration AZT, TAZT, (AZT 82.5mg Kg−1), and 5, (TAZT 82.5 mg Kg−1 + MSG 8000 mg Kg−1). Liver function markers in therats’ serum and liver tissue, and changes in the liver histologic were assessed by acceptable protocols. The mean of numeric data were tested for significance at p value less than 0.05 by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: MSG treatment significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased hepatic and serum alanine aminotransferase activity (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST), alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), total bilirubin concentration (T-BIL), and direct bilirubin concentration (D-BIL) but decreased albumin concentration (ALB) compared to control and others. TAZT treatment caused a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in these effects unlike MSG and OATZ treatments while TAZT + MSG co-treatment significantly (p&lt;0.05) reversed these effects compared to MSG-treated rats. Rats’ liver sections for rats in groups 2 and 3 showed severe hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis compared to others while those in group 4 (TAZT) showed the normal hepatic histo-architecture comparable to those in group 1 (control). Those in group 5 showed marked cellular swelling and leukocytic infiltration in only the centrilobular areas, suggesting active restorative responses. Conclusion: Thus, TAZT significantly mitigated the compromised histologic and biochemical integrities of liver function due to MSG treatment in rats via probable normalization of their enzymatic and non-enzymatic indicators of liver function. This suggests that TAZT could be useful in managing histologic and biochemical malfunction of rats’ liver due to MSG assault. Peer Review History: Received: 12 October 2023; Revised: 9 November; Accepted: 13 December, Available online: 15 January 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed, University of Sadat City, Egypt, maafayed@gmail.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Idoko Alexander, Caritas University, Enugu, Nigeria, idokoalexander1@gmail.com Dr. Dennis Amaechi, MrsFoluBabade Mini Estate, Flat 5 by Old Soldiers Quarter, Sabongari/Bwari, Abuja- Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. amaechitoexcel@yahoo.com

Training using a commercial immersive virtual reality system on hand–eye coordination and reaction time in students: a randomized controlled trial

The implementation of VR games opens up a wide range of opportunities for the development of dexterity, speed and precision of movements among various professional groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a commercial immersive VR music game on hand–eye coordination and reaction time speed in students. This study enrolled 32 individuals, randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The intervention consisted of a 15-min training session of the immersive music game “Beat Saber”, once a day for 5 consecutive days. The primary outcomes included reaction time measurements: the plate tapping test and the ruler-drop test (Ditrich's test), trial making test (TMT) A and TMT B to assess coordination and visual attention, likewise VR sickness assessment by Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ). The secondary outcome included an energy expenditure assessment (SenseWear Armband). The data analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in hand–eye coordination in the experimental group, with no improvement in the control group. The results were similar in measurements of reaction time. Analysis of the VRSQ questionnaire results showed a statistically significant reduction in oculomotor domain symptoms and total score during successive training days. The immersive VR music game has the potential to improve reaction time and hand–eye coordination in students.Graphical abstract

What can we learn from the managers of successful private, voluntary and independent day nurseries in England?

The challenges facing the early years sector are well documented. Rebecca Swindells, nursery owner and doctoral student at the University of Brighton, discusses the findings of a research study looking at the operational management characteristics of three nursery managers working in successful PVI day nurseries in England, to see how they are coping in the current environment.

Evaluation of the protective effect of Omega-7 against Methotrexate Genotoxicity in bone marrow Cells of Mice

Background: A substance that can affect DNA or chromosomes is defined as a genotoxin. DNA damage in a somatic cell may result in a somatic mutation (cancer). In contrast, damage to a germ cell (germline mutation) may result in a heritable changed characteristic.Omega-7 is a non-essential monounsaturated free fatty acid with anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and antidiabetic effects. Objectives: Evaluation of the possible protective effects of omega seven against methotrexate genotoxicity. Method: Two major equal groups were obtained from seventy mice, and five subgroups (each of seven) were created from these groups as follows: Group I received liquid paraffin orally for seven successive days. Group II: received liquid paraffin orally for seven successive days, followed by a single intraperitoneal dose of methotrexate (20 mg/kg) on the eighth day. Group III: received omega-7 (50mg/kg) orally for seven successive days, followed by a single intraperitoneal dose of methotrexate (20 mg/kg) on the eighth day. Group IV: received omega-7 (100mg/kg) orally for seven successive days, followed by a single intraperitoneal dose of methotrexate (20 mg/kg) on the eighth day. Group V: received omega-7 (100mg/kg) orally for seven successive days. The first major group was intraperitoneally injected with 1mg/kg colchicine, and then after two hours, all mice were killed by spinal dislocation. Bone marrow cells from the first major group were used to measure the mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations, and bone marrow cell of the second group was used to measure the appearance of the micronucleus. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and ANOVA test were used to compare groups. Results: Treatment of mice with omega-7 led to a significant decline in chromosomal aberration and micronucleus aberrance with a significant elevation of the mitotic index. Conclusion: Omega-7 has been shown to have a protective role against methotrexate genotoxicity. Received: April, 2023 Accepted: July, 2023 Published: Jan.2024