Search

Apolipoprotein ε allele 4 (APOE4) influences the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The entorhinal cortex (EC) in the brain is affected early in Alzheimer's disease and is rich in DHA. The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of APOE4 and DHA lipid species on the EC. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lipidomic measurements were obtained from the DHA Brain Delivery Pilot, a randomized clinical trial of DHA supplementation (n = 10) versus placebo (n = 12) for six months in nondemented older adults stratified by APOE4 status. Wild-type C57B6/J mice were fed a high or low DHA diet for 6 months followed by plasma and brain lipidomic analysis. Levels of phosphatidylcholine DHA (PC 38:6) and cholesterol ester DHA (CE 22:6) had the largest increases in CSF following supplementation (P < 0.001). DHA within triglyceride (TG) lipids in CSF strongly correlated with corresponding plasma TG lipids, and differed by APOE4, with carriers having a lower increase than noncarriers. Changes in plasma PC DHA had the strongest association with changes in EC thickness in millimeters, independent of APOE4 status (P = 0.007). In mice, a high DHA diet increased PUFAs within brain lipids. Our findings demonstrate an exchange of DHA at the CSF-blood barrier and into the brain within all lipid species with APOE having the strongest effect on DHA-containing TGs. The correlation of PC DHA with EC suggests a functional consequence of DHA accretion in high density lipoprotein for the brain.

Abstract Background Inducing brain ATP-binding cassette 1 (ABCA1) activity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse models is associated with improvement in AD pathology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the ABCA1 agonist peptide CS-6253 on amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) and lipoproteins in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of cynomolgus monkeys, a species with amyloid and lipoprotein metabolism similar to humans. Methods CS-6253 peptide was injected intravenously into cynomolgus monkeys at various doses in three different studies. Plasma and CSF samples were collected at several time points before and after treatment. Levels of cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), lipoprotein particles, apolipoproteins, and Aβ were measured using ELISA, ion-mobility analysis, and asymmetric-flow field-flow fractionation (AF4). The relationship between the change in levels of these biomarkers was analyzed using multiple linear regression models and linear mixed-effects models. Results Following CS-6253 intravenous injection, within minutes, small plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles were increased. In two independent experiments, plasma TG, apolipoprotein E (apoE), and Aβ42/40 ratio were transiently increased following CS-6253 intravenous injection. This change was associated with a non-significant decrease in CSF Aβ42. Both plasma total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels were reduced following treatment. AF4 fractionation revealed that CS-6253 treatment displaced apoE from HDL to intermediate-density- and low density-lipoprotein (IDL/LDL)-sized particles in plasma. In contrast to plasma, CS-6253 had no effect on the assessed CSF apolipoproteins or lipids. Conclusions Treatment with the ABCA1 agonist CS-6253 appears to favor Aβ clearance from the brain.

Maize is a popular staple food among the urban population of South Sudan. However, due to inadequate food safety surveillance and enforcement systems, there is limited information on the aflatoxin safety of maize grains at farm and market levels. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing aflatoxins awareness and handling practices of maize grains among randomly selected farmers (n=30) and traders (n=30) as well as determining the moisture content, Aspergillus species counts and aflatoxins contamination. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in Magwi maize producing areas, Juba retail/wholesale markets and Nimule border points of South Sudan. Moisture content, fungal and aflatoxins contamination in maize grain samples were determined using dry air oven method, dilution plating technique, and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), respectively. The respondent results showed that farmers (97%) and traders (83%) were unaware of aflatoxins. About 83% of the farmers dried their maize grains on tarpaulins, for 4 - 5 days (77%). In addition, most farmers (77%) stored their maize grain bags on raised platforms, whereas most traders (73%) stored grains on bare ground. All the maize grains met the required moisture content limit (below 13.5%). Maize from Nimule main park had the highest levels of contamination with Aspergillus flavus (9 log CFU/g), Aspergillus parasiticus (12 log CFU/g), aflatoxin B1 (505.56 µg/kg) and total aflatoxins (1,032.19 µg/kg). Maize from Gudele market was contaminated with Aspergillus parasiticus (12 log CFU/g), and aflatoxin B1 (76.55 µg/kg), and had a total aflatoxin content of 94.09 µg/kg. Omeo farmers' maize grains had the least levels of contamination of Aspergillus parasiticus (6 log CFU/g), aflatoxin B1 (4.39 µg/kg), and total aflatoxins (7.83 µg/kg). In addition, Aspergillus flavus was not detected from Omeo farmers' maize grains and no aflatoxins were detected from Agoro and Paluonganyi farmers' grains. This study recommends wider aflatoxins awareness and regular aflatoxin screening of maize grains by the relevant stakeholders in South Sudan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By 2024, the global Internet user base is expected to reach 5.5 billion, with 94% actively engaging on social media platforms. Marketing managers increasingly employ strategies involving key opinion leaders to connect with Generation Z, a demographic known for its digital fluency and reliance on social networks. This study utilizes a qualitative approach to investigate how emotional attachment impacts Generation Z consumers’ trust in social media figures and its effect on impulsive buying behavior. It contributes to the body of knowledge on digital marketing by identifying factors that enhance the effectiveness of social media personalities in reaching and persuading Generation Z audiences. The findings provide actionable insights for content creators aiming to expand their following and for businesses seeking to strengthen their credibility and drive consumer purchasing decisions through collaboration with digital creators. The results reveal that emotional attachment to online personalities is a crucial driver of trust among Generation Z, significantly affecting their unplanned purchasing habits. Additionally, emotional connection acts as a catalyst, amplifying the impact of trust on spontaneous buying tendencies. Although trust in social media figures has a notable effect on unplanned purchasing, the relatively weak correlation underscores the need for further exploration of additional factors influencing Generation Z’s decision-making processes.

A summary of key discoveries regarding the industrial applications of impinging jets on a vertical plate. The summary explores the link between the dynamics and heat transmission on one hand and the relationship between heat exchange and acoustic coupling on the other hand. The objective of this research work is to investigate the vortex dynamics and heat transfer mechanisms in impinging jets. The jet impingement technique finds widespread use in the industry, it serves purposes such as drying, cooling, and heating. The impinging jet system involves directing a fluid jet with high-velocity onto a surface. The jet impingement results in high heat exchange rates and mass transfer rates, making it an attractive technique in various industrial processes. To investigate these mechanisms, a combination of experimental and computational methods was used, including flow visualization and numerical simulations. The study of vortex dynamics in impinging jets is crucial for understanding the heat transfer mechanisms involved. The flow characteristics of impinging jets, such as the Reynolds number (Re) of the jet, the distance from the blowing mouth to the impinged wall, and the geometry of the blowing mouth, significantly affect the vortex dynamics and heat transfer rates. Therefore, optimizing these parameters can result in significant improvements in heat transfer efficiency. Several methods were proposed to enhance heat transfer, these methods can affect the flow dynamic, the surface of impingement, the nozzle’s shape and size, and the impingement parameters such as the impact distance and the jet angle. For example, investigations have identified that optimal heat transfer took place at an inclination angle between 40 and 90 degrees. In addition, studies have reported enhancement in heat transfer with diamond orifices that reached up to 17%. The key findings of this paperwork include the identification of optimal impingement parameters that maximize heat transmission rates and the understanding of the significant relationship between the dynamics of the flow and the acoustic emissions. For instance, studies showed that synthetic jets can enhance convective heat transfer by 3 times compare to natural convection. The correlation between the flow dynamic and the heat transmission on one side, and the flow dynamics and acoustic emission on the other side, emphasizes the researcher to present acoustic-thermal coupled studies on the impinging jet; this topic needs more effort to understand the relation between the two phenomena. The conclusion highlights the significance of previous findings in industrial applications, suggesting control mechanisms capable of reducing noise and enhancing heat transmission.

Infant formula milk (IFM) is increasingly utilized as a substitute for natural breastfeeding despite the fact that breast milk has been always recognized as the optimal nourishment method. While IFMs are fortified with essential nutrients that are crucial for proper growth, they can also harbor non-essential toxic metal contaminants from various sources during the production process. Given the heightened vulnerability of newborns to such contaminants, it is imperative to thoroughly analyze, evaluate, and minimize the toxicity associated with the consumption of such IFMs. However, classical approaches to date, have been always adopted for assessing such risks by finding first the analytical concentration of metals in the IFMs followed by multiplying it by the average daily powder intake (ADI) then dividing by the average infant weight. The outcome is then compared to an established standard such a PTWI to assess the extent of toxicity. The drawback with such studies is the use of a fixed ADI for all samples as if all samples have the same and exact preparation directions while using somewhat different infant masses.Accordingly, this study aims at assessing the toxic risk amongst newborns from IFM consumption through the identification and application of various highly important and toxicity-contributing parameters from each IFM and its directions of preparation label separately which are discussed here for the first time while providing comparisons between the classical approach versus our new approach to highlight its importance.Seventy-three IFMs (0–6 months) were analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and aluminum (Al) levels and unlike previous studies, this work incorporated various feeding parameters from each IFM for calculating the intakes thus, revealing potential toxicity risks even in IFMs that are considered safe by the classical approach. Metal contamination was significant, with 97.3 % of samples containing detectable Pb, 41.1 % Cd, 16.4 % As, and 93.2 % Al while highlighting Pb in exceeding its maximum allowable level (MAL). This novel approach, which considers new diverse feeding schedules/parameters that are ironically suggested by manufacturers that have been previously overlooked elsewhere, emphasized IFMs' potential as sources of heightened metal toxicity in comparison to classical approaches. Results highlighted Pb and Al as major concerns, with As and Cd of lesser concern. Findings also emphasized the importance of such new parameters for safeguarding newborn health and should be payed attention to by caregivers. The study strongly and highly recommends adherence to minimum feeding schedules (MFS) and proper scooping techniques to reduce newborn exposure to toxic metals. It also suggests continuous monitoring and stricter regulations by health authorities at the production level of such products so as to provide a safer commodity in the first degree and to also provide better and somewhat uniform and specific feeding labels and precautions on such products.

In today's volatile business environment, manufacturers often face the challenge of making sales and production decisions despite unstable market demand. Companies must strategically determine which customer orders to fulfill or which products to stock under limited resources. This study addresses these challenges by proposing a mixed-integer mathematical programming model to optimize order acceptance/rejection and inventory decisions in a multi-period, multi-product hybrid make-to-order (MTO) and make-to-stock (MTS) system. The model incorporates various factors such as holding costs, production costs, stockout costs, budget constraints, production lead time, labor constraints, and order-specific costs. For each period, the model evaluates resource utilization, production lead times, and stock and stockout costs to decide production for stock or order acceptance/rejection. Additionally, it determines the optimal production quantities for stock and order fulfillment, as well as safety stock levels, all aimed at maximizing profit. To validate the proposed model, a real-life application was conducted using data from a chemical plant, exploring different scenarios to assess the model's sensitivity and capabilities. Furthermore, an experimental study examined the limitations of the mathematical model as the problem size increased, with test problems of varying dimensions developed to measure its effectiveness.

Abstract In this study, a glass microfibers interlayer (GMI) was used at the interface of the cathode and electrolyte in lithium‐sulfur batteries to prevent polysulfides loss from the cathode which contributes to capacity and coulombic efficiency fades during cycling. The interlayer's performance was evaluated using full‐cell studies and various visual experiments at commercially relevant sulfur areal loadings. Cells with sulfur loading of 4 mg cm−2 consistently had initial capacities exceeding 1200 mAh g−1 and reached a stable performance at around 900 mAh g−1 after 2 cycles at 2.23 mA cm−2. After 200 cycles the capacity retention remained robust at 95 %, marking an average decay rate of only 0.016 % per cycle. Cathodes with 2.8 mg cm−2 at 1.57 mA cm−2 rate and cathodes with 2 mg cm−2 at 3.3 mA cm−2 high rate exhibit improved rate capability and excellent stability over 400 cycles and 500 cycles respectively with 20 % more capacity retention than non‐GMI cells. Post‐failure analyses of the cell components revealed the GMI's role in controlling the concentration of soluble polysulfides at the anode and a suitable candidate that can be used alone or in tandem with other approaches to help overcome one of the major problems in lithium‐sulfur batteries.

With the objective of understanding how the mixed convective and the geometrical parameters together influence the nanofluid behavior (enhancement or deterioration) and finding the best configuration of the moving walls for engineering purposes, this paper investigates the single lid-driven mixed convective flow of carbon nanotubes/kerosene nanofluids confined in vertical and horizontal cavities with non-uniform boundary conditions applied to the vertical walls. The findings of this paper can provide crucial conclusions into the behavior and optimization of nanofluids in mixed convective flows in enclosed systems for engineering applications. The system of the governing equations is tackled by a validated in-house code, where we compared the code accuracy with previous experimental and numerical works. The governing parameters are -50 ≤ Pe ≤ 50, 0.5 ≤ A ≤ 4, and 0 ≤ φ ≤ 3%. The effective nanofluid properties are calculated using special experimental models. The outcomes revealed that the carbon nanotube effect on heat transfer depends on the aspect ratio. The greater the aspect ratio, the more pronounced the negative impact of the nanotube concentration where Nusselt number is reduced by 4.49% and 16.17% for φ = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively, in the case of Pe = 0 and A = 4. The Peclet number also has a significant impact on the heat transfer, especially for higher aspect ratios, and diminishes the critical aspect ratio where the nanofluid's behavior changes. An augmentation in the aspect ratio and Peclet number brings about an augmentation in the Nusselt number. Additionally, the Peclet number can reverse the conjugated effect of carbon nanotube volume fraction and aspect ratio on nanofluid enhancement. When Pe = 50 in C1, heat transfer rate is 1.75% and 1.11% enhanced for φ = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively, and A = 4. Moving horizontal walls exhibits higher heat transfer enhancement compared to vertical ones.

Breast cancer is a pressing public health issue globally and in Morocco, with rising cases among women. This study aims to evaluate breast cancer awareness and self-examination practices among female university students, informing future educational interventions. A cross-sectional study surveyed 437 students at Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, using a questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, symptoms, and breast self-examination (BSE). Results showed high awareness of breast cancer (95.3%), with social networks and media being primary information sources. However, only 48.25% had intermediate knowledge levels, and BSE awareness was moderate (60.8%) with low practical skills (28.0%). Reasons for not performing BSE included lack of knowledge and discomfort. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and age, year of study, study options, and information sources. Despite high awareness, there is a crucial need to enhance knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and BSE practices among young women in Morocco. Educational programs targeting university students are essential for promoting early detection and improving attitudes toward breast health.

Abstract Leaf water content (LWC) is a vital indicator of crop growth and development. While visible and near-infrared (VIS–NIR) spectroscopy makes it possible to estimate crop leaf moisture, spectral preprocessing and multiband spectral indices have important significance in the quantitative analysis of LWC. In this work, the fractional order derivative (FOD) was used for leaf spectral processing, and multiband spectral indices were constructed based on the band-optimization algorithm. Eventually, an integrated index, namely, the multiband spectral index (MBSI) and moisture index (MI), is proposed to estimate the LWC in spring wheat around Fu-Kang City, Xinjiang, China. The MBSIs for LWC were calculated from two types of spectral data: raw reflectance (RR) and the spectrum based on FOD. The LWC was estimated by combining machine learning (K-nearest neighbor, KNN; support vector machine, SVM; and artificial neural network, ANN). The results showed that the fractional derivative pretreatment of spectral data enhances the implied information of the spectrum (the maximum correlation coefficient appeared using a 0.8-order differential) and increases the number of sensitive bands, especially in the near-infrared bands (700–1100 nm). The correlations between LWC and the two-band index (RVI1156, 1628 nm), three-band indices (3BI-3(766, 478, 1042 nm), 3BI-4(1129, 1175, 471 nm), 3BI-5(814, 929, 525 nm), 3BI-6(1156, 1214, 802 nm), 3BI-7(929, 851, 446 nm)) based on FOD were higher than that of moisture indices and single-band spectrum, with r of − 0.71**, 0.74**, 0.73**, − 0.72**, 0.75** and − 0.76** for the correlation. The prediction accuracy of the two-band spectral indices (DVI(698, 1274 nm) DVI(698, 1274 nm) DVI(698, 1274 nm)) was higher than that of the moisture spectral index, with R 2 of 0.81 and R 2 of 0.79 for the calibration and validation, respectively. Due to a large amount of spectral indices, the correlation coefficient method was used to select the characteristic spectral index from full three-band indices. Among twenty seven models, the FWBI-3BI− 0.8 order model performed the best predictive ability (with an R 2 of 0.86, RMSE of 2.11%, and RPD of 2.65). These findings confirm that combining spectral index optimization with machine learning is a highly effective method for inverting the leaf water content in spring wheat.

Applied electrochemistry (AE) plays today an important role in a wide range of fields, including energy conversion and storage, processes, environment, (bio)analytical chemistry, and many others. Electrochemical synthesis is now proven as a promising pathway to avoid all disadvantages in terms of high energy consumption and high pollution, while electrochemical modeling becomes a powerful tool to understand complex systems and predict and optimize the electrochemical devices under various conditions, which reduce study time and cost. The vital role of electrochemistry will greatly be considered in the upcoming years, aiming to reduce carbon footprints and supporting the transition towards a green and more sustainable energy framework. This review article summarizes the recent advances in applied electrochemistry. It shows how this field has become an indispensable tool for innovation, progress, problem-solving in the modern world, and addressing societal challenges across diverse fields.

Abstract Background Chiari syndrome is a very rare cause of secondary trigeminal neuralgia (TN). There are a few cases of TN associated with Chiari syndrome in the literature, and all of these cases were reported as Chiari type 1. In this report, we present a case of secondary trigeminal neuralgia caused by Chiari type 1.5 for the first time unlike the literature. Case presentation A 38-year-old male patient, who had frequent and severe attacks of pain under the orbit, at the chin and rim of the mouth, was evaluated with craniocervical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and revealed Chiari type 1.5 malformation and syringomyelia. Conclusions The mechanism of TN associated with Chiari malformation is unclear. However, the main concepts emphasized in cases presented in the literature are compression and stretching. The rapid relief of pain after decompression surgery in these cases also supports this situation. It can be predicted that compression and tension forces will become more pronounced in Chiari type 1.5 malformation, in which the brainstem elongation and ventral pressure are more prominent. Decompression of the foramen magnum provides rapid and effective pain control in the treatment of TN accompanying Chiari 1.5 syndrome that does not respond to medical treatment.

Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain have become two of the most trending and disruptive technologies. Blockchain technology can automate payment in cryptocurrency and provide access to a shared ledger of data, transactions, and logs in a decentralized, secure, and trusted manner. In addition, with smart contracts, blockchain has the ability to govern interactions among participants with no intermediary or a trusted third party. AI, on the other hand, offers intelligence and decision-making capabilities to machines similar to humans. This review presents a detailed survey on blockchain and AI basics and features. This paper provides a review of the literature and a brief on the integration of blockchain and AI applications in multiple areas. We also identify some sole cases of blockchain–AI integration in the energy sector with current use cases. Eventually, we discuss research advantages and challenges associated with integrating blockchain with AI in the energy domain.

Tarım ürünlerinin zekât nisabı konusunda gündeme gelen “vesk”, tarihte bir hacim ölçüsüdür ve günümüzde uygulamadan kalkmıştır. Geçmişte hacim ölçüleriyle ölçülen tarım ürünlerinin neredeyse hepsi artık tartılmaktadır. Veskin karşılığını hem tarihteki hem de günümüzdeki ağırlık ölçüleri bakımından tespit etmede birçok farklı yaklaşım bulunmaktadır. Ayrıca günümüzde tarım ürünlerinin zekât nisabının tek bir kilogram olarak veya ürününe göre farklı kilogramlarla belirlenmesi şeklinde yaklaşımlar ortaya çıkmıştır. Makalede, eski ölçülerin günümüzdeki karşılıklarına ilişkin şimdiye kadar yapılan çalışmalar incelenmiş, ardından İslâm dünyasındaki ilgili ve yetkili kurumların tarım ürünlerinin zekât nisabını belirleme yöntemleri ve bu noktada ortaya çıkan problemler tartışılmıştır. Böylece hem fıkıh birikimiyle uyumlu hem de günümüzde zekât verecek kişilerin kolaylıkla uygulayabileceği bir ölçünün ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada, tarım ürünlerinin zekât nisabını her üründe kilogram cinsinden farklı farklı ilan etmek yerine, tek bir kilogram şeklinde ilan etmenin mümkün olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

The current study aims to determine the factors influencing the intention to employ digital libraries among postgraduate students in Jordanian universities. The data were gathered through questionnaires in the format of Google Forms. The questionnaires were distributed to postgraduate students enrolled in Jordanian universities with digital libraries, who were recruited via purposive sampling. A total of 261 responses were received, with 67 deemed unsuitable for the study analysis and subsequently excluded. Resultantly, 194 valid questionnaires were finalized for data analysis. The SMART-partial least squares (PLS) software was utilized to conduct structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the study hypotheses. This study discovered that the variables, namely performance expectancy, effort, and facilitating conditions expectancy, were significantly and positively associated with the outcome variable, which is the intention to employ digital libraries. Meanwhile, social influence was revealed to be insignificant. Performance expectancy also significantly mediated the correlations between technological readiness and the intention to utilize and between online self-efficacy and the intention to utilize. The present study focused only on potential users among postgraduate students at Jordanian universities with digital libraries. The findings contributed valuable insights into the academic sector, especially library management to enhance the rate of digital library or e-library adoption at Jordanian universities. Digital library managers and policymakers could leverage the findings to design pertinent strategies that increase user engagement within digital library environments. The UTAUT model was demonstrated to be capable of predicting users’ intentions of employing digital libraries and corroborated the mediation role of performance expectancy on the associations between technological readiness and the intention to utilize and between online self-efficacy and the intention to use.

Impinging jets are found in many industrial applications and specifically in ventilation systems. Mostly, these jets are turbulent and under certain conditions can be a source of discomfort in closed areas due to the high level of noise it can generates. Therefore, it is very important to understand the flow dynamics that is responsible of generating the acoustic field in order to control and reduce such phenomenon. In this paper, an experimental study of a rectangular impinging air jet on a slotted plate is considered for three different Reynolds numbers producing self-sustaining tones (Re = 4100, 5100, and 5900). The sound pressure and spatial velocity field are obtained simultaneously using four microphones located at different locations and SPIV technique. Results show that Re = 5100 correspond to a critical regime where there is a significant drop in the sound pressure level (SPL) that reached 5 dB when compared to a lower Reynolds number Re = 4100. The flow dynamic analysis suggests that this drop in SPL could be contributed to the path followed by the large coherent structure at Re = 5100, where they are deviated in the transverse direction along the wall leading to low energy transfer from the dynamic field to the acoustic one. However, at Re = 4100 and 5900 the peak in SPL could be contributed to the two paths followed by the large coherent structures and particularly to the path where vortices hit the slotted plate before escaping through it. This path is responsible for the optimization of energy transfer from the dynamic field to the acoustic field. Moreover, at Re = 5900 the spectrogram of the instantaneous frequency and instantaneous flow dynamics results show that the acoustic frequencies (160 Hz and 320 Hz) are generated by symmetric and anti-symmetric modes respectively. This unusual aspect is related to the sudden changes in vortex mode.

Background: Research has demonstrated that the loss of one or more natural teeth can be an emotionally traumatic experience that mirrors processes associated with bereavement. There remains scant literature examining the role of emotions in dental encounters. One such exception is the literature on the idea of the ‘treatment alliance’ in dental encounters. The aim of this paper is to explore the role of the ‘treatment alliance’ in dentist–patient encounters. Methods: Data were collected from clinical observations, semi-structured interviews and focus groups exploring the experience of tooth loss and how the treatment alliance shaped the patient journey. Data analysis was conducted using the grounded theory method influenced by phenomenology. Coding was conducted using NVIVO and the unit of analysis was the treatment alliance. Results: Twenty participants took part in the interviews (eleven male; nine female; 22–86 years; mean age = 58.9 years). Observations were carried out with a further fourteen participants (seven male; seven female; 50–101 years; mean age = 62.2 years). The paper draws on four cases taken from the observational data to illustrate important dynamics underpinning how the treatment alliance varied. These case studies are then used as the basis for a critical discussion of the importance of the treatment alliance in dentistry. Conclusions: The treatment alliance acted as an important moderator in the clinical encounter, helping to influence successful outcomes. An important foundational component of the treatment alliance was the degree of emotional work the dental team conducted when ‘getting to know’ unfamiliar patients. Whilst emotions were an important factor in dental encounters, their acknowledgement and management were not essential to all successful outcomes. Much more research is therefore needed into the role of emotional labour in dental encounters.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive and fatal primary brain tumor. The resistance of GBM to conventional treatments is attributed to factors such as the blood–brain barrier, tumor heterogeneity, and treatment-resistant stem cells. Current therapeutic efforts show limited survival benefits, emphasizing the urgent need for novel treatments. In this context, natural anti-cancer extracts and especially animal venoms have garnered attention for their potential therapeutic benefits. Bee venom in general and that of the Middle Eastern bee, Apis mellifera syriaca in particular, has been shown to have cytotoxic effects on various cancer cell types, but not glioblastoma. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential of A. mellifera syriaca venom as a selective anti-cancer agent for glioblastoma through in vitro and in vivo studies. Our results revealed a strong cytotoxic effect of A. mellifera syriaca venom on U87 glioblastoma cells, with an IC50 of 14.32 µg/mL using the MTT test and an IC50 of 7.49 µg/mL using the LDH test. Cells treated with the bee venom became permeable to propidium iodide without showing any signs of early apoptosis, suggesting compromised membrane integrity but not early apoptosis. In these cells, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) underwent proteolytic cleavage similar to that seen in necrosis. Subsequent in vivo investigations demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of U87 cells in mice following bee venom injection, accompanied by a significant increase in cells expressing caspase-3, suggesting the occurrence of cellular apoptosis. These findings highlight the potential of A. mellifera syriaca venom as a therapeutically useful tool in the search for new drug candidates against glioblastoma and give insights into the molecular mechanism through which the venom acts on cancer cells.

Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the precursors of various lipid mediators of inflammation. Brain imaging techniques for monitoring the brain's uptake of PUFAs would not only uncover the effects of risk factors for excessive neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementia but also direct the development of methods to prevent or treat AD. Radiosynthesized 11C‐docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 11C‐arachidonic acid (AA) have already been utilized in positron emission tomography (PET) studies in humans [1, 2]. Because 18F has a longer half‐life than 11C, fluorinated PUFA derivatives would be more favorable alternatives for PET studies of brain uptake. Methods: We prepared 18F‐fluorinated analogues of DHA (18F‐FDHA) and AA (18F‐FAA) as PUFA PET tracers. Radiosynthesis was performed via a nucleophilic fluorination scheme using the tosylate ester derivatives as precursors. We then performed bolus injection of each tracer into 16‐month‐old APOE4 knock‐in mice and scanned them by dynamic PET‐MRI over 45 min to assess region‐specific uptake. PUFA uptake kinetics in the cerebral region was evaluated using the time‐dependent activity in the lumen of the right ventricle as the image‐derived input function and using an irreversible two‐tissue compartment model to calculate the incorporation coefficient (Ki). Results: Both 18F‐FDHA and 18F‐FAA were successfully synthesized in high radiochemical purity (≥98%) and were found to be stable in the formulation and mouse serum for 2 hr. The mean Ki values for the cerebral region were determined to be 6.31 ± 0.98 µL mL‐1 min‐1 for 18F‐FDHA (n = 4) and 6.75 ± 0.68 µL mL‐1 min‐1 for 18F‐FAA (n = 5). Conclusion: Using an image‐based method with 18F‐fluorinated PUFA tracers, we were able to determine Ki values for both AA and DHA. The use of these PUFA PET tracers has the potential to elucidate deleterious changes in PUFA metabolism during various phases of AD as well as effects due to dietary interventions and drug treatment. References 1. Yassine, H.N. et al. (2017). DHA brain uptake and APOE4 status: a PET study with [1‐11C]‐DHA. Alzheimers Res Ther 9, 23. 2. Zanderigo, F. et al. (2018). [11C]arachidonic acid incorporation measurement in human brain: Optimization for clinical use. Synapse 72. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]