Psychedelics and connectedness to natural and social worlds: An examination of the evidence and a proposed conceptual framework.

Recent research suggests that serotonergic psychedelics may simultaneously enhance connectedness to both social and natural worlds. This article synthesizes current evidence regarding psychedelics' effects on nature relatedness and social connectedness, examining underlying mechanisms through the framework of self-other overlap. Psychedelics appear to facilitate self-expansion through two complementary mechanisms: ego dissolution, which temporarily alters self-boundaries, and enhanced emotional processing, which increases empathic concern.

Prototype of AI-powered assistance system for digitalisation of manual waste sorting.

Global waste generation is projected to reach 3.40 billion tons by 2050, necessitating improved waste sorting for effective recycling and progress toward a circular economy. Achieving this transformation requires higher sorting intensity through intensified processes, increased efficiency, and enhanced yield.

Assessing learning, behaviour, and stress level in goats while testing a virtual fencing training protocol.

Virtual fencing (VF) is a modern fencing technology using Global Positioning System-enabled collars which emit acoustic signals and, if the animal does not respond, electric pulses. Studies with cattle indicate successful learning and no distinct negative impact on the animals' behaviours and stress level. However, the number of studies testing VF with goats is relatively small.

Supporting rotational grazing systems with virtual fencing: paddock transitions, beef heifer performance, and stress response.

Animal welfare is integral to sustainable livestock production, and pasture access for cattle is known to enhance welfare. Despite positive welfare impacts, high labour requirements hinder the adoption of sustainable grazing practices such as rotational stocking management. Virtual fencing (VF) is an innovative technology for simplified, less laborious grazing management and remote animal monitoring, potentially facilitating the expansion of sustainable livestock production.

Protocol for the fabrication of self-standing (nano)cellulose-based 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Three-dimensional (3D) and porous scaffolds made from nanocellulosic materials hold significant potential in tissue engineering (TE). Here, we present a protocol for fabricating self-standing (nano)cellulose-based 3D scaffolds designed for in vitro testing of cells from skin and cartilage tissues. We describe steps for preparation of nanocellulose ink, scaffold formation using 3D printing, and freeze-drying.

Impact of mechanical ventilation on severe acute kidney injury in critically ill patients with and without COVID-19 - a multicentre propensity matched analysis.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in critically ill patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Its complications often require renal replacement therapy (RRT). Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and infections are considered risk factors for the occurrence of AKI.

Unmet clinical needs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome regarding fertility and obesity: a cross-sectional study from the patient's perspective.

Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, often leading to anovulatory infertility. Obesity exacerbates the reproductive, metabolic and psychological features of PCOS, making fertility treatment and patient satisfaction difficult. Despite guidelines from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) emphasizing lifestyle modifications and specific treatments, there remains a significant gap in adherence to these guidelines by both healthcare providers and patients.

High-dose glucocorticoid treatment vs. glucocorticoid replacement in immune checkpoint inhibitor associated hypophysitis (CORTICI): an open, randomised controlled trial.

Objective: One of the most severe endocrine side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is hypophysitis leading to adrenal insufficiency. Recovery is rare, although it has been reported after high-dose glucocorticoid treatment. This is the first randomised study to evaluate whether hormonal recovery differs in patients treated with high-dose glucocorticoids versus glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

One-minute sit-to-stand test cut-offs for risk stratification based on six-minute walk test thresholds in pulmonary hypertension.

Aims: We aimed to establish one-minute sit-to-stand test (1-min STST) cut-off values that align with the guideline-recommended six-minute walk test (6MWT) thresholds (165m and 440m) for one-year mortality risk stratification in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients. Furthermore, we aimed to compare clinical characteristics and long-term mortality among patients stratified by these proposed 1-min STST cut-offs.

Methods: All patients performed the 1-min STST and 6MWT.

The Performance of Topical Insulin in Persistent Corneal Epithelial Defects and Persistent Corneal Ulcers - A Case Series.

Purpose: To retrospectively describe the performance of topical insulin in persistent corneal epithelial defects (CED) and persistent corneal ulcers.

Methods: We reviewed cases of patients treated for persistent CED and persistent corneal ulcers using topical insulin in a concentration of 25 IU per milliliter three times per day. The closure rate of CED and corneal ulcers was the main outcome measure.

Combining Brillouin Light Scattering Spectroscopy and Machine-Learned Interatomic Potentials to Probe Mechanical Properties of Metal-Organic Frameworks.

The mechanical properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are of high fundamental and practical relevance. A particularly intriguing technique for determining anisotropic elastic tensors is Brillouin scattering, which so far has rarely been used for highly complex materials like MOFs. In the present contribution, we apply this technique to study a newly synthesized MOF-type material, referred to as GUT2.

2024 White Paper on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis: Evolution of Immunogenicity Assessment beyond ADA/NAb; Regulated Genomic/NGS Assays; Hypersensitivity Reactions; Minimum Noise Reduction; False Positive Range; Modernized Vaccine Approaches; NAb/TAb Correlation - Recommendations on Advanced Strategies for Molecular Assays and Immunogenicity of Gene Therapy, Cell Therapy, Vaccine; Biotherapeutics Immunogenicity Assessment & Clinical Relevance - Regulatory Agencies' Input on Immunogenicity/Technologies of Biotherapeutics, Gene, Cell & Vaccine Therapies).

The 18 Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (18 WRIB) took place in San Antonio, TX, USA on May 6-10, 2024. Over 1100 professionals representing pharma/biotech companies, CROs, and multiple regulatory agencies convened to actively discuss the most current topics of interest in bioanalysis. The 18 WRIB included 3 Main Workshops and 7 Specialized Workshops that together spanned 1 week to allow an exhaustive and thorough coverage of all major issues in bioanalysis of biomarkers, immunogenicity, gene therapy, cell therapy and vaccines.

Neurotropic Tick-Borne Flavivirus in Alpine Chamois (), Austria, 2017, Italy, 2023.

The European subtype of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV-Eur; species , family ) was the only tick-borne flavivirus present in central Europe known to cause neurologic disease in humans and several animal species. Here, we report a tick-borne flavivirus isolated from Alpine chamois () with encephalitis and attached ticks, present over a wide area in the Alps. Cases were detected in 2017 in Salzburg, Austria, and 2023 in Lombardy and Piedmont, Italy.

Feline Papillomatosis.

Different types of feline papillomaviruses (PVs) are associated with a variety of skin lesions and neoplasia, such as papillomas and cell carcinomas, but the virus can also be found in healthy skin. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of veterinary experts on feline infectious diseases from 11 European Countries, discusses the current knowledge of feline PV infections. Cats most likely become infected through lesions or abrasions of the skin.

"Radix Saniculae": Phytochemical Characterization and Potential Adulteration of an Austrian Traditional Wound-Healing Agent.

The aerial parts (Herba Saniculae) and the underground parts (Radix Saniculae) of (sanicle) have been used traditionally in Austrian folk medicine to treat wounds. Interestingly, in the Austrian vernacular, "Radix Saniculae" can also refer to the underground parts of . This ambiguity can lead to mistakes in using these two plants and, importantly, adulterations.

Differential Enhancement of Fat-Soluble Vitamin Absorption and Bioefficacy via Micellization in Combination with Selected Plant Extracts In Vitro.

Individuals with special metabolic demands are at risk of deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins, which can be counteracted via supplementation. Here, we tested the ability of micellization alone or in combination with selected natural plant extracts to increase the intestinal absorption and bioefficacy of fat-soluble vitamins. Micellated and nonmicellated vitamins D3 (cholecalciferol), D2 (ergocalciferol), E (alpha tocopheryl acetate), and K2 (menaquionone-7) were tested in intestinal Caco-2 or buccal TR146 cells in combination with curcuma (), black pepper (), or ginger () plant extracts.

Shifting Focus to Quality: An Innovative Modeling Approach Includes Processing History for Rubber Part Quality Simulation.

An innovative modeling approach for the simulative description of the part quality of rubber materials, including the processing history, is presented in this paper. This modeling approach, the so-called average curing speed (ACS) model, is based on the degree of cure and the average curing speed instead of the conventionally considered temperature approach. Such approach neglects the processing history by calculating only the degree of cure.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid as an Antimicrobial Agent in Orthopedics-An In Vitro Study About the Race for Surface.

Background: The burden of prosthetic joint infection in combination with antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains is a rising dilemma for patients experiencing total joint replacements. Around 0.8-2% of patients experience prosthetic joint infections, while up to 21% of patients are considered fatal cases after 5 years.

Cold Plasma Activity Against Biofilm Formation of Prosthetic Joint Infection Pathogens.

Periprosthetic joint infections occur in 1-2% of all patients undergoing prosthetic joint surgeries. Although strong efforts have been made to reduce infection rates, conventional therapies like one- or two-stage revisions have failed to lower the infection rates. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has shown promising results in reducing bacterial loads on surfaces.

Is the EnodePro a Valid Tool to Determine the Bar Velocity in the Bench Press and Barbell Back Squat? A Comparative Analysis.

Unlabelled: In recent years, the EnodePro device has been one of the most frequently used velocity sensors to track the bar velocity in resistance training, with the aim of providing load-velocity profiles. However, recent articles highlight a lack of reliability and validity in the estimated maximal strength, which can cause a serious health risk due to the overestimation of the bar velocity. With this study, we aimed to investigate whether imprecision in the measurement could explain the variance in this measurement error.

Reliability of a Low-Cost Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to Measure Punch and Kick Velocity.

Striking velocity is a key performance indicator in striking-based combat sports, such as boxing, Karate, and Taekwondo. This study aims to develop a low-cost, accelerometer-based system to measure kick and punch velocities in combat athletes. Utilizing a low-cost mobile phone in conjunction with the PhyPhox app, acceleration data was collected and analyzed using a custom algorithm.

Dental Rehabilitation After Microvascular Reconstruction of Segmental Jaw Defects: A Ten-Year Follow-Up.

: Defects in maxillary and mandibular continuity are common in maxillofacial practice. They can occur after trauma, osteonecrosis, congenital jaw deformities, or surgical resection of benign or malignant tumours. Reconstruction with microvascular bone flaps and subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation is considered the contemporary first line treatment.

Continuous Stitches Versus Simple Interrupted Stitches During Anterior Colporrhaphy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The anterior vaginal wall is frequently affected by prolapse, which is frequently treated with anterior colporrhaphy. However, this repair has a high recurrence rate, and no standardized approach exists. Our study aimed to compare two suture techniques concerning postoperative outcomes.

Preoperative Non-Invasive Mapping for Targeted Concomitant Surgical Ablation of Non-Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PreMap Study).

: The present study introduces our targeted approach for concomitant surgical ablation (CSA) using non-invasive phase mapping (NIPM) and describes its effectiveness regarding freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF). : This retrospective study included cardiac surgical patients undergoing preoperative NIPM for CSA guidance. The primary outcome was freedom from AF six months after surgery.

Three-Dimensional Planning for Vascularized Bone Grafts: Implementation and Surgical Application for Complex Bone Reconstruction in the Hand and Forearm.

Vascularized bone grafts have been successfully established for complex bone defects. The integration of three-dimensional (3D) simulation and printing technology may aid in more precise surgical planning and intraoperative bone shaping. The purpose of the present study was to describe the implementation and surgical application of this innovative technology for bone reconstruction.