bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: A novel HNF1A variant linked to gestational diabetes, congenital hyperinsulinism, and diazoxide hypersensitivity
Authors: Chandran Suresh , Verma Deepti , Rajadurai Victor Samuel , Yap Fabian
Published: October 2024

Diazoxide (DZX) remains the first-line medication for the treatment of prolonged and persistent forms of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH). In nearly 40%–50% of cases of HH, the genetic mechanism is unidentified. Almost half of the infants with permanent or genetic causes are DZX sensitive, but hypersensitivity to DZX is extremely rare, and the mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we report for the first time a case of DZX hypersensitivity in a neonate with HH who inherited a novel HNF1A variant from the mother. A term, male large-for-gestational-age infant of a diabetic mother presented with early onset of severe, recurrent hypoglycemia. Critical blood samples when hypoglycemic confirmed HH. Diazoxide was initiated at conventional doses of 5 mg/kg/day, which resulted in hyperglycemia (blood glucose, 16.6 mmol/L) within 48 h. Glucose infusion was rapidly weaned off. DZX was withheld and eventually stopped. Following 3 days of milk feeds alone with a normal glucose profile, suspecting a resolution of HH, he underwent a 6-h fasting study and passed. While on glucose monitoring in the hospital, he again developed hypoglycemic episodes, and the critical blood samples confirmed HH. DZX was restarted at a lower dose of 3 mg/kg/day, which required further down-titration to 0.7 mg/kg/day before steady euglycemia was obtained. No more episodes of hypo- or hyperglycemia occurred, and he passed a safety fasting study before discharge. Molecular genetic testing identified a novel HNF1A mutation in the mother–child dyad, whereas the father tested negative. We concluded that the HH phenotype due to this novel HNF1A mutation can be mutation specific and require a very low dose of DZX. Clinicians should observe closely for the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state while initiating DZX therapy.
Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) and epigenetic factors: their role in regulating the adipocytes in bovine
Authors: Jilo Diba Dedacha , Abebe Belete Kuraz , Wang Jianfang , Guo Juntao , Li Anning , Zan Linsen
Published: October 2024

Investigating the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and epigenetic processes in bovine adipocytes can provide valuable new insights into controlling adipogenesis in livestock. Long non-coding RNAs have been associated with forming chromatin loops that facilitate enhancer-promoter interactions during adipogenesis, as well as regulating important adipogenic transcription factors like C/EBPα and PPARγ. They significantly influence gene expression regulation at the post-transcriptional level and are extensively researched for their diverse roles in cellular functions. Epigenetic modifications such as chromatin reorganization, histone alterations, and DNA methylation subsequently affect the activation of genes related to adipogenesis and the progression of adipocyte differentiation. By investigating how fat deposition is epigenetically regulated in beef cattle, scientists aim to unravel molecular mechanisms, identify key regulatory genes and pathways, and develop targeted strategies for modifying fat deposition to enhance desirable traits such as marbling and meat tenderness. This review paper delves into lncRNAs and epigenetic factors and their role in regulating bovine adipocytes while focusing on their potential as targets for genetic improvement to increase production efficiency. Recent genomics advancements, including molecular markers and genetic variations, can boost animal productivity, meeting global demands for high-quality meat products. This review establishes a foundation for future research on understanding regulatory networks linked to lncRNAs and epigenetic changes, contributing to both scholarly knowledge advancement and practical applications within animal agriculture.
ExaFEL: extreme-scale real-time data processing for X-ray free electron laser science
Authors: Blaschke Johannes P. , Bolotovsky Robert , Brewster Aaron S. , Donatelli Jeffrey , DuJardin Antoine , Feng Wu-chun , Ganapati Vidya , Kroeger Wilko , Mendez Derek , McCorquodale Peter , Mirchandaney Seema , O'Grady Christopher P. , Paley Daniel W. , Perazzo Amedeo , Poitevin Frederic P. , Poon Billy K. , Ramakrishnaiah Vinay B. , Sauter Nicholas K. , Shah Niteya , Slaughter Elliott , Sweeney Christine , Tchoń Daniel , Uervirojnangkoorn Monarin , Wittwer Felix , Wall Michael E. , Yoon Chun Hong , Young Iris D.
Published: October 2024

ExaFEL is an HPC-capable X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) data analysis software suite for both Serial Femtosecond Crystallography (SFX) and Single Particle Imaging (SPI) developed in collaboration with the Linac Coherent Lightsource (LCLS), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and Los Alamos National Laboratory. ExaFEL supports real-time data analysis via a cross-facility workflow spanning LCLS and HPC centers such as NERSC and OLCF. Our work therefore constitutes initial path-finding for the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Integrated Research Infrastructure (IRI) program. We present the ExaFEL team's 7 years of experience in developing real-time XFEL data analysis software for the DOE's exascale supercomputers. We present our experiences and lessons learned with the Perlmutter and Frontier supercomputers. Furthermore we outline essential data center services (and the implications for institutional policy) required for real-time data analysis. Finally we summarize our software and performance engineering approaches and our experiences with NERSC's Perlmutter and OLCF's Frontier systems. This work is intended to be a practical blueprint for similar efforts in integrating exascale compute resources into other cross-facility workflows.
First insight of the genome-wide association study and genomic prediction into enteritis disease (Vibrio harveyi) resistance trait in the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus)
Authors: Li Siping , Liu Xin , Shen Fengyuan , Lin Tingting , Zhang Dong
Published: October 2024

Enteritis caused by Vibrio is a highly die-off disease that severely impeded substantial production in seahorse aquaculture. In the present study, challenged with LD50 of concentration of Vibrio harveyi, a total of 161 of susceptible and 166 of resistant individuals were allocated into binary survival phenotypes, thus, to firstly investigate the genetic architecture by genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis, as well as to evaluate the feasibility of genomic selection (GS) in enteritis disease resistance trait of the lined seahorse Hippocampus erectus. Results indicated that the heritability for resistance to Vibrio harveyi was estimated to be 0.10. And a set of 10 significant/suggestive SNPs in a multiple chromosomes localization were identified, explaining 7.76% to 13.28% of genetic variance. Associated 82 of candidate genes were clustered into signal transduction, cell proliferation, response of external stress, bacteria defence, and anti-inflammatory processes. Moreover, the potential performance of genomic selection (GS) in application in selective breeding for enteritis disease resistance seahorses was assessed by genomic prediction (GP). In general, the predictive accuracy of the genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) of BayesC exceeded the rrBLUP, BayesA, RKHS, and SVM models while with no significant difference. And the GWAS-informative SNPs was significantly superior in efficience than random selected markers by comparison of predictive performance on different selection strategies of SNPs. Overall, the genetic basis of enteritis disease resistance trait in the lined seahorse is a polygenic genetic architecture. SNPs associated with the important genes of cathepsin L1-like previously reported with respect to disease resistance are consider as potential molecular markers of genetic breeding. Furthermore, GS approach is an appropriate, effective, and less-cost application in breeding enteritis disease-resistant seahorses.
Tidal impacts on air-sea CO2 exchange on the North-West European shelf
Authors: Kossack Jan , Mathis Moritz , Daewel Ute , Liu Feifei , Demir Kubilay Timur , Thomas Helmuth , Schrum Corinna
Published: October 2024

Tidal forcing is a dominant physical forcing mechanism on the Northwest European Shelf (NWES) that regulates the mixing-stratification status of the water column and thus acts as a major control for biological productivity and air-sea CO2 exchange. Tides further influence the marine carbon cycle on the shelf by affecting benthic-pelagic coupling, vertical mixing and the large-scale residual circulation. The cumulative tidal impact on oceanic uptake of atmospheric CO2 on the NWES, however, remains largely unexplored. We use a coupled physical-biogeochemical ocean model to gain quantitative understanding of the tidal impacts on the air-sea CO2 exchange of the NWES by comparing hindcast simulations with and without tidal forcing. Our results show that tidal forcing weakens the annual oceanic CO2 uptake on the NWES by 0.15 Tmol C yr−1, corresponding to a ~13% stronger CO2 sink in the experiment without tidal forcing. The tide-induced increase in marine primary production demonstrated in earlier studies, which primarily enhances biological carbon fixation in shallow inner-shelf regions of the NWES, does not significantly affect net air-sea CO2 exchange. Instead, we find tidal mixing, tide-induced baroclinic circulation and the tidal impact on benthic-pelagic coupling to be dominant controls of air-sea CO2 exchange. Tidal mixing in the permanently mixed shelf regions accounts for the majority (~40%) of the weakening effect on CO2 uptake, while the modulation of water mass composition in the Celtic Sea by tide-induced baroclinic circulation reduces the uptake further (~33% of the difference in annual mean CO2 uptake). In terms of the shelf carbon budget, the tidal response of air-sea CO2 exchange is primarily mediated by changes to the pelagic DIC reservoir (~73%; −0.11 Tmol C yr−1). Tidal impacts on off-shelf carbon export to the North Atlantic only account for ~20% (−0.03 Tmol C yr−1) of the tidal impact on shelf CO2 uptake, and changes in sedimentation of particulate organic carbon account for the remaining ~7% (−0.01 Tmol C yr−1).
Antibacterial bone cement modified by long-chain nitrofuran methacrylate using liquid-phase modification strategy
Authors: Lin Hao , Gao Zhe , Han Lu-Yang , Chu Jian-Jun , Xu Yang , Shen Dian-Hong
Published: October 2024

A novel acrylic monomer containing a nitrofuran motif, referred to as long-chain nitrofuran methacrylate (LNFMA), is reported. In comparison to the previously reported nitrofuran methacrylate (NFMA), LNFMA has a longer side chain, and when incorporated into bone cement, the resulting LNFMA bone cement exhibits improved mechanical strength. At the same concentration, NFMA-5% cement has only 21.6 ± 1.3 MPa, while LNFMA-5% cement has a compressive strength of 42.64 ± 0.94 MPa. LNFMA bone cements exhibit antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with LNFMA-30% cement reaching 57.38% ± 5.53%. Moreover, LNFMA cement demonstrates excellent biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that LNFMA monomer had optimized mechanical strength compared with previously reported NFMA monomers, and LNFMA bone cement had good antibacterial activity and biocompatibility.
Integrating generative AI with ABCDE rule analysis for enhanced skin cancer diagnosis, dermatologist training and patient education
Authors: Jütte Lennart , González-Villà Sandra , Quintana Josep , Steven Martin , Garcia Rafael , Roth Bernhard
Published: October 2024

Significance

The early detection and accurate monitoring of suspicious skin lesions are critical for effective dermatological diagnosis and treatment, particularly for reliable identification of the progression of nevi to melanoma. The traditional diagnostic framework, the ABCDE rule, provides a foundation for evaluating lesion characteristics by visual examination using dermoscopes. Simulations of skin lesion progression could improve the understanding of melanoma growth patterns.

Aim

This study aims to enhance lesion analysis and understanding of lesion progression by providing a simulated potential progression of nevi into melanomas.

Approach

The study generates a dataset of simulated lesion progressions, from nevi to simulated melanoma, based on a Cycle-Consistent Adversarial Network (Cycle-GAN) and frame interpolation. We apply an optical flow analysis to the generated dermoscopic image sequences, enabling the quantification of lesion transformation. In parallel, we evaluate changes in ABCDE rule metrics as example to assess the simulated evolution.

Results

We present the first simulation of nevi progressing into simulated melanoma counterparts, consisting of 152 detailed steps. The ABCDE rule metrics correlate with the simulation in a natural manner. For the seven samples studied, the asymmetry metric increased by an average of 19%, the border gradient metric increased by an average of 63%, the convexity metric decreased by an average of 3%, the diameter increased by an average of 2%, and the color dispersion metric increased by an average of 45%. The diagnostic value of the ABCDE rule is enhanced through the addition of insights based on optical flow. The outward expansion of lesions, as captured by optical flow vectors, correlates strongly with the expected increase in diameter, confirming the simulation’s fidelity to known lesion growth patterns. The heatmap visualizations further illustrate the degree of change within lesions, offering an intuitive visual proxy for lesion evolution.

Conclusion

The achieved simulations of potential lesion progressions could facilitate improved early detection and understanding of how lesions evolve. By combining the optical flow analysis with the established criteria of the ABCDE rule, this study presents a significant advancement in dermatoscopic diagnostics and patient education. Future research will focus on applying this integrated approach to real patient data, with the aim of enhancing the understanding of lesion progression and the personalization of dermatological care.
Tools for self- or peer-assessment of interprofessional competencies of healthcare students: a scoping review
Authors: Brownie Sharon , Yap Jia Rong , Blanchard Denise , Amankwaa Issac , Pearce Amy , Sampath Kesava Kovanur , Yan Ann-Rong , Andersen Patrea , Broman Patrick
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Healthcare professionals are expected to demonstrate competence in the effective management of chronic disease and long-term health and rehabilitation needs. Care provided by groups of collaborating professionals is currently well recognized as a more effective way to support people living with these conditions than routine, single-profession clinical encounters. Clinical learning contexts provide hands-on opportunities to develop the interprofessional competencies essential for health professional students in training; however, suitable assessment tools are needed to support student attainment of interprofessional competencies with self-assessment espoused as an important component of learning.

Method

A structured approach was taken to locate and review existing tools used for the self-assessment and peer assessment of students’ competencies relevant to interprofessional practice.

Results

A range of self- and/or peer assessment approaches are available, including formally structured tools and less structured processes inclusive of focus groups and reflection.

Discussion

The identified tools will usefully inform discussion regarding interprofessional competency self- and peer assessment options by healthcare students participating in a broad range of clinical learning contexts.

Conclusion

Self- and/or peer assessment is a useful approach for those seeking to effectively enhance interprofessional learning and measure the attainment of related competencies.
Soil microbial community composition and diversity in the rhizosphere of Alsophila spinulosa growing in different habitats within the Chishui Alsophila National Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Che Bingjie , Yang Weicheng , He Qinqin , Jiang Yu , Zhang Bingchen , Chen Hangdan
Published: October 2024

The rhizosphere is considered a highly complex and dynamic ecosystem. Rhizosphere soil microorganisms influence the growth and development of plants by mediating the transformation and absorption of nutrients. In order to explore the microbial community composition and diversity of Alsophila spinulosa growing in different habitats. Rhizosphere samples were collected from four different habitats within the Chishui Alsophila National Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province, China. According to the high-throughput sequencing results of 16 s rDNA and ITS, Proteobacteria and Ascomycota were the most abundant bacterial and fungal phyla in the rhizosphere soil of all four habitats. The alpha diversity analysis indicated that two particular habitats, Buddha Rock and Botanical Garden, harbored the highest microbial richness and diversity. LEfSe analysis revealed that Buddha Rock contained the highest relative abundance of Bacteroidetes compared to the other three study areas. Meanwhile, Tiantang Gou contained the highest relative abundance of Basidiomycota. Bacterial community composition and diversity were greatly influenced by soil pH, while fungal community composition and diversity were greatly influenced by available phosphorus, organic carbon, sucrase, and urease. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the habitat restoration of A. spinulosa, and the improvement of the structure of the A. spinulosa rhizosphere soil microbial community. Laying a theoretical foundation for the next screening of inter-root functional flora.
Unveiling the Launaea nudicaulis (L.) Hook medicinal bioactivities: phytochemical analysis, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anticancer activities
Authors: Elkady Fathy M. , Badr Bahaa M. , Hashem Amr H. , Abdulrahman Mohammed S. , Abdelaziz Amer M. , Al-Askar Abdulaziz A. , AbdElgayed Gehad , Hashem Hany R.
Published: October 2024

Commonly used antimicrobial agents are no longer effective due to their overuse or misuse. In addition, many medicinal plant extracts can combat infectious diseases due to their main active constituents or secondary metabolites. The current study aimed to assess the bioactivities of Launaea nudicaulis (LN) leaf extract (LE) against different multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates. The ethyl acetate extract of a Launaea nudicaulis (LN) leaf was analyzed using GC–MS, which identified 27 key bioactive compounds. The major constituents found were as follows: 7-acetyl-6-ethyl-1,1,4,4-tetramethyltetralin, isopropyl myristate, thiocarbamic acid, N,N-dimethyl, S-1,3-diphenyl-2-butenyl ester, hahnfett, cyclopentane acetic acid, 3-oxo-2-pentyl-, methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, and dotriacontane. Our study demonstrated that the LN leaf was a rich source of other important phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, tannins, saponins, and steroids. The relative biosafety of the L. nudicaulis LE was determined from the elevated inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of 262 μg/mL, as calculated from the cytotoxicity assay against the Wi-38 normal cell line. Conversely, 12.7 and 24.5 μg/mL were the recorded low IC50 values for the tested extract against the MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cancerous cell lines, respectively, reflecting its potent activity against the tested cancerous cell lines. Microbiologically, the susceptible P. aeruginosa isolates to the tested extract showed a growth inhibition zone diameter, in the well diffusion assay, ranging from 11.34 ± 0.47 to 26.67 ± 0.47 mm, and a percent inhibition (PI) value of 50–106.2%, reflecting its acceptable activity. In addition, the broth microdilution assay recorded minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in the ranges of 15.625–1,000 μg/mL and 125–1,000 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the L. nudicaulis LE revealed showed promising activity and high selectivity against P. aeruginosa. Moreover, the extract exhibited natural anticancer activities with safe low concentrations, indicating its potential as a superior candidate for future studies of its active constituents.
Can palm oil be substituted? A rheological study of fat mixtures
Authors: Kovács Anikó , Homolya Szabolcs , Temesi Ágoston , Unger-Plasek Brigitta , Kaszab Tímea , Badak-Kerti Katalin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Due to its distinctive fatty acid makeup, which makes it simple to utilize in various applications, palm oil is one of the most widely used fats in the food business. However, the increased palm oil production is causing global environmental issues, including the loss of rainforests. As a result, companies that use palm oil, particularly the food industry, must hunt for alternate sources of fat that can replace palm oil. Oleogels, which are created from liquid oils, are one of the potential substitutes. Another alternative is to combine solid fat and liquid oil, however, research in this area is scarce.

Methods

To fill this gap, we used a fully hydrogenized rapeseed oil and sunflower oil mixture in three different ratios for our research. We examined the rheological behavior of the mixtures using oscillatory and rotational viscometry.

Results and discussion

According to our results, 35% FH rapeseed oil sample yielded results most closely resembling the control palm mid fraction. Our findings show that replacing palm oil with a combination of completely hydrogenated rapeseed oil and sunflower oil is only viable to a limited degree from a rheological point of view.
Potential synergistic antihyperglycemic effects of co-supplemental Amla and Olive extracts in hyperlipidemic adults with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: results from a real-life clinical study
Authors: Michel P. Hermans , Ahn Sylvie A. , Rousseau Michel F. , Seidel Laurence , Albert Adelin , Janssens Isabelle , Dierckxsens Yvan , Khan Amjad
Published: October 2024

Background

Hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pose a significant risk for cardiovascular diseases and associated complications in individuals with hyperlipidemia. Statin therapy, effective in reducing cholesterol and cardiovascular risks, paradoxically increases incident T2DM risk due to its adverse impact on glucose homeostasis. Therefore, there is a pressing need for safe, and effective adjunctive or alternative therapies to manage hyperglycemia in hyperlipidemic individuals. There is growing body of pharmacological evidence suggesting that Amla and Olive extract supplementation can be beneficial in managing hyperglycemia in individuals with hyperlipidemia.

Objective

The present study aimed to assess for the first time the potential synergistic antihyperglycemic effects of a daily co-supplementation of 1,000 mg Amla fruit and 50 mg Olive fruit standardized extracts (Cholesfytol NG®) over a 2-months period in hyperlipidemic adults with T2DM or prediabetes.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional observational study analyzed treatment outcomes in 191 hyperlipidemic adults under the care of their physicians at 57 General Practitioner clinics in Belgium during real-life clinical practice between March 19, 2020, and January 31, 2022. These participants received Cholesfytol NG® as supplementary therapy to improve their metabolic health. The supplement was prescribed in an open-label, non-randomized manner, tailored to each participant’s need.

Results

After 2-months of Cholesfytol NG® supplementation, participants showed significant reductions in glycemia levels: in the T2DM group, levels decreased by 42.7 ± 17.9 mg/dL (27.9%, p < 0.0001), and in the prediabetic group, by 2.26 ± 11.5 mg/dL (4.7%, p = 0.0020). Conversely, no significant change was observed in participants with normal baseline glycemia (1.55 ± 10.3 mg/dL, p = 0.088). Overall, glycemia levels decreased from 96.4 ± 18.2 mg/dL to 94.0 ± 13.5 mg/dL (mean decrease of 2.4 ± 14.5 mg/dL, p < 0.0001). The supplement was well tolerated and no side-effects, serious adverse events, or treatment-emergent effects were reported.

Conclusion

The findings of this real-life clinical study highlight the potential synergistic antihyperglycemic effects of co-supplementation with Amla and Olive fruit extracts in managing hyperglycemia, particularly in individuals with hyperlipidemia. These results suggest that this botanical combination may help mitigate risks associated with hyperglycemia and cardiovascular disease in hyperlipidemic population.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06187298.
Determinants of recovery time from severe acute malnutrition among cholera-exposed and unexposed children in Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Alamneh Alemayehu Belay , Abate Kalkidan Hassen , Assaye Ashagre Molla , Demlie Yeshambel Worku , Guma Moti Edosa , Belachew Tefera
Published: October 2024

Background

There is a vicious interplay between severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and diarrheal diseases including cholera. The lack of sufficient evidence on the time to recovery and its determinants among children with cholera prompted this investigation. The study aimed to evaluate the time to recovery and determinants among children with severe acute malnutrition, comparing cholera-exposed and unexposed children.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was carried out from September 10, 2022, to February 21, 2023, among 224 children below 15 years. The study was conducted at cholera treatment centers and nearby communities in the Bale and Guji Zones of Oromia Regional state in Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information and anthropometric measurements were conducted weekly. After checking all assumptions, a multivariable Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to identify independent determinants of time to recovery using an adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.

Results

Nearly 80% of participants recovered from SAM with a recovery rate of 40/1000 person-week observation and a median time to recovery of 21 days [Inter Quartile Range14-28]. The recovery time from SAM for cholera-exposed children was delayed by 54% [ARR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.30–0.69] compared to unexposed children. Similarly, the recovery time from SAM for food-insecured families was delayed by 39% [ARR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38–0.96] compared to food-secured families. Moreover, children with more than three meal frequencies per day had 1.61 times [ARR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.04–2.50] higher probability of fast recovery from SAM, compared to children with less than three meals. Children from families with good attitudes toward nutrition had more than two times [ARR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.45–3.41] higher probability of faster recovery from SAM than families with poor attitudes.

Conclusion

The study revealed that cholera exposure is one of the main determinants of prolonged recovery time for children with SAM. Food insecurity, meal frequency, and the attitude of parents toward children’s dietary habits were determinants for the recovery of children from SAM. The findings imply the need for designing interventions to enhance child feeding during cholera illness, focusing on key determinants.
The impact of perceived value on brand image and loyalty: a study of healthy food brands in emerging markets
Authors: García-Salirrosas Elizabeth Emperatriz , Escobar-Farfán Manuel , Esponda-Perez Jorge Alberto , Millones-Liza Dany Yudet , Villar-Guevara Miluska , Haro-Zea Karla Liliana , Gallardo-Canales Rodrigo
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Food brands that promote a healthy lifestyle are gaining more followers. Healthy food consumers are a conscious and demanding segment that values the quality and benefits they receive from a product and the ethical, environmental, and social impact of their purchasing decisions. The objective of the research is to evaluate the influence of perceived value components on health food brand image and brand loyalty in an emerging market.

Methods

A cross-sectional and explanatory study was conducted considering 612 consumers of a healthy brand in Peru. The participants included women (65.2%) and men (34.8%), with ages between 18 and 56 (M = 22.56; SD = 5.95). Data were collected using a self-report form and statistically analyzed using PLS-SEM.

Results

The study hypotheses confirmed the impact of perceived emotional value, perceived social value, perceived financial value, and perceived quality on brand image and loyalty. However, the proposed model observes that perceived social value has no impact on brand loyalty.

Conclusion

Implementing strategies that help build stronger, healthy brands is part of effective management for business leaders. In this context, the findings indicate that brands should effectively communicate their attributes and offer them that meet and exceed consumer expectations to achieve consumer loyalty. This is a mechanism to consolidate a strong and positive image that facilitates customer loyalty based on perceived value. The results obtained can help marketers and decision-makers in the healthy food industry to design more effective brand strategies, which could increase demand for their healthy products.
Enhancing health and therapeutic potential: innovations in the medicinal and pharmaceutical properties of soy bioactive compounds
Authors: Rahman Ubaidur , Younas Zohaib , Ahmad Ilyas , Yousaf Tayyaba , Latif Rafia , Rubab Ume , Hassan Hira , Shafi Unsa , Mashwani Zia-ur-Rehman
Published: October 2024

An extensive examination of the medical uses of soybean bioactive components is provided by this thorough review. It explores the possible health advantages of isoflavones with phytoestrogenic qualities, like genistein, which may lower the risk of cancer. The review highlights the different roles and possible anticancer activities of phenolic compounds, phytic acid, protease inhibitors, lignans, and saponins, among other bioactive components. It also addresses the benefits of dietary fiber and oligosaccharides derived from soybeans for intestinal health, as well as the impact of soy protein on diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular health. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has anticancer and cholesterol-lowering properties; its involvement in promoting metabolic processes is also examined. Pinitol is highlighted in the study as a blood sugar regulator with promise for controlling insulin signaling. In this review, we aim to affirm soybeans’ potential as a high-functional, well-being food by examining their recently discovered therapeutic and pharmacological capabilities, rather than to improve upon the previous studies on the reported nutritional advantages of soybeans.
Development and validation of PBPK models for genistein and daidzein for use in a next-generation risk assessment
Authors: Najjar A. , Lange D. , Géniès C. , Kuehnl J. , Zifle A. , Jacques C. , Fabian E. , Hewitt N. , Schepky A.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

All cosmetic ingredients must be evaluated for their safety to consumers. In the absence of in vivo data, systemic concentrations of ingredients can be predicted using Physiologically based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. However, more examples are needed to demonstrate how they can be validated and applied in Next-Generation Risk Assessments (NGRA) of cosmetic ingredients. We used a bottom-up approach to develop human PBPK models for genistein and daidzein for a read-across NGRA, whereby genistein was the source chemical for the target chemical, daidzein.

Methods

An oral rat PBPK model for genistein was built using PK-Sim® and in vitro ADME input data. This formed the basis of the daidzein oral rat PBPK model, for which chemical-specific input parameters were used. Rat PBPK models were then converted to human models using human-specific physiological parameters and human in vitro ADME data. In vitro skin metabolism and penetration data were used to build the dermal module to represent the major route of exposure to cosmetics.

Results

The initial oral rat model for genistein was qualified since it predicted values within 2-fold of measured in vivo PK values. This was used to predict plasma concentrations from the in vivo NOAEL for genistein to set test concentrations in bioassays. Intrinsic hepatic clearance and unbound fractions in plasma were identified as sensitive parameters impacting the predicted Cmax values. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses indicated the developed PBPK models had a moderate level of confidence. An important aspect of the development of the dermal module was the implementation of first-pass metabolism, which was extensive for both chemicals. The final human PBPK model for daidzein was used to convert the in vitro PoD of 33 nM (from an estrogen receptor transactivation assay) to an external dose of 0.2% in a body lotion formulation.

Conclusion

PBPK models for genistein and daidzein were developed as a central component of an NGRA read-across case study. This will help to gain regulatory confidence in the use of PBPK models, especially for cosmetic ingredients.
Fine-mapping of a QTL and identification of candidate genes associated with the lateral branch angle of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) on chromosome B05
Authors: Deng Hongtao , Li Xiukun , Cui Shunli , Li Li , Meng Qinglin , Shang Yanxia , Liu Yingru , Hou Mingyu , Liu Lifeng
Published: October 2024

Peanuts play a crucial role as an oil crop, serving not only as a primary source of edible oil but also offering ample protein and vitamins for human consumption. The lateral branch angle of peanuts is the angle between the main stem and the first pair of lateral branches, which is an important agronomic trait of peanuts, significantly impacts the peg penetration into the soil, plant growth, and pod yield. It is closely intertwined with planting density, cultivation techniques, and mechanized harvesting methods. Therefore, the lateral branch angle holds substantial importance in enhancing peanut yield and facilitating mechanization. In order to conduct in-depth research on the lateral branch angle of peanuts, this research is grounded in the QTL mapping findings, specifically focusing on the QTL qGH associated with the lateral branch angle of peanuts located on chromosome B05 (142610834-146688220). By using Jihua 5 and PZ42 for backcrossing, a BC1F2 population comprising 8000 individual plants was established. Molecular markers were then developed to screen the offspring plants, recombine individual plants, conduct fine mapping. he results showed that using the phenotype and genotype of 464 recombinant individual plants selected from 8000 offspring, narrow down the localization interval to 48kb, and designate it as qLBA. The gene Arahy.C4FM6Y, responsible for the F-Box protein, was identified within qLBA through screening. Real-time quantitative detection of Arahy.C4FM6Y was carried out using M130 and Jihua 5, revealing that the expression level of Arahy.C4FM6Y at the junction of the main stem and the first lateral branch of peanuts was lower in M130 compared to Jihua 5 during the growth period of the first lateral branch from 1 to 10 centimeters. Consequently, Arahy.C4FM6Y emerges as a gene that restrains the increase in the angle of the first lateral branch in peanuts. This investigation offers novel genetic reservoirs for peanut plant type breeding and furnishes a theoretical foundation for molecular marker-assisted peanut breeding.
Thoreau’s civil disobedience from Concord, Massachusetts: global impact
Authors: Reddy Saahith
Published: October 2024

Major wars or battles, political revolutions, scientific breakthroughs, or profound social changes often constitute substantial historical turning points. The nineteenth century was a period of intense struggle for America, wrestling with its identity and unity, the quest for emancipation, and conflicts with Mexico. Amid these turbulent times, an initially inconspicuous essay, “Civil Disobedience,” penned in 1849 by a then-unknown Henry David Thoreau, proved to be a turning point that eventually changed the world. The essay provided the framework for a conscience-driven protest, which, when applied on a mass scale, gave the world an effective and non-violent method of war. The power of the voice rooted in conscience and courage, an approach sans violence, inspired “successful” movements across cultures, countries, and time. The essay Civil Disobedience laid the foundation for a conscience-driven, non-violent struggle against injustices that changed the course of human history and remains the best hope for fighting injustices in the future. While less recognized in the annals of popular culture than the political machinations of Machiavelli or the strategic doctrines of Sun Tzu, Thoreau’s essay on civil disobedience has wielded a far more profound influence. In a world still riven by conflict and injustice, Thoreau’s 1849 essay offered the most impactful turning point in humanity’s struggle against injustice. It remains as compelling as ever, offering a blueprint for confronting tyranny not with arms but with the power of human conscience. It serves as a reminder that revolutionary changes sometimes begin with the quietest voice.
Developing a spectrum model of engagement in services for first episode psychosis: beyond attendance
Authors: Ferrari M. , MacDonald K. , Sabetti J. , Cowan T. , Iyer S. N.
Published: October 2024

Background

Early intervention services (EIS) for psychosis have proven highly effective in treating first episode psychosis. Yet, retention or “engagement” in EIS remains highly variable. Dis/engagement as a contested concept and fluid process involving relationships between service providers and service users remains poorly understood. This study aimed to critically evaluate and explain the dynamic interplay of service provider-user relationships in effecting dis/engagement from an early intervention program for psychosis.

Methods

Forty study participants, 16 service providers and 24 service users (19 current and 5 disengaged) from a Canadian EIS program, were administered semi-structured interviews. Qualitative analysis was conducted using grounded theory methods, with findings captured and reconceptualized in a novel explanatory model.

Findings

A model of engagement with eight major domains of engagement in EIS positioned along a control-autonomy spectrum was developed from the findings, with Clinical engagement (attendance) and Life engagement (life activities) at opposite ends of the spectrum, interspersed by six intermediate domains: Medication/treatment, Symptoms/illness, Mental health, Physical health/wellness, Communication, and Relationships, each domain bearing uniquely on engagement.

Conclusions

An examination of service user and service provider perspectives on the various domains identified in the spectrum model, and their dynamic interplay, reveals the complexity of choices faced by service users in engaging and not engaging with services.
A survey in Austria supports the significance of genetic counseling and pharmacogenetic testing for mental illness
Authors: Aschauer Elena , Yazdi Shahriar Izadi , Aschauer Harald
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Genetic counseling and testing in psychiatry warrant attention, but research results on attitude, knowledge, personal experience and interest are limited. There are only a few studies that have compared the opinions of the general population and experts regarding genetic counseling and genetic testing in mental illness.

Methods

This study aimed to investigate these gaps through a cross-sectional survey conducted in Austria, involving a sample of the web-active population, representative according to gender, age and geographical location (n=1,000, 24.5% of them had a psychiatric diagnosis), and experts (n=145, 83.4% of them psychiatrists). Two questionnaires were developed. Pearson chi-square statistics were used to compare responses, and regression analyses were employed to measure the strength of psycho-sociodemographic influences on answers.

Results

The findings revealed that public considered genetic counseling to be more important than experts did (68.8% versus 54.2%; Pearson chi-square 12.183; df=1; p<0.001). The general population believed that genetic testing is useful for diagnosing mental disorders, which contrasted with experts’ opinions (67.9% versus 17.2%; Pearson chi-square 137.236; df=1; p<0.001). Both groups agreed on the potential benefits of pharmacogenetic testing (79% versus 80%). A small number of individuals from the public had sought genetic counseling (8%), and only a minority of experts had specific training and experience in this field (28%).

Discussion

This is the first survey study on the topic conducted in Austria, with limited international studies available. Austrian experts place less value on genetic counseling compared to their counterparts in other countries. Despite recognized importance placed on genetic counseling and testing, utilization rates remain low. The value of pharmacogenetics is predicted to increase in the future. Consequently, it is crucial for medical training programs to emphasize the significance of genetic counseling and enhance the understanding of genetic aspects related to mental illnesses to enable experts to provide adequate psychoeducation and personalized care to the extent possible to patients and their families.
Case report: A novel de novo variant of NACC1 caused epileptic encephalopathy and intellectual disability
Authors: Wu Jiahao , Gan Jing , Hua Yimin , Li Yifei , Qie Di
Published: October 2024

Background

Genetic disorders could also contribute to intellectual disability. Using whole exome sequencing (WES), several variants have been identified as autosomal-dominant inheritance intellectual disability. Thus, the application of WES has demonstrated its critical role in distinguishing intellectual disability in children patients, which provides essential diagnosis and promotes therapeutic strategy.

Case presentation

The proband, an 18-month-old female patient, presented with a complex clinical profile characterized by profound developmental delay, epilepsy, and neurological developmental impairment. WES identified a heterozygous c.913A>G variant in exon 2 of NACC1, resulting in disease caused by a change in the amino acid sequence, affecting the protein features and resulting in splice site changes, as revealed by MutationTaster analysis. The protein structure of NAC1 was built and named AF-Q96RE7-F1, and the mutant site was beyond the BTB/POZ, NLS, and BEN domains. Subsequently, PyMOL software was used to illustrate the molecular structure between the wild type and the mutant type of NAC1. The residues around the 304 site of amino acid changed in NAC1 p.T304A with an altered hydrogen bond, indicating an unstable structure. The patient was diagnosed with intellectual disability and profound developmental delay with epilepsy harboring a novel de novo NACC1 variant. Upon hospital admission, a comprehensive treatment regimen was initiated, including antiseizure medications, nutritional supplements, and rehabilitation training. As a result, the patient’s movement performance improved. However, recurrent epilepsy attacks still occurred.

Conclusion

This is the first case revealing a novel NACC1 c.903A>G variant that induced a neurological impairment in an infant. This report expanded the understanding of the non-domain-associated variant of NACC1 and developmental disorder.
Urgency as a predictor of change in emotion dysregulation in adolescents
Authors: Fisher-Fox Lindsey , Whitener MacKenzie , Wu Wei , Cyders Melissa A. , Zapolski Tamika C. B.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Adolescence is a key developmental period characterized by increased maladaptive risky behaviors. Two related but distinct constructs, urgency (the tendency to act rashly in response to strong negative or positive emotions) and emotion dysregulation, are important risk factors for engaging in maladaptive risky behaviors. Thus far, research has largely agreed that these two risk factors are highly correlated. However, the causal direction between these constructs is less understood. The goal of the current study is to determine whether urgency predicts emotion dysregulation change among adolescents.

Method

This project is an analysis of 544 youth (49.8% female, Mage=14.22, SD=0.52). We tested whether urgency at baseline predicts change in emotion dysregulation over a nine-week period, and whether that relationship differs across boys and girls.

Results

Two multigroup latent change score path analyses found that negative, but not positive, urgency significantly predicted emotion dysregulation change (negative urgency: b= -0.57, p=0.001; positive urgency: b=0.22, p=0.06). There was no evidence of moderation by gender.

Discussion

This work provides initial evidence of a temporal relationship between higher negative urgency and increased emotion dysregulation. The next step is to determine whether negative urgency imparts risk for maladaptive behaviors through its effect on emotion dysregulation. The long-term goal of this program of research is to design and test interventions to reduce the impact of negative urgency for adolescent risk-taking.
Prevalence of multiple long-term chronic conditions and associated disabilities among community-dwelling adults in Riyadh
Authors: Alenazi Aqeel M. , Alhwoaimel Norah A. , Alqahtani Bader A. , Alshehri Mohammed M. , Alhowimel Ahmed S. , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: October 2024

Background/objectives

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a rapid increase in chronic diseases and disabilities. However, there is a dearth of research on these topics in the Arab world. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of multiple long-term chronic conditions (MLTCs) and disabilities and their relationship.

Methods

The survey was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2023. Convenient sampling was used to select 324 participants aged 50 years and older, using data on disabilities status. The survey collected information on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), MLTCs or multi-morbidity, and activities of daily living (ADL). Disabilities was measured using Arabic versions of basic ADL and the Barthel index.

Results

The prevalence of MLTCs among participants was 49.4%. The prevalence of disabilities measured using the ADL and Barthel index was 33.6 and 49.7%, respectively, and these rates increased by 42.5 and 58.1% among participants with MLTCs (n = 160). MLTCs were associated with an increased risk of disabilities using ADL [odds ratio (OR) 1.99, p = 0.037] and the Barthel index (OR 2.27, p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Approximately half of the participants with disabilities data had MLTCs, and approximately a third to half had a disabilities. MLTCs were significantly associated with various types of disabilities among community-dwelling Saudi adults. Hence, strategies to reduce chronic diseases may result in a reduction in disabilities, and vice versa.