bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fasting and meal-related zonulin serum levels in a large cohort of obese children and adolescents
Authors: Pepe Giorgia , Corica Domenico , Currò Monica , Aversa Tommaso , Alibrandi Angela , Ientile Riccardo , Caccamo Daniela , Wasniewska Malgorzata
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Zonulin recently emerged as a valuable biological marker to assess the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Nevertheless, data about zonulin in pediatric age are extremely scarce. Aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum zonulin levels, both fasting and postprandial, with body mass index (BMI) and biochemical markers of insulin resistance (IR), insulin sensitivity, b-cell function and cardio-metabolic risk in obese non-diabetic youths.

Methods

One hundred and four children and adolescents with obesity (BMI ≥ 2.0 SDS) were enrolled (mean age 11.43 ± 2.66). All the patients underwent clinical and biochemical assessment, including oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and liver ultrasonography. Zonulin serum levels were measured at fasting state, at 60-minute and 120-minute OGTT timepoint.

Results

Impaired fasting glycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance were documented in 27.9% and 11.5% of patients, respectively. IR was documented in 69.2% of cases. Liver steatosis was diagnosed in 39.4%. Zonulin serum levels significantly increased from baseline to 60-minute and 120-minute OGTT timepoint (p positive correlation between BMI SDS and serum zonulin levels at 120-minute OGTT timepoint (p highlighted a positive association of zonulin fasting levels with IR and glutamicoxalacetic transaminase levels (GOT, p zonulin levels were demonstrated for age, sex, pubertal status, glucose, lipid profile and the other obesity-related parameters.

Discussion

Our results show, for the first time in a pediatric cohort, the meal-related pattern of secretion of serum zonulin, which tends to significantly increase during and at 2-hours postprandial assessment. Even if the underlying mechanisms associating intestinal permeability and obesity have not been fully elucidated yet, our data confirm a close relationship between zonulin concentration and obesity in pediatric population. IR seems to significantly influence zonulin serum levels, thus a central role of IR in this pathway is conceivable.
The emerging roles of irisin in vascular calcification
Authors: Wang Shuangshuang , Hu Siwang , Pan Yuping
Published: February 2024

Vascular calcification is a common accompanying pathological change in many chronic diseases, which is caused by calcium deposition in the blood vessel wall and leads to abnormal blood vessel function. With the progress of medical technology, the diagnosis rate of vascular calcification has explosively increased. However, due to its mechanism’s complexity, no effective drug can relieve or even reverse vascular calcification. Irisin is a myogenic cytokine regulating adipose tissue browning, energy metabolism, glucose metabolism, and other physiological processes. Previous studies have shown that irisin could serve as a predictor for vascular calcification, and protect against hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and other risk factors for vascular calcification. In terms of mechanism, it improves vascular endothelial dysfunction and phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells. All the above evidence suggests that irisin plays a predictive and protective role in vascular calcification. In this review, we summarize the association of irisin to the related risk factors for vascular calcification and mainly explore the role of irisin in vascular calcification.
Triglyceride–glucose index change and chronic kidney disease progression in a Chinese hypertensive population
Authors: Yu Chao , Shi Yumeng , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Zhou Wei , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: February 2024

Background

The impact of triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index variations on chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression remains unexplored. To investigate the effects of the TyG index and its dynamic changes on CKD progression.

Method

This prospective cohort study included data from 8,418 hypertensive participants. The exposure variable in this study was defined as the difference between the TyG index at the last visit from that at baseline. The study’s outcome variable was the progression of CKD, defined as follows: for subjects with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min, a ≥30% decrease in eGFR with a final follow-up value <60 mL/min; for those with an eGFR <60 mL/min, a ≥50% decrease in eGFR; or terminal renal failure requiring dialysis.

Results

During a median follow-up period of 48 months, 1077 patients were diagnosed with CKD progression. In the fully adjusted Model 3, patients with a change in the TyG index <0 exhibited a significantly decreased 13% risk of CKD progression (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76–0.98) compared to those with a change in the TyG index≥0 group. Subgroup analyses showed that changes in the TyG index significantly increased the risk of CKD progression only in patients with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) <90mmHg. In the path analysis, baseline TyG was associated with follow-up eGFR (the standard regression coefficient was 1.26 [95% CI, 0.45–2.06]).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that TyG variability may serve as a useful tool for identifying individuals at risk of CKD progression, particularly hypertensive patients with normal DBP levels.
Predicting combined carbon emissions in urban regions considering micro-level enterprise electricity consumption data and macro-level regional data
Authors: Zhou Hengjun , Qi Fei , Liu Chen , Liu Guilin , Xiao Guangxu
Published: February 2024

In the context of “dual carbon” goals, governments need accurate carbon accounting results as a basis for formulating corresponding emission reduction policies. Therefore, this study proposes a combined carbon emission prediction method for urban regions, considering micro-level enterprise electricity consumption data and macro-level regional data. Considering the different applicability of prediction methods and the requirements for the data volume, a region-level carbon emission prediction method based on the long short-term memory neural network is proposed, which takes into account the micro-level electricity–carbon coupling relationship. Additionally, a region-level carbon emission prediction method based on the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) is proposed, considering the macro-level economic–carbon coupling relationship. The generalized induced ordered weighted averaging method is employed to assign differential weights to micro- and macro-prediction values, yielding regional carbon emission predictions. An empirical analysis is conducted using a key city in the eastern region as an example, analyzing the main influencing factors and predicting carbon emissions based on relevant data from 2017 to 2021, and the accuracy of the models is analyzed and validated.
Case report: A case of rare metastasis of gastric cancer to the axillary lymph node metastasis treated with combination immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Jin , Cheng Yu , Wang Yulin , Liu Hengxin , Wu Shuang , Tian Guangwei , Qu Jinglei , Qu Xiujuan
Published: February 2024

Lymph node (LN) metastasis is a common mode of metastasis in advanced gastric cancer (GC), while axillary LN metastasis infrequently occurs in GC. There are few reports on this rare type of metastasis – especially its clinicopathological features – and systemic treatment are unclear. We describe a case of GC with extensive metastasis, including the rare axillary LN metastasis. The patient achieved partial response of optimal efficacy, who was treated with combination immunotherapy as second-line treatment for nearly two years. The potential mechanisms were revealed by clinical and immune characteristics, such as high expression of PD-L1, high tumor mutational burden (TMB-H), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte positive.
Prognostic stratification of sepsis through DNA damage response based RiskScore system: insights from single-cell RNA-sequencing and transcriptomic profiling
Authors: Lin Qingjiang , Zeng Rongyao , Yang Jinfeng , Xu Zebo , Jin Shaoxiong , Wei Guan
Published: February 2024

Background

A novel risk scoring system, predicated on DNA damage response (DDR), was developed to enhance prognostic predictions and potentially inform the creation of more effective therapeutic protocols for sepsis.

Methods

To thoroughly delineate the expression profiles of DDR markers within the context of sepsis, an analytical approach utilizing single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) was implemented. Our study utilized single-cell analysis techniques alongside weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to pinpoint the genes that exhibit the most substantial associations with DNA damage response (DDR). Through Cox proportional hazards LASSO regression, we distinguished DDR-associated genes and established a risk model, enabling the stratification of patients into high- and low-risk groups. Subsequently, we carried out an analysis to determine our model’s predictive accuracy regarding patient survival. Moreover, we examined the distinct biological characteristics, various signal transduction routes, and immune system responses in sepsis patients, considering different risk categories and outcomes related to survival. Lastly, we conducted experimental validation of the identified genes through in vivo and in vitro assays, employing RT-PCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry.

Results

Both single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk transcriptomic analyses have demonstrated a strong correlation between DNA damage response (DDR) levels and sepsis prognosis. Specific cell subtypes, including monocytes, megakaryocytes, CD4+ T cells, and neutrophils, have shown elevated DDR activity. Cells with increased DDR scores exhibited more robust and numerous interactions with other cell populations. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and single-cell analyses revealed 71 DDR-associated genes. We developed a four-gene risk scoring system using ARL4C, CD247, RPL7, and RPL31, identified through univariate COX, LASSO COX regression, and log-rank (Mantel-Cox) tests. Nomograms, calibration plots, and decision curve analyses (DCA) regarding these specific genes have provided significant clinical benefits for individuals diagnosed with sepsis. The study suggested that individuals categorized as lower-risk demonstrated enhanced infiltration of immune cells, upregulated expression of immune regulators, and a more prolific presence of immune-associated functionalities and pathways. RT-qPCR analyses on a sepsis rat model revealed differential gene expression predominantly in the four targeted genes. Furthermore, ARL4C knockdown in sepsis model in vivo and vitro caused increased inflammatory response and a worse prognosis.

Conclusion

The delineated DDR expression landscape offers insights into sepsis pathogenesis, whilst our riskScore model, based on a robust four-gene signature, could underpin personalized sepsis treatment strategies.
The type 1 diabetes susceptibility locus Idd5 favours robust neonatal development of highly autoreactive regulatory T cells in the NOD mouse
Authors: Santamaria Jérémy C. , Vuillier Sylvia , Galindo-Albarrán Ariel O. , Castan Sarah , Detraves Claire , Joffre Olivier P. , Romagnoli Paola , van Meerwijk Joost P. M.
Published: February 2024

Regulatory T lymphocytes expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 (Tregs) play an important role in the prevention of autoimmune diseases and other immunopathologies. Aberrations in Treg-mediated immunosuppression are therefore thought to be involved in the development of autoimmune pathologies, but few have been documented. Recent reports indicated a central role for Tregs developing during the neonatal period in the prevention of autoimmune pathology. We therefore investigated the development of Tregs in neonatal NOD mice, an important animal model for autoimmune type 1 diabetes. Surprisingly, we found that, as compared with seven other commonly studied inbred mouse strains, in neonatal NOD mice, exceptionally large proportions of developing Tregs express high levels of GITR and PD-1. The latter phenotype was previously associated with high Treg autoreactivity in C57BL/6 mice, which we here confirm for NOD animals. The proportions of newly developing GITRhighPD-1+ Tregs rapidly drop during the first week of age. A genome-wide genetic screen indicated the involvement of several diabetes susceptibility loci in this trait. Analysis of a congenic mouse strain confirmed that Idd5 contributes to the genetic control of GITRhighPD-1+ Treg development in neonates. Our data thus demonstrate an intriguing and paradoxical correlation between an idiosyncrasy in Treg development in NOD mice and their susceptibility to type 1 diabetes.
Relationships between the specific growth rate and the thermal-unit growth coefficient applied to cultured juvenile fish
Authors: Márquez Lorenzo , Almansa Eduardo , Ruiz Díaz Nancy E. , Díaz Manuel , Moyano Francisco J.
Published: February 2024

The growth of cultured juvenile fish is usually quantified by two indexes, the specific growth rate or SGR, and the thermal-unit growth coefficient or TGC. The SGR is a relative growth index based on logarithms of body weights, and it decreases with body weight. The classical TGC is based on one-third powers of body weights and the summation of temperature over time. It can also depend on body weight, but it is possible to release this dependency by empirically adjusting the power function in its mathematical definition. These two indexes are usually presented in the same article to compare the growth attained by different groups of fish subjected to different experimental treatments. However, no formal framework linking both indexes is available for researchers up to the moment, the meanings of SGR and TGC remaining unrelated. The present work shows that the TGC of a group of fish growing at a given temperature can be expressed as a function of the SGR. In addition, the relationship between SGR and TGC here reported provides the basis to re-defined the TGC as a size-independent index with application to fish culture.
Perturbations in gut and respiratory microbiota in COVID-19 and influenza patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chu Xiu-Jie , Song Dan-Dan , Zhou Ming-Hua , Chen Xiu-Zhi , Chu Na , Li Ming , Li Bao-Zhu , Liu Song-Hui , Hou Sai , Wu Jia-Bing , Gong Lei
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19)/influenza poses unprecedented challenges to the global economy and healthcare services. Numerous studies have described alterations in the microbiome of COVID-19/influenza patients, but further investigation is needed to understand the relationship between the microbiome and these diseases. Herein, through systematic comparison between COVID-19 patients, long COVID-19 patients, influenza patients, no COVID-19/influenza controls and no COVID-19/influenza patients, we conducted a comprehensive review to describe the microbial change of respiratory tract/digestive tract in COVID-19/influenza patients.

Methods

We systematically reviewed relevant literature by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to August 12, 2023. We conducted a comprehensive review to explore microbial alterations in patients with COVID-19/influenza. In addition, the data on α-diversity were summarized and analyzed by meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 134 studies comparing COVID-19 patients with controls and 18 studies comparing influenza patients with controls were included. The Shannon indices of the gut and respiratory tract microbiome were slightly decreased in COVID-19/influenza patients compared to no COVID-19/influenza controls. Meanwhile, COVID-19 patients with more severe symptoms also exhibited a lower Shannon index versus COVID-19 patients with milder symptoms. The intestinal microbiome of COVID-19 patients was characterized by elevated opportunistic pathogens along with reduced short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs)-producing microbiota. Moreover, Enterobacteriaceae (including Escherichia and Enterococcus) and Lactococcus, were enriched in the gut and respiratory tract of COVID-19 patients. Conversely, Haemophilus and Neisseria showed reduced abundance in the respiratory tract of both COVID-19 and influenza patients.

Conclusion

In this systematic review, we identified the microbiome in COVID-19/influenza patients in comparison with controls. The microbial changes in influenza and COVID-19 are partly similar.
Medical care services provision and stress experience in urologists during all waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Paffenholz Pia , Platen Moritz , Kostev Karel , Loosen Sven H. , Bohlken Jens , Michalowsky Bernhard
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Urologists’ practices reported decreasing medical care provision and increasing stress experience in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, long-term effects of the pandemic are unknown.

Methods

Medical record data of n = 127 urologists were used to assess changes in healthcare provision, comparing the pandemic with the pre-pandemic period. An online survey among n = 101 urologists was conducted to assess the physicians’ perceptions of the identified healthcare provision and organizational changes and experiences of anxiety, stress, and support needs during the pandemic waves. Urologists consultations, specialists’ referrals, hospital admissions, documented cancer diagnoses, urologists’ perceptions of causes for these changes and experienced stress, anxiety and support needs. Results were demonstrated using descriptive statistics.

Results

Over the first two years of the pandemic, there was a slight decline in consultations (−0,94%), but more intensive reduction in hospital admissions (−13,6%) and identified cancer diagnoses (−6,2%). Although patients’ behavior was seen as the main reason for the changes, 71 and 61% of consultations of high-risk patients or urgent surgeries were canceled. Telemedical approaches were implemented by 58% of urologists, and 88% stated that the reduced cancer detection rate would negatively affect patients’ outcomes. Urologists reported higher anxiety, stress, and need for support during all waves of the pandemic than other disciplines, especially females.

Conclusion

The pandemic tremendously affects urologists’ health care provision and stress experience, possibly causing long-term consequences for patients and physicians.
Bottom-up construction and screening of algae-bacteria consortia for pollutant biodegradation
Authors: Cai Zongting , Karunakaran Esther , Pandhal Jagroop
Published: February 2024

Microbial communities have been used as important biological tools for a variety of purposes associated with agriculture, the food industry and human health. Artificial engineering of microbial communities is an emerging field of research motivated by finding stable and efficient microbial systems. However, the successful design of microbial communities with desirable functions not only requires profound understanding of microbial activities, but also needs efficient approaches to piece together the known microbial traits to give rise to more complex systems. This study demonstrates the bottom-up integration of environmentally isolated phototrophic microalgae and chemotrophic bacteria as artificial consortia to bio-degrade selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A high throughput screening method based on 96-well plate format was developed for discovering consortia with bioremediation potential. Screened exemplar consortia were verified for VOCs degradation performance, among these, certain robust consortia were estimated to have achieved efficiencies of 95.72% and 92.70% and near 100% removal (7 days) of benzene, toluene, and phenol, respectively, with initial concentrations of 100 mg/L. VOCs degradation by consortia was mainly attributed to certain bacteria including Rhodococcus erythropolis, and Cupriavidus metallidurans, and directly contributed to the growth of microalgae Coelastrella terrestris (R = 0.82, p < 0.001). This work revealed the potential of converting VOCs waste into algal biomass by algae-bacteria consortia constructed through a bottom-up approach. The screening method enables rapid shortlisting of consortia combinatorial scenarios without prior knowledge about the individual strains or the need for interpreting complex microbial interactions.
Absence of meningeal mast cells in the Mitf mutant mouse
Authors: Sabaté San José Alba , Petersen Petur Henry
Published: February 2024

Mast cells (MCs) are located in the meninges of the central nervous system (CNS), where they play key roles in the immune response. MC-deficient mice are advantageous in delineating the role of MCs in the immune response in vivo. In this study, we illustrate that a mutation in microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) affects meningeal MC number in a dosage-dependent manner. C57BL/6J Mitf null mice lack meningeal MCs completely, whereas heterozygous mice have on average 25% fewer MCs. Mitf heterozygous mice might be a valuable tool to study the role of MCs in the meninges.
Effects of vagus nerve stimulation on cognitive function in patients with epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kong Yurou , Zhao Kun , Zeng Duchun , Lu Feiao , Li Xiang , Wu Yulun , Jiang Zengming , Wen Wanshun
Published: February 2024

Background

Previous studies showed that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can improve cognitive function in patients with epilepsy, but there is still great controversy about the effect of VNS on cognitive function in patients with epilepsy.

Objective

To investigate the effect of VNS on the cognitive function of epilepsy patients.

Methods

Clinical trials published in PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Embase before September 20, 2022, were comprehensively searched. Primary outcomes were overall cognitive performance, executive function, attention, memory; Secondary outcomes were seizure frequency, mood, and quality of life (QOL). Random effects were used to calculate the pooled outcome.

Results

Twenty clinical trials were included. There was no significant improvement in overall cognitive performance in patients with epilepsy after VNS treatment (SMD = 0.07; 95% CI: −0.12 to 0.26; I2 = 0.00%) compared to pre-treatment. Compared to pre-treatment, there was no significant difference in executive function (SMD = −0.50; 95% CI: −1.50 to 0.50; p = 0.32), attention (SMD = −0.17; 95% CI: −0.43 to 0.09; p = 0.21) and memory (SMD = 0.64; 95% CI: −0.11 to 1.39; p = 0.09), but there were significant differences in seizure frequency, mood, and quality of life in patients with epilepsy after VNS.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis did not establish that VNS can significantly improve cognitive function in patients with epilepsy, but it shows that VNS can significantly improve the seizure frequency, mood and quality of life of patients with epilepsy.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42023384059.
Case report: Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease initially mimicking reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: serial neuroimaging findings during an 11-year follow-up
Authors: Lee Gha-Hyun , Jung Eugene , Jung Na-Yeon , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Matsumoto Naomichi , Kim Eun-Joo
Published: February 2024

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder known for its diverse clinical manifestations. Although episodic neurogenic events can be associated with NIID, no reported cases have demonstrated concurrent clinical features or MRI findings resembling reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). Here, we present the inaugural case of an adult-onset NIID patient who initially displayed symptoms reminiscent of RCVS. The 59-year-old male patient’s initial presentation included a thunderclap headache, right visual field deficit, and confusion. Although his brain MRI appeared normal, MR angiography unveiled left posterior cerebral artery occlusion, subsequently followed by recanalization, culminating in an RCVS diagnosis. Over an 11-year period, the patient encountered 10 additional episodes, each escalating in duration and intensity, accompanied by seizures. Simultaneously, cognitive impairment progressed. Genetic testing for NIID revealed an abnormal expansion of GGC repeats in NOTCH2NLC, with a count of 115 (normal range, <60), and this patient was diagnosed with NIID. Our report highlights that NIID can clinically and radiologically mimic RCVS. Therefore, in the differential diagnosis of RCVS, particularly in cases with atypical features or recurrent episodes, consideration of NIID is warranted. Additionally, the longitudinal neuroimaging findings provided the course of NIID over an 11-year follow-up period.
Increased interhemispheric functional connectivity after right anodal tDCS in chronic non-fluent aphasia: preliminary findings
Authors: Alemanno Federica , Fedeli Davide , Monti Alessia , Houdayer Elise , Della Rosa Pasquale Anthony , Zangrillo Federica , Emedoli Daniele , Pelagallo Elisabetta , Corbo Massimo , Iannaccone Sandro , Abutalebi Jubin
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive, low-cost and environment-friendly brain neuromodulation technique that increases cortical excitability. In post-stroke aphasia, the role of the right hemisphere in language recovery remains debated. In this preliminary study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of excitatory tDCS on the right hemisphere in chronic aphasic patients.

Methods

We applied anodal tDCS to the right homologous region of Broca’s area in four chronic aphasic patients while performing a one-month naming rehabilitation treatment. Longitudinal data on language assessment and naming performance were collected. Resting-state fMRI images were acquired before and after treatment to measure changes in functional connectivity.

Results

Results showed enhanced positive functional connectivity of the right Broca homologous with the left middle frontal and middle temporal gyri. Every patient showed improvements in language functions, but no major changes in naming performance.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest that tDCS applied over the unaffected hemisphere may result in longitudinal inter-hemispheric functional neuroplastic changes that could specifically improve language recovery and could potentially be included in therapeutic neurorehabilitative plans.
Factors associated with inadequate dietary diversity among adolescent girls in Hurumu Woreda High School, Oromia Region, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kera Abeza Mitiku , Zewdie Zenebe Asrat , Melkamu Kitila Keno , Befkadu Tola Zewudu , Bekana Teshome
Published: February 2024

Background

Inadequate diet among adolescent girls leads to anatomical and physiological disturbances which will contribute to the vicious intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. However, only a few studies are available in Ethiopia on dietary diversity among adolescent girls who are attending school.

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess factors associated with inadequate dietary diversity among high school adolescent girls in Hurumu Woreda, Southwest Ethiopia, 2022.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 high school adolescent girls from 3 May 2022 to 12 June 2022 and selected by using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. Epi-data version 4.6.0 was used to enter the data, which were then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Simple binary and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with inadequate dietary diversity.

Results

In this study, the magnitude of inadequate dietary diversity among adolescent girls was 62.6% [95% CI: 57.5–66.5]. Living with more than five family members (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.16–3.44), consumption of sweet foods/beverages (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.07–3.41), poor nutritional knowledge (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.48–3.89), and poor household wealth tercile (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.44–5.12) were significantly associated with inadequate dietary diversity.

Conclusion

Living with more than five family members, poor household wealth status, consumption of sweet foods/beverages, family size, and poor nutritional knowledge were factors significantly associated with inadequate dietary diversity. Hence, nutrition education, the use of family planning methods, and securing income-generating activities should be implemented.
Unraveling determinants of integrated farming systems adoption for sustainable livelihood and dietary diversity
Authors: Raghavendra K. J. , John Jacob , Jacob D. , Rajendran T. , Prusty A. K. , Ansari Meraj Alam , Ravisankar Natesan , Kumar Sunil , Singh Raghuveer , Shamim Mohammad , Punia Peyush , Nirmal  , Meena Amrit L. , Kashyap Poonam , Shivaswamy G. P. , Dutta D.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Over the years, smallholder farmers have faced more vulnerability to risk and uncertainty in India due to their dependence on cereal crops. One way to reduce this risk is through diversified agriculture, integrating different practices for efficient resource utilization, and adopting a farming systems approach. An integrated farming system (IFS) is one such technique that provides year-round income from different components of enterprises. However, the decision to adopt IFS may be determined by several characteristics of farmers, which needs to be delineated through impact analysis to harness the benefits of a systems approach.

Methods

This study analyzes the economic effects of integrated farming systems and assesses their determinants, as well as the dietary diversity patterns of farmers in two states of southern India, i.e., Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A multistage sampling technique was used to obtain cross-sectional data from 367 farmers randomly chosen from one district in Kerala and two districts in Tamil Nadu. The participants have Crop + Horticulture + Animal husbandry (45.45%) as their major system, whereas non-participants have Crop + Animal husbandry (44.35%) as their predominant system. Coarsened exact matching and logit regression methods were used to evaluate the economic impacts of IFS and its influencing factors.

Results

The findings of the study indicate that age, education, livestock holding, access to credit, and plantation area have a positive and significant effect on participation by farmers in the program. The matching results show that adoption of IFS resulted in a significant economic impact, generating an additional gross income of Rs. 36,165 ha−1 and a net income of Rs. 35,852 ha−1 and improving the dietary diversity of farm households by 8.6% as compared to non-adopters.

Discussion

This study suggests that IFS is a promising approach for improving farmers' livelihoods, economic gains, and nutritional security. Therefore, the integrated farming systems models need to be upscaled through the convergence of government schemes in other regions of India to support smallholder farmers' farming.
Effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on performance, physiological responses, and bioenergetic pathway contributions during repeated sprint exercise
Authors: Özbay Serhat , Ulupınar Süleyman , Gençoğlu Cebrail , Ouergui Ibrahim , Öget Furkan , Yılmaz Hasan Hüseyin , Kishalı Necip Fazıl , Kıyıcı Fatih , Asan Selim , Uçan İzzet , Ardigò Luca Paolo
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This investigation aims to elucidate the impact of Ramadan intermittent fasting on performance, physiological responses, and bioenergetic pathway contributions during repeated sprints.

Methods

Fourteen active male Muslim athletes (age = 22.4 ± 1.8 years, body weight = 69.5 ± 3.8 kg, height = 176 ± 5.1 cm) executed a repeated sprint protocol, consisting of ten 20-meter sprints with 15-s passive recovery intervals, during both fasting and non-fasting conditions. The fasting session was conducted after a 12–14 h fast following Sahur (the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan). In contrast, the non-fasting session occurred before the Ramadan fasting period began, during the same hours of the day, at a time when fasting was not yet required for the athletes. Bioenergetic pathway contributions during repeated sprints were quantified using the PCr-LA-O2 method.

Results

The mean sprint time during fasting sessions was 3.4 ± 0.3 s compared to 3.3 ± 0.2 s in non-fasting sessions, indicating a trend approaching the threshold of significance for slower times in the fasted state (p = 0.052, effect size (ES) = 0.34). In terms of bioenergetic contributions, the total metabolic energy expenditure (TEE) was slightly lower during fasting sessions (236.5 ± 22 kJ) compared to non-fasting sessions (245.2 ± 21.7 kJ), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.102, ES = 0.40). Similarly, metabolic energy expenditure per sprint was 23.7 ± 2.2 kJ in fasting conditions compared to 24.5 ± 2.2 kJ in non-fasting conditions (p = 0.106, ES = 0.35). The oxidative energy contribution did not differ significantly between fasting (34.2 ± 4.1 kJ) and non-fasting conditions (34.2 ± 4.1 vs. 35.5 ± 5.2 kJ; p = 0.238, ES = 0.28). Similarly, lactic (60.4 ± 7.6 vs. 59.2 ± 8.3 kJ; p = 0.484, ES = 0.15); and alactic (149.3 ± 19.9 vs. 143 ± 21.5 kJ; p = 0.137, ES = 0.30) energy contributions showed no significant differences between the fasting and non-fasting sessions. The percentage of performance decrement (Pdec) and the percentage contributions of oxidative, lactic, and alactic pathways to the total energy expenditure did not differ significantly between the fasting and non-fasting conditions, indicating a similar bioenergetic profile across both conditions.

Conclusion

The present findings indicate no significant differences in performance metrics and metabolic outcomes between fasted and non-fasted states. Future assessments with longer duration and higher intensity protocols may provide further insights.
Establishment and comparison of in situ detection models for foodborne pathogen contamination on mutton based on SWIR-HSI
Authors: Bai Zongxiu , Du Dongdong , Zhu Rongguang , Xing Fukang , Yang Chenyi , Yan Jiufu , Zhang Yixin , Kang Lichao
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Rapid and accurate detection of food-borne pathogens on mutton is of great significance to ensure the safety of mutton and its products and the health of consumers.

Objectives

The feasibility of short-wave infrared hyperspectral imaging (SWIR-HSI) in detecting the contamination status and species of Escherichia coli (EC), Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Salmonella typhimurium (ST) contaminated on mutton was explored.

Materials and methods

The hyperspectral images of uncontaminated and contaminated mutton samples with different concentrations (108, 107, 106, 105, 104, 103 and 102 CFU/mL) of EC, SA and ST were acquired. The one dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) model was constructed and the influence of structure hyperparameters on the model was explored. The effects of different spectral preprocessing methods on partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), support vector machine (SVM) and 1D-CNN models were discussed. In addition, the feasibility of using the characteristic wavelength to establish simplified models was explored.

Results and discussion

The best full band model was the 1D-CNN model with the convolution kernels number of (64, 16) and the activation function of tanh established by the original spectra, and its accuracy of training set, test set and external validation set were 100.00, 92.86 and 97.62%, respectively. The optimal simplified model was genetic algorithm optimization support vector machine (GA-SVM). For discriminating the pathogen species, the accuracies of SVM models established by full band spectra preprocessed by 2D and all 1D-CNN models with the convolution kernel number of (32, 16) and the activation function of tanh were 100.00%. In addition, the accuracies of all simplified models were 100.00% except for the 1D-CNN models. Considering the complexity of features and model calculation, the 1D-CNN models established by original spectra were the optimal models for pathogenic bacteria contamination status and species. The simplified models provide basis for developing multispectral detection instruments.

Conclusion

The results proved that SWIR-HSI combined with machine learning and deep learning could accurately detect the foodborne pathogen contamination on mutton, and the performance of deep learning models were better than that of machine learning. This study can promote the application of HSI technology in the detection of foodborne pathogens on meat.
Arterial stiffness is associated with handgrip strength in relatively healthy Chinese older adults
Authors: He Yan , Niu Yue , Li Zhe , Zhang Ruimin , Chen Yizhi , Dong Zheyi , Zheng Ying , Wang Qian , Wang Yong , Zhao Delong , Sun Xuefeng , Cai Guangyan , Feng Zhe , Zhang Weiguang , Chen Xiangmei
Published: February 2024

Background

Increased arterial stiffness and low handgrip strength (HGS) are associated with poor health outcomes and are a severe health risk for older adults. However, there is limited evidence and mixed results on whether there is an association between them. Therefore, this study focused on the association between arterial stiffness and HGS in relatively healthy older adults in Beijing, China.

Methods

In 2016, 2,217 adult volunteers were recruited in Beijing. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and the ankle-brachial index were measured using an automatic vascular profiling system. Carotid artery intima-media thickness and common carotid artery-internal diameter (CCAID) were evaluated using Doppler ultrasound, and HGS was measured with a dynamometer. Low HGS was determined using the Asian Sarcopenia Working Group 2019 criteria. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions evaluated the relationship between arterial stiffness and HGS.

Results

Ultimately, 776 relatively healthy older adults (mean age 69.05 ± 6.46 years) were included. Based on the AWGS2019 criteria, 137 participants were defined as having low HGS. Compared to the normal HGS group, the low HGS group was older and had higher baPWV (p < 0.001) but lower CCAID, body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin (Hb) (p < 0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that baPWV was negatively correlated with HGS (β = −0.173, t = −2.587, p = 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that baPWV and CCAID were associated with an increased risk of low HGS (odds ratio (OR) per SD increase: 1.318, p = 0.007; OR per SD increase: 0.541, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Arterial stiffness and HGS were significantly negatively correlated in relatively healthy Chinese older adults. Low HGS is associated with increased arterial stiffness. Encouraging exercise training to improve HGS, thereby reducing arterial stiffness and the risk of cardiovascular events, may be a simple and effective intervention.
Bone damage and health-related quality of life in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors: closing the gaps
Authors: Mancuso Salvatrice , Mattana Marta , Giammancheri Federica , Russello Federica , Carlisi Melania , Santoro Marco , Siragusa Sergio
Published: February 2024

In the recent decades, remarkable successes have been recorded in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma to the point that today it represents one of the neoplasms with the highest rates of cure and with the highest life expectancy. Nonetheless, this raises the concern for the health of long- term survivors. Late side effects of treatments in synergy with other risk factors expose survivors to increased morbidity and impaired quality of life. In the complexity of the topics concerning these last aspects, an area of growing interest is that of bone damage that follows Hodgkin Lymphoma and its treatments. In this narrative review, we conducted our work through assessment of available evidence focusing on several aspects linking bone damage and quality of life with Hodgkin lymphoma and its treatments. At present, the problem of osteopenia and osteoporosis in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors is a theme for which awareness and knowledge need to be implemented.
Time to treatment disparities in gastric cancer patients in the United States of America: a comprehensive retrospective analysis
Authors: Sharan Seema , Bansal Shivam , Manaise Harsheen Kaur , Jimenez Paola Berrios , Raikot Swathi R. , Ahmed Syeda Hoorulain , Popp Reed , Popp Kyle , Sukniam Kulkaew , Kowkabany Gabrielle , Mubarak Fatima , Gabriel Emmanuel
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Gastric cancer ranks as the 5th most prevalent cancer and the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Various treatment modalities, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, are available for gastric cancer patients. However, disparities related to age, sex, race, socioeconomic factors, insurance status, and demographic factors often lead to delayed time to treatment.

Methods

In this retrospective study, conducted between 2004 and 2019, we utilized data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to investigate the factors contributing to disparities in the time to first treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy among gastric cancer patients. Our analysis incorporated several variables, and statistical analysis was conducted to provide valuable insights into these disparities.

Results

We observed notable disparities in the timing of treatment for various demographic groups, including age, sex, race, insurance status, geographic location, and facility type. These disparities include longer time to treatment in males (32.67 vs 30.75), Native Americans (35.10 vs 31.09 in Asians), low-income patients (32 vs 31.15), patients getting treatment in an academic setting (36.11 vs 29.61 in community setting), significantly longer time to chemotherapy in 70+ age group (51.13 vs 40.38 in <40 y age group), black race (55.81 vs 47.05 in whites), low income people (49.64 vs 46.74), significantly longer time to radiotherapy in females (101.61 vs 79.75), blacks and Asians (109.68 and 113.96 respectively vs 92.68 in Native Americans) etc. There are various other disparities in time to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Conclusions

Understanding these disparities is crucial in developing targeted strategies to improve timely access to appropriate treatments and enhance outcomes for gastric cancer patients. Future research with updated data and prospective study designs can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing patient outcomes in gastric cancer.
Addition of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors to chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Juan , Liu Chen , Guo Yaru , Guo Wenwen , Wu Xiaojin
Published: February 2024

Background

In recent years, the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) to chemotherapy (CT) has become a research hotspot in the therapy of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Nevertheless, controversial results have been revealed among the published randomized controlled trials. Hence, a meta-analysis was performed to assess the therapeutic effect of this treatment regimen.

Methods

Five English databases (PubMed, WOS, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Embase), and four Chinese databases (CBM, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang), as well as oncological meetings, were systematically searched to identify eligible studies that assessed the addition of ICI to CT versus CT alone in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The pooled hazard ratios (HR) of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using fixed- or random-effect model. Subgroup analyses were also performed in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and PD-L1-positive individuals.

Results

All told there are five eligible randomized controlled trials involving 3,000 patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Compared with CT alone, the ICI plus CT regimen significantly increased PFS in the ITT (HR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73–0.88) and PD-L1-positive (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.62–0.79) populations, as well as OS in the ITT (HR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81–0.97) and PD-L1-positive populations (HR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.71–0.91). Moreover, the PFS of sufferers treated with the combination strategy of ICI with CT increased alongside PD-L1 enrichment. A clinical benefit in terms of objective response rate was also distinctly observed in both populations treated with ICI plus CT. In the subgroup analysis, patients in the no prior CT subgroup experienced a striking increase in PFS in both populations; however, a difference was not observed in other subgroups.

Conclusions

The combination strategy striking improves PFS and OS in both ITT and PD-L1-positive populations, and PFS is prolonged with PD-L1 enrichment. Patients who do not receive CT prior to this treatment are associated with longer PFS in both populations.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier CRD42021289817.
Online searches for hepatocellular carcinoma drugs mirror prescription trends across specialties and changes in guideline recommendations
Authors: Berning Philipp , Schroer Adrian E. , Adhikari Rishav , Razavi Alexander C. , Cornelis Francois H. , Erinjeri Joseph P. , Solomon Stephen B. , Sarkar Debkumar , Vargas Hebert Alberto , Schöder Heiko , Fox Josef J. , Dzaye Omar
Published: February 2024

Background & aims

The treatment options for systemically progressed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have significantly expanded in recent years. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of Google searches as a reflection of prescription rates for HCC drugs in the United States (US).

Methods

We conducted an in-depth analysis of US prescription data obtained from the IQVIA National Prescription Audit (NPA) and corresponding Google Trends data from January 2017 to December 2022. We focused on drugs used in the first line and second or later treatment lines for HCC, collecting data on their prescriptions and search rates. Search volumes were collected as aggregated search queries for both generic drugs and their respective brand names.

Results

During the study period from Q1 2017 to Q4 2022, monthly prescriptions for drugs used in HCC treatment showed an 173% increase (from 1253 to 3422). Conversely online searches increased by 3.5% (from 173 to 179 per 10 million searches). Notably, strong correlations were observed between search interest and prescriptions for newer drugs, which indicates increasing usage, while older drugs with declining usage displayed limited correlation. Our findings suggest a growing role of non-physician professions in managing systemically progressed HCC within the US healthcare system, although oncologists remained primarily responsible for drug prescriptions.

Conclusions

In conclusion, online search monitoring can offer the potential to reflect prescription trends specifically related to the treatment of HCC. This approach provides a swift and accessible means of evaluating the evolving landscape of HCC treatment.