bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the bioactive lipid profiles of oil extracted from Tunisian table olive cultivars (Barouni, Besbassi, and Marsaline cvs.)
Authors: Sakouhi Faouzi , Chérif Ammar , Saadi Chaima , Boukhchina Sadok
Published: September 2023

Bioactive compounds are components extracted from biological matrices that may offer physiological health benefits and have nutritive value. The present study characterized bioactive lipid components such as fatty acids, phytosterols, policosanol, and triterpenes from table olives. The table olives were processed according to the green Spanish‐style method. The obtained results indicate that phytosterol fraction constitutes the major portion of the total unsaponifiable matter. The analysis of phytosterols showed the presence of 11 compounds, β‐sitosterol the predominant one. The policosanol composition indicated that hexacosanol, tetracosanol, octacosanol, and docosanol were the main compounds, accounting for over 85% of total policosanols. Pentacyclic triterpenes (cycloartenol and 24‐methylene cycloartenol) were found at a higher level (over 85%) compared to tetracyclic triterpenes (β‐amyrin, δ‐amyrin). These findings reveal that processed table olives contain an interesting amount of various bioactive compounds compared to marine and other floral biological matrices. Thus, processed table olives represent an interesting natural functional food that presents high stability and bioavailability of their natural bioactive ingredients.

Practical Applications: Nowadays, with health food gaining popularity among consumers, the demand for natural bioactive compounds and functional food is expanding considerably all over the world. This study focuses on analyzing bioactive lipid components from processed table olives. Fruits were processed according to the green Spanish‐style method. The salt content of the brine was adjusted to the minimum sodium chloride value required by the Codex Alimentarius Comission, which is 5%, taking into consideration people suffering from hypertension. This concentration is considered the minimum amount of salt necessary to exhibit antibacterial activities. Considering the results obtained, processed table olives present one of the most valuable potential resources for bioactive lipid compounds and have a considerable ability to preserve the stability of their lipid components. Thus, the food industry in Mediterranean countries can promote processed table olives as conventional functional food with no need for any enrichment or fortification.
The changes of phospholipid degradation in sea urchin gonads (Glyptocidaris crenularis) during cold storage at 4°C
Authors: Zhou Limeijia , You Hailin , Wang Youjun , Zhao Yangmeijin , He Yuxuan , Ao Chengxiang , Liu Jingyi , Zhao Hui , Lu Hang
Published: September 2023

Sea urchin gonads (SUGs) are rich in phospholipid (PL) which is easily oxidized and hydrolyzed during cold storage. PL changes were evaluated to clarify the quality changes of sea urchins during 72 h storage at 4°C. During storage at 4°C, PL content decreased, including phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol content decreased significantly and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) was detected after 36 h storage. At the same time, phospholipase C and phospholipase D remained active, and the content of free choline and free fatty acids increased, suggesting that PL was hydrolyzed. The addition of n‐butanol inhibited the activity of phospholipases C and D, decrease of total PL content, and the production of LPC and free choline, indicating that phospholipase‐mediated hydrolysis of PL in gonads occurred during refrigeration. The addition of vitamin E inhibited lipoxygenase, reduced lipid peroxidation (POV), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. It indicated that lipoxygenase in SUG mediated the oxidative degradation of PL during cold storage.
Machine learning‐based peak ground acceleration models for structural risk assessment using spatial data analysis
Authors: Saleem Nadia , Mangalathu Sujith , Ahmed Bilal , Jeon Jong‐Su
Published: September 2023

Predicting peak time‐domain ground‐motion parameters, such as peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity, and peak ground displacement at a specific location, is challenging because of the limited number of recorded ground motions and the complexity of ground‐motion prediction equations. This study presents a novel approach that integrates a geographic information system with a spatial data analysis‐based machine learning PGA prediction model to overcome these challenges and predict PGA classes as a function of the PGA of the respective seismic stations, interstation distance of the seismic stations, and time‐average shear‐wave velocity in the upper 30 m of the target station. The proposed spatial data analysis‐based machine learning approach demonstrated the ability to generate satisfactory results in a short period. To account for the spatial dependencies of the variables, a feature selection method for spatial data using mutual information‐based feature selection was proposed, which provides a well‐prepared spatial matrix for machine learning algorithms. This study evaluates the performance of the model using various machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest, Naïve Bayes, K‐Nearest Neighbors, Decision Tree, AdaptiveBoost, Random Undersampling Boost, Extreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost), and Categorical Boost (CatBoost). Among these, XGBoost and CatBoost performed better than the other methods and yielded fairly accurate results. The models were validated using K‐Fold cross‐validation, and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for comparison. The spatial data analysis‐based machine learning models, particularly XGBoost and CatBoost, achieved high‐accuracy rates in classifying the PGA levels of 99.1% and 98.9%, respectively. Hyperparameters for the XGBoost model were tuned through GridSearchCV. Tree‐based models outperformed parametric models, indicating complex non‐linear spatial relationships, and by combining spatial feature selection with machine learning models demonstrated improved performance. Additionally, real‐time applications of spatial data analysis‐based machine learning PGA prediction models were used to estimate the seismic vulnerability of postulated concrete box‐girder bridges in San Fernando, thus providing insights into damage probabilities based on predicted PGA values.
Impact of sodium alginate‐based film loaded with resveratrol and thymol on the shelf life of cooked sausage and the inoculated Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Hashemi Mahsa , Aminzare Majid , Hassanzadazar Hassan , Roohinejad Shahin , Tahergorabi Reza , Bekhit Alaa El‐Din Ahmed
Published: September 2023

In present study, sodium alginate biodegradable films containing different concentrations of resveratrol (RES: 0.002% and 0.004%) or thymol (THY: 0.5% and 1%) and their combinations were prepared, and evaluated for their effects on spoilage‐related microbial profile, lipid oxidation, sensory properties, and protective effects against Listeria monocytogenes in beef mortadella sausage during 40 days storage at 4°C. The release rate of phenolic compounds was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu test. To assess the shelf life of the product, changes in total viable count (TVC), lactic acid bacteria count (LAB), psychrotrophic bacteria count (PTC), pH levels, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, and sensory characteristics (taste, color, odor, and overall acceptability) were evaluated. For the sensory evaluation, a panel of 70 semi‐trained judges was selected according to their initial performance. Samples wrapped with sodium alginate films containing 1% THY (alone or combined with different concentrations of RES) exhibited lower bacterial counts compared to other experimental groups at the end of the storage period (6.01–6.35 vs. 6.71–8.17 log10 CFU/g for TVC, 5.37–5.83 vs. 6.07–7.11 log10 CFU/g for LAB, 5.08–5.18 vs. 5.40–7.23 log10 CFU/g for PTC, and 6.53–6.92 vs. 7.23–9.01 log10 CFU/g for inoculated L. monocytogenes). Sodium alginate films containing the combination of 0.004% RES and different concentrations of THY showed higher antioxidant effects than other experimental groups (TBARS values of 1.68–1.99 vs. 2.23–3.80 mg MDA/kg sample). The sodium alginate film containing 0.004% RES + 1% THY exhibited the highest antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and highest sensory scores among all treatments. These findings highlight the potential application of the sodium alginate film containing a combination of RES and THY as an active packaging material with natural preservatives in the meat products industry. This application can effectively extend the shelf life and enhance the microbial safety of clean‐label cooked sausages during refrigerated storage.
Revealing the mechanism of quinoa on type 2 diabetes based on intestinal flora and taste pathways
Authors: Zheng Chun‐Yan , An Tian , Liang Zheng‐Ting , Lv Bo‐Han , Liu Yu‐Tong , Hu Xue‐Hong , Zhang Yue‐Lin , Liu Nan‐Nan , Tao Si‐Yu , Deng Ru‐Xue , Liu Jia‐Xian , Jiang Guang‐Jian
Published: September 2023

To investigate the antidiabetic effects and mechanisms of quinoa on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice model. In this context, we induced the T2DM mice model with a high‐fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ), followed by treatment with a quinoa diet. To explore the impact of quinoa on the intestinal flora, we predicted and validated its potential mechanism of hypoglycemic effect through network pharmacology, molecular docking, western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). We found that quinoa could significantly improve abnormal glucolipid metabolism in T2DM mice. Further analysis showed that quinoa contributed to the improvement of gut microbiota composition positively. Moreover, it could downregulate the expression of TAS1R3 and TRPM5 in the colon. A total of 72 active components were identified by network pharmacology. Among them, TAS1R3 and TRPM5 were successfully docked with the core components of quinoa. These findings confirm that quinoa may exert hypoglycemic effects through gut microbiota and the TAS1R3/TRPM5 taste signaling pathway.
Progress and emerging strategies to preserve function in the treatment of sinonasal cancer
Authors: Robbins Kevin T , Ronen Ohad , Saba Nabil F. , Strojan Primoz , Vander Poorten Vincent , Mäkitie Antti , López Fernando , Rodrigo Juan P. , Homma Akihiro , Hanna Ehab , Ferlito Alfio
Published: September 2023

The sinonasal structures and their adjacent organs host several functions including vision, olfaction, nasal respiration and filtration, secretory immunity, facial expression, articulation, and oral deglutition. We reviewed the current evidence supporting functional preservation in sinonasal cancer treatment. Primary surgery with or without adjuvant modalities continues to be the standard of care for sinonasal cancer. Unfortunately, functional compromise remains a dominant negative feature of this approach. More recently, through advances in therapeutic techniques and improved understanding of the relevant tumor biology, treatments aimed at preserving function and cosmesis are emerging. The evidence for such progress involving minimal access surgery, surgical reconstruction for rehabilitation, new techniques in radiation therapy, inclusion of systemic and locally enhanced chemotherapy, and therapeutic agents based on molecular targets are highlighted. This multi‐prong approach bodes well for future patients with sinonasal cancer to undergo successful treatment that includes maximal preservation of associated functions.
Multiparametric machine learning algorithm for human papillomavirus status and survival prediction in oropharyngeal cancer patients
Authors: Fazelpour Sherwin , Vejdani‐Jahromi Maryam , Kaliaev Artem , Qiu Edwin , Goodman Deniz , Andreu‐Arasa V. Carlota , Fujima Noriyuki , Sakai Osamu
Published: September 2023

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) status influences prognosis in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Identifying high‐risk patients are critical to improving treatment. We aim to provide a noninvasive opportunity for managing OPC patients by training multiple machine learning pipelines to determine the best model for characterizing HPV status and survival.

Methods

Multi‐parametric algorithms were designed using a 492 OPC patient database. HPV status incorporated age, sex, smoking/drinking habits, cancer subsite, TNM, and AJCC 7th edition staging. Survival considered HPV model inputs plus HPV status. Patients were split 4:1 training: testing. Algorithm efficacy was assessed through accuracy and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

From 31 HPV status models, ensemble yielded 0.83 AUC and 78.7% accuracy. From 38 survival models, ensemble yielded 0.91 AUC and 87.7% accuracy.

Conclusion

Results reinforce artificial intelligence's potential to use tumor imaging and patient characterizations for HPV status and outcome prediction. Utilizing these algorithms can optimize clinical guidance and patient care noninvasively.
Dosimetric investigation of radiation‐induced trigeminal nerve toxicity in parotid tumor patients
Authors: Duru Birgi Sumerya , Akyurek Serap , Birgi Erdem , Arslan Yakup , Gumustepe Esra , Bakirarar Batuhan , Gokce Saban Cakir
Published: September 2023

Purpose

We aimed to describe the association between trigeminal nerve (TN) dose and toxicity and determine a threshold value that leads to TN toxicity in patients with parotid tumors treated with adjuvant conventional fractionated radiation therapy.

Methods and Materials

Eighteen patients who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) between 2013 and 2018 were included in this retrospective study. TN and its branches were outlined subsequently on the planning CT scans. The doses received by TN were obtained based on the dose–volume histogram. The dose and toxicity relationship was investigated over the total prescribed dose. RT‐related toxicity was graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V4.0 (CTCAEv4.0).

Results

The median follow‐up was 29.5 months. After RT, 61% of patients had Grade I–II late TN toxicity divided into Grade I in 4 (22%) and Grade II in 7 (39%) patients. TN injury symptoms were as follows: loss of sensation in the chin area in 3, difficulty in jaw movements in 3, and paresthesia in 5 patients. The total RT dose (p = 0.001), Dmax (p = 0.001), PTV‐TN Dmax (p = 0.001), D1cc (p = 0.004), D0.5cc (p = 0.001), and D0.1cc (p = 0.01) had a significant effect on TN toxicity. Cut‐off values leading to toxicity were determined as 66, 65.5, 65.25, 63.6, and 62.7 Gy for Dmax, PTV‐TN Dmax, D0.1cc, D 0.5cc, and D1cc, respectively.

Conclusions

Radiation‐induced TN injury in head and neck cancer patients may further be investigated in clinically prospective trials by virtue of high toxicity rates with current RT doses in our retrospectively designed dosimetric study in parotid tumors.
Promoting well‐being in early adolescents through mindfulness: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Scafuto Francesca , Ghiroldi Silvia , Montecucco Nitamo Federico , De Vincenzo Francesco , Quinto Rossella Mattea , Presaghi Fabio , Iani Luca
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The Gaia program is a 12‐week mindfulness intervention based on cultivating body, emotional, and ecological self‐awareness, which has been shown to be effective in reducing children's and adolescents' internalizing problems at school. This paper presents the results of a cluster randomized controlled trial aimed at assessing the effectiveness of this program on improving psychological well‐being, subjective well‐being, and psychological distress in early adolescents.

Methods

A sample of 195 early adolescent students (boys, n = 99; girls, n = 96) with a mean age of 11.49 years (standard deviation = 0.80) attending 12 middle school classes participated in the study. Seven Gaia instructors belonging to six schools led the program. Measures were administered at three time points, approximately every 3 months: 1 week before treatment, 1 week after treatment, and 3 months after treatment. We used a multilevel regression model to test whether treatment was effective in increasing psychological well‐being and subjective well‐being, and reducing psychological distress, as compared to a waiting‐list control group.

Results

The results showed that the Gaia program improved psychological well‐being but not subjective well‐being and psychological distress. Specifically, the Gaia program was effective in increasing personal growth and purpose in life, the key eudaimonic components of psychological well‐being, in the experimental group whereas they decreased in the control group.

Conclusions

Findings from this study provide preliminary evidence that the Gaia program for early adolescents may improve the core eudaimonic components of psychological well‐being from pretest to follow‐up that, conversely, decrease in the control group.
Injectable controlled‐release systems for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases
Authors: Kunkel Alyssa A. , McHugh Kevin J.
Published: September 2023

Pharmaceutical drugs, including vaccines, pre‐ and post‐exposure prophylactics, and chronic drug therapies, are crucial tools in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. These drugs have the ability to increase survival and improve patient quality of life; however, infectious diseases still accounted for more than 10.2 million deaths in 2019 before the COVID‐19 pandemic. High mortality can be, in part, attributed to challenges in the availability of adequate drugs and vaccines, limited accessibility, poor drug bioavailability, the high cost of some treatments, and low patient adherence. A majority of these factors are logistical rather than technical challenges, providing an opportunity for existing drugs and vaccines to be improved through formulation. Injectable controlled‐release drug delivery systems are one class of formulations that have the potential to overcome many of these limitations by releasing their contents in a sustained manner to reduce the need for frequent re‐administration and improve clinical outcomes. This review provides an overview of injectable controlled drug delivery platforms, including microparticles, nanoparticles, and injectable gels, detailing recent developments using these systems for single‐injection vaccination, long‐acting prophylaxis, and sustained‐release treatments for infectious disease.
A Comprehensive Mixed‐Method Approach to Characterize the Source of Diurnal Tacrolimus Exposure Variability in Children: Systematic Review, Meta‐analysis, and Application to an Existing Data Set
Authors: Leino Abbie D. , Magee John C. , Kershaw David B. , Pai Manjunath P. , Park Jeong M.
Published: September 2023

Tacrolimus is widely reported to display diurnal variation in pharmacokinetic parameters with twice‐daily dosing. However, the contribution of chronopharmacokinetics versus food intake is unclear, with even less evidence in the pediatric population. The objectives of this study were to summarize the existing literature by meta‐analysis and evaluate the impact of food composition on 24‐hour pharmacokinetics in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. For the meta‐analysis, 10 studies involving 253 individuals were included. The pooled effect sizes demonstrated significant differences in area under the concentration–time curve from time 0 to 12 hours (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03‐0.52) and maximum concentration (SMD, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.35‐1.15) between morning and evening dose administration. However, there was significant between‐study heterogeneity that was explained by food exposure. The effect size for minimum concentration was not significantly different overall (SMD, −0.09; 95% CI, −0.27 to 0.09) or across the food exposure subgroups. A 2‐compartment model with a lag time, linear clearance, and first‐order absorption best characterized the tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in pediatric participants. As expected, adding the time of administration and food composition covariates reduced the unexplained within‐subject variability for the first‐order absorption rate constant, but only caloric composition significantly reduced variability for lag time. The available data suggest food intake is the major driver of diurnal variation in tacrolimus exposure, but the associated changes are not reflected by trough concentrations alone.
Increasing dental and medical students’ understanding of race as a social construct
Authors: Nield Linda S. , Nease Emily K. , Cottrell Lesley E. , Moffett Kathryn S. , Saggio Renee B. , Price Shelia S.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To improve health equity, dental and medical students must have a firm grasp of the proper use of race as a social construct. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which an innovative learning event affected students’ understanding of race as a social construct. It also sought to examine the effects that personally experienced and/or witnessed racism and previous education had on students’ responses to the learning event.

Methods

In 2022, all incoming first‐year dental (N = 48) and medical (N = 114) students completed an online pre‐matriculation assignment about the use of race in healthcare. Students initially completed an anonymous 14‐item pre‐survey and then read assigned publications, followed by answering questions about a real‐life vignette concerning the topic of race as a social construct. Students finished the assignment by completing an anonymous seven‐item post‐survey. Data from the pre‐ and post‐surveys were collected and analyzed to assess if differences existed among students and between the two surveys.

Results

Dental and medical students were significantly more likely to endorse race as a social construct after the learning experience (p < 0.001). Students who had experienced discrimination or obtained training were more likely to define race as a social construct before and after the learning event.

Conclusion

Dental and medical schools can increase students’ understanding of race as a social construct, rather than a biological construct, with educational interventions.
The impact of converting to telehealth for cancer genetic counseling and testing during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Proussaloglou Ellie M. , Koelliker Ekaterina L. , Laprise Jessica , Wilbur Jennifer Scalia , Robison Katina , Stuckey Ashley , Crawford Katherine
Published: September 2023

The COVID‐19 outbreak in March 2020 resulted in a shift to telemedicine for cancer genetic counseling (GC). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of telehealth (TH) services on patient acceptance of recommended genetic testing, time to test completion, and follow‐up test‐disclosure GC appointment, as well as compliance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommendations for medical screenings when testing positive for a genetic variant. Data for this retrospective cohort study were collected at a tertiary‐care academic health center using the electronic medical record and laboratory portal. Patients with traditional in‐person visits (the 2019 control group) and date‐matched TH visits (2020) were compared. In total, 206 new GC appointments occurred in the in‐person group and 184 new appointments occurred in the TH group. The in‐person group was more likely to consent to testing than the TH cohort (92.6% vs. 82.1%, p = 0.003) and had increased rates of sample submission (99.5% vs. 93.75%, p < 0.01), as well as a shorter turn‐around time between their initial appointment and laboratory result reporting (34.24 vs. 20.32 days, p < 0.01). There was no increase in time from initial to follow‐up GC appointments (67.87 days for control, 62.39 days for THs, p = 0.37). With >2.5 years of follow‐up for all study participants, there were no statistically significant differences in pathogenic variant (PV) carrier compliance with screening recommendations. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, use of TH allowed patients to access GC with no significant differences in time between initial consultation and follow‐up. However, in‐person visits were associated with increased patient willingness to consent to and complete genetic testing. This work offers a nuanced look at the success of TH GC during the pandemic and follow‐up with screening recommendations, while offering future opportunities to address the acceptance of testing as GC is practiced in a virtual or hybrid model.
Improvement in male pelvis magnetic resonance image contouring following radiologist‐delivered training
Authors: Oar Bronwyn , Brown Amy , Newman Glen , Boles Alan , Rumley Christopher N. , Doyle Rachel , Baines John , Tan Alex
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MRL) combines both magnetic resonance imaging and a linear accelerator, allowing for daily treatment adaptation. This study aimed to assess the impact of radiologist‐delivered training in magnetic resonance (MR) contouring of relevant structures within the male pelvis.

Methods

Two radiation oncologists, two radiation oncology registrars and seven radiation therapists completed contouring on 10 male pelvis MR datasets both pre‐ and post‐training. A 2‐hour MR anatomy training session was delivered by a radiologist, who also provided the ‘gold standard’ contours. The pre‐ and post‐training contours were compared against the gold standard with Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff distances calculated; and the pre‐ and post‐confidence scores and timing were compared.

Results

The improvement in DSC were significant in prostate, rectum and seminal vesicles, with a post‐training median DSC of 0.87 ± 0.06, 0.92 ± 0.04 and 0.80 ± 0.14, respectively. The median Hausdorff improved with a median of 1.46 ± 0.78 mm, 0.52 ± 0.32 mm and 1.11 ± 0.86 mm for prostate, rectum and seminal vesicles, respectively. Bladder concordance was high both pre‐ and post‐training. Urethra contours improved post‐training, however, remained difficult to contour with a median post‐DSC of 0.51 ± 0.24. Overall, confidence scoring improved (P < 0.001) and timing decreased by an average of 4.4 ± 16.4 min post‐training.

Conclusion

Radiologist‐delivered training improved concordance of male pelvis contouring on MR datasets. Further work is required in the identification of urethra on MRs. These findings are of importance in the MRL adaptive workflow.
Association mapping of plant structure and yield traits in faba bean (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Abuzayed Mazen A. , Baytar Asena A. , Yanar Ertuğrul G. , Doğanlar Sami , Frary Anne
Published: September 2023

Background

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important crop with high protein content. Tens of thousands of faba bean accessions are available in germplasm collections throughout the world. Morphological characterization of these materials can enrich these collections and aid in the selection of genotypes for use in breeding programs.

Results

In this study, 26 morphological characters were analyzed for 61 faba bean landraces and 53 cultivars over two seasons in Izmir, Turkey. The genotypes had high diversity for several yield traits including number of pods per plant, dry seed yield, and 100‐seed weight. Association mapping was conducted for the morphological characters using 651 alleles from 100 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and a general linear model based on the Q matrix. A false discovery rate of 0.20 was used to test the significance of marker–trait associations resulting in 75 loci detected for 20 of the morphological characters (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

Overall, 44% of the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were for seed traits, with 24%, 15%, and 17% of QTL identified for vegetative, inflorescence, and pod traits, respectively. The phenotypic data and marker–trait associations generated by this work can help breeding programs in the selection and improvement of faba bean.
Anti‐inflammatory activity of β‐glucans from different sources before and after fermentation by fecal bacteria in vitro
Authors: Cheng Jing , Zhang Guangwen , Liu Liu , Luo Jianming , Peng Xichun
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

β‐Glucans are widely sourced and have various physiological effects, including anti‐inflammatory effects. However, the strength of the anti‐inflammatory activity of β‐glucans from different sources remains unknown due to the lack of rapid and effective biomarkers. This study therefore aimed to screen out the β‐glucans with strong anti‐inflammatory activity from five different sources and to further screen out possible biomarkers in metabolites after fermenting the β‐glucans with gut microorganisms.

RESULTS

The results showed that all five β‐glucans inhibited the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced pro‐inflammatory mediators and suppressed the mRNA expression level of TLR4/MyD88. Their anti‐inflammatory mechanisms involved the inhibition of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and suppression of mRNA expression of the NF‐κB pathway and JNK pathway. Among them, barley β‐glucan exhibited the strongest anti‐inflammatory effect, followed by Ganoderma lucidum β‐glucan. Enhanced anti‐inflammatory activity of β‐glucan was found after fermentation and may be related to the increased abundance of metabolites such as vanillin, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, caffeic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, and lactic acid. They were strongly positively correlated to the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Blautia, suggesting that the production of those metabolites may be responsible for the flourishing of the beneficial bacteria.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, barley was a preferred raw material for the preparation of β‐glucans with strong anti‐inflammatory activity. Vanillin, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, caffeic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, and lactic acid were the possible biomarkers that could be utilized to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effect of β‐glucans. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Nutritional and potential health benefits of fermented food proteins
Authors: Tachie Christabel Y.E. , Onuh John O. , Aryee Alberta N. A.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Protein fermentation continues to gain popularity as a result of several factors, including the cost‐effectiveness of the process and the positive correlation of fermented protein consumption, with a reduced risk of developing diet‐related diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, as well as their enhanced nutritional and techno‐functional properties. Nonetheless, the nutritional and health benefits of food protein fermentation such as enhanced nutrient bioavailability, reduced antinutritional factors (ANFs) and enriched bioactive peptides (BAPs) are often overlooked. The present study reviewed recent work on the influence of protein fermentation on nutrition and health. In total, 322 eligible studies were identified on the Scopus and Google Scholar databases out of which 69 studies were evaluated based on our inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Fermented protein ingredients and products show reduced ANF content, enhanced digestibility and bioavailability, and increased antioxidant and other biological activities, such as probiotic, prebiotic, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory and antihypertensive properties. In addition, co‐products in protein fermentation such as BAPs possess and could contribute additional sensory and flavor properties, degrade toxins, and reduce allergens in foods.

CONCLUSION

Thus, fermentation is not only a method for food preservation, but also serves as a means for producing functional food products for consumer health promotion and nutrition enrichment. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cardiovascular risk in patients with scarring and nonscarring alopecias: Assessing the current state of evidence
Authors: Sally Rachel , Robinson Camille , Orlow Seth J. , Shapiro Jerry , Garshick Michael , Sicco Kristen Lo
Published: September 2023

Alopecia is traditionally classified into scarring and nonscarring subtypes, with etiopathologies ranging from androgen‐mediated to immuno‐inflammatory. Over 50% of men and almost 50% of women will experience some form of hair loss in their lifetime. Given this prevalence and the psychosocial significance of hair, understanding the pathophysiology and comorbidities of different types of hair loss is imperative. Other proinflammatory dermatologic disorders, such as psoriasis, are recognised to have systemic manifestations including an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease, and are now considered CV risk‐enhancing conditions. With increased recognition of the importance of systemic inflammation in promoting atherosclerosis, high prevalence, and improved treatment strategies, there is increased interest in establishing whether a similar association between alopecia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) exists. In this manuscript, we aim to review the current literature regarding CV risk in androgenic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA). Additionally, we review the literature for cicatricial alopecias and highlight the need for more research into their potential associations with CV risk. Evidence from the identified AGA publications suggests an association of AGA with CV risk factors including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, as well as with coronary artery disease. For AA, most of the identified studies found an association between AA and CV risk, though the relationships were not always statistically significant. Research on cicatricial alopecias and CV risk is limited and often contradictory. There is great need for more studies regarding the association between various types of alopecia and the development of CVD, and potential mechanisms. Particularly needed are more studies of cicatricial alopecias and potential associated CV risk. While some literature suggests that patients with alopecia have an increased risk of CVD, the lack of concrete evidence represents a notable gap in our current understanding.
A case of chronic granuloma related to wild‐type strain of rubella virus in an adult patient with ITK deficiency without primary immunosuppression and review of the literature
Authors: Bouvarel Caroline , Luciani Léa , Sunder Simon , Motard Carine , Barbarot Sebastien , Nougairède Antoine , Zandotti Christine , de Lamballerie Xavier , Delargue Valérie , Crémadès Cassandre , Clerc Caroline‐Jade , Kupfer‐Bessaguet Ingrid
Published: September 2023

According to the review of the literature, rubella virus‐related granuloma is an entity first described in 2014 mainly affecting children with primary immune deficiencies infected with the rubella vaccine strain. The development of rubella virus‐associated granulomas seems to be related to a defect in cellular immunity and their severity varies from a simple cutaneous lesion to deep visceral involvement in some patients. Since then, this type of granuloma has been described in immunocompetent adults, including two cases involving a wild‐type strain of the virus (genotype 2). We report the case of a 70‐year‐old man had suffered from a granuloma of the leg for almost 40 years, in the absence of immunodeficiency. The assessment of the skin granuloma revealed a positive polymerase chain reaction for a wild‐type rubella virus genotype 1a. Genetic studies performed using whole exome sequencing suggest that the disease is due to a homozygous splice site mutation in the ITK gene.
Navigating Pathways to Diagnosis in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Damico Smith Cara , Nanda Nainika , Bonnet Kemberlee , Schlundt David , Anderson Catherine , Fernandes‐Taylor Sara , Gelbard Alexander , Francis David O.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Idiopathic subglottic stenosis is a rare disease, and time to diagnosis is often prolonged. In the United States, some estimate it takes an average of 9 years for patients with similar rare disease to be diagnosed. Patient experience during this period is termed the diagnostic odyssey. The aim of this study is to use qualitative methods grounded in behavioral‐ecological conceptual frameworks to identify drivers of diagnostic odyssey length that can help inform efforts to improve health care for iSGS patients.

Methods

Qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews. Setting consisted of participants who were recruited from those enrolled in a large, prospective multicenter trial. We use directed content analysis to analyze qualitative semi‐structured interviews with iSGS patients focusing on their pathways to diagnosis.

Results

Overall, 30 patients with iSGS underwent semi‐structured interviews. The patient‐reported median time to diagnosis was 21 months. On average, the participants visited four different health care providers. Specialists were most likely to make an appropriate referral to otolaryngology that ended in diagnosis. However, when primary care providers referred to otolaryngology, patients experienced a shorter diagnostic odyssey. The most important behavioral‐ecological factors in accelerating diagnosis were strong social support for the patient and providers' willingness to refer.

Conclusion

Several factors affected time to diagnosis for iSGS patients. Patient social capital was a catalyst in decreasing time to diagnosis. Patient‐reported medical paternalism and gatekeeping limited specialty care referrals extended diagnostic odysseys. Additional research is needed to understand the effect of patient–provider and provider–provider relationships on time to diagnosis for patients with iSGS.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:815–824, 2024
Prognostic Factors for Retropharyngeal Abscess in Children Receiving Surgery or Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Liu Yupeng , Nicotera Dante J. , Islam Aseeyah A. , Dunsky Kate , Lieu Judith E. C.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Effective management of retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) may predicate upon identification of key patient characteristics. We analyzed characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with RPA to identify prognostic factors associated with successful surgical intervention.

Methods

A financial database was searched for pediatric otolaryngology patients with RPA from 2010 to 2021. Medical charts were reviewed for demographics, presenting history, physical examination, laboratory testing, imaging, surgical findings, and hospital course. Bivariate analyses were performed to identify potentially significant predictors of positive drainage. These variables were included in multivariate analysis of surgical outcomes.

Results

Of 245 total patients, 159 patients (65%) received surgery and 86 patients (35%) received antibiotics only. Patients with restricted cervical motion, neck swelling, and computed tomography (CT) cross‐sectional area (CSA) >2 cm2 were more likely to receive surgery. Rim enhancement on CT imaging was associated with positive surgical drainage (odds ratio [OR] 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–5.74). However, no variables from clinical symptoms or physical exam were associated with positive drainage. Variables that approached significance were included in multivariate analysis, which revealed only rim enhancement predicted positive drainage (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.13–5.83). The mean length of stay (LOS) was 2.6 versus 3.5 days (p < 0.001) for medical vs surgical treatment groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study revealed a high success rate of medical management. Although patient characteristics and clinical features were not significant predictors of surgical outcomes, CT findings such as rim enhancement were strongly associated with positive surgical drainage.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 134:1955–1960, 2024
Dendronized Hyperbranched Polyethyleneimines with Switchable Thermoresponsiveness and Encapsulation
Authors: Yao Yi , Liu Ting , Song Jingjie , Li Wen
Published: September 2023

Hyperbranched polyethyleneimines (PEIs) with multiple layered structures and high density of terminal amino groups have shown great potential for applications in biomedicine, sensors, and catalysis. In this work, a kind of dendronized hyperbranched PEIs (DHPs) is synthesized by modification of PEIs with dendritic oligoethylene glycols (OEGs). These DHPs not only inherit the characteristic thermoresponsive behavior from the OEG dendrons, but also show low cytotoxicity and switchable encapsulation capacities. Their thermoresponsive behavior is found to be mainly dependent on the coverage and amphiphilicity of dendritic OEGs, solution pH, and NaCl concentration. Moreover, DHPs exhibit advantages in thermally‐switchable complexation with guest molecules because of their adjustable crowding effect from the densely packed OEG chains. In addition, these DHPs can also be used as nanoreactors, which can reduce metal ions into metal nanoparticles in a convenient way. In virtue of these peculiarities, it is believed that these dendronized hyperbranched PEIs with smart properties can be used as promising scaffolds in drug‐controlled release and nanoreactors.
Comparison between Injection Molding (IM) and Injection‐Compression Molding (ICM) for Mass Manufacturing of Thermoplastic Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Etxeberria Leire , Badiola Jon Haitz , Astigarraga Malen , Garitaonandia Felipe , Zaldua Ane Miren
Published: September 2023

Point‐of‐care (PoC) and organ‐on‐chip (OoC) devices represent promising microfluidic applications for in vitro analysis and miniaturized analytical studies, reducing the need for traditional animal‐based tests for drug discovery and toxicity studies. Using thermoplastics in microfluidic device manufacturing provides interesting functionalities for expansion of these devices into market. However, market growth requires manufacturing large quantities for low cost, which can be achieved using injection molding techniques. This work involves the design of a microfluidic device with different aspect ratio channels to compare injection molding (IM) and injection‐compression molding (ICM) processes, as well as the design and manufacturing of a metallic insert containing machined inverted microstructures. Injected parts are validated visually, dimensionally, and functionally. The differences between both techniques and two grades of cyclic olefin copolymer materials are analyzed to evaluate microfluidic device mass production feasibility concluding that although the machining process for inverted high aspect ratio microstructures is not mature yet, both IM and ICM processes allow the mass manufacturing of microfluidic devices in thermoplastic. Parts processed by ICM show better replicability of microfluidic structures and less internal stresses generate during the injection process than IM parts, highlighting the potential of this process to achieve thermoplastic microfluidic devices to market.
Unraveling Autonomic Dysfunction in GBA‐Related Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Devigili Grazia , Straccia Giulia , Cereda Emanuele , Garavaglia Barbara , Fedeli Alessandro , Elia Antonio Emanuele , Piacentini Sylvie Hélène Marie Jeanne , Prioni Sara , Amami Paolo , Invernizzi Federica , Andreasi Nico Golfrè , Romito Luigi Michele , Eleopra Roberto , Cilia Roberto
Published: September 2023

Background

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and GBA gene mutations (GBA‐PD) develop nonmotor complications more frequently than noncarriers. However, an objective characterization of both cardiovascular and sudomotor autonomic dysfunction using extensive clinical and instrumental measures has never been provided so far. Survival is reduced in GBA‐PD regardless of age and dementia, suggesting that other hitherto unrecognized factors are involved.

Objectives

To provide instrumental measures of pattern and severity of autonomic dysfunction in GBA‐PD and explore their correlation with other non‐motor symptoms and implications for clinical practice.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 21 GBA‐PD and 24 matched PD noncarriers underwent extensive assessment of motor and non‐motor features, including neuropsychological testing. Cardiovascular autonomic function was explored through a comprehensive battery of indexes, including power spectral analysis of the R‐R intervals and blood pressure short‐term variability during resting state and active maneuvers. Dynamic Sweat Test was used to assess post‐ganglionic sudomotor dysfunction.

Results

Despite minimal or absent clinical correlates, cardiovagal and sympathetic indexes, heart rate variability parameters and sudomotor postganglionic function were more severely impaired in GBA‐PD than noncarriers (overcoming relatively preserved compensatory peripheral sympathetic function), suggesting more prominent cardiac sympatho‐vagal demodulation, efferent baroreflex failure and peripheral sympathetic dysfunction in GBA‐PD. Cardiovascular dysautonomia showed marginal correlations with cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Compared to PD noncarriers, GBA‐PD display more severe instrumental autonomic abnormalities, which may be underestimated by purely clinical measures, despite their relevance on morbidity and mortality. This supports the necessity of implementing instrumental autonomic assessment in all GBA‐PD, regardless of clinically overt symptoms.
Novel nanomaterials as photo‐activated cancer diagnostics and therapy
Authors: Yadav Deepika , Malviya Rishabha
Published: September 2023

The word “theranostics” describes an emerging trend in medicine in which the distinction between diagnosis and therapy blurs. Light or photo is used in theranostics to obtain high precision and personalised treatment. As only malignant tissues need to be spared, photo‐triggered theranostics provide highly selective targeting using real‐time imaging. Using nanotechnology to organise a dual‐modality approach is an efficient way to circumvent pharmacokinetic limitations. Photodynamic therapy has been used successfully in the clinic for a while now, and this has paved the path for photo‐triggered theranostics to be developed. The use of light‐activated theranostic nanoforms has progressed from preclinical studies in animals and labs to clinical trials in humans. As both nanomaterials and their methods of manufacture advance, the theranostic approach becomes more nuanced and may be used in a wider range of real‐time imaging and therapy modalities. The depth of anatomical access is also expanding because of developments in light delivery technologies. Combined, these innovations will hasten early cancer diagnosis and make tailored treatment more feasible. A non‐invasive assessment approach also increases patient compliance and reduces risk. Researchers constantly make strides in their effort to create more versatile photo‐sensitive nanoparticles. With any luck, photo‐triggered theranostics may significantly reduce toxicity. In order to provide a better and safer clinical outcome in cancer therapy, this review aims to highlight the latest and greatest innovation research in the domain of nanotheranostics and its photo‐triggering, and to sketch the possibilities for further progression and integration of nanoconstructs and photo‐delivery, and trying to target approach in photo‐triggered theranostics.