bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The recent progress of endocrine therapy-induced osteoporosis in estrogen-positive breast cancer therapy
Authors: Xu Jing , Cao Bo , Li Chunyu , Li Guohui
Published: July 2023

Breast cancer is a significant global health concern, and the discovery of endocrine therapy has played a crucial role in the treatment of estrogen-positive breast cancer. However, these therapies are often associated with osteoporosis-related adverse events, which increase the risk of fractures in breast cancer patients and can result in limited mobility and reduced quality of life. Previous studies have shown that osteoporosis is essential side effects of the breast cancer therapy, although the exact mechanisms remain mostly unclear. Current clinical treatments, such as bisphosphonates, cause side effects and may impact the therapeutic response to endocrine drugs. In this review, we explore the likelihood of endocrine therapy-induced osteoporosis in estrogen-positive breast cancer therapy and discuss the involved mechanisms as well as the therapeutic potential of drugs and drug combination strategies.
Maternal time investment in caregiving activities to promote early childhood development: evidence from rural India
Authors: Batura Neha , Roy Reetabrata , Aziz Sarmad , Sharma Kamalkant , Kumar Divya , Verma Deepali , Correa Ossa Ana , Spinola Paula , Soremekun Seyi , Sikander Siham , Zafar Shamsa , Divan Gauri , Hill Zelee , Avan Bilal Iqbal , Rahman Atif , Kirkwood Betty , Skordis Jolene
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Intervention strategies that seek to improve early childhood development outcomes are often targeted at the primary caregivers of children, usually mothers. The interventions require mothers to assimilate new information and then act upon it by allocating sufficient physical resources and time to adopt and perform development promoting behaviours. However, women face many competing demands on their resources and time, returning to familiar habits and behaviours. In this study, we explore mothers' allocation of time for caregiving activities for children under the age of 2, nested within a cluster randomised controlled trial of a nutrition and care for development intervention in rural Haryana, India.

Methods

We collected quantitative maternal time use data at two time points in rural Haryana, India, using a bespoke survey instrument. Data were collected from 704 mothers when their child was 12 months old, and 603 mothers when their child was 18 months old. We tested for significant differences in time spent by mothers on different activities when children are 12 months of age vs. 18 months of age between arms as well as over time, using linear regression. As these data were collected within a randomised controlled trial, we adjusted for clusters using random effects when testing for significant differences between the two time points.

Results

At both time points, no statistically significant difference in maternal time use was found between arms. On average, mothers spent most of their waking time on household chores (over 6 h and 30 min) at both time points. When children were aged 12 months, approximately three and a half hours were spent on childcare activities for children under the age of 2 years. When children were 18 months old, mothers spent more time on income generating activities (30 min) than when the children were 12 years old, and on leisure (approximately 4 h and 30 min). When children were 18 months old, less time was spent on feeding/breastfeeding children (30 min less) and playing with children (15 min). However, mothers spent more time talking or reading to children at 18 months than at 12 months.

Conclusion

We find that within a relatively short period of time in early childhood, maternal (or caregiver) time use can change, with time allocation being diverted away from childcare activities to others. This suggests that changing maternal time allocation in resource poor households may be quite challenging, and not allow the uptake of new and/or optimal behaviours.
Higher NICU admissions in infants born at ≥35 weeks gestational age during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jegatheesan Priya , Narasimhan Sudha Rani , Huang Angela , Nudelman Matthew , Song Dongli
Published: July 2023

Background

Increasing evidence has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound negative impact on vulnerable populations and a significant effect on maternal and neonatal health. We observed an increase in the percentage of infants admitted to NICU from 8% to 10% in the first year of the pandemic. This study aimed to compare the delivery room outcomes, NICU admissions and interventions, and neonatal outcomes two years before and during the pandemic.

Methods

This was a retrospective study in a public hospital between pre-COVID-19 (April 2018–December 2019) and COVID-19 (April 2020–December 2021). Data were obtained from all live births at ≥35 weeks gestation (GA). Maternal and neonatal demographics, delivery room (DR), and NICU neonatal outcomes were compared between the study periods using simple bivariable generalized estimating equations (GEE) regression. Multivariable GEE logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for the effects of baseline differences in demographics on the outcomes.

Results

A total of 9,632 infants were born ≥35 weeks gestation during the study period (pre-COVID-19 n = 4,967, COVID-19 n = 4,665). During the COVID-19 period, there was a small but significant decrease in birth weight (33 g); increases in maternal diabetes (3.3%), hypertension (4.1%), and Hispanic ethnicity (4.7%). There was a decrease in infants who received three minutes (78.1% vs. 70.3%, p < 0.001) of delayed cord clamping and increases in the exclusive breastfeeding rate (65.9% vs. 70.1%, p < 0.001), metabolic acidosis (0.7% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.02), NICU admission (5.1% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.009), antibiotic (0.7% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.001), and nasal CPAP (1.2% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.02) use. NICU admissions and nasal CPAP were not significantly increased after adjusting for GA, maternal diabetes, and hypertension; however, other differences remained significant. Maternal hypertension was an independent risk factor for all these outcomes.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic period, we observed a significant increase in maternal morbidities, exclusive breastfeeding, and NICU admissions in infants born at ≥35 weeks gestation. The increase in NICU admission during the COVID-19 pandemic was explained by maternal hypertension, but other adverse neonatal outcomes were only partly explained by maternal hypertension. Socio-economic factors and other social determinants of health need to be further explored to understand the full impact on neonatal outcomes.
Role of palliative care in centers performing maternal–fetal interventions
Authors: Rholl Erin , Leuthner Steven R.
Published: July 2023

Advancements in maternal–fetal interventions have allowed for direct fetal access, shifting the focus of interventions from maternal health for fetal health to a focus on sole fetal/neonatal benefit. Given that access to the fetus can only be obtained through the mother, there are ethical considerations important to consider when counseling the maternal–fetal dyad. The goals of maternal–fetal interventions range from improved fetal/neonatal survival to decreased long-term morbidities and improved quality of life. However, interventions to improve quality of life may not always achieve their desired result. Additionally, maternal–fetal interventions have risks such as premature birth and other complications that should be heavily considered as they may offset the potential benefits of the procedure. While some families elect for a maternal–fetal intervention, doing every potential postnatal intervention may not be in alignment with their goals depending on the outcome of the intervention. Given the complex, value-laden decision-making that is crucial to counseling parents about decisions surrounding maternal–fetal interventions and subsequent neonatal care, palliative care specialists should be utilized in fetal centers. Palliative care specialists are trained to assist with complex, goal concordant decision-making and can guide families and medical teams through the decision points that arise during the treatment journey.
Clinical pharmacy services for tuberculosis management: a systematic review
Authors: Iskandar D. , Suryanegara F. D. A. , van Boven J. F. M. , Postma M. J.
Published: July 2023

Objective: This study aims to systematically review the content and potential effects of clinical pharmacy services in tuberculosis (TB) care management.

Methods: Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Study characteristics and outcomes were extracted, and clinical pharmacy service components were characterized using the Descriptive Elements of Pharmacist Intervention Characterization Tool.

Results: Twenty articles were included for full-text assessment, of which 10 fulfilled inclusion criteria, comprising 1,168 patients (N = 39 to 258 per study). These articles included five prospective cohort studies, two case–control studies, two quasi-experimental studies, and one cross-sectional study. Intervention foci within clinical pharmacy services were medication adherence (50%), medication safety (40%), education to patients/caregivers regarding needs/beliefs (30%), optimizing medication/therapy effectiveness (30%), emphasizing HRQoL (10%), and drug selections (10%). The three most frequently applied interventions were drug information/patient counseling (80%), adverse drug reaction monitoring (50%), and drug use evaluation (20%). Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) outcome classification, treatment success ranged from 72% to 93%, with higher cure outcomes (53%–86%) than treatment completion (7%–19%). Other outcomes, including isoniazid metabolites, medication counts, sputum conversion, adherence/compliance, knowledge, and quality of life, were better in the intervention group than those in comparator groups, and/or they improved over time. Risk of bias analysis indicated that the included studies were not comparable to a randomized clinical trial.

Conclusion: Clinical pharmacy services as single or composite interventions potentially improve TB outcomes, but its evidence is still inconsistent and limited due to the lack of randomized controlled studies using the WHO outcome classification.

Systematic review registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=199028, identifier CRD42020199028.
New insights into the therapeutic potentials of statins in cancer
Authors: Liu Chengyu , Chen Hong , Hu Bicheng , Shi Jiajian , Chen Yuchen , Huang Kun
Published: July 2023

The widespread clinical use of statins has contributed to significant reductions of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Increasing preclinical and epidemiological evidences have revealed that dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for carcinogenesis, invasion and metastasis, and that statins as powerful inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase can exert prevention and intervention effects on cancers, and promote sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs. The anti-cancer mechanisms of statins include not only inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis, but also their pleiotropic effects in modulating angiogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, tumor metastasis, and tumor microenvironment. Moreover, recent clinical studies have provided growing insights into the therapeutic potentials of statins and the feasibility of combining statins with other anti-cancer agents. Here, we provide an updated review on the application potential of statins in cancer prevention and treatment and summarize the underneath mechanisms, with focuses on data from clinical studies.
Absorption, tissue distribution, and excretion of glycycoumarin, a major bioactive coumarin from Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch)
Authors: Ye Linhu , Cheng Lei , Deng Yan , Wang Sen , Wu Xinyu , Ou Shuiping , Chang Qi , Zhao Xinqian , Zhou Wen , Yu Jinghua , Wu Zuqiang
Published: July 2023

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch) is a natural plant resource widely used as a food and herbal medication in China. Glycycoumarin (GCM) is a major coumarin in licorice that possesses several biological activities. However, little is known about its pharmacokinetic profile. The present study aimed to describe the oral absorption, tissue distribution, and excretion of GCM in rats. Free (parent drug) and/or total (parent drug plus the glucuronidated metabolite) GCM in biological samples was quantified before and after the hydrolysis reaction with β-glucuronidase using a reliable LC-MS/MS method. The results indicated that GCM was rapidly absorbed and transformed into its conjugated metabolites after administration. Free GCM plasma concentrations after i. v. (10 mg/kg) administration quickly decreased with an average t1/2,λz of 0.71 h, whereas the total GCM concentration reduced slowly with a t1/2, λz of 2.46 h. The area under the curve of glucuronidated metabolites was approximately four-times higher than that of free GCM. Presumably, because of hepatic and/or intestinal tract first-pass metabolism, GCM exhibited a poor bioavailability of 9.22%, as estimated from its total plasma concentration. Additionally, GCM was distributed rapidly and widely in various tissues except the brain. The liver had the highest concentration; further, GCM was promptly eliminated from test tissues after intraperitoneal (20 mg/kg) administration, but only a small amount of GCM was excreted via bile and urine. Overall, GCM is absorbed and rapidly transformed into its conjugated metabolites with low bioavailability; further, it is distributed in various tissues, except the brain. These pharmacokinetic results are helpful for better understanding the characteristics and pharmacological effects of GCM.
Lysosomes, curcumin, and anti-tumor effects: how are they linked?
Authors: Shen Qian , Pan Xue , Li Yi , Li Junchen , Zhang Chuanlong , Jiang Xiaochen , Liu Fudong , Pang Bo
Published: July 2023

Curcumin is a natural active ingredient from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has multi-target characteristics to exert extensive pharmacological activities and thus has been applied in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, nervous system, and autoimmune disorders. As an important class of membranous organelles in the intracellular membrane system, lysosomes are involved in biological processes such as programmed cell death, cell metabolism, and immune regulation, thus affecting tumor initiation and progression. It has been shown that curcumin can modulate lysosomal function through the aforementioned pathways, thereby affecting tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and immune function. This review briefly elaborated the regulatory mechanisms of lysosome biogenesis and summarized curcumin-related studies with its anti-tumor effect, providing a reference for the clinical application of curcumin and anti-tumor research targeting lysosomes.
SU(2) symmetry of coherent photons and application to Poincaré rotator
Authors: Saito Shinichi
Published: July 2023

Lie algebra is a hidden mathematical structure behind various quantum systems realised in nature. Here, we consider SU(2) wavefunctions for polarisation states of coherent photons emitted from a laser source, and discuss the relationship to spin expectation values with SO(3) symmetry based on isomorphism theorems. In particular, we found rotated half-wave-plates correspond to mirror reflections in the Poincaré sphere, which do not form a subgroup in the projected O(2) plane due to anti-hermitian property. This could be overcome experimentally by preparing another half-wave-plate to realise a pristine rotator in SU(2), which allows arbitrary rotation angles determined by the physical rotation. By combining another 2 quarter-wave-plates, we could also construct a genuine phase-shifter, thus, realising passive control over the full Poincaré sphere.
The journey of cardosin A in young Arabidopsis seedlings leads to evidence of a Golgi-independent pathway to the protein storage vacuole
Authors: Pereira Cláudia , Vieira Vanessa , Pissarra José , Pereira Susana
Published: July 2023

The aspartic proteinase cardosin A is a vacuolar enzyme found to accumulate in protein storage and lytic vacuoles in the flowers and protein bodies in the seeds of the native plant cardoon. Cardosin A was first isolated several decades ago and has since been extensively characterized, both in terms of tissue distribution and enzyme biochemistry. In the native system, several roles have been attributed to cardosin A, such as reproduction, reserve mobilization, and membrane remodeling. To participate in such diverse events, cardosin A must accumulate and travel to different compartments within the cell: protein storage vacuoles, lytic vacuoles, and the cytoplasmic membrane (and eventually outside the cell). Several studies have approached the expression of cardosin A in Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum with promising results for the use of these systems to study of cardosin A trafficking. A poly-sorting mechanism has been uncovered for this protein, as two different vacuolar sorting determinants, mediating different vacuolar routes, have been described. The first is a conventional C-terminal domain, which delivers the protein to the vacuole via the Golgi, and the second is a more unconventional signal—the plant-specific insert (PSI)—that mediates a Golgi-independent route. The hypothesis that these two signals are activated according to cell needs and in organs with high metabolic activity is investigated here. An Arabidopsis line expressing cardosin A under an inducible promoter was used to understand the dynamics of cardosin A regarding vacuolar accumulation during seed germination events. Using antibodies against different regions of the protein and combining them with immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry assays in different young seedling tissues, cardosin A was detected along the secretory pathway to the protein storage vacuole, often associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. More interestingly, upon treatment with the drug Brefeldin A, cardosin A was still detected in protein storage vacuoles, indicating that the intact protein can bypass the Golgi in this system, contrary to what was observed in N. tabacum. This study is a good starting point for further research involving the use of fluorescent fusions and exploring in more detail the relationship between cardosin A trafficking and plant development.
Response mechanisms of 3 typical plants nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient cycling to nitrogen deposition in temperate meadow grasslands
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhang Qing , Yang Wenjun , Zhang Yan , Wang Ning , Fan Peixian , You Chao , Yu Linqian , Gao Qun , Wang Hui , Zheng Peiming , Wang Renqing
Published: July 2023

The increase of nitrogen (N) deposition and the diversity of its components lead to significant changes in the structure and function of temperate meadow steppe, which could affect plant nutrient uptake, nutrient resorption and litter decomposition, thus affecting the biogeochemical cycle process. The distribution and metabolism of nitrogen and phosphorus in plants determine the growth process and productivity of plants. Plant nutrient uptake, nutrient resorption and litter decomposition play an important role in the nutrient cycling process of ecosystem. This study closely combined these three processes to carry out experiments with different nitrogen dosages and types, and systematically explored the response of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient cycling to nitrogen deposition. The results showed that nitrogen deposition can greatly affect ecosystem nutrient cycle of nitrogen and phosphorus. Firstly, Nitrogen deposition has significant effect on plant nutrient uptake. Nitrogen uptake of stems and leaves increased with the increase of nitrogen addition dosage, while phosphorus uptake of stems and leaves showed a downward trend or no significant effect. Besides, nitrogen addition type had a significant effect on nitrogen and phosphorus content of stems. Secondly, Nitrogen addition dosage had a significant effect on plant nutrient resorption, while nitrogen addition type had no significant effect on it. Thirdly, nitrogen deposition has significant effect on litter decomposition. With the increase of nitrogen addition dosage, the initial nitrogen content of litters increased and the decomposition rate of litters accelerated. Nitrogen application type had significant effect on stem litter decomposition. These results indicated that nitrogen deposition significantly affects plant nutrient cycling, and thus affects the structure and function of grassland ecosystem.
Subcellular positioning during cell division and cell plate formation in maize
Authors: Allsman Lindy A. , Bellinger Marschal A. , Huang Vivian , Duong Matthew , Contreras Alondra , Romero Andrea N. , Verboonen Benjamin , Sidhu Sukhmani , Zhang Xiaoguo , Steinkraus Holly , Uyehara Aimee N. , Martinez Stephanie E. , Sinclair Rosalie M. , Soriano Gabriela Salazar , Diep Beatrice , Byrd V. Dawson , Noriega Alexander , Drakakaki Georgia , Sylvester Anne W. , Rasmussen Carolyn G.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

During proliferative plant cell division, the new cell wall, called the cell plate, is first built in the middle of the cell and then expands outward to complete cytokinesis. This dynamic process requires coordinated movement and arrangement of the cytoskeleton and organelles.

Methods

Here we use live-cell markers to track the dynamic reorganization of microtubules, nuclei, endoplasmic reticulum, and endomembrane compartments during division and the formation of the cell plate in maize leaf epidermal cells.

Results

The microtubule plus-end localized protein END BINDING1 (EB1) highlighted increasing microtubule dynamicity during mitosis to support rapid changes in microtubule structures. The localization of the cell-plate specific syntaxin KNOLLE, several RAB-GTPases, as well as two plasma membrane localized proteins was assessed after treatment with the cytokinesis-specific callose-deposition inhibitor Endosidin7 (ES7) and the microtubule-disrupting herbicide chlorpropham (CIPC). While ES7 caused cell plate defects in Arabidopsis thaliana, it did not alter callose accumulation, or disrupt cell plate formation in maize. In contrast, CIPC treatment of maize epidermal cells occasionally produced irregular cell plates that split or fragmented, but did not otherwise disrupt the accumulation of cell-plate localized proteins.

Discussion

Together, these markers provide a robust suite of tools to examine subcellular trafficking and organellar organization during mitosis and cell plate formation in maize.
Pain-related and psychological factors mediate the effect of personality on health-related quality of life. A study in breast cancer survivors with persistent pain
Authors: Aho Tommi , Harno Hanna , Lipsanen Jari , Kalso Eija , Sipilä Reetta
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Personality characteristics affect the long-term well-being and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) of breast cancer (BC) survivors. Persistent pain significantly affects psychosocial well-being and HrQoL in this patient group. We studied the effects of temperament and character via pain-related and psychological factors on dimensions of HrQoL in BC survivors.

Methods

We studied 273 patients who had been treated for BC and who reported persistent pain at any site of the body in Brief Pain Inventory. The patients were recruited from a longitudinal cohort of patients 4–9 years after surgery for BC. Short-Form-36 inventory was used to assess physical and mental dimensions of HrQoL and Temperament and Character Inventory to assess dimensions of temperament and character. We used parallel mediation modeling for studying effects of temperament and character on physical and mental HrQoL.

Results

A significant total effect was found for harm avoidance (HA) temperament (βtotal = −0.665, p < 0.001) and character dimensions self-directedness (SD) (βtotal = 0.609, p = 0.001) and cooperativeness (CO) (βtotal = 0.584, p = 0.028) on physical and mental HrQoL. Additionally, different combinations of pain-related and psychological variables fully mediated the indirect effects of HA, SD, and CO on physical and mental HrQoL.

Discussion

HA temperament is a potential emotional vulnerability factor for psychological burden and impaired HrQoL in BC survivors. Character dimensions SD and CO may protect from the negative effect of mood on HrQoL. The results provide new insights about the risk-and target-factors for clinical interventions and effective pain management to improve psychosocial well-being and HrQoL in BC survivors.
Consciousness and its hard problems: separating the ontological from the evolutionary
Authors: Lacalli Thurston
Published: July 2023

Few of the many theories devised to account for consciousness are explicit about the role they ascribe to evolution, and a significant fraction, by their silence on the subject, treat evolutionary processes as being, in effect, irrelevant. This is a problem for biological realists trying to assess the applicability of competing theories of consciousness to taxa other than our own, and across evolutionary time. Here, as an aid to investigating such questions, a consciousness “machine” is employed as conceptual device for thinking about the different ways ontology and evolution contribute to the emergence of a consciousness composed of distinguishable contents. A key issue is the nature of the evolutionary innovations required for any kind of consciousness to exist, specifically whether this is due to the underappreciated properties of electromagnetic (EM) field effects, as in neurophysical theories, or, for theories where there is no such requirement, including computational and some higher-order theories (here, as a class, algorithmic theories), neural connectivity and the pattern of information flow that connectivity encodes are considered a sufficient explanation for consciousness. In addition, for consciousness to evolve in a non-random way, there must be a link between emerging consciousness and behavior. For the neurophysical case, an EM field-based scenario shows that distinct contents can be produced in the absence of an ability to consciously control action, i.e., without agency. This begs the question of how agency is acquired, which from this analysis would appear to be less of an evolutionary question than a developmental one. Recasting the problem in developmental terms highlights the importance of real-time feedback mechanisms for transferring agency from evolution to the individual, the implication being, for a significant subset of theories, that agency requires a learning process repeated once in each generation. For that subset of theories the question of how an evolved consciousness can exist will then have two components, of accounting for conscious experience as a phenomenon on the one hand, and agency on the other. This reduces one large problem to two, simplifying the task of investigation and providing what may prove an easier route toward their solution.
A systematic review of actions aimed at university students with ADHD
Authors: Álvarez-Godos María , Ferreira Camino , Vieira María-José
Published: July 2023

University students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) need to have a range of actions at their disposal that are tailored to their needs. The aim of this study is to analyse the actions of support for university students with ADHD by means of a systematic review of ERIC, WOS, and Scopus from 2017 to 2022, following the PICOC and PRISMA guidelines. A sample of 24 studies are analysed through the MAXQDA 2022 software. The results show two types of studies, on the one hand, supporting actions offered directly by universities to their students and, on the other, intervention programs from which university students have benefit but outside the university settings. Concerning the first type, universities mainly offer accommodations linked to exams, tutoring and online courses adapted to ADHD students. About the second type, programmes focused on cognitive-behavioural therapy, coaching and mindfulness have proven to be useful with ADHD university students. In this sense, further research is needed to analyze the viability of including these intervention programs for ADHD students at universities.
How can environmental degradation and income disparities influence national health: an eye bird view on China’s provinces
Authors: Shao Zhanqiang , Dou Lingling
Published: July 2023

Growing socio-economic disparity is a global issue that could disturb community health. Numerous case studies have examined the health influences of income disparities as well as the patterns that implicate those disparities. Therefore, this study attempts to examine the core determinants of mortality rate, which are environmental degradation, green energy, health expenditures, and technology (ICT) for the 25 provinces of China over the period of 2005–2020. This study uses a series of estimators to investigate the preferred objectives in which CS-ARDL and common correlated effect mean group (CCE-MG). Estimated results show the significant contribution of environmental deterioration and income inequality to the mortality rate. Furthermore, health expenditures, ICT, and green energy significantly reduce the mortality rate. Similarly, the moderate effect of income inequality on health expenditure, green energy, and ICT significantly reduces the mortality rate in selected provinces of China. More interestingly, the current study suggests policy implications to reduce the rising trend of mortality rate.
Perceptions of the double value coupon program in southern Illinois
Authors: Rose Dominique M. , Donahoo Saran , McDaniel Justin T. , Null Dawn , McLernon Michelle , Kruse-Diehr Aaron J.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Purchasing produce at farmers markets represents one method by which individuals can purchase and have access to healthful and seasonal fruits. Despite the extension of nutrition assistance programs to local farmers markets, fruit and vegetables consumption has remained below the recommended guidelines, specifically in rural geographical locations.

Statement of purpose

The purpose of the study was to explore the aspects of the Link Up Illinois Double Value SNAP Nutrition Incentives Program (DVCP) and its effects on food selection at rural farmers markets for individuals enrolled in nutrition assistance programs.

Methods/approach

The current study uses a qualitative methodology in order to uncover barriers local health departments and farmers markets face to implementing the DVCP in their communities and to discover the perspectives of low-income individuals who utilize the DVCP. This paper explores the organizational and community member perceptions of the DVCP and its administration. Semi-structured interviews and one focus group were conducted with health educators from county health departments, DVCP stakeholders, farmers market managers, local farmers, and residents who used the DVCP. A purposeful sampling method was used, intentionally selecting individuals with lived experiences of the research objective. Data were analyzed using a three-cycle coding process, then categorized into overarching themes until thematic saturation was reached.

Results

There were a total of 19 individuals who participated in the study. Five themes and four subthemes emerged from data analysis, including organizational capacity, exposure to the DVCP, purchasing power, DVCP advancements, and values.

Conclusion/implications

These findings contextualize the facilitators and barriers of multiple stakeholders when implementing nutrition assistance programs at farmers markets. Other similar “double value” programs can utilize these lessons when seeking to increase participation of underrepresented populations at local farmers markets.
How and why pharmaceutical reforms contribute to universal health coverage through improving equitable access to medicines: a case of Ghana
Authors: Koduah Augustina
Published: July 2023

Background

Examining how and why a country prioritizes and implements pharmaceutical reforms tends to show complex processes and myriad efforts made toward improving access to medicines. This study examines factors that enabled the prioritization and implementation of selected pharmaceutical reform items and how these factors contributed to improving equitable access to medicines and universal health coverage in Ghana.

Methods

An analytical framework was developed to identify variables to explore in answering the study questions and frame the analysis and presentation of findings. Documents analyzed included the National Medicines Policies, Health Sector Program of Work, and other health policies. Quantitative data were sourced from databases maintained by World Health Organization and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

Results

The three main factors, evidence, financial and technical support, and alignment to national and global policies, influenced the prioritization and implementation of access to medicines reforms. The reforms targeted rational selection and use of medicines, medicine pricing, sustainable medicine financing, and regulatory and supply chain systems. Although there were limited quantitative data to quantify access to medicine policies” impact on universal health coverage, it can be reasonably assumed that, in Ghana, access to medicine policies has contributed to financial protection and improved access to quality health services.

Conclusion

Access to medicine policies targeted at promoting rational medicine selection and use, regulating medicine pricing and improving sustainable financing for medicines as well as the regulatory and supply chain systems arguably contributed to the attainment of UHC and must be sustained. Therefore, data collection and reporting indicators for access to medicines must be prioritized.
Unveiling the Dynamics of Millet Spread into Xinjiang: New Evidence of the Timing, Pathways, and Cultural Background
Authors: Tian Duo , Li Jingbo , Wang Yongqiang , Dang Zhihao , Zhang Xiangpeng , Li Chunchang , Xu Youcheng
Published: July 2023

Xinjiang, in Northwestern China, was a key point in the prehistoric trans-Eurasian network of exchange and played an important role in facilitating the dispersal of crops across Eurasia. Millet crops were first cultivated and used ca. 10,000 years ago in Northern China, from where they spread via different routes, leaving intriguing traces in various sites across Xinjiang. This paper presents the latest data on millet in Xinjiang. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, including radiocarbon dating, archaeobotanical evidence, and carbon isotope datasets, this study explores potential routes by which millet entered Xinjiang and traces its expansion from the third millennium BC to the 10th century AD. The research highlights the significant role of millet in shaping the ancient economies and cultures of Xinjiang and Central Asia, while also underscoring the importance of further investigation to uncover the complex pathways of its dispersal across Eurasia.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression of the GRAS Gene Family in Oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Wu Rui , Liu Wenhui , Liu Kaiqiang , Liang Guoling , Wang Yue
Published: July 2023

The GRAS protein family is involved in plant growth and development, plant disease resistance, and abiotic stress response. Although the GRAS protein family has been systematically studied and reported in many plants, it has not been reported in oat, an excellent foodstuff crop of Gramineae. We identified 90 AsGRAS genes and all of the AsGRAS genes were randomly distributed on 21 chromosomes with 6 tandem duplicated genes and 49 pairs of segmental duplications, which may be the main reason for the expansion of the GRAS gene family. According to the phylogenetic tree, 90 AsGRASs were classified into 10 distinct subfamilies. Gene structure revealed introns varying from zero to seven, and all genes have conserved motifs and GRAS structure domain. Protein–protein interaction and miRNA prediction analysis showed that AsGRAS proteins mainly interacted with GA signalling, cell division, etc., and that the AsGRAS genes were targeted by miRNA171. RNA-seq and qRT–PCR data showed that GRAS genes were expressed at different growth and developmental stages and under different abiotic stresses in oat, indicating the potential role of GRAS genes in promoting growth and stress tolerance in oat. Overall, our evolutionary and expression analysis of AsGRAS genes contributes to the elucidation of a theoretical basis for the GRAS gene family. Moreover, it helped reveal gene function and laid the foundation for future agricultural improvement of oats based on functional properties.
1,8-Cineol (Eucalyptol) Disrupts Membrane Integrity and Induces Oxidative Stress in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Merghni Abderrahmen , Belmamoun Ahmed Reda , Urcan Adriana Cristina , Bobiş Otilia , Lassoued Mohamed Ali
Published: July 2023

Due to the increased emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, the declining efficiency of traditional antimicrobials has generated severe concerns in recent years. Subsequently, more interest in other antimicrobial agents from natural resources draws more attention as an alternative to conventional medications. This study investigated the bactericidal mechanism of monoterpene 1,8-cineol (eucalyptol), a major compound of various essential oils, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The antibacterial activity of 1,8-cineol was assessed by an MTT assay against clinical and reference MRSA strains. A cell membrane integrity test, followed by zeta potential (ZP) measurements, was performed to evaluate the disruption of the bacterial membrane integrity. Additionally, the cytotoxic effect of this molecule on MRSA bacteria was investigated by monitoring reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT and SOD). Regarding the anti-staphylococcal effect, the obtained results revealed the antibacterial efficacy of 1,8-cineol wherein the minimum inhibitory concentrations were equal to 7.23 mg/mL. Furthermore, it enhanced membrane permeability, with a 5.36-fold increase in nucleic acid and protein leakage as compared with untreated strains, along with the alteration of surface charge (ZP) in MRSA cells. The tested compound caused an increase in ROS generation reaching 17,462 FU and MDA production, reaching 9.56 μM/mg protein, in treated bacterial cells, along with a decrease in oxidative stress enzymes activities. Our findings suggest that 1,8-cineol has the ability to damage the membrane integrity and induce ROS-mediated oxidative stress in MRSA cells, leading to its antagonistic effect against this pathogen and consequently aiding in the reversal of antibiotic resistance.
N-acetylcysteine Amide AD4/NACA and Thioredoxin Mimetic Peptides Inhibit Platelet Aggregation and Protect against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Eligini Sonia , Munno Marco , Atlas Daphne , Banfi Cristina
Published: July 2023

In the present study, we tested the effect of small-molecular-weight redox molecules on collagen-induced platelet aggregation. We used N-acetylcysteine amide (AD4/NACA), the amide form of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a thiol antioxidant with improved lipophilicity and bioavailability compared to NAC, and the thioredoxin-mimetic (TXM) peptides, TXM-CB3, TXM-CB13, and TXM-CB30. All compounds significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, with TXM-peptides and AD4 being more effective than NAC. The levels of TxB2 and 12-HETE, the main metabolites derived from the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways following platelet activation, were significantly reduced in the presence of AD4, TXM peptides, or NAC, when tested at the highest concentration (0.6 mM). The effects of AD4, TXM-peptides, and NAC were also tested on the clotting time (CT) of whole blood. TXM-CB3 and TXM-CB30 showed the greatest increase in CT. Furthermore, two representative compounds, TXM-CB3 and NAC, showed an increase in the anti-oxidant free sulfhydryl groups of plasma detected via Ellman’s method, suggesting a contribution of plasma factors to the antiaggregating effects. Our results suggest that these small-molecular-weight redox peptides might become useful for the prevention and/or treatment of oxidative stress conditions associated with platelet activation.
The Influence of Bee Bread on Antioxidant Properties, Sensory and Quality Characteristics of Multifloral Honey
Authors: Habryka Celina , Socha Robert , Juszczak Lesław
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of bee bread addition on the phenolic content, antioxidant properties, sensory and quality characteristics of the multifloral honey. On the base of results obtained, it was stated that an enrichment of honey with bee bread led to an significant increase in total phenolic content (from 30.75 to 158.96 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoids content (from 2.77 to 21.15 mg QE/100 g), and phenolic acids content (from 11.02 to 35.47 mg CAE/100 g). Gallic acid was the predominating phenolic acid, while quercetin was the main determined flavonoid. A significant elevation of the phenolic content resulted in an increase in antioxidant capacity of the honey. However, an addition of bee bread to the honey led to the unfavorable changes of its sensory characteristics. The decrease in clarity, and uniformity of color and brightness was detected. In the case of consistency, the decrease in smoothness and meltability was found along with an increase in the feeling of sandiness. The assessment of taste showed a significant increase in acid taste, sharpness, bitterness and durability of the aftertaste, with a decrease in sweetness. The addition of bee bread to the honey caused a significant increase in water-insoluble substances content, free acidity, specific conductivity and proline level. At the same time, a decrease in the content of glucose and fructose was observed.
A Spatial Location Representation Method Incorporating Boundary Information
Authors: Jiang Hui , Zhang Yukun
Published: July 2023

In response to problems concerning the low autonomous localization accuracy of mobile robots in unknown environments and large cumulative errors due to long time running, a spatial location representation method incorporating boundary information (SLRB) is proposed, inspired by the mammalian spatial cognitive mechanism. In modeling the firing characteristics of boundary cells to environmental boundary information, we construct vector relationships between the mobile robot and environmental boundaries with direction-aware information and distance-aware information. The self-motion information (direction and velocity) is used as the input to the lateral anti-Hebbian network (LAHN) to generate grid cells. In addition, the boundary cell response values are used to update the grid cell distribution law and to suppress the error response of the place cells, thus reducing the localization error of the mobile robot. Meanwhile, when the mobile robot reaches the boundary cell excitation zone, the activated boundary cells are used to correct the accumulated errors that occur due to long running times, which thus improves the localization accuracy of the system. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: 1. We propose a novel method for constructing boundary cell models. 2. An approach is presented that maps the response values of boundary cells to the input layer of LAHN (Location-Adaptive Hierarchical Network), where grid cells are generated through LAHN learning rules, and the distribution pattern of grid cells is adjusted using the response values of boundary cells. 3. We correct the cumulative error caused by long-term operation of place cells through the activation of boundary cells, ensuring that only one place cell responds to the current location at each individual moment, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the system.
Influence Mechanism of the Interfacial Water Content on Adhesive Behavior in Calcium Silicate Hydrate−Silicon Dioxide Systems: Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Ma Bin , Chu Yunfan , Huang Xiaolin , Yang Bai
Published: July 2023

The performance indicators of concrete are mainly determined by the interface characteristics between cement hydration slurry and aggregates. In this study, molecular dynamics technology was used to evaluate the effect of the interfacial water content on the evolution of the interface structure, interaction energy, and mechanical properties of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) systems, and the weakening mechanism of the C-S-H/SiO2 interface in a humid environment was revealed. The results showed that all stress–strain curves of C-S-H/SiO2 were divided into the elastic stage and the failure stage. As the interfacial water layer thickened, the molecular weight of the water invading the C-S-H gradually increased, and the desorption of Ca2+ ions in the surface region became significant, while the amount of Ca2+ ions entering the water-layer region increased. The interaction energy of the C-S-H/SiO2 progressively became larger, and the energy ratio (ER) significantly decreased; the tensile strength σc and residual strength σr of C-S-H/SiO2 both showed a downward trend. In summary, a lower water content had a limited impact on the interfacial bonding strength, while the weakening effect enhanced with an increase in the interfacial water content. This phenomenon was also demonstrated in concrete interfacial bond strength experiments.
Characteristics and Predictive Significance of Spatio-Temporal Space Images of M ≥ 4.0 Seismic Gaps on the Southeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyan , Su Youjin , Wang Guangming
Published: July 2023

In the present study, seismic gaps were identified as periods with no occurrence of M ≥ 4.0 earthquake over dT ≥ 400 days. After examining all records in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Tibet–Qinghai junction area on the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau in 1970–2022, a total of six M ≥ 4.0 seismic gaps were identified. Spatio-temporal images of the seismic gaps had similar characteristics and demonstrated spatial overlapping and statistical significance. The quiet periods of the six seismic gaps included 419–777 days (approximately 580 days on average). The semi-major-axis and semi-minor-axis lengths were in the 880–1050 km (approximately 987 km on average) and 500–570 km (about 533 km on average) ranges, respectively. Case analysis results revealed that the images of M ≥ 4.0 seismic gaps were of high significance in predicting M ≥ 6.7 strong earthquakes in the region, and they could be used as a predictive index on a time scale of about 1–0.5 years or less.
An Open-Domain Event Extraction Method Incorporating Semantic and Dependent Syntactic Information
Authors: He Li , Zhang Qian , Duan Jianyong , Wang Hao
Published: July 2023

Open-domain event extraction is a fundamental task that aims to extract non-predefined types of events from news clusters. Some researchers have noticed that its performance can be enhanced by improving dependency relationships. Recently, graphical convolutional networks (GCNs) have been widely used to integrate dependency syntactic information into neural networks. However, they usually introduce noise and deteriorate the generalization. To tackle this issue, we propose using Bi-LSTM to obtain semantic representations of BERT intermediate layer features and infuse the dependent syntactic information. Compared to current methods, Bi-LSTM is more robust and has less dependency on word vectors and artificial features. Experiments on public datasets show that our approach is effective for open-domain event extraction tasks.