bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated unanticipated acoustic startle reactivity in dyslexia
Authors: Palser Eleanor R. , Veziris Christina R. , Morris Nathaniel A. , Roy Ashlin R. K. , Watson‐Pereira Christa , Holley Sarah R. , Miller Bruce L. , Gorno‐Tempini Maria Luisa , Sturm Virginia E.
Published: July 2024

People with dyslexia, a neurodevelopmental disorder of reading, are highly attuned to the emotional world. Compared with their typically developing peers, children with dyslexia exhibit greater autonomic nervous system reactivity and facial behaviour to emotion‐ and empathy‐inducing film clips. Affective symptoms, such as anxiety, are also more common in children with dyslexia than in those without. Here, we investigated whether the startle response, an automatic reaction that lies at the interface of emotion and reflex, is elevated in dyslexia. We measured facial behaviour, electrodermal reactivity (a sympathetic nervous system measure) and emotional experience in response to a 100 ms, 105 dB unanticipated acoustic startle task in 30 children with dyslexia and 20 comparison children without dyslexia (aged 7–13) who were matched on age, sex and nonverbal reasoning. Our results indicated that the children with dyslexia had greater total facial behaviour and electrodermal reactivity to the acoustic startle task than the children without dyslexia. Across the sample, greater electrodermal reactivity during the startle predicted greater parent‐reported anxiety symptoms. These findings contribute to an emerging picture of heightened emotional reactivity in dyslexia and suggest accentuated sympathetic nervous system reactivity may contribute to the elevated anxiety that is often seen in this population.
Comparative transcriptome profiling reveals distinct regulatory responses of secondary defensive metabolism in Datura species (Solanaceae) under plant development and herbivory‐mediated stress
Authors: Kariñho Betancourt Eunice , Calderón Cortés Nancy , Tapia López Rosalinda , De‐la‐Cruz Ivan , Núñez Farfán Juan , Oyama Ken
Published: July 2024

Differential expression of genes is key to mediating developmental and stress‐related plant responses. Here, we addressed the regulation of plant metabolic responses to biotic stress and the developmental variation of defense‐related genes in four species of the genus Datura with variable patterns of metabolite accumulation and development. We combine transcriptome profiling with phylogenomic techniques to analyze gene expression and coexpression in plants subjected to damage by a specialist folivore insect. We found (1) common overall gene expression in species of similar chemical profiles, (2) species‐specific responses of proteins involved in specialized metabolism, characterized by constant levels of gene expression coupled with transcriptional rearrangement, and (3) induction of transcriptional rearrangement of major terpene and tropane alkaloid genes upon herbivory. Our results indicate differential modulation of terpene and tropane metabolism linked to jasmonate signaling and specific transcription factors to regulate developmental variation and stress programs, and suggest plastic adaptive responses to cope with herbivory. The transcriptional profiles of specialized metabolism shown here reveal complex genetic control of plant metabolism and contribute to understanding the molecular basis of adaptations and the physiological variation of significant ecological traits.
High variability in assays of blood markers of collagen turnover in cardiovascular disease: Implications for research and clinical practice
Authors: Rubiś Pawel Piotr , Dziewięcka Ewa , González Arantxa , Cleland John G.F.
Published: July 2024

Aims

Fibrosis is a common feature of many chronic diseases, including heart failure, which can have deleterious effects on cardiac structure and function that are associated with adverse outcomes. By‐products of collagen synthesis and degradation, such as carboxy‐ and amino‐terminal pro‐ or telo‐peptides of collagen type I and III (PICP, PINP, PIIINP, and CITP) have been extensively investigated as markers of fibrosis. Although the majority of studies report on the reproducibility of their assay results, there is no a comparison of biomarker assays across studies. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.

Methods and results

The search terms employed in Medline were: ‘collagen AND cardiac’ or ‘collagen AND heart’. This query yielded a total of 1049 articles. Thereafter, specific search criteria were applied: (i) original English‐language papers; (ii) human studies; (iii) in‐vivo investigations; and (iv) blood/serum/plasma samples. Overall, 89 studies were identified (42 on PIIINP, 32 on PICP, 29 on CITP, and 17 on PINP). The range of reported values for PIIINP was between 0.06 to 11 800 μg/l; for PICP 0.006 to 1265 μg/l; for CITP 0.3 to 5450 μg/l; for PINP 0.15 to 80 μg/l. Extreme variations in values for fibrosis biomarkers were observed across studies, especially when different assays were used, but also with the same assays.

Conclusions

Our findings show that it is challenging to ascertain normal ranges or compare studies for the measurement of fibrosis biomarkers. Given the potential implications for clinical practice and current lack of awareness of these issues, this subject warrants comprehensive acknowledgement and understanding.
A Novel Family of Luminescent Pyrenyl‐(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene)‐ Halogenated Coinage Metal Complexes: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Optical Properties
Authors: Amouri Hani , Cheng Yaping , Gontard Geoffrey , Rager Marie Noelle , Khatyr Abderrahim , Knorr Michael
Published: July 2024

A family of luminescent pyrenyl‐(NHC)‐M‐Cl coinage metal complexes has been prepared and fully characterized (NHC = N‐heterocyclic carbene). Two classes of complexes are described: (M = Cu (1a), Ag (2a), Au (3a) where pyrenyl‐(NHC) = 1‐pyrenyl‐3‐methyl‐Imidazolin‐2‐ylidene and M = Cu (1b), Ag (2b), Au (3b) with pyrenyl‐(NHC) = 1‐pyrenyl‐3‐naphthyl‐Imidazolin‐2‐ylidene. The molecular structures of the six complexes were confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. All complexes were found to be emissive in solution and solid state. The use of the chromophoric‐(NHC) ligand endows to these complexes emissive properties in solution in the blue region (376‐397nm). The presence of the naphthyl‐substituent in the 1b‐3b series enhances the quantum yields relative to the methyl‐series 1a‐3a. In particular, the carbene gold complexes were the most emissive and displayed the highest quantum yields
Spatiotemporal characterization of an experimental model of muscle pain in humans based on short‐wave diathermy
Authors: Intelangelo Leonardo , Mista Christian Ariel , Barone Mauro , Imaz Fernando , Laugero Silvio Jorge , Adur Javier , Andersen Ole Kæseler , Biurrun Manresa José Alberto
Published: July 2024

Background

Commonly used models for eliciting muscle pain involve the injection of algesic substances or the induction of delayed onset muscle soreness. The former require invasive procedures, and the time frame for pain induction and subsidence in the latter can be inconvenient. This study presents a detailed spatiotemporal characterization of a new experimental model of muscle pain based on short‐wave diathermy (SWD), developed to overcome the limitations of existing models.

Methods

The shoulder was selected as target site and the effects of the model were tested in two sessions to assess its reliability. Pain intensity profiles were recorded during the application of SWD, and changes in pressure pain threshold (PPT) in the infraspinatus muscle, together with pain intensity, duration, and quality were assessed 30 min after induction.

Results

SWD‐induced pain intensity scores averaged 4 points on a visual analogue scale, whereas PPT showed a consistent decrease of about 25% relative to baseline values. Pain was localized in the shoulder area, and was described as continuous, dull, well‐delimited, heavy, and bearable. Pain lasted for an average of 145 min without requiring reinduction and was reliably elicited in both experimental sessions.

Conclusion

SWD can be used to elicit experimental muscle pain in a non‐invasive, long‐lasting, and reliable way and allows for repeated within‐ and between‐session testing in the shoulder.

Significance Statement

SWD produces deep heating in muscles by converting electromagnetic energy to thermal energy. It was previously shown that it can be used to elicit experimental pain in the forearm muscles, and the present study demonstrates that this can be reliably generalized to other body sites, such as the shoulder. Furthermore, SWD application is non‐invasive and presents a convenient time frame for pain induction and subsidence, thus overcoming limitations associated with traditional muscle pain models.
Investigation of Polysulfide Adsorption on FeS2 Additive in Sulfur Cathode of Li–S Battery by Ex situ UV–Visible Spectroscopy
Authors: Bhardwaj Ravindra Kumar , Mikhlin Yuri , Zitoun David
Published: July 2024

The performance of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) rechargeable batteries is strongly dependent on the entrapment of the higher‐order intermediate polysulfides at the sulfur cathode. An attracting way of preventing the polysulfide shuttle is by introducing a polar host which can form a Lewis acid–base complex with polysulfides. Herein, the Li–S battery by incorporating iron sulfides (FeS2) as a polar Lewis acid to entrap higher‐order polysulfides at the cathode center is investigated. FeS2/S cathode demonstrates largely improved retention of capacity compared to C/S cathode (capacity fading per cycle of 0.12% and 0.80% for FeS2/S and C/S respectively) and good rate performance in Li–S batteries compared to conventional carbon–sulfur (C/S) cathode. This is attributed to the decrease in polysulfide dissolution and better retention of active sulfur in the cathode during battery cycling which is due to the polar FeS2 additive that well anchors polysulfides. The effect of FeS2 in preventing the shuttle mechanism is demonstrated by ex situ UV–vis spectroscopy and ex situ Raman spectroscopy studies.
Predicting the number of IT staff needed in hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences based on modeling in 2023: A descriptive‐analytical study
Authors: Jangi Majid , Shayan Babokani Azadeh , Rezaei Mohsen , Kamali Nasab Shokouh , Mirzaei Morteza , Kazemzadeh Mozhgan
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Considering the increasing use of information technology (IT) and the need of the implementation of related projects, the lack of IT specialists in the health system is one of the major challenges that require planning and foreseeing. This study was conducted with the aim of predicting the number of required IT personnel in hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences based on the modeling of identified and weighed influential factors in 2023.

Method

First, Delphi method and multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) using the Expository Posthaste Effective Resemblant Tool (ExPERT) were conducted to identify and weigh the components that affect IT staff's workload in hospitals. Then, the model for predicting the required number of IT personnel for the involved hospitals was developed. In all stages, the obtained information and results were checked and confirmed using experts' opinions in Focus Group Discussions.

Results

Twenty‐one hospitals (57%) out of 37 hospitals are facing a shortage of IT personnel. This varies from 0.5 to 1.6 personnel in different hospitals. Thirteen hospitals (35%) were reported to have adequate IT staffing and three hospitals (8%) had excess IT staffing.

Conclusion

This study provided a predictive model for required IT staff in hospitals using MCDM through ExPERT which can be used in cases where the use of workload‐based methods such as Workload Indicators of Staffing Need is complex or time‐consuming.
Effect of intravenous immunoglobulin on mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ramachandram Dinesh Sangarran , Kow Chia Siang , Hasan Syed Shahzad , Thiruchelvam Kaeshaelya
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

We performed a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to summarize the overall effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on mortality outcomes among hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases up to June 1, 2023. Pooled odds ratio (OR) of mortality with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was generated using a random‐effects model. The risk of bias was appraised using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias Version 2 tool for randomized trials.

Results

Nine RCTs were included: three RCTs had an overall low risk of bias, four RCTs had some concerns in the overall risk of bias, and two RCTs trials had an overall high risk of bias. The use of IVIG indicated a significant reduction in the odds of mortality (pooled OR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.50–0.96) relative to nonuse of IVIG. Subgroup analysis in patients with a severe course of COVID‐19 revealed no significant reduction in the odds of mortality (pooled OR = 0.58; 95% CI 0.29–1.16).

Conclusions

We suggest exercising caution when interpreting effectiveness of IVIG in reducing mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID‐19. Our findings emphasize for larger trials with rigorous study designs to better understand the impact of IVIG, particularly in those with severe COVID‐19.
The relationship between parental anxiety, fear of Covid‐19, partner involvement in children's care and sleep quality during the Covid‐19 pandemic in Italy
Authors: Ragni Benedetta , Paoletti Daniela , De Stasio Simona
Published: July 2024

During the Covid‐19 pandemic new stressors were added to the usual challenges parents face, changing habits and reduced physical activity, all factors that negatively affect sleep quality in adults and children. This study examines (1) possible changes in the sleep‐wake patterns of parents and children before and after the March–May 2020 lockdown and during the new restrictions imposed by the Italian government in March 2021; (2) possible associations between children and parents' sleep quality reported by parents and intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A total of 264 Italian parents with children aged 1–6 years (M = 40 months, SD = 18.18) completed self‐report questionnaires. Children's sleep habits changed, and parental insomnia symptoms worsened after the March–May 2020 lockdown, while children's insomnia symptoms decreased. Positive associations between children's negative affectivity and insomnia symptoms emerged, as well as between generalized parental anxiety and parental insomnia symptoms and between parental fear of Covid‐19 and sleep‐related habits not in line with paediatric recommendations. Partner's involvement in children's care promoted good sleep habits. Results identified risks and protective factors that could impact Italian parents' and children's sleep during the second wave of the Covid‐19 pandemic, raising awareness among families, education practitioners, healthcare providers and the general public.

Highlights

Italian children's sleep habits changed, and parental insomnia symptoms worsened after the March–May 2020 lockdown, while children's insomnia symptoms decreased.

During the second wave of the Covid‐19 pandemic, higher levels of children's temperamental negative affectivity were associated with higher levels of parental and children's insomnia, higher levels of parental anxiety, and the presence of children's sleep‐related habits not in line with pediatric recommendations.

Partner's involvement in children's care promoted good and healthy children's sleep habits.
Latent profiles of infant negative affect and respiratory sinus arrhythmia during the still‐face paradigm: The role of maternal sensitivity
Authors: Girod Savannah , Leerkes Esther , Chen Yu , Buehler Cheryl , Shriver Lenka , Wideman Laurie
Published: July 2024

We examined if there were profiles of infants' behavioural and physiological responses during the still‐face and if these profiles were predicted by maternal sensitivity. Participants included 230 mothers (40.4% non‐white) and their 2‐month‐old infants (48.7% female). Three profiles were identified: continually increasing negative affect and decreasing respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) (17.39%); modest, classic still‐face effect for negative affect and RSA (64.35%); high negative affect, late decreasing RSA (18.26%). Infants of highly sensitive mothers were more likely to be in the modest, classic still‐face effect for negative affect and RSA profile than in the continually increasing negative affect and decreasing RSA and the high negative affect, late decreasing RSA profiles. Additionally, infants of mothers who were high in maternal sensitivity were more likely to be in the continually increasing negative affect and decreasing RSA profile compared to the high negative affect, late decreasing RSA profile. The findings demonstrate heterogeneity in infant responses and that maternal sensitivity is an important predictor of children's behavioural and physiological responses to stressors.
Barriers to access to holistic care for women victims of sexual violence in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo: A brief report
Authors: Nyakio Olivier , Oduoye Malik Olatunde , Bhattacharjee Priyadarshini , Biamba Chrispin , Bandyopadhyay Soham , Hangi Samson , Masimango Gaston , Onanga Antoine Osongo , Bulondo Daniel , Akilimali Aymar
Published: July 2024

Synopsis

Sexual violence against women is a human rights violation and a major and serious problem for women's health.
A case of adrenal cavernous hemangioma resected due to tumor growth accompanied by intratumoral hemorrhage
Authors: Ueda Takayuki , Yanagi Masato , Kusakabe Takashi , Shigihara Takeshi , Shibasaki Mikio , Nagasawa Masato , Hamasaki Tsutomu , Kondo Yukihiro
Published: July 2024

Introduction

We describe a case of an adrenal cavernous hemangioma that was surgically resected because of tumor growth and intratumoral hemorrhage.

Case presentation

A 73‐year‐old woman presented with an enlarged adrenal tumor and intratumoral hemorrhage during the follow‐up of an incidental adrenal tumor. A computed tomography showed that the left adrenal tumor had grown from 23 to 44 mm over 1 year. Blood tests revealed a normal metabolic profile. Paragangliomas and metastatic tumors were suspected on imaging. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed to prevent tumor rupture due to further bleeding. No adhesions or bleeding were observed around the tumor during surgery. Pathological diagnosis was adrenal cavernous hemangioma.

Conclusion

Adrenal cavernous hemangioma is difficult to distinguish preoperatively from other adrenal tumors, including malignant tumors. The intraoperative findings of this case suggest that laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe treatment option for relatively small adrenal cavernous hemangioma.
An integrated historical study on human–tiger interactions in China
Authors: Cao Zhihong , Li Yu , Zafar Saud uz , Wang Yi , Nie Chuanping
Published: July 2024

Tigers (Panthera tigris), as apex predators, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological functions within their ecosystems. Human–wildlife conflicts, particularly human–tiger conflicts (HTCs), have been a prevalent and severe issue in tiger‐range countries from ancient times to the present day, with various regional characteristics. This article discusses human–tiger interactions in China, including different types of HTCs throughout history and the various measures implemented to promote human–tiger coexistence. Employing a historiographic approach, this study is based on case studies. It relies on historical documentation as its primary source, using methods such as literature analysis, digital humanities techniques, and field investigations. The results reveal various forms of direct negative human–tiger interactions, ranging from mild to intense HTCs, as well as other interactions such as tiger trade, medicinal use of tiger parts, and tiger habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and urbanization, all of which have led to reductions in tiger populations. Meanwhile, the study also identifies different conceptions and measures for human–tiger coexistence amidst conflicts, including animal protection and tiger worship in China's history, and modern conservation efforts such as the inclusion of tigers on protection lists, bans on tiger medicine and trade, and the establishment of nature reserves and national parks to protect tiger habitats.
Relationship between amide ratio assessed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy: A biomarker candidate for polycythemia vera disease
Authors: Guleken Zozan , Aday Aynur , Bayrak Ayşe Gül , Hindilerden İpek Yönal , Nalçacı Meliha , Cebulski Jozef , Depciuch Joanna
Published: July 2024

The study utilized Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics to investigate protein composition and structural changes in the blood serum of patients with polycythemia vera (PV). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed distinct biochemical properties, highlighting elevated absorbance of phospholipids, amides, and lipids in PV patients compared to healthy controls. Ratios of amide I/amide II and amide I/amide III indicated alterations in protein structures. Support vector machine analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves identified amide I as a crucial predictor of PV, achieving 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, while amide III showed a lower predictive value (70%). PCA analysis demonstrated effective differentiation between PV patients and controls, with key wavenumbers including amide II, amide I, and CH lipid vibrations. These findings underscore the potential of FTIR spectroscopy for diagnosing and monitoring PV.
The psychology of collective consciousness
Authors: Shteynberg Garriy
Published: July 2024

Collective consciousness is “baked into” the architecture of the human mind—it is at the foundation of a uniquely human psychology, wherein homo sapiens have the intent and the capacity to cooperate with beings that are living and dead, human and otherwise. I discuss the psychological contours of collective consciousness and its effects on human cognition, affect, motivation, and behavior. Integrating across three major theoretical papers and dozens of empirical papers, I argue that the psychological structure and function of collective consciousness are intertwined; the former giving rise to the latter. I also discuss two varieties of collective consciousness—collective reality and collective psychology—that enable individual and group success in human society. I will end by describing how the psychology of collective consciousness can enhance our understanding of mutual trust and cooperation.
A cross‐sectional assessment of injection of “salts” and HIV transmission‐related behaviours among a cohort of people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Kennedy Rebecca , Bouck Zachary , Werb Dan , Kurmanalieva Ainura , Blyum Anna , Shumskaya Natalya , Patterson Thomas L. , Cepeda Javier A. , Smith Laramie R.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Despite the increasing availability of new psychoactive substances (hereafter referred to as “salts”) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, there is a dearth of epidemiological data on the relationship between injecting “salts” and HIV risk behaviours. This is particularly relevant in settings where injection drug use accounts for a substantial proportion of the HIV burden, such as in Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet Republic. This study assessed whether injecting “salts” is associated with sexual and injection‐related HIV risk behaviours among people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan.

Methods

The Kyrgyzstan InterSectional Stigma Study is a cohort of people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan's capital of Bishkek and the surrounding rural administrative division of Chuy Oblast. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis using survey data collected from cohort participants between July and November 2021, which included information on injection drug use (including “salts”) and HIV risk behaviours. To minimize confounding by measured covariates, we used inverse‐probability‐weighted logistic and Poisson regression models to estimate associations between recent “salt” injection and HIV risk behaviours.

Results

Of 181 participants included in the analysis (80.7% men, 19.3% women), the mean age was 40.1 years (standard deviation [SD] = 8.8), and 22% (n = 39) reported that they had injected “salts” in the past 6 months. Among people who injected “salts,” 72% (n = 28) were men, and most were ethnically Russian 59% (n = 23), with a mean age of 34.6 (SD = 9.6). Injecting “salts” was significantly associated with a greater number of injections per day (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30−1.95) but lower odds of using syringe service programmes in the past 6 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.12−0.32). Injecting “salts” was also significantly associated with lower odds of condomless sex in the past 6 months (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.24−0.76) and greater odds of having ever heard of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (aOR = 4.80, 95% CI = 2.61−8.83).

Conclusions

(PWID) people who inject drugs who inject “salts” are a potentially emergent group with increased HIV acquisition risk in Kyrgyzstan. Targeted outreach bundled with comprehensive harm reduction and pre‐exposure prophylaxis services are needed to prevent transmission of HIV and other blood‐borne viruses.
Blood pressure increases are associated with weight gain and not antiretroviral regimen or kidney function: a secondary analysis from the ADVANCE trial in South Africa
Authors: Manne‐Goehler Jennifer , Fabian June , Sokhela Simiso , Akpomiemie Godspower , Rahim Nicholas , Lalla‐Edward Samanta Tresha , Brennan Alana T. , Siedner Mark J. , Hill Andrew , Venter Willem Daniel Francois
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Recent evidence has raised questions about whether newer HIV treatment regimens, including dolutegravir (DTG) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), are associated with increases in blood pressure (BP).

Methods

We assessed changes in BP by treatment regimen and evaluated the relative contribution of kidney function and weight gain to these changes among participants in the ADVANCE phase‐3 trial clinical trial in South Africa (study dates: January 2017–February 2022). Our primary outcome of interest was a change in systolic BP (SBP) at 96 and 192 weeks, among those not receiving antihypertensive medication. The secondary outcome was treatment‐emergent hypertension at these same time points, defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg on two occasions, or initiation of antihypertensive medication after week 4 among individuals without hypertension at enrolment. We used linear regression to evaluate the relationship between change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and change in SBP; and Poisson regression to evaluate the relationship between change in eGFR and treatment‐emergent hypertension at each time point. All models were adjusted for age, sex, treatment group and change in body mass index (BMI).

Results

Over 96 weeks, the average changes in SBP were 1.7 mmHg (95% CI: 0.0−3.4), −0.5 mmHg (95% CI: −2.2 to 1.7) and −2.1 mmHg (95% CI: −3.8 to 0.4) in the TAF/emtricitabine (FTC)/DTG, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/FTC/DTG and TDF/FTC/efavirenz (EFV) groups, respectively. This difference was significant for the TAF/FTC/DTG compared to the TDF/FTC/EFV group (p = 0.002). Over 96 weeks, 18.2% (95% CI: 13.4–22.9), 15.4% (95% CI: 11.0–19.9) and 13.3% (95% CI: 8.9–17.6) of participants developed treatment‐emergent hypertension, respectively. In adjusted models, there was no significant relationship between change in eGFR and either outcome. Change in BMI was significantly associated with an increase in SBP, while age was associated with an increased risk of treatment‐emergent hypertension. Adjustment for BMI also mitigated the unadjusted relationship between HIV treatment regimen and SBP where present.

Conclusions

In the ADVANCE cohort, weight gain and age accounted for increases in BP and risk of treatment‐emergent hypertension. HIV treatment programmes may need to integrate the management of obesity and hypertension into routine care.

Clinical Trial Number

NCT03122262
From the kitchen to the medicine cabinet: Examples of functional herbs and spices
Authors: Gura Kathleen , Duro Debora , Pai Nikhil , Sandell Angela , Sankararaman Senthilkumar , Quiros‐Tejeira Rubén , Herdes Rachel , Deas Jessica , Wang Linda
Published: July 2024

In many cultures, “food as medicine” has existed for centuries as the foundation of health. It is a practice built on the knowledge that food and diet play important roles in disease prevention and management. Foods possessing therapeutic properties are often referred to as functional foods. Many herbs and spices contain numerous nutritional and non‐nutritional components that can interact with pharmacologically relevant receptors, either directly or indirectly via their metabolites, to regulate cellular biochemical processes. Although opinions are changing, the concept of food as a therapeutic intervention goes against conventional Western medicine. To provide guidance to clinicians interested in using these products, members of the Food as Medicine working group of the Nutrition Committee NASPGHAN, as part of a two‐part review series, have identified frequently used foods, supplements, herbs, and spices that are utilized for therapeutic intent and have created summaries of commonly used indications, doses, and caveats. In this review, the focus is the use of select herbs and spices for medicinal purposes. Gaps in our knowledge in how to effectively use these agents in pediatric patients are discussed. Evidence supporting their use for management of gastrointestinal conditions, especially in the pediatric population, is provided when available. Circumstances in clinical settings and patient indications may require actions different from those recommended in this review and professional judgment should prevail.
Transcriptomic analysis of the antibacterial mechanism of ε‐polylysine‐functionalized magnetic composites against Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris and its application in apple juice
Authors: Jia Hang , Cai Rui , Yue Tianli , Xie Yanli
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is a common microorganism in fruit juice. It can produce off‐odor metabolites and has been considered to be an important factor in juice contamination. Thus, the development of new strategy for the control of A. acidoterrestris has important practical significance. The primary objective of this work was to assess the antibacterial performance of ε‐polylysine‐functionalized magnetic composites (Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA‐EPL) in apple juice and its effect on juice quality. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA‐EPL against A. acidoterrestris was explored by RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq).

RESULTS

Experimental results indicated that the synthesized composites possessed the ability to inhibit the viability of A. acidoterrestris vegetative cells and spores. Besides, investigation on the quality of apple juice incubated with Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA‐EPL implied that the fabricated composites displayed negligible adverse effects on juice quality. In addition, the results of RNA‐Seq demonstrated that 833 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA‐EPL‐treated A. acidoterrestris, which were associated with translation, energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, membrane transport and cell integrity.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that the treatment of Fe3O4@MoS2@PAA‐EPL disrupted energy metabolism, repressed cell wall synthesis and caused membrane transport disorder of bacterial cells. This work provides novel insights into the molecular antibacterial mechanism for ε‐polylysine‐functionalized magnetic composites against A. acidoterrestris. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Folic acid in carboxymethylcellulose/polyethylene oxide electrospun nanofibers: preparation, release and stability
Authors: Zavala‐Castillo Karen A , Flores‐Ramírez Nelly , Vásquez‐García Salomón R , Martínez‐Flores Héctor E , Fernández‐Quiroz Daniel
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Folic acid (FA), a synthetically produced compound analogous to vitamin B9, also referred to as vitamin folate, is an essential compound in human health and faces challenges in stability during food processing. This study explores the incorporation of FA into carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) nanofibers using electrospinning to enhance its stability.

RESULTS

In this study, optimization of both electrospinning and solution parameters facilitated the fabrication of nanofibers. Furthermore, incorporating FA into CMC/polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers resulted in thinner fibers, with an average diameter of 88 nm, characterized by a flat shape and smooth surface. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis demonstrated substantial hydrogen bonding interactions between FA and the polar groups present in CMC. This interaction contributed to an encapsulation efficiency of 94.5%, with a yield exceeding 87%. Thermal analysis highlighted mutual interference between CMC and PEO, with FA enhancing the thermal stability and reducing the melting temperatures and enthalpies of PEO, while also increasing the reaction heats of CMC. The encapsulated FA remained stable in acidic conditions, with only 6% degradation over 30 days, demonstrating the efficacy of CMC/PEO nanofibers in safeguarding FA against acidic environments. Moreover, the nanofibers provided a protective barrier against UV radiation, thereby preserving the stability of FA.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes the efficacy of CMC/PEO nanofibers as a protective matrix against FA degradation. The findings indicate that this innovative approach could significantly diversify the applications of FA in food fortification, addressing concerns regarding its vulnerability to temperature and hydrolysis reactions during food processing. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of GABA combined with ultrasound stress germination treatment on phenolic content and antioxidant activity of highland barley
Authors: Liu Yanan , Wu Yingying , Jia Yuanqiang , Ren Feiyue , Zhou Sumei
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the effects of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) combined with ultrasonic stress germination (AUG) treatment on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of highland barley (HB). Key variables, including germination times (ranging from 0 to 96 h), ultrasonic power (200–500 W), and GABA concentration (5–20 mmol/L), were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to enhance the enrichment of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the study assessed the content, composition, and antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds in HB under various treatment conditions such as germination alone (G), ultrasonic stress germination (UG), and AUG treatment.

RESULTS

The study identified optimal conditions for the phenolic enrichment of HB, which included a germination time of 60 h, an ultrasound power of 300 W, and a GABA concentration of 15 mmol L−1. Under these conditions, the total phenolic content (TPC) in HB was measured at 7.73 milligrams of gallic acid equivalents per gram dry weight (mg GAE/g DW), representing a 34.96% enhancement compared to untreated HB. Notably, all treatment modalities – G, UG, and AUG – significantly increased the phenolic content and antioxidant activity in HB, with the AUG treatment proving to be the most effective.

CONCLUSION

These obtained results suggest that AUG treatment is a promising processing method for enriching phenolic compounds and improving antioxidant activity in HB. Subsequently, the AUG‐treated HB can be used to develop phenolic‐rich germinated functional foods to further broaden the application of HB. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Short‐term high‐light intensity and low temperature improve the quality and flavor of lettuce grown in plant factory
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Qiqi , Escalona Contreras Victor Hugo , Huang Tao , Jiang Hui , Song Bo , Duan Zhiling , Li Yuejian , Yang Xiao , Song Hongyuan , Yang Qichang
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Lettuce holds a prominent position in the year‐round supply of vegetables, offering a rich array of health‐beneficial substances, such as dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, lactucopicrin and lactucin. As such, its flavor has garnered increasing attention. Balancing the enhancement of beneficial compounds with the reduction of undesirable taste is a key focus of scientific research. To investigate short‐term management to improve the nutritional quality and flavor of lettuce, combinations of different light intensities (200, 500 and 800 μm ol m−2 s−1) and temperatures (10 and 22 °C) were applied separately to ‘Lollo Rosso’ and ‘Little Butter Lettuce’ for 7 days before harvest.

RESULTS

The results obtained showed that increasing light intensity at low temperatures decreased nitrate content and increased soluble sugar, soluble protein, anthocyanin and phenolic compound content. In the case of lettuce flavor, the bitterness‐related metabolites such as lactucin and lactucopicrin were reduced with high light intensity at a low temperature of 10 °C. With this combination, the fructose and glucose contents increased, significantly improving lettuce flavor.

CONCLUSION

Higher light intensity combined with low temperature for 7 days before harvest effectively improved the nutritional quality and flavor of lettuce, suggesting its great potential for use in horticultural practices. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimization and component identification of ultrasound‐assisted extraction of functional compounds from waste blackberry (Rubus fruticosus Pollich) seeds
Authors: Yang Mo , Wang Shuai , Zhou Rong , Zhao Yi , He Yu , Zheng Yi , Gong Hao , Wang Wei‐Dong
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Blackberry seeds, as a by‐product of processing, have potential bioactive substances and activities. A response surface method was used to determine the optimal conditions of blackberry seed extracts (BSEs) with high 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity by ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE). The composition and antioxidant capacity of BSEs were further analyzed.

RESULTS

The optimal conditions were material‐to‐liquid ratio of 0.07 g mL−1, ethanol concentration of 56%, extraction temperature of 39 °C and ultrasonic power of 260 W. Using these conditions, the extraction yield and total polysaccharide, phenolic and anthocyanin contents in BSEs were 0.062 g g−1 and 633.91, 36.21 and 3.07 mg g−1, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectra of BSEs exhibited characteristic peaks associated with polysaccharide absorption. The antioxidant capacity, DPPH and 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power of BSEs were 1533.19, 1021.93 and 1093.38 mmol Trolox equivalent g−1, respectively. The delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside, paeoniflorin‐3‐O‐glucoside and cyanidin‐3‐O‐arabinoside contents in BSEs were 3.05,12.76 and 1895.90 ± 3.45 μg g−1. Five polyphenols including gallic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, catechin and caffeic acid were identified and quantified in BSEs with its contents at 8850.43, 5053.26, 4984.65, 1846.91 and 192.40 μg g−1.

CONCLUSION

These results provide a method for preparing BSE containing functional components such as polysaccharides, phenols and anthocyanins through UAE, and BSEs have potential application in food industries. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The experimental implications of the rate of temperature change and timing of nutrient availability on growth and stoichiometry of a natural marine phytoplankton community
Authors: Happe Anika , Ahme Antonia , Cabrerizo Marco J. , Gerhard Miriam , John Uwe , Striebel Maren
Published: July 2024

Climate change increases the need to understand the effect of predicted future temperature and nutrient scenarios on marine phytoplankton. However, experimental studies addressing the effects of both drivers use a variety of design approaches regarding their temperature change rate and nutrient supply regimes. This study combines a systematic literature map to identify the existing bias in the experimental design of studies evaluating the phytoplankton response to temperature change, with a laboratory experiment. The experiment was designed to quantify how different temperature levels (6°C, 12°C, and 18°C), temperature regimes (abrupt vs. gradual increase), timings of nutrient addition (before or after the temperature change) and nutrient regimes (limiting vs. balanced) alter the growth and stoichiometry of a natural marine phytoplankton community. The systematic map revealed three key biases in marine global change experiments: (1) 66% of the studies do not explicitly describe the experimental temperature change or nutrient regime, (2) 84% applied an abrupt temperature exposure, and (3) only 15% experimentally manipulated the nutrient regime. Our experiment demonstrated that the identified biases in experimental design toward abrupt temperature exposure induced a short‐term growth overshoot compared to gradually increasing temperatures. Additionally, the timing of nutrient availability strongly modulated the direction of the temperature effect and strength of growth enhancement along balanced N : P supply ratios. Our study stresses that the rate of temperature change, the timing of nutrient addition and the N : P supply ratio should be considered in experimental planning to produce ecologically relevant results as different setups lead to contrasting directions of outcome.
Development of α‐Tocopherol Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles and Its Evaluation as a Novel Immune Adjuvant
Authors: Zhang Huan , Song Meng , Zhuang Shiya , Wang Zining , Shi Hui , Song Zhuolang , Song Chuanhe , Cen Lian
Published: July 2024

With the continuous development of preventive and therapeutic vaccines, traditional adjuvants cannot provide sufficient immune efficacy and it is of high necessity to develop safe and effective novel nanoparticle‐based vaccine adjuvants. α‐Tocopherol (TOC) is commonly used in oil‐emulsion adjuvant systems as an immune enhancer, yet its bioavailability is limited by poor water solubility. This study aims to develop TOC‐loaded poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (TOC‐PLGA NPs) to explore the potential of TOC‐PLGA NPs as a novel nanoparticle‐immune adjuvant. TOC‐PLGA NPs are prepared by a nanoprecipitation method and their physicochemical properties are characterized. It is shown that TOC‐PLGA NPs are 110.8 nm, polydispersity index value of 0.042, and Zeta potential of −13.26 mV. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of NPs are 82.57% and 11.80%, respectively, and the cumulative release after 35 days of in vitro testing reaches 47%. Furthermore, TOC‐PLGA NPs demonstrate a superior promotion effect on RAW 264.7 cell proliferation compared to PLGA NPs, being well phagocytosed and also promoting antigen uptake by macrophages. TOC‐PLGA NPs can strongly upregulate the expression of co‐stimulatory surface molecules and the secretion of cytokines. In conclusion, TOC‐PLGA NPs can be a novel vaccine adjuvant with excellent biocompatibility and significant immune‐enhancing activity.
DIGEP‐Pred 2.0: A web application for predicting drug‐induced cell signaling and gene expression changes
Authors: Ivanov Sergey M. , Rudik Anastasia V. , Lagunin Alexey A. , Filimonov Dmitry A. , Poroikov Vladimir V.
Published: July 2024

The analysis of drug‐induced gene expression profiles (DIGEP) is widely used to estimate the potential therapeutic and adverse drug effects as well as the molecular mechanisms of drug action. However, the corresponding experimental data is absent for many existing drugs and drug‐like compounds. To solve this problem, we created the DIGEP‐Pred 2.0 web application, which allows predicting DIGEP and potential drug targets by structural formula of drug‐like compounds. It is based on the combined use of structure‐activity relationships (SARs) and network analysis. SAR models were created using PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) technology for data from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), the Connectivity Map (CMap) for the prediction of DIGEP, and PubChem and ChEMBL for the prediction of molecular mechanisms of action (MoA). Using only the structural formula of a compound, the user can obtain information on potential gene expression changes in several cell lines and drug targets, which are potential master regulators responsible for the observed DIGEP. The mean accuracy of prediction calculated by leave‐one‐out cross validation was 86.5 % for 13377 genes and 94.8 % for 2932 proteins (CTD data), and it was 97.9 % for 2170 MoAs. SAR models (mean accuracy−87.5 %) were also created for CMap data given on MCF7, PC3, and HL60 cell lines with different threshold values for the logarithm of fold changes: 0.5, 0.7, 1, 1.5, and 2. Additionally, the data on pathways (KEGG, Reactome), biological processes of Gene Ontology, and diseases (DisGeNet) enriched by the predicted genes, together with the estimation of target‐master regulators based on OmniPath data, is also provided. DIGEP‐Pred 2.0 web application is freely available at https://www.way2drug.com/digep‐pred.
A new regularity criterion for the 3D tropical climate model involving partial velocity component in Lorentz space
Authors: Eguchi Taichi , Ren Denghui
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we find a new regularity criterion of the 3D tropical climate model in terms of one component of the barotropic velocity. Our criteria of the velocity field improve the previous result by Berti et al. Moreover, we extend the regularity criteria of the Lebesgue spaces to that of larger Lorentz spaces. The key of this paper is by using interaction between partial and usual
estimate to get upper bound of velocities.
AAPM WGTG51 Report 385: Addendum to the AAPM's TG‐51 protocol for clinical reference dosimetry of high‐energy electron beams
Authors: Muir Bryan , Davis Stephen , Dhanesar Sandeep , Hillman Yair , Iakovenko Viktor , Kim Grace Gwe‐Ya , Alves Victor Gabriel Leandro , Lei Yu , Lowenstein Jessica , Renaud James , Sarfehnia Arman , Siebers Jeffrey , Tantôt Laurent
Published: July 2024

An Addendum to the AAPM's TG‐51 protocol for the determination of absorbed dose to water is presented for electron beams with energies between 4 MeV and 22 MeV (). This updated formalism allows simplified calibration procedures, including the use of calibrated cylindrical ionization chambers in all electron beams without the use of a gradient correction. New data are provided for electron beams based on Monte Carlo simulations. Implementation guidance is provided. Components of the uncertainty budget in determining absorbed dose to water at the reference depth are discussed. Specifications for a reference‐class chamber in electron beams include chamber stability, settling, ion recombination behavior, and polarity dependence. Progress in electron beam reference dosimetry is reviewed. Although this report introduces some major changes (e.g., gradient corrections are implicitly included in the electron beam quality conversion factors), they serve to simplify the calibration procedure. Results for absorbed dose per linac monitor unit are expected to be up to approximately 2 % higher using this Addendum compared to using the original TG‐51 protocol.