bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional pharmacokinetics of doravirine, tenofovir, and feminizing hormones in transgender women (IDentify): A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Lam Kevin , Kraft Walter K. , Zhan Tingting , Lam Edwin
Published: February 2024

Transgender women may have concerns of drug interactions between feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) and antiretrovirals, leading to nonadherence. This randomized, three‐period crossover, open‐label, phase I trial assessed the effects of doravirine (DOR) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) on the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of estradiol, spironolactone, and total testosterone and vice versa in healthy transgender women. Volunteers were randomized 1:1 into two sequences containing three treatment groups (DOR, lamivudine [3TC], and TDF alone; estradiol, spironolactone, and placebo; and DOR/3TC/TDF, estradiol, and spironolactone). Eight subjects enrolled in the study and six had completed all study periods. The geometric mean ratios for DOR area under the concentration‐time curve from zero to last measured concentration (AUC0‐last), maximum concentration (Cmax), and concentration at 24 h (C24) were similar. However, tenofovir (TFV) AUC0‐last, Cmax, and C24 moderately increased by 14%–38%. Last, estradiol AUC0‐last, Cmax, and C24 were increased by 10%–13%. Whereas most 90% confidence intervals did not meet the bioequivalence bounds of 80%–125%, the point estimates fell within the intervals. Log‐transformed DOR, TFV, and estradiol PK parameters computed with and without co‐administration were not statistically different (p > 0.05). There were no serious adverse events. There is not a clinically significant impact of FHT on DOR/TFV PKs. Similarly, there is no observed impact on estradiol PKs and total testosterone following use of DOR/3TC/TDF.
Implementing pain, agitation, delirium, and sleep deprivation protocol in critically ill patients: A pilot study on pharmacological interventions
Authors: Luetrakool Punchika , Taesotikul Suthinee , Susantitapong Kanyarat , Suthisisang Chuthamanee , Morakul Sunthiti , Sutherasan Yuda , Tangsujaritvijit Viratch , Dilokpattanamongkol Pitchaya
Published: February 2024

Critically ill patients frequently experience pain, agitation, delirium, and sleep deprivation, which have been linked to increased mortality and unfavorable clinical outcomes. To address these challenges, the Pain, Agitation, Delirium, and Sleep Deprivation (PADS) protocol was developed, aiming to mitigate mortality and improve clinical outcomes. This study focuses on assessing the protocol's impact using a robust before‐and‐after study design in the medical and surgical intensive care units (ICUs) at Ramathibodi Hospital. Using an observational approach, this study compares clinical outcomes before and after implementing the PADS protocol in the ICUs. Two patient cohorts were identified: the “before” group, comprising 254 patients with retrospective data collected between May 2018 and September 2019, and the “after” group, consisting of 255 patients for whom prospective data was collected from May to September 2020. Analysis reveals improvements in the after group. Specifically, there was a significant increase in 14‐day ICU‐free days (9.95 days vs. 10.40 days, p value = 0.014), a decrease in delirium incidence (18.1% vs. 16.1%, p value < 0.001), and a significant reduction in benzodiazepine usage (38.6% vs. 24.6%, p value = 0.001) within the after group. This study emphasizes the protocol's potential to improve patient care and highlights its significance in the ICU context.
Cost‐effectiveness of a Novel Hypoglycaemia Programme: The ‘HARPdoc vs BGAT’ RCT
Authors: Healey Andrew , Soukup Tayana , Sevdalis Nick , Bakolis Ioannis , Cross Samantha , Heller Simon R. , Brooks Augustin , Kariyawasam Dulmini , Toschi Elena , Gonder‐Frederick Linda , Stadler Marietta , Rogers Helen , Goldsmith Kimberley , Choudhary Pratik , de Zoysa Nicole , Amiel Stephanie A. ,   for the HARPdoc RCT Study Group
Published: February 2024

Aims

To assess the cost‐effectiveness of HARPdoc (Hypoglycaemia Awareness Restoration Programme for adults with type 1 diabetes and problematic hypoglycaemia despite optimised care), focussed upon cognitions and motivation, versus BGAT (Blood Glucose Awareness Training), focussed on behaviours and education, as adjunctive treatments for treatment‐resistant problematic hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes, in a randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Eligible adults were randomised to either intervention. Quality of life (QoL, measured using EQ‐5D‐5L); cost of utilisation of health services (using the adult services utilization schedule, AD‐SUS) and of programme implementation and curriculum delivery were measured. A cost‐utility analysis was undertaken using quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) as a measure of trial participant outcome and cost‐effectiveness was evaluated with reference to the incremental net benefit (INB) of HARPdoc compared to BGAT.

Results

Over 24 months mean total cost per participant was £194 lower for HARPdoc compared to BGAT (95% CI: −£2498 to £1942). HARPdoc was associated with a mean incremental gain of 0.067 QALYs/participant over 24 months post‐randomisation: an equivalent gain of 24 days in full health. The mean INB of HARPdoc compared to BGAT over 24 months was positive: £1521/participant, indicating comparative cost‐effectiveness, with an 85% probability of correctly inferring an INB > 0.

Conclusions

Addressing health cognitions in people with treatment‐resistant hypoglycaemia achieved cost‐effectiveness compared to an alternative approach through improved QoL and reduced need for medical services, including hospital admissions. Compared to BGAT, HARPdoc offers a cost‐effective adjunct to educational and technological solutions for problematic hypoglycaemia.
Bridging dose of U‐100 glargine with first dose of insulin degludec improves glycaemia in the 48 h after transition in twice‐daily glargine users
Authors: Thirumalai Arthi , Chao Jing H. , Kaleru Thanmai , Dong Xiaofu , Mandava Patali , Khakpour Dori , Hirsch Irl B.
Published: February 2024

Aims

To study the effects of a bridging dose of U‐100 glargine (U‐100G) with the first dose of degludec in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients transitioning from glargine to degludec, by comparing the glucose metrics 48 h before and after the transition.

Materials and Methods

Patients with T1D on a stable U‐100G regimen and with glycated haemoglobin concentration <75 mmol/mol were randomized (double‐blind) to one dose of placebo or U‐100G with first dose of degludec, administered at 9:00 pm. Patients on once‐daily U‐100G at baseline received 50% of total U‐100G dose (bridging dose), while patients on twice‐daily U‐100G received 50% of the evening U‐100G dose. Participants wore a continuous glucose monitor during the study.

Results

Forty participants were randomized, of whom 37 completed the study. The cohort was 65% male, the mean age was 47 years, duration of T1D 22 years, BMI 26 kg/m2, HbA1c 51 mmol/mol and total daily insulin dose 0.7 units/kg body weight. The bridging group included 19 participants (once‐daily U‐100G: n = 12; twice‐daily U‐100G: n = 7) and the placebo group included 18 participants (once‐daily U‐100G: n = 12; twice‐daily U‐100G: n = 6). Change in time in range (TIR) was not significantly different between the two treatment groups. In secondary analyses, among twice‐daily U‐100G users, TIR (3.9‐10 mmol/L) increased 8% in the bridging group in the 48 h after first dose of degludec compared to the preceding 48 h, while participants in the placebo group had a 9.5% decrease (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

A subgroup of well‐controlled twice‐daily U‐100G users transitioning to degludec benefited from a 50% bridging dose of evening U‐100G with the first dose of degludec in a small pilot study.
Associations of body mass index trajectory, waist circumference trajectory, or both with type 2 diabetes mellitus risk in Chinese adults: The China‐PAR project
Authors: Zhao Yang , Han Minghui , Qie Ranran , Zhang Yanyan , Wu Yuying , Fu Xueru , Zhang Dongdong , Kuang Lei , Qin Pei , Hu Fulan , Li Jianxin , Lu Xiangfeng , Hu Dongsheng , Zhang Ming
Published: February 2024

Aims

To identify the trajectories of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and assess the associations of BMI trajectory, WC trajectory, or the two combined, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk in Chinese adults.

Materials and Methods

This study was based on a prospective project—the Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China (China‐PAR). A total of 54 434 participants (39.21% men) who were measured on at least two occasions were included. Three slowly increasing trajectory patterns were identified for BMI, and four for WC, by latent mixed modelling. A nine‐category variable was derived by combining the WC trajectory (low, moderate, moderate‐high/high) and the BMI trajectory (low, moderate, high). Logistic regression models were applied to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The risk of developing T2DM increased with elevated BMI or WC trajectory levels (all ptrend <0.001). The risks were 2.85 (2.59–3.14) for high BMI trajectory and 4.34 (3.78–4.99) for high WC trajectory versus low trajectory groups, respectively. The association was more pronounced among younger individuals (pinteraction <0.001). In the joint analysis, compared to participants with low WC and BMI trajectory, those with moderate‐high/high WC combined with high BMI trajectory had the highest risk of T2DM (OR 3.96, 95% CI 3.48–4.50); even those who maintained moderate‐high/high WC but low BMI trajectory showed a higher T2DM risk (OR 3.00, 95% CI 2.31–3.91).

Conclusions

This study suggests that simultaneous dynamic and continuous monitoring of BMI and WC may contribute more than single measurements to predicting T2DM risk and determining preventive strategies.
Pharmacological treatment of obesity in adults in Norway 2004–2022
Authors: Ruiz Paz Lopez‐Doriga , Karlstad Øystein , Nøkleby Kjersti , Slåtsve Kristina , Gulseth Hanne L. , Meyer Haakon E. , Sveen Kari Anne , Qvigstad Elisabeth , Furu Kari
Published: February 2024

Aims

To describe trends in the use of anti‐obesity drugs in Norway during the period 2004–2022.

Materials and Methods

We assessed the annual utilization of any available drug indicated for obesity recorded in the nationwide Norwegian Prescribed Drug Register for adults (age 18–79 years) from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2022. Prevalence was stratified by sex and age group (18–29 years and 10‐year age groups thereafter). Additional analyses were performed in individuals initiating treatment with an anti‐obesity drug and on the cost of the anti‐obesity drugs since 2017.

Results

The prevalence of anti‐obesity drug use decreased from 2009, when sibutramine and rimonabant were withdrawn from the market, and increased again after the approval of bupropion‐naltrexone in 2017 and liraglutide in 2018. The use of the peripheral‐acting anti‐obesity drug orlistat decreased from 2004. In 2022, 1.04% of the adult Norwegian population (72.8% women) filled at least one prescription of bupropion‐naltrexone, 0.91% used liraglutide (Saxenda; 74.2% women), and semaglutide without reimbursement was used by 0.68% (76.7% women). The prevalence increased with age, peaking in the age group 50 to 59 years, and decreased in older age groups. From 2017 to 2022, 2.8% of the adult residents initiated treatment with an anti‐obesity drug. The total sale of those drugs increased from 1.1 million euros in 2017 to 91.8 million euros in 2022.

Conclusions

The use of anti‐obesity drugs in Norway has increased substantially in recent years, especially among women aged 40 to 59 years. Changes in availability and reimbursement have influenced the use of these drugs in recent years.
Real‐world glycated haemoglobin changes among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated with a maintenance dose of 7 mg or 14 mg of oral semaglutide
Authors: Swift Caroline , Frazer Monica , Gronroos Noelle N. , Sargent Andrew , Leszko Michael , Buysman Erin , Alvarez Sara , Dunn Tyler J. , Noone Josh , Guevarra Mico
Published: February 2024

Aim

To describe the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) among patients with type 2 diabetes following treatment with a 7 or 14 mg maintenance dose of oral semaglutide.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective, claims‐based study included adult patients with type 2 diabetes with a pre‐index HbA1c of ≥7%, initiating treatment with oral semaglutide between 1 November 2019 and 30 June 2020; the patients had continuous health plan enrolment for ≥12 months before (pre‐index) and ≥6 months following (post‐index) the date of the first oral semaglutide claim (index). Patients were required to have a maintenance dose of 7 or 14 mg. Pre‐index demographic and clinical characteristics were captured, as were doses at initiation and prescriber specialty. The change in HbA1c between the latest post‐index and pre‐index HbA1c measurements was calculated among all patients and among those with ≥90 days of continuous treatment (persistent patients).

Results

This study included 520 patients, most of whom had a complex medical history, experienced a range of comorbidities and received an average of 11.5 different classes of medications during the pre‐index period. The mean HbA1c reduction during the 6‐month post‐initiation period was 1.2% (p < .001) for all patients and 1.4% (p < .001) for persistent patients.

Conclusions

In this real‐world study, patients with a pre‐index HbA1c ≥7% who initiated treatment with oral semaglutide with a 7 or 14 mg maintenance dose had significantly lower HbA1c levels following treatment.
Body size, insulin sensitivity, metabolic health and risk of cardiovascular disease in Chinese adults: Insights from the China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort (4C) study
Authors: Hu Chunyan , Wang Shuangyuan , Lin Hong , Wan Qin , Zheng Ruizhi , Zhu Yuanyue , Li Mian , Xu Yu , Xu Min , Zheng Jie , Chen Lulu , Zeng Tianshu , Hu Ruying , Ye Zhen , Shi Lixin , Su Qing , Chen Yuhong , Yu Xuefeng , Yan Li , Wang Tiange , Zhao Zhiyun , Qin Guijun , Chen Gang , Dai Meng , Zhang Di , Tang Xulei , Gao Zhengnan , Shen Feixia , Gu Xuejiang , Luo Zuojie , Qin Yingfen , Chen Li , Hou Xinguo , Huo Yanan , Li Qiang , Wang Guixia , Zhang Yinfei , Liu Chao , Wang Youmin , Wu Shengli , Yang Tao , Deng Huacong , Zhao Jiajun , Mu Yiming , Lai Shenghan , Li Donghui , Ning Guang , Wang Weiqing , Hu Weiguo , Bi Yufang , Lu Jieli ,   for the 4C Study Group
Published: February 2024

Aims

To assess the excess risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with different criteria for metabolic health, and the interplay of body size, insulin sensitivity and metabolic health with CVD risk.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a prospective study involving 115 638 participants from the China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort (4C) Study. Metabolic health was defined using three different definitions: (1) insulin sensitivity defined by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index; (2) absence of metabolic syndrome according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria; and (3) simultaneous absence of metabolic abnormalities (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia). The primary endpoint was a composite of incident CVD events comprising the first occurrence of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, or cardiovascular death.

Results

During a mean 3.61‐year follow‐up period, obese individuals with insulin sensitivity (multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–2.08), or without metabolic syndrome (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.13–1.89) still exhibited increased CVD risks, when compared to their normal‐weight counterparts. Otherwise, those with obesity but simultaneous absence of metabolic abnormalities demonstrated similar CVD risk compared to normal‐weight individuals (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.53–1.59). CVD risk increased with the number of abnormalities across body mass index categories, regardless of insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions

This study emphasizes the need for refined definitions of metabolic health and advocates for meticulous screening for metabolic abnormalities to reduce cardiovascular risks, even in individuals with normal weight and insulin sensitivity.
Diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease: Vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase as a potential link
Authors: Guo Bin , Li Qi‐ye , Liu Xue‐jia , Luo Guo‐hui , Wu Ya‐juan , Nie Jing
Published: February 2024

Globally, the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing year by year, causing a huge economic and social burden, and their pathogenesis and aetiology have been proven to have a certain correlation. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that vacuolar adenosine triphosphatases (v‐ATPases) in eukaryotes, which are biomolecules regulating lysosomal acidification and glycolipid metabolism, play a key role in DM and AD. This article describes the role of v‐ATPase in DM and AD, including its role in glycolysis, insulin secretion and insulin resistance (IR), as well as its relationship with lysosomal acidification, autophagy and β‐amyloid (Aβ). In DM, v‐ATPase is involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism and IR. v‐ATPase is closely related to glycolysis. On the one hand, v‐ATPase affects the rate of glycolysis by affecting the secretion of insulin and changing the activities of key glycolytic enzymes hexokinase (HK) and phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK‐1). On the other hand, glucose is the main regulator of this enzyme, and the assembly and activity of v‐ATPase depend on glucose, and glucose depletion will lead to its decomposition and inactivation. In addition, v‐ATPase can also regulate free fatty acids, thereby improving IR. In AD, v‐ATPase can not only improve the abnormal brain energy metabolism by affecting lysosomal acidification and autophagy but also change the deposition of Aβ by affecting the production and degradation of Aβ. Therefore, v‐ATPase may be the bridge between DM and AD.
Strength‐trained adults demonstrate greater corticoreticular activation versus untrained controls
Authors: Akalu Yonas , Tallent Jamie , Frazer Ashlyn K. , Siddique Ummatul , Rostami Mohamad , Vallance Patrick , Howatson Glyn , Walker Simon , Kidgell Dawson J.
Published: February 2024

The rapid increase in strength following strength‐training involves neural adaptations, however, their specific localisation remains elusive. Prior focus on corticospinal responses prompts this study to explore the understudied cortical/subcortical adaptations, particularly cortico‐reticulospinal tract responses, comparing healthy strength‐trained adults to untrained peers. Fifteen chronically strength‐trained individuals (≥2 years of training, mean age: 24 ± 7 years) were compared with 11 age‐matched untrained participants (mean age: 26 ± 8 years). Assessments included maximal voluntary force (MVF), corticospinal excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), spinal excitability (cervicomedullary stimulation), voluntary activation (VA) and reticulospinal tract (RST) excitability, utilizing StartReact responses and ipsilateral motor‐evoked potentials (iMEPs) for the flexor carpi radialis muscle. Trained participants had higher normalized MVF (6.4 ± 1.1 N/kg) than the untrained participants (4.8 ± 1.3 N/kg) (p = .003). Intracortical facilitation was higher in the strength‐trained group (156 ± 49%) (p = .02), along with greater VA (98 ± 3.2%) (p = .002). The strength‐trained group displayed reduced short‐interval‐intracortical inhibition (88 ± 8.0%) compared with the untrained group (69 ± 17.5%) (p < .001). Strength‐trained individuals exhibited a greater normalized rate of force development (38.8 ± 10.1 N·s−1/kg) (p < .009), greater reticulospinal gain (2.5 ± 1.4) (p = .02) and higher ipsilateral‐to‐contralateral MEP ratios compared with the untrained group (p = .03). Strength‐trained individuals displayed greater excitability within the intrinsic connections of the primary motor cortex and the RST. These results suggest greater synaptic input from the descending cortico‐reticulospinal tract to α‐motoneurons in strength‐trained individuals, thereby contributing to the observed increase in VA and MVF.
Experiences of post‐divorce parentification and parental affection: Implications for emerging adults' well‐being
Authors: Wilkins‐Clark Renée E. , Wu Zijun , Markham Melinda Stafford
Published: February 2024

Objective

The present study examined how emerging adults' perceived parentification and parental affection toward themselves and their sibling after parental divorce are associated with mental health so that researchers and practitioners can better understand the influence of sibling dynamics in this process.

Background

Although parentification may be prevalent within the context of parental divorce, little is known about how perceived sibling parentification and parental affection (i.e., individual and sibling) are related to individuals' reports of mental health for those who have experienced parental divorce.

Method

The sample consisted of 106 emerging adults with a living biological sibling and parents who divorced. Hierarchical regressions were used to investigate associations among levels (i.e., individual and sibling) and differences (i.e., individual versus sibling) in self‐perceived post‐divorce parentification and parental affection and outcomes (i.e., current symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress).

Results

Higher reports of self‐perceived parentification were significantly related to higher reports of participants' depressive and stress symptomology. Greater self‐perceived parental affection for siblings had a significant positive relationship with the aforementioned outcomes.

Implications

Important implications on the potentially long‐lasting effects of perceived parental treatment are included for divorce education facilitators and family therapists working with divorcing parents.
Enhancing the functional properties of peanut protein hydrolysates: covalent modification with chlorogenic acid
Authors: Huang Danni , Xia Yimiao , Chen Fusheng
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to enhance the functional properties of peanut protein hydrolysates (PPHs) by coupling limited enzymatic hydrolysis with chlorogenic acid (CGA) modification, thus offering novel insights into the potential food industry applications of peanut proteins. Initially, peanut protein isolate was hydrolysed using trypsin. Subsequently, covalent conjugation with CGA was achieved via free‐radical grafting. The moderately hydrolysed 4% PPHs had the highest polyphenol‐binding capacity. Measurement of the PPHs‐CGA complex revealed that free amino, thiol, and tryptophan contents were reduced. The amino acid content results also showed that cysteine, lysine, arginine, and methionine (with amino or thiol groups) were the primary binding sites. Spherical or rod‐like structures were observed in the scanning electron microscopy images of PPHs‐CGA, and its particle size was larger than that of the PPHs. After combining PPHs and CGA, the fluorescence intensity decreased, Fourier‐transform infrared spectrum showed a shift in the absorption peak, and electrophoresis band weakened, indicating that covalent binding was successful. PPHs with different degrees of hydrolysis have different levels of exposure to amino acids, and their antioxidant properties differ when combined with CGA. After combining, the surface hydrophobicity was reduced, and the secondary structure was unfolded and extended, thereby improving its emulsifying properties. In summary, PPHs‐CGA may be used in the food industry as a bi‐type food factor and proposes a new application for peanut protein in food.
Evaluation of AQUIOS STEM, a novel method for automated CD34+ stem cell enumeration using flow cytometry
Authors: Callebaut Kim , Gijbels Eva , Vanbesien Jonathan , Deeren Dries , Van Droogenbroeck Jan , Emmerechts Jan , Moreau Elisabeth
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative treatment for various diseases. The measurement of CD34+ cells is crucial to schedule the peripheral blood stem cell collection and assess the engraftment potential of the apheresis product. The AQUIOS STEM system has been introduced as a novel application on the AQUIOS CL, a fully automated flow cytometer, for the enumeration of CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) in accordance with the The International Society for Hematotherapy and Graft Engineering guidelines. This study aimed to assess the potential of the novel AQUIOS STEM system versus currently used systems including the FACSCanto‐II and the FACS Lyric flow cytometer in a multicenter study.

Methods

A total of 91 samples were used for the validation of the AQUOIS STEM system, including an analytical performance evaluation by means of assessing precision, sample stability, intersample carryover, and linearity and a method comparison with the present FACS systems in use to assess analytical and clinical decision agreement.

Results

Results showed excellent precision, with coefficient of variations <15% for dedicated quality control material and patient samples. There was no significant carry over. The fresh apheresis samples were stable when stored overnight at room temperature and at 4°C. Analytical comparison with the current systems demonstrated good correlation in peripheral blood, and minimal, clinically neglectable systematic and proportional bias in fresh apheresis products but a low correlation coefficient in cryopreserved products.

Conclusions

The STEM system on AQUIOS CL allows automated enumeration of CD34+ stem cells, demonstrating good analytical performance and promising overall outcomes in peripheral blood and fresh apheresis products.
Developmental change in English‐learning children's interpretations of salient pitch contours in word learning
Authors: Quam Carolyn , Swingley Daniel
Published: February 2024

To efficiently recognize words, children learning an intonational language like English should avoid interpreting pitch‐contour variation as signaling lexical contrast, despite the relevance of pitch at other levels of structure. Thus far, the developmental time‐course with which English‐learning children rule out pitch as a contrastive feature has been incompletely characterized. Prior studies have tested diverse lexical contrasts and have not tested beyond 30 months. To specify the developmental trajectory over a broader age range, we extended a prior study (Quam & Swingley, 2010), in which 30‐month‐olds and adults disregarded pitch changes, but attended to vowel changes, in newly learned words. Using the same phonological contrasts, we tested 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds, 24‐month‐olds, and 18‐month‐olds. The older two groups were tested using the language‐guided‐looking method. The oldest group attended to vowels but not pitch. Surprisingly, 24‐month‐olds ignored not just pitch but sometimes vowels as well—conflicting with prior findings of phonological constraint at 24 months. The youngest group was tested using the Switch habituation method, half with additional phonetic variability in training. Eighteen‐month‐olds learned both pitch‐contrasted and vowel‐contrasted words, whether or not additional variability was present. Thus, native‐language phonological constraint was not evidenced prior to 30 months (Quam & Swingley, 2010). We contextualize our findings within other recent work in this area.
S2k guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of linear IgA dermatosis initiated by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
Authors: Caux Frédéric , Patsatsi Aikaterini , Karakioulaki Meropi , Antiga Emiliano , Baselga Eulalia , Borradori Luca , Caproni Marzia , Cardones Adela R. , Chandran Nisha Suyien , Dräger Sören , Drenovska Kossara , Goebeler Matthias , Günther Claudia , Hofmann Silke C. , Ioannides Dimitrios , Joly Pascal , Marinović Branka , Mariotti Elena Biancamaria , Marzano Angelo Valerio , Morel Kimberly D. , Murrell Dedee F. , Prost Catherine , Sárdy Miklós , Setterfield Jane , Skiljevic Dusan , Uzun Soner , Vassileva Snejina , Zambruno Giovanna , Schmidt Enno
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Linear IgA dermatosis (LAD) is a rare subepidermal autoimmune bullous disease (AIBD) defined by predominant or exclusive immune deposits of immunoglobulin A at the basement membrane zone of skin or mucous membranes. This disorder is a rare, clinically and immunologically heterogeneous disease occurring both in children and in adults. The aim of this project is to present the main clinical features of LAD, to propose a diagnostic algorithm and provide management guidelines based primarily on experts' opinion because of the lack of large methodologically sound clinical studies.

Methods

These guidelines were initiated by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force Autoimmune Bullous Diseases (AIBD). To achieve a broad consensus for these S2k consensus‐based guidelines, a total of 29 experts from different countries, both European and non‐European, including dermatologists, paediatric dermatologists and paediatricians were invited. All members of the guidelines committee agreed to develop consensus‐based (S2k) guidelines. Prior to a first virtual consensus meeting, each of the invited authors elaborated a section of the present guidelines focusing on a selected topic, based on the relevant literature. All drafts were circulated among members of the writing group, and recommendations were discussed and voted during two hybrid consensus meetings.

Results

The guidelines summarizes evidence‐based and expert opinion‐based recommendations (S2 level) on the diagnosis and treatment of LAD.

Conclusion

These guidelines will support dermatologists to improve their knowledge on the diagnosis and management of LAD.
Stratum corneum and microbial biomarkers precede and characterize childhood atopic dermatitis
Authors: Fonfara Melina , Hartmann Jan , Stölzl Dora , Sander Nicole , Harder Inken , Rodriguez Elke , Hübenthal Matthias , Mazur Carsten , Kerzel Sebastian , Kabesch Michael , Schmitt Jochen , Emmert Hila , Suhrkamp Ina , Weidinger Stephan
Published: February 2024

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common paediatric inflammatory skin disease. There are currently no robust biomarkers that could reliably predict its manifestation, and on the molecular level, it is less well characterized than adult AD.

Objectives

This study aimed to extend previous findings and provide evidence for distinct changes of the epidermal proteome and microbiome preceding the onset of AD as well as characterizing early AD.

Methods

We longitudinally analysed epidermal biomarker levels and microbial profiles in a cohort of 50 neonates at high risk for AD, who had participated in a randomized controlled trial on early emollient use for AD prevention.

Results

About 26% of the infants developed AD until month 24 with an average age of 10 month at disease onset. In children with later AD, IL‐1Ra, TNFβ, IL‐8, IL‐18, IL‐22, CCL2, TARC, TSLP and VEGFa showed increased levels prior to disease manifestation with levels of IL‐1Ra, TNFβ and VEGFa already increased shortly after birth. Further, children with later AD displayed a delayed maturation and differentially composed skin microbiome prior to AD onset. At manifestation, levels of multiple Th2, Th17/22 and Th1‐associated biomarkers as well as innate immunity markers were elevated, and abundances of commensal Streptococcus species were reduced in favour of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that elevations of proinflammatory stratum corneum biomarkers and alterations of the skin microbiome precede paediatric AD and characterize the disease at onset.
Harnessing the potential of Citrus natsudaidai: An attractant for Melanotus senilis larvae
Authors: Asano Ryota , Suzuki Wataru
Published: February 2024

Click beetle larvae have been observed to cause crop damage in various regions worldwide; however, accurate prediction of plant damage is hindered by their subterranean life cycle and the associated challenges in sampling. Melanotus senilis, a beetle belonging to the subfamily Elaterinae (tribe Melanotini) within the family Elateridae, is a destructive agricultural pest that harms maize, hops, and ginger. Our study presents novel evidence indicating the attraction of M. senilis larvae to Citrus natsudaidai (Japanese name “Natsumikan” or “Natsudaidai”). Through a field experiment involving different citrus fruits, namely natsumikan, oranges, and grapefruits, we found that C. natsudaidai attracted the highest number of M. senilis larvae. Furthermore, in a separate experiment in which C. natsudaidai and potatoes were placed in the field, C. natsudaidai significantly outperformed potatoes in attracting M. senilis larvae. These findings suggest that C. natsudaidai fruit placed on the soil surface attracts M. senilis larvae. C. natsudaidai fruits used in this study were sourced from those that remained unharvested until August. Therefore, it is possible that the C. natsudaidai fruits used for comparison were more mature than the citrus fruits used in this study. It is possible that the ripening of C. natsudaidai may have led to changes in CO2 and ethylene emissions, potentially attracting a greater number of M. senilis larvae. Further research is required to explore these aspects in detail.
Effect of aqueous ozone treatment on the reduction of chlorpyrifos and physicochemical and microbial qualities of cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.): Process modeling and optimization
Authors: Navya K. P. , Sudheer K. P. , Abdullah S. , Vithu P. , Pathrose Berin , Rajesh G. K.
Published: February 2024

A study was conducted at different combinations of ozone concentration (50%–100%) and time (10–30 min) to study the effect of aqueous ozone treatment on chlorpyrifos degradation in cucumber. A process was developed and compared using ANN‐GA and RSM techniques. The optimum conditions obtained using RSM were ozone concentration of 95% and treatment time of 10 min. While the optimum conditions achieved by ANN‐GA were ozone concentration of 81% and treatment time of 14 min. However, chlorpyrifos degradation is more at the condition optimized by ANN compared to the condition optimized by RSM. At the optimum condition, the cucumber showed superior physicochemical and microbial qualities, including pesticide degradation (91.08%), color change (3.58), firmness (11.75 N), moisture content (97.49%), water activity (0.93), pH (6.18), titratable acidity (0.06%), total soluble solids (2.1 °Brix), total plate count (1.5 × 105 CFU/g), and yeast/mold count (3 × 105 CFU/g), respectively.

Practical applications

Increased awareness of the health benefits associated with the consumption of fruits and vegetables has led to a rise in their consumption. These items are primarily consumed in their raw or fresh state and often feature in salads. However, the presence of pesticide residues on the surface of raw fruits and vegetables can pose significant health risks to consumers. Ozone treatment can be used for effectively removing pesticide residue in the fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables industry. Also, ozone treatment can reduce the microbial count on the surface of fruits and vegetables which enhances the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, it can prevent the natural ripening process of commodities, thereby increasing the consumer's acceptance. Ozone is considered a safe and eco‐friendly alternative to chemical disinfectants and preservatives. It leaves no chemical residue on the produce and breaks down into oxygen, leaving no harmful byproducts, thereby ensuring safe consumption of the commodity.
Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the functional properties of soy protein isolate
Authors: Zengin Kubra , Ozel Baris , Oztop Mecit Halil , Alpas Hami
Published: February 2024

In this study, functional properties of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP)‐treated soy protein isolate (SPI) samples including protein solubility, emulsification activity (EA), and water holding capacity (WHC) were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), viscosity, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry experiments were performed. Three pressure (300, 400, and 500 MPa), two pH (5.0 and 7.0), and two temperature levels (25 and 40°C) were used to prepare SPI samples. Solubility of SPI was more pH‐dependent than HHP‐dependent, whereas WHC was more sensitive to pressure. Samples processed at 300 MPa, pH 5.0, and 40°C demonstrated higher EA (p < .05) than the untreated samples. Pressure application significantly reduced the viscosity of SPI dispersions (p < .05). Samples processed at 300 MPa, pH 5.0, and 40°C and at 400 MPa, pH 5.0, and 40°C attained the longest transverse relaxation time (T2) values reflecting their low solubility profiles. Thus, results indicated that HHP was able to modify the functional properties of SPI at different temperature and pH conditions.

Practical Applications

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is an emerging technology with its diverse range of applications in food industry. Modification of functional properties of food ingredients is one of the latest applications of HHP treatment. This study demonstrated that HHP treatment was able to modify some functional properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) samples including water holding capacity, solubility, and emulsification activity. Pressure level, pH, and temperature affected the functional properties of SPI samples. The parameter type/range and results of this study could be used in model HHP studies to improve some functional properties of SPI for different purposes.
Early hydration of C4AF with silica fume and its role on katoite composition
Authors: Boháč Martin , Zezulová Anežka , Krejčí Kotlánová Michaela , Kubátová Dana , Staněk Theodor , Krejza Zdeněk , Všianský Dalibor , Novotný Radek , Palovčík Jakub , Dvořák Karel
Published: February 2024

C4AF is considered the least reactive main clinker phase, but its reactivity may be affected by adding supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Pure C4AF was synthesised in a laboratory furnace, and the role of silica fume without gypsum on its early hydration properties was monitored. Burning was carried out in four stages to achieve 99% purity of C4AF. Heat flow development was monitored by isothermal calorimetry over 7 days of hydration at 20°C and 40°C. The role of silica fume on hydrogarnet phase katoite (Ca3Al2(SiO4)3 – x(OH)4x x = 1.5–3) formation during early hydration was studied. Rapid dissolution of C4AF, formation of metastable C‐(A,F)‐H and its conversion to C3(A, F)H6 was evidenced by isothermal calorimetry as a large exotherm. Changes in microstructure during early hydration were documented by SE micrographs, EDS point analyses, X‐ray mapping and line scans by SEM‐EDS. The phase composition was characterised by DTA‐TGA and QXRD after 7 days of hydration. The katoite diffraction pattern is similar for the reference sample and sample with silica fume, but substitution in its structure can be revealed by X‐ray microanalyses. The composition of katoite is variable due to the various extent of substitution of 4OH− by SiO44− due to silica fume.
Comparison of the SMLM technique and the MSSR algorithm in confocal microscopy for super‐resolved imaging of cellulose fibres
Authors: Hernández‐Varela Josué David , Gallegos‐Cerda Susana Dianey , Chanona‐Pérez José Jorge , Rojas Candelas Liliana Edith , Martínez‐Mercado Eduardo
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, the use of super‐resolution microscopy (SRM) is increasing globally due to its potential application in several fields of life sciences. However, a detailed and comprehensive guide is necessary for understanding a single‐frame image's resolution limit. This study was performed to provide information about the structural organisation of isolated cellulose fibres from garlic and agave wastes through fluorophore‐based techniques and image analysis algorithms. Confocal microscopy provided overall information on the cellulose fibres’ microstructure, while techniques such as total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy facilitated the study of the plant fibres’ surface structures at a sub‐micrometric scale. Furthermore, SIM and single‐molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM) using the PALM reconstruction wizard can resolve the network of cellulose fibres at the nanometric level. In contrast, the mean shift super‐resolution (MSSR) algorithm successfully determined nanometric structures from confocal microscopy images. Atomic force microscopy was used as a microscopy technique for measuring the size of the fibres. Similar fibre sizes to those evaluated with SIM and SMLM were found using the MSSR algorithm and AFM. However, the MSSR algorithm must be cautiously applied because the selection of thresholding parameters still depends on human visual perception. Therefore, this contribution provides a comparative study of SRM techniques and MSSR algorithm using cellulose fibres as reference material to evaluate the performance of a mathematical algorithm for image processing of bioimages at a nanometric scale. In addition, this work could act as a simple guide for improving the lateral resolution of single‐frame fluorescence bioimages when SRM facilities are unavailable.
Muscle‐building supplement β‐hydroxy β‐methylbutyrate stimulates the maturation of oligodendroglial progenitor cells to oligodendrocytes
Authors: Jana Malabendu , Prieto Shelby , Gorai Sukhamoy , Dasarathy Sridevi , Kundu Madhuchhanda , Pahan Kalipada
Published: February 2024

Oligodendrocytes are the myelinating cells in the CNS and multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disorder that is characterized by progressive loss of myelin. Although oligodendroglial progenitor cells (OPCs) should be differentiated into oligodendrocytes, for multiple reasons, OPCs fail to differentiate into oligodendrocytes in MS. Therefore, increasing the maturation of OPCs to oligodendrocytes may be of therapeutic benefit for MS. The β‐hydroxy β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) is a muscle‐building supplement in humans and this study underlines the importance of HMB in stimulating the maturation of OPCs to oligodendrocytes. HMB treatment upregulated the expression of different maturation markers including PLP, MBP, and MOG in cultured OPCs. Double‐label immunofluorescence followed by immunoblot analyses confirmed the upregulation of OPC maturation by HMB. While investigating mechanisms, we found that HMB increased the maturation of OPCs isolated from peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor β−/− (PPARβ−/−) mice, but not PPARα−/− mice. Similarly, GW6471 (an antagonist of PPARα), but not GSK0660 (an antagonist of PPARβ), inhibited HMB‐induced maturation of OPCs. GW9662, a specific inhibitor of PPARγ, also could not inhibit HMB‐mediated stimulation of OPC maturation. Furthermore, PPARα agonist GW7647, but neither PPARβ agonist GW0742 nor PPARγ agonist GW1929, alone increased the maturation of OPCs. Finally, HMB treatment of OPCs led to the recruitment of PPARα, but neither PPARβ nor PPARγ, to the PLP gene promoter. These results suggest that HMB stimulates the maturation of OPCs via PPARα and that HMB may have therapeutic prospects in remyelination.

image
What to make of a Sultan's tear: Phaticity, praise poetry, and social infrastructures in the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Garvey Bradford
Published: February 2024

The distributive political economy of contemporary Arab Oman yields a status‐differentiated social infrastructure composed of elites who distribute and non‐elites who, in many ways, rely on those distributions. The construction of communicative links within social infrastructures via the performance of sung poetry depends on the phaticity of the link being activated. For Omani poets, different linguistic performance genres telescope the vast social distance between elites who listen and non‐elites who sing in different ways and with different results. Omani poets from the rural north of the country conduct cross‐class social contact—conceptually “vertical” social infrastructural movement—by way of two contrasting genres of Arabic praise poetry: a one‐off request or statement, the solo qasida, and a recognitive, addressive choral form that reciprocally establishes and evaluates such vertical relationships, the 'āzī. I argue that the metapragmatic distinctions that Omani poets draw between these two genres reveal a subtle phatic ideology that allows certain modes of communicative contact to index deeper, cross‐class social ties within grand public performances, while simultaneously reinforcing tacit norms of elite avoidance of non‐elites in everyday social intercourse.
Setting our boundaries: The role of gender, values, and role salience in work–home boundary permeability
Authors: Amirkamali Faezeh , Casper Wendy J. , Hyde Shelia A. , Wayne Julie Holliday , Vaziri Hoda
Published: February 2024

Although women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, gender role stereotypes persist, and gender roles may relate to how men and women manage work–home boundaries. In this study, we explore gender differences in how employee values (tradition, achievement) translate into role identity salience, and in turn, boundary management preferences and behaviour. With data collected in two waves from 200 employees, we examined how the personal values of tradition and achievement relate differently by gender to role identity salience and in turn, boundary management. We found that men who more strongly value tradition have higher levels of work identity salience and both prefer and create an impermeable boundary around work to prevent intrusion from home. Men who valued tradition more also preferred and crafted a permeable home boundary to allow work intrusion. In contrast, women with higher tradition values reported higher home identity salience, which was associated with preferring segmentation in both work‐to‐home and home‐to‐work directions, and to behaviorally protecting home from work. Contrary to expectations, achievement values did not relate to a boundary management process via role identity salience for either gender. We discuss implications for a more nuanced, values‐driven, and gendered perspective on boundary management.
Genetic formation of Sui populations in southwest China
Authors: Xie Ming‐Xia , Hu Xing‐Yue , Wang Qi‐Yang , Ren Zheng , Liu Yu‐Bo , Yang Mei‐Qing , Jin Xiao‐Ye , Yang Xiao‐Min , Wang Rui , Wang Chuan‐Chao , Huang Jiang
Published: February 2024

The Sui people living in Guizhou province have a unique ethnic culture and population history due to their long‐time isolation from other populations. To investigate the genetic structure of Sui populations in different regions of Guizhou, we genotyped 89 individuals from four Sui populations using genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms arrays. We analyzed the data using principal component analysis, ADMIXTURE analysis, f‐statistics, qpWave/qpAdm, TreeMix analysis, fineSTRUCTURE, and GLOBETROTTER. We found that Sui populations in Guizhou were genetically homogeneous and had a close genetic affinity with Tai‐Kadai‐speaking populations, Hmong‐Mien‐speaking Hmong, and some ancient populations from southern China. The Sui populations could be modeled as an admixture of 33.5%–37.9% of Yellow River Basin farmer‐related ancestry and 62.1%–66.5% of Southeast Asian‐related ancestry, indicating that the southward expansion of northern East Asian‐related ancestry influenced the formation of the Tai‐Kadai‐speaking Sui people. Future publications of more ancient genomics in southern China could effectively provide further insight into the demographic history and population structure of the Sui people.