bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient biosynthesis of resveratrol via combining phenylalanine and tyrosine pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Meng Lijun , Diao Mengxue , Wang Qingyan , Peng Longyun , Li Jianxiu , Xie Nengzhong
Published: March 2023

Background

Resveratrol is a commercially available stilbenoid widely used as dietary supplements, functional food ingredients, and cosmetic ingredients due to its diverse physiological activities. The production of resveratrol in microorganisms provides an ideal source that reduces the cost of resveratrol, but the titer in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was still much lower than that in other hosts.

Results

To achieve enhanced production of resveratrol in S. cerevisiae, we constructed a biosynthetic pathway via combining phenylalanine and tyrosine pathways by introducing a bi-functional phenylalanine/tyrosine ammonia lyase from Rhodotorula toruloides. The combination of phenylalanine pathway with tyrosine pathway led to a 462% improvement of resveratrol production in yeast extract peptone dextrose (YPD) medium with 4% glucose, suggesting an alternative strategy for producing p-coumaric acid-derived compounds. Then the strains were further modified by integrating multi-copy biosynthetic pathway genes, improving metabolic flux to aromatic amino acids and malonyl-CoA, and deleting by-pathway genes, which resulted in 1155.0 mg/L resveratrol in shake flasks when cultured in YPD medium. Finally, a non-auxotrophic strain was tailored for resveratrol production in minimal medium without exogenous amino acid addition, and the highest resveratrol titer (4.1 g/L) ever reported was achieved in S. cerevisiae to our knowledge.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the advantage of employing a bi-functional phenylalanine/tyrosine ammonia lyase in the biosynthetic pathway of resveratrol, suggesting an effective alternative in the production of p-coumaric acid-derived compounds. Moreover, the enhanced production of resveratrol in S. cerevisiae lays a foundation for constructing cell factories for various stilbenoids.

Graphical Abstract
Measurement properties of the EQ-5D-5L in sub-health: evidence based on primary health care workers in China
Authors: Liu Yueyue , Wan Chuchuan , Xi Xiaoyu
Published: March 2023

Background

Sub-health which is the state between health and disease is a major global public health challenge. As a reversible stage, sub-health can work as a effective tool for the early detection or prevention of chronic disease. The EQ-5D-5L (5L) is a widely used, generic preference-based instrument while its validity in measuring sub-health is not clear. The aim of the study was thus to assess its measurement properties in individuals with sub-health in China.

Methods

The data used were from a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted among primary health care workers who were selected on the basis of convenience and voluntariness. The questionnaire was composited of 5L, Sub-Health Measurement Scale V1.0 (SHMS V1.0), social-demographic characteristics and a question assessing the presence of disease. Missing values and ceiling effects of 5L were calculated. The convergent validity of 5L utility and VAS scores was tested by assessing their correlations with SHMS V1.0 using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. The known-groups validity of 5L utility and VAS scores was assessed by comparing their values between subgroups defined by SHMS V1.0 scores using the Kruskal–Wallis test. We also did an analysis in subgroups according to different regions of China.

Results

A total of 2063 respondents were included in the analysis. No missing data were observed for the 5L dimensions and only one missing value was for the VAS score. 5L showed strong overall ceiling effects (71.1%). The ceiling effects were slightly weaker on the “pain/discomfort” (82.3%) and “anxiety/depression” (79.5%) dimensions compared with the other three dimensions (nearly 100%). The 5L weakly correlated with SHMS V1.0: the correlation coefficients were mainly between 0.2 and 0.3 for the two scores. 5L was yet not sensitive in distinguishing subgroups of respondents with different levels of sub-health, especially the subgroups with adjacent health status (p > 0.05). The results of subgroup analysis were generally consistent with those of the full sample.

Conclusions

It appears that the measurement properties of EQ-5D-5L in individuals with sub-health are not satisfactory in China. We thus should be cautious to use it in the population.
Previously reported and here added cases demonstrate euploid pregnancies followed by PGT-A as “mosaic” as well as “aneuploid” designated embryos
Authors: Gleicher Norbert , Patrizio Pasquale , Mochizuki Lyka , Barad David H.
Published: March 2023

Background

After the longest time opposing all transfers of embryos by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) diagnosed as “chromosomal-abnormal,” the field has over recent years slowly been moving toward selective transfers of by PGT-A as “mosaic” diagnosed embryos, but is still rejecting transfers of embryos by PGT-A defined as “aneuploid.”

Methods

Upon review of the literature, we report published cases of euploid pregnancies following transfers of PGT-A as “aneuploid” diagnosed embryos and add several additional, ongoing cases at our center.

Results

Among the published cases from our center, we identified seven euploid pregnancies from “aneuploid” embryos, four of which preceded the PGT-A industry’s 2016 switch from binary “euploid” – “aneuploid” reporting to “euploid,” “mosaic,” and “aneuploid” reporting. That those four cases post 2016 PGT-A definition involving “mosaic” embryos, therefore, cannot be ruled out. Since then, we recently established three additional ongoing pregnancies from transfers of “aneuploid” embryos which still await confirmation of euploidy after delivery. A recent fourth pregnancy from the transfer of a trisomy 9 embryo miscarried before a fetal heart. Outside our own center’s experience, the literature revealed only one additional such transfer, involving PGT-A as a “chaotic-aneuploid” diagnosed embryo with six abnormalities, leading to normal euploid delivery. In reviewing the literature, we furthermore demonstrate why current PGT-A reporting that differentiates between “mosaic” and “aneuploid” embryos based on relative percentages of euploid and aneuploid DNA in a single trophectoderm biopsy of on average 5-6 cells, is biologically non-sensical.

Conclusion

Basic biological evidence and a clinically still very limited experience with transfers of PGT-A as “aneuploid” labeled embryos demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that at least some “aneuploid” embryos can lead to healthy euploid births. Therefore, this observation establishes beyond reasonable doubt that the rejection of all “aneuploid” embryos from transfer reduces pregnancy and live birth chances for IVF patients. Whether (and to what possible degree) pregnancy and live birth chances differ between “mosaic” and “aneuploid” embryos, remains to be determined. The answer will likely depend on the aneuploidy(ies) of an embryo and to what degree percentages of “mosaicism” in a single, on average 5/6-cell trophectoderm biopsy can reflect the ploidy-status of a complete embryo.
Effect of COVID-19 on antenatal care: experiences of medical professionals in the Netherlands
Authors: Gamberini Carlotta , Angeli Federica , Knight Lucia , Zaami Mariama , Al-Nasiry Salwan , Ambrosino Elena
Published: March 2023

Background

COVID-19 has greatly affected the delivery of all health care services globally. Antenatal care is one area of care that has been impacted, despite the fact that attending antenatal check-ups is essential for pregnant women and cannot be postponed. Little is known about how exactly ANC provision has changed in the Netherlands, or how the changes have impacted midwives and gynaecologists providing those services.

Methods

This study used a qualitative research design to investigate changes in individual and national practice following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved a document analysis of protocols and guidelines for ANC provision to evaluate how those changed following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and semi-structured interviews with ANC care providers (i.e., gynaecologists and midwives).

Results

Guidance was issued by multiple organizations, during the pandemic, on how to approach the risk of infection in pregnant women, recommending several changes to ANC to protect both pregnant women and ANC providers. Both midwives and gynaecologists reported changes in their practice. With less face-to-face consultations happening, digital technologies became critical in the care of pregnant women. Shorter and fewer visits were reported, with midwifery practices adjusting their guidelines further than hospitals. Challenges, with high workloads and lack of personal protective equipment were discussed.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immense impact on the health care system. This impact has had both negative and positive effects on the provision of ANC in the Netherlands. It is important to learn from the current COVID-19 pandemic and adapt ANC, as well as health care systems as a whole, to be better prepared for future health crises and ensure continuous provision of good quality care.
Duhuo Jisheng Decoction suppresses apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in human nucleus pulposus cells by miR-494/SIRT3/mitophagy signal axis
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhao Xiaolong , Wu Xuejian
Published: March 2023

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that mitophagy is responsible for the pathogenesis of intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration. Previous studies have shown that Duhuo Jisheng Decoction (DHJSD), a classic Fangji of traditional Chinese medicine, can delay IVD degeneration; however, its specific mechanism of action is unknown. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which DHJSD treatment prevented IVD degeneration in IL-1β-treated human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in vitro.

Methods

Cell Counting Kit-8 was performed to explore the effects of DHJSD on the viability of NP cells exposed to IL-1β. The mechanism by which DHJSD delays IVD degeneration was explored using luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR, western blotting, TUNEL assay, mitophagy detection assay, Mito-SOX, Mitotracker and in situ hybridization.

Results

We observed that DHJSD enhanced the viability of NP cells treated with IL-1β in a concentration-time dependent approach. Moreover, DHJSD lessened IL-1β-induced NP apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction and activated mitophagy in NP cells treated with IL-1β. Mitophagy suppressor cyclosporin A reversed the beneficial impacts of DHJSD in NP cells. In addition, the differential expression of miR-494 regulated IL-1β-induced NP apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, and the protective impact of miR-494 on NP cells treated with IL-1β was achieved by mitophagy activation, which was regulated by its target gene, sirtuin 3 (SIRT3). Finally, we observed that DHJSD treatment could effectively delay IL-1β-induced NP apoptosis by affecting the miR-494/SIRT3/mitophagy signal axis.

Conclusions

These results show that the miR-494/SIRT3/mitophagy signaling pathway is responsible for the apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction of NP cells and that DHJSD may exert protective effects against IVD degeneration by regulating the miR-494/SIRT3/mitophagy signal axis.
Brazilian registry of patients with porphyria: REBRAPPO study
Authors: Souza Paulo Victor Sgobbi , Afonso Gliciane , de Rezende Pinto Wladimir Bocca Vieira , de Lima Serrano Paulo , de Mattos Lombardi Badia Bruno , Farias Igor Braga , dos Santos Jorge Ana Carolina , Machado Roberta Ismael Lacerda , Pinto Icaro França Navarro , Barros Glenda Barbosa , de Oliveira Helvia Bertoldo , Calil Samia Rogatis , Franz Cibele , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle
Published: March 2023

Background

Porphyrias are a rare group of disease due to inherited defects of heme synthesis with important systemic manifestations and great burden of disease for patients and families due to the exceptional course of disease with disabling chronic symptoms interposed by life-threatening acute attacks. Unfortunately, the porphyrias are usually underrecognized reflecting a lack of medical and disease awareness as well as few studies about natural history in large cohorts of patients. The main aim of this article is present consistent data about natural history and burden of disease in a large Brazilian cohort.

Methods

We conducted a national cross-sectional registry with retrospective clinical data of Brazilian patients with porphyria collected with Brazilian patients Association with Porphyria in collaboration with a tertiary care center for rare diseases.

Results

A cohort of 172 patients was analyzed in which 148 (86%) patients had the diagnosis of acute hepatic porphyria [AHP] that needed a mean of 62.04 medical visits and 9.6 years to achieve a definitive diagnosis. About AHP cohort, the most common first clinical manifestation were abdominal pain in 77 (52%) patients and acute muscle weakness in 23 (15.5%) with 73 (49.3%) patients presenting only one attack during disease course and 37 (25%) exhibiting 4 or more attacks in the last year. Of note, 105 patients with AHP reported chronic manifestations and the scores for quality of life are lower when compared with general healthy population.

Conclusions

Brazilian patients with AHP had a higher prevalence of chronic disabling manifestations and a poor quality of life like other cohorts and a higher proportion of patients with recurrent attacks than previously reported.
Clinical, biochemical, and genetic analysis of 28 Chinese patients with holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency
Authors: Ling Shiying , Qiu Wenjuan , Zhang Huiwen , Liang Lili , Lu Deyun , Chen Ting , Zhan Xia , Wang Yu , Gu Xuefan , Han Lianshu
Published: March 2023

Background

This study aimed to describe the clinical, biochemical, and molecular characteristics of Chinese patients with holocarboxylase synthetase (HLCS) deficiency, and to investigate the mutation spectrum of HCLS deficiency as well as their potential correlation with phenotype.

Methods

A total of 28 patients with HLCS deficiency were enrolled between 2006 and 2021. Clinical and laboratory data were reviewed retrospectively from medical records.

Results

Among the 28 patients, six patients underwent newborn screening, of which only one was missed. Therefore, 23 patients were diagnosed because of disease onset. Among all the patients, 24 showed varying degrees of symptoms such as rash, vomiting, seizures, and drowsiness, while only four cases remained asymptomatic nowadays. The concentration of 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine (C5-OH) in blood and pyruvate, 3-hydroxypropionate, methylcitric acid, 3-hydroxyvaleric acid, 3-methylcrotonylglycine in urine were increased greatly among affected individuals. After prompt supplement of biotin, both the clinical and biochemical symptoms were dramatically resolved and nearly all patients developed normal intelligence and physique on follow-up. DNA sequencing revealed 12 known and 6 novel variants in the HLCS gene of patients. Among them, the variant of c.1522C > T was the most common.

Conclusions

Our findings expanded the spectrum of phenotypes and genotypes for HLCS deficiency in Chinese populations and suggested that with timely biotin therapy, patients with HLCS deficiency showed low mortality and optimistic prognosis. Newborn screening is crucial for early diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes.
Thrombocytopenia and PT-INR in patients with anorexia nervosa and severe liver dysfunction
Authors: Kurisu Ken , Sato Kaoruko , Matsuoka Mikiko , Otani Makoto , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro
Published: March 2023

Background

We previously reported a case that led us to hypothesize that decreased production of thrombopoietin (TPO) leads to thrombocytopenia in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) with severe liver dysfunction and that prolonged prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) predicts thrombocytopenia in such cases. To validate this hypothesis, we report another case in which TPO levels were measured. In addition, we examined the association between prolonged PT-INR and thrombocytopenia in such patients.

Main body

Similar to the previously reported patient, a patient with AN with severe liver dysfunction showed that TPO levels increased after improvements in liver enzyme levels and PT-INR, followed by recovery of platelet count. In addition, a retrospective study was also conducted to review patients with AN whose liver enzyme levels were > 3 × the upper limit of normal (aspartate aminotransferase > 120 U/L or alanine aminotransferase > 135 U/L). The study included 58 patients and showed a correlation coefficient of -0.486 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.661 to -0.260; P < 0.001) between maximum PT-INR and minimum platelet count. These patients showed higher PT-INR (β, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.13; P = 0.005) and lower platelet count (β, -5.49; 95% CI, -7.47 to -3.52; P < 0.001) than the 58 matched control patients without severe liver dysfunction, even after adjusting for body mass index.

Conclusions

In patients with AN with severe liver dysfunction, prolongation of PT-INR could predict thrombocytopenia, which may be mediated by decreased TPO production due to decreased hepatic synthetic function.
Are population level familial risks and germline genetics meeting each other?
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Li Xinjun , Försti Asta , Eng Charis
Published: March 2023

Large amounts of germline sequencing data have recently become available and we sought to compare these results with population-based family history data. Family studies are able to describe aggregation of any defined cancers in families. The Swedish Family-Cancer Database is the largest of its kind in the world, covering the Swedish families through nearly a century with all cancers in family members since the start of national cancer registration in 1958. The database allows estimation of familial risks, ages of cancer onset and the proportion of familial cancer in different family constellations. Here, we review the proportion of familial cancer for all common cancers and specify them based on the number of affected individuals. With the exception of a few cancers, age of onset of familial cancer is not different from all cancers combined. The highest proportions of familial cancer were found for prostate (26.4%), breast (17.5%) and colorectal (15.7%) cancers, but the proportions of high-risk families with multiple affected individuals were only 2.8%, 1% and 0.9%, respectively. A large sequencing study on female breast cancer found that BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations could account for 2% of the cases (subtracting the proportions in healthy individuals) and that all germline mutations accounted for 5.6% of the cases. Early age of onset was a distinct feature of only BRCA mutations. In heritable colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome genes dominate. Large studies on penetrance in Lynch syndrome have shown an approximately linear increase in risk from 40–50 years up to age 80 years. Interesting novel data revealed a strong modification of familial risk by unknown factors. High-risk germline genetics of prostate cancer is characterized by BRCA and other DNA repair genes. HOXB13 encodes a transcription factor which contributes to germline risk of prostate cancer. A strong interaction was shown with a polymorphism in the CIP2A gene. The emerging germline landscape of common cancers can be reasonably accommodated by family data on these cancers as to high-risk proportions and age of onset.
Implementation of offering choice of pulmonary rehabilitation location to people with COPD: a protocol for the process evaluation of a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cox Narelle S , Holland Anne E , Jones Arwel W , McDonald Christine F , O’Halloran Paul , Mahal Ajay , Hepworth Graham , Lannin Natasha A
Published: March 2023

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a core component of management people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); yet, people with COPD face significant barriers to attending centre-based PR programs. The emergence of new models of PR, remotely delivered directly into people’s homes, has the potential to improve rehabilitation access and completion by providing patients with a choice of rehabilitation location (centre or home). However, offering patients a choice of rehabilitation model is not usual practice. We are undertaking a 14-site cluster randomised controlled trial to determine whether offering choice of PR location improves rehabilitation completion rates resulting in reduced all-cause unplanned hospitalisation over 12 months. The aim of this paper is to describe the protocol for the process evaluation of the HomeBase2 trial.

Methods

A mixed methods process evaluation, to be undertaken in real time, has been developed in accordance with UK Medical Research Council (MRC) recommendations on process evaluation of complex interventions. This protocol describes the intended use of two theoretical frameworks (RE-AIM framework (Reach; Effectiveness; Adoption; Implementation; Maintenance) and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)) to synthesise findings and interpret data from a combination of qualitative (semi-structured interviews) and quantitative (questionnaires, clinical outcome data, intervention fidelity) methodologies. Data will be collected at an intervention, patient and clinician level. Qualitative and quantitative data will be used to derive context-specific potential and actual barriers and facilitators to offering patients choice of rehabilitation location. Acceptability and sustainability of the intervention will be evaluated for future scale-up.

Discussion

The process evaluation described here will appraise the clinical implementation of offering a choice of rehabilitation program location for people with COPD. It will identify and evaluate key factors for future scale-up and sustainability and scale-up of offering choice of pulmonary rehabilitation program model for people.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04217330 Registration date: January 3 2020.
Internet-based stress recovery intervention for adolescents: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zelviene Paulina , Kairyte Agniete , Dumarkaite Austeja , Nomeikaite Augustė , Kazlauskas Evaldas
Published: March 2023

Background

Research reveals a high prevalence of stressors in adolescence. Mental health in adolescence is highly related to life-stressors exposure and difficulties in adjusting to stressors. Therefore, interventions for recovery from stress are in high demand. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Internet-based stress recovery intervention for adolescents.

Methods

A two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the efficacy of the FOREST-A—an Internet-based stress recovery intervention for adolescents—will be conducted. The FOREST-A is an adapted version of stress recovery intervention initially developed for healthcare workers. FOREST-A is a third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based Internet-delivered 4-week psychosocial intervention, which comprises six modules: Introduction, Relaxation, Psychological detachment, Mastery, Control, and Summary. The intervention will be evaluated using the two-arm RCT with intervention and care as usual (CAU) condition at pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up. The measured outcomes will be stress recovery, adjustment disorder, generalized anxiety and depression symptoms, psychological well-being, and perceived positive social support.

Discussion

The study will contribute to the development of Internet interventions—easily and broadly accessible tools—for the enhancement of adolescents’ stress recovery skills. Based on the study’s findings, further development of the FOREST-A, including upscaling and implementation, is foreseen.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05688254. Registered on January 6, 2023.
Caffeine ameliorates the metabolic syndrome in diet-induced obese mice through regulating the gut microbiota and serum metabolism
Authors: Chen Li , Wang Xian-jun , Chen Jie-xin , Yang Jing-cheng , Ling Lin  , Cai Xian-Bin , Chen Yong-song
Published: March 2023

Objective

Obesity is associated with gut microbiota disorders, which has been related to developing metabolic syndromes. The research aims to investigate the effects of caffeine treatment on insulin resistance, intestinal microbiota composition and serum metabolomic changes in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice.

Methods

Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were fed a normal chow diet (NCD) or HFD with or without different concentrations of caffeine. After 12 weeks of treatment, body weight, insulin resistance, serum lipid profiles, gut microbiota and serum metabolomic profiles were assessed.

Results

Caffeine intervention improved the metabolic syndrome in HFD-fed mice, such as serum lipid disorders and insulin resistance. 16S rRNA Sequencing analysis revealed that caffeine increased the relative abundance of Dubosiella, Bifidobacterium and Desulfovibrio and decreased that of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus and Lactococcus to reverse HFD-fed obesity in mice. Additionally, Caffeine Supplementation also altered serum metabolomics, mainly focusing on lipid metabolism, bile acid metabolism and energy metabolism. Caffeine increased its metabolite 1,7-Dimethylxanthine, which was positively correlated with Dubosiella.

Conclusions

Caffeine exerts a beneficial effect on insulin resistance in HFD-mice, and the underlying mechanism may be partly related to altered gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism.
Liquid biopsy by analysis of circulating myeloma cells and cell-free nucleic acids: a novel noninvasive approach of disease evaluation in multiple myeloma
Authors: Li Shuchan , Zhang Enfan , Cai Zhen
Published: March 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological cancer with high spatial- and temporal-heterogeneity. Invasive single-point bone marrow sampling cannot capture the tumor heterogeneity and is difficult to repeat for serial assessments. Liquid biopsy is a technique for identifying and analyzing circulating MM cells and cell products produced by tumors and released into the circulation, allowing for the minimally invasive and comprehensive detection of disease burden and molecular alterations in MM and monitoring treatment response and disease progression. Furthermore, liquid biopsy can provide complementary information to conventional detection approaches and improve their prognostic values. This article reviewed the technologies and applications of liquid biopsy in MM.
Free sugar intake from snacks and beverages in Canadian preschool- and toddler-aged children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yu Jessica , Mahajan Anisha , Darlington Gerarda , Buchholz Andrea C. , Duncan Alison M. , Haines Jess , Ma David W. L. ,   Guelph Family Health Study
Published: March 2023

Background

Excess consumption of free sugar (FS) increases the risk of dental caries and unhealthy weight gain. However, the contribution of snacks and beverages to young children’s FS intake is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine FS intake from snacks and beverages among preschool-aged Canadian children.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examined baseline data from 267 children 1.5 to 5 y enrolled in the Guelph Family Health Study. Dietary assessment was completed over a 24-h period using ASA24-Canada-2016 to, 1) estimate the proportion of children whose FS intake from snacks and beverages consumed exceeded 5% total energy intake (TE) and 10% TE, and 2) identify the top snack and beverage sources of FS.

Results

FS contributed 10.6 ± 6.9% TE (mean ± SD). 30 and 8% of children consumed ≥ 5% TE and ≥ 10% TE from snack FS, respectively. Furthermore, 17 and 7% of children consumed ≥ 5% TE and ≥ 10% TE from beverages FS, respectively. Snacks and beverages accounted for 49 ± 30.9% of FS energy. Top snack sources of FS (% children, children’s %TE from FS) were bakery products (55%, 2.4%), candy and sweet condiments (21%, 3.0%), and sugar-containing beverages (20%, 4.1%). Top sugar-containing beverage sources of FS (48%, 5.3%) were 100% fruit juice (22%, 4.6%) and flavored milk (11%, 3.1%).

Conclusions

Snacks and beverages contributed nearly half of FS intake among a sample of young children in Canada. Thus, long-term monitoring of snacking behavior and consumption of FS is warranted. These findings may help inform nutritional strategies and public policies to improve diet quality and FS intake in preschool-aged children.

Trial registration

The Clinical Trial Registry number is NCT02939261 from clinicaltrials.gov. Date of Registration: October 20, 2016.
Cancer Treatment-Related Ovarian Dysfunction in Women of Childbearing Potential: Management and Fertility Preservation Options
Authors: Reynolds Anna C. , McKenzie Laurie J.
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

To review the complex concerns of oncofertility created through increased cancer survivorship and the long-term effects of cancer treatment in young adults.

DESIGN

Review chemotherapy-induced ovarian dysfunction, outline how fertility may be addressed before treatment initiation, and discuss barriers to oncofertility treatment and guidelines for oncologists to provide this care to their patients.

CONCLUSION

In women of childbearing potential, ovarian dysfunction resulting from cancer therapy has profound short- and long-term implications. Ovarian dysfunction can manifest as menstrual abnormalities, hot flashes, night sweats, impaired fertility, and in the long term, increased cardiovascular risk, bone mineral density loss, and cognitive deficits. The risk of ovarian dysfunction varies between drug classes, number of received lines of therapy, chemotherapy dosage, patient age, and baseline fertility status. Currently, there is no standard clinical practice to evaluate patients for their risk of developing ovarian dysfunction with systemic therapy or means to address hormonal fluctuations during treatment. This review provides a clinical guide to obtain a baseline fertility assessment and facilitate fertility preservation discussions.
Coverage and Cost-of-Care Links: Addressing Financial Toxicity Among Patients With Hematologic Cancer and Their Caregivers
Authors: Edward Jean S. , McLouth Laurie E. , Rayens Mary Kay , Eisele Lori P. , Davis Tani S. , Hildebrandt Gerhard
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an oncology financial navigation (OFN) intervention, Coverage and Cost-of-Care Links ( CC Links), among patients with hematologic cancer and their caregivers who are at increased risk of experiencing financial toxicity (FT).

METHODS

All patients who presented to the Division of Hematology and Bone and Marrow Transplant (BMT) at an National Cancer Institute–designated cancer center between April 2021 and January 2022 were screened for FT during inpatient and outpatient visits. Patients who screened positive for FT and met the inclusion criteria were recruited to participate in CC Links that provided financial navigation and assistance via a financial navigator. Caregivers of patients undergoing BMTs were also recruited to participate. Primary outcomes were defined as improvements in FT, distress, and physical and mental quality of life.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients and 32 caregivers completed the intervention and pre-/postintervention surveys. CC Links resulted in statistically significant decreases in the Comprehensive Score for FT for both patients (| t| = 2.42, P = .019) and caregivers (| t| = 2.43, P = .021) and total FT (| t| = 2.13, P = .041) and material conditions scores (| t| = 2.25, P = .031) for caregivers only. Only 27% of eligible patients participated in the study, whereas 100% of eligible caregivers participated. The majority of participants rated the intervention highly for acceptability (89%) and appropriateness (88%). An average of $2,500 (USD) in financial benefits was secured per participant via CC Links.

CONCLUSION

CC Links was effective in decreasing FT among patients with hematologic cancer and their caregivers while demonstrating high acceptability and appropriateness ratings.
Geometric phase acquired by the two-level atom with different trajectories in cosmic string scalar field
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhang Yao , Fu Xiangyun , Jing Jiliang
Published: March 2023

We consider the geometric phase induced by the two-level atom with inertial and uniformly accelerated motion, which is coupled to massless scalar field in cosmic string spacetime. Our result shows that when the atom is very close to the string, the geometric phase of cosmic string spacetime is ν times that of Minkowski spacetime. By comparing phase difference induced by the inertial and accelerated motion, we find the sensitive dependence of the phase difference on deficit angle parameter, transition frequencies of the atom, atomic acceleration and the initial state parameter. We also obtain phase difference increases with deficit angle parameter and the atomic acceleration. Although reaching the measurable magnitude of geometric phase requires extremely high acceleration, the detection experiment may be implemented in the future. Our work may suggest a possible way to detect cosmic string scalar field by using geometric phase.
Coxsackievirus and Type 1 Diabetes: Diabetogenic Mechanisms and Implications for Prevention
Authors: Carré Alexia , Vecchio Federica , Flodström-Tullberg Malin , You Sylvaine , Mallone Roberto
Published: March 2023

The evidence for an association between coxsackievirus B (CVB) infection, pancreatic islet autoimmunity, and clinical type 1 diabetes is increasing. Results from prospective cohorts and pancreas histopathology studies have provided a compelling case. However, the demonstration of a causal relationship is missing, and is likely to remain elusive until tested in humans by avoiding exposure to this candidate viral trigger. To this end, CVB vaccines have been developed and are entering clinical trials. However, the progress made in understanding the biology of the virus and in providing tools to address the long-standing question of causality contrasts with the scarcity of information about the antiviral immune responses triggered by infection. Beta-cell death may be primarily induced by CVB itself, possibly in the context of poor immune protection, or secondarily provoked by T-cell responses against CVB-infected beta cells. The possible involvement of epitope mimicry mechanisms skewing the physiological antiviral response toward autoimmunity has also been suggested. We here review the available evidence for each of these 3 non-mutually exclusive scenarios. Understanding which ones are at play is critical to maximize the odds of success of CVB vaccination, and to develop suitable tools to monitor the efficacy of immunization and its intermingling with autoimmune onset or prevention.
In the Church of Saint Jane: Literature, Lived Religion, and the Descriptive Turn
Authors: Hernandez Alex Eric
Published: March 2023

This essay explores tensions between the practice of critique and recent calls for nonreductive engagement with global spiritualities, arguing for an approach to these experiences that is informed by the study of “lived religion.” Beginning with a discussion of contemporary devotional readings centered on Jane Austen’s oeuvre, it asks how literary criticism might productively read the long-standing entanglement of Austen studies with practices typically dismissed as problematically cultic, religious, or spiritually syncretic. In response to this, the essay places lived religion’s methodological approaches and many of its core insights in dialogue with contemporary discussions of description and postcritique in the literary humanities, drawing out shared implications, potential strengths, and limitations in the reading of religion. The essay thereby argues for increased attention not only to how text is used in idiosyncratic spiritual practices but to our own assumptions about what religion is and does for practitioners and critics alike.
The Good, the Bad, and the Unhirable: Recommending Job Applicants in Online Labor Markets
Authors: Kokkodis Marios , Ipeirotis Panagiotis G.
Published: March 2023

Choosing job applicants to hire in online labor markets is hard. To identify the best applicant at hand, employers need to assess a heterogeneous population. Recommender systems can provide targeted job-applicant recommendations that help employers make better-informed and faster hiring choices. However, existing recommenders that rely on multiple user evaluations per recommended item (e.g., collaborative filtering) experience structural limitations in recommending job applicants: Because each job application receives only a single evaluation, these recommenders can only estimate noisy user-user and item-item similarities. On the other hand, existing recommenders that rely on classification techniques overcome this limitation. Yet, these systems ignore the hired worker’s performance—and, as a result, they uniformly reinforce prior observed behavior that includes unsuccessful hiring choices—while they overlook potential sequential dependencies between consecutive choices of the same employer. This work addresses these shortcomings by building a framework that uses job-application characteristics to provide recommendations that (1) are unlikely to yield adverse outcomes (performance-aware) and (2) capture the potentially evolving hiring preferences of employers (sequence-aware). Application of this framework on hiring decisions from an online labor market shows that it recommends job applicants who are likely to get hired and perform well. A comparison with advanced alternative recommender systems illustrates the benefits of modeling performance-aware and sequence-aware recommendations. An empirical adaptation of our approach in an alternative context (restaurant recommendations) illustrates its generalizability and highlights its potential implications for users, employers, workers, and markets.

This paper was accepted by Kartik Hosanagar, information systems.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4690 .
Delay-Adaptive Learning in Generalized Linear Contextual Bandits
Authors: Blanchet Jose , Xu Renyuan , Zhou Zhengyuan
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we consider online learning in generalized linear contextual bandits where rewards are not immediately observed. Instead, rewards are available to the decision maker only after some delay, which is unknown and stochastic. Such delayed feedback occurs in several active learning settings, including product recommendation, personalized medical treatment selection, bidding in first-price auctions, and bond trading in over-the-counter markets. We study the performance of two well-known algorithms adapted to this delayed setting: one based on upper confidence bounds and the other based on Thompson sampling. We describe modifications on how these two algorithms should be adapted to handle delays and give regret characterizations for both algorithms. To the best of our knowledge, our regret bounds provide the first theoretical characterizations in generalized linear contextual bandits with large delays. Our results contribute to the broad landscape of contextual bandits literature by establishing that both algorithms can be made to be robust to delays, thereby helping clarify and reaffirm the empirical success of these two algorithms, which are widely deployed in modern recommendation engines.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [Grants 2118199, 1915967, and CCF-2106508], the Air Force Office of Scientific Research [Award FA9550-20-1-0397], a Digital Twin research grant from Bain & Company, and a faculty research grant from New York University’s Center for Global Economy and Business.
Chatterjee Phenomenon: A Demonstration of Cardiac Memory in Paced Rhythms
Authors: Kuniyoshi Jason , Kwock Maggie , Silangcruz Krixie , Techasatian Witina , Nishimura Yoshito
Published: March 2023

Introduction: While T-wave inversions (TWI) are associated with various pathologies, they are rarely associated with cardiac memory, termed the Chatterjee phenomenon. Case: A 76-year-old man with sick sinus syndrome with a pacemaker presented with chest tightness and new onset TWI in his precordial leads. On admission, he tested positive for COVID-19, but remained stable and only required minimal supplemental oxygen. His troponin was only slightly elevated, and EKG showed TWI throughout his precordial leads. A previous EKG had shown normal sinus rhythm without a paced rhythm or ST wave abnormalities. Interrogation of his pacemaker revealed an AV-paced rhythm. Given his chest tightness without dynamic changes in his troponin or EKG, the symptoms were considered more likely related to his COVID-19 infection, and he was discharged home. Discussion: Aberrancies in normal cardiac conduction can result in altered electrical activation, especially for those with AV pacemakers, leading some patients to develop cardiac memory, manifesting as TWI. Conclusion: AV-paced rhythm and narrow QRS complexes with TWI localized to precordial leads without evidence of active cardiac ischaemia may suggest cardiac memory, termed the Chatterjee phenomenon, requiring no invasive interventions.
Research on Elliptic Curve Crypto System with Bitcoin Curves – SECP256k1, NIST256p, NIST521p and LLL
Authors: Ulla Mohammed Mujeer , Sakkari Deepak S.
Published: March 2023

Very recent attacks like ladder leak demonstrated feasibility to recover private key with side channel attacks using just one bit of secret nonce. ECDSA nonce bias can be exploited in many ways. Some attacks on ECDSA involve complicated Fourier analysis and lattice mathematics. In this paper will enable cryptographers to identify efficient ways in which ECDSA can be cracked on curves NIST256p, SECP256k1, NIST521p and weak nonce, kind of attacks that can crack ECDSA and how to protect yourself. Initially we begin with ECDSA signature to sign a message using private key and validate the generated signature using the shared public key. Then we use a nonce or a random value to randomize the generated signature. Every time we sign, a new verifiable random nonce value is created and way in which the intruder can discover the private key if the signer leaks any one of the nonce value. Then we use Lenstra–Lenstra–Lovasz (LLL) method as a black box, we will try to attack signatures generated from bad nonce or bad random number generator (RAG) on NIST256p, SECP256k1 curves. The analysis is performed by considering all the three curves for implementation of Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA).The comparative analysis for each of the selected curves in terms of computational time is done with leak of nonce and with Lenstra–Lenstra–Lovasz method to crack ECDSA. The average computational costs to break ECDSA with curves NIST256p, NIST521p and SECP256k1 are 0.016, 0.34, 0.46 respectively which is almost to zero depicts the strength of algorithm. The average computational costs to break ECDSA with curves SECP256K1 and NIST256p using LLL are 2.9 and 3.4 respectively.
Seasonality and nesting habits of the endemic social wasp Polistes ridleyi Kirby, 1890 in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Northeast Brazil
Authors: Somavilla Alexandre , Mahlmann Thiago , Barbosa Bruno Correa , Limeira-de-Oliveira Francisco , Rafael José Albertino
Published: March 2023

We studied the seasonality and made notes about the nesting habits of the endemic social wasp Polistes ridleyi Kirby, 1890 of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago. We collected 427 adult paper wasp P. ridleyi specimens for nine months using Malaise interception traps. The highest abundance of wasps was observed in October, November, and December, a fact most likely explained by the lowest precipitation levels on the island. We recorded 38 P. ridleyi nests. However, most of them were collected in a single Cynophalla flexuosa (L.) plant. This agglomeration may suggest multi-combs behavior, as reported for another species of Polistes spp.
Influence of abiotic factors on the foraging activity of Cephalotes borgmeieri (Kempf, 1951)
Authors: Rodrigues Cândida Anitta Pereira , Lima Jean Carlos dos Santos , Almeida Rony Peterson Santos , Oliveira Francieli Carlos de , Antonialli-Junior William Fernando
Published: March 2023

The foraging activity can be defined as the search for food resources and is an activity of utmost importance for ant colony maintenance. Workers can be exposed to adverse environmental conditions during foraging, and because of it, some species can adjust their foraging behavior to achieve greater success in the search for resources. The foraging behavior has been studied in other ant species; however, studies with the Cephalotini tribe are still scarce in the literature. In this study, we evaluated how Cephalotes borgmeieri (Kempf) foragers adjust their foraging activity to variations in abiotic factors. Throughout the day, the flow of foragers is positively influenced by temperature and luminosity and negatively affected by relative air humidity. Wind speed does not affect the flow of foragers. During the day, we can observe four groups of activity intensity: very low, low, medium, and high. The foraging peak occurs at the hottest and least humid times of the day
Poverty, extreme poverty and homelessness in Spain: an analysis for the period 2010–2019
Authors: Cabrera Adrián , García-Pérez Carmelo
Published: March 2023

This work adopts different approaches to analyse situations of poverty and extreme poverty in Spain during the last decade, considering different monetary thresholds, measures of severe material deprivation and the combination of both. The determining factors of these situations and the patterns that act as a link between extreme poverty and homelessness are also examined. The results of the study show that for the most restrictive thresholds of 10 per cent and 20 per cent of the median equivalised disposable income the smallest variations during the series are observed, confirming that situations of such deep poverty are not influenced by the cycle since they do not respond to economic stimuli. The determinants of extreme poverty suggest that public policies should be target towards high-risk groups, such as single person households, households with children, younger individuals, individuals with a low educational attainment, and of foreign nationality. Finally, an interesting result is that the profile of individuals in situations of consistent poverty have the greatest similarities to the group of people experiencing homelessness.
Visible laser emission of 4 at. % Pr-doped Sr0.7La0.3Mg0.3Al11.7O19 (ASL) using two different pumping sources
Authors: Cassouret Florent , Badtke Moritz , Loiseau Pascal , Kränkel Christian , Aka Gerard
Published: March 2023

We report on the laser performances of Pr-doped Sr0.7La0.3Mg0.3Al11.7O17 (Pr:ASL) at 647 nm and 726 nm using a frequency doubled Ti:sapphire and a multi-emitter diode module as pump sources.
Cryogenic Laser Operation of Ytterbium-Doped CaF2, SrF2 and BaF2 Crystals
Authors: Loiko Pavel , Doualan Jean-Louis , Benayad Abdelmjid , Braud Alain , Camy Patrice
Published: March 2023

We report on a comparative study of low-temperature spectroscopy and cryogenic (77-K) free-running and tunable laser operation of three Yb3+-doped fluorite-type crystals, CaF2, SrF2 and BaF2. 10-W diode-pumped cryogenic Yb:CaF2 laser is also developed.
Spectroscopy and continuous-wave laser operation of Yb:YGG crystal at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Slimi Sami , Jambunathan Venkatesan , Elabedine Ghassen Zin , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin , Chen Weidong , Solé Rosa Maria , Aguiló Magdalena , Díaz Francesc , Smrz Martin , Mocek Tomas , Mateos Xavier
Published: March 2023

We report on the spectroscopy and continuous-wave laser operation of Yb:YGG crystal at cryogenic temperatures. At 120K, in CW laser regime, a maximum output of 17.5W corresponding to a slope efficiency of 73% was achieved.
Laser Cooling of an Yb3+-doped Cubic KY3F10 Single Crystal
Authors: Püschel Stefan , Kränkel Christian , Tanaka Hiroki
Published: March 2023

We present temperature-dependent spectroscopy of cubic Yb:KY3F10 and report on its first laser cooling. In comparison with Yb:YLF, Yb:KY3F10 has an intrinsically higher cooling potential at low temperatures so suited for optical refrigerators.