bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between food insecurity, purchasing patterns and perceptions of the food environment in urban slums in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ilori Temitope , Christofides Nicola , Baldwin-Ragaven Laurel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Rapid urbanisation without concomitant infrastructure development has led to the creation of urban slums throughout sub-Saharan Africa. People living in urban slums are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity due to the lack of physical and economic accessibility to food. Hence, it is important to explore how vulnerable groups living in slums interact with the food environment. This study assessed the relationships between food insecurity, including restrictive coping strategies, food purchasing patterns and perceptions about the food environment among dwellers of selected urban slums in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods
This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with people responsible for food procurement from 590 randomly selected households in two urban slums in Ibadan. Food insecurity and restrictive coping strategies were assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and the Coping Strategy Index, respectively. We examined purchasing patterns of participants by assessing the procurement of household foodstuffs in different categories, as well as by vendor type. Participants’ perceptions of the food environment were derived through a five-item composite score measuring food availability, affordability and quality. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models analysed associations between food insecurity, purchasing patterns and perceptions of the food environment.

Results
The prevalence of food insecurity in the sample was 88%, with 40.2% of the households experiencing severe food insecurity. Nearly a third (32.5%) of the households used restrictive coping strategies such as limiting the size of food portions at mealtimes, while 28.8% reduced the frequency of their daily meals. Participants purchased food multiple times a week, primarily from formal and informal food markets rather than from wholesalers and supermarkets. Only a few households grew food or had livestock (3.2%). Food insecure households had a lower perceived access to the food environment, with an approximate 10% increase in access score per one-unit decrease in food insecurity (AOR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.96). The most procured foods among all households were fish (72.5%), bread (60.3%), rice (56.3%), yam and cassava flours (50.2%). Food-secure households procured fruit, dairy and vegetable proteins more frequently.

Conclusion
Food insecurity remains a serious public health challenge in the urban slums of Ibadan. Perceptions of greater access to the food environment was associated with increasing food security. Interventions should focus on creating more robust social and financial protections, with efforts to improve livelihoods to ensure food security among urban slum-dwellers.
PARP-1 negatively regulates nucleolar protein pool and mitochondrial activity: a cell protective mechanism
Authors: Ghorai Atanu , Saha Soumajit , Rao Basuthkar J. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a pan nuclear protein that utilizes NAD+ as a substrate for poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation reaction (PARylation), resulting in both auto-modification and the modification of its accepter proteins. Earlier reports suggested that several nucleolar proteins interact and colocalize with PARP-1, leading to their PARylation. However, whether PARP-1 has any role in nucleolar biogenesis and the functional relevance of such a role is still obscure.

Results
Using PARP-1 depleted cells, we investigated the function of PARP-1 in maintaining the nucleolar morphology and protein levels under normal physiological conditions. Our results revealed that several nucleolar proteins like nucleolin, fibrillarin, and nucleophosmin get up-regulated when PARP-1 is depleted. Additionally, in line with the higher accumulation of nucleolin, stably depleted PARP-1 cells show lower activation of caspase-3, lesser annexin-V staining, and reduced accumulation of AIF in the nucleus upon induction of oxidative stress. Concurrently, PARP-1 silenced cells showed higher mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and more fragmented and intermediate mitochondria than the parental counterpart, suggesting higher metabolic activity for better survival.

Conclusion
Based on our findings, we demonstrate that PARP-1 may have a role in regulating nucleolar protein levels and mitochondrial activity, thus maintaining the homeostasis between cell protective and cell death pathways, and such cell-protective mechanism could be implicated as the priming state of a pre-cancerous condition or tumour dormancy.
Glutamine metabolism-related genes predict the prognostic risk of acute myeloid leukemia and stratify patients by subtype analysis
Authors: Zhou Jie , Zhang Na , Zuo Yan , Xu Feng , Cheng Lihua , Fu Yuanyuan , Yang Fudong , Shu Min , Zhou Mi , Zou Wenting , Zhang Shengming 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous disease in which glutamine (Gln) contributes to AML progression. Therefore, this study aimed to identify potential prognostic biomarkers for AML based on Gln metabolism-related genes.

Methods
Gln-related genes that were differentially expressed between Cancer Genome Atlas-based AML and normal samples were analyzed using the limma package. Univariate, least absolute shrinkage, selection operators, and stepwise Cox regression analyses were used to identify prognostic signatures. Risk score-based prognostic and nomogram models were constructed to predict the prognostic risk of AML. Subsequently, consistent cluster analysis was performed to stratify patients into different subtypes, and subtype-related module genes were screened using weighted gene co-expression network analysis.

Results
Through a series of regression analyses, HGF, ANGPTL3, MB, F2, CALR, EIF4EBP1, EPHX1, and PDHA1 were identified as potential prognostic biomarkers of AML. Prognostic and nomogram models constructed based on these genes could significantly differentiate between high- and low-risk AML with high predictive accuracy. The eight-signature also stratified patients with AML into two subtypes, among which Cluster 2 was prone to a high risk of AML prognosis. These two clusters exhibited different immune profiles. Of the subtype-related module genes, the HOXA and HOXB family genes may be genetic features of AML subtypes.

Conclusion
Eight Gln metabolism-related genes were identified as potential biomarkers of AML to predict prognostic risk. The molecular subtypes clustered by these genes enabled prognostic risk stratification.
Proteomics of blood extracellular vesicles in inflammatory respiratory diseases for biomarker discovery and new insights into pathophysiology
Authors: Kawasaki Takahiro , Takeda Yoshito , Kumanogoh Atsushi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Inflammatory respiratory diseases, such as interstitial lung disease (ILD), bronchial asthma (BA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections, remain significant global health concerns owing to their chronic and severe nature. Emerging as a valuable resource, blood extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer insights into disease pathophysiology and biomarker discovery in these conditions.

Main body
This review explores the advancements in blood EV proteomics for inflammatory respiratory diseases, highlighting their potential as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic tools. Blood EVs offer advantages over traditional serum or plasma samples. Proteomic analyses of blood EVs have revealed numerous biomarkers that can be used to stratify patients, predict disease progression, and identify candidate therapeutic targets. Blood EV proteomics has identified proteins associated with progressive fibrosis in ILD, offering new avenues of treatment. In BA, eosinophil-derived EVs harbor biomarkers crucial for managing eosinophilic inflammation. Research on COPD has also identified proteins that correlate with lung function. Moreover, EVs play a critical role in respiratory infections such as COVID-19, and disease-associated proteins are encapsulated. Thus, proteomic studies have identified key molecules involved in disease severity and immune responses, underscoring their role in monitoring and guiding therapy.

Conclusion
This review highlights the potential of blood EV proteomics as a non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic tool for inflammatory respiratory diseases, providing a promising avenue for improved patient management and therapeutic development.
Hydroxytyrosol in cancer research: recent and historical insights on discoveries and mechanisms of action
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Singh Brahmjot , Paul Kapil , Bakshi Palak , Bajaj Payal , Kumar Manoj , Dhiman Sukhvinder , Jasrotia Shivam , Kumar Parveen , Dutta Ranjan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Cancer is a persistent global health challenge, demanding continuous exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), derived from olive oil, has garnered attention for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, revitalizing interest due to recent breakthroughs in comprehending its intricate anticancer mechanisms.

Main Body
This review conducts a detailed analysis of hydroxytyrosol’s molecular mechanisms in cancer. Delve into the complex pathways and processes underlying its anticancer properties, including its impact on critical cellular events such as inhibiting cancer cell growth, proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis. We meticulously evaluate HT efficacy and safety through scrutiny of preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, we explore the potential synergistic effects of combining HT with conventional cancer therapies to improve treatment outcomes while reducing side effects, offering a comprehensive approach to cancer management.

Conclusion
This review stands as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, providing profound insights into HT potent anticancer activity at the molecular level. It underscores the immense potential of natural compounds in the intricate realm of cancer management and highlights the urgent need for further research to translate these discoveries into effective clinical applications. Ultimately, it fosters the development of targeted and personalized therapeutic approaches, reigniting hope in the ongoing battle against cancer and enhancing the quality of life for those afflicted by this relentless disease.
Effect of morningness-eveningness chronotype on academic performance of undergraduate students
Authors: Imam Haider , Singla Deepika , Basista Ruchi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Circadian rhythms are crucial for physiological functioning, and they vary among people. There are three distinct chronotypes: morning, evening, and neither type. Morning types experience their highest level of activation during the early part of the day and tend to be more conscientious and focused on achieving their goals. Evening types, on the other hand, reach their peak performance during the latter portion of the day and exhibit a higher level of intelligence. University class schedules may occasionally clash with evening-type individuals’ circadian preferences, potentially impacting their academic performance in comparison to their morning-type peers. Therefore, this study was done to investigate if morningness-eveningness can affect college students’ academic performance as sleeping late or sleep deprivation can lead to disease in the young population.

Materials and methods
A sample of 100 collegiate students aged 18–30 years were recruited via convenience sampling from Jamia Hamdard, Delhi, and informed consent was obtained from the subjects. The morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) was used to assess students’ chronotype, and the mean of the last three academic years percentage was used to assess the academic performance of the students.

Results
The total academic performance score was better in the morning category (75.53 ± 7.28) as compared to the evening (66.42 ± 10.08) and intermediate (73.72 ± 6.46) categories. There was a low degree of positive correlation between total academic performance and TMEQ (total morning-evening questionnaire) score (ρ = 0.204).

Conclusion
The academic performance of morning chronotype students was better than that of evening chronotype students.
Ups and downs of fossorial life: migration restlessness and geotaxis may explain overwintering emergence in the spotted salamander
Authors: Giacometti Danilo , Moldowan Patrick D. , Tattersall Glenn J. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
To decide whether to remain underground or to emerge from overwintering, fossorial ectotherms simultaneously process environmental, gravitational and circannual migratory cues. Here, we provide an experimental framework to study the behaviour of fossorial ectotherms during soil temperature inversion – a phenomenon that marks the transition between winter and spring – based on three non-mutually exclusive hypotheses (thermoregulation, negative geotaxis and migration restlessness). Using a vertical thermal gradient, we evaluated how temperature selection (Tsel), activity and vertical position selection differed under simulated soil temperature inversion (contrasting the active versus overwintering thermal gradients) in the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum). Salamanders had different Tsel and activity levels between gradients, but selected similar heights regardless of thermal gradient orientation. Negative geotaxis may explain responses to changes in vertical thermal gradient orientation, with migratory restlessness contributing to differences in activity levels. Ultimately, our work should benefit those who aim to better understand the biology of fossorial ectotherms.
Effects of Cannabidiol Ingestion on Thermoregulatory and Inflammatory Responses to Treadmill Exercise in the Heat in Recreationally Active Males
Authors: JOHNSON DRUSUS A. , CABLE THOMAS G. , FUNNELL MARK P. , PEDEN DONALD L. , THORLEY JOSH , FERREIRA DA CUNHA MAFALDA , REYNOLDS KIRSTY M. , HARRIS LUKE , WOOD MATT , CHAVEZ-O’REILLY TOM , CARRINGTON JOE , BAILEY STEPHEN J. , CLIFFORD TOM , HEANEY LIAM M. , JAMES LEWIS J. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Exertional heat stress can induce systemic endotoxin exposure and a proinflammatory cascade, likely impairing thermoregulation. Cannabidiol (CBD) is protective in preclinical models of tissue ischemia and inflammation. Therefore, this study examined the effects of CBD ingestion on exercise-induced thermoregulatory and inflammatory responses.

Methods
In a randomized, double-blinded study, 13 active males (age 25 ± 5 yr; peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) 50.4 ± 3.2 mL·kg−1·min−1) ingested 298 mg CBD or placebo 105 min before 1 h treadmill exercise (60%–65% V̇O2peak) in 32°C and 50% relative humidity. Core temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, subjective outcomes, and sweat loss were assessed during/after exercise. Plasma osmolality, plasma volume changes, and plasma markers of intestinal damage (I-FABP), monocyte activation (CD14), and inflammatory cytokine responses (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were assessed at baseline, pre-exercise, and 20 and 90 min post-exercise.

Results
Core temperature (∆ 1.69°C ± 0.48°C (CBD) and 1.79°C ± 0.53°C (Placebo)) and I-FABP increased during exercise, with no differences between conditions (P > 0.050). Mean (95% confidence interval) CD14 was 1776 (463 to 3090) pg·mL−1 greater 90 min post-exercise in placebo (P = 0.049). Median (interquartile range) peak IL-6 concentration was −0.8 (−1.1 to −0.3) pg·mL−1 less in CBD (P = 0.050), whereas the between-condition difference in IL-6 area under curve was −113 (−172 to 27) (pg·mL−1)·270 min (P = 0.054).

Conclusions
CBD did not affect thermoregulation during exertional heat stress but appeared to elicit minor immunosuppressive effects, reducing CD14 and IL-6 responses, warranting investigation in humans under more severe heat strain and other proinflammatory scenarios.
Endogenous Merger Decisions Among Competitors: Impact of Limited Capacity and Loyal Segments
Authors: Wang Derui , Wu Xiaole , Tang Christopher S. , Dai Yue 
Published: September 2024

We study endogenous merger decisions among three competing firms with asymmetric capacity: one large firm has ample capacity, and two small firms have limited capacity. Each firm can either operate independently or merge with another firm. Because of antitrust laws, all three firms merging is not permitted. When two firms merge, the merged entity and the remaining independent firm use the resulting capacity to capture their own “loyal buyers” and compete in price for price-sensitive “disloyal switchers.” We first consider a base model in which the size of loyal buyers for different firms is symmetric. We find that, in equilibrium, either there is no merger or the large firm will merge with a small firm as a “mixed merger.” We explain how this equilibrium structure is driven by the mergers’ impacts on market competition and firms’ pricing aggressiveness. Specifically, the mixed merger that can most effectively reduce price competition is the equilibrium under relatively competitive market conditions (i.e., the size of loyal buyers is small and capacity is large but limited). We also extend to the case with asymmetric size of loyal segments and show that two small firms merging (“small merger” structure) can be the equilibrium structure when the large firm has a much larger loyal segment than the small firms and the small firms’ capacity is sufficiently large. The impacts of mergers on social welfare and consumer surplus provide practical implications from the antitrust perspective. The antitrust agencies can approve a mixed merger to improve social welfare under certain conditions, but if the agencies pay more attention to consumer surplus, then mixed mergers should not be permitted. Small mergers, though sometimes not the equilibrium structures, can improve social welfare and consumer surplus. In such cases, the government can appropriately promote mergers that are beneficial for society and/or consumers by adopting some restrictive measures or offering incentives. This paper was accepted by Jeannette Song, operations management. Funding: The work of D. Wang was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72401275]; the work of X. Wu was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72025102, 72293560/72293565]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01943 .
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: a bloody relationship
Authors: Moussallem Nicolas , Haddad Gaelle-Christie , Sbeih Sergio , Karam Karam , Fiani Elias 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SURS) is a poorly understood and uncommon benign disorder of the lower gastrointestinal tract. It presents with various symptoms, often misinterpreted as inflammatory bowel disease. To date, there is no association between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and SURS. Case description: A 29-year-old male on paroxetine for six months and with a non-contributory surgical history presented to the clinic due to three months of haematochezia, abdominal pain and mucoid discharge. Physical examination and a review of systems were unremarkable; a colonoscopy demonstrated a suspicious ulcerated lesion in the rectum, which was identified as SURS on biopsy. The patient was advised lifestyle and dietary modifications. In addition, paroxetine was discontinued, and patient was switched to venlafaxine, a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Subsequently, the patient’s symptoms resolved gradually, and he did not report any signs of recurrence on follow-up. Conclusion: Literature confirms that SSRIs can increase the occurrence of GI ulceration yet focuses specifically on upper gastrointestinal bleeding rather than rectal bleeding. This finding raises the need for further research.
Design of a switchable triple-waveguide-based TE-converted polarization beam splitter based on lithium niobate
Authors: Xia Jun , Fei Yedeng , Ni Yi 
Published: September 2024

The lithium-niobate-on-insulator (LNOI) platform has been the new force to drive the developments of integrated photonics, where efficient polarization management and mode conversion are the fundamental issues to be solved. In this work, we proposed a switchable TE-converted polarization beam splitter (PBS) based on optical phase change material (PCM) and a triple-waveguide in simulation. To optimize and analyze the proposed design, the 3D finite difference time domain (3D-FDTD) method is applied in this work. The simulated results indicate that when PCM is in the amorphous state, the device can effectively separate the TM and TE modes, achieving a low insertion loss (<0.5dB) for both modes at 1550 nm. While the PCM is in the crystalline state, the proposed device can realize the efficient conversion from the input TE0 mode to output TE1 mode, which obtains a mode conversion efficiency of 99.5%, crosstalk of −26dB, and insertion loss of 0.5 dB at 1550 nm. We hope such a device can make compact integration and capacity improvement for the integrated photonics in LNOI.
SARS-CoV2 pneumonia patients admitted to the ICU: Analysis according to clinical and biological parameters and the extent of lung parenchymal lesions on chest CT scan, a monocentric observational study
Authors: Krisht Abed al Hadi , Grapin Kévin , de Beauchene Romain Chauvot , Bonnet Benjamin , Cassagnes Lucie , Evrard Bertrand , Adda Mireille , Souweine Bertrand , Dupuis Claire 
Published: September 2024

Background
CT-scan and inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers could help in prognostication of COVID-19 in patients on ICU admission.

Objective
The objectives of this study were to measure the prognostic value of the extent of lung parenchymal lesions on computed tomography (CT) and of several coagulation and inflammatory biomarkers, and to explore the characteristics of the patients depending on the extent of lung parenchymal lesions.

Design
Retrospective monocentric observational study achieved on a dataset collected prospectively.

Setting
Medical ICU of the university hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Patients
All consecutive adult patients aged ≥18 years admitted between 20 March, 2020 and 31 August, 2021 for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Interventions
Characteristics at baseline and during ICU stay, and outcomes at day 60 were recorded. The extent of lung parenchyma lesions observed on the chest CT performed on admission was established by artificial intelligence software.

Measurements
Several clinical characteristics and laboratory features were collected on admission including plasma interleukin-6, HLA-DR monocytic–expression rate (mHLA-DR), and the extent of lung parenchymal lesions. Factors associated with day-60 mortality were investigated by uni- and multivariate survival analyses.

Results
270 patients were included. Inflammation biomarkers including the levels of neutrophils, CRP, ferritin and Il10 were the indices the most associated with the severity of the extent of the lung lesions. Patients with more extensive lung parenchymal lesions (≥ 75%) on admission had higher CRP serum levels. The extent of lung parenchymal lesions was associated with a decrease in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio(p<0.01), fewer ventilatory-free days (p = 0.03), and a higher death rate at day 60(p = 0.01). Extent of the lesion of more than 75% was independently associated with day-60 mortality (aHR = 1.72[1.06; 2.78], p = 0.03). The prediction of death at day 60 was improved when considering simultaneously biological and radiological markers obtained on ICU admission (AUC = 0.78).

Conclusions
The extent of lung parenchyma lesions on CT was associated with inflammation, and the combination of coagulation and inflammatory biomarkers and the extent of the lesions predicted the poorest outcomes.