bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unveiling biomarkers for postharvest resilience: the role of canopy position on quality and abscisic acid dynamics of ‘Nadorcott’ clementine mandarins
Authors: Navarro-Calderón Ángela , Magwaza Lembe S. , Terry Leon A. , Alamar M. Carmen 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionClementine mandarins are categorised as non-climacteric fruit because they do not exhibit an increase in respiration rate and ethylene production during ripening. Recent studies have suggested that abscisic acid (ABA), a distinct ripening hormone, plays a pivotal role in the postharvest behaviour of this fruit. The present study aimed to identify biomarkers for enhancing the postharvest durability and flavour retention of imported ‘Nadorcott’ clementines (Citrus reticulata Blanco). To achieve this goal, an experiment was designed to investigate pre- and post-harvest factors influencing quality of clementine fruit, encompassing both physiological and biochemical aspects. Furthermore, the study investigated the role of ABA and ABA catabolites in the fruit senescence process.MethodsClementines from four different canopy positions, i.e. upper outside, upper inside, lower outside, and lower inside, were manually harvested at different horticultural maturity. The study was conducted over two harvest times, specifically in March (mid-season) and April (end of season). Harvested fruit samples were stored for six weeks in a cold room with temperature and relative humidity set at 8.5±0.5 °C and 85±2%, respectively. Various physiological (i.e. respiration rate), organoleptic (i.e. rind colour, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity) and biochemical (i.e. individual sugars and organic acids, abscisic acid and its catabolites) variables were measured bi-weekly. Sensory evaluation and consumer survey were conducted during the fourth week of storage.Results and discussionAt the end of storage, fruit located on the inside of the canopy had a significantly higher respiration rate and lower concentration of sugars than outside fruit, resulting in a shorter shelf-life. At the same time, inside fruit showed a higher concentration of ABA and ABA catabolites than outside fruit, coinciding with a lower consumer acceptance score for external appearance, aroma, and flavour. For the first time, the key biomarkers affecting resilience and flavour retention, notably the higher ABA concentration and lower sugar levels in inner canopy fruit, resulting in a shorter shelf-life and reduced consumer acceptance were unveiled. This research not only provides valuable insights for the citrus industry but also unveils the intricate relationship between fruit quality, ABA, and ABA catabolites during senescence and consumer acceptance.
Host-functionalization of macrin nanoparticles to enable drug loading and control tumor-associated macrophage phenotype
Authors: Sarkar Biplab , Arlauckas Sean P. , Cuccarese Michael F. , Garris Christopher S. , Weissleder Ralph , Rodell Christopher B. 
Published: March 2024

Macrophages are critical regulators of the tumor microenvironment and often present an immuno-suppressive phenotype, supporting tumor growth and immune evasion. Promoting a robust pro-inflammatory macrophage phenotype has emerged as a therapeutic modality that supports tumor clearance, including through synergy with immune checkpoint therapies. Polyglucose nanoparticles (macrins), which possess high macrophage affinity, are useful vehicles for delivering drugs to macrophages, potentially altering their phenotype. Here, we examine the potential of functionalized macrins, synthesized by crosslinking carboxymethyl dextran with L-lysine, as effective carriers of immuno-stimulatory drugs to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Azide groups incorporated during particle synthesis provided a handle for click-coupling of propargyl-modified β-cyclodextrin to macrins under mild conditions. Fluorescence-based competitive binding assays revealed the ability of β-cyclodextrin to non-covalently bind to hydrophobic immuno-stimulatory drug candidates (Keq ~ 103 M-1), enabling drug loading within nanoparticles. Furthermore, transcriptional profiles of macrophages indicated robust pro-inflammatory reprogramming (elevated Nos2 and Il12; suppressed Arg1 and Mrc1 expression levels) for a subset of these immuno-stimulatory agents (UNC2025 and R848). Loading of R848 into the modified macrins improved the drug’s effect on primary murine macrophages by three-fold in vitro. Intravital microscopy in IL-12-eYFP reporter mice (24 h post-injection) revealed a two-fold enhancement in mean YFP fluorescence intensity in macrophages targeted with R848-loaded macrins, relative to vehicle controls, validating the desired pro-inflammatory reprogramming of TAMs in vivo by cell-targeted drug delivery. Finally, in an intradermal MC38 tumor model, cyclodextrin-modified macrin NPs loaded with immunostimulatory drugs significantly reduced tumor growth. Therefore, efficient and effective repolarization of tumor-associated macrophages to an M1-like phenotype—via drug-loaded macrins—inhibits tumor growth and may be useful as an adjuvant to existing immune checkpoint therapies.
The effects of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: El Abd Asmae , Dasari Harika , Dodin Philippe , Trottier Helen , Ducharme Francine M. 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundWhile the association between vitamin D and several inflammatory biomarkers in asthma patients has been extensively reported, it remains unclear whether supplementation modifies these biomarkers. This review aims to evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers measured in vivo in individuals with asthma.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until November 2022 in six electronic databases evaluating the impact of vitamin D supplementation (any dose, form, administration route, frequency, or duration) compared to placebo in children or adults. The two co-primary outcomes were serum IgE and blood eosinophils reported at the endpoint. Secondary outcomes included other markers of type 2 inflammation (e.g., sputum eosinophils, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, etc.), anti-inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., interleukin (IL)-10, etc.), markers of non-type 2 inflammation (e.g., high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, etc.), and non-specific biomarkers (e.g., macrophages, etc.). Data were aggregated using fixed or random effect models.ResultsThirteen RCTs (5 in adults, 5 in pediatric patients, and 3 in mixed age groups) testing doses of vitamin D supplementation ranging from 800 to 400,000 IU over periods of 6 weeks to 12 months were included. Eight studies provided data on serum IgE and four on blood eosinophils. As secondary outcomes, three studies reported on sputum eosinophils, four on FeNO, five on serum IL-10, and two on airway IL-10. Compared to placebo, vitamin D supplementation had no significant effect on serum IgE (Mean difference [MD] [95% CI]: 0.06 [-0.13, 0.26] IU/mL), blood eosinophils (MD [95% CI]: - 0.02 [-0.11, 0.07] 103/μL), or FeNO (MD [95% CI]: -4.10 [-10.95, 2.75] ppb) at the endpoint. However, the vitamin D supplementation group showed higher serum IL-10 levels compared to placebo (MD [95% CI]: 18.85 [1.11, 36.59] pg/ml) at the endpoint. Although data could not be aggregated, narrative synthesis suggested no significant effect of supplementation on sputum eosinophils and IL-10 in both sputum and exhaled breath condensate, at the endpoint.ConclusionVitamin D supplementation in individuals with asthma was not associated with lower inflammatory biomarkers related to type 2 inflammation. However, it was significantly associated with higher serum IL-10 compared to placebo.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022365666.
Immune cell expression patterns of CD39/CD73 ectonucleotidases in rodent models of cardiac arrest and resuscitation
Authors: Aoki Tomoaki , Wong Vanessa , Yin Tai , Nakamura Eriko , Endo Yusuke , Hayashida Kei , Robson Simon C. , Nandurkar Harshal , Diamond Betty , Kim Sun Jung , Murao Atsushi , Wang Ping , Becker Lance B. , Shinozaki Koichiro 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundCardiac arrest (CA) is a significant public health concern. There is the high imminent mortality and survival in those who are resuscitated is substantively compromised by the post-CA syndrome (PCAS), characterized by multiorgan ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI). The inflammatory response in PCAS is complex and involves various immune cell types, including lymphocytes and myeloid cells that have been shown to exacerbate organ IRI, such as myocardial infarction. Purinergic signaling, as regulated by CD39 and CD73, has emerged as centrally important in the context of organ-specific IRI. Hence, comprehensive understanding of such purinergic responses may be likewise imperative for improving outcomes in PCAS.MethodsWe have investigated alterations of immune cell populations after CA by utilizing rodent models of PCAS. Blood and spleen were collected after CA and resuscitation and underwent flow cytometry analysis to evaluate shifts in CD3+CD4+ helper T cells, CD3+CD8a+ cytotoxic T cells, and CD4/CD8a ratios. We then examined the expression of CD39 and CD73 across diverse cell types, including myeloid cells, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes.ResultsIn both rat and mouse models, there were significant increases in the frequency of CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes in PCAS (rat, P &lt; 0.01; mouse, P &lt; 0.001), with consequently elevated CD4/CD8a ratios in whole blood (both, P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, CD39 and CD73 expression on blood leukocytes were markedly increased (rat, P &lt; 0.05; mouse, P &lt; 0.01 at 24h). Further analysis in the experimental mouse model revealed that CD11b+ myeloid cells, with significant increase in their population (P &lt; 0.01), had high level of CD39 (88.80 ± 2.05 %) and increased expression of CD73 (P &lt; 0.05). CD19+ B lymphocytes showed slight increases of CD39 (P &lt; 0.05 at 2h) and CD73 (P &lt; 0.05 at 2h), while, CD3+ T lymphocytes had decreased levels of them. These findings suggested a distinct patterns of expression of CD39 and CD73 in these specific immune cell populations after CA.ConclusionsThese data have provided comprehensive insights into the immune response after CA, highlighting high-level expressions of CD39 and CD73 in myeloid cells.
Aerodynamic characteristics of a delta wing aircraft under ground effect
Authors: Shams Taleghani Arash , Ghajar Arsalan 
Published: March 2024

The main objective of this study is to investigate the impact of ground effects on the aerodynamic coefficients of a delta wing aircraft model. Since the flow on the delta wing exhibits vortical flow inherently, it is crucial to examine the influence of ground effects under these conditions. An experimental study was conducted to enhance understanding of the aerodynamic behavior of an aircraft model incorporating a delta wing-body-vertical tail. Experiments were conducted in a subsonic wind tunnel with a test section measuring 2.8 m × 2.2 m. Measurements were taken using a sting type balance to determine the aerodynamic forces and moments. All experimental tests were performed at a Reynolds number of 1.5 × 106, with the specific aim of examining and identifying the influence of the ground on aerodynamic coefficients. To investigate how ground effect affects the aerodynamic performance of the model, a fixed plate with an adjustable height was placed underneath it. The distance between the model and the ground was varied, and resulting data indicated that increased proximity to the ground improved longitudinal static stability. The results revealed that the presence of the ground plane resulted in a 6% increase in the maximum lift coefficient. Meanwhile, the lift increases around 25% due to ground effects at an angle of attack of 14° as it approaches the ground. The lift coefficient was enhanced across all angles of attack, while the induced drag coefficient decreased, resulting in an overall increase in aerodynamic efficiency. The lift curve slope saw a 16.9% increase when the model’s height from the ground plane was less than half of the wing span. As the height decreased further, the aerodynamic center shifted backward, leading to an increase in longitudinal static stability. The rolling moment and yawing moment coefficients becomes unstable at angles of attack above 30°.
Priority nutrients to address malnutrition and diet-related diseases in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Starck Carlene S. , Cassettari Tim , Beckett Emma , Marshall Skye , Fayet-Moore Flavia 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThe double burden of malnutrition and diet-related disease has been attributed to diets high in ultra-processed and discretionary foods, with increased sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, and insufficient dietary fibre. There is a limited understanding of the role of other macronutrients and micronutrients.ObjectiveDetermine the highest priority nutrients to address both malnutrition and diet-related disease in Australia and New Zealand, for each demographic group and the total population.MethodsA novel four-step methodological approach was undertaken to identify: 1. Demographic (age-sex) groups; 2. Health priorities; 3. Potential nutrients based on inadequacy, increased requirements, and health priority association; and 4. Priority nutrients. Nutrient intake data was obtained from the most recent Australian and New Zealand nutrition surveys. Health priorities were based on national statistical data and expert consultation. High-level scientific literature (systematic reviews) was scoped for associations with health priorities and the suitability of recommended intakes. A quantitative scoring matrix was developed and used to determine the highest priority nutrients, with scoring over three domains: extent of inadequacy; consensus for increased requirements; and degree of association with health priorities.ResultsNutritional inadequacies were common, with 22 of 31 essential nutrients consumed below recommended levels. Nine priority nutrients were identified across the demographic groups, with each demographic group characterised by a specific subset of these. Six nutrients were highest priority within the total population: vitamin D, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, folate, dietary fibre.ConclusionThe extent of nutritional inadequacies in Australia and New Zealand is high, both within each demographic group and the entire population, relative to both recommended intakes and key health outcomes. The methodology can be applied to other countries and globally. Findings make a significant contribution to understanding the nutrients to prioritise in future-proofing the health of the Australian and New Zealand populations. Guidelines and policies can target priority nutrients to address the malnutrition and diet-related disease double burden.
Diuretic drug utilization in neonates: a French prescription database analysis
Authors: Iacobelli Silvia , Lorrain Simon , Rabe Ezira , Gouyon Béatrice , Gouyon Jean-Bernard , Bonsante Francesco 
Published: March 2024

Background: The use of diuretics is extremely common in infants cared for in neonatal wards, despite the lack of proven efficacy for many conditions. The main objective of this study was to assess the rate of diuretics exposure in a multicenter French cohort. The secondary objectives were to describe the evolution of this exposure over time, the indications, the prescription practices, and the exposure rates among centers.Methods: An observational study was conducted in 40 Level 3 French neonatal intensive care units using the same computerized order-entry system. Neonates hospitalized between January 2017 to December 2021 with a corrected age between 24 and 44 weeks of gestation at admission were eligible.Results: A total of 86,032 patients were included. The exposure rate was 8.5%, more specifically 29.4% for children born at &lt; 32 weeks of gestation and 3.7% for neonates born at term. There was no significant variation over the study period, but the exposure ranged from 2.4% to 26.5% depending on the center. The main drugs prescribed were furosemide, spironolactone and dopamine with a diuretic purpose. The main indications were “fluid retention,” and to a lesser extent “bronchopulmonary dysplasia” and “post-transfusion.” For furosemide, the first exposure occurred in mean at 16.5 (±17.8) days of life, mean duration of exposure was 6.2 (±9.5) days, and the cumulative dose was in mean 10.7 (23.9) mg/kg.Conclusion: Diuretic prescription practices vary between centers. The administration of these drugs is often non-evidence based, doses and duration of treatment easily exceed toxic thresholds.
Why teachers do (or do not) implement recommended teaching practices? An application of the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Dierendonck Christophe , Poncelet Débora , Tinnes-Vigne Mélanie 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionIn Luxembourg, competency-based practices (CBP), differentiated instruction (DI), and formative assessment (FA) have been imposed by the 2009 school law. Referring to the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examined factors influencing the implementation of these practices in classrooms.MethodsTeachers participated in an online survey assessing their attitudes, subjective norm, perception of behavioral control, intention, and pedagogical practices regarding CBP, DI, or FA. Measurement models were used in structural equation models testing the TPB.ResultsIf the main relationships postulated by the theory were confirmed, some inconstancies were observed depending on the targeted practices. Structural equation TPB models controlling for gender, experience, teaching level, and socio-economic level of the school population explained between 20 and 45% of the variance in teachers’ practices, and between 65 and 75% of the variance in teachers’ intention to use these practices.DiscussionThe relevance of the TPB for studying teaching practices and implications for professional training are discussed.
Assessing the social impacts of the COVID-19 crisis using phone helplines. The case of the Balearic Islands, Spain
Authors: Ramos Monserrat Maria , Ramón Molinas Jeronia , Fuster Truyol Marta , Bonet Manresa Aina , Planas Juan Trinidad , Montaño Moreno Juan José , Pérez Martín María de los Ángeles , Ruíz Armengol Patricia , Personat Labrador Almudena , Lamilla Buades Carlota María , Carrión García Verónica María , Salvá Garví Miguel , Nuñez Jiménez Catalina , Cabeza Irigoyen Elena 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundCrises and health policies to tackle them can increase health inequalities. We explored the scope and usefulness of helplines set up during the COVID-19 crisis and characterised the vulnerability of their users. This study explored the geographic and socioeconomic effects of the telephone helplines set up by the Balearic Islands Government and aimed to characterise the vulnerability of their users.MethodsTelephonic survey combined with a geographical analysis of a sample of calls made between 15th of March and 30th of June of 2020 to five helplines: COVID-19 general information; psychological, social (minimum vital income), labour (temporary employment regulation), and housing (rental assistance) helps. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and housing characteristics, type of problem, and if it was solved or not. We used multinomial regression to explore factors associated with having solved the problem. We calculated the standardised rate of calls by municipality using Chi-squared and z-test to test differences.Results1,321 interviews from 2,678 selected (231 excluded, 608 untraceable, and 518 refusals). 63.8% of women, 48.7% were born in another country. They had no internet at home in 3.1%, only on the phone in 17.3%. The 23.5% had no income at home. The Problem was solved in 25.4%, and partly in 30.9%. Factors associated with not solving the problem were not having income at home (p = 0.021), labour (p = 0.008), economic (p = 0.000) or housing (p = 0.000) problems. People from 55 of 67 municipalities did at least one call. The highest rates of calls were from coastal tourist municipalities.ConclusionHelplines reached most of the territory of the Balearic Islands and were used mainly in tourist municipalities. It probably has not been helpful for families with more significant deprivation. Digital inequalities have emerged.
Gender-Specific Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among the Rural Elderly Population
Authors: Hou Yitan , Hu Ze , Jiang Feng , Zhao Qiuling , Wang Chongjian , Zhang Yuxiao 
Published: March 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the life expectancy (LE) and health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among the rural elderly population.Methods: A total of 10,318 participants aged 65 to 79 were derived from the Henan Rural Cohort. The LE and HALE were calculated via the Sullivan method and multistate life table.Results: Among 10,318 subjects, 1,325 suffered from T2DM at the baseline, and 394 participants had newly-developed T2DM. The results from the Sullivan method showed that the LE, HALE, and HALE/LE were 17.98, 16.18 years, and 89.95% for men aged 65 to 69, and the corresponding estimates for women were 21.81, 18.73 years, and 85.86%, respectively. The LE, HALE and HALE/LE calculated via multistate life table were 19.86, 17.53 years, and 88.29% for men at aged 65, and the corresponding values for women were 25.01, 20.87 years, and 83.44%, respectively.Conclusion: Rural elderly women have a longer LE and HALE of T2DM, but they have lower quality of life than men. More attention should be paid to T2DM among rural elderly people, especially in women.Clinical Trial Registration: The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 06 July 2015. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375.
Practice visitations in primary care to improve performance of cardiovascular risk management: an observational study
Authors: Smits Geert HJM , Bots Michiel L , Hollander Monika , Wit Ardine de , van Doorn Sander 
Published: March 2024

Background
Despite programmatic protocolised care and structured support, considerable variation is observed in completeness of registration and achieving targets of cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) between individual GPs in the Netherlands.

Aim
To determine whether completeness of registration and achieved targets of cardiovascular risk factors improves with practice visitation.

Design & setting
Observational study utilising the care group's database (2016–2019), comparing changes in registration and achieved targets in non-visited practices and visited practices.

Method
We compared completeness scores of registration and scores of targets achieved before visitation and 1 year after visitation. Data were analysed on patient level and GP level. Separate analyses were performed among GPs who were ranked in the lower 25% of score distributions.

Results
We observed no clinically relevant improvements in completeness of registration and targets achieved in 2017, 2018, and 2019 that could be attributed to visitations in the previous year, both on individual patient level and on aggregated level per general practice. In practices ranked in the lower 25% of the distribution, improvements over time were clinically relevant and larger than the overall changes. Yet, these findings were irrespective of the number of practice visitations.

Conclusion
Practice visitations in our setting did not seem to lead to improvements in practice performance, nor in completeness of registration of risk factors or in reaching predefined target goals for cardiovascular risk factors.