Search

BACKGROUND: The present study evaluated the effects of temperature, pH, light and chemical oxidation on fucoxanthin changes in terms of colour, antioxidant activity and metabolomic profile. Additionally, the correlation between antioxidant activity and identified metabolites was analysed. RESULTS: It was found that colour change was significantly reduced at elevated heat (100 °C, *∆E = 0.81 ± 0.05), reduced pH (pH 3, *∆E = 0.59 ± 0.04) and length of light exposure (*∆E = 3.16 ± 0.04). Antioxidant activity decreased under all treatments. Among the temperatures tested, fucoxanthin exhibited the highest activity at 60 °C, ranging from 0.92 to 3.04 mg Trolox equivalents (TE) g−1. Significant activity reductions (P < 0.05) were observed as a result of pH changes in the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and β‐carotene bleaching assays. Exposure to light 2: warm white lamp for 120 h significantly reduced antioxidant activity (0.01 to 1.70 mg TE g−1). Chemical oxidation also led to reduced activity, ranging from 0.18 to 0.29 mg TE g−1. Multivariate data analysis revealed distinct profiles for temperature, pH, light and chemical oxidation treatments. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS)‐based metabolomics analysis identified 10 metabolites, and significant correlations (P < 0.05) indicate that these metabolites contributed to the samples' antioxidant activities. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, fucoxanthin tolerates well at 60 °C, within pH range 3–9, and within 8 h of light exposure, as indicated by its consistent antioxidant activity and minimal colour change. Each treatment resulted in distinct metabolite concentrations, as shown by LC‐MS/MS‐based metabolomics analysis. Further research into these metabolites could advance the understanding of their roles and aid in optimising processing conditions to favour beneficial metabolites. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations we thoroughly explored the influence of grain boundaries (GBs) in monolayer MoS2 composed of S-polar (S5‖7), Mo-polar (Mo5‖7), and (4‖8) edge dislocation, as well as an edge dislocation–double S vacancy complex (S4‖6), and a dislocation–double S interstitial complex (S6‖8), respectively, on the electronic properties of MoS2 and the Schottky barrier height (SBH) in MoS2@Au heterojunctions. Our findings demonstrate that GBs formed by edge dislocations can significantly reduce the SBH in defect-free MoS2, with the strongest effect for zigzag (4‖8) GBs (−20% reduction) and the weakest for armchair (5‖7) GBs (−10% reduction). In addition, a larger tilt angle in the GBs leads to a more pronounced decrease in the SBH, suggesting that the modulation of SBH in the MoS2@Au heterostructure and analogous systems can be accomplished by GB engineering. Our findings also suggest that planar defects with high mobility in MoS2 may contribute to the memory switching effect observed in MoS2-based memtransistors and the reduction caused by the presence of planar defects can partially contribute to the discrepancy observed between experimental measurements and theoretical SBH predictions at the MoS2@Au heterojunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Due to social challenges and difficulties adapting to their treatment, middle-aged adults with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are at a greater risk for developing psychological distress. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and its determinants among middle-aged adults with DM in Indonesia. Methods: A national population-based health survey (Indonesian Riset Kesehatan Dasar, Riskesdas) involving 1,017,290 respondents was conducted in 2018. The present analysis included all middle-aged adults (45–60 years old) with DM. Information regarding socio-demographic, clinical-related, social-behavior, and psychological distress status using the World Health Organization Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) was abstracted from the database. Logistic regression analyses were applied. Results: The prevalence of psychological distress among middle-aged adults with DM was 18.3% (95% CI 13.7, 22.9). The participants' mean (standard deviation) age was 53.0 (4.44) years. They were predominantly female, had low education levels, were employed, married, and lived in urban areas. Multiple logistics regression analysis demonstrated nine factors associated with psychological distress—sex, education, occupation, marital status, home location, body mass index, comorbidities, DM regimen, and smoking. Conclusions: Multiple factors were significantly associated with psychological distress. This lays the groundwork for future policymakers to strongly recommend integrating mental health screening at DM diagnosis and on a yearly basis, prompt referral, early interventions, and the delivery of targeted mental health education to the high-risk populations in the effort of prevention and control of psychological distress among middle-aged adults with DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) causes prominent deposition of extracellular matrix molecules, particularly the chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG) member neurocan. In tissue culture, neurocan impedes the properties of oligodendrocytes. Whether therapeutic reduction of neurocan promotes oligodendrogenesis and functional recovery in ICH is unknown. Methods: Mice were retro-orbitally injected with adeno-associated virus (AAV-CRISPR/Cas9) to reduce neurocan deposition after ICH induction by collagenase. Other groups of ICH mice were treated with vehicle or a drug that reduces CSPG synthesis, 4-4-difluoro-N-acetylglucosamine (difluorosamine). Rota-rod and grip strength behavioral tests were conducted over 7 or 14 days. Brain tissues were investigated for expression of neurocan by immunofluorescence microscopy and western blot analysis. Brain cryosections were also stained for microglia/macrophage phenotype, oligodendrocyte lineage cells and neuroblasts by immunofluorescence microscopy. Tissue structural changes were assessed using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: The adeno-associated virus (AAV)-reduction of neurocan increased oligodendrocyte numbers and functional recovery in ICH. The small molecule inhibitor of CSPG synthesis, difluorosamine, lowered neurocan levels in lesions and elevated numbers of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, mature oligodendrocytes, and SOX2+ nestin+ neuroblasts in the perihematomal area. Difluorosamine shifted the degeneration-associated functional state of microglia/macrophages in ICH towards a regulatory phenotype. MRI analyses showed better fiber tract integrity in the penumbra of difluorosamine mice. These beneficial difluorosamine results were achieved with delayed (2 or 3 days) treatment after ICH. Conclusion: Reducing neurocan deposition following ICH injury is a therapeutic approach to promote histological and behavioral recovery from the devastating stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis sativa L. one of the oldest cultivated crops, has a complex domestication history due to its diverse uses for fibre, seed, oil, and drugs, and its wide geographic distribution. This review explores how human selection has shaped the biology of hemp and drug-type Cannabis , focusing on acquisition and utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus, and how resulting changes in source–sink relations shape their contrasting phenology. Hemp has been optimized for rapid, slender growth and nutrient efficiency, whereas drug-type cultivars have been selected for compact growth with large phytocannabinoid-producing female inflorescences. Understanding these nutrient use and ontogenetic differences will enhance our general understanding of resource allocation in plants. Knowledge gained in comparison with other model species, such as tomato, rice, or Arabidopsis can help inform crop improvement and sustainability in the cannabis industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite its significant health burden, there is a lack of national-level temporal patterns in gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) mortality. Objectives: To comprehensively decipher the annual and monthly trend of GIB-related mortality in the United States. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: We analyzed the National Vital Statistic System database, which documents more than 99% of the annual deaths in the United States for GIB-related deaths from January 2010 to May 2023. Annual and monthly age-standardized mortality rates were estimated and categorized by age, sex, and bleeding site. Joinpoint regression was performed for trend analysis. Prediction modeling was conducted to determine the GIB-associated excess mortality. Results: A total of 529,094 and 210,641 GIB-associated deaths occurred before and after 2020, respectively. Following a stably decreasing trend between 2010 and 2019, there was an excess mortality rate during the pandemic which peaked in 2021. The monthly mortality trend showed spikes corresponding to the outbreak of variants. Importantly, excess GIB-related mortality resolved in 2023, with the convergence of predicted and observed mortality rates. Subgroup analysis showed that young males (aged 19–44 years) were affected the most during the pandemic, with excess mortality rates of 35.80%, 52.77%, and 31.46% in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. While the increasing trend of upper GIB was accentuated during the pandemic, lower GIB showed a reversal of the pre-pandemic decreasing trend. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the trend of GIB-related mortality, underscoring an increased excess death during the pandemic followed by a resolution in 2023. We identify subpopulations vulnerable to the pandemic. Plain language summary: Increased gastrointestinal bleeding-related mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic Why was the study done? While the COVID-19 pandemic has incurred substantial gastrointestinal (GI)-related excess mortality, the detailed temporal trends throughout the pandemic's duration remain unclear. What did the researchers do? Using a nationwide mortality database, we identified deaths related to GI bleeding that occurred between January 2010 and May 2023. What did the researchers find? A total of 529,094 and 210,641 GI bleeding-associated deaths occurred before and during the pandemic, respectively. The annual excess mortality rate peaked in 2021 and declined in 2022. The monthly mortality trend showed spikes corresponding to the outbreak of new variants. Importantly, excess GI bleeding-related mortality resolved in 2023, with the convergence of predicted and observed mortality rates. Subgroup analysis showed that young males (aged 19-44 years) were affected the most during the pandemic, with excess mortality rates of 35.80%, 52.77%, and 31.46% in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. While the increasing trend of upper GI bleeding was accentuated during the pandemic, lower GI bleeding showed a reversal of the pre-pandemic decreasing trend. What do the findings mean? Our findings demonstrate the resolution of excess GI bleeding-related mortality in 2023 and identify subpopulations vulnerable to the pandemic. It has implications for policymakers in addressing the current pandemic and preparing for future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the significant milestones in the half‐reduction process of photocatalysis, challenges remain in fully utilizing electron–hole pairs in the simultaneous redox reactions. Herein, a Z‐scheme ZnIn2S4/W18O49 (ZW) hybrid with complementary band edge potential is in situ constructed. The resultant fuzzy 1D‐assembled sea‐urchin photocatalyst demonstrates an optimal H2 and benzaldehyde yield of 122 and 106 µmol h−1 under λ > 420 nm light irradiation. This sacrificial‐agent‐free system entails solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) and apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) values of 0.466% and 2.48% (420 nm), respectively, surpassing most of the recently reported photocatalytic systems without the aid of noble metal cocatalysts. The outstanding performance is mainly attributed to the synergistic formation of intimate Z‐scheme heterojunction and the induction of localized surface plasmon resonances. Comprehensive characterization studies prove the direct injection of energetic hot electrons to promote the number of long‐lived active electrons. Besides, electron paramagnetic resonance and scavenger tests clarify the complicated mechanistic puzzle of the dual‐redox reaction, where benzaldehyde is formed dominantly via O─H activation followed by C─H cleavage of benzyl alcohol over ZW hybrid. Lastly, the universal use of the ZnIn2S4/W18O49 composites is testified in various dual‐redox systems. This study offers a novel outlook for designing dual‐functioning heterojunctions toward a feasible photoredox application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The growing use of real-world evidence (RWE) in pharmaceutical decision-making has prompted various guidelines, including REALISE (REAL World Data In ASia for HEalth Technology Assessment in Reimbursement). We compared RWE guidance from Asian, European, and North American health technology assessment (HTA) and regulatory bodies against the REALISE guidance. Methods: Following a previous search for China/Japan guidelines in 2022, websites of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) were searched for RWE guidance in May 2023. Sections from each guidance were mapped onto REALISE and categorized as "agree," "mixed," "disagree," or "missing" based on coverage/consistency. Results: Eleven guidelines were identified: four from Japan, three from China, and one each from FDA, NICE, EMA, and CADTH. No disagreements were found (all mapped sections were tagged "agree"/"mixed"); divergences were in coverage only. Most regulatory guidance had narrower scopes: EMA covered registry-based studies, the FDA's framework mainly referenced other documents, while Japan had guidance for database and registry data. Conversely, HTA guidelines (CADTH, NICE) were more comprehensive and provided specific recommendations on preferred methods (e.g., transparent reporting) that were "missing" (45 to 46%) from REALISE's more conceptual discussions. Chinese regulatory guidance was the exception, with similar coverage as REALISE (77% "agree"/"mixed"). Conclusions: Guidelines varied in scope, but there was overall concordance where recommendations could be mapped across documents. While regulatory bodies could focus on specific types of RWE, reflecting the specific role of RWE in regulatory evaluations (for example demonstrating safety), guidance for HTA was broader to account for different possible use cases in demonstrating comparative effectiveness and value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Results Conclusion Healthcare systems need to address the high healthcare use of frail older adults. The Geriatric Services Hub (GSH) is a novel program in Singapore that delivers frailty screening, comprehensive geriatric assessment and coordinated care for community‐dwelling older persons with bio‐psycho‐social needs. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the GSH on healthcare use.We compared healthcare utilization of 634 GSH participants with 634 unique propensity score‐matched non‐GSH community‐dwelling older adults at 12 months before and after GSH enrolment. Baseline matching covariates included demographics, socioeconomic status, disease burden, calendar quarter of enrolment, and past healthcare utilization. We did exact matching on frailty categories (Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) score 4, 5, and 6–7). Difference‐in‐differences technique was used to derive effect estimates.After propensity score matching, baseline covariates were adequately balanced. Healthcare utilization declined in both groups after GSH enrolment. Relative to the comparators and after accounting for pre‐enrolment differences, participation in the GSH was associated with greater primary care (mean difference: 0.06, 95% CI−0.64 to 0.77) and specialist outpatient clinic visits (mean difference: 0.42, 95% CI −0.29 to 1.13), and fewer emergency department visits (mean difference: −0.18, 95% CI −0.69 to 0.34). However, these effects did not reach statistical significance. While number of hospitalizations did not differ between the groups, cumulative length of stay differed by 1.15 bed‐days and was not statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were observed within CFS groups.GSH was not associated with significant reductions in healthcare use in the first year of enrolment. Higher utilization of primary care and specialist outpatient clinic services could reflect the increased identification of care needs with the potential to reduce unnecessary healthcare use such as emergency department visits. Prospective studies with a longer follow‐up would ascertain if the GSH translates to reduced healthcare utilization as hypothesized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited knowledge of fucoxanthin's changes during digestion necessitates comprehensive investigation to ensure its efficacy as a functional ingredient. This study assessed the effects of digestion on fucoxanthin's bioaccessibility, antioxidant activity, colour changes, and metabolite formation through in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Results indicated the highest bioaccessibility during gastric digestion (0.03 ± 0.00 mg/mL), followed by intestinal and mouth with 0.012 ± 0.00 and 0.011 ± 0.13 mg/mL, respectively. Antioxidant activity was the highest at the gastric stage, with significant activity persisting post-digestion (P < 0.05). Colour changes were significant, with total colour differences (∆E*) of 2.40, 2.86, and 2.76 at the mouth, gastric, and intestinal stages, respectively. LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics analysis revealed 15 key metabolites, with carboxylic acids as major metabolites during gastric and intestinal stages. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between identified metabolites with bioaccessibility, antioxidant activity, and colour changes, underscoring fucoxanthin's potential as a promising functional food ingredient. • Bioaccessibility index of fucoxanthin at 0.03 mg/mL was highest during gastric stage. • Colour changes were significant in the different stages of mouth, gastric, and intestine. • During digestion, fucoxanthin remained resilient despite some reduction in activities. • Carboxylic acids were the major identified metabolite in gastric and intestinal stages. • Metabolites strongly correlated with bioaccessibility, colour and antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have gained widespread acceptance as a means to enhance surgical outcomes. However, the intricate care required for kidney transplant recipients has not yet led to the establishment of a universally recognized and dependable ERAS protocol for kidney transplantation., Objective: We devised a customized ERAS protocol to determine its effectiveness in improving surgical and postoperative outcomes among kidney transplant recipients., Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a retrospective, single-center study performed at our tertiary care institution. Three hundred and fifty-six patients in the conventional group (from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017) and 442 patients from the ERAS group (from January 1, 2018 to June 1, 2020) were compared. Patients were followed for 1 year postoperatively., Intervention: Changes were made in the preoperative, operative, postoperative, and outpatient follow-up settings after transplantation., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Primary endpoints were hospital length of stay (LOS) and 30-day readmission rates. We also measured surgical outcomes, graft performance, and patient survival. Wilcoxon rank-sum, Pearson's Chi-squared, or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare groups., Results: Our ERAS protocol was associated with a decrease in hospital LOS from 5 to 3 days (p < 0.001) and 57.1% lower odds of hospital readmissions within 30 days compared to the conventional group (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.26-0.7). Decreases in operative estimated blood loss, blood transfusion rates, and delayed graft function were also associated with the ERAS protocol., Conclusion: Our multi-layered ERAS protocol is effective in improving outcomes for kidney transplant recipients. A future multi-institutional study with healthcare savings analysis may suggest that widespread benefits are yet to be realized by the greater implementation of such enhanced recovery protocols., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)