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Background: Findings of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of chia are inconsistent. Although previous meta-analyses summarized available findings in this regard, some limitations may distort their findings. Moreover, none of these meta-analyses examined the dose-response association of chia on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs). Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chia consumption on CMRFs. Methods: Relevant RCTs were included by searching the ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases up to June 2, 2023. Mean differences (MD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using random-effects model. Results: Ten publications were included in this systematic review and the meta-analysis. The results showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD = -7.87 mmHg; 95 % CI: − 12.92 to − 2.82; I2 = 71.3 %, P heterogeneity = 0.004), diastolic blood pressure (MD = -6.33 mmHg; 95 %CI: − 7.33 to − 5.34, I2 = 0 %, P heterogeneity = 0.42) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (MD = -4.09 mg/dl; 95 %CI: − 6.76 to − 1.43, I2 = 12.4 %, P heterogeneity = 0.33). However, the effects of chia on the other risk factors were not significant. Based on the dose-response analysis, a 10-g/d increase in chia consumption significantly reduced SBP (MD = -2.20 mmHg; 95 %CI: − 3.75 to − 0.66, I2 = 78.9 %, P heterogeneity < 0.001) and HDL-c (MD = -1.10 mg/dl; 95 %CI: − 1.72 to − 0.49, I2 = 0 %, P heterogeneity = 0.52). Conclusion: Chia consumption might have a beneficial effect on lowering blood pressure. Chia consumption can also lead to a slight reduction in HDL-c levels. As the quality of the included studies was mostly low, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Well-designed trials with larger sample sizes and longer duration of follow-up are needed to provide additional insight into the dose-dependent effects of chia consumption.

Background: A high body mass index (BMI) increases the risk of hypertension. However, little is known about the dose-dependent association between BMI and hypertension. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence of hypertension in 7568 subjects from the Jiangsu Province, Eastern China, and analyzed the dose–response relationship between BMI and hypertension risk. Methods: The eligible subjects completed a structured questionnaire and clinical biochemical indicators were measured according to standardized protocols. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between BMI and hypertension. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to analyze the dose–response relationship between BMI and hypertension risk. Moreover, sensitivity analysis was performed to verify the robustness of our findings. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 35.3 % in the total population. BMI was significantly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The fully-adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) for hypertension was 1.17 (1.15, 1.19) for every 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI. Furthermore, the OR (95 % CI) for hypertension in the highest BMI group (Obesity) was 4.14 (3.45, 4.96) after adjusting for covariates compared with the normal group. Multivariable adjusted RCS analysis showed a positive and linear dose–response relationship between BMI and hypertension risk both in male and female populations (all P for non-linearity > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a positive and linear dose–response relationship between BMI and the risk of hypertension. The results of this study provide evidence for BMI-related clinical interventions to reduce the risk of hypertension.

PurposeThis cross-sectional study conducted in the general US population investigated the association between dietary intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the prevalence of AMD.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized, including 4,842 participants aged 40 years and older. Dietary EPA and DHA intake data were collected through two 24-h dietary recall interviews and adjusted for weight. AMD was determined by a standardized grading system based on the presence of key features of AMD in color photographs of the macula. Multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models evaluated the associations between dietary EPA and DHA intake and AMD. Subgroup analysis and interaction analysis explored the influence of covariates.ResultsA total of 4,842 participants were included. In the multivariate-adjusted model 2, the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for AMD were 0.86 (0.75, 0.99) and 0.88 (0.80, 0.97) per unit increase in dietary EPA and DHA intake, respectively. Interaction testing revealed significant effect modification by age, education, and BMI on the EPA-AMD association, indicating these factors significantly impacted this inverse relationship (p-interaction < 0.05). Similarly, age, education, BMI, and cataract surgery history modified the inverse DHA-AMD association (p-interaction < 0.05). Dose-response analyses demonstrated a negative correlation between dietary EPA and DHA intake with AMD prevalence (p-nonlinearity = 0.184 and 0.548, respectively).ConclusionOur findings suggested that higher dietary EPA and DHA intake could be associated with lower AMD risk in older US adults. Age, education level, BMI, and history of cataract surgery may influence this inverse association.

ObjectiveThe aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association of HEI-2015 and overactive bladder (OAB) in a large population.MethodsData were retrieved from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2020 datasets. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to evaluate the association between HEI-2015 and OAB. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was conducted to investigate the dose–response relationship.ResultsTotally, this study included 29,206 participants with 6,184 OAB patients among them. The higher continuous HEI-2015 value was independently associated with lower OAB incidence (OR: 0.87; 95%CI: 0.78, 0.98). Similarly, the highest quartile categorical HEI-2015 was significantly associated with a lower OAB odds (OR: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.52, 0.99) when compared with the lowest quartile. The RCS curve also showed a favorable non-linear dose–response relationship between HEI-2015 and OAB.ConclusionA higher HEI-2015 had a favorable association with OAB and there was a non-linear dose–response relationship between them. We suggest adherence to the United States diet recommendation as a potential behavioral prevention of OAB. Large-scale long term prospective cohort studies across various regions are needed to verify the findings of this paper.

IntroductionThough consistent evidence suggests that physical activity may delay dementia onset, the duration and amount of activity required remains unclear.MethodsWe harmonized longitudinal data of 11,988 participants from 10 cohorts in eight countries to examine the dose-response relationship between late-life physical activity and incident dementia among older adults.ResultsUsing no physical activity as a reference, dementia risk decreased with duration of physical activity up to 3.1 to 6.0 hours/week (hazard ratio [HR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67 to 1.15 for 0.1 to 3.0 hours/week; HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.89 for 3.1 to 6.0 hours/week), but plateaued with higher duration. For the amount of physical activity, a similar pattern of dose-response curve was observed, with an inflection point of 9.1 to 18.0 metabolic equivalent value (MET)-hours/week (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.22 for 0.1 to 9.0 MET-hours/week; HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.93 for 9.1 to 18.0 MET-hours/week).DiscussionThis cross-national analysis suggests that performing 3.1 to 6.0 hours of physical activity and expending 9.1 to 18.0/MET-hours of energy per week may reduce dementia risk.

Abstract Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerating disease that may eventually lead to disabling condition and pose a threat to the health of aging populations. This study aimed to explore the association of two potential risk factors, selenium and cadmium, with the prognosis of Parkinson’s disease as well as their interaction effect. Methods Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006 to 2015–2016 and National Death Index (NDI). Participants were classified as Parkinson’s patients by self-reported anti-Parkinson medications usage. Cox regression models and restricted cubic spline models were applied to evaluate the association between PD mortality and selenium intake level as well as blood cadmium level. Subgroup analysis was also conducted to explore the interaction between them. Results A total of 184 individuals were included. In full adjusted cox regression model (adjusted for age, gender, race, hypertension, pesticide exposure, smoking status and caffeine intake), compared with participants with low selenium intake, those with normal selenium intake level were significantly associated with less risk of death (95%CI: 0.18–0.76, P = 0.005) while no significant association was found between low selenium intake group and high selenium group (95%CI: 0.16–1.20, P = 0.112). Restricted cubic spline model indicated a nonlinear relationship between selenium intake and PD mortality (P for nonlinearity = 0.050). The association between PD mortality and blood cadmium level was not significant (95%CI: 0.19–5.57, P = 0.112). However, the interaction term of selenium intake and blood cadmium showed significance in the cox model (P for interaction = 0.048). Subgroup analysis showed that the significant protective effect of selenium intake existed in populations with high blood cadmium but not in populations with low blood cadmium. Conclusion Moderate increase of selenium intake had a protective effect on PD mortality especially in high blood cadmium populations.

Abstract Purpose Whole grains have recently been promoted as beneficial to diabetes prevention. However, the evidence for the glycemic benefits of whole grains seems to conflict between the cohort studies and randomized control trials (RCTs). To fill the research gap, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effects of whole grains on diabetes prevention and to inform recommendations. Methods We searched PubMed, Clarivate Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until March 2024. We used the risk ratio (RR) of type 2 diabetes to represent the clinical outcomes for cohort studies, while the biomarkers, including fasting blood glucose and insulin, HbA1C, and HOMA-IR, were utilized to show outcomes for RCTs. Dose-response relationships between whole grain intakes and outcomes were tested with random effects meta-regression models and restricted cubic splines models. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021281639. Results Ten prospective cohort studies and 37 RCTs were included. Cohort studies suggested a 50 g/day whole grain intake reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes (RR = 0.761, 95% CI: 0.700 to 0.828, I 2 = 72.39%, P

Xiao-Xia Sun, Jing Qian, Jia-Ming Fan, Lin Liu, Xia-Fang Jin, Fei Xiao Department of Anesthesia, Jiaxing University Affiliated Women and Children Hospital, Jiaxing City, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Xia-Fang Jin; Fei Xiao, Department of Anesthesia, Jiaxing University Affiliated Women and Children Hospital, Jiaxing City, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86573-83963131, Email jxjxf@126.com; 13706587501@163.comBackground: Ondansetron reduces the median effective dose (ED50) of prophylactic phenylephrine to prevent spinal-induced hypotension (SIH) during cesarean delivery. However, the exact dose response of phenylephrine in combination with prophylactic ondansetron for preventing SIH is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the dose-response of phenylephrine to prevent SIH in cesarean delivery when 4 mg of ondansetron was used as a preventive method.Methods: A total of 80 parturients were enrolled and divided randomly into four groups (n = 20 in each group) who received either 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 μg/kg/min of prophylactic phenylephrine. Ten minutes before the initiation of spinal induction, 4 mg prophylactic ondansetron was administered. The effective dose of prophylactic phenylephrine was defined as the dose required to prevent hypotension after the period of intrathecal injection and up to neonatal delivery. The ED50 and ED90 of prophylactic phenylephrine and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using probit analysis.Results: The ED50 and ED90 for prophylactic phenylephrine to prevent SIH were 0.25 (95% CI, 0.15 to 0.30), and 0.45 (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.59) μg/kg/min, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the side effects and neonatal outcomes between the four groups.Conclusion: The administration of 4 mg of prophylactic ondansetron was associated with an ED50 of 0.25 (95% CI, 0.15~0.30) and ED90 of 0.45 (95% CI, 0.39~0.59) μg/kg/min for phenylephrine to prevent SIH.Keywords: phenylephrine, ondansetron, dose-response, hypotension, cesarean delivery, spinal

Abstract Aims A meta‐analysis of short‐term studies revealed no significant differences between the doses of asenapine, 10 and 20 mg/day, in the acute treatment of schizophrenia. However, it should be noted that many patients from clinical practice were excluded, and the dose–response to asenapine in a real‐world setting is still unclear. Additionally, the dose–response in the maintenance phase is not clear. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the efficacy of different asenapine doses in patients with maintenance phase of schizophrenia in a real‐world setting. Methods This study conducted post‐marketing surveillance of asenapine in clinical settings in Japan. It followed patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who received asenapine for the first time for a maximum of 52 weeks. These patients were divided into two categories based on their average daily asenapine dosage: ≤10 mg/day and >10 mg/day. Asenapine efficacy was assessed by adjusting for patient demographics using multivariate logistic regression analysis, employing the Clinical Global Impression‐Global Improvement (CGI‐I) scale, which has seven categories. Results A total of 2774 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 1689 and 1085 patients were treated with asenapine ≤10 mg/day and >10 mg/day, respectively. The CGI‐I improvement rate was significantly higher in the asenapine >10 group (p = 0.012) after adjusting for patient background factors. Conclusion These results suggest that asenapine doses >10 mg/day may be more effective than 10 mg/day in the treatment of schizophrenia; however, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Abstract Background The relationship between serum selenium (Se) and acute kidney injury after adult cardiac surgery (CSA-AKI) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association of preoperative Se level with incident CSA-AKI. Method and Results A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent cardiac surgery. The primary outcome was incident CSA-AKI. Multivariable logistic regression models and natural cubic splines were used to estimate the association of Se levels and primary outcome. A total of 453 patient with a mean age of 62.97 years were included. Among all patients, 159 (35.1%) incident cases of CSA-AKI were identified. The level of preoperative Se concentration in patients with CSA-AKI was significant lower than that in patients without CSA-AKI. The higher preoperative Se level was significantly associated with decreased risk of CSA-AKI (adjusted OR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87–0.99). Dose-response relationship curve revealed a nearly L-shape correlation between serum Se selenium levels and incident CSA-AKI. Conclusion Our study suggested that a higher level of serum Se was significantly associated with lower risk of CSA-AKI. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the causal relationship between serum Se level and incident CSA-AKI.

Abstract Background Previous experimental studies have suggested that the consumption of soy isoflavones may have a potential impact on lowering blood pressure. Nevertheless, epidemiological studies have presented conflicting outcomes concerning the correlation between soy isoflavone consumption and blood pressure levels. Consequently, a comprehensive meta-analysis of all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to explore the influence of soy isoflavones on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adults. Methods A thorough search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for relevant literature up to April 30, 2023 was conducted. RCTs involving adults that compared soy isoflavone supplementation with a placebo (the same matrix devoid of soy isoflavone) were included. The combined effect size was presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) along with 95% confidence interval (CI), employing a fixed-effects model. Results Our meta-analysis included a total of 24 studies involving 1945 participants. The results revealed a significant reduction in both SBP and DBP with soy isoflavone supplementation. Subgroup analyses suggested more pronounced reductions in SBP and DBP for interventions lasting ≥6 months, in individuals receiving mixed-type soy isoflavone, and among patients with metabolic syndrome or prehypertension. However, we did not detect significant nonlinear associations between supplementation dosage and intervention duration concerning both SBP and DBP. The overall quality of evidence was deemed moderate. Conclusions The current meta-analysis revealed that supplementation with soy isoflavones alone effectively reduces blood pressure. Additional high-quality studies are required to investigate the efficacy of blood pressure reduction through supplementation with an optimal quantity and proportion of soy isoflavone.

The Workshops for Engineering and Science Transfers (WEST) program was designed to foster critical-thinking skills and develop a supportive community for new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) community college transfer students at the University of California, Santa Cruz, with the ultimate goal of improving student retention and persistence in STEM. All learners in the program participate in inquiry activities devised to incorporate elements of backward design and equity and inclusion. Here we discuss our 2019 Toxicology WEST workshop activity, an in-depth exploration of dose-response relationships created to provide an overview of the field of toxicology and clarify common misconceptions. To reflect authentic research design, we had learners assume the roles of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists tasked with investigating the effects of environmental toxicants on the model organisms Caenorhabditis elegans and Daphnia magna. Learners were asked to design and conduct experiments to explore the dose-response relationship and report their results in a culminating poster symposium. We assessed learning by evaluating their performance on two tasks: an individual written response and a group poster presentation. Our activity gave learners an opportunity to practice experimental design, data analysis, and science communication before beginning UCSC STEM courses. Practicing these skills early is essential for student retention in STEM, as many students find the experimental process challenging. Here, we describe details of our inquiry workshop activity, reflect on the effectiveness of the activity and our assessment of student learning, and offer suggestions for facilitation and adaptation of our activity to additional educational contexts.

Few studies have investigated the dose–response relationship between exercise and weight control. This study aimed to assess the effects of different types of supervised exercise training on weight control and other metabolic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and explore the dose–response relationship between exercise volume/duration and these outcomes. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies between January 1980 and June 2019. Randomized control trials in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with supervised exercise training versus control treatment were included. The primary outcome was changes in body weight (kg). The secondary outcomes included changes in waist circumference (cm) and total body fat percentage (%). Forty-two randomized control trials, including 3,625 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Overall, exercise treatment was associated with significant reduction in body weight (weighted mean differences, −1.10 kg; 95% CI [−1.58, −0.62], p <.01), waist circumference (weighted mean differences, −2.51 cm; 95% CI [−3.25, −1.77], p <.01), and total body fat (weighted mean differences, −1.16%; 95% CI [−1.58%, −0.75%], p <.01). The percentage of total body fat was reduced by all types of exercise, with a significant difference between aerobic exercise and resistance exercise (p =.02) and a significant difference between combined exercise and resistance exercise (p <.01). A higher volume of aerobic exercise and a higher volume of resistance exercise were superior in reducing body weight. In conclusion, supervised exercise training improved metabolic outcomes in general, while different types and volume of exercises have their own merits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short‐term monocular deprivation (MD) shifts sensory eye balance in favour of the previously deprived eye. The effect of MD on eye balance is significant but brief in adult humans. Recently, researchers and clinicians have attempted to implement MD in clinical settings for adults with impaired binocular vision. Although the effect of MD has been studied in detail in single‐session protocols, what is not known is whether the effect of MD on eye balance deteriorates after repeated periods of MD (termed 'perceptual deterioration'). An answer to this question is relevant for two reasons. Firstly, the effect of MD (i.e., dose‐response) should not decrease with repeated use if MD is to be used therapeutically (e.g., daily for weeks). Second, it bears upon the question of whether the neural basis of the effects of MD and contrast adaptation, a closely related phenomenon, is the same. The sensory change from contrast adaptation depends on recent experience. If the observer has recently experienced the same adaptation multiple times for consecutive days, then the adaptation effect will be smaller because contrast adaptation exhibits perceptual deterioration, so it is of interest to know if the effects of MD follow suit. This study measured the effect of 2‐h MD for seven consecutive days on binocular balance of 15 normally sighted adults. We found that the shift in eye balance from MD stayed consistent, showing no signs of deterioration after subjects experienced multiple periods of MD. This finding shows no loss of effectiveness of repeated daily doses of MD if used therapeutically to rebalance binocular vision in otherwise normal individuals. Furthermore, ocular dominance plasticity, which is the basis of the effects of short‐term MD, does not seem to share the property of 'perceptual deterioration' with contrast adaptation, suggesting different neural bases for these two related phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass plus a decline in muscle strength and/or reduced physical performance with advancing age. The results of current studies on the relationship between drinking and sarcopenia remain controversial. Objectives: The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association of alcohol consumption with the risk of sarcopenia. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted without language restrictions from the beginning of each database to September 20, 2023 on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang Data, Chinese BioMedical Literature, and China national knowledge infrastructure databases. Meta-analysis was conducted to pool the study-specific odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Sixty-two studies with 454,643 participants were enrolled. The meta-analysis of proportions revealed that alcohol consumption was not associated with the presence of sarcopenia, with a pooled OR of 0.964 (95% CI = 0.912–1.019). Further subgroup analysis indicated that alcohol consumption was correlated with lower risk of sarcopenia in men (OR = 0.763; 95% CI = 0.622–0.938; P =.010). The nonlinear dose-response analysis suggested a J-shaped association between alcohol consumption and the risk of sarcopenia, with a nadir at the amounts of alcohol consumption of 6.6 grams/day (OR = 0.765; 95% CI = 0.608–0.957; P <.05). Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis indicate that alcohol consumption is not a risk factor for the development of sarcopenia. Any suggestion of a putative protective effect of alcohol should be treated with caution, particularly in light of the overall lack of relationship reported in the present comprehensive meta-analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyperus esculentus is a hard-to-control, destructive perennial weed propagating and spreading through rhizomes and tubers. Currently, a combination of mechanical, cultural, and chemical measures sustained over time is required for satisfactory control of arable crops. Hood steaming is a promising thermal technique for rapid depletion of the soil tuber bank. The effect of hood steaming on C. esculentus tuber vitality was investigated using a dose–response experiment on two localities in Belgium. Steaming was performed for five durations (2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 min). Moreover, the effects of tuber burial depth (5, 15, and 25 cm), genetic C. esculentus clone (three different clones), and pedohydrological parameters (sandy and sandy, loamy soil) on hood steaming efficacy were determined. Additionally, the heat sensitivity of genetically diverse C. esculentus tubers was investigated in a laboratory incubator experiment in which incubation temperature and duration varied. To control tubers at depths of 5, 15, and 25 cm, treatment durations of 8, 16, and 32 min were required, respectively. In general, clones producing large tubers showed lower heat sensitivity. As pedohydrological parameters may affect heat transfer into the soil, they may affect steaming efficacy as well. To obtain complete control of C. esculentus tubers, soil temperature should be 50 °C or more for at least 42 min. Hood steaming is a highly suitable alternative technique for a rapid and strong depletion of the soil tuber bank in small well-delineated C. esculentus patches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accumulating studies indicate that maternal obesity is associated with the risk of cerebral palsy (CP); however, their conclusions have been inconsistent. Objectives: To quantitatively estimate the association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and CP in offspring. Data Sources: PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles published up to 18 September 2022 were searched that reported the correlation between maternal BMI and CP in children. Two reviewers independently extracted data and critically assessed articles. Synthesis: Pooled relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by the random‐effects model. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Results: In total, 11 articles (8,407,668 participants) were identified for inclusion in our meta‐analysis. For maternal underweight, no significant association was found with CP risk (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.90, 1.38). The risk of CP was increased by 25% (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.06, 1.47), 38% (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.18, 1.61) and 127% (RR 2.27, 95% CI 1.82, 2.83) for maternal overweight, obesity and obesity grade 3, respectively. In addition, we observed a positive linear dose‐response relationship, with the pooled risk of cerebral palsy in offspring increasing by 3% with each unit increase in maternal BMI. Conclusion: This meta‐analysis indicates that the risk of CP in offspring grew with maternal overweight or obesity grades increasing, and was positively correlated with maternal BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of a receptor-ligand system generally relies on the analysis of its doseresponse (or concentration-effect) curve, which quantifies the relation between ligand concentration and the biological effect (or cellular response) induced when binding its specific cell surface receptor. Mathematical models of receptor-ligand systems have been developed to compute a dose-response curve under the assumption that the biological effect is proportional to the number of ligand-bound receptors. Given a dose-response curve, two quantities (or metrics) have been defined to characterize the properties of the ligand-receptor system under consideration: amplitude and potency (or halfmaximal effective concentration, and denoted by EC50). Both the amplitude and the EC50 are key quantities commonly used in pharmaco-dynamic modeling, yet a comprehensive mathematical investigation of the behavior of these two metrics is still outstanding; for a large (and important) family of receptors, called cytokine receptors, we still do not know how amplitude and EC50 depend on receptor copy numbers. Here we make use of algebraic approaches (Gr\"obner basis) to study these metrics for a large class of receptor-ligand models, with a focus on cytokine receptors. In particular, we introduce a method, making use of two motivating examples based on the interleukin-7 (IL-7) receptor, to compute analytic expressions for the amplitude and the EC50. We then extend the method to a wider class of receptor-ligand systems, sequential receptor-ligand systems with extrinsic kinase, and provide some examples. The algebraic methods developed in this paper not only reduce computational costs and numerical errors, but allow us to explicitly identify key molecular parameters and rates which determine the behavior of the dose-response curve. Thus, the proposed methods provide a novel and useful approach to perform model validation, assay design and parameter exploration of receptor-ligand systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RATIONALE: New evidence is available examining the use of corticosteroids in sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), warranting a focused update of the 2017 guideline on critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency. OBJECTIVES: To develop evidence-based recommendations for use of corticosteroids in hospitalized adults and children with sepsis, ARDS, and CAP. PANEL DESIGN: The 22-member panel included diverse representation from medicine, including adult and pediatric intensivists, pulmonologists, endocrinologists, nurses, pharmacists, and clinician-methodologists with expertise in developing evidence-based Clinical Practice Guidelines. We followed Society of Critical Care Medicine conflict of interest policies in all phases of the guideline development, including task force selection and voting. METHODS: After development of five focused Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes (PICO) questions, we conducted systematic reviews to identify the best available evidence addressing each question. We evaluated the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach and formulated recommendations using the evidence-to-decision framework. RESULTS: In response to the five PICOs, the panel issued four recommendations addressing the use of corticosteroids in patients with sepsis, ARDS, and CAP. These included a conditional recommendation to administer corticosteroids for patients with septic shock and critically ill patients with ARDS and a strong recommendation for use in hospitalized patients with severe CAP. The panel also recommended against high dose/short duration administration of corticosteroids for septic shock. In response to the final PICO regarding type of corticosteroid molecule in ARDS, the panel was unable to provide specific recommendations addressing corticosteroid molecule, dose, and duration of therapy, based on currently available evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The panel provided updated recommendations based on current evidence to inform clinicians, patients, and other stakeholders on the use of corticosteroids for sepsis, ARDS, and CAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure injuries (PIs) are one of the leading potentially preventable hospital-acquired complications associated with prolonged hospital length, poor quality of life and financial burden. The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and PIs occurrence is controversial. The aim of this study was to further examine relationships between BMI and PIs occurrence in hospitalized patients. A multi-center prospective study. 39 hospitals located in northwest China from April 2021 to July 2023. 175,960 hospitalized patients aged over 18 years were enrolled, and 170,800 patients were included in the final analysis. BMI and clinical characteristics were assessed at baseline. PIs assessment were performed by trained nurses, with data recorded for the presence, the location and stage of each PI. For staging PIs, the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel（NPUAP） staging system were used. The multivariate logistic regressions analysis and restricted cubic splines (RCS) models were used to explore associations between BMI and PIs, adjusting for potential confounders. Of 175,960 participants, 5160 were excluded from analyses. The multivariate logistic regression model identified a positive relationship between under-weight BMI and risk of PIs occurrence (OR = 1.60, 95% CI:1.18–2.17). We also found U shaped association between BMI and PIs occurrence (non-linear P < 0.001). BMI less than 23 kg/m2 significantly increased risk of PIs, and there was a tendency to increase risk of PIs at BMI higher than 30 kg/m2. We stratified participants by sex to further investigate their association and found the risk of PIs increases substantially in women at BMI below 17 kg/m2 and in men at BMI below 23 kg/m2. The present study indicated that there was an approximate U shaped relationship between BMI and PIs occurrence, and this association was potentially different between men and women. • Pressure injuries (PIs) are one of the leading potentially preventable adverse events in the hospital. • Early identification of hospitalized patients at risk of PIs can lead to early and precise intervention. • The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and PIs occurrence is controversial. • There was an approximate U shaped relationship between BMI and PIs occurrence. • The relationships between BMI and PIs occurrence was potentially different between men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* OBJECTIVE: To quantify the dose-response relationship between overall and specific exercise modalities and pain, in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain (LBP). * DESIGN: Systematic review with Bayesian network meta-analysis. * LITERATURE SEARCH: We searched the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases from inception to June 2023. * STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions in adults with nonspecific chronic LBP and at least 1 pain outcome reported at the main trial end point. * DATA SYNTHESIS: A random-effects network meta-analysis was conducted. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0, and used the GRADE approach to judge the certainty of evidence for each outcome. * RESULTS: Eighty-two trials were included (n = 5033 participants). We found a nonlinear dose-response relationship between total exercise and pain in patients with nonspecific chronic LBP. The maximum significant response was observed at 920 MET minutes (standardized mean difference = -1.74; 95% credible intervals: -2.43, -1.04). The minimal clinically important difference for achieving meaningful pain improvement was 520 MET minutes per week. The dose to achieve minimal clinically important difference varied by type of exercise; Pilates was the most effective. The certainty of the evidence was very low to moderate for all outcomes. * CONCLUSION: The dose-response relationship of different exercise modalities to improve pain in patients with nonspecific chronic LBP had a U-shaped trajectory and low- to moderate-certainty evidence. The clinical effect was most pronounced with Pilates exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Engaging in appropriate physical activity can significantly lower the risk of various diseases among middle-aged and older adults. Investigating optimal levels of physical activity (PA) is crucial for enhancing the health of this demographic. This study aims to explore the dose–response relationship between weekly PA levels and the frequency of colds among Chinese middle-aged and elderly individuals, identifying the necessary PA level to effectively diminish the risk of colds. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a web-based survey targeting individuals aged 40 and older (n = 1, 683) in China. The survey collected information on PA and the frequency of colds. Data was analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test and the χ2 test. We explored the dose–response relationship between weekly PA and cold frequency over the past year through an ordered multivariate logistic regression model and a restricted cubic spline model. Results: (1) Brisk walking emerged as the preferred physical exercise for those over 40. The findings suggest that engaging in moderate (odds ratio (OR) = 0.64, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.50–0.81]) and high (OR = 0.64, P < 0.001, 95% CI [0.51–0.79]) levels of PA weekly significantly reduces the risk of catching a cold. Individuals with one (OR = 1.47, P < 0.001, 95% CI [1.20–1.80]) or multiple chronic diseases (OR = 1.56, P < 0.001, 95% CI [1.21–2.00]) were at increased risk. Those residing in central (OR = 1.64, P < 0.001, 95% CI [1.33–02.01]) and western China (OR = 1.49, P = 0.008, 95% CI [1.11–02.00]) faced a higher risk compared to their counterparts in eastern China. (2) According to the restricted cubic spline model, adults who experienced one cold in the past year had a weekly PA level of 537.29 metabolic equivalent-minutes per week (MET-min/wk) with an OR value of 1. For those reporting two or more colds, the PA level was 537.76 MET-min/wk with an OR of 1. Conclusions: (1) Brisk walking is the most favored exercise among the Chinese middle-aged and elderly, with the prevalence of colds being affected by the number of chronic diseases and the geographic location. (2) Regular, moderate exercise is linked to a lower risk of colds. To effectively reduce cold frequency, it is recommended that middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals engage in a minimum of 538 MET-min/wk of exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyslipidemia is linked to various health complications, including cardiovascular disease and inflammation. This study aimed to assess the association between smoking and lipid profile in the Tabari cohort population. Data from the Tabari Cohort Study involving 4,149 men were analyzed. A standardized questionnaire collected smoking history, while blood samples measured lipid levels and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Statistical analysis utilized chi-square tests and logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. The prevalence of smoking was 893 (21.52%; urban: 20.6%, mountainous: 23.8%, significant level:.024). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) among smokers 1.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–1.77, p <.001) was the same as non-smokers. The adjusted OR of high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in men with 1 to 10, 11 to 20, and more than 20 cigarettes per day was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.73–1.25), 1.30 (95% CI: 0.99–1.71), and 2.64 (95% CI: 1.32–5.27) and low HDL was equal to 1.34 (95% CI: 1.06–1.68), 1.61 (95% CI: 1.26–2.05), and 2.24 (95% CI: 1.13–4.42) compared with non-smokers, respectively. The study findings indicate that smoking is associated with lower HDL levels, even after adjusting for potential confounders. The odds of low HDL and high LDL increases with higher smoking intensity. The low HDL and high LDL levels in individuals smoking over 20 cigarettes/day, respectively, show a 2.24-fold and a 2.64-fold increased odds compared to non-smokers. These findings highlight the importance of smoking cessation in relation to lipid profiles and related health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For cesarean delivery (CD), the 90% effective dosage (ED90) of oxytocin for a first bolus has been established. It is not yet known how much oxytocin to inject into obese women undergoing elective discectomy to keep their uterine tone (UT) appropriate. We hypothesized that patients who are overweight need a greater dose of oxytocin infusion; thus, we aimed to determine how the dose-response curve for oxytocin infusion changes following an initial 1 international unit (IU) bolus in obese women undergoing elective CD. Methods: One hundred parturients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m² were randomly assigned to receive an infusion rate of 14, 18, 22, or 26 IU/h of oxytocin. When the uterine palpation is as hard as touching the forehead or tip of the nose, it is considered sufficient UT according to the criteria used by obstetricians. The median effective dose (ED50) and ED90 values were determined using probit analysis. Results: We found the ED50 and ED90 values for the infusion dose of oxytocin were around 11.0 IU/h and 19.1 IU/h, respectively. Each group had a different number of parturients who needed rescued oxytocin: 14 IU/h for six, 18 IU/h for three, one for 22 IU/h, and none for 26 IU/h. The correlation between the frequency of rescued oxytocin administration and the amount of oxytocin infusion needed to avoid uterine atony was statistically significant (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The present research showed that the most effective dosage of oxytocin infusion for obese parturients undergoing elective CD is 19.1 IU/h, following an initial loading dose of 1 IU. Patients with obesity should receive a greater dosage of prophylactic oxytocin, and further studies comparing patients with and without obesity (with higher BMI) are required. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj= 159951, identifier ChiCTR2200059582. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Whole grains have recently been promoted as beneficial to diabetes prevention. However, the evidence for the glycemic benefits of whole grains seems to conflict between the cohort studies and randomized control trials (RCTs). To fill the research gap, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effects of whole grains on diabetes prevention and to inform recommendations. Methods: We searched PubMed, Clarivate Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until March 2024. We used the risk ratio (RR) of type 2 diabetes to represent the clinical outcomes for cohort studies, while the biomarkers, including fasting blood glucose and insulin, HbA1C, and HOMA-IR, were utilized to show outcomes for RCTs. Dose-response relationships between whole grain intakes and outcomes were tested with random effects meta-regression models and restricted cubic splines models. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021281639. Results: Ten prospective cohort studies and 37 RCTs were included. Cohort studies suggested a 50 g/day whole grain intake reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes (RR = 0.761, 95% CI: 0.700 to 0.828, I2 = 72.39%, P < 0.001) and indicated a monotonic inverse relationship between whole grains and type 2 diabetes rate. In RCTs, whole grains significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (Mean difference (MD) = -0.103 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.178 to -0.028; I2 = 72.99%, P < 0.01) and had modest effects on HbA1C (MD = -0.662 mmol/mol (-0.06%), 95% CI: -1.335 to 0.010; I2 = 64.55%, P = 0.05) and HOMA-IR (MD = -0.164, 95% CI: -0.342 to 0.013; I2 = 33.38%, P = 0.07). The intake of whole grains and FBG, HbA1C, and HOMA-IR were significantly dose-dependent. The restricted spline curves remained flat up to 150 g/day and decreased afterward. Subgroup analysis showed that interventions with multiple whole-grain types were more effective than those with a single type. Conclusion: Our study findings suggest that a daily intake of more than 150 g of whole grain ingredients is recommended as a population approach for diabetes prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to establish whether habitual alcohol consumption benefits verbal and spatial working memory performance after addressing the main criticisms that have been raised against the finding that alcohol benefits cognition. An adult lifespan sample of 1,652 healthy adults between 21 and 80 years of age participated in the study. Participants were classified as lifetime nondrinkers or drinkers, and several demographic and biological variables were controlled. Alcohol consumption was assessed through a lifestyle questionnaire created for the study. Working memory was measured through a 2-back computerized task. Discrimination and speed in verbal and spatial working memory among drinkers were superior to those among nondrinkers. Total alcohol intake across life and the amount of alcohol intake per week predicted higher verbal and spatial working memory discrimination. Beer drinkers showed more accurate and faster responses in verbal and spatial working memory than nondrinkers, wine drinkers and spirit drinkers. The optimal amount of alcohol intake to benefit working memory for women and men was 100 g per week, which is equivalent to one drink per day. After consuming 350 g of alcohol per week, equivalent to 25 drinks per week, the effects of alcohol on working memory become more negative than the effects of alcohol abstinence. While alcohol consumption is considered a risk factor for several diseases, we found that moderate alcohol intake benefits working memory performance throughout the adult lifespan to a greater extent than whole-life abstinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most studies of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on cognitive function have assumed that the dose-response curve is linear. However, data from a few animal and human studies suggest that there may be an inflection point in the dose-response curve above which PAE effects are markedly stronger and that there may be differences associated with pattern of exposure, assessed in terms of alcohol dose per drinking occasion and drinking frequency. Methods: We performed second-order confirmatory factor analysis on data obtained at school age, adolescence, and early adulthood from 2227 participants in six US longitudinal cohorts to derive a composite measure of cognitive function. Regression models were constructed to examine effects of PAE on cognitive function, adjusted for propensity scores. Analyses based on a single predictor (absolute alcohol (AA)/day) were compared with analyses based on two predictors (dose/occasion and drinking frequency), using (1) linear models and (2) nonparametric general additive models (GAM) that allow for both linear and nonlinear effects. Results: The single-predictor GAM model showed virtually no nonlinearity in the effect of AA/day on cognitive function. However, the two-predictor GAM model revealed differential effects of maternal drinking pattern. Among offspring of infrequent drinkers, PAE effects on cognitive function were markedly stronger in those whose mothers drank more than ~3 drinks/occasion, and the effect of dose/occasion was strongest among the very frequent drinkers. Frequency of drinking did not appear to alter the PAE effect on cognitive function among participants born to mothers who limited their drinking to ~1 drink/occasion or less. Conclusions: These findings suggest that linear models based on total AA/day are appropriate for assessing whether PAE affects a given cognitive outcome. However, examination of alcohol dose/occasion and drinking frequency is needed to fully characterize the impact of different levels of alcohol intake on cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of nonlinear statistical methods and models are ubiquitous in scientific research. However, these methods may not be fully understood, and as demonstrated here, commonly-reported parameter p-values and confidence intervals may be inaccurate. The gentle introduction to nonlinear regression modelling and comprehensive illustrations given here provides applied researchers with the needed overview and tools to appreciate the nuances and breadth of these important methods. Since these methods build upon topics covered in first and second courses in applied statistics and predictive modelling, the target audience includes practitioners and students alike. To guide practitioners, we summarize, illustrate, develop, and extend nonlinear modelling methods, and underscore caveats of Wald statistics using basic illustrations and give key reasons for preferring likelihood methods. Parameter profiling in multiparameter models and exact or near-exact versus approximate likelihood methods are discussed and curvature measures are connected with the failure of the Wald approximations regularly used in statistical software. The discussion in the main paper has been kept at an introductory level and it can be covered on a first reading; additional details given in the Appendices can be worked through upon further study. The associated online Supplementary Information also provides the data and R computer code which can be easily adapted to aid researchers to fit nonlinear models to their data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationship between the intake of vitamin C, vitamin E and ß-carotene, and the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane library, CNKI, and WanFang databases were searched from inception to 29 August 2022 for observational studies reporting the odds ratios (ORs) or relative risks (RRs) or hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of PD by Vitamin C/Vitamin E/ß-carotene intake. Random-effects models, publication bias assessment, subgroup, sensitivity and dose-response analyses were performed, using. Stata version 12.0. Results: A total of 13 studies were included. There was no significant association between highdose vitamin C intake and the risk of PD compared with low-dose vitamin C intake (RR = 0.98, 95%CI:0.89,1.08). Compared with low-dose intake, high-dose intake of vitamin E can prevent the risk of PD (RR = 0.87, 95%CI:0.77,0.99). Compared with lower ß-carotene intake, there was a borderline non-significant correlation between higher intake and PD risk (RR = 0.91, 95% CI:0.82,1.01), and high dose ß-carotene intake was found to be associated with a lower risk of PD in women (RR = 0.78, 95%CI:0.64,0.96). Conclusion: This study shows that vitamin E intake can reduce the risk of PD and play a preventive role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐native annual grasses have invaded western rangelands in the United States, and novel approaches are needed to supplement existing management strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate biofumigation, the use of Brassicaceae products to suppress weeds, as a control for two non‐native annual grasses (cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum and ventenata, Ventenata dubia) and its effects on two dominant native perennial grasses (bluebunch wheatgrass, Pseudoroegneria spicata and Idaho fescue, Festuca idahoensis). We tested the effect of the biofumigant Brassica juncea (brown mustard), applied as seed meal and mulch, on germination metrics of the four grass species in Petri dishes. Germination metrics included emergence and viability, time to cotyledon and radicle emergence and their lengths at 14 days after sowing. Impacts on emergence and viability were assessed using a binomial mixed effects model, while time to cotyledon and radicle emergence and lengths were assessed using linear mixed effects models. Seed meal reduced emergence and viability at lower application rates for V. dubia and F. idahoensis than the other two species. Mulch did not consistently reduce emergence or viability. P. spicata was the least inhibited by the biofumigants. When using seed meal, radicle emergence and length were inhibited in B. tectorum, V. dubia and F. idahoensis and cotyledon emergence and length were inhibited for all. The mulch did not impact these metrics consistently and may not be a viable management tool. The use of seed meal biofumigant to suppress undesired annual grasses in rangelands seems promising, but response is species‐specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The environmental and economic costs of conventional insecticides have stirred an interest in alternative management tactics, including the use of nanotechnologies. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have many applications in agriculture but may not be compatible with biological control; however, low concentrations of SeNPs may benefit natural enemies via hormesis. This study investigates the concentration‐dependent effects of SeNPs (0–1000 mg L−1) on Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), a generalist parasitoid of stored product pests. RESULTS: The LC50 of SeNPs was 1540 mg L−1 for female parasitoids and 1164 mg L−1 for males. SeNPs had a significant hormetic effect; average lifespan increased by 10% at a concentration of 4.03 mg L−1 for females and by 35% at 13.83 mg L−1 for males. In a bioassay including hosts [the azuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)], a low concentration of SeNPs (25 mg L−1) enhanced the performance of female parasitoids; lifespan increased by 23% and the number of offspring increased by 88%. However, the number of emerging hosts did not significantly decrease; in the absence of parasitism, SeNPs actually improved host emergence by 17%. CONCLUSION: Because higher concentrations of SeNPs reduced parasitoid lifespan, whereas low concentrations enhanced not only parasitoid performance but also host emergence, practitioners should exercise caution when considering SeNPs for use in integrated pest management. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-strain Limosilactobacillus (L.) fermentum is a potential probiotic with reported immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the composition, richness, and diversity of the gut microbiota in male and female rats after treatment with a multi-strain of L. fermentum at different doses. Thirty rats (fifteen male and fifteen female) were allocated into a control group (CTL), a group receiving L. fermentum at a dose of 108 CFU (Lf-108), and a group receiving L. fermentum at a dose of 1010 CFU (Lf-1010) for 13 weeks. Gut microbiota and serum cytokine levels were evaluated after L. fermentum treatment. Male CTL rats had a lower relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae and Prevotella and a lower alpha diversity than their female CTL counterparts (p < 0.05). In addition, male CTL rats had a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio than female CTL rats (p < 0.05). In female rats, the administration of L. fermentum at 108 CFU decreased the relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae and Anaerobiospirillum and increased Lactobacillus (p < 0.05). In male rats, the administration of L. fermentum at 1010 CFU decreased the F/B ratio and increased Lachnospiraceae and the diversity of the gut microbiota (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and the alpha-diversity of gut microbiota were negatively correlated with serum levels of IL1β (r = −0.44) and TNFα (r = −0.39), respectively. This study identified important changes in gut microbiota between male and female rats and showed that a lower dose of L. fermentum may have more beneficial effects on gut microbiota in females, while a higher dose may result in more beneficial effects on gut microbiota in male rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between soy product consumption and cancer risk varies among studies. Therefore, this comprehensive meta-analysis of observational studies examines the association between soy product consumption and total cancer risk. Methods: This study was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Up to October 2023, all eligible published studies were searched through PubMed and Web of Science databases. Results: A total of 52 studies on soy product consumption were included in this meta-analysis (17 cohort studies and 35 case–control studies). High consumption of total soy products (RR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.80), tofu (RR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.86), and soymilk (RR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.93) were associated with reduced total cancer risk. No association was found between high consumption of fermented soy products (RR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.47), non-fermented soy products (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.18), soy paste (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.14), miso soup (RR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.87, 1.12), or natto (RR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.11) and cancer risk. A 54 g per day increment of total soy products reduced cancer risk by 11%, a 61 g per day increment of tofu reduced cancer risk by 12%, and a 23 g per day increment of soymilk reduced cancer risk by 28%, while none of the other soy products were associated with cancer risk. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that high total soy product consumption, especially soymilk and tofu, is associated with lower cancer risk. More prospective cohort studies are still needed to confirm the causal relationship between soy product consumption and cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging evidence suggests the potential relationship between vitamin D deficiency and risk of cognitive impairment or dementia. To what extent the excess risk of dementia conferred by vitamin D deficiency is less clear. Objective: We summarized the current evidence from several aspects and further quantified these associations. Methods: We collected relevant prospective cohort studies by searching PubMed, Embase and Cochrane up to July 2023. The pooled relative risks (RR) were evaluated by random-effects models. Dose-response analyses were conducted by the method of two-stage generalized least squares regression. Results: Of 9,267 identified literatures, 23 were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analyses, among which 9 and 4 literatures were included in the dose-response analyses for the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Vitamin D deficiency exhibited a 1.42 times risk for dementia (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21–1.65) and a 1.57-fold excess risk for AD (95% CI = 1.15–2.14). And vitamin D deficiency was associated with 34% elevated risk with cognitive impairment (95% CI = 1.19–1.52). Additionally, vitamin D was non-linearly related to the risk of dementia (pnonlinearity = 0.0000) and AD (pnonlinearity = 0.0042). The approximate 77.5–100 nmol/L 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was optimal for reducing dementia risk. And the AD risk seemed to be decreased when the 25(OH)D level >40.1 nmol/L. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency was a risk factor for dementia, AD, and cognitive impairment. The nonlinear relationships may further provide the optimum dose of 25(OH)D for dementia prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between serum selenium (Se) and acute kidney injury after adult cardiac surgery (CSA-AKI) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association of preoperative Se level with incident CSA-AKI. Method and Results: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent cardiac surgery. The primary outcome was incident CSA-AKI. Multivariable logistic regression models and natural cubic splines were used to estimate the association of Se levels and primary outcome. A total of 453 patient with a mean age of 62.97 years were included. Among all patients, 159 (35.1%) incident cases of CSA-AKI were identified. The level of preoperative Se concentration in patients with CSA-AKI was significant lower than that in patients without CSA-AKI. The higher preoperative Se level was significantly associated with decreased risk of CSA-AKI (adjusted OR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87–0.99). Dose-response relationship curve revealed a nearly L-shape correlation between serum Se selenium levels and incident CSA-AKI. Conclusion: Our study suggested that a higher level of serum Se was significantly associated with lower risk of CSA-AKI. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the causal relationship between serum Se level and incident CSA-AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous experimental studies have suggested that the consumption of soy isoflavones may have a potential impact on lowering blood pressure. Nevertheless, epidemiological studies have presented conflicting outcomes concerning the correlation between soy isoflavone consumption and blood pressure levels. Consequently, a comprehensive meta-analysis of all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to explore the influence of soy isoflavones on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adults. Methods: A thorough search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for relevant literature up to April 30, 2023 was conducted. RCTs involving adults that compared soy isoflavone supplementation with a placebo (the same matrix devoid of soy isoflavone) were included. The combined effect size was presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) along with 95% confidence interval (CI), employing a fixed-effects model. Results: Our meta-analysis included a total of 24 studies involving 1945 participants. The results revealed a significant reduction in both SBP and DBP with soy isoflavone supplementation. Subgroup analyses suggested more pronounced reductions in SBP and DBP for interventions lasting ≥6 months, in individuals receiving mixed-type soy isoflavone, and among patients with metabolic syndrome or prehypertension. However, we did not detect significant nonlinear associations between supplementation dosage and intervention duration concerning both SBP and DBP. The overall quality of evidence was deemed moderate. Conclusions: The current meta-analysis revealed that supplementation with soy isoflavones alone effectively reduces blood pressure. Additional high-quality studies are required to investigate the efficacy of blood pressure reduction through supplementation with an optimal quantity and proportion of soy isoflavone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of nanomaterials in various fields has both benefits and risks. While the unique physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials are valuable for diverse applications, they may also alter how nanomaterials are taken up in the body, thus affecting their potential toxicity to humans. To ensure their safety, the potential risk of nanomaterials needs to be assessed. The risk of a given nanomaterial is typically evaluated through in vitro and in vivo studies. The H2020 NanoInformaTIX project, that is conducted under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme is focusing on the study of nanomaterials. One of its objectives includes the identification of nanomaterial toxicity, of which the first step consists of the detection of a nanomaterial dose-response relationship. In this paper, we focus on this step, which can be done for a given nanomaterial toxicity endpoint of interest, using statistical tests for a monotone dose-response trend, i.e., monotone relationship between the increasing concentration of the nanomaterial and the toxicity endpoint. The significance of the monotone trend is tested using a likelihood ratio test and t-tests. An R package and a Shiny App were developed to perform the analysis. As an illustration, data extracted from the H2020 NanoInformaTIX platform is presented as a case study. This data consists of genetic toxicity studies with DNA strand breaks as the toxicity endpoint of interest. Significant trends were found for 12 out of 26 nanomaterials after adjusting for multiplicity by applying the False discovery rate (FDR) method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silica fibre thermoluminescence (TL) dosimeters have demonstrated versatility in medical and industrial, offering high spatial resolution, sensitivity, water resistance, and insensitivity to electromagnetic fields. A systematic review focusing on the medical applications of silica fibre TLDs is conducted, highlighting the potential of these materials in medical radiation dosimetry. Despite some limitations, such as non-linearity at low energies and relatively high signal fading, silica fibre TL dosimeters have shown excellent TL performance. However, their application in clinical practice is yet to be established since the TL responses for a wide range of doses and energies are not accurately certified yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between physical activity (PA) and depression is well-established, but the details that explain this association remain elusive. We examined whether PA is differentially associated with specific symptoms of depression (e.g., cognitive vs somatic symptoms), and whether these associations follow a dose-response pattern with respect to intensity or frequency of PA. Cross-sectional analyses were based on 6 samples of the continuous U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) carried out between 2007 and 2018 (n = 28,520). Depressive symptoms were assessed with Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Information about PA (vigorous, moderate, and daily commuting by foot or bike) and covariates was self-reported. After adjusting for education, health behaviors, body-mass index, physical functioning, and all the other depressive symptoms, lower PA was specifically associated with four depressive symptoms: loss of interest/pleasure, feeling down/hopeless, fatigue, and changes in appetite (odds ratios from 0.94 to 0.59). A monotonic dose-response pattern on PA amount was observed only for interest/pleasure and fatigue, and these associations were independent of PA intensity. Cross-sectional data did not allow us to assess temporal ordering. Both depressive symptoms and PA were self-reported, which may induce bias. Low PA may be linked to depressive symptoms particularly through the symptoms of anhedonia and fatigue. Given that their association with PA amount follows a dose-response pattern and is independent of PA intensity, we hypothesize that behavioral activation and exposure to rewarding experiences might help to explain why PA alleviates depression. • Physical activity (PA) was specifically associated with four depressive symptoms. • These were loss of interest/pleasure, feeling down/hopeless, fatigue, and changes in appetite. • A dose-response pattern on PA amount was observed only for interest/pleasure and fatigue. • Observed dose-response patterns were independent of PA intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: A meta‐analysis of short‐term studies revealed no significant differences between the doses of asenapine, 10 and 20 mg/day, in the acute treatment of schizophrenia. However, it should be noted that many patients from clinical practice were excluded, and the dose–response to asenapine in a real‐world setting is still unclear. Additionally, the dose–response in the maintenance phase is not clear. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the efficacy of different asenapine doses in patients with maintenance phase of schizophrenia in a real‐world setting. Methods: This study conducted post‐marketing surveillance of asenapine in clinical settings in Japan. It followed patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who received asenapine for the first time for a maximum of 52 weeks. These patients were divided into two categories based on their average daily asenapine dosage: ≤10 mg/day and >10 mg/day. Asenapine efficacy was assessed by adjusting for patient demographics using multivariate logistic regression analysis, employing the Clinical Global Impression‐Global Improvement (CGI‐I) scale, which has seven categories. Results: A total of 2774 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 1689 and 1085 patients were treated with asenapine ≤10 mg/day and >10 mg/day, respectively. The CGI‐I improvement rate was significantly higher in the asenapine >10 group (p = 0.012) after adjusting for patient background factors. Conclusion: These results suggest that asenapine doses >10 mg/day may be more effective than 10 mg/day in the treatment of schizophrenia; however, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Better knowledge regarding the Listeria monocytogenes dose–response (DR) model is needed to refine the assessment of the risk of foodborne listeriosis. In 2018, the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) derived a lognormal Poisson DR model for 14 different age–sex sub-groups, marginally to strain virulence. In the present study, new sets of parameters are developed by integrating the EFSA model for these sub-groups together with three classes of strain virulence characteristics ("less virulent", "virulent", and "more virulent"). Considering classes of virulence leads to estimated relative risks (RRs) of listeriosis following the ingestion of 1000 bacteria of "less virulent" vs. "more virulent" strains ranging from 21.6 to 24.1, depending on the sub-group. These relatively low RRs when compared with RRs linked to comorbidities described in the literature suggest that the influence of comorbidity on the occurrence of invasive listeriosis for a given exposure is much more important than the influence of the virulence of the strains. The updated model parameters allow better prediction of the risk of invasive listeriosis across a population of interest, provided the necessary data on population demographics and the proportional contribution of strain virulence classes in food products of interest are available. An R package is made available to facilitate the use of these dose–response models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]