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Child obesity is understudied in Asian Americans, which include a growing population of recent immigrants. We examined the relationship between maternal nativity and time in the US, and obesity and obesogenic behaviors among Asian American children. We analyzed public-use data from the 2013-2016 California Health Interview Survey for Asian American children ages 2 to 11 years. We used logistic regression to determine the odds of obesity and obesogenic behaviors associated with maternal nativity and time in the US. This study included n = 609 children. Children of US-born mothers had lower odds of obesity (adjusted odds ratio, AOR, 0.12; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.91) and lower fruit intake (AOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.81) than children of recent immigrants (< 5 years in the US). Asian American children with recent immigrant mothers are more likely to be obese and eat less fruit than children with US-born mothers. Efforts to prevent obesity and increase fruit consumption are particularly important for this vulnerable population of children of recent immigrants.

Currently, the only approved hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment for children aged

Abstract The carotid body chemoreceptors (CBC) play an important role in the adaptive counter‐regulatory response to hypoglycaemia by evoking the CBC‐mediated sympathetic neuronal system to restore normoglycaemia. Ex vivo studies have shown varied responses of insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia on CBC function, and several in vivo studies have indirectly established the role of CBCs in restoring normoglycaemia in both animals and humans. However, a direct effect of insulin and/or insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia on CBC activity is not established in animal models. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo effects of insulin and insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia on CBC activity and cardiorespiration in a preclinical large animal model. The carotid sinus nerve (CSN) activity and cardiorespiratory responses to sodium cyanide (NaCN; 25 µg/kg) were compared before (euglycaemic) and after (hypoglycaemic) intracarotid administration of insulin (12.5–100 µU/dogs) in beagle dogs. Insulin administration increased CSN activity and minute ventilation (V̇E) with significant (P

Summary: Translational regulation is of paramount importance for proteome remodeling during stem cell differentiation at both the global and the transcript-specific levels. In this study, we characterized translational remodeling during hepatogenic differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by polysome profiling. We demonstrate that protein synthesis increases during exit from pluripotency and is then globally repressed during later steps of hepatogenic maturation. This global downregulation of translation is accompanied by a decrease in the abundance of protein components of the translation machinery, which involves a global reduction in translational efficiency of terminal oligopyrimidine tract (TOP) mRNA encoding translation-related factors. Despite global translational repression during hepatogenic differentiation, key hepatogenic genes remain efficiently translated, and the translation of several transcripts involved in hepatospecific functions and metabolic maturation is even induced. We conclude that, during hepatogenic differentiation, a global decrease in protein synthesis is accompanied by a specific translational rewiring of hepatospecific transcripts.

Objectives Vietnam's post-war globalization, economic development, and urbanization have contributed to a nutrition transition from traditional diets to highly-processed diets, and increased prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity. Our study aims to explore the attitudes and behaviors driving this epidemic. Methods This qualitative study focused on the perspectives and practices of Vietnamese parents, schoolteachers and doctors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 12 regarding the historical, social, and cultural influences contributing to childhood overweight and obesity. Audio-recorded interviews were translated and transcribed, then analyzed using modified ground theory to identify themes and representative quotes. Results Five themes were identified: (1) Change in diet between generations, (2) Preference for rounder children, (3) Unhealthy feeding practices, (4) Reduced physical activity, and (5) Increasing awareness of childhood obesity. A conceptual map detailed the shift from war-time to post-war economic environment and psycho-social context for raising children to be large, safe and academically-successful. Conclusions for Practice We found that globalization, urbanization and economic development-in the context of historical, social and cultural attitudes-may contribute to increasing child obesity in Vietnam. Obesity prevention through public health and educational institutions should involve policies and programs for healthy eating and exercise, tailored to address parental figures' concerns., Author(s): Tuyen Nguyen [sup.1] , Tiffany Trat [sup.2] , Ngoc Thanh Tieu [sup.3] , Linda Vu [sup.3] , Karen Sokal-Gutierrez [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.266102.1, 0000 0001 2297 6811, University [...]

Abstract The slice-wise multiplication of two tensors is required in a variety of tensor decompositions (including PARAFAC2 and PARATUCK2) and is encountered in many applications, including the analysis of multidimensional biomedical data (EEG, MEG, etc.) or multi-carrier multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. In this paper, we propose a new tensor representation that is not based on a slice-wise (matrix) description, but can be represented by a double contraction of two tensors. Such a double contraction of two tensors can be efficiently calculated via generalized unfoldings. It leads to new tensor models of the investigated system that do not depend on the chosen unfolding (in contrast to matrix models) and reveal the tensor structure of the data model, such that all possible unfoldings can be seen at the same time. As an example, we apply this new concept to the design of new receivers for multi-carrier MIMO systems in wireless communications. In particular, we consider MIMO-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems with and without Khatri–Rao coding. The proposed receivers exploit the channel correlation between adjacent subcarriers, require the same amount of training symbols as traditional OFDM techniques, but have an improved performance in terms of the symbol error rate. Furthermore, we show that the spectral efficiency of the Khatri–Rao-coded MIMO-OFDM can be increased by introducing cross-coding such that the “coding matrix” also contains useful information symbols. Considering this transmission technique, we derive a tensor model and two types of receivers for cross-coded MIMO-OFDM systems using the double contraction of two tensors.

Thermostable heat-insulating composite materials based on solid magnesium phosphate and calcium phosphate binders, fly-ash and glass hollow microspheres have been developed and proposed. Thermal and phase transformations have been studied as well as strength characteristics of the initial composites and products of their thermal treatment up to 1000 °C have been determined. It is shown that the prepared phosphate composites are thermally stable in the temperature range of 20 –1000 °С, have a density 0.4 – 0.6 g/cm3 , thermal conductivity 0.11– 0.19 W/(m ⋅ K) and show sufficiently high strength properties (compressive strength 1.4 –3.2 MPa).

In this study, authors use combinatory bacteriophage-antibiotic therapy, as treatment for extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in a toddler post liver transplantation. They report on the clinical and microbiological improvement, and present their investigation on how bacterial phage resistance did not result in therapeutic failure.

In response to the lack of Canadian research about the practicum experiences of pre-service teachers with disabilities, a survey of ten Directors of Student Teaching in Western Canadian universities was conducted and revealed both strengths and challenges in current practices. Recommendations for teacher education are explored, and several future research directions are highlighted.

Over eight thousand test administrations across two universities were examined to determine whether students with disabilities were being given the necessary extended testing time accommodations and whether their use of extended time decreased over the course of their programs. Findings revealed that commonly accepted recommendations about appropriate durations of accommodations were not suitable in meeting individual students' needs and that students used more time on these types of accommodations as they moved through their first three years of their postsecondary programs. Recommendations are provided.

A quantitative study was conducted to compare the attitudes, efficacy, and concerns about inclusive education within three groups of teachers in Manitoba, Canada (N = 191). The three groups included pre-service teachers with coursework about inclusive education, but limited experience in inclusive settings; in-service teachers with experiences in inclusive settings, but no coursework about inclusion; and in-service teachers with inclusive teaching experiences as well as coursework about inclusion. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences between the groups in all three dependent variables and supported the importance of coursework, even for experienced teachers. Subsequent regression analysis demonstrated that experiences and course work contributed differentially to the development of attitudes, concerns, and efficacy for inclusive teaching in pre-service and in-service teachers. Implications on both in-service and pre-service teacher education are discussed.

Background & Aims: PEDFIC 2, an ongoing, open-label, 72-week study, evaluates odevixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis. Methods: PEDFIC 2 enrolled and dosed 69 patients across two cohorts; all received odevixibat 120 μg/kg per day. Cohort 1 comprised children from PEDFIC 1, and cohort 2 comprised new patients (any age). We report data through 15 July 2020, with Week 24 of PEDFIC 2 the main time point analysed. This represents up to 48 weeks of cumulative exposure for patients treated with odevixibat from the 24-week PEDFIC 1 study (cohort 1A) and up to 24 weeks of treatment for those who initiated odevixibat in PEDFIC 2 (patients who received placebo in PEDFIC 1 [cohort 1B] or cohort 2 patients). Primary endpoints for this prespecified interim analysis were change from baseline to Weeks 22–24 in serum bile acids (sBAs) and proportion of positive pruritus assessments (≥1-point drop from PEDFIC 2 baseline in pruritus on a 0–4 scale or score ≤1) over the 24-week period. Safety monitoring included evaluating treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Results: In cohort 1A, mean change from PEDFIC 1 baseline to Weeks 22–24 of PEDFIC 2 in sBAs was -201 μmol/L (p

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination generates protective B cell responses targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. Whereas anti-spike memory B cell responses are long lasting, the anti-spike humoral antibody response progressively wanes, making booster vaccinations necessary for maintaining protective immunity. Here, we qualitatively investigated the plasmablast responses by measuring from single cells within hours of sampling the affinity of their secreted antibody for the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) in cohorts of BNT162b2-vaccinated naive and COVID-19–recovered individuals. Using a droplet microfluidic and imaging approach, we analyzed more than 4,000 single IgG-secreting cells, revealing high interindividual variability in affinity for RBD, with variations over 4 logs. High-affinity plasmablasts were induced by BNT162b2 vaccination against Hu-1 and Omicron RBD but disappeared quickly thereafter, whereas low-affinity plasmablasts represented more than 65% of the plasmablast response at all time points. Our droplet-based method thus proves efficient at fast and qualitative immune monitoring and should be helpful for optimization of vaccination protocols.

Bioavailability describes the properties that determine the passage of a compound through biological barriers. In many cases, bioavailability depends on the lipophilicity of the compound. In this study, the lipophilicity as well as other bioavailability properties of the mono- and bistriazole derivatives of betulin are presented. The lipophilicity was determined using RP-TLC and theoretical methods. The experimental lipophilicity of mono- and bistriazole derivatives is in the range from 4.39 to 7.85 and from 3.75 to 8.83, respectively. The lipophilicity of mono- and bistriazoles is similar, and the logPTLC depends on the type of substituent at the triazole ring. The introduction of a substituent with oxygen and nitrogen atoms decreases lipophilicity. Comparing the experimental and theoretical lipophilicity shows that the milogP and XLOGP3 programs best reproduce the experimental values. The in silico-determined pharmacokinetic parameters show that monotriazole derivatives could be used as oral drugs while bistriazoles show low availability after oral administration. Triazoles could be used as transdermal drugs. The analysis of in silico bioavailability parameters shows that the type of substituent at the triazole ring influences the pharmacokinetic properties, while the number of triazole rings slightly affects the bioavailability properties of the compound.

Lead poses severe effects on living organisms, and since Pb2+ ions tend to accumulate in different organs, it is crucial to monitor Pb2+ concentration in samples such as water and soil. One of the approaches is the utilization of biosensors combined with aptamer-based layers for the electrochemical detection of lead ions. Herein, we present the studies of applying miniaturized screen-printed transducers as solid surfaces to fabricate aptamer layers. As the research is the direct continuation of our previous studies regarding the use of gold disk electrodes, the working parameters of elaborated aptasensors were defined, including the range of linear response (10–100 nM), selectivity as well as stability, regeneration, and feasibility of application for the analysis of real samples. This was achieved using voltammetric techniques including cyclic and square-wave voltammetry in the presence of methylene blue redox indicator.

The intestinal microbiota is a community of microorganisms inhabiting the human intestines, potentially influencing both physiological and pathophysiological processes in the human body. Existing evidence suggests that nutrients can influence the modulation of the gut microbiota. However, there is still limited evidence regarding the effects of vitamin and mineral supplementation on the human gut microbiota through epigenetic modification. It is plausible that maintaining an adequate dietary intake of vitamin D, iron, fibre, zinc and magnesium may have a beneficial effect on alleviating inflammation in the body, reducing oxidative stress, and improving the condition of the intestinal microbiota through various epigenetic mechanisms. Moreover, epigenetics involves alterations in the phenotype of a cell without changing its fundamental DNA sequence. It appears that the modulation of the microbiota by various nutrients may lead to epigenetic regulation. The correlations between microbiota and epigenetics are potentially interdependent. Therefore, the primary objective of this review is to identify the complex relationships between diet, gut microbiota, and epigenetic regulation. These interactions could play a crucial role in systemic health.

As a form of immunomodulatory therapeutics, mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord (UC) tissue were assessed for their dynamic interplay with the Th-17 immune response pathway. UC-MSCs were able to modulate lymphocyte response by promoting a Th-17-like profile. Such modulation depended on the cell ratio of the cocultures as well as the presence of an inflammatory setting underlying their plasticity. UC-MSCs significantly increased the expression of IL-17A and RORγt but differentially modulated T cell expression of IL-23R. In parallel, the secretion profile of the fifteen factors (IL1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-21, IL-23, IL-25, IL-31, IL-33, INF-γ, sCD40, and TNF-α) involved in the Th-17 immune response pathway was substantially altered during these cocultures. The modulation of these factors demonstrates the capacity of UC-MSCs to sense and actively respond to tissue challenges. Protein network and functional enrichment analysis indicated that several biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components linked to distinct Th-17 signaling interactions are involved in several trophic, inflammatory, and immune network responses. These immunological changes and interactions with the Th-17 pathway are likely critical to tissue healing and may help to identify molecular targets that will improve therapeutic strategies involving UC-MSCs.

Globalization and urbanization in Nepal have driven a nutritional transition from an agricultural-based diet to an ultra-processed, sugary diet. This study assessed the nutrition and oral health of 836 children age 6 months to 6 years and their families in rural and urban Nepal. Mothers were interviewed about maternal–child oral health and nutrition, and children received dental exams and height and weight measurements. Analyses utilized SPSS statistical software. Most families lived within a 5-minute walk to a store selling ultra-processed snacks and sugary drinks. While most mothers knew sweets caused tooth decay, half of the children were given sweets daily, and 58.2% of children had dental caries. Caries began in the first 2 years and increased in prevalence and severity to age 6, when 74.3% had caries and 20% experienced mouth pain. Despite greater health knowledge and resources among urban mothers, urban children’s increased access to junk food and frequency of consumption was associated with higher prevalence and severity of caries compared to rural children. Severe caries was associated with malnutrition, especially in rural children. Preventive strategies are needed in early childhood to incorporate nutrition and oral health education and dental care into maternal–child health services, and develop policies to prohibit the sale of junk food around schools

The global nutrition transition has contributed to child obesity and dental caries in developing countries, including Vietnam. Few studies have described the nutrition and oral health of mothers and children. This a descriptive study of the nutrition and oral health characteristics of a convenience sample of 571 children aged 2 to 5 years and their mothers from 5 urban preschools in Central and South Vietnam. The mothers completed a written survey, and the children received dental exams and weight/height measurements. High rates of bottle-feeding and the consumption of sweets were reported. One in 4 children were overweight/obese. Dental caries increased in prevalence and severity by age-at 5 years, 86.7% of children had tooth decay in an average of 8.5 teeth, and 70.9% experienced mouth pain. Most mothers and children suffered from untreated dental disease. Public health programs should focus on nutrition and oral health promotion, as well as dental treatment from pregnancy and birth onward.