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Non high density lipoprotein to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and type 2 diabetes in Middle aged and Elderly Chinese

The effect of swine insurance participation on swine production efficiency: Evidence from China

How does swine insurance affect the swine production efficiency in China? We focus on micro-survey data from 582 swine farmers in Liaoning Province, and uses the propensity score matching method (PSM) and mediated effects model for the empirical examination. The results indicate that swine insurance positively impacts production efficiency, compared to uninsured farmers, those who participate in swine insurance exhibit a 4.7% improvement in production efficiency. Additionally, the estimations from the mediated effects models indicate that swine insurance significantly enhances swine production efficiency by influencing risk appetite, production decision and technology adoption. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis revealed that the positive effect of swine insurance on production efficiency becomes more pronounced as the scale of farmers’ swine production expands. Apart from this, the correlation between swine insurance coverage level and production efficiency reveals a significant U-shaped curve. These findings provide valuable insights for improving the swine insurance system and fostering the growth of the swine industry.

Endocardial-to-mesenchymal transition underlies cardiac outflow tract septation and bicuspid aortic valve formation in the Syrian hamster model

Abstract Right-left bicuspid aortic valve (R-L BAV) is the most frequent phenotype of the most common congenital heart disease. Its etiology is based on two associated morphogenetic defects during cardiac outflow tract (OFT) septation: abnormal migration of cardiac neural crest (CNC) cells, and excessive fusion of the conal ridges (CRs). The aim of this study is to elucidate the mechanism involved in the fusion of the CRs responsible for normal and abnormal OFT septation and BAV formation. Two mechanisms have been proposed: endocardial apoptosis and endocardial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The involvement of these mechanisms in the fusion event was tested in embryos of the hamster model with BAV. Apoptotic cells were absent in the fusion area of the CRs. However, we detected endocardial cells (CD34 + ;VE-Cadherin + ) showing positive signals for migration markers (α-actin + ) in the fusion area of the CRs of embryos developing both normal aortic valve and BAV. These cells showed an intermediate morphological phenotype between endocardial and mesenchymal cells. The findings clearly indicate that EMT, and not apoptosis, is the cellular mechanism underlying the normal and excessive fusion of CRs that give rise to tricuspid aortic valve and BAV, respectively. Furthermore, our results show that the fusion of CRs in embryos developing BAV continues after the OFT septation, suggesting over-induction of EMT by abnormally distributed CNC cells.

Lack of association between breastfeeding duration and body mass index in children and adolescents – A Swedish cohort study

Aims The aim of the study was to investigate the association between breastfeeding duration and body mass index (BMI), overweight and obesity in children during follow-up until 16 years of age. Methods Observational cohort study of mothers and their children born 1999–2000 in a municipality in southwestern Sweden. Data were retrieved from antenatal clinics, primary care child health care centres and school health care. The study exposure was breastfeeding duration measured in months and categorised by duration < 6 months and ≥ 6 months. The study outcomes were development of BMI, and overweight and obesity according to ISO-BMI. Results The study population comprised 312 mothers and their 319 children of whom 120 were breastfed < 6 months and 199 ≥ 6 months. The overall partial or exclusive median breastfeeding duration was 6.5 months. No associations were found between breastfeeding duration in months and BMI in unadjusted (p = 0.70) and adjusted (p = 0.92) linear mixed-effects models with repeated BMI recordings at approximately 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16 years. Further, no associations were found in subgroup analyses for girls and boys. The adjusted analyses were adjusted for maternal age, smoking, BMI and parity, and for the child’s sex, gestational age at birth and birth weight. Unadjusted logistic mixed-effects models with repeated ISO-BMI classifications at approximately 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16 years showed no associations between breastfeeding duration (≥6 months versus < 6 months) and overweight or obesity as compared to underweight or normal weight, in total (odds ratio 1.46, 95% confidence interval 0.69–3.08) or in boys and girls separately. Conclusions We found no association between breastfeeding duration and childhood and adolescence BMI up to 16 years of age or the development of overweight or obesity.

Examination of effect and responder to real-time auditory feedback during overground gait for stroke: a randomized cross-over study

Association of family history of cardiovascular disease with the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in young adults in the United Arab Emirates: The UAE healthy future study

Introduction Family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, and the risk increases with number of family members affected. It offers insights into shared genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that influence heart disease risk. In this study, we aimed to estimate the association of family history of CVD and its risk factors, as well as the number of affected parents or siblings, with the prevalence of major cardiometabolic risk factors (CRFs) such as hypertension, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia and obesity in a sample of young adults. Methods The study utilized a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the UAE Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS), involving 5,058 respondents below the age of 40 years. Information on parental and sibling health regarding heart disease and stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D), high cholesterol and obesity, was gathered through a self-completed questionnaire. CRFs were estimated based on body measurements, biochemical markers and self-reported conditions. Multivariate regression analyses were used to examine the associations between categories of family history and the estimated CRFs. Results More than half (58%) of the sample reported having a positive family history of CVD or its risk factors. The most common family history reported was T2D and hypertension, which accounted for 39.8% and 35% of the sample, respectively. The prevalence of all CRFs was significantly higher among those with a positive family history compared to those without family-history (P < 0.001). The prevalence and likelihood of having a CRF increased as the number of parents and/or siblings affected increased, indicating a potential dose-response trend. The odds were highest among individuals with both parental-and-sibling family history of disease, where they increased to 2.36 (95% CI 1.68-3.32) for hypertension, 2.59 (95% CI 1.86-3.60) for dysglycemia, 1.9 (95% CI 1.29-2.91) for dyslipidemia and 3.79 (95% CI 2.83-5.06) for obesity. Conclusion In this study, we addressed the effect of family history as an independent risk factor on the major CRFs for the first time in the region. We observed that the majority of young Emirati adults had a positive family history of CVD-related diseases. Family history showed a strong association with the increased prevalence of CRFs. Additionally, having more relatives with specific diseases was associated with a higher risk of developing CRFs. Identifying people with a history of these conditions can help in early intervention and personalized risk assessments.

A universal equation-of-state model based on single variable functions

Abstract Since the ideal gas equation of state (EOS) was established in 1840, a wide variety of EOS theories have been developed. However, due to the diversity of material structures and the complexity of intermolecular interactions, numerous EOS either have complex forms or have empirical coefficients without physical meaning, which severely limits their applications. This paper builds a simple and universal EOS model by means of a fully macroscopic thermodynamic approach. Firstly, two single variable thermodynamic functions as a function of pressure only and as a function of temperature only, respectively, are constructed. On this basis, two EOS in the forms of P–V–T and P–S–T are obtained by thermodynamic derivation, which are almost as simple as the ideal gas EOS. There are no assumptions about material structures and intermolecular interactions involved here. Therefore, the model is universal. Moreover, the coefficients in these two EOS have clear thermodynamic significance and thus can be calculated directly without fitting. The model is shown to characterize the thermodynamic properties of substances well and may play an important role in high-density and supercritical applications. This work may provide a new way of developing EOS theory and enrich the fundamentals of thermodynamics.

Retraction: The biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance of bacterial profile from endotracheal tube of patients admitted to intensive care unit in southwest of Iran

Guidelines for laboratory rearing of insect evidence: the importance of air humidity for breeding of Necrodes littoralis (L.) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

Abstract In forensic entomology, effective rearing of insect evidence is crucial as it increases the accuracy of post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation and facilitates species identifications of some evidence. However, virtually no single species has a forensically useful rearing protocol. This study investigates the importance of relative humidity on larval development and fitness of Necrodes littoralis (L.) (Staphylinidae), and proposes an all-inclusive rearing protocol for this forensically important beetle species. We hypothesized that high relative humidity enhances growth, shortens development and promotes thermogenesis. By manipulating relative humidity (50%, 70%, 90%) and the presence of adult beetles during the prelarval phase, we demonstrated that high relative humidity level significantly improved beetle fitness by increasing survival, beetle mass at eclosion and shortening development. Specifically, at 90% relative humidity, beetles showed a twofold increase in mass and a threefold increase in survival compared to 50%. Moreover, thermogenesis was higher at high relative humidity, further facilitating larval growth. These results highlight the key role of humidity for N. littoralis development. Finally, we proposed a comprehensive rearing protocol for N. littoralis to improve forensic investigations involving these beetles and to guide future developments of similar protocols for other insects of forensic importance.

Correction: LightGBM hybrid model based DEM correction for forested areas

Analysis and mining of Dupilumab adverse events based on FAERS database

Lantana camara plant extract catalyzed biosynthesis of graphene-metal nanocomposites with potential cytotoxic activities

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of Plant-Ag-graphene nanocomposites through a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, the nanocomposites were formed by catalyzing silver nanoparticles with plant extracts, and the resulting structures were analyzed using advanced instrumentation. In the FTIR analysis, distinctive peaks were observed at 3340 cm⁻1 (O-H stretching), 1740 cm⁻1 (C = O stretching), and 1050 cm⁻1. When compared to silver nanoparticles, the nanocomposites exhibited altered peak intensities, indicating modifications in chemical bonding. SEM images revealed that in nanocomposites, nanoparticles were adhered to graphene sheets, confirming the successful formation of Plant-Ag-graphene structures. EDX spectra showed a reduction in the silver content, confirming the integration of graphene into the nanocomposites. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of face-centered cubic-shaped Ag metal in the nanocomposites, while graphene exhibited a hexagonal crystalline shape. UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated shifts in peak positions, Spectrum A (400 to 700 nm) and spectrum B (265 nm), suggesting the successful synthesis of Plant-Ag-graphene nanocomposites. Moreover, the cytotoxic activity showed cell inhibition among Plant-Ag-Graphene (65.69%) and Plant-Ag (61.39%), respectively.

Receptor mechanism producing a sweet taste from plant aroma compounds

Contribution of walking to and from school on overall physical activity: a one-year follow up study

This study is the first in Japan to prospectively examine the relationship between walking to and from school and physical activity in primary school children. A total of 76 participants completed baseline and follow-up assessments, and their mean age was 9.6 ±  1.0 years at baseline and 10.6 ±  1.0 years at follow-up. The participants’ mode of school commute was measured by a questionnaire. Step counts, sedentary time, light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed using an accelerometer. Comparisons of physical activity variables at baseline and follow-up and tracking of physical activity were analyzed. Overall physical activity levels decreased at follow-up compared to baseline. However, the contribution of commuting school activities to overall physical activity significantly increased at follow-up compared to baseline, especially in step counts and MVPA. Walking to and from school contributed to the participants’ overall physical activity in MVPA were 39.6 ±  15.3% and 49.1 ±  13.8% for all participants at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Tracking correlation coefficients were high for the steps counts (r =  0.80–0.89) and MVPA (r =  0.71–0.75) in commuting school. In conclusions, walking to and from school significantly contributed to overall physical activity in primary school students. Physical activity during the school commute in short-term exhibited a low-to-strong association. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity interventions and implementing school policies that encourage walking to and from school. Future research will need to examine other populations and countries over a long-term period.

Predictive framework to evaluate ternary nanocomposite over surface subjected to novel physical perspective

Legacies of temperature fluctuations promote stability in marine biofilm communities

Abstract The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme climate events are driving significant biodiversity shifts across ecosystems. Yet, the extent to which these climate legacies will shape the response of ecosystems to future perturbations remains poorly understood. Here, we tracked taxon and trait dynamics of rocky intertidal biofilm communities under contrasting regimes of warming (fixed vs. fluctuating) and assessed how they influenced stability dimensions in response to temperature extremes. Fixed warming enhanced the resistance of biofilm by promoting the functional redundancy of stress-tolerance traits. In contrast, fluctuating warming boosted recovery rate through the selection of fast-growing taxa at the expense of functional redundancy. This selection intensified a trade-off between stress tolerance and growth further limiting the ability of biofilm to cope with temperature extremes. Anticipating the challenges posed by future extreme events, our findings offer a forward-looking perspective on the stability of microbial communities in the face of ongoing climatic change.

Abstract P3171: Socioeconomic Adversity and Kidney Impairment in a Mexico-US Border Population

Introduction: SDOHs are strongly associated with kidney disease and, more broadly, impairment. Studies of SDOHs and kidney impairment may further identify relationships with more severe disease, especially for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health. Nationally, increased socioeconomic adversity (SEA) affects kidney impairment and disease, particularly in Hispanic/Latino (HL) populations. We assessed SEA, a SDOH composite of income, education, and occupation, with kidney impairment in a US-Mexico border population. Hypothesis: We hypothesized higher SEA was associated with increased kidney impairment prevalence. Methods: We used cross-sectional data of 2,138 Cameron County Hispanic Cohort participants (67.4% female, ages 18-95). SEA was a composite of 3-level SDOH variables: self-reported income, education, and occupation, with the upper 50% representing higher SEA/lower SES. Kidney impairment was classified using eGFR CR <90 ml/min/1.73m, kidney hospitalization history, or dialysis use. We included gender, age, US nativity, health insurance status, diabetes status (ADA guidelines), hypertension status (2017 AHA guidelines), CVD treatment, and having high cholesterol as potential confounders. We used a stepwise approach to build Poisson regression models. Results: Of 2,138 participants, 1,439 (67.4%) were higher SEA and 659 (30.9%) had kidney impairment. Among high SEA individuals vs. low, 48.5% had no insurance (vs. 34.7%), the mean age was 57.4 years with SD 14.2 (vs. 50.8, SD 13.7), and 28.0% were US-born (vs. 54.7%). Also, in the high SEA group, 33.7% had kidney impairment (vs. 25.3%), 38.4% had diabetes (27.6%), 53.4% had hypertension (vs. 46.9%), 37.4% were CVD treated (vs. 26.7%), and 42.1% had high cholesterol (vs. 35.7%). Those with high SEA had 1.49 times the odds of kidney impairment (95% CI 1.22, 1.83) compared to participants with low SEA, though the association was attenuated in the adjusted model (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 0.91, 1.49). No SEA component was statistically significant for kidney impairment in a full model. Models stratified by nativity showed a 1.23 OR in US-born (95% CI 0.93, 1.63) vs OR 0.94 in non-US born (95% CI 0.68, 1.31). Conclusions: While not statistically significant, we found a positive relationship between high SEA and kidney impairment in a HL cohort on the US-Mexico border. This is inconsistent with national findings in HL populations and suggests that there may be unique sociocultural dynamics that mitigate this relationship.

Abstract P3145: Variation in Cerebrovascular Disease Mortality among Asian American Ethnic Subgroups

Introduction: While cerebrovascular disease is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States, there is limited knowledge about cerebrovascular disease mortality in Asian Americans. Asian Americans are more likely to experience severe ischemic strokes compared to non-Hispanic Whites. This study examines the variability in cerebrovascular disease mortality among disaggregated Asian Americans from 2012 to 2022. Methods: We analyzed US death certificate data for cerebrovascular disease among non-Hispanic Asian American subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) Americans from 2012 to 2022. We calculated age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), average annual percent change (AAPC) of ASMR using Joinpoint regression analysis, and proportional mortality ratios of cerebrovascular disease. Results: Among 672,654 non-Hispanic Asian American and 268,574,419 non-Hispanic White deaths from all causes, ASMR from cerebrovascular disease significantly increased in Asian American men in aggregate, Asian Indian women, Japanese women, Vietnamese men and women, and non-Hispanic White men and women from 2012 to 2022, and remained stagnant in Asian American women, Asian Indian men, Chinese men and women, Filipino men and women, Japanese men, Korean men and women (Table 1). The highest ASMR from cerebrovascular disease in 2022 among Asian American subgroups was in Vietnamese women (37 per 100,000) and men (48 per 100,000). In 2022, cerebrovascular disease represented 7.1% to 9.5% of deaths of Asian American women and 5.1% to 7.6% of deaths of Asian American men. Relative to the general U.S. population, proportional mortality ratios for cerebrovascular disease ranged from 1.18 in Korean American women to 1.63 in Vietnamese American women and 1.21 in Japanese American men to 1.87 in Vietnamese American men. Conclusion: The increasing mortality of cerebrovascular disease among disaggregated Asian Americans over the past decade, especially surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the need for directed treatment and prevention efforts to address cerebrovascular disease in these diverse populations.

Efficacy of Irbesartan in Celiprolol-Treated Patients With Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by defective type III collagen and a high risk of arterial morbidity and mortality. Several cardiovascular drugs are used for treatment, including celiprolol, but no controlled trial in this condition has been conducted to date. We hypothesized the benefit of the addition of an angiotensin II receptor blocker. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of the angiotensin II receptor blocker irbesartan in adults with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome on stable background celiprolol therapy. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive irbesartan (150 mg/day titrated to 300 mg/day) or placebo for 2 years. The composite primary outcome was defined as any vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome–related fatal or nonfatal arterial event or any new or worsening arterial lesions detected by systematic head-to-pelvis computed tomography angiography or peripheral arterial duplex ultrasound at different time points, using a time-to-first-event analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-nine participants (62% female; 40.3±11.3 years of age) were randomized to irbesartan, and 28 (64% female; 40.7±11.0 years of age) were randomized to placebo. The composite primary outcome occurred in 8 of 29 patients (27.6%) receiving irbesartan versus 15 of 28 patients (53.6%) receiving placebo (hazard ratio, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.17, 0.99]; P <0.05). The risk of recurrent symptomatic or nonsymptomatic arterial events was lower with irbesartan than with placebo (risk ratio, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.19, 0.68]; P =0.002). A reduction of progression of arterial lesions was observed at all sites. Irbesartan significantly reduced systolic blood pressure compared with placebo (baseline-adjusted difference of 5.4 mm Hg [ P <0.001]), but no relation was observed with the reduction of the primary composite outcome. Eleven episodes of irbesartan-related hypotension were recorded, leading to a downtitration in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with placebo, irbesartan reduced the risk of severe symptomatic and asymptomatic arterial events in patients with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome on background celiprolol therapy. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT02597361.

Clinical and functional significance of SPATA2 in cancer particularly in LIHC