Beneficial Effects Research Articles

Private health insurance in the United States and Sweden: A comparative review.

The United States of America and Sweden both contain a public and private component to their healthcare systems. While both countries spend a similar amount per capita on public healthcare expenditures, the United States spends significantly more in the private healthcare sector. Sweden has a social democratic model of health care, and given its identity as a welfare state, private health insurance providers have a small and nuanced role. This paper was completed after searches were queried for "Sweden," "United States," and variants of the words "insurance," "public," "private," "Medicare," "Medicaid," "public," and "costs." A preliminary search in May 2022, yielded 78 articles, of which 45 were ultimately considered relevant for this review. Inclusion criteria consisted of English language articles, topic relevance, and verification of MEDLINE-indexed journals. These searches were performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane. Summary findings of these searches are compiled in this review. Sweden guarantees low-cost appropriate care to all citizens with equitable access; however, drawbacks of its system include high financial burden, lack of primary care infrastructure, as well as geographical and socioeconomic inequities. On the other hand, the United States' healthcare system is built around the private sector with public health insurance reserved only for the most vulnerable patient populations. Our goal is to provide an overview, compare the role of private health insurance in both countries, and highlight policies that have had beneficial effects in each nation. Possible solutions to the drawbacks of each nation's health insurance policies could be addressed by additional support to Sweden's vulnerable population by developing a program similar to the US' Medicare Advantage program. Conversely, the United States may benefit from increasing access to public health insurance, especially in instances where families face unemployment.

Nucleation of a key beta-turn promotes cyclotide oxidative folding

Cyclotides are plant-derived peptides characterized by a head-to-tail cyclic backbone and a cystine knot motif comprised of three disulfide bonds. Formation of this motif via in vitro oxidative folding can be challenging and result in misfolded isomers with non-native disulfide connectivities. Here we investigated the effect of β-turn nucleation on cyclotide oxidative folding. Two types of β-turn mimics were grafted into kalata B1 (kB1), individually replacing each of the four β-turns in the folded cyclotide. Insertion of D-Pro-Gly into loop 5 was beneficial to the folding of both cyclic kB1 and a linear form of the peptide. The linear grafted analog folded four-times faster in aqueous conditions than cyclic kB1 in optimized conditions. Additionally, the cyclic analogue folded without the need for redox agents by transitioning through a native-like intermediate that was on-pathway to product formation. Kalata B1 is from the Mobius subfamily of cyclotides. Grafting D-Pro-Gly into loop 5 of cyclotides from two other subfamilies also had a beneficial effect on folding. Our findings demonstrate the importance of a β-turn nucleation site for cyclotide oxidative folding, which could be adopted as a chemical strategy to improve the in vitro folding of diverse cystine-rich peptides.

FIGO Preconception Checklist: Preconception care for mother and baby.

The preconception period is a unique and opportunistic time in a woman's life when she is motivated to adopt healthy behaviors that will benefit her and her child, making this time period a critical "window of opportunity" to improve short- and long-term health. Improving preconception health can ultimately improve both fetal and maternal outcomes. Promoting health before conception has several beneficial effects, including an increase in seeking antenatal care and a reduction in neonatal mortality. Preconception health is a broad concept that encompasses the management of chronic diseases, including optimal nutrition, adequate consumption of folic acid, control of body weight, adoption of healthy lifestyles, and receipt of appropriate vaccinations. Use of the FIGO Preconception Checklist, which includes the key elements of optimal preconception care, will empower women and their healthcare providers to better prepare women and their families for pregnancy.

Ensifer adhaerens strain OV14 seed application enhances Triticum aestivum L. and Brassica napus L. development

Given the challenges imposed by climate change and societal challenges, the European Union established ambitious goals as part of its Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy. Focussed on accelerating the transition to systems of sustainable food production, processing and consumption, a key element of F2F is to reduce the use of fertilisers by at least 20% and plant protection products by up to 50% by 2030. In recent years, a substantial body of research has highlighted the potential impact of microbial-based applications to support crop production practices through both biotic/abiotic stresses via maintaining or even improving yields and reducing reliance on intensive chemical inputs. Here, we have characterised the ability of a new soil-borne free-living bacterium strain Ensifer adhaerens OV14 (EaOV14) to significantly enhance crop vigour index by up to 50% for monocot (wheat, Triticum aestivum L., p < 0.0001) and by up to 40% for dicot (oilseed rape, Brassica napus L., p < 0.0001) species under in-vitro conditions (n = 360 seedlings/treatment). The beneficial effect was further studied under controlled glasshouse growing conditions (n = 60 plants/treatment) where EaOV14 induced significantly increased seed yield of spring oilseed rape compared to the controls (p < 0.0001). Moreover, using bespoke rhizoboxes, enhanced root architecture (density, roots orientation, roots thickness etc.) was observed for spring oilseed rape and winter wheat, with the median number of roots 55% and 33% higher for oilseed rape and wheat respectively, following EaOV14 seed treatment compared to the control. In addition, EaOV14 treatment increased root tip formation and root volume, suggesting the formation of a more robust root system architecture post-seed treatment. However, like other microbial formulations, the trade-offs associated with field translation, such as loss or limited functionality due to inoculum formulation or environmental distress, need further investigation. Moreover, the delivery method requires further optimisation to identify the optimal inoculum formulation that will maximise the expected beneficial impact on yield under field growing conditions.

Metformin in Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence for its Beneficial Effects on Frailty and Sarcopenia.

This narrative review aimed to discuss the potential interplay among frailty syndrome, sarcopenia and metformin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There is emerging evidence on the potential protective role of metformin on both frailty and sarcopenia. However, results are not always consistent. Thus, further research is needed to provide a definitive answer on any role of metformin in improving frailty and/or sarcopenia in T2DM.

A dual pathway model of remote work intensity: A meta‐analysis of its simultaneous positive and negative effects

AbstractAs the COVID‐19 pandemic wanes, many organizations are asking employees to return to the office concerned that more extensive remote work could hurt employee morale and productivity. Employees, however, prefer to work remotely because of the flexibility it provides. In light of such competing perspectives, we conducted a meta‐analysis examining remote work intensity's (RWI) effects on employee outcomes. RWI refers to the extensiveness of remote work ranging from one or two days a week to full‐time remote work. We propose a dual pathway model linking RWI to employee outcomes arguing that it has indirect but opposing effects on the same outcomes via two mediators—perceived autonomy and isolation. Findings from a meta‐analysis of RWI's effects based on 108 studies (k = 110, N = 45,288) support the dual pathway model. Allaying organizational concerns about remote work, RWI had overall small but beneficial effects on multiple consequential employee outcomes including job satisfaction, organizational commitment, perceived organizational support, supervisor‐rated performance, and turnover intentions. We also conducted a meta‐analysis of the effects of remote work use (RWU), a binary construct taking on two values—remote workers (users) versus office‐based workers (non‐users of remote work). Findings from the RWU meta‐analysis based on 62 studies (k = 63, N = 41,904) suggest that remote workers generally have better outcomes than their office‐based colleagues. Altogether, findings suggest that remote work offers modest upsides with limited downsides—even for those who spend more time working away from the office.

Evaluation of the rheological properties and molecular distributions of asphalt binder under multiple aging and rejuvenating cycles (MARC)

Because of the widespread use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), various recycling agents (RAs) are developed and used in pavement engineering nowadays to restore the properties of RAP in asphalt mixes. Whereas there are many RA products available, it remains unclear on the fundamental rejuvenation mechanisms behind different RAs and the selection method of proper RA product to restore these recycled materials properties. In addition, there are important questions on hold in terms of RAP repeated recycling and the continuity of restoration capacity from these RAs. Therefore, this study is designed to track the properties changes of the asphalt binders in the context of multiple aging and rejuvenating cycles (MARC). Three different types of RA products are selected and evaluated using rheological characterization and chromatography (molecular distribution) analysis. Results show that the beneficial effects from RAs degrade over time with increase of aging/rejuvenating cycles. Two oils with their molecules that are mainly distributed in the medium molecular size (MMS) range, which compensate the loss of the MMS molecules of the base binder due to aging, show the good effectiveness in restoring not only the complex modulus but also the phase angle of the aged asphalt. And the good correlations between phase angle and MMS as well as LMS proportion indicate the fundamental relationship between binder’s molecular distribution and its rheological properties.

Lymphatic System and the Kidney: From Lymphangiogenesis to Renal Inflammation and Fibrosis Development.

The lymphatic kidney system plays a crucial role in managing interstitial fluid removal, regulating fluid balance, and tuning immune response. It also assists in the reabsorption of proteins, electrolytes, cytokines, growth factors, and immune cells. Pathological conditions, including tissue damage, excessive interstitial fluid, high blood glucose levels, and inflammation, can initiate lymphangiogenesis-the formation of new lymphatic vessels. This process is associated with various kidney diseases, including polycystic kidney disease, hypertension, ultrafiltration challenges, and complications post-organ transplantation. Although lymphangiogenesis has beneficial effects in removing excess fluid and immune cells, it may also contribute to inflammation and fibrosis within the kidneys. In this review, we aim to discuss the biology of the lymphatic system, from its development and function to its response to disease stimuli, with an emphasis on renal pathophysiology. Furthermore, we explore how innovative treatments targeting the lymphatic system could potentially enhance the management of kidney diseases.

Roles of gender and smoking in the associations between urinary phytoestrogens and asthma/wheeze and lung function: evidence from a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe role of phytoestrogens in asthma/wheeze and lung function remains controversial. Thus, we aimed to examine whether phytoestrogens have beneficial effects on asthma/wheeze, lung function for subgroups and mortality.MethodsParticipants in...

Does the issuance of green bonds nudge environmental responsibility engagements? Evidence from the Chinese green bond market

Policymakers and managers have increasingly adopted green bonds as a direct financing tool to address environmental degradation and climate change in emerging economies; however, the increasing green washing sentiments in the green bond market raise questions on whether green bonds can nudge polluting businesses to achieve green transformation. Therefore, this study joins the controversial debate by investigating the impact of green bond issuance on corporate environmental responsibilities and the potential impact mechanisms and economic consequences. Using the data of Chinese listed enterprises from 2011 to 2020 and the staggered issuance of green bonds as plausibly exogenous shocks, we determine that the enterprises in the experimental group that issued green bonds increased their environmental performance compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, this positive link is maintains after a series of robustness tests. Moreover, we identify that green bond issuance plausibly enhances environmental responsibility engagements through two governance channels, namely, internal management and external supervision. This beneficial effect appears more pronounced for subsamples of firms in low-polluting industries, without environmental subsidies and with higher managerial abilities. Furthermore, economic consequences indicate that the issuance of green bonds primarily motivates speculative shareholder benefits, as evidenced by short-term increases in stock yields but with limited impact on the short-run financial performance. Overall, these findings offer new evidence supporting that green financing tools could play a helpful hand toward environmental sustainability.

Promising Functions of Novel Vitamin D Derivatives as Cosmetics: A New Fountain of Youth in Skin Aging and Skin Protection

Vitamin D is a natural photoproduct that has many beneficial effects on different organs, including skin. Active forms of vitamin D and its derivatives exert biological effects on skin cells, thus maintaining skin homeostasis. In keratinocytes, they inhibit proliferation and stimulate differentiation, have anti-inflammatory properties, act as antioxidants, inhibit DNA damage and stimulate DNA repair after ultraviolet (UV) exposure. In melanocytes, they also inhibit cell proliferation, inhibit apoptosis and act as antioxidants. In fibroblasts, they inhibit cell proliferation, affect fibrotic processes and collagen production, and promote wound healing and regeneration. On the other hand, skin cells have the ability to activate vitamin D directly. These activities, along with the projected topical application of vitamin D derivatives, are promising for skin care and photo protection and can be used in the prevention or possible reversal of skin aging.

Association of Endogenous Seminal L-Carnitine Levels with Post-Thaw Semen Parameters in Humans

Cryopreservation of semen is a useful tool for male fertility preservation. Some evidence for a beneficial effect of L-carnitine supplementation of freezing media on cryopreserved semen samples has been reported. Here, we examined the association of endogenous levels of seminal L-carnitine with post-thaw semen parameters. We also investigated the effect of freezing medium supplemented with L-carnitine on sperm characteristics, related to endogenous seminal L-carnitine levels. Semen analyses were performed on 125 fresh samples, and after standard cryopreservation and with L-carnitine as a supplement. Participants were categorized into two groups based on the median levels of endogenous seminal L-carnitine: low L-carnitine (≤38.8 µg/ml) and high L-carnitine (&gt;38.8 µg/ml). After standard cryopreservation, semen samples with high L-carnitine levels showed higher rapid progressive, progressive and total sperm motility and a reduced seminal static oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) level than samples with low L-carnitine levels. Only in post-thaw samples with low L-carnitine levels, there was an increase in the amount of sperm neck midpiece defects, compared to the fresh samples. Cryopreservation with L-carnitine had the most beneficial effect on rapid progressive sperm motility in samples with high endogenous L-carnitine levels. In conclusion, L-carnitine has a beneficial impact on sperm characteristics in post-thaw samples both as an endogenous component in seminal plasma and as a supplement in the freezing medium, by improving sperm motility and reducing seminal oxidative stress.

Proteomic study of gamma-oryzanol preventive effect on a diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease associated with obesity and diabetes prevalence. The use of natural compounds has become an attractive approach to prevent NAFLD and its progression. Gamma-oryzanol (Orz) is a natural compound whose beneficial effects on chronic metabolic diseases have been reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the preventive effect of Orz on the hepatic proteome in a diet induced NAFLD model. Wistar rats were randomly distributed into three experimental groups (n=6/group) according to the diet received for 30 weeks: Control group, high sugar-fat (HSF) group, and HSF+Orz group. The isolated Orz was added to the chow at the dose of 0.5% (w/w). We evaluated the nutritional profile, characterized the presence of steatosis through histological analysis, triglyceride content in liver tissue and hepatic inflammation. Next, we performed label-free quantitative proteomics of hepatic tissue. Network analysis was performed to describe involved protein pathways. NAFLD induction was characterized by the presence of hepatic steatosis. Orz prevented lipid accumulation. The compound prevented alterations of the hepatic proteome, highlighted by the modulation of lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, xenobiotic metabolism, and the sirtuin signaling pathway. It was possible to identify key altered pathways of NAFLD pathophysiology modulated by Orz which may provide insights into NAFLD treatment targets.

Effects from medications on functional biomarkers of aging in three longitudinal studies of aging in Sweden.

Antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and blood glucose-lowering drugs have slowed down the aging process in animal models. In humans, studies are limited, have short follow-up times, and show mixed results. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the effects of commonly used medications on functional aging, cognitive function, and frailty. We included information on individuals from three Swedish longitudinal population-based studies collected between 1986 and 2014. Our exposures were the 21 most used groups of medications among individuals aged 65 years and older in the Swedish population in 2022. Functional aging index (n = 1191), cognitive function (n = 1094), and frailty index (n = 1361) were the outcomes of interest. To estimate the medication effects, we used a self-controlled analysis, where each individual is his/her own control, thereby adjusting for all time-stable confounders. The analysis was additionally adjusted for time-varying confounders (chronological age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, smoking, body mass index, and the number of drugs). The participants were 65.5-82.8 years at the first in-person assessment. Adrenergics/inhalants (effect size = 0.089) and lipid-modifying agents/plain (effect size = 0.082) were associated with higher values of cognitive function (improvement), and selective calcium channel blockers with mainly vascular effects (effect size = -0.129) were associated with lower values of the functional aging index (improvement). No beneficial effects were found on the frailty index. Adrenergics/inhalants, lipid-modifying agents/plain, and selective calcium channel blockers with mainly vascular effects may benefit functional biomarkers of aging. More research is needed to investigate their clinical value in preventing adverse aging outcomes.

Assessing the impact of despination and wax application on long-term cold stored cactus pears

Glochids and spines on cactus pears represent the main constraint that limit cactus pear consumption, thus their elimination is of pivotal importance for commercialization. Their removal causes abrasions and a reduction of epicuticular wax, which increase mass loss and microbiological spoilage. To mitigate the negative impact of glochids removal, in this study, ‘Gialla’ cactus pears of the second bloom, after despination through rotating brushes, were sprayed with two coating materials: Citrashine or Protégé at 33, 50 or 100%. Fruit were then stored at 20 °C for 1 week or at 6 °C for 4 or 8 weeks followed by 3 or 7 d at 20 °C to simulate marketing conditions. Weight loss, overall appearance and decay incidence were significantly higher in despined fruit compared to control fruit and coated fruit. When applied at 33% Protégé coating showed an overall beneficial effect that contributed to reduce mass loss, decay incidence and to improve fruit appearance without affecting chemical or sensory quality. Protégé at 50% and 100% reduced weight loss but resulted phytotoxic and worsened fruit appearance and had a negative impact on the percentage of marketable fruit, besides increasing the degradation of juice chemical compounds and altering sensory attributes. Citrashine had a good impact on preventing decay slowing down mass loss and overall appearance but altered the chemical and the eating quality as Protégé coating when applied at 50% or 100%.However, in fruit directly placed in simulated marketing conditions at 20 °C, despination neither altered fruit quality nor reduced fruit marketability. Thus, replacement of epicuticular waxes lost by despination with coatings can be beneficial for long term storage of cactus pear, provided that the applied material is not phytotoxic and does not impair the fruit gas exchange.

Effect of octreotide on oxidative stress in the erythrocyte and kidney tissue in adriamycin-induced experimental nephrotic syndrome model.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the reasons of end-stage kidney disease, and elucidating the pathogenesis and offer new treatment options is important. Oxidative stress might trigger pathogenesis systemically or isolated in the kidneys. Octreotide (OCT) has beneficial antioxidant effects. We aimed to investigate the source of oxidative stress and the effect of OCT on experimental NS model. Twenty-four non-uremic Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups. Control group, 2 mL saline intramuscular (im); NS group, adriamycin 5 mg/kg intravenous (iv); NS treatment group, adriamycin 5 mg/kg (iv) and OCT 200 mcg/kg (im) were administered at baseline (Day 0). At the end of 21 days, creatinine and protein levels were measured in 24-hour urine samples. Erythrocyte and renal catalase (CAT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were measured. Renal histology was also evaluated. There was no significant difference among the 3 groups in terms of CAT and TBARS in erythrocytes. Renal CAT level was lowest in NS group, and significantly lower than the control group. In treatment group, CAT level significantly increased compared with NS group. In terms of renal histology, tubular and interstitial evaluations were similar in all groups. Glomerular score was significantly higher in NS group compared with control group and it was significantly decreased in treatment group compared to NS group. Oxidative stress in NS might be due to the decrease in antioxidant protection mechanism in kidney. Octreotide improves antioxidant levels and histology in renal tissue and might be a treatment option.

The longitudinal role of classroom defending norms in victims' psychological adjustment, causal attributions, and social comparisons.

Frequent exposure to victimization by peers is related to greater psychological problems. It is often assumed that peer victimization is associated with fewer psychological problems in classrooms where defending victims of bullying is common (i.e., a norm). The few studies testing this claim have been cross-sectional and have produced mixed findings. The current preregistered study examined whether the prospective link between victimization and psychological adjustment (i.e., depressive symptoms and self-esteem) was moderated by classroom defending norms. Moreover, we aimed to explain why defending norms may have either beneficial or adverse effects on victims' adjustment, by focusing on two cognitive processes: victims' causal attributions and social comparisons. Three waves of data were collected among 3,470 Finnish fourth- to ninth-grade students from 227 classrooms (Mage = 13.04, 50.1% girls). Multilevel regression analyses showed that nonvictimized youth benefited from high defending norms, whereas victims' psychological adjustment did not vary as a function of defending norms. Therefore, no mediation analyses were conducted. Nonpreregistered additional analyses indicated that stable victims had greater psychological problems and higher self-blame over time in classrooms with higher defending norms. Thus, even though the majority of students seem to profit from defending norms, this might not be true for those who most urgently need help. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Self-selected versus imposed running intensity and the acute effects on mood, cognition, and (a)periodic brain activity

AbstractThe beneficial psychological effects of exercise might be explained by self-determination theory and autonomy. However, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms are even less elucidated. Previously neglected, aperiodic (1/f) brain activity is suggested to indicate enhanced cortical inhibition when the slope is steeper. This is thought to be associated with an increased cognitive performance. Therefore, we hypothesize that running with a self-selected intensity and thus given autonomy leads to stronger neural inhibition accompanied by psychological improvements. Twenty-nine runners performed two 30-min runs. First, they chose their individual feel-good intensity (self-selected run; SR). After a 4-weeks washout, the same speed was blindly prescribed (imposed run; IR). Acute effects on mood (Feeling Scale, Felt Arousal Scale, MoodMeter®), cognition (d2-R, digit span test) and electrocortical activity (slope, offset, 1/f-corrected alpha and low beta band) were analyzed before and after the runs. Both runs had an equal physical workload and improved mood in the Felt Arousal Scale, but not in the Feeling Scale or MoodMeter®. Cognitive performance improved after both runs in the d2-R, while it remained stable in the digit span test after SR, but decreased after IR. After running, the aperiodic slope was steeper, and the offset was reduced. Alpha activity increased after SR only, while low beta activity decreased after both conditions. The aperiodic features partially correlated with mood and cognition. SR was not clearly superior regarding psychological effects. Reduced aperiodic brain activity indicates enhanced neural inhibition after both runs. The 1/f-corrected alpha band may emphasize a different neural processing between both runs.

Bending stresses in straight bars with a transverse centre hole: A case of beneficial notch effect?

The article investigates by finite elements the bending stresses around a centre transverse circular hole in straight bars with rectangular or circular cross-section. Four loading conditions are considered, pure bending and three variants of three-point bending (load concentrated on the bar surface above the hole, load directly applied to the hole as uniform pressure, load applied to the hole through a connecting pin). Mostly, the hole diameter is one-third of the section height and one-twentieth of the beam length. Holes of one-fourth and one half of the section on several beam lengths are also investigated for the flat bar in three-point bending to appraise the sensitivity to aspect ratios. The results show that, in all cases, the notch effect is mildly detrimental to the stress distribution and can even be beneficial in comparison with the unperforated bar. This is because the hole increases the stresses around the neutral axis, where the stresses are naturally low, thus taking away stresses from the surface where the bending stresses are naturally highest. The design of pivoted flexural machine elements like levers, yokes and balance arms can take advantage from this evidence.

Regulation and mechanism of organic selenium on quorum sensing, biofilm, and antioxidant effects of Lactobacillus paracasei.

Different organic compounds can have varying degrees of impact on the activity of Lactobacillus paracasei. The study focused on the impact and action mechanism of different organic selenium products on the bioactivity of two strains of L. paracasei. The growth, antioxidant activity, extracellular polysaccharide secretion, quorum sensing (QS), and biofilm formation of the strains before and after the addition of organic selenium crude products and three organic selenium standard were evaluated. The results showed that the addition of crude organic selenium promoted the various activities of the strain. l-selenocysteine had the strongest regulatory effect, with maximum GIM1.80 biofilm formation when it reached a critical concentration of 0.4 μg/mL; l-selenomethionine resulted in the highest activity of the signal molecule Auto inducer-2 of GDMCC1.155, when it reached a critical concentration of 0.4 μg/mL. The results of scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the addition of organic selenium effectively improved the morphological structure of the two bacterial cells. Molecular docking revealed that the mechanism by which organic selenium regulates QS in Lactobacillus was achieved by binding two crucial receptor proteins (histidine protein kinase HKP and periplasmic binding protein LuxP) from specific sites. Furthermore, organic selenium products have a beneficial regulatory effect on the biological activity of L. paracasei. Overall, these findings provide a new alternative (organic selenium) for regulating the viability and beneficial activity of L. paracasei.