Control Condition Research Articles

Changes in muscle cross-sectional area during two menstrual cycles may not be exclusively attributed to resistance training

This study investigated the impact of menstrual cycle (MC) phases and resistance training (RT) on muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) in two MCs utilizing a within-subject design. Twenty women with regular MCs had their legs randomly allocated to either the control (CON) or RT condition, which included 16 training sessions over two MCs. CSA, estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) were assessed during the menstruation (M), ovulation (O), and luteal (L) phases in the first (M1, O1, L1) and second (M2, O2, L2) MCs and at the beginning of the third MC (M3). P4 values were significantly higher during the luteal phase than during menstruation (P < 0.0001) and ovulation (P < 0.0001). No significant differences in E2 concentrations were observed between the MC phases (P = 0.08). For the RT condition, the CSA showed significant increases at O2, L2, and M3 compared to baseline (M1) (all P < 0.0001). No significant changes were observed for the CON condition during the two MCs (P > 0.05). However, RT condition showed a significant change in average CSA across two MCs. Additionally, individual analyses revealed that 19 participants showed variation in CSA above or below the minimum detectable difference during the two MCs. These findings suggest that changes in muscle CSA observed during two MCs may not be exclusively attributed to RT.

Unravelling wheat genotypic responses: insights into salinity stress tolerance in relation to oxidative stress, antioxidant mechanisms, osmolyte accumulation and grain quality parameters

BackgroundSalt stress is a prominent abiotic stressor that imposes constraints on grain yield and quality across various crops, including wheat (Triticum aestivum). This study focused on assessing the genetic diversity of 20 wheat genotypes categorized as tolerant, moderately tolerant, and sensitive with three genotypes of unknown tolerance. To address salinity stress-related problems, different morpho-physiological, osmoprotectant, biochemical, yield, and grain quality-related parameters were analyzed under control (pH 8.0, EC 3.9) and saline-sodic (pH 9.4, EC 4.02) conditions in field.ResultsFindings revealed noteworthy variations among the genotypes in response to salinity stress. Greater accumulation of Na+ and lower K+ content were observed in response to salt stress in the sensitive varieties HD1941 and K9162. Proline, a stress indicator, exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater accumulation in response to salinity stress, particularly in the tolerant cultivars KRL210 and KH65. Salt stress induced the most significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in spike length, thousand-grain weight, and hectolitre weight coupled with increased protein content in sensitive varieties, resulting in diminished yield.ConclusionCorrelation analysis of parameters under salinity stress showed that SOD, proline, and K+ contents can be used as the most efficient screening criteria for salinity stress during early developmental stages. Principal component analysis revealed that DBW187, DBW303, and DBW222 varieties were tolerant to salinity stress and exhibited an effective antioxidant system against salinity. This study will facilitate salt-tolerant wheat breeding in terms of the identification of tolerant lines by screening for limited traits in a wide range of germplasms.

Effects of treadmill training combined with transcranial direct current stimulation on mobility, motor performance, balance function, and other brain-related outcomes in stroke survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Treadmill training (TT) is a gait training technique that has commonly been used in neurorehabilitation, and has positive effects on gait, mobility, and related outcomes in stroke survivors. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive approach for modulating brain cortex excitability. To evaluate the available scientific evidence on the effects of TT combined with tDCS on mobility, motor performance, balance function, and brain-related outcomes in stroke survivors. Five databases namely the Cochrane library, PEDro, Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE, were searched for relevant studies from inception to March, 2024. Only randomized controlled trials were included, and their methodological quality and risk of bias (ROB) were evaluated using the PEDro scale and Cochrane ROB assessment tool respectively. Qualitative and quantitative syntheses (using fixed effects meta-analysis) were employed to analyze the data. The results revealed that TT combined with active tDCS had significant beneficial effects on some mobility parameters, some gait spatiotemporal parameters, some gait kinematic parameters, gait endurance, gait ability, and corticomotor excitability in stroke survivors, but no significant difference on gait speed (P > 0.05), functional mobility (P > 0.05), motor performance (P > 0.05), or some balance functions (P > 0.05), compared with the control conditions. TT combined with active tDCS significantly improves some gait/mobility outcomes and corticomotor excitability in stroke survivors.

Induced Blood Flow Oscillations at 0.1 Hz Protects Oxygenation of Severely Ischemic Tissue in Humans

Generating 10-second (~0.1 Hz) fluctuations or "oscillations" in arterial pressure and blood flow blunts reductions in cerebral tissue oxygenation in response to 15-20% reductions in cerebral blood flow. To examine the effect of 0.1 Hz hemodynamic oscillations on tissue oxygenation during severe ischemia, we developed a partial limb ischemia protocol targeting a 70-80% reduction in blood flow. We hypothesized that 0.1 Hz hemodynamic oscillations would attenuate reductions in tissue oxygenation during severe ischemia. 13 healthy humans (6M, 7F; 27.3±4.2 y) completed two experimental protocols separated by ≥48 h. In both conditions, an upper arm cuff was used to decrease brachial artery (BA) blood velocity by ~70-80% from baseline. In the oscillation condition (0.1 Hz), 0.1 Hz hemodynamic oscillations were induced by intermittently inflating and deflating bilateral thigh cuffs every 5-s during forearm ischemia. In the control condition (0 Hz), the thigh cuffs were inactive. BA blood flow, forearm tissue oxygenation (SmO2), and arterial pressure were measured continuously. The initial reduction in BA blood velocity was tightly matched between protocols (0 Hz: -76.9±7.9% vs. 0.1 Hz: -75.5±7.4%, p=0.49). While 0.1 Hz oscillations during forearm ischemia had no effect on the reduction in BA velocity (0 Hz: -73.0 ± 9.9% vs. 0.1 Hz: -73.3 ± 8.2%, p=0.91), the reduction in SmO2 was attenuated (0 Hz: -35.7±8.6% vs. 0.1 Hz: -27.2±8.9%; p=0.01). These data provide further evidence for the use of 0.1 Hz hemodynamic oscillations as a potential therapeutic intervention for conditions associated with severe tissue ischemia (e.g., hemorrhage and stroke).

Oxazolidinone antibiotics impair ex vivo megakaryocyte differentiation from hematopoietic progenitor cells and their maturation into platelets

ABSTRACT Oxazolidinones (linezolid and tedizolid) adverse reactions include thrombocytopenia, the mechanism of which is still largely unknown. In cultured cells, oxazolidinones impair mitochondrial protein synthesis and oxidative metabolism. As mitochondrial activity is essential for megakaryocyte differentiation and maturation into platelets, we examined whether oxazolidinones impair these processes ex vivo and alter, in parallel, the activity of mitochondrial cytochrome c -oxidase (CYTOX; enzyme partly encoded by the mitochondrial genome) and cell morphology. Human CD34+ cells were isolated, incubated with cytokines (up to 14 days) and clinically relevant oxazolidinone concentrations or in control conditions, and used for (i) clonogenic assays [counting of megakaryocyte (CFU-Mk), granulocyte-monocyte (CFU-GM), burst-forming unit-erythroid (BFU-E) colonies]; (ii) the measure of the expression of megakaryocyte surface antigens (CD34 to CD41 and CD42); (iii) counting of proplatelets; (iv) the measurement of CYTOX activity; and (v) cell morphology (optic and electron microscopy). Oxazolidinones caused a significant decrease in BFU-E but not CFU-Mk or CFU-GM colonies. Yet, the megakaryocytic lineage was markedly affected, with a decreased differentiation of CD34+ into CD41+/CD42+ cells, an abolition of proplatelet formation and striking decrease in the numbers of large polylobulated nucleus megakaryocytes, with a complete loss of intracellular demarcation membrane system, disappearance of mitochondria, and suppression of CYTOX activity. These alterations were more marked in cells incubated with tedizolid than linezolid. These data suggest that oxazolidinones may induce thrombocytopenia by impairing megakaryocytic differentiation through mitochondrial dysfunction. Pharmacological interventions to prevent this toxicity might therefore be difficult as mitochondrial toxicity is most probably inherently linked to their antibacterial activity.

An overview of the role of nanoherbicides in tackling challenges of weed management in wheat: A novel approach

Abstract One of the most significant biotic constraints that wheat production faces is weed infestation. Wheat is infested with different weeds that cause yield losses (up to 100%) that vary based on the type of weed, their density, and the environmental conditions. Chemical weed control is the most common method to control weeds in wheat. However, widespread herbicide resistance (>365 cases worldwide) has challenged the sustainability of this method. Use of nanoherbicides is a promising strategy to cope with the issue of herbicide resistance. To achieve weed control conditions during the whole growing season, nanoformulations of herbicides are a delivery strategy that involves covering an active component with various materials that vary in size from nano to nanoscale and then releasing the substance in a controlled manner. Nanoherbicides prevent leaching and volatilization of active components and premature degradation through photolysis, hydrolysis, and biodegradation. According to studies, nanoencapsulation of herbicides produces more targeted and less hazardous agricultural formulations. Using nanoherbicides in lower concentrations is beneficial. It lessens the long-term impacts of herbicide residues in wheat fields and the toxicity of these herbicides to the environment. It is also beneficial in eliminating the weeds without ever interacting with the crop plants, which eventually results in a greater wheat yield. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging field of utilizing nanoparticles (NPs) in herbicides for effective weed management in wheat crops. This article explores the novel approach of integrating NPs with herbicidal agents, highlighting their potential benefits and challenges. The review also addresses the current state of research, recent advancements, and potential future directions in this evolving area of agricultural science.

Control of stance-leg motion and zero-moment point for achieving perfect upright stationary state of rimless wheel type walker with parallel linkage legs

Abstract The authors have studied models and control methods for legged robots without having active ankle joints that can not only walk efficiently but also stop and developed a method for generating a gait that starts from an upright stationary state and returns to the same state in one step for a simple walker with one control input. It was clarified, however, that achieving a perfect upright stationary state including zero dynamics is impossible. Based on the observation, in this paper we propose a novel robotic walker with parallel linkage legs that can return to a perfect stationary standing posture in one step while simultaneously controlling the stance-leg motion and zero-moment point (ZMP) using two control inputs. First, we introduce a model of a planar walker that consists of two eight-legged rimless wheels, a body frame, a reaction wheel, and massless rods and describe the system dynamics. Second, we consider two target control conditions; one is control of the stance-leg motion, and the other is control of the ZMP to stabilize zero dynamics. We then determine the control input based on the two conditions with the target control period derived from the linearized model and consider adding a sinusoidal control input with an offset to correct the resultant terminal state of the reaction wheel. The validity of the proposed method is investigated through numerical simulations.

Engagement, Acceptability, and Effectiveness of the Self-Care and Coach-Supported Versions of the Vira Digital Behavior Change Platform Among Young Adults at Risk for Depression and Obesity: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Adolescence and early adulthood are pivotal stages for the onset of mental health disorders and the development of health behaviors. Digital behavioral activation interventions, with or without coaching support, hold promise for addressing risk factors for both mental and physical health problems by offering scalable approaches to expand access to evidence-based mental health support. Objective This 2-arm pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated 2 versions of a digital behavioral health product, Vira (Ksana Health Inc), for their feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness in improving mental health in young adults with depressive symptoms and obesity risk factors. Methods A total of 73 participants recruited throughout the United States were randomly assigned to use Vira either as a self-guided product (Vira Self-Care) or with support from a health coach (Vira+Coaching) for 12 weeks. The Vira smartphone app used passive sensing of behavioral data related to mental health and obesity risk factors (ie, activity, sleep, mobility, and language patterns) and offered users personalized insights into patterns of behavior associated with their daily mood. Participants completed self-reported outcome measures at baseline and follow-up (12 weeks). All study procedures were completed via digital communications. Results Both versions of Vira showed strong user engagement, acceptability, and evidence of effectiveness in improving mental health and stress. However, users receiving coaching exhibited more sustained engagement with the platform and reported greater reductions in depression (Cohen d=0.45, 95% CI 0.10-0.82) and anxiety (Cohen d=0.50, 95% CI 0.13-0.86) compared to self-care users. Both interventions also resulted in reduced stress (Vira+Coaching: Cohen d=–1.05, 95% CI –1.57 to –-0.50; Vira Self-Care: Cohen d=–0.78, 95% CI –1.33 to –0.23) and were perceived as useful and easy to use. Coached users also reported reductions in sleep-related impairment (Cohen d=–0.51, 95% CI –1.00 to –0.01). Moreover, participants increased their motivation for and confidence in making behavioral changes, with greater improvements in confidence among coached users. Conclusions An app-based intervention using passive mobile sensing to track behavior and deliver personalized insights into behavior-mood associations demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness for reducing depressive symptoms and other mental health problems in young adults. Future directions include (1) optimizing the interventions, (2) conducting a fully powered trial that includes an active control condition, and (3) testing mediators and moderators of outcome effects. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05638516; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05638516

Detecting Noncredible Responding in College Student ADHD Assessment: A Comparison of Several Brief Symptom Validity Tests

AbstractA diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) offers tangible and psychological benefits to college students. These incentives lead some students to exaggerate symptoms on self-report rating scales. Although validity tests can detect noncredible responding, they are seldom used by clinicians who conduct adult ADHD evaluations. Many validity tests require considerable time, are expensive to administer, or are not accessible to many clinicians. We conducted a between-subjects simulation study examining the ability of several brief symptom validity tests to differentiate college students with self-reported ADHD (n = 229) and students without ADHD randomly assigned to honest control (n = 260) or simulator (n = 239) conditions. All participants completed the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) with several embedded validity indicators (i.e., CAARS Inconsistency Index, CAARS Infrequency Index [CII], Dissociative Experiences Scale, Exaggeration Index [EI]), and the Subtle ADHD Malingering Screener. Results showed that students without ADHD could easily simulate this condition. Simulators earned significantly higher scores than participants in the ADHD and control conditions on all the validity tests that we examined, except the CAARS Inconsistency Index. Elevated scores on the CAARS hyperactive-impulsive scale, the CII, or the EI yielded the best classification statistics with specificity to controls ranging from 98.5 to 100%, sensitivity to simulators ranging from 35.6 to 42.7%, and low positive cases among participants in the ADHD condition. Associations between these validity scales were moderate. Requiring elevated scores on multiple validity scales yielded perfect specificity to controls, sensitivities to simulators between 27.2 and 31.8%, and few positive cases among participants in the ADHD condition (0 to 3.1%). These tests may offer clinicians a time- and cost-effective way to evaluate the validity of students’ self-reports, especially when integrated with objective information from other sources.

Can time flow differently if you are a virtual reality newcomer?

Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have entered many aspects of daily life (e.g., workplace, education, gaming). VR users report that time flows faster when immersed in a virtual environment. Such an effect is supported by recent scientific evidence (Mullen & Davidenko, 2021). Indeed, a familiarity effect could foster such a time compression effect. To investigate this possibility, a between-subject design was adopted: in one condition, participants explored a virtual environment through a head-mounted display (HMD), whereas in the control condition, participants explored the same environment through a standard monitor. Participants were all instructed to produce an interval of 4 minutes so that longer produced durations in an interval production task were evidence of underestimation. Adopting a prospective time estimation paradigm, the time intervals produced were compared between the two conditions. Results confirmed the time compression effect: participants in the VR condition reported longer produced intervals than participants in the control condition. Furthermore, the significant interaction with levels of prior experience with VR technologies suggests that time compression effects may be more pronounced for VR newcomers, thus favoring an interpretation in terms of familiarity. The present findings provide valuable insights into the perception of time in virtual environments, suggesting the importance of continued research in this emerging technology. Limits, implications, and the need for further research are finally discussed.

Loneliness could lead to risk of fraud victimization for middle-aged and older adults

ABSTRACT Older adults have a strong desire for emotional connectivity and those who lack such social connectedness would be easily taken advantage of and experience fraud. We aimed to examine the association between loneliness and fraud victimization and further investigate the causal relationship through experimental manipulation. Fifty younger adults (aged 18–29, M age = 26.62), 43 middle-aged adults (aged 32–53, M age = 40.84) and 54 older adults (aged 60–88, M age = 68.31) were randomly assigned to induced loneliness or control conditions by a complete randomized design and then were asked to rate the credibility and purchase intention for nine misleading advertisements. Middle-aged and older adults, but not younger adults, showed higher susceptibility to fraud after loneliness manipulation. The present experiment confirmed that loneliness could lead to higher fraud victimization for middle-aged and older adults, suggesting future interventions should target those lonely middle-aged and older adults to prevent potential fraud.

UM171 enhances fitness and engraftment of gene modified hematopoietic stem cells from sickle cells disease patients

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with lentiviral vector (LVV) transduced autologous cells has proven an effective therapeutic strategy for sickle cell disease (SCD). However, ex vivo culture or proliferative stress associated with in vivo reconstitution may amplify any underlying genetic risk of leukemia. We aimed to minimize culture-induced stress and reduce genomic damage during ex vivo culture, enhance stem cell fitness and reconstitution of SCD CD34+ cells transduced with BCL11A shmiR-encoding LVV currently in clinical trials (NCT NCT03282656). UM171, a pyrimidoindole derivative can expand normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) during in vitro culture and has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials using umbilical cord blood (NCT02668315). We examined the effect of UM171 during ex vivo LVV transduction of SCD HSCs. Culture of SCD CD34+ HSCs with UM171 during transduction reduced DNA damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased apoptosis, and was associated with increased numbers of immunophenotypically defined long-term HSCs. UM171 increased the engraftment of LVV transduced human HSCs in immunodeficient mice and barcode tracing revealed increased clonal diversity of engrafting cells. In competitive transplantation assays, analysis of BM showed that cells transduced in the presence of UM171 consistently outcompeted those transduced under control conditions. In summary, exposure of SCD peripheral blood CD34+ cells to UM171 during LVV transduction enhances stem cell fitness. These findings suggest manufacturing of genetically modified HSCs in the presence of UM171 may improve efficacy, safety and sustainability of gene therapy utilizing ex vivo approaches.

Blooming Phenograms, Pollen Production, and Pollen Quality during Storage of Pistachio Cultivars in New Mediterranean Growing Areas

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is a dioecious, anemophilous, and drought-resistant fruit tree species. It is cultivated in new Mediterranean areas, including the regions of southern Italy (Apulia and Basilicata). It has been estimated that over 40,000 ha are suitable for pistachio cultivation in areas infected by Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca. As a newly introduced species, knowledge of its biological reproductive behaviors in its new areas of spreading is essential for appropriate agronomic planning and management. This two-year study (2022 and 2023), carried out in the countryside of Stigliano (MT, Italy), had the objective of evaluating the flowering phenograms, pollen production, and assessing protocols for the conservation and extension of pollen viability, of the most widespread cultivars. A slight delay was observed in the blooming phenograms, compared to other cultivation Mediterranean areas, such as Spain or Sicily. Furthermore, the overlap between female and male phenograms was partial. No significant differences were observed in the polliniferous aptitude of the two male cultivars. Among the different protocols tested, the pollen storage at 33% relative humidity and a temperature of −80 °C maintained the pollen germinability above 50% for up to three weeks. These findings highlight the importance of controlled environmental conditions in preserving pollen viability over extended periods, providing valuable insights for agricultural and botanical research that relies on maintaining pollen viability for breeding and genetic studies.

Effects of acute stress on biological motion perception.

Biological motion perception is an essential part of the cognitive process. Stress can affect the cognitive process. The present study explored the intrinsic ERP features of the effects of acute psychological stress on biological motion perception. The results contributed scientific evidence for the adaptive behavior changes under acute stress. After a mental arithmetic task was used to induce stress, the paradigm of point-light displays was used to evaluate biological motion perception. Longer reaction time and lower accuracy were found in the inverted walking condition than in the upright walking condition, which was called the "inversion effect". The P2 peak amplitude and the LPP mean amplitude were significantly higher in the local inverted perception than in the local upright walking condition. Compared to the control condition, the stress condition induced lower RT, shorter P1 peak latency of biological motion perception, lower P2 peak amplitude and LPP mean amplitude, and higher N330 peak amplitude. There was an "inversion effect" in biological motion perception. This effect was related to the structural characteristics of biological motion perception but unrelated to the state of acute psychological stress. Acute psychological stress accelerated the reaction time and enhanced attention control of biological motion perception. Attention resources were used earlier, and less attentional investment was made in the early stage of biological motion perception processing. In the late stage, a continuous weakening of inhibition was shown in the parieto-occipital area.

Foveal neural adaptation to optically induced contrast reduction.

Contrast processing is suggested to interact with eye growth and myopia development. A novel contrast-reducing myopia control lens design decreases image contrast and was shown to slow myopia progression. Limited insights exist regarding neural visual processing following adaptation to image contrast reduction. This study investigated foveal neural contrast sensitivity in 29 young adults following a 30-minute adaptation to scattering using a Bangerter occlusion foil 0.8, +0.5-diopter defocus, and a clear lens control condition. Neural contrast sensitivity at its peak sensitivity of 6 cycles per degree was assessed before and after adaptation to the lens conditions, employing a unique interferometric system. Pre-adaptation measurements were averaged from six replicates and post-adaptation measurements by the first and last three of six replicates. The change in neural contrast sensitivity was largest for scattering across the first and last three post-adaptation measurements (+0.05±0.01logCS and +0.04±0.01logCS, respectively) compared with control and defocus (all +0.03±0.01logCS). For scattering, the observed increase of neural contrast sensitivity within the first three measurements differed significantly from the pre-adaptation baseline (p = 0.04) and was significantly higher compared with the control condition (p = 0.04). The sensitivity increases in the control and defocus conditions were not significant (all p > 0.05). As the adaptation effect diminished, no significant differences were found from baseline or between the conditions in the last three measurements (all p > 0.05). When post-adaptation neural contrast sensitivities were clustered into 25-second sequences, a significant effect was observed between the conditions, with only a significant relevant effect between control and scattering at 25 seconds (p = 0.04) and no further significant effects (all p > 0.05). The alteration in neural contrast sensitivity at peak sensitivity was most pronounced following adaptation to the scattering condition compared with defocus and control, suggesting that induced scattering might be considered for myopia control.

Motivational Enhancement System for Adherence (MESA) for Adolescents and Young Adults Newly Recommended to Start Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

Adolescents and young adults (age 13 - 24) accounted for 20% of HIV diagnoses in the United States and 6 dependent areas in 2020. Optimal treatment adherence during adolescence and young adulthood decreases the pool of infectious individuals during the risky sexual activity commonly reported among AYAs living with HIV. Adolescents and young adults newly recommended to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) were recruited, nationally, from seven clinical sites. At each clinical site, participants were randomized to receive a two-session (baseline and 1- month) online intervention. For the Motivational Enhancement System for Health (MESA) intervention condition, based on the principles of motivational interviewing, participants received ART information and personalized feedback + ART standard of care (n = 86), while for the System for Health (SH) control condition, participants received information on healthy eating and physical activity + ART standard of care (n = 66). Adherence was 21% greater in the MESA intervention group compared to the SH control group at 6 months. Additionally, the MESA intervention group was significantly more adherent during the post intervention, and was more likely to maintain viral suppression up to 12 months after initiating ART if both doses of the intervention were received compared to the SH control group. A brief, scalable online computer-delivered intervention shows promise for achieving long-term health outcomes due to improved adherence when intervention occurs early in the course of treatment.

Do calorie labels change energy purchased in a simulated online food delivery platform? A multi-arm randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAs rates of obesity and overweight continue to increase in the UK, calorie labels have been introduced on menus as a policy option to provide information to consumers on the energy content of foods and to enable informed choices. This study tested whether the addition of calorie labels to items in a simulated food delivery platform may reduce the energy content of items selected.MethodsUK adults (n = 8,780) who used food delivery platforms were asked to use the simulated platform as they would in real life to order a meal for themselves. Participants were randomly allocated to a control condition (no calorie labels) or to one of seven intervention groups: (1) large size calorie labels adjacent to the price (LP), (2) large size label adjacent to the product name (LN), (3) small label adjacent to price (SP), (4) small label adjacent to product name (SN), (5) LP with a calorie label switch-off filter (LP + Off), (6) LP with a switch-on filter (LP + On), or, (7) LP with a summary label of the total basket energy content (LP + Sum). Regression analysis assessed the impact of calorie labels on energy content of foods selected compared to the control condition.ResultsThe mean energy selected in the control condition was 1408 kcal (95%CI: 93, 2719). There was a statistically significant reduction in mean energy selected in five of the seven intervention trial arms (LN labels (-60 kcal, 95%CI: -111, -6), SN (-73, 95%CI: -125, -19), LP + Off (-110, 95%CI: -161, -57), LP + On (-109, 95%CI: -159, -57), LP + Sum (-85 kcal, 95%CI: -137, -30). There was no evidence the other two conditions (LP (-33, 95%CI: -88, 24) and SP (-52, 95%CI: -105, 2)) differed from control. There was no evidence of an effect of any intervention when the analysis was restricted to participants who were overweight or obese.ConclusionAdding calorie labels to food items in a simulated online food delivery platform reduced the energy content of foods selected in five out of seven labelling scenarios. This study provides useful information to inform the implementation of these labels in a food delivery platform context.

Bacterial growth in breast milk expressed under hygienic control: a pilot study

ObjectiveIn this pilot study, we verified safe practices for breast milk expression, storage, and duration, based on bacteriological results.ResultsWe collected breast milk samples from three healthy lactating volunteers and analyzed the bacterial flora and changes in the viable bacterial counts (including those of Staphylococcus) of the samples. Although no consistent change could be observed in the abundance of a particular bacterial group in samples expressed under hygienic control conditions, viable bacterial counts were higher in self-expressed milk than in milk expressed under hygienic control conditions. In conclusion, increased hygiene awareness is vital during breast milk expression and storage.

Transcriptome Mining, Identification and In silico Characterization of Thaumatin-Like Protein Sequences from Mentha Longifolia

Background: Thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) constitute the PR-5 family of plant pathogenesis- related (PR) proteins and are responsible for host defense and various growth and development- related processes. Mints (Mentha sp.) are essential oil-bearing plants, mainly affected by water availability and fungal pathogens. Objective: Identification of candidate TLPs in Mentha longifolia that may help to counter pathogen infection Methods: Several bioinformatics procedures were used to identify TLP gene sequences from M. longifolia and to characterize them for nucleotide length and composition, their translated proteins, subcellular location, signal peptides, post translational modifications, allergenicity potential, evolutionary relatedness, and miRNA targeting. Result: 19 TLP candidates were identified in M. longifolia (Mlo_TLP001 - Mlo_TLP0019) annotating the available transcriptome data. The molecular mass of Mlo_TLPs ranged between 35.43 kDa - 12.79 kDa. Expression analysis of the Mlo_TLPs revealed that Mlo_TLP003, 006, 008, 010, 012, 013, 014, and 018 were upregulated in M. longifolia stem as compared to the root under control conditions. Further, the analysis of control and V. dahliae infected M. longifolia plants has shown Mlo_TLP006 to be upregulated in both the infected stem and root tissues as compared to the control. Conclusion: Mlo_TLP006 is a probable candidate that imparts resistance to fungal pathogens in Mentha longifolia

The impact of animated video cartoons as a distraction technique on anticipatory anxiety levels among children during class I GIC restoration procedures.

Investigating the effect of visual distraction using animated video cartoons (AVCs) on anxiety of children during class I class I glass-ionomer cement (GIC) restoration procedures. This randomized clinical trial, 42 children between the ages of 5-6years were enrolled. These participants were divided into two groups: Group 1, consisting of 21 individuals (AVCs), who were exposed to a cartoon as a visual distraction tool, and Group 2, a control group with 21 participants who did not receive any form of distraction during their first visit. Both groups underwent class I GIC restoration procedures that were conducted in a consistent manner. To evaluate the anxiety levels of the children, measurements of their pulse rate (PR) were taken at the beginning and end of the treatment. Additionally, patient behavior was assessed using the Frankl behavior rating scale (FBRS) as well as validated self-reported dental anxiety scale, the Visual Analog Scale - Anxiety (VAS-A) score. In the control group, postoperative PR increased significantly, while the AVC group experienced a decrease compared to their preoperative PR levels. Additionally, audio-visual distraction had a notable impact on FBRS scores compared to the standard approach. Similarly, the VAS-A score displayed a significant reduction when patients received audio-visual distraction compared to the control condition. Subgroup analysis by gender showed that girls tended to be more responsive to AVCs than boys when evaluated by PR and FBRS, but such findings were not observed using VAS-A. Patients with deeper caries had higher VAS-A scores than those with shallower ones. Despite the caries depth, those who received AVC seemed to be calmer, especially to those with deeper lesions, as indicated lower postoperative VAS-A scores compared to their preoperative levels, unlike the control group. Our study suggests that the use of AVCs can be an effective method for reducing anxiety in children undergoing class I GIC restoration procedures.