Control Levels Research Articles

Glycaemic control and adult height: a nationwide Swedish cohort study on childhood type 1 diabetes

Abstract Aims To assess adult height outcomes across levels of glycaemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, as well as to investigate the impact of sex, age at disease onset, and timing of glycaemic control in relation to puberty. Methods In this population-based Swedish cohort study, we collected data on glycaemic control and height from specialist healthcare visits of all individuals with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes in the National Diabetes Register. Using linear and logistic regression, we compared suboptimal (HbA1c 53–75 mmol/mol [7.0–9.0%]) and poor (HbA1c >75 mmol/mol [>9.0%]) to optimal (HbA1c <53 mmol/mol [<7.0%]) glycaemic control in relation to final adult height and the risk of short stature. Results Poor glycaemic control was associated with lower final adult height (-2.91 cm [95% CI - 3.48, -2.33] for males, -1.83 cm [-2.42, -1.23] for females) as well as a higher risk of short stature in males (odds ratio 1.90 [1.07, 3.35]) but not in females (0.73 [0.36, 1.51]). For females, adult height was only lower among those with type 1 diabetes since before puberty and if the poor glycaemic control occurred before puberty. For males, adult height was lower irrespective of their age at diabetes onset, but only if they had poor glycaemic control during or after puberty. Conclusions Poor glycaemic control after the onset of type 1 diabetes, compared to optimal control, is associated with lower adult height in males and females. The prepubertal period seems to be more critical for females than males.

Doing Bad to Feel Good: Working Objectification Promotes Production Deviance Via Thwarted Perceived Control

ABSTRACTWhat if employees engage in production deviance (e.g., take excessive breaks, intentionally work more slowly) not because they are lazy, but because they are trying to recover from working objectification? Through four studies (N = 1075), we test whether working objectification promotes production deviance via thwarted perceived control. The results showed that employees who experienced more working objectification reported lower levels of control and thus engaged in production deviance more frequently (Studies 1 to 4) and planned to spend more time on production deviance (Studies 3 and 4). Furthermore, restoring objectified employees’ perceived control can reduce the occurrence of production deviance (Study 4). Together, these studies provide insight into how working objectification promotes production deviance and how to mitigate this effect.

The Effect of Psilocybe cubensis on Spatial Memory and BDNF Expression in Male Rats Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress

ABSTRACT Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, drastically affect mental processing, cognitive functioning, and the mood state. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the Psilocybe cubensis extract on spatial memory and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The duration of CUMS was 4 weeks. Spatial learning and memory were measured using the Morris water maze apparatus. The Psilocybe cubensis extract was intraperitoneally injected (20 mg/kg) in different time periods: 5 min before training, 24 h before training, 48 h before training, 5 min after training, and 5 min before the probe test. Results showed that CUMS impaired spatial learning and memory, and decreased BDNF in the hippocampus. Psilocybe cubensis (24 and 48 h before training) restored spatial learning, while (48 h before training) restored spatial memory impairment in CUMS rats. Psilocybe cubensis (24 and 48 h before training) increased BDNF in CUMS rats. Psilocybe cubensis administrations (expect 48 h before training) impaired spatial learning and memory and decreased BDNF levels in controls. In conclusion, we suggested that Psilocybe cubensis may be beneficial for the improvement of memory deficits induced by CUMS, while the time of injection seems to be an important factor in its final effect.

Controllable Game Level Generation: Assessing the Effect of Negative Examples in GAN Models

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are unsupervised models designed to learn and replicate a target distribution. The vanilla versions of these models can be extended to more controllable models. Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (CGANs) extend vanilla GANs by conditioning both the generator and discriminator on some additional information (labels). Controllable models based on complementary learning, such as Rumi-GAN, have been introduced. Rumi-GANs leverage negative examples to enhance the generator's ability to learn positive examples. We evaluate the performance of two controllable GAN variants, CGAN and Rumi-GAN, in generating game levels targeting specific constraints of interest: playability and controllability. This evaluation is conducted under two scenarios: with and without the inclusion of negative examples. The goal is to determine whether incorporating negative examples helps the GAN models avoid generating undesirable outputs. Our findings highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each method in enforcing the generation of specific conditions when generating outputs based on given positive and negative examples.

Moderators of test-retest reliability in implicit and explicit attitudes.

A great deal of research in dual-process models has been devoted to highlighting differences in the structure and function of the implicit and explicit attitude constructs. However, the two forms of attitudes can also demonstrate important shared properties, and prior work suggests that one similarity may be in factors that determine measurement reliability. To better explore this issue, Study 1 analyzed the test-retest reliability in measures of both implicit and explicit attitudes within a single study session across 75 topics (N > 35,000). Explicit attitudes had greater test-retest reliability than implicit attitudes, but each showed considerable heterogeneity across topics even when measured within a single study session. Analyses also included several candidate moderator variables, such as attitude certainty or familiarity. While results were not identical, the moderators associated with greater test-retest reliability for implicit and explicit attitudes exhibited more similarities than differences. Specifically, attitudes experienced as more distinctive, more relevant to one's self-concept, more certain, and more accessible had higher test-retest reliability for both forms of evaluation. Variation in short-term reliability for implicit and explicit attitudes was replicated in Study 2, and Study 3 revealed that topics low in short-term reliability were also lower in a longitudinal sample that completed attitude measures separated by several weeks. These results advance our understanding of each attitude construct and are consistent with a more dynamic relationship between an attitude and its measure, as even attitudes measured with high levels of conscious control could show remarkable short-term instability when assessed only minutes apart. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Modeling longitudinal change patterns of self-regulation from early to middle childhood: Methodological innovations and individual differences.

Patterns of change in self-regulation from the ages of 2.5 to 12 years were modeled using repeated measures of self-regulation for a sample of 399 African American (n = 180, 45%) and Latinx (n = 219, 55%) children from families experiencing low income. Measures included both direct assessment and parent report. Results confirmed four components of self-regulation: working memory, inhibitory control, complex response inhibition, and set shifting. Furthermore, these components of self-regulation were more differentiated at younger ages but grew increasingly integrated as children developed. During early childhood, Latinx children displayed greater levels of working memory and higher levels of inhibitory control, and African American children displayed greater complex response inhibition and set shifting, but these ethnic differences reversed by early elementary school. By late middle childhood, ethnic differences in self-regulation had virtually disappeared altogether. Few differences by child gender or family poverty status were identified. Recommendations are provided to facilitate the modeling of self-regulation over extended periods of development including (a) utilizing measures that overlap time points, (b) standardizing the measurement scales, and (c) utilizing a flexible latent variable model. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Virtual surgical plan with custom surgical guide for orthognathic surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The shift from traditional two-dimensional (2D) planning to three-dimensional (3D) virtual surgical planning (VSP) has revolutionized orthognathic surgery, offering new levels of precision and control. VSP, combined with computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, enables the creation of patient-specific surgical guides and implants that translate preoperative plans into more precise surgical outcomes. This review examines the comparative accuracy and operative efficiency of VSP, especially when used with custom surgical guides, against conventional 2D planning in orthognathic surgery. The study systematically reviewed and analyzed published literature comparing the accuracy and operative time between VSP and conventional planning methods. The meta-analysis included clinical trials, controlled trials, and observational studies on patients undergoing orthognathic surgery, focusing on the degree of alignment between planned and postoperative bone positions and total surgery time. Results indicate that VSP consistently reduces discrepancies between planned and actual surgical outcomes, particularly when integrated with custom surgical guides. Additionally, while VSP demonstrated potential time-saving advantages over conventional planning, these differences were not statistically significant across studies, likely due to high variability among study protocols and designs. VSP with custom surgical guides enhances surgical accuracy in orthognathic procedures, marking a significant advancement over traditional methods. However, the reduction in operative time was not conclusively significant, underscoring the need for further studies to evaluate time efficiency. These findings emphasize VSP's role in improving surgical precision, which holds substantial implications for future orthognathic surgical practices.

Prolonging Charge Carrier lifetime via Intraband Defect Levels in S-scheme Heterojunctions for Artificial Photosynthesis.

S-scheme heterostructure photocatalysts, distinguished by unique charge-transfer pathways and exceptional catalytic redox capabilities, have found widespread applications in addressing challenging chemical processes, including the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with a high reaction barrier. Nevertheless, the influence of intraband defect levels within S-scheme heterojunctions on charge separation, carrier lifetime, and surface catalytic reactions has, for the most part, been overlooked. Herein, we develop a tunable defect-level-assisted strategy to construct an electron reservoir, effectively prolonging the lifetime of charge carriers through the rapid capture and gradual release of photoelectrons within WO3-x/In2S3 S-scheme heterojunctions, as authenticated by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and theoretical simulations. The surface photoredox mechanism, unraveled by Gibbs free energy calculations, demonstrates that oxygen-vacancy-induced defect states in WO3-x/In2S3 heterojunctions unlock the rate-determining H2O oxidation into free oxygen molecules by forming metastable oxygen intermediates, contributing to the facilitation of H2O photooxidation. This distinct role, combined with the extended carrier lifetime, results in boosted CO2 photoreduction with nearly 100% CO selectivity in the absence of any photosensitizer or scavenger. Our work sheds light on the role of controllable defect levels in governing charge transfer dynamics within S-scheme heterojunctions, thereby inspiring the development of more advanced photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis.

Hybrid bidirectional quantum communication with different levels of control with simulation

In this paper, we develop a quantum communication protocol for the simultaneous preparation of a two-qubit and a three-qubit state at the positions of two different parties situated spatially apart. For one party, Alice, it is a remote state preparation of a known two-qubit state while for the other party, Bob, it is a joint remote state preparation with the help of a third party, Eve. The protocol is executed in a hybrid form bi-directionally in the presence of two controllers, Charlie and David. There is a hierarchy in the process through different levels of control under which the actions by Alice and Bob are performed. There is a need for a ten-qubit entangled channel connecting the five parties. The generation of this channel through a circuit is discussed. The protocol is executed on the IBM Quantum platform. We also study the effect of noise on our protocol. Here, amplitude-damping, bit-flip and phase-flip noisy environments are considered and the corresponding variations of fidelity are theoretically and numerically analyzed.

Legal understanding of the failures of international conventional arms control mechanisms

Conventional arms control appears today as an essential means to ensure peace in the world and sustainable development. Its international implementation is ensured by United Nations bodies, treaties and even programs. Despite these mechanisms, arms control is proving to be ineffective. Weapons continue to be the basis of several criminal acts, including scenes of violence, armed conflicts, and terrorist attacks. By resorting to research methods such as analysis and legal documentation, the author reaches the conclusion according to which these failures at the level of control have their sources in shortcomings within control mechanisms. These shortcomings include among other the failure to establish a Military Staff Committee whose role was to contribute with the Security Council to the implementation of a policy of reducing the budget dedicated to arms in accordance with Article 26 of the Charter of the United Nations; The non-compliance with the rules for reporting in the registers of conventional weapons, and the legalization of the right to carry weapons in the internal legislation of several countries.

Indigenous gut microbiota constitutively drive release of ciliary neurotrophic factor from mucosal enteric glia to maintain the homeostasis of enteric neural circuits

It has recently become clear that the gut microbiota influence intestinal motility, intestinal barrier function, and mucosal immune function; therefore, the gut microbiota are deeply involved in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. The effects of the gut microbiota on the enteric nervous system (ENS) in the adult intestine, however, remain poorly understood. In the current study, we investigated the effects of the gut microbiota on the ENS. Male C57BL/6 SPF mice at 12 weeks of age were given a cocktail of four antibiotics (ABX) orally to induce dysbiosis (ABX mice). As early as six hours after ABX administration, the weight of the cecum of ABX mice increased to be significantly greater than that of vehicle-treated animals; moreover, ABX-induced dysbiosis reduced the density of enteric nerve fibers (marked by tubulin-β3 immunoreactivity) in the lamina propria of the proximal colon to approximately 60% that of control. TAK242, a TLR4 antagonist, significantly lowered the nerve fiber density in the lamina propria of the proximal colonic mucosa to approximately 60% that of vehicle-treated SPF mice. We thus developed and tested the hypothesis that mucosal glia expressing TLR4 are activated by enteric bacteria and release neurotrophic factors that contribute to the maintenance of enteric neural circuits. Neurotrophic factors in the mucosa of the SPF mouse proximal colon were examined immunohistochemically. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was abundantly expressed in the lamina propria; most of the CNTF immunoreactivity was observed in mucosal glia (marked by S100β immunoreactivity). Administration of CNTF (subcutaneously, 0.3 mg/kg, 3 doses, 2 hours apart) to ABX mice significantly increased mucosal nerve fiber density in the ABX mouse proximal colon to nearly control levels. The effect of CNTF on enteric mucosal nerve fibers was examined in isolated preparations of proximal colon of ABX mice. As it did in vivo, exposure to CNTF in vitro significantly increased enteric mucosal nerve fiber density in the ABX-treated colon. In conclusion, our evidence suggests that gut microbiota constitutively activate TLR4 signaling in enteric mucosal glia, which secrete CNTF in response. The resulting bacterial-driven glial release of CNTF helps to maintain the integrity of enteric mucosal nerve fibers.

Could Hepcidin Be a New Biomarker in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)?

Objectives: Hepcidin is a biomarker produced by hepatocytes in chronic disease anemia and is known to increase during chronic inflammation. This study compares the hepcidin levels in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and controls, evaluating its relationship with anemia and systemic inflammation in IPF patients. Methods: This study included 82 IPF patients and 31 controls. Hepcidin levels were compared between the two groups. In the IPF group, the hepcidin and anemia parameters were compared between anemic and non-anemic patients. The significance between the hepcidin and systemic inflammation parameters such as Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, CRP (C-reactive protein) levels, ferritin levels, and the Systemic Immune–Inflammation Index (SII) was investigated. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and ferritin levels were measured using automated analyzers. Hepcidin and erythropoietin (EPO) levels were determined using ELISA kits. Results: A significant difference in hepcidin levels was found between the IPF and control groups (37.13 ± 14.92 vs. 25.77 ± 11.25, p < 0.001). No significant difference in hepcidin levels was found between anemic and non-anemic IPF patients (38.25 ± 16.2 vs. 36.7 ± 14.6, p = 0.719). No significant correlation was found between hepcidin levels and anemia parameters (serum iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, serum transferrin, transferrin saturation, total iron-binding capacity, hemoglobin, folate, and erythropoietin) in IPF patients. Despite significant differences in the systemic inflammation parameters (ferritin and CRP) between patients and controls, no significant correlation was found between their hepcidin and systemic inflammation parameters. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the hepcidin levels in IPF patients are elevated independently of anemia and systemic inflammation. We propose that hepcidin could be a potential biomarker to be investigated in IPF patients.

Determination of selected oxysterol levels, oxidative stress, and macrophage activation indicators in children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Elevated levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream, also referred to as hypercholesterolemia, pose a significant risk for the onset of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Oxysterols, cholesterol-derived oxidized compounds that form enzymatically or non-enzymatically, contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. This study aimed to examine the critical oxysterol levels in children and adolescents with hypercholesterolemia and explore the correlation between these levels, oxidative stress, and atherosclerosis progression. The study included 20 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and 20 healthy individuals aged between 6 and 18 years. Participants were categorized into children (6-9 years) and adolescents (10-18 years). Pediatric and adolescent patients were selected from among subjects with LDL-C ≥ 130mg/dL and diagnosed with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) based on the presence of mutations in the LDL receptor (LDL-R) gene. Patients with HeFH who were receiving regular atorvastatin therapy were included in the study. There were no notable differences in catalase and paraoxonase (PON1) activities among the groups. However, the patient group displayed substantially higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P = 0.0108) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P = 0.0103). Compared to the healthy control group, serum chitotriosidase (CHITO) activity (P = 0.037) and chitinase 3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) levels (P = 0.0027) were significantly elevated in the patient group. Furthermore, the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements of the patient group were significantly greater than those of the healthy group (**P < 0.0001****). The patient group exhibited significantly elevated levels of 5,6-α-epoxycholesterol, Cholestane-3β,5α,6β-triol (C-triol), and 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC), whereas 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) was significantly more abundant in the healthy group. On the other hand, while 27-OHC/Total cholesterol (Total-C) levels were significantly higher in healthy individuals, the C-Triol/Total-C ratio was significantly higher in patients. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of 7-KC/Total-C and 5,6-α-epoxycholesterol/Total-C levels. This study highlights the key roles of oxysterols, oxidative stress, and macrophage activation in the development of atherosclerosis in pediatric and adolescent patients with FH. Elevated C-Triol levels in FH patients, alongside increased CIMT, point to early vascular changes despite atorvastatin therapy. In contrast, higher 27-OHC levels in healthy controls suggest differential oxysterol regulation due to cholesterol-lowering treatments in FH patients. C-Triol and 27-OHC/Total-C ratios showed potential as biomarkers to distinguish patients with FH. These findings emphasize the need for therapies targeting oxidative stress and macrophage activation in addition to cholesterol-lowering interventions.

Study of anti-inflammatory activity and acute toxicity indicators of new silver salt of pyrazole-3-carboxamide

Objective. To study the anti-inflammatory activity and some toxicological indicators of the new derivative of pyrazole-3-carboxamide SSP. Materials and methods. To assess the biological activity of the compound, its anti-inflammatory effect was studied in the model of acute inflammatory edema caused by sub-plantar injection of carrageenan solution into a rat`s hind leg. The duration effect was assessed by the intensity of suppression of the inflammatory response in relation to the control level. In order to study the safety of the substance, the local irritant effect was determined when applied cutaneously in the experiments on rats. The severity of the irritant effect was assessed by the erythema degree, the amount of edema and the increase in local skin temperature. In addition, acute toxicity of the substance under study was determined. The test compound and reference drugs were applied to the skin. Results. The study of acute toxicity of the compound SSP and the reference drug nystatin when applied cutaneously to rats showed that LD50 of both substances was more than 2500,0 mg/kg. Indicators of the degree of local irritating effect of the drugs demonstrate its absence. At the same time, the studied SSP compound has no anti-inflammatory effect administered either orally or cutaneously. Conclusions. The data obtained allow us to classify the new silver salt of pyrazol-3-carboxamide SSP as a class 5 non-toxic substance. The studied SSP compound has no local irritant effect and does not demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenan inflammation model.

Exogenous Sodium Nitroprusside Exhibits Multiple Positive Roles in Alleviating Cadmium Toxicity in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.).

As a donor of the gaseous signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) has been shown to play a positive role in enhancing plant resistance to abiotic stress. However, its role in alleviating cadmium (Cd) toxicity in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is not fully understood. This study found that Cd stress significantly inhibited tobacco growth. At the same time, 150 μM SNP was the most effective concentration in alleviating Cd toxicity in seedlings, restoring three stress tolerance indicators-MDA, H2O2, and proline-to control levels. Exogenous SNP mitigated Cd-induced oxidative stress by promoting the accumulation of non-enzymatic antioxidants (total phenolics and flavonoids) and activating key antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD, APX, and GR) along with their gene expression. SNP also facilitated Cd accumulation in the root cell wall and prevented Cd translocation from roots to shoots. Additionally, SNP altered Cd's subcellular distribution, promoting its sequestration in vacuoles and cell walls, which may be related to the NO-mediated upregulation of the metallothionein gene NtMT2F and the phytochelatin gene NtPCS2. The addition of SNP significantly increased the proportion of Cd in less toxic chemical forms, with the residual Cd fraction in the Cd + SNP group reaching 7.30%, higher than the 4.86% in the Cd-only group. Furthermore, exogenous SNP counteracted Cd's inhibition of nitrate reductase (NR) activity, promoting endogenous NO production. This study systematically reveals the positive roles of exogenous SNP in mitigating Cd toxicity in tobacco, offering valuable insights for producing low-Cd tobacco.

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria—New Predictor on the Horizon?

Chronic urticaria is one of the most common diseases in allergology and dermatology practice with unclear causes of occurrence. Background: Some studies emphasize the correlation between inflammation in chronic urticaria and disturbed intestinal microbiota. It raises the question about the role of some intestine-related substances in the pathogenesis of urticaria as well as their potential role as disease predictors. Calprotectin is an acute-phase protein with a well-established diagnostic position in the field of gastroenterology. There are some data on the relationship between this parameter and gut microbiota. The major aim of this preliminary study is to investigate whether calprotectin can be potentially taken into account as a disease course predictor in urticaria. Methods: We included in our study 54 chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients (of whom 26 manifested the symptoms of recurrent angioedema) and 29 patients allergic to Hymenoptera venom for the reference group (in these patients, before venom immunotherapy induction, full diagnostics is performed including intestinal problems). Disease activity in the CSU patients was assessed using the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS) and the disease control in this group was assessed with the Urticaria Control Test (UCT). Moreover, we analyzed fecal and serum calprotectin concentrations. Results: Positive correlation was found only between the values of serum calprotectin concentration and the control level of CSU symptoms with the lack of other relations. Conclusions: Our results do not supply unequivocal evidence for calprotectin as a potential marker of CSU course, though this concept, in the light of growing evidence for microbiota’s role in urticaria, requires further research.

Abstract 4134911: Coronary Artery Calcium Predicts Cardiovascular Events in Individuals with Controlled Atherosclerotic Risk Factors: A Multi-Cohort Study

Background: There is residual risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) that remains despite adequate risk factor (RF) control. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) has demonstrated value in ASCVD risk stratification. We evaluated the value of CAC in identifying residual risk of ASCVD events among those with traditional RF control. Methods: Participants without clinical ASCVD were pooled from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study, Framingham Heart Study, and Jackson Heart Study. RF control was classified as “guideline-concordant” and “optimal” (Figure 1). Participants were stratified by the number of controlled RFs at baseline and CAC score (CAC = 0, 1-99, ≥100). Cox proportional hazards models examined the association between CAC and incident ASCVD events. Results: The study included 14,780 individuals (mean age 58 years (SD: 11), 54% female, 59% White, 27% Black, 50% CAC = 0). Over a median follow-up of 14.6 years, there were 1,441 incident ASCVD events. The distribution of CAC and ASCVD event incidence is shown in Panel A; 10% of those with 3 optimal RFs and 19% of those with 3 guideline-concordant RFs controlled had CAC &gt; 100. The rate of ASCVD events decreased with more RFs controlled and increased with higher CAC. Overall, optimal RF control was associated with lower ASCVD event rates compared to guideline-concordant control. At every level of RF control, CAC &gt; 100 was associated with increased HRs for incident ASCVD (Panel B). Those with CAC ≥ 100 and controlled RFs experienced ASCVD rates numerically comparable to or exceeding those with uncontrolled RFs but CAC = 0 (Panel A). Adjusted HR (95% CI) for ASCVD events with CAC &gt; 100 compared to CAC = 0 was 5.0 (2.0, 12.9) in optimal RF control and 3.7 (2.6, 5.4) in guideline-concordant RF control. Conclusion: There is significant heterogeneity in residual ASCVD risk among those with optimal or guideline-concordant traditional RF control and CAC can help identify this risk. Irrespective of RF control, a higher CAC burden was associated with increased ASCVD risk. Future studies could use CAC testing to identify those with higher residual ASCVD risk despite effective traditional RF control to target for novel therapies.

Investigating the Effects of Gossypetin on Cardiovascular Function in Diet-Induced Pre-Diabetic Male Sprague Dawley Rats

Gossypetin (GTIN) is a naturally occurring flavonoid recognised for its pharmacological properties. This study examined the effects of GTIN on cardiovascular function in a diet-induced pre-diabetic rat model, which has not been previously studied. Pre-diabetes was induced using a high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet supplemented with 15% fructose water for 20 weeks. Thereafter, the pre-diabetic animals were sub-divided into five groups (n = 6), where they were either orally treated with GTIN (15 mg/kg) or metformin (MET) (500 mg/kg), both in the presence and absence of dietary intervention for 12 weeks. The results demonstrated that the pre-diabetic (PD) control group exhibited significantly higher plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein levels, along with decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in comparison to the non-pre-diabetic (NPD) group. This was accompanied by significantly higher mean arterial pressure (MAP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and plasma endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) levels in PD control. Additionally, there were increased heart malondialdehyde levels, reduced heart superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity as well as increased plasma interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha and c-reactive protein levels present in the PD control group. Notably, both GTIN-treated groups showed significantly reduced plasma lipid levels and increased HDL, as well as decreases in MAP, BMI, WC and eNOS levels in comparison to PD control. Additionally, GTIN significantly decreased heart lipid peroxidation, enhanced antioxidant activity and decreased plasma inflammation markers. These findings may suggest that GTIN administration in both the presence and absence of dietary intervention may offer therapeutic potential in ameliorating cardiovascular disturbances associated with the PD state. However, future studies are needed to determine the physiological mechanisms by which GTIN improves cardiovascular function in the PD state.

Influence of cognitive control on the moral foreign language effect

Purpose: The Moral Foreign Language Effect (MFLE) is characterized by an increase in utilitarian responding when moral dilemmas are presented in a foreign language. Renewed interest in this psycholinguistic phenomenon has led to investigation of its boundary conditions and the modulatory influence of separable dimensions of foreign language experience. However, even when accounting for these additional differences, considerable variability in the MFLE is observed across participants. Recently, cognitive control, a set of mental processes that regulate thinking and behavior, has been identified as a potential modulator of the MFLE. To date, no studies have investigated whether differences in cognitive control influence the emergence of the MFLE. The present study aimed to directly explore this topic in a sample of Mandarin-English bilingual university students in Mainland China. Methodology: Participants responded to a set of moral dilemmas presented in either their native or foreign language and completed a Simon task to assess cognitive control. Findings: We report a dilemma and language context-specific modulatory role for cognitive control on the MFLE. Specifically, when presented in a foreign language, higher levels of cognitive control were associated with higher rates of utilitarian decisions on the classic Trolley dilemma. Originality: This study marks the first empirical investigation of the influence of cognitive control on the MFLE. Significance: Findings from this work highlight the role of cognitive control in moral decision-making and chart a course for future investigations on this topic.

Parasympathetic regulation and maternal parenting as longitudinal predictors of preschooler inhibitory control

AbstractMeasures of parasympathetic regulation, such as respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), predict executive function outcomes, including inhibitory control, across childhood. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia augmentation tends to be associated with more maladaptive outcomes, compared to RSA suppression, but the literature regarding RSA profiles and inhibitory control development across infancy and early childhood is contradictory. The goal of our current study was to examine the longitudinal and interactive effects of infant RSA during a frustrating task with negative maternal characteristics on inhibitory control during early childhood. Participants included 410 children (209 girls, 77.6% White, 92.9% non‐Hispanic) and their mothers. With small to moderate effect sizes (r2 range from 0.124 to 0.143), we demonstrated that maternal negative affect when children were 36 months old moderated the association between 10‐month‐old RSA during a frustrating task and 48‐month‐old inhibitory control, such that RSA suppression predicted higher levels of inhibitory control, but only when mothers exhibited high levels of negative affect. Our results highlight the biosocial framework under which child inhibitory control develops.