Lipid Quality Changes in French Fries, Chicken Croquettes, and Chicken Nuggets Fried with High-Linoleic and High-Oleic Sunflower Oils in Domestic Deep Fryers.

The quality of fried products greatly depends on the changes occurring during frying. The purpose of this work was to study the lipid quality changes taking place in selected frozen foods after domestic deep-frying. Conventional, high-linoleic sunflower oil (HLSO) and high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) were used, and the frozen foods selected were French fries, croquettes, and nuggets. The foods were fried in domestic fryers under discontinuous conditions. Analyses included fatty acid composition, sterols, tocopherols, squalene, and lipid alteration levels. In all fried foods, the content of lipids increased after frying, which is consistent with previous findings. However, the lipid exchange between the food and the oil greatly depended on the food characteristics. Specifically, the levels of frying oil in the food lipids were about 90, 40, and 58% for French fries, croquettes, and nuggets, respectively. The main results obtained showed that lipid alteration levels considerably decreased and amounts of sterols and tocopherols significantly increased in French fries' lipids after frying. In both chicken products, croquettes and nuggets, the best quality improvement observed was a significant decrease in cholesterol in food lipids due to the lipid exchange. Overall, frying with HLSO and HOSO improved the quality and nutritional properties of all products tested.

Real-World Evidence to Support EU Regulatory Decision Making-Results From a Pilot of Regulatory Use Cases.

Studies using real-world data (RWD) can complement evidence from clinical trials and fill evidence gaps during different stages of a medicine's lifecycle. This review presents the experience resulting from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) pilot to generate RWE to support evaluations by EU regulators and down-stream decision makers from September 2021 to February 2023. A total of 61 research topics were identified for RWE generation during this period, covering a wide range of research questions, primarily generating evidence on medicines safety (22, 36%), followed by questions on the design and feasibility of clinical trials (11, 18%), drug utilization (10, 16%), clinical management (10, 16%), and disease epidemiology. A significant number of questions were related to the pediatric population and/or rare diseases. A total of 27 regulatory-led RWD studies have been conducted. Most studies were descriptive and aimed at estimating incidence and prevalence rates of clinical outcomes including adverse events or to evaluate medicines utilization. The review highlights key learnings to guide further efforts to enable the use and establish the value of real-world evidence (RWE) for regulatory decisions. For instance, there is a need to access additional fit-for-purpose and representative data, and to explore further means to provide timely evidence that meets regulatory timelines. The need for early interactions and close collaboration with study requesters, e.g., from the Agency's scientific Committees, to better understand the research question is equally important. Finally, the review provides our perspective on the way forward to maximize the potential of regulatory-led RWE generation.

Behavior, Intake, Digestion and Milk Yield of Early Lactation Holstein Dairy Cows with Two Levels of Environmental Exposure and Feeding Strategy.

Eighty-four autumn (ACS, n = 45)- and spring (SCS, n = 39)-calved multiparous early lactation Holstein cows were assigned to groups of either: (a) grazing + mixed ration (MR) during partial confinement in outdoor soil-bedded pens with shade (OD-GRZ); (b) grazing + MR during partial confinement in a compost-bedded pack barn with cooling (CB-GRZ); or (c) total confinement fed a totally mixed ration (CB-TMR) in a compost-bedded pack barn. Data were analyzed using the SAS MIXED procedure with significance at p ≤ 0.05. In both seasons, despite behavioral differences (p < 0.05) between the OD-GRZ and CB-GRZ groups (i.e., standing, first grazing meal length, bite rate), the milk and component yields, DM intake, microbial CP output (MCP) and NE efficiency were unaffected by the housing conditions, possibly due to mild weather conditions. The milk yield was substantially higher in the CB-TMR group versus the OD-TMR and CB-TMR groups (p < 0.01) in both ACS (~35%) and SCS (~20%) despite there being no intake differences, without any impact on milk component levels. In ACS, this was associated with a higher MCP, likely due to the higher nutritional value of TMR compared to pasture, which was not the case in SCS. In conclusion, the OD-GRZ group achieved the same milk production as the CB-GRZ group through behavior adaptation, under mild weather conditions, in both calving seasons. The CB-TMR group outperformed the grazing systems in both calving seasons, regardless of the MCP.

Increasing ventilation in drowning resuscitation - A cross-over randomized simulation study of ventilation during automated external defibrillator analysis pauses.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of a new resuscitation strategy in which breaths are provided during automated external defibrillator (AED) rhythm analysis, and to evaluate its impact on chest compressions (CC) quality and the peri-analysis time. Method: A randomized simulation study, comparing two cardiopulmonary resuscitations strategies, has been conducted: the standard strategy (S1) with strategy involving ventilation during AED analysis (S2). Thirty lifeguards have performed both strategies in a cross-over study design during 10 min of CPR. Results: The number of ventilations per 10 min increases from 47 (S1) to 72 (S2) (p < 0.001). This results in the delivery of an additional 17.1 L of insufflated air in S2 compared to S1 (p < 0.001). There have been no significant changes in frequency and total number of CC. These findings correspond to a reduction of the non-ventilation period from 176 s (S1) to 48 s (S2). Conclusions: This simulation study suggests that it is feasible to increase the number of ventilations during resuscitation following drowning, without affecting the quantity and quality of chest compressions. The results of this study may serve as a foundation for further investigation into optimal ventilation strategies in this context.

Development of the Home Environmental Scale of Accessibility Instrument for Spain.

BACKGROUND: Universal accessibility is one of the most active lines of intervention for people with disabilities and older adults. This accessibility has become a topic of growing interest regarding home access and use. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to create and validate a home assessment tool: the HESA II. METHODS: The study was conducted in four phases: (1) agreement on variables by an expert panel; (2) development of 90 items according to the AOTA framework; (3) pilot test with n = 20; and (4) final study with 156 subjects where confirmatory factor analysis was performed. RESULTS: The tool consisted of 85 items divided into five subscales related to each of the main spaces of Spanish homes: living room; kitchen; bedroom; and bathroom. CONCLUSIONS: The tool demonstrates good psychometric properties of reliability. The HESA II assesses home accessibility based on limitations in activity and participation restriction of the evaluated person as per the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health rather than on a diagnosis, making it applicable to a wide range of groups.

Correction: Influence of the carbazole moiety in self-assembling molecules as selective contacts in perovskite solar cells: interfacial charge transfer kinetics and solar-to-energy efficiency effects.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D3NA00811H.].

Plant U-Box 4 regulates chloroplast stress signaling and programmed cell death via Salicylic acid modulation.

In response to environmental stress, chloroplasts generate reactive oxygen species, including singlet oxygen (1O2), which regulates nuclear gene expression (retrograde signaling), chloroplast turnover, and programmed cell death (PCD). Yet, the central signaling mechanisms and downstream responses remain poorly understood. The Arabidopsis thaliana plastid ferrochelatase two (fc2) mutant conditionally accumulates 1O2 and involves Plant U-Box 4 (PUB4), a cytoplasmic E3 ubiquitin ligase, in propagating these signals. To gain insights into 1O2 signaling pathways, we compared transcriptomes of fc2 and fc2 pub4 mutants. The accumulation of 1O2 in fc2 plants broadly repressed genes involved in chloroplast function and photosynthesis, while 1O2 induced genes and transcription factors involved in abiotic and biotic stress, the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA), and Salicylic acid (SA). Elevated JA and SA levels were observed in stressed fc2 plants, but were not responsible for PCD. pub4 reversed the majority of 1O2-induced gene expression in fc2 and reduced the JA content, but maintained elevated levels of SA even in the absence of 1O2 stress. Reducing SA levels in fc2 pub4 restored 1O2 signaling and light sensitivity. Together, this work demonstrates that SA plays a protective role during photo-oxidative stress and that PUB4 mediates 1O2 signaling by modulating its levels.

Activation of stress-response genes by retrograde signaling-mediated destabilization of nuclear importin IMPα-9 and its interactor TPR2.

Stress-induced retrograde signal transmission from the plastids to the nucleus has long puzzled plant biologists. To address this, we performed a suppressor screen of the ceh1 mutant, which contains elevated 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-2,4-cyclopyrophosphate (MEcPP) levels, and identified the gain-of-function mutant impα-9, which shows reversed dwarfism and suppressed expression of stress-response genes in the ceh1 background despite heightened MEcPP. Subsequent genetic and biochemical analyses established that the accumulation of MEcPP initiates an upsurge in Arabidopsis SKP1-like 1 (ASK1) abundance, a pivotal component in the proteasome degradation pathway. This increase in ASK1 prompts the degradation of IMPα-9. Moreover, we uncovered a protein-protein interaction between IMPα-9 and TPR2, a transcriptional co-suppressor and found that a reduction in IMPα-9 levels coincides with a decrease in TPR2 abundance. Significantly, the interaction between IMPα-9 and TPR2 was disrupted in impα-9 mutants, highlighting the critical role of a single amino acid alteration in maintaining their association. Disruption of their interaction results in the reversal of MEcPP-associated phenotypes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing analyses revealed that TPR2 binds globally to stress-response genes and suggested that IMPα-9 associates with the chromatin. They function together to suppress the expression of stress-response genes under normal conditions, but this suppression is alleviated in response to stress through the degradation of the suppressing machinery. The biological relevance of our discoveries was validated under high light stress, marked by MEcPP accumulation, elevated ASK1 levels, IMPα-9 degredation, reduced TPR2 abundance, and subsequent activation of a network of stress-response genes. In summary, our study collectively unveils fresh insights into plant adaptive mechanisms, highlighting intricate interactions among retrograde signaling, the proteasome, and nuclear transport machinery.

Taboo language across the globe: A multi-lab study.

The use of taboo words represents one of the most common and arguably universal linguistic behaviors, fulfilling a wide range of psychological and social functions. However, in the scientific literature, taboo language is poorly characterized, and how it is realized in different languages and populations remains largely unexplored. Here we provide a database of taboo words, collected from different linguistic communities (Study 1, N = 1046), along with their speaker-centered semantic characterization (Study 2, N = 455 for each of six rating dimensions), covering 13 languages and 17 countries from all five permanently inhabited continents. Our results show that, in all languages, taboo words are mainly characterized by extremely low valence and high arousal, and very low written frequency. However, a significant amount of cross-country variability in words' tabooness and offensiveness proves the importance of community-specific sociocultural knowledge in the study of taboo language.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy as the primary manifestation of decompensated Graves' disease.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning, usually observed in postmenopausal women after a stressful event. We discuss a rare presentation of TCM induced by thyrotoxicosis secondary to Graves' disease. This case raises interesting questions about the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of TCM. Learning objectives: 1. To recognize hyperthyroidism as a possible etiology of takutsubo cardiomyopathy.2. To identify the effect of radioiodine contrast on diagnosis of some types of takutsubo cardiomyopathy.

Electrochemical Synthesis of a Sitagliptin Precursor.

A novel synthesis of sitagliptin based on a redox-active ester derived from the chiral pool is reported. The key step is an electrochemical nickel-catalyzed sp2-sp3 cross-coupling reaction using inexpensive nickel foam in an undivided cell. It was successfully applied to 21 examples in up to 88% yield. These sitagliptin-analogue precursors could potentially interact with the DPP4 enzyme. A full synthesis based on our new reaction pathway provided sitagliptin in an overall yield of 33%.

Development and Validation of UPLC Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay for Ceftibuten and Sulbactam in Human Plasma.

A sensitive and rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with -tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to determine ceftibuten (CTB) and sulbactam (SUL) in human plasma. An ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 C18 (2.1 × 100 mm), 1.8 µm column with gradient elution of water (0.1% formic acid) and acetonitrile was used for separation at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. This method involves a simple sample preparation with acetonitrile. The calibration curves of CTB and SUL in plasma showed good linearity over the concentration range of 0.50-25 µg/mL and with a correlation coefficient (r2) >0.99. This method was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy and stability. High precision was obtained with coefficients of variation <15%. Excellent recovery in the range of 90-104% was achieved for CTB and SUL was 86-110%. The method has the potential utility to support pharmacometric modeling in clinical practice and biopharmaceutic studies.

Mapping health promotion practices across key sectors and its intersectoral approach at the local level: Study protocol.

AIMS: This study outlines a protocol aimed at identifying and mapping health promotion practices in need of development from the perspectives of key sectors responsible for it at the local level and from an intersectoral perspective across four Spanish regions. DESIGN: A complementary multi-method study combining survey methods and qualitative interviews will be adopted. METHODS: Purposive snowball sampling will be employed to select potentially rich informants from city councils, primary care centres, primary and secondary schools, and public health and civil society organizations in 12 municipalities sensitive to local health. Data on the degree of execution of health promotion activities, the level of intersectorality in their implementation, and their origins will be collected using PromoACTIVA questionnaires, an intersectoral typology model and an interview protocol. A parallel mixed analysis encompassing descriptive statistics and a 'framework analysis' will be performed. DISCUSSION: This study is expected to yield thorough and reliable insights into health promotion practices and omissions at the local level by focusing on key stakeholders, both individually and collaboratively. This information can enhance health promotion planning and improve its effectiveness, efficiency and contextual relevance. The development and testing of a methodology for the integration and interpretation of these data will ensure sustainable capacity building. IMPACT: Managers and practitioners interested in health promotion planning in the researched settings can benefit from a comprehensive map of the current state of their practices and insights into the starting points of collaboration. In addition, planners from other local settings will gain access to tools and methodologies to replicate and expand these maps to their own contexts. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT: Engaging key stakeholders with experience working in or with primary care centres, public health organizations, primary and secondary schools, civil society organizations, and city councils was vital to ensure the study's relevance and feasibility.

Effects of PM10 Airborne Particles from Different Regions of a Megacity on In Vitro Secretion of Cytokines by a Monocyte Line during Different Seasons.

Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that particulate matter (PM) in air pollution can be involved in the genesis or aggravation of different cardiovascular, respiratory, perinatal, and cancer diseases. This study assessed the in vitro effects of PM10 on the secretion of cytokines by a human monocytic cell line (THP-1). We compared the chemotactic, pro-inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory cytokines induced by PM10 collected for two years during three different seasons in five different Mexico City locations. MIP-1α, IP-10, MCP-1, TNF-α, and VEGF were the main secretion products after stimulation with 80 µg/mL of PM10 for 24 h. The THP-1 cells showed a differential response to PM10 obtained in the different sites of Mexico City. The PM10 from the north and the central city areas induced a higher pro-inflammatory cytokine response than those from the south. Seasonal pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion always exceeded anti-inflammatory secretion. The rainy-season-derived particles caused the lowest pro-inflammatory effects. We concluded that toxicological assessment of airborne particles provides evidence supporting their potential role in the chronic exacerbation of local or systemic inflammatory responses that may worsen the evolution of some chronic diseases.

Is the Over-the-Head Technique an Alternative for Infant CPR Performed by a Single Rescuer? A Randomized Simulation Study with Lifeguards.

(1) Objective: The objective was to evaluate the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR, chest compressions and ventilations) when performed by a lone first responder on an infant victim via the over-the-head technique (OTH) with bag-mask ventilation in comparison with the standard lateral technique (LAT) position. (2) Methods: A randomized simulation crossover study in a baby manikin was conducted. A total of 28 first responders performed each of the techniques in two separate CPR tests (15:2 chest compressions:ventilations ratio), each lasting 5 min with a 15 min resting period. Quality CPR parameters were assessed using an app connected to the manikin. Those variables were related to chest compressions (CC: depth, rate, and correct CC point) and ventilation (number of effective ventilations). Additional variables included perceptions of the ease of execution of CPR. (3) Results: The median global CPR quality (integrated CC + V) was 82% with OTH and 79% with LAT (p = 0.94), whilst the CC quality was 88% with OTH and 80% with LAT (p = 0.67), and ventilation quality was 85% with OTH and 85% with LAT (p = 0.98). Correct chest release was significantly better with OTH (OTH: 92% vs. LAT: 62%, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the remaining variables. Ease of execution perceptions favored the use of LAT over OTH. (4) Conclusions: Chest compressions and ventilations can be performed with similar quality in an infant manikin by lifeguards both with the standard recommended position (LAT) and the alternative OTH. This option could give some advantages in terms of optimal chest release between compressions. Our results should encourage the assessment of OTH in some selected cases and situations as when a lone rescuer is present and/or there are physical conditions that could impede the lateral rescue position.

Infectious sporadic bovine abortions: retrospective analysis.

Infectious sporadic abortions in cattle are mainly caused by opportunistic bacteria and fungi usually present in environmental or gastrointestinal and reproductive microbiota of healthy animals. A retrospective analysis was carried out to evaluate the main opportunistic microorganisms involved in bovine abortions recorded at INTA Balcarce (Argentina) from 1997 to 2023, accounting for 2.2% of the total diagnosed etiologies of bovine abortion. The opportunistic agents identified as the cause of abortion in 29 fetuses were bacteria (90%) and fungi (10%). Escherichia coli (n = 8), Trueperella pyogenes (n = 5), and Histophilus somni (n = 4) were the bacterial species most often identified as causing infectious abortions, whereas Aspergillus spp. (n = 3) was implicated in all fungal abortions identified. Pure culture of bacteria or fungus was achieved from abomasal content and/or lung essential. Main microscopic findings were bronchopneumonia, myo- and epicarditis, meningitis, and portal hepatitis. Herein, we highlight the importance of detecting potential infectious bacteria in cultures to improve etiological diagnosis of bovine abortions associated with compatible microscopic findings to confirm the etiology.

Single step synthesis of ß- and γ- aryl-substituted ß- and γ-amino acid derivatives by electrochemistry.

Electrochemical transformations are a subject of increasing interest in early drug discovery due to its ability to assemble complex scaffolds under rather mild reaction conditions. In this context, we became interested in electrochemical decarboxylative cross-coupling (DCC) protocols of redox-active esters (RAEs) and halo(hetero)arenes. Starting with the one-step electrochemical synthesis of novel methylamino-substituted heterocycles we recognized the potential of this methodology to deliver a novel approach to ß- and γ- amino acids by starting from the corresponding RAEs. Our work finally resulted in the delivery of novel and highly valuable trifunctional building blocks based on ß- and γ-amino-acid scaffolds.

Stereoselective Control of the Cu Activation of ß,ß-Diboryl Acrylates for Allylic Coupling Protocols with Concomitant Lactonization.

The key to a successful C-B activation is to discriminate between two geminal boryl moieties that are exposed to the same reaction conditions. Here we describe a stereoselective C-B activation of ß,ß-diboryl acrylates forming exclusively the (Z)-α-borylalkenyl copper(I) key intermediate, for subsequent allylic alkylation reactions. The new borylated (Z)-skipped dienoates followed a feasible iodo-lactonization sequence for the preparation of borylated lactone cores, which can be used in drug discovery.