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UNC-authored articles published by MDPI
Works (1066)
81. Dispersion Modeling to Characterize Air Pollution Exposure from Sargassum in Martinique
- Title Tesim:
- Dispersion Modeling to Characterize Air Pollution Exposure from Sargassum in Martinique
- Creator:
- Isakov, Vlad, Teyssier, Mathilde, and Naess, Brian
- Date of publication:
- 2026
- Abstract Tesim:
- The massive influx and subsequent anaerobic decomposition of pelagic Sargassum on Caribbean coasts release toxic gases, including hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and pose a real public health hazard, as evidenced by thousands of reported acute exposure cases in Martinique in 2018. To effectively characterize exposure and identify at-risk areas, we utilized the interactive web-based dispersion modeling system C-PORT, representing Sargassum accumulation zones as area sources derived from recent aerial and in situ monitoring data. Inverse modeling, comparing C-PORT output against Madininair observation data from 2024 to 2025, established emission flux rates ranging from 0.45 to 3.58 mg/m2 per second for H2S, depending on Sargassum density. The resulting modeled concentrations exhibit a low average fractional bias (approx. 0.04) when compared to observations. This study demonstrates that C-PORT can be used to estimate spatially resolved concentrations for H2S, generate health-risk maps for H2S, evaluate options to mitigate exposure from varying Sargassum intensity levels, and serve as a crucial tool for public health agencies across vulnerable coastal regions.
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- UNC Institute for the Environment
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/4xj1-0w35
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- https://doi.org/10.3390/air4010004
- ISSN:
- 2813-4168
- Journal Issue:
- 1
- Journal Title:
- Air
- Journal Volume:
- 4
- Keyword:
- Sargassum, Caribbean, dispersion modeling, hydrogen sulfide, air quality, exposure, and ammonia
- Language Label:
- English
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- Other Affiliation:
- and Impact Mer
- Page Start:
- 4
- Person:
- Isakov, Vlad, Teyssier, Mathilde, and Naess, Brian
- Publisher:
- Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
- Rights Statement Label:
- In Copyright
- Source:
- 64cfbab6-c99e-4438-a2d1-d50af33c51e6
82. Consumption of Sugary Beverages by Adults Prior to Sugary Drink Tax in Colombia: An Analysis of the National Nutrition Survey 2015
- Title Tesim:
- Consumption of Sugary Beverages by Adults Prior to Sugary Drink Tax in Colombia: An Analysis of the National Nutrition Survey 2015
- Creator:
- Mora-Plazas, Mercedes, Gómez, Luis Fernando, Soto Díaz, Carlos R., Taillie, Lindsey Smith, Forero Ballesteros, Luis Carlos, and Essman, Michael
- Date of publication:
- 2026
- Abstract Tesim:
- Background/Objectives: Colombia has implemented a tiered tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), reaching 20% for high-sugar products by 2025. To inform evaluations of this policy, we estimated taxed and untaxed beverage intake prior to implementation and examined differences across sociodemographic groups. Methods: We analyzed 24 h dietary recall data from the 2015 National Survey of the Nutritional Situation of Colombia (ENSIN; n = 11,877 adults aged 18–64), which uses a stratified, multistage cluster sampling design covering all regions of the country. Beverages were categorized by 2025 tax thresholds: untaxed (<5 g added sugar/100 mL), taxed (≥5 g), and high-sugar taxed (≥9 g). Intake (mL, kcal) was estimated per capita and per consumer using survey-weighted two-part models, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Eighty-four percent of adults consumed taxed beverages, with per capita intake of 209 kcal (95% CI: 203–216) and 481 mL (95% CI: 464–497). Sixty-three percent consumed high-sugar taxed beverages, with intake of 134 kcal (95% CI: 130–139) and 292 mL (95% CI: 282–303) per capita. Untaxed beverages accounted for 109 kcal (95% CI: 106–112) and 837 mL (95% CI: 793–882) per capita. Across categories, the highest per capita kcal intakes were from untaxed dairy/milk substitutes (67 kcal, 95% CI: 64–69), any taxed fruit/vegetable juices (61 kcal, 95% CI: 55–66), and any taxed sodas/carbonated beverages (47 kcal, 95% CI: 44–50). Males consumed more taxed beverages of any type (255 kcal, 95% CI: 247–264) than females (174 kcal, 95% CI: 165–182). Conclusions: Prior to its SSB tax, Colombians had a high consumption of SSBs that would be subject to the tax. Future research should assess how consumption changed in response to the tax.
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- Gillings School of Global Public Health and Department of Nutrition
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/q6an-qg54
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18050716
- ISSN:
- 2072-6643
- Journal Issue:
- 5
- Journal Title:
- Nutrients
- Journal Volume:
- 18
- Keyword:
- sugar-sweetened beverages, Colombia, tax, Latin America, dietary intake, and nutrition policy
- Language Label:
- English
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- Other Affiliation:
- Departamento de Nutrición Humana, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia, , Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia, and World Food Policy Center, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Page Start:
- 716
- Person:
- Mora-Plazas, Mercedes, Gómez, Luis Fernando, Soto Díaz, Carlos R., Taillie, Lindsey Smith, Forero Ballesteros, Luis Carlos, and Essman, Michael
- Publisher:
- Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
- Rights Statement Label:
- In Copyright
- Source:
- 5d60ad5d-1723-41cf-ae89-a66f948bebc1
83. A Unique Insertion Loop Facilitates Tight NAD+ Binding in Nicotinoprotein: Insights from In Vitro Loop Engineering and In Silico Studies
- Title Tesim:
- A Unique Insertion Loop Facilitates Tight NAD+ Binding in Nicotinoprotein: Insights from In Vitro Loop Engineering and In Silico Studies
- Creator:
- Asano, Ryutaro, Kawai, Haruka, Tsugawa, Wakako, Xue, Houcheng, Okuda-Shimazaki, Junko, Yanase, Takumi, Sode, Koji, Miura, Daimei, and Ikebukuro, Kazunori
- Date of publication:
- March 3, 2026
- Abstract Tesim:
- <p>Nicotinoproteins are a group of NAD+-dependent dehydrogenases that bind NAD+ tightly and catalyze reactions without using free NAD+. In this study, we investigated the role of the unique insertion loop in nicotinoproteins. Carveol dehydrogenase (CADh), a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) nicotinoprotein, and β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase from Alcaligenes faecalis (AfBHBDh), a non-nicotinoprotein counterpart, were used as model enzymes. An insertion loop-deleted mutant, CADh Δ39–49, was constructed. An insertion loop from Mycobacterium paratuberculosis CADh (MpCADh) was introduced into AfBHBDh to generate the two mutants. The results showed that CADh Δ39–49 lost NAD+ tight binding capacity and could not utilize free NAD+. In contrast, the AfBHBDh mutants showed no dye-mediated dehydrogenase activity. Moreover, the KM and KD values for NAD+ were higher than those of the wild-type enzyme. Docking simulations revealed a stronger binding affinity between NAD+ and the mutants than with the wild-type AfBHBDh. Taken together, these results suggest that the insertion loop interferes with NAD+ entry into the active site of the enzyme while creating a more energetically favorable binding environment. This loop is necessary but alone is insufficient to achieve NAD+ tight binding. This study deepens understanding of NAD+ binding in SDR nicotinoproteins and provides insights for SDR enzyme engineering.</p>
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- School of Medicine and UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/g29g-rg65
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052367 and Dimensions ID: pub.1199009300
- ISSN:
- 1422-0067 and 1661-6596
- Journal Issue:
- 5
- Journal Title:
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- Journal Volume:
- 27
- Keyword:
- enzyme engineering, counterparts, insertion, enzyme, results, model, activity, study, model enzyme, dehydrogenase activity, reaction, SDR, sites, binding environment, carveol dehydrogenase, km, values, docking, in silico studies, environment, simulation, active site, entry, uniqueness, dehydrogenase, NAD+-dependent dehydrogenases, free NAD+, Alcaligenes faecalis, mutants, Kd values, group, loop deletion mutants, tight binding, binding capacity, loop, dye-mediated dehydrogenase activity, loop engineering, short chains, faecalis, binding, insertion loop, mycobacteria, capacity, affinity, D39, nicotinoprotein, engineering, NAD+ binding, carveol, docking simulations, tight binding capacity, B-hydroxybutyrate, catalyzed reaction, wild-type enzyme, NAD+, and binding affinity
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo, Japan and
- Page Start:
- 2367
- Person:
- Asano, Ryutaro, Kawai, Haruka, Tsugawa, Wakako, Xue, Houcheng, Okuda-Shimazaki, Junko, Yanase, Takumi, Sode, Koji, Miura, Daimei, and Ikebukuro, Kazunori
- Publisher:
- MDPI
- Rights Statement Label:
- In Copyright
84. Enhancing Parent–Child Interaction and Self-Efficacy in Motor Skills Development for Young Children with Developmental Delays
- Title Tesim:
- Enhancing Parent–Child Interaction and Self-Efficacy in Motor Skills Development for Young Children with Developmental Delays
- Creator:
- Yang, Hsiu-Wen, Lee, I-Huei, Chu, Szu-Yin, and Lai, Yu-Lin
- Date of publication:
- February 23, 2026
- Abstract Tesim:
- <p>Background/Objectives: The present study investigated the effects of parental participation in home program intervention on parent–child interactions, parental self-efficacy, and the goal attainment of children with developmental delays in motor skills. Methods: While the interviews consisted of qualitative data, quantitative analyses were applied to the results, making this a mixed-methods study. Participants were 2–6-year-old young children and their families. Twenty-three parent–child dyads were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 13) or a comparison group (n = 10). Outcomes were evaluated using the Parent–Child Interaction Questionnaire and Parental Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Results: Improvements in parental self-efficacy and in the Goal Attainment Scale scores of the children were evident in the posttest, whereas no evidence of differences in improvement was found in parent–child interactions between the intervention and comparison groups on the pretest and posttest. Conclusions: Parent collaboration with therapists has a significant impact on achieving functional goals for young children, and parental involvement in intervention programs effectively enhances parental self-efficacy.</p>
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
- Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/0krf-y786
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- Dimensions ID: pub.1198715607 and DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/children13020309
- ISSN:
- 2227-9067
- Journal Issue:
- 2
- Journal Title:
- Children
- Journal Volume:
- 13
- Keyword:
- children, parental self-efficacy, evidence, dyads, functional goals, quantitative analysis, program, developmental delay, parent-child dyads, data, analysis, differences, parental involvement, Children, motor skills, group, outcomes, questionnaire, evidence of differences, delay, therapists, mixed-methods study, participants, goal attainment scaling scores, interaction, skills, skill development, young children, Young Children, self-efficacy questionnaire, interactive questionnaire, parents, self-efficacy, Scale score, comparison group, parent-child interactions, intervention group, qualitative data, effects of parental participation, motor, family, program interventions, development, scores, home, parental participation, motor skill development, Developmental, results, effect, attainment of children, intervention, posttest, Young, impact, interviews, study, Parent-Child Interaction Questionnaire, intervention programs, collaboration, goal, involvement, parent collaboration, goal attainment, improvement, comparison, and pretest
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- , Department of Special Education, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Page Start:
- 309
- Person:
- Yang, Hsiu-Wen, Lee, I-Huei, Chu, Szu-Yin, and Lai, Yu-Lin
- Publisher:
- MDPI
- Rights Statement Label:
- In Copyright
85. N-Benzyl-6-Chloro-4-Hydroxy-2-Quinolone-3-Carboxamides: Synthesis, Computational Studies, and Biological Investigation as Anticancer Agents
- Title Tesim:
- N-Benzyl-6-Chloro-4-Hydroxy-2-Quinolone-3-Carboxamides: Synthesis, Computational Studies, and Biological Investigation as Anticancer Agents
- Creator:
- Zhong, Haizhen A., Hajjo, Rima, Bardaweel, Sanaa K., Al-Shalabi, Eveen, Sabbah, Dima A., Abushaikha, Ghassan, Balaji, Swapnaa, Meknas, Sara Jamal, Tiwari, Amit K., and Sweidan, Kamal
- Date of publication:
- February 13, 2026
- Abstract Tesim:
- <p>Cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents. In this work, twenty derivatives of N-benzyl-6-chloro-4-hydroxy-2-quinolone-3-carboxamides were synthesized and spectroscopically analyzed using FT-IR, NMR (1H and 13C), and elemental analysis. Substitution of benzyl moiety with o-CH3 (8), p-OCH3 (10), m-CH3 (18), p-CH3 (19), and p-CF3 (21) demonstrated three-fold distinct cytotoxicity against human colon cancer (HCT-116) cells with IC50s of 72.0, 100.0–112.0 µM. The cheminformatics calculations disclosed that the analogues possess diverse physicochemical properties and invariable predictions across six drug-likeness scoring models, supporting their potential cytotoxicity profile against colorectal cancer cell lines (Caco-2 and HCT-116). The docking studies against both wild-type and mutant PI3Kα clarified binding interactions, implying that particular functionalities improve efficacy and selectivity. This study provides further evidence for the therapeutic promise of quinolones in targeting cancer-specific pathways and expedites the process for developing potent anticancer agents.</p>
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry
- Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/ntjc-q262
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- Dimensions ID: pub.1198307969 and DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/molecules31040655
- ISSN:
- 1431-5157 and 1420-3049
- Journal Issue:
- 4
- Journal Title:
- Molecules
- Journal Volume:
- 31
- Keyword:
- cancer-specific pathways, cause of death, pathway, colorectal cancer cell lines, analogues, lines, calculations, cancer, biology, M–CH3, investigation, therapeutic promise, process, colon cancer, synthesis, score model, agents, profile, model, binding, cell lines, cancer cell lines, docking, O–CH3, prediction, function, human colon cancer, death, PI3KA, elemental analysis, promise, p-CF3, evidence, cytotoxicity profile, anticancer, benzyl moiety, computational study, selection, quinolones, IC50, cheminformatics, FT-IR, substitution, properties, biological investigations, anticancer agents, interaction, binding interactions, analysis, physicochemical properties, docking studies, cytotoxicity, cause, p-CH3, study, wild-type, computer, p-OCH3, moiety, NMR, efficacy, and therapeutic agents
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- DSC 309, Department of Chemistry, The University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA, , Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA, and Department of Chemistry, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Page Start:
- 655
- Person:
- Zhong, Haizhen A., Hajjo, Rima, Bardaweel, Sanaa K., Al-Shalabi, Eveen, Sabbah, Dima A., Abushaikha, Ghassan, Balaji, Swapnaa, Meknas, Sara Jamal, Tiwari, Amit K., and Sweidan, Kamal
- Publisher:
- MDPI
- Rights Statement Label:
- In Copyright
86. Trends in Maumee River Nitrogen Loads and Their Complex Relationship to Harmful Algal Blooms in Western Lake Erie
- Title Tesim:
- Trends in Maumee River Nitrogen Loads and Their Complex Relationship to Harmful Algal Blooms in Western Lake Erie
- Creator:
- Muenich, Rebecca Logsdon, McCarthy, Mark J., Khan, Nusrat N., Newell, Silvia E., Paerl, Hans W., and Rudko, Noah
- Date of publication:
- February 11, 2026
- Abstract Tesim:
- <p>Nutrient runoff from agricultural activities in the watershed of Western Lake Erie (WLE) is a dominant driver of harmful algal blooms (HABs). While phosphorus (P) is a key factor causing these blooms and has been the focus for researchers and policymakers, the influence of nitrogen (N) on bloom dynamics has been overlooked. Total Kjeldahl N (TKN; organic N and ammonium N) has not been the focus of eutrophication research but was recently linked to bloom development in WLE. Here, monotonic and oscillatory statistical trend analyses were performed to interpret long-term (1982 to 2022) patterns of TKN in the Maumee River and were compared to algal biomass data as chlorophyll a. A predictive regression model used principal component analysis to estimate a chlorophyll-based index of HABs in WLE, and a systematic iterative process identified that TKN influences bloom dynamics along with soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), total suspended solids (TSS) and flow. Although TKN loads exhibited a long-term decline, this decrease did not correspond to reduced HAB severity, reflecting the strong influence of flow-driven hydrologic variability on nutrient delivery and bloom response. The modeling results demonstrate that TKN, together with SRP, TSS, and flow, significantly contributes to predicting bloom magnitude. These findings highlight the need for dual-nutrient (N and P) management strategies and additional analyses of nutrient–hydrology interactions to improve HAB mitigation in WLE.</p>
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- College of Arts and Sciences and Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences
- Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/n9h3-z525
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- Dimensions ID: pub.1198308318 and DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w18040465
- ISSN:
- 2073-4441
- Journal Issue:
- 4
- Journal Title:
- Water
- Journal Volume:
- 18
- Keyword:
- variables, component analysis, delivery, patterns, bloom dynamics, watershed, algal blooms, harmful algal blooms, Maumee River, TKN load, eutrophication research, long-term, predictive regression model, strategies, load, dynamics, nutrient delivery, Lake Erie, trend analysis, response, Erie, dominant driver, model, analysis, Kjeldahl N, TSS, factors, reactive phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, bloom, systematic iterative process, activity, HAB mitigation, long-term decline, influence, principal component analysis, statistical trend analysis, interaction, data, nitrogen (N), model results, nutrient runoff, severity, bloom development, results, trends, river nitrogen loads, western Lake Erie, management, biomass data, phosphorus, chlorophyll a., decline, agricultural activities, research, eutrophication, nitrogen loading, drivers, total Kjeldahl N, magnitude, decrease, flow, management strategies, iterative process, bloom magnitude, mitigation, TKN, hydrological variables, bloom response, findings, runoff, chlorophyll, policymakers, Maumee, development, regression models, process, and river
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- Biological & Agricultural Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA, Chair of Hydrobiology and Fisheries, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA, School for the Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, and
- Page Start:
- 465
- Person:
- Muenich, Rebecca Logsdon, McCarthy, Mark J., Khan, Nusrat N., Newell, Silvia E., Paerl, Hans W., and Rudko, Noah
- Publisher:
- MDPI
- Rights Statement Label:
- In Copyright
87. Tiny Tummies, Big Questions: Unpacking Ultra-Processed Ingredients and Additives in Complementary Foods in the United States
- Title Tesim:
- Tiny Tummies, Big Questions: Unpacking Ultra-Processed Ingredients and Additives in Complementary Foods in the United States
- Creator:
- Calvo, Mona S., Coyle, Daisy H., Pries, Alissa, and Dunford, Elizabeth K.
- Date of publication:
- February 11, 2026
- Abstract Tesim:
- <p>Background/Objectives: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption is increasing among infants and young children below three years of age, but to what extent is unclear. Understanding ingredient profiles in commercially produced complementary foods is critical given emerging evidence linking UPF consumption in early life with adverse health trajectories. The objective of this study was to assess the degree of processing and characterize the types of ingredients and additives used in commercial complementary foods available in major US grocery stores. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of 651 infant and toddler food products sold by the top 10 largest US grocery stores in 2023. Data were collected from 8 of the 10 stores in Raleigh, North Carolina, and from 2 of the 10 stores online. Ingredients were classified into types and subtypes using Codex Alimentarius and US FDA taxonomies. UPFs were identified using the Nova classification system. The number of UPF ingredients per product and the proportion of products that were considered UPFs were calculated. Mean nutrient levels were compared between UPFs and non-UPFs. Results were examined by category and packaging type. Results: 71% of products were classified as UPFs. In addition, additives were present in 71% of products, with flavor enhancers (36%), thickeners (29%), emulsifiers (19%), and colors (19%) being the most common UPF-marker additives used. Ingredient counts varied widely (range 1–56), with snacks containing the most ingredients. Processed fruit and vegetable ingredients were common, while dairy, meat, and legume ingredients were uncommon. UPF products contained higher mean levels of total sugar, added sugar, sodium, and energy density than non-UPF products. Added sugars were present exclusively in UPF products. Conclusions: Most US commercial complementary foods are ultra-processed and contain multiple additives. These findings highlight the need for improved labeling and regulatory standards for identifying UPF ingredients and additives to ensure the availability of appropriate and healthy products targeting the youngest consumers.</p>
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- Gillings School of Global Public Health and Department of Nutrition
- Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/np3f-5v06
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- Dimensions ID: pub.1198266692 and DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu18040584
- ISSN:
- 2072-6643
- Journal Issue:
- 4
- Journal Title:
- Nutrients
- Journal Volume:
- 18
- Keyword:
- food products, dairy, cross-sectional analysis, nutrient levels, production, study, meat, data, complementary foods, sodium, regulatory standards, young children, North, nutrients, levels of total sugars, vegetable ingredients, US grocery stores, Codex, count, energy density, addition, life, consumption, ultra-processed, NOVA classification system, tummy, ingredient profiles, classification system, extent, standards, grocery stores, emulsifier, levels, early life, infants, degree of processing, analysis, Carolina, toddlers, United States, enhancement, total sugars, legume ingredients, degree, color, profile, vegetation, Nova, fruit, findings, proportion of products, sugar, ultra-processed food products, type, food, consumers, availability, categories, healthy products, energy, processed fruits, trajectory, years, snacks, health trajectories, big questions, proportion, flavor enhancer, evidence, ultra-processed foods, taxonomy, units, stores, density, thickening, North Carolina, ultra-processed ingredients, package types, state, years of age, commercial complementary food, process, flavor, Added sugars, questions, package, labeling, legumes, objective, ultra-processed food consumption, results, children, system, ingredients, subtypes, Raleigh, young consumers, and age
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia, Independent Consultant, and
- Page Start:
- 584
- Person:
- Calvo, Mona S., Coyle, Daisy H., Pries, Alissa, and Dunford, Elizabeth K.
- Publisher:
- MDPI
- Rights Statement Label:
- In Copyright
88. The Gut Microbiome in the IgE-Mediated Food-Allergic Patient—A Narrative Review
- Title Tesim:
- The Gut Microbiome in the IgE-Mediated Food-Allergic Patient—A Narrative Review
- Creator:
- Hosein, Erin, Singh, Neel, Kulis, Michael, Virkud, Yamini V., and Keet, Corinne
- Date of publication:
- February 11, 2026
- Abstract Tesim:
- <p>Food allergies (FA) are a major public health concern in both children and adults. Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated FA is characterized by allergic reactions driven by allergen-specific IgE and the subsequent degranulation of mast cells and basophils. Current FA management primarily involves avoidance of allergen-containing food, and more recently, therapies such as oral immunotherapy (OIT), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and the anti-IgE biologic omalizumab. However, these interventions are not curative. The gut microbiome has been implicated in the development and regulation of oral tolerance to food antigens. This narrative review explores the role of probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), dietary interventions, and the interaction between the microbiome and OIT as potential strategies to manage established FA. We also explore barriers to their proliferation as part of regular clinical care. We conclude that future research should (1) address how the microbiome interacts with immunotherapies other than OIT, (2) explore the role of novel microbiome-based treatments like FMT as potential adjuvants to existing food allergy therapeutics, and (3) focus on developing standardized protocols and endpoints for microbiome-based therapeutics.</p>
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Anthropology, School of Medicine, and Department of Pediatrics
- Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/eccn-xw67
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- Dimensions ID: pub.1198266700 and DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu18040593
- ISSN:
- 2072-6643
- Journal Issue:
- 4
- Journal Title:
- Nutrients
- Journal Volume:
- 18
- Keyword:
- protocol, care, transplantation, management, development, adults, allergy, oral immunotherapy, oral tolerance to food antigens, immunotherapy, health concern, microbiome-based therapeutics, endpoint, children, allergy therapeutics, food, microbiome-based treatments, review, standard protocol, proliferation, fecal microbiota transplantation, IgE, degranulation of mast cells, reaction, clinical care, food antigens, intervention, immunoglobulin, antigen, adjuvant, tolerance to food antigens, basophils, microbiota transplantation, food allergy, barriers, gut microbiome, public health concern, FA management, research, narrative review, regulation, mast cells, cells, gut, allergic reactions, microbiome, dietary intervention, omalizumab, interaction, probiotics, degranulation, allergen-containing foods, sublingual immunotherapy, allergen-specific IgE, concerns, therapy, avoidance, therapeutics, and treatment
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- Page Start:
- 593
- Person:
- Hosein, Erin, Singh, Neel, Kulis, Michael, Virkud, Yamini V., and Keet, Corinne
- Publisher:
- MDPI
- Rights Statement Label:
- In Copyright
89. Usability and Feasibility of a School-Based Digital Framework for Bullying Prevention
- Title Tesim:
- Usability and Feasibility of a School-Based Digital Framework for Bullying Prevention
- Creator:
- Vincent, Claudia G., Anunciacao, Luis, Walker, Hill, Valido, Alberto, Murray, Christopher, Marquez, Brion, Svanks, Rita, and Espelage, Dorothy L.
- Date of publication:
- February 6, 2026
- Abstract Tesim:
- <p>Bullying and school violence contribute directly to mental health difficulties among youth in the United States. Background/Objectives: This study describes the development and initial evaluation of a technology-enabled, multi-component school safety framework designed to support bullying prevention in middle and high schools. Methods: Students (n = 46), school personnel (n = 79), and parents/caregivers (n = 28) participated in three waves of usability and feasibility testing focused on a mobile application (Speak Out with Advocatr), companion classroom instructional materials, and guidelines for a school-wide safety campaign. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics and benchmark comparisons, and group differences across respondent roles were examined using analysis of variance with post hoc pairwise tests. Given small and unequal sample sizes, bootstrap resampling with 1000 resamples was used to obtain robust estimates of group means and confidence intervals. Qualitative responses were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Across waves, mean ratings generally met or exceeded predefined usability benchmarks, indicating favorable perceptions of the system. Findings indicated strong student acceptance and engagement with the framework. Adult participants expressed particular interest in restorative approaches to addressing student conflict, as well as concerns about preventing the recurrence of bullying behaviors. Conclusions: Findings provide initial support for the usability and feasibility of a multi-component, technology-enabled approach to school-based bullying prevention. Results also highlight the value of role-specific feedback for refining integrated mental health and safety interventions within school settings.</p>
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- School of Education
- Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/08m2-vr83
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- Dimensions ID: pub.1198070289 and DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14030412
- ISSN:
- 2227-9032
- Journal Issue:
- 3
- Journal Title:
- Healthcare
- Journal Volume:
- 14
- Keyword:
- participants, feasibility test, difficulties, campaign, usability benchmarks, student acceptance, role, rate, quantitative data, system, school violence, guidelines, perception, units, technology-enabled, mental health, Benchmark comparisons, state, post, safety framework, analysis of variance, safety, student conflicts, statistically, restoration approach, high school, study, interval, school personnel, analysis, multi-component, qualitative responses, size, companion, instructional materials, samples, post hoc pairwise tests, group, content analysis, sets, findings, bootstrap, differences, parents/caregivers, safety campaigns, behavior, school-based bullying prevention, data, students, digital framework, materials, prevention, development, evaluation, bullying behavior, safety interventions, feedback, adult participants, Descriptive statistics, variance, bullying prevention, results, respondents, recurrence, respondent role, response, benchmarks, conflict, bullying, pairwise tests, usability, acceptance, health difficulties, content, bootstrap resampling, health, robust estimation, feasibility, comparison, wave, mobile applications, intervention, sample size, approach, group mean, group differences, test, engagement, framework, resampling, United States, concerns, mean, personnel, applications, youth, confidence intervals, violence, technology-enabled approach, school settings, confidence, school, and mental health difficulties
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- Center on Human Development, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA and
- Page Start:
- 412
- Person:
- Vincent, Claudia G., Anunciacao, Luis, Walker, Hill, Valido, Alberto, Murray, Christopher, Marquez, Brion, Svanks, Rita, and Espelage, Dorothy L.
- Publisher:
- MDPI
- Rights Statement Label:
- In Copyright
90. Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Integration Suggests TP53 Pathway Alterations as Prognostic Biomarkers in Populations with Disproportionate Health Burdens
- Title Tesim:
- Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Integration Suggests TP53 Pathway Alterations as Prognostic Biomarkers in Populations with Disproportionate Health Burdens
- Creator:
- Waldrup, Brigette, Carranza, Francisco G., Manjarrez, Sophia, Diaz, Fernando C., and Velazquez-Villarreal, Enrique
- Date of publication:
- February 6, 2026
- Abstract Tesim:
- <p>The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC; <50 years) continues to increase, with the most rapid rises occurring among Hispanic/Latino (H/L) populations who remain underrepresented in molecular research. Because the TP53 signaling pathway is a key driver of colorectal tumorigenesis, this study aimed to clarify its prognostic significance in FOLFOX-treated EOCRC across ancestry groups. We analyzed 2515 colorectal cancer (CRC) cases (266 H/L, 2249 non-Hispanic White [NHW]) stratified by ancestry, age at onset, and FOLFOX exposure. Fisher’s exact, chi-square, and Kaplan–Meier’s analyses were applied, and multi-dimensional data integration was performed using AI-HOPE and AI-HOPE-TP53, conversational artificial intelligence platforms enabling natural language-driven exploration of clinical, genomic, and therapeutic features. TP53 pathway alterations were common in both H/L (85%) and NHW (83%) FOLFOX-treated patients. Among late-onset NHW cases, FOLFOX treatment was associated with higher TP53 mutation frequencies and lower ATM and CDKN2A mutation rates compared with untreated counterparts, while CHEK2 alterations were significantly less frequent in late-onset H/L patients. Missense mutations were the predominant alteration type across groups. These findings suggest that TP53 pathway alterations may be associated with ancestry- and treatment-specific clinical patterns in EOCRC and illustrate how AI-enabled integrative analytic frameworks can facilitate hypothesis generation and prioritize candidate biomarkers for future validation in precision oncology.</p>
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- N.C. Cancer Hospital and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Type:
- http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/k1vc-1v16
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031607 and Dimensions ID: pub.1198070326
- ISSN:
- 1422-0067 and 1661-6596
- Journal Issue:
- 3
- Journal Title:
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- Journal Volume:
- 27
- Keyword:
- integration, oncology, hypothesis, pathway, counterparts, research, Hispanic/Latino, burden, colorectal cancer, analysis, rate, ancestry groups, frequency, rise, prognostic significance, mutations, mutation rate, findings, CDKN2A, study, alterations, cancer, chi-square, tumorigenesis, precision oncology, alteration types, significance, FOLFOX-treated patients, integrated analytical framework, features, ATM, age, untreated counterparts, population, Kaplan-Meier analysis, prognostic biomarker, precision, treatment, pathway alterations, incidence, biomarkers, NHW, ancestry, patterns, framework, TP53 mutation frequency, FOLFOX treatment, molecular research, patients, TP53 pathway alterations, disproportionate health burden, Fisher, missense, TP53 signaling pathway, TP53, FOLFOX, H/L, early-onset colorectal cancer, multi-dimensional data integration, signaling pathway, missense mutations, NHW cases, exploration, health burden, mutation frequency, incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer, EOCRC, intelligent platform, analytical framework, generation, exposure, group, therapeutic features, platform, clinical pattern, data integration, colorectal tumorigenesis, H/L patients, CHEK2, hypothesis generation, cases, Kaplan-Meier, disproportionation, CHEK2 alterations, artificial intelligence platform, validity, and type
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- Department of Integrative Translational Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA and
- Page Start:
- 1607
- Person:
- Waldrup, Brigette, Carranza, Francisco G., Manjarrez, Sophia, Diaz, Fernando C., and Velazquez-Villarreal, Enrique
- Publisher:
- MDPI
- Rights Statement Label:
- In Copyright
Collection Details
- Total items
-
1066
- Size
-
unknown
- Date created
-
May 26, 2022