bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of inflammation and infiltration of M2 macrophages in NSCLC through the ATF3/CSF1 axis: Role of miR‐27a‐3p
Authors: Zhou Bin , Xu Yan , Xu Li , Kong Yi , Li Kang , Chen Bolin , Li Jia
Published: August 2023

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) imposes a significant economic burden on patients and society due to its low overall cure and survival rates. Tumour‐associated macrophages (TAM) affect tumour development and may be a novel therapeutic target for cancer. We collected NSCLC and tumour‐adjacent tissue samples. Compared with the tumour‐adjacent tissues, the Activation Transcription Factor 3 (ATF3) and Colony Stimulating Factor 1 (CSF‐1) were increased in NSCLC tissues. Levels of ATF3 and CSF‐1 were identified in different cell lines (HBE, A549, SPC‐A‐1, NCI‐H1299 and NCI‐H1795). Overexpression of ATF3 in A549 cells increased the expression of CD68, CD206 and CSF‐1. Moreover, levels of CD206, CD163, IL‐10 and TGF‐β increased when A549 cells were co‐cultured with M0 macrophages under the stimulation of CSF‐1. Using the starbase online software prediction and dual‐luciferase assays, we identified the targeting between miR‐27a‐3p and ATF3. Levels of ATF3, CSF‐1, CD206, CD163, IL‐10 and TGF‐β decreased in the miR‐27a mimics, and the tumour growth was slowed in the miR‐27a mimics compared with the mimics NC group. Overall, the study suggested that miR‐27a‐3p might inhibit the ATF3/CFS1 axis, regulate the M2 polarization of macrophages and ultimately hinder the progress of NSCLC. This research might provide a new therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
Influence of temperature and pH during cacao mucilage exudate concentration on cacao syrup composition
Authors: Aldana Manuel Y. , Bustos Yinna , Espinoza Luz A. , Ramírez Andrés , Nabarlatz Debora A. , Blanco‐Tirado Cristian , Combariza Marianny Y.
Published: August 2023

Cacao mucilage exudate (CME) is a highly nutritious by‐product of cacao fruit processing containing up to 15 wt% simple sugars and organic acids. We investigate the CME dehydration process to produce cacao syrup (CS) under varying temperatures (60 °C and 70 °C) and pH (4.0 and 5.0) using a 22‐factorial design with a central point (65 °C, pH 4.5). Neither temperature nor pH significantly (P < 0.05) impacts CS chemical composition. Average concentrations of fructose, glucose, and sucrose in the syrups reached 27.79, 25.56, and 12.46 wt%, respectively. Organic acids—citric, malic, lactic, tartaric, and fumaric—represent 5.12, 3.01, 0.20, 0.16, and 0.002 wt%, respectively. Although the heating treatment results in the formation of 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) (12.8–13.7 mg L−1), its concentration remains below the limits of the regulatory standard. These findings have significant implications for using CME as a sustainable and nutritious source of ingredients for the food industry.
Ion channels and transporters regulate nutrient absorption in health and disease
Authors: Lu Xianmin , Luo Chen , Wu Jiangbo , Deng Ya , Mu Xingyi , Zhang Ting , Yang Xiaoxu , Liu Qi , Li Zhuo , Tang Siqi , Hu Yanxia , Du Qian , Xu Jingyu , Xie Rui
Published: August 2023

Ion channels and transporters are ubiquitously expressed on cell membrane, which involve in a plethora of physiological process such as contraction, neurotransmission, secretion and so on. Ion channels and transporters is of great importance to maintaining membrane potential homeostasis, which is essential to absorption of nutrients in gastrointestinal tract. Most of nutrients are electrogenic and require ion channels and transporters to absorb. This review summarizes the latest research on the role of ion channels and transporters in regulating nutrient uptake such as K+ channels, Ca2+ channels and ion exchangers. Revealing the mechanism of ion channels and transporters associated with nutrient uptake will be helpful to provide new methods to diagnosis and find potential targets for diseases like diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc. Even though some of study still remain ambiguous and in early stage, we believe that ion channels and transporters will be novel therapeutic targets in the future.
First record of Leptopilina japonica Novković & Kimura, 2011 (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) in Germany, a parasitoid of the Spotted Wing Drosophila Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Martin Jakob , Vogel Jonathan , Peters Ralph S. , Herz Annette
Published: August 2023

Two years after the first European record in Italy, we report the first occurrence of the parasitoid wasp Leptopilina japonica Novković & Kimura, 2011 (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) in Germany. The species is a larval‐pupal parasitoid of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), which is a widespread invasive and economically important pest of soft‐skinned fruit. In total, we found 29 specimens of L. japonica in five different locations in southern and western Germany in the years 2021, 2022 and 2023. We examined the specimens morphologically and generated their DNA barcodes for identification. In three of the locations, L. japonica was sampled from raspberries. In two locations, L. japonica was caught in two and three consecutive years, respectively, which indicates adventive establishment. As D. suzukii and L. japonica originate from the same region in Asia, the possible establishment of L. japonica could be a case of unintentional biological control in Germany. In addition to this first record in Germany, we present a diagnosis of L. japonica to distinguish the species from the rest of the European Leptopilina fauna.
A recombinase polymerase amplification and Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute combined method for ultra‐sensitive detection of white spot syndrome virus in shrimp
Authors: Wang Yu , Chen Yukang , Tang Yixin , Wang Yue , Gao Song , Yang Lihong , Wang Pei
Published: August 2023

White spot disease (WSD) in shrimp is an acute infectious disease caused by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). WSD has seriously threatened the security of shrimp farming, causing huge economic losses worldwide. As there is currently no effective treatment for WSD, developing early detection technologies for WSSV is of great significance for the prevention. In this study, we have established a detection method for WSSV using a combination of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute (PfAgo). We have achieved a detection sensitivity of single copy per reaction, which is more sensitive than the previously reported detection methods. Additionally, we have demonstrated high specificity. The entire detection process can be completed within 75 min without the need for precise thermal cyclers, making it suitable for on‐site testing. The fluorescence signal generated by the reaction can be quantified using a portable fluorescence detector or observed with the naked eye under a blue light background. This study provides an ultrasensitive on‐site detection method for WSSV in shrimp aquaculture and expands the application of PfAgo in the field of aquatic disease diagnosis.
The male marital earnings premium contextualized: Longitudinal evidence from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Schechtl Manuel , Kapelle Nicole
Published: August 2023

Objective

To examine the effect of marriage entry on annual net rather than gross earnings across different institutional settings.

Background

Previous research focused on men's gross wage marital premium to explore whether selection or specialization explains premiums. However, gross wages do not reflect disposable resources because taxes still have to be deducted. As the tax treatment varies across countries and by marital status, it is also relevant to consider such aspects.

Method

We use panel data from the United States (PSID), Germany (SOEP), and the United Kingdom (UKHLS) to examine annual male net earnings changes over marriage entry using fixed effect models with individual slopes. The models enable us to assess marriage‐related net earnings while adjusting for heterogeneous age slopes before marriage in addition to any time‐constant heterogeneity. Our sample contains 3244 US men, 4581 German men, and 7140 British men.

Results

Our results reveal a male marital net earnings premium only in Germany—a country with sizeable institutional marriage privileges. We go on to show heterogeneity in marriage effects by cohort, partner's education, and children. Results highlight that men from earlier cohorts and those married to partners with low education tend to benefit more.

Conclusion

Results add novel insights to our understanding of marital premiums and highlight the relevance of tax policy contexts as an institutional driver underlying marital premiums.
The Relative Effectiveness of Positive and Negative Gossip in Promoting Prosocial Giving: The Examination of the Valence of Gossip Content and Reputational Consequences
Authors: Imada Hirotaka
Published: August 2023

Gossip promotes prosocial behavior via reputational concern. However, the relative effectiveness of positive and negative gossip has been understudied. I examined to what extent positive and negative gossip promoted prosocial behavior when a potential consequence of gossip was positively framed (a third party offering a financial bonus) and negatively framed (a third party deducting a bonus). I found that gossip, irrespective of its valence, promoted generosity via reputational concern in both contexts. Yet, analyses suggested that positive gossip may have a stronger effect in promoting prosociality. The findings, together with previous findings, call for further investigation of the relationship between the effectiveness of positive and negative gossip in promoting prosociality and types of reputational consequences.
Periodontitis‐resistant and ‐susceptible matriline regulation of gingival transcriptome in nonhuman primates
Authors: Ebersole J. L. , Kirakodu S. S. , Nguyen L. M. , Gonzalez O. A.
Published: August 2023

Objective

This report identified if gingival gene expression transcriptomes demonstrated unique profiles that discriminated periodontitis‐susceptible (PDS) and periodontitis‐resistant (PDR) animals in health and disease.

Background

Nonhuman primates generally organize their social groups based upon matriline origin. We have used a multi‐generational colony of rhesus macaques to identify matrilines presenting with significant differences in periodontitis (e.g., earlier age onset, greater prevalence, and severity).

Methods

Animals from 12 to 23 years of age (n = 17; 8 – PDR, 9 – PDS) were entered into a ligature‐induced periodontitis trial. Gingival biopsies were taken at baseline and 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 months post‐ligation, and microarray analysis was used to quantify gene expression in samples at each time point.

Results

Over 1000 genes showed significant (p < .01) differences in the PDR versus PDS animals at baseline. The frequency of differences generally decreased during the disease process, and increased with resolution (i.e., 5 months). A nearly 2:1 ratio of elevated gene levels was noted in baseline PDR samples that included up‐regulated MMPs, Fc receptors, chemokines, interleukins, and innate immune receptors, and down‐regulated genes particularly related to epithelial biology. Most dramatically, there was a skewed differential expression of adaptive immune response genes in the PDR and epithelial cell structure/function genes in PDS samples.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate substantive differences in gingival tissue response capacity/programming in PDR and PDS samples that may contribute to the differences in clinical outcomes related to the heritability of disease risk through matrilines.
The Post Office Scandal in the United Kingdom: Mental health and social experiences of wrongly convicted and wrongly accused individuals
Authors: Growns Bethany , Kukucka Jeff , Moorhead Richard , Helm Rebecca K.
Published: August 2023

Background

Wrongful criminal conviction can significantly impair the mental health of exonerees. However, much less is known about wrongful accusation: the impact of wrongful legal allegations or investigations—absent conviction—on mental health outcomes.

Method

To address this gap, we surveyed 101 victims of the Post Office Scandal in the United Kingdom who were wrongly accused, convicted and/or investigated for financial ‘losses’ that were actually caused by software errors.

Results

Most respondents reported clinically significant post‐traumatic stress (67%) and depressive (60%) symptoms—irrespective of the outcome of their case. These results suggest that both wrongful accusation and wrongful conviction can significantly impair mental health.

Conclusion

Our findings have important implications for victims of the Post Office Scandal and highlight the unique needs of people impacted by flawed convictions and flawed legal accusations. Our findings underscore the need to provide exonerees with holistic postrelease support and demonstrate that this support should also be extended to victims of wrongful accusation.
On the site of predictive justice
Authors: Lazar Seth , Stone Jake
Published: August 2023

Optimism about our ability to enhance societal decision‐making by leaning on Machine Learning (ML) for cheap, accurate predictions has palled in recent years, as these ‘cheap’ predictions have come at significant social cost, contributing to systematic harms suffered by already disadvantaged populations. But what precisely goes wrong when ML goes wrong? We argue that, as well as more obvious concerns about the downstream effects of ML‐based decision‐making, there can be moral grounds for the criticism of these predictions themselves. We introduce and defend a theory of predictive justice, according to which differential model performance for systematically disadvantaged groups can be grounds for moral criticism of the model, independently of its downstream effects. As well as helping resolve some urgent disputes around algorithmic fairness, this theory points the way to a novel dimension of epistemic ethics, related to the recently discussed category of doxastic wrong.
Tumor heterogeneity from the viewpoint of pathologists
Authors: Morii Eiichi
Published: August 2023

Morphological and functional heterogeneity are found in tumors, with the latter reflecting the different levels of resistance against antitumor therapies. In a therapy‐resistant subpopulation, the expression levels of differentiation markers decrease, and those of immature markers increase. In addition, this subpopulation expresses genes involved in drug metabolism, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1). Because of their similarity to stem cells, cells in the latter therapy‐resistant subpopulation are called cancer stem cells (CSCs). Like normal stem cells, CSCs were originally thought not to arise from non‐CSCs, but this hierarchical model is too simple. It is now believed that CSCs are generated from non‐CSCs. The plasticity of tumor phenotypes between CSCs and non‐CSCs causes difficulty in completely curing tumors. In this review, focusing on ALDH1A1 as a marker for CSCs or immature tumor cells, the dynamics of ALDH1A1‐expressing tumor cells and their regulatory mechanisms are described, and the plausible regulatory mechanisms of plasticity of ALDH1A1 expression phenotype are discussed. Genetic mutations are a significant factor for tumorigenesis, but non‐mutational epigenetic reprogramming factors yielding tumor heterogeneity are also crucial in determining tumor characteristics. Factors influencing non‐mutational epigenetic reprogramming in tumors are also discussed.
Machine learning and user interface for cyber risk management of water infrastructure
Authors: Neshenko Nataliia , Bou‐Harb Elias , Furht Borko , Behara Ravi
Published: August 2023

With the continuous modernization of water plants, the risk of cyberattacks on them potentially endangers public health and the economic efficiency of water treatment and distribution. This article signifies the importance of developing improved techniques to support cyber risk management for critical water infrastructure, given an evolving threat environment. In particular, we propose a method that uniquely combines machine learning, the theory of belief functions, operational performance metrics, and dynamic visualization to provide the required granularity for attack inference, localization, and impact estimation. We illustrate how the focus on visual domain‐aware anomaly exploration leads to performance improvement, more precise anomaly localization, and effective risk prioritization. Proposed elements of the method can be used independently, supporting the exploration of various anomaly detection methods. It thus can facilitate the effective management of operational risk by providing rich context information and bridging the interpretation gap.
Multispecies marginality: Mangroves and migrant Papuans in the margins of urban colonisation
Authors: Kadir Hatib Abdul
Published: August 2023

West Papuans' dependency on mangroves is a consequence of Sorong's status as a frontier town. Originally developed to accommodate the oil industry, Sorong is an attraction for Indonesian settlers who have dominated and continue to dominate the town's geographical and economic spaces. By combining multispecies ethnographic studies with issues of power relations in urban areas related to settler colonialism and racial discrimination, this paper aims to reveal marginalised human species that are interconnected with their ecosystems. In addition to exploring the interdependence between humans and other species, and their common fate, a multispecies ethnographic approach also delves into the impact of urban development on marginalised human communities and their relationship with affected species. This enables a comprehensive understanding of how the well‐being of these communities is inextricably linked to the health and survival of the entire ecosystem. Focusing on the Kokoda migrant community in Sorong, Indonesia, this article is based on research that has been conducted intermittently since 2019. A community that is accustomed to living within a mangrove ecosystem, Kokoda have the endurance to live in a degraded environment. By co‐existing with the mangrove forest, they have created a commons in the swamp as their livelihood space. Paradoxically, the Kokoda also pragmatically participate in mangrove‐planting programs instigated by both the government and private parties. However, despite the fact that urban housing development is the cause of massive mangrove deforestation, the Kokoda community is most responsible for mangrove deforestation.
A haplotype resolved chromosome‐scale assembly of North American wild apple Malus fusca and comparative genomics of the fire blight Mfu10 locus
Authors: Mansfeld Ben N. , Yocca Alan , Ou Shujun , Harkess Alex , Burchard Erik , Gutierrez Benjamin , van Nocker Steve , Gottschalk Christopher
Published: August 2023

The Pacific crabapple (Malus fusca) is a wild relative of the commercial apple (Malus × domestica). With a range extending from Alaska to Northern California, M. fusca is extremely hardy and disease resistant. The species represents an untapped genetic resource for the development of new apple cultivars with enhanced stress resistance. However, gene discovery and utilization of M. fusca have been hampered by the lack of genomic resources. Here, we present a high‐quality, haplotype‐resolved, chromosome‐scale genome assembly and annotation for M. fusca. The genome was assembled using high‐fidelity long‐reads and scaffolded using genetic maps and high‐throughput chromatin conformation capture sequencing, resulting in one of the most contiguous apple genomes to date. We annotated the genome using public transcriptomic data from the same species taken from diverse plant structures and developmental stages. Using this assembly, we explored haplotypic structural variation within the genome of M. fusca, identifying thousands of large variants. We further showed high sequence co‐linearity with other domesticated and wild Malus species. Finally, we resolve a known quantitative trait locus associated with resistance to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora). Insights gained from the assembly of a reference‐quality genome of this hardy wild apple relative will be invaluable as a tool to facilitate DNA‐informed introgression breeding.
The jugular venous‐to‐arterial PCO2${P_{{\mathrm{C}}{{\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{2}}}}}$ difference during rebreathing and end‐tidal forcing: Relationship with cerebral perfusion
Authors: Carr Jay M. J. R. , Day Trevor A. , Ainslie Philip N. , Hoiland Ryan L.
Published: August 2023

We examined two assumptions of the modified rebreathing technique for the assessment of the ventilatory central chemoreflex (CCR) and cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity (CVR), hypothesizing: (1) that rebreathing abolishes the gradient between the partial pressures of arterial and brain tissue CO2 [measured via the surrogate jugular venous and arterial difference (Pjv‐aCO2)] and (2) rebreathing eliminates the capacity of CVR to influence the Pjv‐aCO2 difference, and thus affect CCR sensitivity. We also evaluated these variables during two separate dynamic end‐tidal forcing (ETF) protocols (termed: ETF‐1 and ETF‐2), another method of assessing CCR sensitivity and CVR. Healthy participants were included in the rebreathing (n = 9), ETF‐1 (n = 11) and ETF‐2 (n = 10) protocols and underwent radial artery and internal jugular vein (advanced to jugular bulb) catheterization to collect blood samples. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to measure middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv). The Pjv‐aCO2 difference was not abolished during rebreathing (6.2 ± 2.6 mmHg; P < 0.001), ETF‐1 (9.3 ± 1.5 mmHg; P < 0.001) or ETF‐2 (8.6 ± 1.4 mmHg; P < 0.001). The Pjv‐aCO2 difference did not change during the rebreathing protocol (−0.1 ± 1.2 mmHg; P = 0.83), but was reduced during the ETF‐1 (−3.9 ± 1.1 mmHg; P < 0.001) and ETF‐2 (−3.4 ± 1.2 mmHg; P = 0.001) protocols. Overall, increases in MCAv were associated with reductions in the Pjv‐aCO2 difference during ETF (−0.095 ± 0.089 mmHg cm−1 s−1; P = 0.001) but not during rebreathing (−0.028 ± 0.045 mmHg · cm−1 · s−1; P = 0.067). These findings suggest that, although the Pjv‐aCO2 is not abolished during any chemoreflex assessment technique, hyperoxic hypercapnic rebreathing is probably more appropriate to assess CCR sensitivity independent of cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2.

image

Key points

Modified rebreathing is a technique used to assess the ventilatory central chemoreflex and is based on the premise that the rebreathing method eliminates the difference between arterial and brain tissue . Therefore, rebreathing is assumed to isolate the ventilatory response to central chemoreflex stimulation from the influence of cerebral blood flow.

We assessed these assumptions by measuring arterial and jugular venous bulb and middle cerebral artery blood velocity during modified rebreathing and compared these data against data from another test of the ventilatory central chemoreflex using hypercapnic dynamic end‐tidal forcing.

The difference between arterial and jugular venous bulb remained present during both rebreathing and end‐tidal forcing tests, whereas middle cerebral artery blood velocity was associated with the difference during end‐tidal forcing but not rebreathing.

These findings offer substantiating evidence that clarifies and refines the assumptions of modified rebreathing tests, enhancing interpretation of future findings.
Desarrollo ausentista en Buenaventura
Authors: Medina Garzón Andrés Mauricio
Published: August 2023

Pese a la importante actividad económica del puerto de Buenaventura, uno de los más importantes de Colombia, el municipio es uno de los más pobres del país. Este documento identifica factores por los cuales se genera un desarrollo ausentista (DA) en Buenaventura, un tipo de desarrollo que toma provecho del puerto sin retribuir al territorio. A partir de un estudio de caso con enfoque cualitativo, analizado a través del contraste de entrevistas semiestructuradas y archivo documental, se entiende el DA a la luz de tres variables clave: economía de enclave, deslocalización de élites y desalineación de liderazgos. La investigación muestra que: i) la falta de “derrames económicos” (trickle down effect), los débiles eslabonamientos y la no tercerización generan economías cerradas, ii) élites alejadas del territorio han erosionado la estructura social con actitudes oportunistas, y iii) la corrupción de líderes y la violenta coyuntura limitan la formación de liderazgos transformativos.
Reinforcement Learning-Based Tracking Control for Two Time-Scale Looper Hydraulic Servo Systems
Authors: Mi Xuanrui , Wang Yudong , Wu Jiacheng , Shen Hao
Published: August 2023

Looper hydraulic servosystems (HSSs) are used in a variety of complex industrial environments. It is worth noting that there exists two-time-scale phenomenon in looper hydraulic servosystems. In this technical brief, the model of the looper hydraulic servosystems with two-time-scale phenomenon is established. In the framework of reinforcement learning, an optimal tracking control policy for looper hydraulic servosystems is proposed, which considers the effects of two-time-scale phenomena on the system. Then, by analyzing the change of looper angle in the actual industrial production process, the designed controller has a faster transition time compared to the proportional integral differential controller. In addition, the convergence of the optimal control solution obtained by using the proposed algorithm is proved. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the simulation.
Integrating Mindfulness to Reduce Injury Rates in Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Reiche Elaine , Lam Kevin , Genoese Francesca , Baez Shelby
Published: August 2023

Clinical Question: Is there evidence to support the use of mindfulness to reduce injury risk in athletic populations? Clinical Bottom Line: There is currently inconsistent, good-quality evidence to support that mindfulness interventions are effective in decreasing injury rates in athletes compared to the standard of care. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness in other populations and types of sports activity (e.g., basketball, gymnastics, etc.). Additionally, future research should investigate different mindfulness delivery techniques in addition to the Mindfulness–Acceptance–Commitment (MAC) approach. Due to the inconsistent, good-quality evidence to support the use of mindfulness to reduce injury rates, the grade of B is recommended by the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy. Mindfulness interventions should be incorporated into clinical practice but stakeholders (e.g., coaches, athletes, administration) should be included in the decision to implement these programs.
Draft genome sequence of the highly copper-tolerant
Methylobacterium radiotolerans
MLP1 isolated from the rhizosphere of grasses adjacent to mine tailings
Authors: Dávalos Araceli , Lozano-Aguirre Beltrán Luis Fernando , García-de los Santos Alejandro
Published: August 2023

We present the genome of a highly copper-tolerant pink-pigmented facultative methylotroph isolated from the rhizosphere of grasses growing close to mine tailings. Based on whole-genome taxonomic analyses, this isolate was named
Methylobacterium radiotolerans
MLP1. Studies are in progress to infer its genome-based copper resistome.
Supplemental Material: A kinematic model linking the Sevier and Laramide belts in the Idaho-Montana fold-thrust belt, U.S. Cordillera
Authors: Parker Stuart D. , Pearson David M.
Published: August 2023

Describes constraints used to determine regional elevation of the basement/cover contact used in the restoration of the cross section.
Glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: is serum isthmin-1 level a possible link?
Authors: Xu Mingyue , Feng Ruiying , Feng Ruoqi , Yin Xiaofei , Zhang Lei , Wang Chuan , Liu Jinbo
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Isthmin-1 (Ism-1) is a novel adipokine. However, little is known regarding the association between Ism-1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum Ism-1 levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with T2DM.

Research design and methods

A total of 209 patients with T2DM were recruited into this retrospective study. Clinical data were collected. Fasting blood samples were collected for serum Ism-1 testing using ELISA kits. Based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), participants were divided into the normal eGFR group (n=167) and the decreased eGFR group (n=42). The relationship between Ism-1 and eGFR was assessed using linear and binary logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to examine the predictive efficacy of Ism-1 for distinguishing patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Results

Compared with patients with normal eGFR, serum Ism-1 levels were increased in patients with decreased eGFR (p<0.001). Serum Ism-1 levels were negatively correlated with eGFR in patients with T2DM even after multiple adjustments (p<0.001). For each 0.1 ng/mL increment of Ism-1, the odds of having an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2increased by 54.5% (OR=1.545; p<0.001) in patients with T2DM. ROC analysis showed that higher serum Ism-1 levels (>1.297 ng/mL) had predictive efficacy in patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, with an area under the curve of 0.908.

Conclusions

Serum Ism-1 levels were inversely associated with eGFR, and high Ism-1 levels may be used as a potential biomarker for predicting kidney function impairment in patients with T2DM.
Implementation of flash glucose monitoring in four pediatric diabetes clinics: controlled before and after study to produce real-world evidence of patient benefit
Authors: Kandiyali Rebecca , Taylor Hazel , Thomas Elizabeth , Cullen Freyja , Hollingworth William , Ingram Jenny , Kenward Charlie , West Nicol , McGregor David , Smith Becky , Hamilton-Shield Julian
Published: August 2023

Aims

To assess the real-world evidence for flash glucose monitoring (Abbott FreeStyle Libre) for children with type 1 diabetes in terms of glucose control, secondary healthcare resources and costs.

Research design and methods

We conducted a controlled before and after study (approximately 12 months before and after) using routinely collected health record data on children who start using flash monitors and a control population of children with self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Our population-based sample of eligible individuals using flash monitoring (n=114) and controls (n=80) aged between 4 and 18 years was drawn from four paediatric diabetes clinics (secondary care) in the South West England. Outcome measures included: glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), frequency of BG tests; frequency of sensor scans; time in recommended glucose range; short-term complications (hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis and related illness resulting in investigation) and secondary care costs.

Results

After adjustment for age, time since diagnosis, deprivation and the test modality (point of care or laboratory), the mean HbA1c reading for controls was 61.2 (mmol/mol) for the period before and 63.9 after. For individuals using flash monitoring, the adjusted mean HbA1c reading was 64.6 for the period before implementation and 63.8 after. Rates of short-term complications were low across all groups in the study. Whereas the ‘after’ flash monitoring group had substantially higher incremental costs (+£703 vs the flash monitoring ‘before’ comparison and +£841 vs contemporaneous SMBG controls), these cost differences were driven by primary care prescribing (sensor costs).

Conclusions

There was some indication that flash monitoring might help young people improve the control of their diabetes but for our sample, the difference between finger-prick testing and flash monitoring was not clinically significant (HbA1c improvement <5 mmol/mol). Given the pace of technological change within diabetes, research efforts should now facilitate the real-time analysis of long-term routine data on flash and continuous glucose monitors.
Association between history of cholecystectomy and risk of gastric cancer: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies
Authors: Sun Mei , Ma Tianyi , Yuan Huawei
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Evidence from previous studies on the association between cholecystectomy and risk of gastric cancer are still inconsistent. We aimed at conducting a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies to evaluate this association.

Methods

Researchers searched three databases (PubMed, Embase and Web of Science) through January 2021 for eligible studies. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs in each included studies were pooled by random-effects models. Patients and the public were not involved in our study.

Results

Eight studies were identified. Four studies reported significantly positive association between history of cholecystectomy and risk of gastric cancer, and the remaining studies reported null association. The pooled RR of these eight studies showed that a history of cholecystectomy was associated with a 11% higher risk of gastric cancer (pooled RR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.20). Moderate heterogeneity across the studies was detected (p=0.117, I2=37.8%). The pooled RRs were 1.12 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.24) for five cohort studies and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.66 to 1.38) for three case–control studies. Compared with the risk in Europe and the USA, the pooled RR was higher for two studies conducted in Asia. Six studies were assessed as high-quality studies with the pooled RR of 1.12 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.23). The pooled results were robust by sensitivity analyses, and no indication of publication bias was detected.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that a history of cholecystectomy may be associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer.
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes in Sri Lanka: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Akhtar Sohail , Ali Aqsa , Asghar Mubeen , Hussain Ibrar , Sarwar Aqsa
Published: August 2023

Objective

The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in Sri Lanka.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Sri Lankan Journals online and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles published between January 1990 and June 2022 investigating the prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes in Sri Lanka.

Methods

Random effect meta-analyses were conducted to derive the pooled prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes and their 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was explored by subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Sensitivity analyses were used to evaluate the impact of any single study on the pooled estimates. Two authors screened articles, extracted data and evaluated the quality of selected studies.

Results

A total of 479 articles were reviewed, and 15 studies (n=30 137 participants) were selected in the final analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of diabetes was 12.07% (95% CI, 8.71% to 15.89%; prediction interval: 1.28–31.35). The pooled pre-diabetes prevalence was 15.57% (95% CI, 9.45% to 22.88%; prediction interval: 0.02–49.87). The pooled type 2 diabetes prevalence was the highest in the latest period of 2011–2021 (17.25%) than in the period of 2000s (11.84%) and 1990s (5.62%).

Conclusions

The growing trend of diabetes and pre-diabetes over the last 30 years is alarming in Sri Lanka. The government of Sri Lanka needs to take steps to improve diabetes education, screening, diagnosis and treatment.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021288591.
Mediating role of learned helplessness’ components in the association between health literacy/social support and self-management among maintenance haemodialysis patients in Changsha, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xie Chunyan , Li Li , Zhou Lin , Sun Cuifang , Zhang Yini , Li Yamin
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To explore the multiple mediating roles of the learned helplessness’s core system in the relationship between health literacy/social support and self-management.

Design

Cross-sectional survey design.

Setting

Changsha, China.

Participants

239 Chinese maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients.

Methods

Two multiple mediator models were constructed based on the COM-B (Capacity, Opportunity, Motivation - Behaviour) model. A total of 239 Chinese MHD patients participated in a cross-sectional study, which included surveys on the Learned Helplessness Scale for MHD patients, Dialysis Knowledge Questionnaire, Social Support Scale and Self-Management Scale for Haemodialysis. The PROCESS macro in SPSS was used for mediated effects analysis.

Results

Helplessness and internality partially mediated the relationship between health literacy/social support and self-management ((β=−0.212, p<0.01; β=0.240, p<0.01)/(β=−0.331, p<0.001; β=0.376, p<0.001)). The mediation effect size was 0.780 (95% CI (0.373 to 1.218)) in the health literacy model, accounting for 45.29% of the total effect, and 0.286 (95% CI (0.207 to 0.377)) in the social support model, accounting for 57.88% of the total effect. The differences in effect sizes for helplessness and internality in the two models were −0.080 (95% CI (−0.374 to 0.216)) and −0.041 (95% CI (−0.127 to 0.043)), respectively.

Conclusion

Health literacy/social support directly affects MHD patients’ self-management and indirectly affects it by changing learned helplessness, such as increasing internality while reducing helplessness.
Protocol for a systematic review of substance use and misuse prevalence and associated factors among transgender and non-binary youth living in the USA
Authors: Mammadli Tural , Whitfield Darren L , Betz Gail , Mack Linda-Jeanne M
Published: August 2023

Background

Transgender and gender non-binary (TNB) youth living in the USA report elevated levels of substance use compared with their cisgender counterparts, with previous literature pointing to minority stressors as some of the factors that could facilitate such elevated levels. Yet, substance use and misuse prevalence and associated modifiable factors among TNB youth are not fully known. The current paper details the protocol for a systematic review aimed at (1) identifying substance use and misuse prevalence among TNB youth (ages <25) and related demographic disparities (based on racial, ethnic and gender identity, and sexual orientation), (2) examining factors associated with substance use and misuse among TNB youth and (3) examining protective factors against substance use and misuse among TNB youth.

Methods and analysis

Systematic searches will be conducted across four databases: PubMed, LGBTQ+ Source, CINAHL and PsycInfo to identify quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods peer-reviewed research publications. An exhaustive list of keywords and corresponding MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms representing the concepts of ‘TNB’ (the population of interest) and ‘substance use and misuse’ (outcome) will be employed. Identified records will be initially screened via a review of titles and abstracts. Full text of the remaining records will be reviewed corresponding to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Extracted data will be synthesised in table and narrative format. A meta-analysis will be considered contingent on the existence of sufficient data. Methodological quality and risk of bias of studies will be assessed.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not require approval from the Institutional Review Board as it involves no interactions with human subjects. We will disseminate our findings via peer-reviewed manuscripts and academic conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023394985.
Association of fruit and vegetable intake with predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk among hypertensive patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mekonene Mulugeta , Gebremedhin Samson , Bikila Demiraw , Ashebir Genet , Baye Kaleab
Published: August 2023

Objective

In low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, few studies have evaluated the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among hypertensive patients. We assessed the 10-year CVD risk of hypertensive patients.

Design

This cross-sectional study was part of a larger survey conducted in Addis Ababa. The 10-year CVD risk was calculated using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) algorithm based on seven sex-specific risk factors as well as a country-specific Globorisk score. Fruits and vegetables (FV) consumption, salt intake and stress levels were measured with 24-hour dietary recall, INTERSALT equation and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale, respectively. A multiple linear regression model was fitted to explore the association.

Setting

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021.

Participants

A sample of 191 patients diagnosed with hypertension.

Outcome measures

Predicted 10-year cardiovascular risk of hypertensive patients.

Results

A total of 42.4%, 27.7% and 29.8% of hypertensive patients were at low, moderate and high CVD risks, respectively. The majority (80.1%) of patients consumed inadequate FV, 95.7% consumed salt >5 g/day and 58.1% had moderate to high-stress levels. There was a substantial agreement between the FRS and Globorisk prediction models (weighted kappa 0.77). In the unadjusted model, FV consumption (>450 g/day) and total fruit intake in the highest tertile were associated with 14.2% and 6.7% lower CVD risk, respectively. After adjusting for lifestyle factors, increasing FV intake from 120 to 450 g/day was significantly related to 11.1%–15.2% lower CVD risk in a dose–response manner. Additionally, total fruit, but not total vegetable intake in the highest tertile, was significantly associated with decreased CVD risk.

Conclusion

We found a high prevalence of CVD risk among hypertensive patients. High FV consumption was inversely associated with CVD risk. This suggests that patients should be advised to increase FV intake to minimise CVD risk.
Disease-specific therapy for the treatment of the cardiovascular manifestations of Fabry disease: a systematic review
Authors: Orsborne Christopher , Black Nicholas , Naish Josephine H , Woolfson Peter , Reid Anna B , Schmitt Matthias , Jovanovic Ana , Miller Christopher A
Published: August 2023

Objective

The cardiovascular manifestations of Fabry disease are common and represent the leading cause of death. Disease-specific therapy, including enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and chaperone therapy (migalastat), is recommended for patients exhibiting cardiovascular involvement, but its efficacy for modulating cardiovascular disease expression and optimal timing of initiation remains to be fully established. We therefore aimed to systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of disease-specific therapy compared with placebo, and to no intervention, for the cardiovascular manifestations of Fabry disease.

Methods

Eight databases were searched from inception using a combination of relevant medical subject headings and keywords. Randomised, non-randomised studies with a comparator group and non-randomised studies without a comparator group were included. Studies were screened for eligibility and assessed for bias by two independent authors. The primary outcome comprised clinical cardiovascular events. Secondary outcomes included myocardial histology and measurements of cardiovascular structure, function and tissue characteristics.

Results

72 studies were included, comprising 7 randomised studies of intervention, 16 non-randomised studies of intervention with a comparator group and 49 non-randomised studies of intervention without a comparator group. Randomised studies were not at serious risk of bias, but the others were at serious risk. Studies were highly heterogeneous in their design, outcome measurements and findings, which made assessment of disease-specific therapy effectiveness difficult.

Conclusion

It remains unclear whether disease-specific therapy sufficiently impacts the cardiovascular manifestations of Fabry disease. Further work, ideally in larger cohorts, with more standardised clinical and phenotypic outcomes, the latter measured using contemporary techniques, are required to fully elucidate the cardiovascular impact of disease-specific therapy.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022295989.
Automated external defibrillator location and socioeconomic deprivation in Great Britain
Authors: Burgoine Thomas , Austin David , Wu Jianhua , Quinn Tom , Shurmer Pam , Gale Chris P , Wilkinson Chris
Published: August 2023

Objective

The early use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) improves outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We investigated AED access across Great Britain (GB) according to socioeconomic deprivation.

Methods

Cross-sectional observational study using AED location data from The Circuit: the national defibrillator network led by the British Heart Foundation in partnership with the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, Resuscitation Council UK and St John Ambulance. We calculated street network distances between all 1 677 466 postcodes in GB and the nearest AED and used a multilevel linear mixed regression model to investigate associations between the distances from each postcode to the nearest AED and Index of Multiple Deprivation, stratified by country and according to 24 hours 7 days a week (24/7) access.

Results

78 425 AED locations were included. Across GB, the median distance from the centre of a postcode to an AED was 726 m (England: 739 m, Scotland: 743 m, Wales: 512 m). For 24/7 access AEDs, the median distances were further (991 m, 994 m, 570 m). In Wales, the average distance to the nearest AED and 24/7 AED was shorter for the most deprived communities. In England, the average distance to the nearest AED was also shorter in the most deprived areas. There was no association between deprivation and average distance to the nearest AED in Scotland. However, the distance to the nearest 24/7 AED was greater with increased deprivation in England and Scotland. On average, a 24/7 AED was in England and Scotland, respectively, 99.2 m and 317.1 m further away in the most deprived than least deprived communities.

Conclusion

In England and Scotland, there are differences in distances to the nearest 24/7 accessible AED between the most and least deprived communities. Equitable access to ‘out-of-hours’ accessible AEDs may improve outcomes for people with OHCA.