bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O “#FICAEMCASA” COMO UM IMPERATIVO QUASE CATEGÓRICO? Observações a partir de Kant e Habermas
Authors: Bonin Joel Cezar , Xavier Leonardo Augusto Oliveira , Grützmann Lidiane Fatima
Published: January 2023

Uma certeza que é partilhada como sentimento corrente na atualidade é a de que o mundo mudou, de que vivemos em um horizonte totalmente diferente daquele que deixamos em dezembro de 2019 com o aparecimento e espraiamento do novo coronavírus, responsável pela doença denominada COVID-19. Neste turbilhão da pandemia que atravessamos, muitos são os problemas acirrados por este novo vírus de tipo corona, problemas que vão desde perspectivas sociais, políticas, econômicas até o meio ambiente e a Bioética, em meio a esta gama de problemas, um em específico nos chama a atenção e nos direciona na senda da reflexão que se segue neste artigo: a condição evocada pelas hashtags #ficaemcasa e #fiqueemcasa. Seriam estas, em decorrência das ações que evocam passíveis de serem consideradas como formas contemporâneas de imperativos categóricos? Ou, quase categóricos? E poderiam oferecer algo diante do avanço sistêmico sobre o mundo da vida, como a solidariedade que evoca o isolamento social? A partir do pensamento de Immanuel Kant e Jürgen Habermas pretende-se abordar o isolamento social e as perspectivas possíveis existentes no contexto de uma mudança de consciência e reforço da solidariedade.
Palavras-chave: COVID-19. Isolamento Social. Solidariedade. Kant. Habermas.
ABSTRACT
One certainty that is shared as a current feeling today is that the world has changed, that we live in a totally different horizon than we left in December 2019 with the appearance and spread of the new coronavirus, responsible for the disease called COVID-19. In this turmoil of the pandemic that we are going through, there are many problems caused by this new corona virus, problems ranging from social, political, economic perspectives to the environment and Bioethics, in the midst of this range of problems, one in particular in draws attention and directs us on the path of reflection that follows in this article: the condition evoked by the hashtag #stayhome (specifically, in his Brazilian forms of  #ficaemcasa and #fiqueemcasa). Are these, as a result of the actions they evoke, liable to be considered as contemporary forms of categorical imperatives? Or, quasi-categorical? And could they offer something in the face of systemic advancement over the world of life, such as the solidarity that evokes social isolation? Based on the thinking of Immanuel Kant and Jürgen Habermas, it is intended to address social isolation and the possible perspectives existing in the context of a change in consciousness and reinforcement of solidarity.
Keywords: COVID-19. Social isolation. Solidarity. Kant. Habermas.
JOB PERFORMANCE LEVEL OF THE REGULAR FACULTY EMPLOYEES FROM THE SELECTED COLLEGES OF MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY -MARAWI CITY
Authors: Viray Marecon , Ryan Rey B. Lumacad  , Jalil G. Darimbang  , Kim Syrus P. Patic  , Roland R. Pritos
Published: January 2023

The study focused on determining the job performance level of the permanent employees in Mindanao State University -Marawi City. The data also showed that the respondents were knowledgeable enough on matters concerning to job performance. Statement indicators assessed whether a person performs his/her a job well -this is an important criterion for the organizational outcome and success because it is a measurement of an employee’s behavior despite the influences of stress, workload, work environment and strategy concerns. For their perception on job performance level in terms of salary, the findings imply that the respondents were satisfied of the university’s salary and the benefit packages. Although some uncertainty occurred when it comes to the “rewards” granted to them for the quality of their efforts. Overall, it implies that the permanent faculty members of the selected five (5) colleges of Mindanao State University -Marawi City, namely -College of Agriculture; College of Business Administration and Accountancy; College of Education; College of Natural Science and Mathematics; and College of Social Science and Humanities are satisfied and are happy with working in their respective colleges while it is evident from the responses that the proponents of this study received through the given indicators like salary, working environment, workload and etc. The researchers therefore conclude that the respondents have high level of job performance.

Keywords: Job performance, permanent employees, salary, working environment, workload
CHINA'S WOLF WARRIOR DIPLOMACY AND THE RELATIONS WITH REPUBLIC OF KOREA (2015 - 2020)
Authors: Ismail Rizqina Ikramul Jannah , Aryodiguno Harryanto
Published: January 2023

Abstract

 

In recent days, the nature of the People’s Republic of China’s diplomacy has changed and it is gaining complicated responses from other countries. That famous diplomacy is called “Wolf Warrior Diplomacy”, diplomacy that is seen as ‘assertive’ and ‘threatening’ other countries when defending the country’s national interest. “Wolf Warrior Diplomacy” is a new term under the administration of President Xi Jinping however the root of it has been there since back then. This paper would discuss how this diplomacy affects the relations between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) after ROK decides to cooperate with the United States and deploy Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), which China believes threatened China’s national interest. The method that is used for this research is the qualitative method, by collecting data and information needed from the studies that have been made before. Based on the research that has been done, the ‘assertive’ diplomacy done by China affects how ROK faces the country and the relations between them, remembering that ROK is a country between two great power countries, China and the US. In addition, ROK has been in efforts to balance between two countries. ROK also in its ways to expand and improve its relations in other regions.

 

Keywords: Wolf Warrior Diplomacy; coercive diplomacy; hedging strategy

 

 

Abstrak

 

Dalam beberapa hari terakhir, sifat diplomasi Republik Rakyat Tiongkok telah banyak berubah dan hal tersebut mendapatkan tanggapan yang rumit dari negara lain. Diplomasi yang terkenal itu disebut “Wolf Warrior Diplomacy (Diplomasi Prajurit Serigala)”; diplomasi tesebut dipandang ‘tegas’ dan ‘mengancam’ oleh negara lain ketika Tiongkok membela kepentingan nasional negaranya. “Wolf Warrior Diplomacy” adalah istilah baru di bawah pemerintahan Presiden Xi Jinping namun akarnya sudah ada sejak pembentukan negara Tiongkok. Artikel ini akan membahas bagaimana diplomasi ini mempengaruhi hubungan antara Tiongkok dan Republik Korea (Korea Selatan) setelah Korea Selatan memutuskan untuk bekerja sama dengan Amerika Serikat dalam menggelar Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), yang diyakini oleh Tiongkok akan mengancam kepentingan nasional negaranya. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif, yaitu dengan cara mengumpulkan data dan informasi yang dibutuhkan dari hasil penelitian-penelitian lain yang telah dilakukan sebelumnya. Berdasarkan penelitian yang telah dilakukan, diplomasi ‘asertif’ yang dilakukan oleh Tiongkok mempengaruhi bagaimana Korea Selatan menghadapi negara tersebut dan hubungan di antara mereka, mengingat Korea Selatan berada di antara dua negara dengan kekuatan yang besar, yaitu Tiongkok dan AS. Selama ini, Korea Selatan telah melakukan upaya untuk menyeimbangkan pengaruh oleh dua negara. Korea Selatan juga sedang berusaha untuk memperluas dan meningkatkan hubungannya di wilayah lain.

Kata kunci: Wolf Warrior Diplomacy; diplomasi asertif; strategi hedging
Current Concepts in Aesthetic Laser Medicine: The 694-Nm Q-Switched Ruby-Laser
Authors: Gerber Peter Arne , Hilton Said
Published: January 2023

Quality-switched (q-switched) laser systems are the gold standard for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions and tattoo removal. A frequently used system is the q-switched ruby laser that emits monochromatic light at the wavelength of 694 nm. This system is used for the removal of age spots (senile lentigines), seborrhoeic keratosis, tattoos, and other dyschromatoses. The increasing need for the removal of, for example, age spots and unwanted tattoos, reflects both the wish of our ageing society to preserve a youthful appearance and the steadily growing prevalence of tattoos. This review highlights the potential, limitations, and novel treatment concepts of using q-switched ruby laser systems.
Pathophysiology and Imaging Techniques of Diabetic Heart Disease
Authors: Harrop Danielle L. , Wang William Y.S. , Ng Arnold C.T.
Published: January 2023

Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of developing heart failure. The aetiology of diabetic heart disease is likely to be multifactorial, ranging from altered myocardial metabolism, increased interstitial fibrosis, endothelial dysfunction, microvascular disease, and coronary atherosclerosis. These factors act synergistically with resultant myocardial systolic and diastolic dysfunction. The aim of the present review is to illustrate the role of multimodality cardiac imaging such as echocardiography, nuclear imaging, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in providing insights into these pathological processes, and to quantify the extent of myocardial diastolic and systolic dysfunction.
Percutaneous Recanalisation of Coronary Artery Chronic Total Occlusions: A 2014 Update
Authors: Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Stone Gregg W.
Published: January 2023

Coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are frequently encountered in clinical practice, and their presence influences management decisions; patients with CTOs are more frequently allocated to bypass graft surgery or medical therapy than patients without CTOs. Recent advances in interventional guidewires, catheters, and novel techniques have led to significant improvements in success rates with percutaneous coronary intervention. In this article we review the most recent developments in the percutaneous management of CTOs, the emergence of CTO intervention as a subspecialty in its own right, and discuss future directions for further research and improvement.
Update on Drug-Eluting Balloons for Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Vaquerizo Beatriz , Arzamendi Aizpurua Dabit , Cinca Cuscullida Juan , Serra Peñaranda Antonio
Published: January 2023

Restenosis prevention continues to be a challenge to the interventional cardiologist. The introduction of stents has virtually eliminated the problems of elastic recoil, late negative remodelling and scaffolds unpredictable dissections, leaving neointimal hyperplasia as the primary cause of restenosis. Drug-eluting stents (DES), using antiproliferative drugs added to stents, serve to prevent the development of neointima hyperplasia. However, they can be associated with an irregular endothelialisation, requiring prolonged double antiplatelet therapy to reduce the risk of late and very late stent thrombosis. Moreover, incomplete suppression of neointimal hyperplasia at the stent margins or between the struts may limit the efficacy of DES, especially when they are used “off-label” in complex clinical and anatomic settings.

Drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) may represent a therapeutic alternative for the interventional treatment of coronary disease. With the use of this technology, the short-term transfer of antiproliferative drugs to the arterial wall appears feasible, thus potentially reducing the untoward effects of the prolonged drug release associated with polymer-based stent technologies, and avoiding the risk associated with having a permanent metallic cage. In the last few years, research in this field has been increasing, and several trials have already been published or are planned to determine the place in therapy of these devices. The present article will review the available in vitro, animal and human evidence regarding these devices at present, and discuss the emerging role and their future perspectives.
SGLT2 Inhibitors for Nephrologists
Authors: Baleegh-ur-Raheem Mahmood Mufti , Farishta Sidra
Published: January 2023

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers are the mainstay of therapy for the prevention of progressive renal damage in diabetic and non-diabetic kidney diseases, especially glomerulonephritides. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors are a relatively new class of oral antidiabetic drugs. Early evidence suggests that there are renal and cardiovascular benefits of this class of drugs that extend beyond glycaemic control for patients both with and without diabetes. With each and every trial, the limit for the glomerular filtration rate has been set lower, making the drugs more suitable from the perspective of nephrologists. This drug class has the potential to become the mainstay of reno-protective strategies used by nephrologists, in addition to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers. This article reviews the evidence and reports that are already published regarding the use of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors to treat non-diabetic glomerular disease.
Habitats and parasitoid abundance influence spatial density dependence patterns, rendering an asilid fly as a potential biological controller of white grubs
Authors: Castelo Marcela K. , Crespo José E.
Published: January 2023

The behavioral response of a parasitoid shows the effect on host parasitism patterns at a given host distribution. As a result, an increase or decrease in parasitism intensity according to local host densities is found. This relationship could be proportional, positive, or negative, as a consequence of host foraging.Mallophora ruficaudais a parasitoid fly that parasitizesCyclocephala signaticollisscarab beetle larvae. Females search and place egg clusters overground in open grasslands. Larvae actively search hosts underground following chemical cues arising from the host itself. The parasitism patterns are a result of this complex host-searching strategy that is shared between both stages of the fly. In this work, we carried out a study at four spatial scales in apiaries located in the Pampas region of Argentina. We aimed to assess the potential ofM. ruficaudaas a control agent of white grubs. We found that parasitism has an inverse density-dependent in relation to low female activity and a direct density-dependent in relation to high female activity at the larger spatial scale. We found an inverse density-dependent pattern at the intermediate spatial scale. Parasitism is inversely density-dependent at both smaller spatial scales, associated with oviposition substrate availability and distance. Additionally,M. ruficaudadoes not select the oviposition substrates according to the abundance ofC. signaticollisinhabiting underground. We determined thatM. ruficaudacould act as a natural biological controller ofC. signaticollis. This work shows the importance of a proper scale for the analysis of factors that influence population dynamics of entomophagous insects and for evaluating their potential as biological control agents, and how environmental characteristics mold the parasitism patterns of this dipteran parasitoid.
Effects of β-blockers on all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Shiqi , Tian Panhui , Estau Dannya , Li Zijian
Published: January 2023

Beta-blockers have been considered as an effective treatment in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, there is still disputed whether β-blockers can increase all-cause mortality in patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus (DM). Here, our systematic review and meta-analysis is aiming to assess the effects of β-blockers on all-cause mortality in patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus. Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) and other sources were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies related to the treatment of β-blockers for coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus patients. We further evaluated quality of evidence using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach. Finally, a total of 16,188 records were identified, and four randomized controlled trials and six cohort studies (206,490 patients) were included. Random effects analysis revealed that β-blockers combined with routine treatment (RT) significantly decreased all-cause mortality in patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus compared with RT in control group (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.75; p < 0.000 01; I2 = 72%). Subgroup analysis of all-cause mortality by the subtype of diabetes mellitus and definite MI patients (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.65, p < 0.000 01, I2 = 29%) and the subtype of randomized controlled trials (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.76, p = 0.001, I2 = 0%) indicated a relatively small heterogeneity and stable results. β-blockers application significantly reduced cardiovascular death as well (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.74; p < 0.000 1; I2 = 0%). Our meta-analysis provided critical evidence of β-blockers treatment for patients with coronary heart disease (especially MI type) and diabetes mellitus, and discussed the advantages and potential metabolic risks for the clinical use of β-blockers. This study suggested that β-blockers application may improve all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death in coronary heart disease (especially MI type) and diabetes mellitus patients. However, given a small number of included studies, the aforementioned conclusion should be confirmed in a multi-center, large-scale, and strictly designed trial.
Increased adipose tissue lymphatic vessel density inhibits thermogenesis through elevated neurotensin levels
Authors: Phan Thien T. , Chakraborty Adri , Tatum Madison A. , Lima-Orellana Ana , Reyna Andrea J. , Rutkowski Joseph M.
Published: January 2023

During cold exposure, white adipose tissue can remodel to dissipate energy as heat under cold similar to thermogenic brown adipose tissue. This “browning” and the regulation of body temperature is under the control of neural and hormonal signaling. It was recently discovered that neurotensin, a small neuropeptide, not only acts to inhibit thermogenesis, but also that lymphatic vessels may be a surprisingly potent source of neurotensin production. We hypothesized that the induction of adipose tissue lymphangiogenesis would therefore increase tissue neurotensin levels and impair thermogenesis.

Methods: We utilized AdipoVD mice that have inducible expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-D, a potent lymphangiogenic stimulator, specifically in adipose tissue. Overexpression of VEGF-D induced significant lymphangiogenesis in both white and brown adipose tissues of AdipoVD mice.

Results: Obese Adipo-VD mice demonstrated no differences in adipose morphology or browning under room temperature conditions compared to controls but did express significantly higher levels of neurotensin in their adipose tissues. Upon acute cold exposure, AdipoVD mice were markedly cold intolerant; inhibition of neurotensin signaling ameliorated this cold intolerance as AdipoVD mice were then able to maintain body temperature on cold challenge equivalent to their littermates.

Conclusion: In total, these data demonstrate that adipose tissue lymphatic vessels are a potent paracrine source of neurotensin and that lymphangiogenesis therefore impairs the tissues’ thermogenic ability.
Association of leisure-time physical activity and resistance training with risk of incident hypertension: The Ansan and Ansung study of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)
Authors: Park Jae Ho , Lim Nam-Kyoo , Park Hyun-Young
Published: January 2023

Hypertension is the most common preventable risk factor for the onset of cardiovascular disease and mortality. We aimed to investigate the association between incident hypertension and 4-year leisure-time physical activity (PA) levels and resistance training (RT). In this community-based Korean cohort, 5,075 participants without hypertension were included. To evaluate cumulative PA, the average PA time (the total time of moderate-intensity leisure-time PA) at baseline, 2-year follow-up, and 4-year follow-up were calculated. Based on participation in RT and compliance to PA guidelines (≥150 min/week of PA time), the participants were divided into the following four groups: Low-PA, Low-PA+RT, High-PA, and High-PA+RT. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the 12-year incidence of hypertension in relation to leisure-time PA levels and RT regularity. During a mean 7.86 ± 4.20-year follow-up, 2,544 participants (1,366 women) were diagnosed with hypertension. Compared with Low-PA, High-PA, and High-PA+RT decreased the risk for hypertension by 30 and 39%, respectively. Participation in RT without compliance to PA guidelines did not affect the incidence of hypertension. The additive effect of RT on hypertension in the High-PA group was further examined. Although sex-based comparisons indicated that men had a significantly longer training period for RT than women, an additional reduction in the risk for hypertension in relation to the addition of RT was observed only in women (35%). PA may confer protective effects against hypertension, whereas the addition of RT to high levels of PA can further reduce the risk for hypertension in women.
Studies on modified limited-memory BFGS method in full waveform inversion
Authors: Dai Meng-Xue , He Bing-Shou , Huang Wei-Sen
Published: January 2023

Full waveform inversion (FWI) is a non-linear optimization problem based on full-wavefield modeling to obtain quantitative information of subsurface structure by minimizing the difference between the observed seismic data and the predicted wavefield. The limited-memory Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (L-BFGS) method is an effective quasi-Newton method in FWI due to its high inversion efficiency with low calculation and storage requirements. Like other conventional quasi-Newton methods, the approximation of the Hessian matrix in the L-BFGS method satisfies the quasi-Newton equation, which only exploits the gradient and model information while the available objective function value is neglected. The modified quasi-Newton equation considers the gradient, model, and objective function information together. Theoretical analysis reveals that the modified quasi-Newton equation is superior to the conventional quasi-Newton equation as it achieves higher-order accuracy in approximating the Hessian matrix. The modified L-BFGS method can be obtained by using the modified quasi-Newton equation to modify the L-BFGS method. This modification improves the accuracy of the Hessian matrix approximation with little increase of calculation for each iteration. We incorporate the modified L-BFGS method into FWI, numerical results show that the modified L-BFGS method has a higher convergence rate, achieves better inversion results, and has stronger anti-noise ability than the conventional L-BFGS method.
S-wave velocity characteristics and mineralization of the southern tibet detachment system-yalaxiangbo dome
Authors: Wang Guangwen , Lu Zhanwu , Li Wenhui , Wang Haiyan , Xue Shuai , Cheng Yongzhi , Chen Si , Wang Hao , Wu Guowei , Cai Wei
Published: January 2023

A series of extensional structures, including the southern Tibet detachment system (STDS), the north-south trending rifts (NSTR), and the northern Himalayan gneiss dome (NHGD), developed from the collision and compression between the Indian and Eurasian plates. These tectonic movements were accompanied by magmatism and polymetallic mineralization. Cuona Rift (CR) is located on the STDS next to the Yalaxiangbo Dome (YD) and passes through the Zhegucuo-longzi fault (ZLF), the Lhozhag fault (LZF), the Rongbu-Gudui fault (RGF), the Cuonadong dome (CD), and the YD. The study area contains numerous metal deposits, such as rare metal ore, lead zinc ore, gold deposits, and two geothermal fields, i.e., the Cuona geothermal field (CGF) and the Gudui geothermal field (GGF). Current research on the geological structures from the STDS to the YD is mainly based on magnetotelluric and natural seismic imaging. These surveys have a low resolution, making it impossible to image the shallow crust in detail. This study obtained about a 112 km S-wave velocity profile from the STDS to the YD using the multichannel surface wave imaging method. The profile results indicated that the average thickness of the sedimentary layer from the STDS to the YD is 400–500 m, while it is more than 800 m at certain fault zones. The CD is connected to the high-velocity body below the Zhaxikang ore concentration area (ZOCA) and may have the same provenance. The thermal conductivity reveals that the CGF, the GGF, and the ZOCA have high values and a more intense thermal radiation capacity. This drives the migration and circulation of the thermal fluids in the CGF and the GGF, causing them to continuously transmit heat to the shallow surface along the fault system. The migration of the thermal fluids extracts useful elements from the geological bodies through which it flows. When these elements mix with the atmospheric infiltration water, it precipitates to form the Zhaxikang hydrothermal superimposed transformation type lead-zinc polymetallic deposit.
Hand-drawn sketch and vector map matching based on topological features
Authors: Lu Yuefeng , Sun Ying , Liu Shuo , Li Jing , Liu Yanru , Yao Kaizhong , Wang Yanjun , Fu Zhongliang , Lu Shaofeng , Shao Shiwei
Published: January 2023

In the process of addressing, when people use words to express indistinctly, they often draw simple sketches to assist expression, which helps people to form a simple spatial scene in the brain and correspond to the actual scene one by one, and finally locate and find the target address. How to establish an one-to-one mapping relationship between the spatial objects in the hand-drawn sketch and in the vector map is the key to the realization of map addressing and location, and this process is also the process of map matching. This paper aims to address difficult problems associated with the features of hand-drawn sketches and vector map matching in order to improve the use of all potential matching points designed for application in hand-drawn sketches and spatial relation matrix structures of vector maps. To accomplish this, we use the N-queen problem solving process and improve the tabu search algorithm. In the matching process under the constraint of a single spatial relationship, and the hierarchical matching process under the constraint of multiple spatial relations, this study verifies the quality of the spatial relationship and the feasibility and effectiveness of the matching method of hand-drawn sketches and vector maps using the improved tabu search algorithm.
Candidate loci shared among periodontal disease, diabetes and bone density
Authors: Yu Yau-Hua , Steffensen Bjorn , Ridker Paul M. , Buring Julie E. , Chasman Daniel I.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

While periodontal disease (PD) has been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and osteoporosis, the underlying genetic mechanisms for these associations remain largely unknown. The aim of this study is to apply cross-trait genetic analyses to investigate the potentially shared biology among PD, T2D, and bone mineral density (BMD) by assessing pairwise genetic correlations and searching for shared polymorphisms.

Methods

We applied cross-trait genetic analyses leveraging genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for: Periodontitis/loose teeth from the UKBB/GLIDE consortium (PerioLT, N=506594), T2D from the DIAGRAM consortium (Neff=228825), and BMD from the GEFOS consortium (N=426824). Among all three, pair-wise genetic correlations were estimated with linkage disequilibrium (LD) score regression. Multi-trait meta-analysis of GWAS (MTAG) and colocalization analyses were performed to discover shared genome-wide significant variants (pMTAG <5x10-8). For replication, we conducted independent genetic analyses in the Women’s Genome Health Study (WGHS), a prospective cohort study of middle-aged women of whom 14711 provided self-reported periodontal disease diagnosis, oral health measures, and periodontal risk factor data including incident T2D.

Results

Significant genetic correlations were identified between PerioLT/T2D (Rg=0.23; SE=0.04; p=7.4e-09) and T2D/BMD (Rg=0.09; SE=0.02; p=9.8e-06). Twenty-one independent pleiotropic variants were identified via MTAG (pMTAG<5x10-8 across all traits). Of these variants, genetic signals for PerioLT and T2D colocalized at one candidate variant (rs17522122; ProbH4 = 0.58), a 3’UTR variant of AKAP6. Colocalization between T2D/BMD and the original PerioLT GWAS p-values suggested 14 additional loci. In the independent WGHS sample, which includes responses to a validated oral health questionnaire for PD surveillance, the primary shared candidate (rs17522122) was associated with less frequent dental flossing [OR(95%CI)= 0.92 (0.87-0.98), p=0.007], a response that is correlated with worse PD status. Moreover, 4 additional candidate variants were indirectly supported by associations with less frequent dental flossing [rs75933965, 1.17(1.04-1.31), p=0.008], less frequent dental visits [rs77464186, 0.82(0.75-0.91), p=0.0002], less frequent dental prophylaxis [rs67111375, 0.91(0.83-0.99), p=0.03; rs77464186, 0.80(0.72-0.89), p=3.8e-05], or having bone loss around teeth [rs8047395, 1.09(1.03-1.15), p=0.005].

Discussion

This integrative approach identified one colocalized locus and 14 additional candidate loci that are shared between T2D and PD/oral health by comparing effects across PD, T2D and BMD. Future research is needed to independently validate our findings.
The TNAPP web-based algorithm improves thyroid nodule management in clinical practice: A retrospective validation study
Authors: Triggiani Vincenzo , Lisco Giuseppe , Renzulli Giuseppina , Frasoldati Andrea , Guglielmi Rinaldo , Garber Jeffrey , Papini Enrico
Published: January 2023

Background

The detection of thyroid nodules has been increasing over time, resulting in an extensive use of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and cytology. Tailored methods are required to improve the management of thyroid nodules, including algorithms and web-based tools.

Study aims

To assess the performance of the Thyroid Nodule App (TNAPP), a web-based, readily modifiable, interactive algorithmic tool, in improving the management of thyroid nodules.

Methods

One hundred twelve consecutive patients with 188 thyroid nodules who underwent FNA from January to December 2016 and thyroid surgery were retrospectively evaluated. Neck ultrasound images were collected from a thyroid nodule registry and re-examined to extract data to run TNAPP. Each nodule was evaluated for ultrasonographic risk and suitability for FNA. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall accuracy of TNAPP were calculated and compared to the diagnostic performance of the other two algorithms by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology/American College of Endocrinology/Associazione Medici Endocrinologi (AACE/ACE/AME), which it was derived from the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS).

Results

TNAPP performed better in terms of sensitivity (>80%) and negative predictive value (68%) with an overall accuracy of 50.5%, which was similar to that found with the AACE/ACE/AME algorithm. TNAPP displayed a slightly better performance than AACE/ACE/AME and ACR TI-RADS algorithms in selectively discriminating unnecessary FNA for nodules with benign cytology (TIR 2 - Bethesda class II: TNAPP 32% vs. AACE/ACE/AME 31% vs. ACR TI-RADS 29%). The TNAPP reduced the number of missed diagnoses of thyroid nodules with suspicious and highly suspicious cytology (TIR 4 + TIR 5 - Bethesda classes V + VI: TNAPP 18% vs. AACE/ACE/AME 26% vs. ACR TI-RADS 20.5%). A total of 14 nodules that would not have been aspirated were malignant, 13 of which were microcarcinomas (92.8%).

Discussion

The TNAPP algorithm is a reliable, easy-to-learn tool that can be readily employed to improve the selection of thyroid nodules requiring cytological characterization. The rate of malignant nodules missed because of inaccurate characterization at baseline by TNAPP was lower compared to the other two algorithms and, in almost all the cases, the tumors were microcarcinomas. TNAPP’s use of size >20 mm as an independent determinant for considering or recommending FNA reduced its specificity.

Conclusion

TNAPP performs well compared to AACE/ACE/AME and ACR-TIRADS algorithms. Additional retrospective and, ultimately, prospective studies are needed to confirm and guide the development of future iterations that incorporate different risk stratification systems and targets for diagnosing malignancy while reducing unnecessary FNA procedures.
Association between body fat and sarcopenia in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Lina , Fu Junling , Mu Zhijing , Duan Xiaoye , Chan Piu , Xiu Shuangling
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To investigate the association between body fat (BF%) and sarcopenia in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and potential link with increased levels of inflammatory indicators and insulin resistance.

Methods

A total of 543 older adults with T2DM were included in this cross-sectional study. Appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM), handgrip strength and gait speed were measured to diagnose sarcopenia according to the updated Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria. Body composition data were tested using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Levels of serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6, fasting blood insulin (FINS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH) D3] were also determined.

Results

The prevalence of sarcopenia in all participants was 8.84%, of which 11.90% were male and 5.84% females. The Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that BF% was negatively correlated with gait speed in men and women (R =-0.195, P=0.001; R = -0.136, P =0.025, respectively). After adjusting for all potential confounders, sarcopenia was positive associated with BF% (male, OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.15–1.65, P< 0.001; female, OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07–1.56, P=0.007), and negatively associated with body mass index (BMI) (male, OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.44–0.73, P<0.001; female, OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.33–0.70, P<0.001). No significant differences were found in hs-CRP, interleukin-6, and insulin resistance between older T2DM adults with and without sarcopenia.

Conclusion

Higher BF% was linked to an increased risk of sarcopenia in older adults with T2DM, suggesting the importance of assessing BF% rather than BMI alone to manage sarcopenia.
Construction of a serum diagnostic signature based on m5C-related miRNAs for cancer detection
Authors: Tang Fuzhou , Liu Yang , Sun Yichi , Xiong Yu , Gu Yan , Zhou Jing , Ouyang Yan , Zhang Shichao
Published: January 2023

Currently, no clinically relevant non-invasive biomarkers are available for screening of multiple cancer types. In this study, we developed a serum diagnostic signature based on 5-methylcytosine (m5C)-related miRNAs (m5C-miRNAs) for multiple-cancer detection. Serum miRNA expression data and the corresponding clinical information of patients were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Serum samples were then randomly assigned to the training or validation cohort at a 1:1 ratio. Using the identified m5C-miRNAs, an m5C-miRNA signature for cancer detection was established using a support vector machine algorithm. The constructed m5C-miRNA signature displayed excellent accuracy, and its areas under the curve were 0.977, 0.934, and 0.965 in the training cohort, validation cohort, and combined training and validation cohort, respectively. Moreover, the diagnostic capability of the m5C-miRNA signature was unaffected by patient age or sex or the presence of noncancerous disease. The m5C-miRNA signature also displayed satisfactory performance for distinguishing tumor types. Importantly, in the detection of early-stage cancers, the diagnostic performance of the m5C-miRNA signature was obviously superior to that of conventional tumor biomarkers. In summary, this work revealed the value of serum m5C-miRNAs in cancer detection and provided a new strategy for developing non-invasive and cost effective tools for large-scale cancer screening.
PI(4,5)P2-dependent and -independent roles of PI4P in the control of hormone secretion by pituitary cells
Authors: Stojilkovic Stanko S. , Balla Tamas
Published: January 2023

Plasma membrane and organelle membranes are home to seven phosphoinositides, an important class of low-abundance anionic signaling lipids that contribute to cellular functions by recruiting cytoplasmic proteins or interacting with the cytoplasmic domains of membrane proteins. Here, we briefly review the functions of three phosphoinositides, PI4P, PI(4,5)P2, and PI(3,4,5)P3, in cellular signaling and exocytosis, focusing on hormone-producing pituitary cells. PI(4,5)P2, acting as a substrate for phospholipase C, plays a key role in the control of pituitary cell functions, including hormone synthesis and secretion. PI(4,5)P2 also acts as a substrate for class I PI3-kinases, leading to the generation of two intracellular messengers, PI(3,4,5)P3 and PI(3,4)P2, which act through their intracellular effectors, including Akt. PI(4,5)P2 can also influence the release of pituitary hormones acting as an intact lipid to regulate ion channel gating and concomitant calcium signaling, as well as the exocytic pathway. Recent findings also show that PI4P is not only a precursor of PI(4,5)P2, but also a key signaling molecule in many cell types, including pituitary cells, where it controls hormone secretion in a PI(4,5)P2-independent manner.
Microbiota: A potential orchestrator of antidiabetic therapy
Authors: Liu Bingyao , Zhang Linlin , Yang Hang , Zheng Hongting , Liao Xiaoyu
Published: January 2023

The gut microbiota, as a ‘new organ’ of humans, has been identified to affect many biological processes, including immunity, inflammatory response, gut-brain neural circuits, and energy metabolism. Profound dysbiosis of the gut microbiome could change the metabolic pattern, aggravate systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, and exacerbate metabolic disturbance and the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of this review is to focus on the potential roles and functional mechanisms of gut microbiota in the antidiabetic therapy. In general, antidiabetic drugs (α-glucosidase inhibitor, biguanides, incretin-based agents, and traditional Chinese medicine) induce the alteration of microbial diversity and composition, and the levels of bacterial component and derived metabolites, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids and indoles. The altered microbial metabolites are involved in the regulation of gut barrier, inflammation response, insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis. Furthermore, we summarize the new strategies for antidiabetic treatment based on microbial regulation, such as pro/prebiotics administration and fecal microbiota transplantation, and discuss the need for more basic and clinical researches to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the new therapies for diabetes.
A comparative study on the ecological footprint of living consumption in northwest ethnic regions: 1980–2018
Authors: Wu Shifeng , Wang Jiangyun , Jia Yinuo , Wang Xuyan
Published: January 2023

This paper focuses on the northwest region, which is related to China’s overall ecological security and ethnic stability. This paper selects the neighboring regions of Dingxi City, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture as the starting point, deeply and systematically analyzes the impact of different lifestyles on the environment. Using environmental economics, ecological economics, environmental sociology and other related theories, ecological footprint were used to investigate different lifestyles’ impact to environment. Neural network were also used to carry out multi-perspective environmental impact research from the spatial scale and time scale. The research finds that Dingxi, Gannan and Linxia’s different mode of production has led to different lifestyle, and results in different impact on environment. The governments of the three places should take actions to promote ecological civilization and encourage the establishment of an ecologically-friendly and environmentally-friendly way of life so as to reduce the impact on the ecological environment and realize regional sustainable development.
Advances in phytoplankton population ecology in the Pearl river estuary
Authors: Chen Wenlong , Guo Fang , Huang Weijie , Wang Jianguo , Zhang Min , Wu Qian
Published: January 2023

Phytoplankton is an important primary producer of the estuarine ecosystem, which is essential for the biogeochemical cycle of water elements and nutrient transfer. The Pearl River estuary (PRE) is a dynamically complex estuary, and the environment of PRE is significantly impacted by anthropogenic activities, variation of phytoplankton community structure in the PRE are complex. This review aims to compare phytoplankton species, species diversity, and abundance variation characteristics from the 1980s and 2020s, evaluate the overall trend of phytoplankton in the PRE, and discuss the main environmental factors affecting phytoplankton growth in the PRE. The data from the past 40 years in PRE showed that the number of phytoplankton species significantly decreased (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the abundance of phytoplankton at the 10-year scale, however, the fluctuation range of the abundance has increased. Under the conditions of a decreasing species number and no significant difference in abundance, the species diversity of phytoplankton showed a downward trend. In addition, the dominant phytoplankton species in the nearshore waters were relatively homogenous, and the abundance of phytoplankton in the nearshore waters was higher than that in the open waters, which suggested that human activities have a great influence. This review can form the basis for facilitating health management in the PRE ecosystem. Further, relevant guidelines can be developed and implemented for promoting the ecological health of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and ensuring its sustainable development.
Arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 is a novel prognostic biomarker and correlates with high tumor immune infiltration in low-grade glioma
Authors: Pan Rui-han , Zhang Xin , Chen Zu-peng , Liu Ya-jun
Published: January 2023

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 (ALOX5) expression and methylation, and explore the immune functions of arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 expression in low-grade glioma (LGG).

Materials and Methods: Using efficient bioinformatics approaches, the differential expression of arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 and the association of its expression with clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated. Then, we analyzed the prognostic significance of arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 expression and its methylation level followed by immune cell infiltration analysis. The functional enrichment analysis was conducted to determine the possible regulatory pathways of arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 in low-grade glioma. Finally, the drug sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the correlation between arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 expression and chemotherapeutic drugs.

Results: arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 mRNA expression was increased in low-grade glioma and its expression had a notable relation with age and subtype (p < 0.05). The elevated mRNA level of arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 could independently predict the disease-specific survival (DSS), overall survival (OS), and progression-free interval (PFI) (p < 0.05). Besides, arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 expression was negatively correlated with its methylation level and the arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 hypomethylation led to a worse prognosis (p < 0.05). The arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 expression also showed a positive connection with immune cells, while low-grade glioma patients with higher immune cell infiltration had poor survival probability (p < 0.05). Further, arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 might be involved in immune- and inflammation-related pathways. Importantly, arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 expression was negatively related to drug sensitivity.

Conclusion: arachidonate lipoxygenases 5 might be a promising biomarker, and it probably occupies a vital role in immune cell infiltration in low-grade glioma.
Breadth of Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Variant Surface Antigens Is Associated With Immunity in a Controlled Human Malaria Infection Study
Authors: Kimingi Hannah W. , Kinyua Ann W. , Achieng Nicole A. , Wambui Kennedy M. , Mwangi Shaban , Nguti Roselyne , Kivisi Cheryl A. , Jensen Anja T. R. , Bejon Philip , Kapulu Melisa C. , Abdi Abdirahman I. , Kinyanjui Samson M. ,   CHMI-SIKA Study Team
Published: January 2023

Background

Plasmodium falciparum variant surface antigens (VSAs) contribute to malaria pathogenesis by mediating cytoadhesion of infected red blood cells to the microvasculature endothelium. In this study, we investigated the association between anti-VSA antibodies and clinical outcome in a controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) study.

Method

We used flow cytometry and ELISA to measure levels of IgG antibodies to VSAs of five heterologous and one homologous P. falciparum parasite isolates, and to two PfEMP1 DBLβ domains in blood samples collected a day before the challenge and 14 days after infection. We also measured the ability of an individual’s plasma to inhibit the interaction between PfEMP1 and ICAM1 using competition ELISA. We then assessed the association between the antibody levels, function, and CHMI defined clinical outcome during a 21-day follow-up period post infection using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Antibody levels to the individual isolate VSAs, or to two ICAM1-binding DBLβ domains of PfEMP1, were not associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing parasitemia or of meeting treatment criteria after the challenge after adjusting for exposure. However, anti-VSA antibody breadth (i.e., cumulative response to all the isolates) was a significant predictor of reduced risk of requiring treatment [HR 0.23 (0.10-0.50) p= 0.0002].

Conclusion

The breadth of IgG antibodies to VSAs, but not to individual isolate VSAs, is associated with protection in CHMI.