bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetically Modified Plants and Climate Change
Authors: Wadood Babar , Sanaullah Tayyaba , Ali Sajed , Abid Muhammad , Hussain Altaf , Abbas Touqeer , Sajjad Nazish , Khan Muhammad Hamid Nawaz , Riaz Aamir , Waqas Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Adaptive advantages to the environment, improved nutritional features, and reduced use of agrochemicals are just a few of the economic benefits gained through plant breeding with the help of genetic engineering. Despite the benefits, the justification for creating and employing such technology will vary depending on the context of the surrounding culture. This paper aims to introduce genetically modified organisms (Genetically modified plants), discuss their potential benefits and drawbacks, and argue that these organisms present a unique opportunity for breeding new plant varieties with desirable benefits that cannot be obtained through conventional breeding. Plant breeding, nhr1 gene, GMO, and genetically modified plant are some examples of gaining novel kinds or qualities and molecular enhancement of plants by recombinant DNA technology. The potential for using this method to enhance crop plants' genetics is apparent benefits for farmers, merchants, and sellers for developing lines with improved yield, quality, disease resistance, or tolerance to abiotic stress. The risks and hazards prevent it from being widely used in agriculture.
Is Civic Education Dead?
Authors: Blain Harry
Published: February 2023

Civic education has taken various forms throughout U.S. history, but it has frequently sought to promote national pride. Today, such education is being questioned, as teachers and writers push for a frank reckoning with the nation's past. Where does this leave us? Should we be trying to reinvent civic education to make it more honest and uncomfortable? Or should we consider dispensing with it? This track paper argues that "culture wars: over civic education are useful because they foreground the importance of civic values. Although broad agreement on such values seems fanciful, it is not impossible, and universities can play a key role in cultivating common ground. However, I argue that this potentially constructive role is not being fulfilled, particularly when it comes to creating a culture of free debate. The burden thus falls on faculty to take up this crucial civic cause.
Urdu Translation and Validation of Beck Suicide Intent Scale Among Patients with Self-Harming Behavior
Authors: Yaqoob Naila , Ahsan Sadaf , Hanif Rubina
Published: February 2023

Literature emphasizes that there is an increasing need to assess underlying suicide intent among patients with self-harm. Since, Beck Suicide Intent Scale (Beck, 1991) is most frequently used instrument to assess underlying suicide intent in clinical setting, the aim of present research was to translate Beck Suicide Intent Scale into Urdu, to examine cross-cultural validation and estimate reliability of Urdu translated scale; a cross-sectional research design was used. A clinical sample of forty patients with self-harm with age of 18 to 35 years was collected from different mental health departments of hospitals in Rawalpindi, Multan and Jehlum, Pakistan. Study was conducted in two phases; in phase I Urdu translation of Beck Suicide Intent Scale was carried out using guidelines by Brislin (1970). In phase II, cross-language validation was conducted through test-retest Cronbach alpha reliability estimation and item-total correlations. Results of current research revealed that Urdu-Urdu group had high correlation coefficients than English-English with acceptable Cronbach alpha reliabilities were adequate. Moreover, significant positive item correlation with composite score of Beck Suicide Intent Scale was found. The findings of current research established that Urdu-version of Beck Suicide Intent scale was reliable and valid for use in Pakistani culture.
PENGARUH KINERJA KEUANGAN, KEBIJAKAN DIVIDEN DAN KEBIJAKAN HUTANG TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN
Authors: Wahiddirani Saputri Sevty , Oktavianna Rakhmawati , Benarda Benarda
Published: February 2023

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh Kinerja Keuangan/Profitabilitas, kebijakan dividen, dan kebijakan utang terhadap nilai perusahaan. Kinerja keuangan diukur dengan Return on Assets, kebijakan dividen diukur dengan menggunakan Dividend Payout Ratio. Kebijakan Utang diukur dengan menggunakan Debt to Equity Ratio. Nilai perusahaan diukur menggunakan harga pasar per saham dibagi dengan nilai buku per saham. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah semua perusahaan properti dan real estat yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia pada tahun 2016-2020. Jumlah sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 17 perusahaan yang diperoleh melalui purposive sampling. Memperoleh data sampel sebanyak 85 data. Jenis data dalam penelitian ini adalah data sekunder dengan metode penelitian kuantitatif dan pendekatan deskriptif. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi data panel dengan tingkat signifikansi 5% (0,05). Penelitian ini diproses menggunakan software views 9.0 dan menunjukkan bahwa (1) Secara bersamaan kinerja/profitabilitas keuangan. Kebijakan dividen dan kebijakan utang mempengaruhi nilai perusahaan. (2) sebagian kinerja/profitabilitas keuangan tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan (3) sebagian kebijakan dividen berpengaruh signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan (4) sebagian kebijakan utang tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap nilai perusahaan.
Improvement of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 during dupilumab therapy: A case report
Authors: Koike-Ieki Mariko , Kagoya Ryoji , Toma-Hirano Makiko , Sasajima Yuko , Ito Ken
Published: February 2023

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is an intractable type 2 inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses that persists even after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and systemic corticosteroid therapy. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody against the shared receptor components of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, is a novel and effective treatment option for ECRS. Herein, an atypical case of ECRS that improved after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during dupilumab therapy is reported. A 40-year-old man with a history of ESS for ECRS visited our hospital with complaints of nasal congestion and dysosmia. Nasal endoscopy revealed bilateral nasal polyps occupying the nasal cavity. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a soft tissue density lesion filling all sinuses on both sides. Based on these findings, ECRS recurrence was confirmed; however, 3 years of subsequent corticosteroid therapy did not improve disease activity. Accordingly, dupilumab therapy was initiated, although 6 months of therapy resulted in only slight improvement in ECRS. Eight months after the initiation of dupilumab therapy, the patient was infected with SARS-CoV-2; thereafter, he noticed an improvement in smell. Nasal endoscopy and sinus CT revealed a marked reduction in nasal polyps and soft tissue density lesions of the sinuses, respectively. With continued dupilumab therapy, no re-exacerbation of ECRS was confirmed at the 6-month follow-up from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Currently, there are no reports describing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on ECRS. As such, careful follow-up and accumulation of cases are necessary.
Biomaterial scaffolds regulate macrophage activity to accelerate bone regeneration
Authors: Liu Zongtai , Zhu Jiabo , Li Zhuohan , Liu Hanyan , Fu Changfeng
Published: February 2023

Bones are important for maintaining motor function and providing support for internal organs. Bone diseases can impose a heavy burden on individuals and society. Although bone has a certain ability to repair itself, it is often difficult to repair itself alone when faced with critical-sized defects, such as severe trauma, surgery, or tumors. There is still a heavy reliance on metal implants and autologous or allogeneic bone grafts for bone defects that are difficult to self-heal. However, these grafts still have problems that are difficult to circumvent, such as metal implants that may require secondary surgical removal, lack of bone graft donors, and immune rejection. The rapid advance in tissue engineering and a better comprehension of the physiological mechanisms of bone regeneration have led to a new focus on promoting endogenous bone self-regeneration through the use of biomaterials as the medium. Although bone regeneration involves a variety of cells and signaling factors, and these complex signaling pathways and mechanisms of interaction have not been fully understood, macrophages undoubtedly play an essential role in bone regeneration. This review summarizes the design strategies that need to be considered for biomaterials to regulate macrophage function in bone regeneration. Subsequently, this review provides an overview of therapeutic strategies for biomaterials to intervene in all stages of bone regeneration by regulating macrophages.
Portable 3D-printed hand orthosis with spatial stiffness distribution personalized for assisting grasping in daily living
Authors: Park Chan Beom , Park Hyung-Soon
Published: February 2023

Stroke survivors having limited finger coordination require an active hand orthosis to assist them with grasping tasks for daily activities. The orthosis should be portable for constant use; however, portability imposes constraints on the number, size, and weight of the actuators, which increase the difficulty of the design process. Therefore, a tradeoff exists between portability and the assistive force. In this study, a personalized spatial stiffness distribution design is presented for a portable and strengthful hand orthosis. The spatial stiffness distribution of the orthosis was optimized based on measurements of individual hand parameters to satisfy the functional requirements of achieving sufficient grip aperture in the pre-grasping phase and minimal assistive force in the grasping phase. Ten stroke survivors were recruited to evaluate the system. Sufficient grip aperture and high grip strength-to-weight ratio were achieved by the orthosis via a single motor. Moreover, the orthosis significantly restored the range of motion and improved the performance of daily activities. The proposed spatial stiffness distribution can suggest a design solution to make strengthful hand orthoses with reduced weight.
Injured nerves respond favorably to an integrated tension- and conduit-based regenerative strategy
Authors: Chuang Ting-Hsien , Orozco Elisabeth , Nam Jae Jun , Vaz Kenneth , Lovering Richard M. , Shah Sameer B.
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Numerous synthetic, hybrid, and biological grafts and conduits have been deployed to facilitate axonal regeneration across peripheral nerve gaps. Though some strategies have showed promise, larger gaps continue to be an unsolved clinical challenge. Recent evidence suggests that tension-based strategies offer a promising alternative approach to nerve repair. However, whether and to what degree severed peripheral nerves tolerate and accommodate tension, especially in the critical early stages of intervention, is less clear.

Methods: In this study, we evaluated a number of immuno-histochemical outcomes to test the hypothesis that injured rat sciatic nerves accommodate strains of up to 20%, a deformation magnitude that exceeds oft-quoted thresholds for nerve damage. We also assessed the possibility of integrating tension with conduit-based approaches for nerve repair.

Results and Discussion: There were no deficits in axonal, basal laminar, or extracellular matrix morphology with tension, though proximal and distal stumps of nerves in all experimental groups displayed abnormal morphology in proximity to the site of injury. Axons of stretched nerves successfully grew through guidance conduits into the distal stump within 6 weeks of repair, thus demonstrating the feasibility of combining tension- and conduit-based regenerative strategies.
Molecular and epigenetic alterations in normal and malignant myelopoiesis in human leukemia 60 (HL60) promyelocytic cell line model
Authors: Basu Jhinuk , Madhulika Swati , Murmu Krushna Chandra , Mohanty Smrutishree , Samal Priyanka , Das Asima , Mahapatra Soumendu , Saha Subha , Sinha Indranil , Prasad Punit
Published: February 2023

In vitro cell line model systems are essential in supporting the research community due to their low cost, uniform culturing conditions, homogeneous biological resources, and easy experimental design to study the cause and effect of a gene or a molecule. Human leukemia 60 (HL60) is an in-vitro hematopoietic model system that has been used for decades to study normal myeloid differentiation and leukemia biology. Here, we show that IMDM supplemented with 20% FBS is an optimal culturing condition and induces effective myeloid differentiation compared with RPMI supplemented with 10% FBS when HL60 is induced with 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (Vit D3) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). The chromatin organization is compacted, and the repressive epigenetic mark H3K27me3 is enhanced upon HL60-mediated terminal differentiation. Differential gene expression analysis obtained from RNA sequencing in HL60 cells during myeloid differentiation showed the induction of pathways involved in epigenetic regulation, myeloid differentiation, and immune regulation. Using high-throughput transcriptomic data (GSE74246), we show the similarities (genes that did not satisfy |log2FC|>1 and FDR<0.05) and differences (FDR <0.05 and |log2FC|>1) between granulocyte-monocyte progenitor vs HL60 cells, Vit D3 induced monocytes (vMono) in HL60 cells vs primary monocytes (pMono), and HL60 cells vs leukemic blasts at the transcriptomic level. We found striking similarities in biological pathways between these comparisons, suggesting that the HL60 model system can be effectively used for studying myeloid differentiation and leukemic aberrations. The differences obtained could be attributed to the fact that the cellular programs of the leukemic cell line and primary cells are different. We validated several gene expression patterns for different comparisons with CD34+ cells derived from cord blood for myeloid differentiation and AML patients. In addition to the current knowledge, our study further reveals the significance of using HL60 cells as in vitro model system under optimal conditions to understand its potential as normal myeloid differentiation model as well as leukemic model at the molecular level.
Magnetic ethylene-based periodic mesoporous organosilica supported palladium: An efficient and recoverable nanocatalyst for Suzuki reaction
Authors: Neysi Maryam , Elhamifar Dawood
Published: February 2023

In the present study, a novel magnetic ethylene-based periodic mesoporous organosilica supported Pd-Schiff base complex (Fe3O4@PMO/SB-Pd) was prepared, characterized and applied as a recoverable nanocatalyst for green synthesis of Suzuki products. Chemical composition, magnetic and thermal behavior, morphology and particle size of Fe3O4@PMO/SB-Pd were investigated by using FT-IR, TGA, EDX, VSM, PXRD, TEM and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The Fe3O4@PMO/SB-Pd nanocomposite was applied as an efficient nanocatalyst in the Suzuki reaction under ultrasonic conditions giving corresponding products in high yield. Some advantages of this study are simple purification of products, the use of water solvent, easy catalyst separation, short reaction time and high catalyst efficiency and recoverability.
Shewanella putrefaciens, a rare human pathogen: A review from a clinical perspective
Authors: Müller Stephanie , von Bonin Simone , Schneider Ralph , Krüger Martin , Quick Susanne , Schröttner Percy
Published: February 2023

Shewanella putrefaciens is a gramnegative, facultatively anaerobic, rod shaped bacterium. It belongs to the class of the Gammaproteobacteria and was first described in 1931. S. putrefaciens is part of the marine microflora and especially present in moderate and warm climates. The bacterium is a rare oppurtonistic human pathogen associated mainly with intra-abdominal as well as skin and soft tissue infections. However, it has also been reported in association with more severe diseases such as pneumonia, intracerebral and ocular infections and endocarditis. In these cases the clinical courses are often associated with underlying, predisposing diseases and risk factors. For successful treatment of S. putrefaciens, a combination of appropriate local therapy, e.g. surgical treatment or drainage, and antibiotic therapy should be performed. Since multiple resistances to antibiotics are described, the results of the antimicrobial susceptibility testing must be considered for effective therapy as well. Furthermore, a main challenge in clinical practice is the accurate microbiological identification, and especially the correct differentiation between S. putrefaciens and S. algae. Under certain circumstances, Shewanella-infections can have severe, sometimes even fatal consequences. Therefore, we decided to present the current state of knowledge as well as further aspects with regard to future diagnostics, therapy and research.
Short-term effects of Chlorhexidine mouthwash and Listerine on oral microbiome in hospitalized patients
Authors: Liu Tsunglin , Chen Yen-Chin , Jeng Shuen-Lin , Chang Jui-Jen , Wang Jiu-Yao , Lin Cheng-Han , Tsai Pei-Fang , Ko Nai-Ying , Ko Wen-Chien , Wang Jiun-Ling
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Chlorhexidine (CHX) and essential oil containing mouthwashes like Listerine® can improve oral hygiene via suppressing oral microbes. In hospitalized patients, CHX mouthwash reduces the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. However, CHX use was also associated with increased mortality, which might be related to nitrate-reducing bacteria. Currently, no study determines oral bacteria targeted by essential oils mouthwash in hospitalized patients using a metagenomic approach.

Methods

We recruited 87 hospitalized patients from a previous randomized control study, and assigned them to three mouthwash groups: CHX, Listerine, and normal saline (control). Before and after gargling the mouthwash twice a day for 5-7 days, oral bacteria were examined using a 16S rDNA approach.

Results

Alpha diversities at the genus level decreased significantly only for the CHX and Listerine groups. Only for the two groups, oral microbiota before and after gargling were significantly different, but not clearly distinct. Paired analysis eliminated the substantial individual differences and revealed eight bacterial genera (including Prevotella, Fusobacterium, and Selenomonas) with a decreased relative abundance, while Rothia increased after gargling the CHX mouthwash. After gargling Listerine, seven genera (including Parvimonas, Eubacterium, and Selenomonas) showed a decreased relative abundance, and the magnitudes were smaller compared to the CHX group. Fewer bacteria targeted by Listerine were reported to be nitrate-reducing compared to the CHX mouthwash.

Discussion

In conclusion, short-term gargling of the CHX mouthwash and Listerine altered oral microbiota in our hospitalized patients. The bacterial genera targeted by the CHX mouthwash and Listerine were largely different and the magnitudes of changes were smaller using Listerine. Functional alterations of gargling CHX and Listerine were also different. These findings can be considered for managing oral hygiene of hospitalized patients.
Global research trends of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from 2000 to 2022: Insights from bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zheng Xifeng , He Zhongkai , Li Ming , Jia Zhen
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To analyze the global research trends of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) from 2000 to 2022 and explore new frontiers in this field.

Methods

We reviewed the literature in the Web of Science Core Collection database from January 2000 to August 2022 using the retrieval strategy of medical subject headings combined with text words. We focused on articles and reviews that were published in English. Relevant data of the target publications, such as title, authors, organizations, abstract, keywords, published date, journal, and number of citations, were collected. The R software with the “bibliometrix” and VOSviewer software was used to process and visualize the information.

Results

Among a total of 20,581 records related to HCM, 13,427 from 103 countries and regions, 8,676 affiliations, and 46,645 researchers were included. Most of the publications in this field were from the United States, followed by Japan, the United Kingdom, and China. We also report the top 10 institutions and most influential researchers, cited articles, and highest-frequency keywords (echocardiography, heart failure, sudden cardiac death, genetics, atrial fibrillation, magnetic resonance imaging/cardiac magnetic resonance, prognosis, mutation, arrhythmia, late gadolinium enhancement). In addition, keywords trend analysis indicated that the novel medicine Mavacamten, genetic diagnosis, and cardiac magnetic resonance have attracted the most attention for the treatment and diagnosis of HCM over the past five years.

Conclusion

The present study reports on the global research trends of HCM over the past two decades using bibliometric analysis. It may enlighten new frontiers in the diagnosis, treatment, and risk prevention of HCM.
Effect of blood flow–restricted resistance training on myocardial fibrosis in early spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Tan Zhaowen , Chen Peiyou , Zheng Yuchan , Pan Ying , Wang Baolong , Zhao Yan
Published: February 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of blood flow–restricted resistance training on myocardial fibrosis in early spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

Methods

Four-week-old male Wistar-Kyoto rats and SHRs were randomly divided into the following groups: normal group (WKY), SHR control (SHR-SED) group, high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) group, low- and medium-intensity resistance training (LMIRT) group, and blood flow–restricted low- and medium-resistance training (BFRT) group. Body weight, hemodynamics, cardiac function, myocardial morphology and fibrosis, and the expression levels of transforming growth factor-beta1-Smad (TGFβ-1-Smad) pathway-related proteins in the myocardium were assessed.

Results

(1) BFRT lowered blood pressure significantly, decreased left ventricular wall thickness, and improved cardiac function. At the same time, BFRT was superior to traditional resistance training in lowering diastolic blood pressure, and was superior to HIRT in improving left ventricular compliance, reducing heart rate, and reducing left ventricular posterior wall and left ventricular mass (P < 0.05). (2) BFRT decreased collagen I and collagen fiber area in the myocardium, increased the collagen III area, and decreased the collagen I/III ratio (P < 0.05). BFRT produced a better proportion of myocardial collagen fibers than did traditional resistance training (P < 0.05). (3) In the myocardium of the BFRT group compared to the traditional resistance training group, the expression of TGFβ-1, Smad2/3/4, p-Smad2/3, CTGF, and TIMP1 was significantly downregulated, MMP2 and TIMP2 were significantly upregulated, the MMP/TIMP ratio significantly increased, and TGFβ-1 expression significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

BFRT inhibited the TGFβ-1-Smad pathway in the myocardium, downregulated the expression of CTGF, and regulated the balance between MMPs and TIMPs, thereby reducing myocardial fibrosis in SHR, and improving cardiac morphology and function. BFRT also lowered blood pressure, and achieved an effect of early prevention and treatment of hypertension. At the same time, BFRT was superior to traditional resistance training in reducing diastolic blood pressure and adjusting the proportion of myocardial collagen fibers.
Educational and labor migration in the new horizons of economic integration in the Eurasian Economic Union
Authors: Andronova Inna V. , Ryazantsev Sergey V.
Published: February 2023

The paper focuses on clarifying the cause-effect relations of educational and labor migration in implementing the social investment model of economic growth in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The paper aims to investigate the role of educational and labor migration in implementing the social investment model of economic growth in Russia under the new horizons of economic integration in the EAEU. The authors use the correlation analysis method to determine the role of educational and labor migration in implementing the social investment model of economic growth in the EAEU. The experience of implementing the social investment model of economic growth based on educational and labor migration in the EAEU has been studied using the case study method. The authors present their forecast for implementing the social investment model of economic growth in the EAEU up to 2024. The conditions for developing educational and labor migration in the EAEU in 2022 are determined. The novelty of this research lies in studying educational and labor migration as factors of economic growth in the social investment model in a new perspective of economic integration. The research contributes to the literature by developing the scientific foundations of the concept of the knowledge economy through clarification and rethinking of the role of human resources in the social investment model of economic growth under conditions of economic integration. The practical significance of this research lies in the fact that the developed policy implications for the regulation of educational and labor migration under the new horizons of economic integration make it possible to most effectively implement the social investment model of economic growth in the practice of the EAEU.
Systems thinking activities used in K-12 for up to two decades
Authors: Fisher Diana M. ,   Systems Thinking Association
Published: February 2023

Infusing systems thinking activities in pre-college education (grades K-12) means updating precollege education so it includes a study of many systemic behavior patterns that are ubiquitous in the real world. Systems thinking tools include those using both paper and pencil and the computer and enhance learning in the classroom making it more student-centered, more active, and allowing students to analyze problems that have been heretofore beyond the scope of K-12 classrooms. Students in primary school have used behavior over time graphs to demonstrate dynamics described in story books, like the Lorax, and created stock-flow diagrams to describe what was needed to make a garden flourish. Middle school students have created larger stock-flow diagrams to study how composting helps to reduce pollution and have created small simulations to study population dynamics and the spread of epidemics. High school students have created/used numerous computer models to study systemic problems in mathematics, physical science, physics, biology, environmental science, global studies, and history. Some high schools developed modeling courses allowing students to create System Dynamics computer models to study problems of their choice, write technical papers explaining their models, and present their models and model results to an audience. This paper contains explanations of some of the systems thinking lessons that have been used with precollege students, some for just 5–6 years (especially the primary and middle school examples), others (especially the mathematics and system dynamics model courses for high school students) for decades.
Large parathyroid adenomas: Potential mechanisms to reconcile adenoma size and disease phenotype
Authors: Bhan Arti , Athimulam Shobana , Kumari Poonam , Pal Rimesh , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Cook Bernard C. , Qiu Shijing , Rao Sudhaker D.
Published: February 2023

Parathyroid adenomas weighing more than 3.5 g are reported variously as “atypical”, “large” or “giant” parathyroid adenomas. All such adenomas are rare variants accounting for no more than 1.5% of all parathyroid adenomas. Large parathyroid adenomas are often associated with more severe form of the disease, including osteitis fibrosa cystica (OFC) and share many biochemical, histological, and molecular features of both benign and malignant parathyroid neoplasms, and are considered a distinct clinical entity. However, the pathogenesis of oversized parathyroid adenomas and the often-associated skeletal phenotype remains unclear. We present 5 cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) with OFC, an uncommon manifestation of contemporary PHPT, associated with larger parathyroid adenomas, seen in the Bone and Mineral Disorders Clinic of the Henry Ford Health in the last 30 years to illustrate the critical role of vitamin D nutrition in the pathogenesis of both the OFC and adenoma size. The estimated prevalence of OFC was very low 0.2%, 5 of the >3000 surgically confirmed cases of PHPT seen during this time. The mean ± SD values were: age: 36.8 ± 22.1 years (4 of the 5 <36years), serum calcium 11.6 ± 1.1 mg/dl, alkaline phosphatase 799 ± 487 IU/L, PTH 1440 ± 477 pg/ml, 25-hydroxyvitamin D 13.0 ± 8.9 ng/ml, 1,25-dihyroxyvitamin D 26.5 ± 13.7 pg/ml, urine calcium 562 ± 274 mg/day, and parathyroid adenoma weight 4.53 ± 2.2 g. Parathyroidectomy led to the resolution of both the biochemical indices and OFC in each patient without recurrence over >10 years of follow-up. Because OFC is a very rare in the West, but very common areas of endemic vitamin D deficiency, we also examined the relationship between vitamin D nutrition, as assessed by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, and parathyroid adenoma weight as well as prevalence of OFC in two large secularly diverse cohorts of patients with PHPT (Detroit, USA and Chandigarh, India). Based on this relationship and the relative prevalence of OFC in these two large cohorts, we propose that vitamin D nutrition (and perhaps calcium nutrition) best explains both the adenoma size and prevalence of OFC.
Effects of the ketogenic diet on bone health: A systematic review
Authors: Garofalo Vincenzo , Barbagallo Federica , Cannarella Rossella , Calogero Aldo Eugenio , La Vignera Sandro , Condorelli Rosita Angela
Published: February 2023

Objective

To carry out a systematic review of published studies to evaluate the relationship between different type of ketogenic diet (KD) and bone health as supported by the scientific literature.

Methods

The study involved all articles that assessed the relationship between the use of KD for the treatment of overweight or obesity and bone health. The quality assessment was evaluated with using the Cambridge Quality Checklists. The search strategy included the following combination of Medical Subjects Headings terms and keywords: “osteoporosis”, ”bone health, ”bone function”, ”bone mineral density”, and “ketogenic diet”.

Results

Seven trials were identified and reviewed. No significant changes in bone mass density (BMD) were observed after KD. The results showed no significant effect on bone resorption by measuring urinary N-telopeptide levels, on bone formation by measuring bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, or alterations in overall bone turnover in patients who followed KD. Only in female subject after a 10% weight loss, bone resorption increases while new bone synthesis decreases, but without increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Finally, patients on KD lost significantly more weight than controls, associated with an increase in serum vitamin D levels and a reduction in plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.

Conclusion

No human studies have currently been conducted with adequate and powerful experimental designs to definitively understand the impact of KD therapy on bone health.
Nexus between environmental sustainability, good governance, financial inclusion, and tourism development in Bangladesh: Evidence from symmetric and asymmetric investigation
Authors: Islam Yeasmin , Mindia Piana Monsur , Farzana Nusrat , Qamruzzaman Md
Published: February 2023

Over the past decade, tourism’s contribution to economic Section progress has emerged as an alternative avenue for socio-economic development, especially in the productive economy with natural beauty. On the other hand, the potential effects of tourism on the environment have also been unveiled in the literature, along with macroeconomic misbehavior due to erratic environmental changes. However, the study’s impetus is to inspect the reaction of tourism contribution to Bangladesh’s economy from 1991–2019 with ecological sustainability, good governance, and financial inclusion in the empirical assessment. With the implementation of both linear and non-linear frameworks, the present study has explored the elasticities of core explanatory variables on explained variables; for directional causality, the novel Fourier Toda and Yamamoto causality test has been executed. According to the combined cointegration test, Bangladesh has a long-run association between environmental sustainability, good governance, financial inclusion, and tourism development. Inferring from long-run symmetric and asymmetric cointegration, the test statistics revealed statistically significant at a 1% level, suggesting the long-run relations in the established empirical model. Considering the linear autoregressive disoriented lagged, the study established a negative and statistically significant linkage between environmental sustainably and tourism contribution, suggesting that the excessive inflows of carbon emission that environmental degradation dwindles the progress of tourism contribution. Whereas a positive and statistically significant influence runs from good governance and financial inclusion to tourism development, the suggestion of easy access to financial services and effective institutional activities prompts tourism activities, especially in the long-run. The asymmetric investigation established non-linearity in the empirical model for the long and short-run. In terms of asymmetric coefficients, the study unveiled the positive and negative shocks of environmental sustainability exposed negatively and statistically significant. In contrast, the asymmetric shocks of financial inclusion and good governance established positive and statistically substantial Bangladesh tourism development in the long and short-run. The directional causality assessment revealed bidirectional causality running between explanatory variables to tourism development.
Sustainable application of GF-6 WFV satellite data in desert steppe: A village-scale grazing study in China
Authors: Zhang Yuxun , Wang Lei , Yang Xinguo , Sun Yuan , Song Naiping
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the vegetation growth and forage-livestock balance of desert grasslands at the village scale. This study was chosen to be conducted in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, where desert grasslands are widely distributed and fragility of the environment. This paper establishes a model for estimating time series changes of above-ground biomass (AGB) in the study area based on remote sensing images from the Gaofen-6 satellite, combined with canopy spectra and AGB data of vegetated desert steppe areas. Next, the ecological carrying capacity and load of the desert steppe area were analyzed based on the number of sheep raised in different enclosures and the grazing methods employed. The status of the forage-livestock balance in the study area was assessed after measuring the crop yield of farmland. Finally, data and case support for grazing management in desert steppe were provided in combination with the research results. The study concluded that Gaofen-6 satellite images could quickly and accurately obtain information on vegetation growth and changes in desert grassland areas at a village scale. The available grazing time in a single year in the study area is inadequate to support current stocking levels. When ecological stability is the primary consideration, natural forage obtained through natural conditions cannot meet the needs of farmers for normal grazing and production activities. The suitable grazing time in the study area is limited in any year. The suitable maximum grazing intensity among all plots ranged from 0.334 to 2.541 sheep/ha. In the case of the balance between grass and livestock, the forage obtained from natural pastures could only satisfy 41.71% of the current stocking levels for sheep. Rotational grazing and subsidies for farmers help desert steppe to recover and achieve a forage-livestock balance.
Gamma distribution based predicting model for breast cancer drug response based on multi-layer feature selection
Authors: Cui Tongtong , Wang Zeyuan , Gu Hong , Qin Pan , Wang Jia
Published: February 2023

In the pursuit of precision medicine for cancer, a promising step is to predict drug response based on data mining, which can provide clinical decision support for cancer patients. Although some machine learning methods for predicting drug response from genomic data already exist, most of them focus on point prediction, which cannot reveal the distribution of predicted results. In this paper, we propose a three-layer feature selection combined with a gamma distribution based GLM and a two-layer feature selection combined with an ANN. The two regression methods are applied to the Encyclopedia of Cancer Cell Lines (CCLE) and the Cancer Drug Sensitivity Genomics (GDSC) datasets. Using ten-fold cross-validation, our methods achieve higher accuracy on anticancer drug response prediction compared to existing methods, with an R2 and RMSE of 0.87 and 0.53, respectively. Through data validation, the significance of assessing the reliability of predictions by predicting confidence intervals and its role in personalized medicine are illustrated. The correlation analysis of the genes selected from the three layers of features also shows the effectiveness of our proposed methods.
Marine litter colonization: Methodological challenges and recommendations
Authors: De-la-Torre Gabriel Enrique , Romero Arribasplata Maggy Belén , Lucas Roman Virna Alisson , Póvoa Alain Alves , Walker Tony R.
Published: February 2023

Marine litter colonization by marine invertebrate species is a major global concern resulting in the dispersal of potentially invasive species has been widely reported. However, there are still several methodological challenges and uncertainties in this field of research. In this review, literature related to field studies on marine litter colonization was compiled and analyzed. A general overview of the current knowledge is presented. Major challenges and knowledge gaps were also identified, specifically concerning: 1) uncertainties in species identification, 2) lack of standardized sampling methodologies, 3) inconsistencies with the data reported, and 4) insufficient chemical-analytical approaches to understand this phenomenon. Aiming to serve as a guide for future studies, several recommendations are provided for each point, particularly considering the inaccessibility to advanced techniques and laboratories.
Restored coastal wetlands with low degree of separation and high patch connectivity attract more birds
Authors: He Kun , Song Annan , Zhang Ziyu , Ramdat Naven , Wang Jiayi , Wu Wei , Chen Xuechu
Published: February 2023

Coastal wetlands, the major component of coastal ecotones with indispensable ecosystem services, are threatened by anthropogenic disturbance, resulting in continuous loss of ecosystem functions. Coastal wetland restoration can be implemented to deter the ecosystem losses; however, it is unclear whether it could provide appropriate habitat for the birds using on coastal ecotones. Here, we utilize a newly restored wetland as an example to investigate the impacts of coastal restoration on bird diversity, and test the hypothesis - if a reasonable habitat pattern is created, more birds will be attracted, thereby helping decision-makers develop efficient and sustainable coastal restoration strategies. We used Fragstats for landscape pattern analysis, and derived the variability in different habitat patterns by independent sample T-test and Mann-Whitney U test. The results suggested that the restored wetland exhibited a positive effect on attracting birds, with a total of 70 species, 35 families, and 15 orders of birds being recorded over a three-year period after restoration. Passeriformes are the main species, and accounted for 52.8% of bird species. Additionally, waterbird species, i.e., Ciconiiformes and Anseriformes, accounted for 24.67% of the total number of species. The number of bird species in the wetlands increased annually, especially during the overwintering and the breeding period. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that water-centered mosaic-type habitat consisting of a relatively low degree of separation and high patch connectivity was beneficial to attracting different types of birds. The number of bird species, density, bird biodiversity index, evenness index, and dominance index for mosaic-type habitats were all higher than those for even habitat pattern with independent patches and sharp boundaries. In particular, the mosaic-type habitat attracted migratory waterbirds such as Anas zonorhyncha, Aix galericulata, Mareca penelope, Hydrophasianus chirurgus, Emberiza pallasi, Xenus cinereus, and Spatula querquedula, which expanded the range of birds attracted by coastal restoration projects. This study illustrated that coastal wetland restoration combined with a creation of water-centered mosaic-type habitat attracted more birds and could provide a reference for the restoration of degraded ecosystems in coastal zones.
Indoxyl sulfate mediates low handgrip strength and is predictive of high hospitalization rates in patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Hou Yi-Chou , Liu Yueh-Min , Liao Min-Ter , Zheng Cai-Mei , Lu Chien-Lin , Liu Wen-Chih , Hung Kuo-Chin , Lin Shyh-Min , Lu Kuo-Cheng
Published: February 2023

Background and aims

Sarcopenia has a higher occurrence rate in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) than in the general population. Low handgrip strength—and not sarcopenia per se—is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with CKD, including cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization. The factors contributing to low handgrip strength are still unknown. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine whether uremic toxins influence low handgrip strength in patients with CKD.

Materials and methods

This cohort study lasted from August 2018 to January 2020. The participants were divided into three groups: the control group [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 ml/min], an advanced CKD group (eGFR = 15–60 ml/min), and an ESRD group (under maintenance renal replacement therapy). All participants underwent handgrip strength measurement, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and blood sampling for myokines (irisin, myostatin, and interleukin 6) and indoxyl sulfate. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia consensus as low appendicular skeletal muscle index (appendicular skeletal muscle/height2 of < 7.0 kg/m2 in men and < 5.4 kg/m2 in women) and low handgrip strength (< 28 kg in men and < 18 kg in women).

Results

Among the study participants (control: n = 16; CKD: n = 17; and ESRD: n = 42), the ESRD group had the highest prevalence of low handgrip strength (41.6 vs. 25% and 5.85% in the control and CKD groups, respectively; p < 0.05). The sarcopenia rate was similar among the groups (12.5, 17.6, and 19.5% for the control, CKD, and ESRD groups, respectively; p = 0.864). Low handgrip strength was associated with high hospitalization rates within the total study population during the 600-day follow-up period (p = 0.02). The predictions for cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization were similar among patients with and without sarcopenia (p = 0.190 and p = 0.094). The serum concentrations of indoxyl sulfate were higher in the ESRD group (227.29 ± 92.65 μM vs. 41.97 ± 43.96 μM and 6.54 ± 3.45 μM for the CKD and control groups, respectively; p < 0.05). Myokine concentrations were similar among groups. Indoxyl sulfate was associated with low handgrip strength in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models [univariate odds ratio (OR): 3.485, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.372–8.852, p = 0.001; multivariate OR: 8.525, 95% CI: 1.807–40.207, p = 0.007].

Conclusion

Handgrip strength was lower in the patients with ESRD, and low handgrip strength was predictive of hospitalization in the total study population. Indoxyl sulfate contributed to low handgrip strength and counteracted the benefits of myokines in patients with CKD.
Myocardial infarction or myocarditis? A case report and review of a myocardial adverse event associated with mRNA vaccine
Authors: Badaró Roberto , Novaes Gustavo , Andrade Ana Cristina , de Araujo Neto Cesar Augusto , Machado Bruna Aparecida , Barbosa Josiane Dantas Viana , Soares Milena Botelho Pereira
Published: February 2023

A 23-year-old man started with chest pain 8 h after his first Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination. ECG evaluation showed sinus tachycardia with ST-segment elevation in D1, AVL, V5, and V6, the findings compatible with acute subepicardial myocardial damage. However, cardiac MRI documented myocardial fibrosis, with cardiac late enhancement non-ischemic pattern with diffuse edema. He had no other symptoms to suggest another etiology than the vaccination. The patient was hospitalized and received corticosteroid (prednisolone) daily. Then, 2 weeks after hospitalization, all laboratory parameters and ECG were normal and the patient was discharged from the hospital. The patient had a history of Wolf-Parkinson White that was corrected with ablation when he was 11 years old. This report calls attention to myocardial adverse reaction risk for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for people with a previous cardiac disease history.