bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A suscetibilidade de um pior prognóstico de COVID-19 na presença de síndrome metabólica
Authors: Puton Camila , Vieira Ricelly Pires , Gomes Clayson Moura , Costa Sérgio Henrique Nascente
Published: November 2022

A COVID-19 possui manifestações clínicas variáveis, desde um portador assintomático, doença respiratória leve, pneumonia, síndrome da angústia respiratória aguda (SDRA), falência de múltiplos órgãos e até a morte. Alguns importantes exemplos de comorbidades que podem piorar o desenvolvimento da doença são os componentes da síndrome metabólica (SM), como a hipertensão, o diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) e a obesidade. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a suscetibilidade de casos de COVID-19 em pacientes com ou sem critérios que caracterizam a SM. Trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico com abordagem quantitativa baseado nos dados de uma amostra de indivíduos atendidos no Hospital do Policial Militar (HPM). Os resultados foram: 43% dos pacientes com SM foram infectados por SARS-CoV-2 (p < 0,05); de todos os infectados, 50,56% foram classificados pelo IMC com obesidade, 40,90% com glicemia de jejum > 99 mg/dL, 43,50% com HDL-c abaixo do valor de normalidade, 39,91% com triglicérides acima do valor de normalidade, 41,94% em uso de anti-hipertensivos, 40,74% em uso de hipoglicemiantes e 32,89% em uso de hipolipemiantes. Os dados adquiridos e analisados permitiram concluir que os pacientes com a SM tem maior risco de contrair a COVID-19.
PENGARUH STORE ATMOSPHERE DAN LOKASI TERHADAP MINAT BELI KONSUMEN PADA GANGNAM MIE KOREA RESTO
Authors: Kristanti Ria Dwi , Putro Tanto Askriyandoko
Published: November 2022

Penelitian ini dilakukan pada usaha dagang dibidang Food and Beverage (F&B). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh store atmosphere dan lokasi terhadap minat beli konsumen pada Gangnam Mie Korea Resto Arumdalu Blitar. Jenis penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kuantitatif. Pengambilan data menggunakan rumus Slovin dengan jumlah sampel 100 responden. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini adalah kuesioner, wawancara, dan observasi. Metode analisis data menggunakan uji validitas, uji reliabilitas, uji asumsi klasik, uji hipotesis dan analisis regresi linier berganda dengan pendekatan statistik yang dilakukan melalui program SPSS.17. Hasil pengujian hipotesis yang dilakukan menunjukkan bahwa store atmosphere dan lokasi berpengaruh signifikan terhadap minat beli secara simultan dengan nilai f hitung sebesar 54,618 lebih besar dari f tabel dengan nilai probabilitas 0. Secara parsial, dari hasil uji t menunjukkan store atmosphere dan lokasi berpengaruh signifikan terhadap minat beli artinya masing-masing dari store atmosphere maupun lokasi terdapat pengaruh terhadap minat beli. R Square pada analisis regresi sebesar 53% dan sisanya 47% dijelaskan oleh faktor lain yang tidak dimasukkan dalam penelitian ini.
Microalgal characterization during a mucilaginous bloom on deep gorgonian forests of Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo MPA
Authors: Panizzuti F , Citterio S , Gentili R , Navone A , Panzalis P , Provera I , Caronni S
Published: November 2022

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have increased in frequency, but despite an extreme increase in research on this topic, general knowledge on HABs is still scarce. Mucilaginous algal blooms, in particular, are ever more present and can heavily affect marine ecosystems. Gorgonians appear significantly affected, as their branches are easily entangled (pelagic aggregates) and overgrown (benthic aggregates) by mucilage. Moreover, their proximity to the bottom makes them susceptible to benthic anoxia. In the present study, we investigated the mucilaginous bloom that affected the gorgonian forests of Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (MPA) (NE coast of Sardinia) in summer 2020. We focused mainly on the characterization of dominant benthic microalgae, identifying those responsible for the bloom. Sampling was performed considering the colonies of Paramuricea clavata present on hard substrata along 2 transects near the Secca del Papa, in the B Zone of the MPA. The characterization of the microalgal community and the count of the most abundant species (>10 cells ml-1) were carried out using the Utermöhl sedimentation method. The community was mainly composed of diatoms (Bacillariophyta) belonging to the genera Pseudo-nitzschia, Nitzschia and Cylindrotheca. C. closterium appeared to be the most abundant species. These results confirm the importance of diatoms during Tyrrhenian mucilaginous blooms, which could be particularly harmful to gorgonians.
Using the Novel Approach of an Artificial Pancreas to Manage Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy
Authors: Lefkovits Yael , Stewart Zoe , Murphy Helen
Published: November 2022

Recent National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines suggest that insulin pump therapy should be used in pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who do not achieve optimal glycaemic control with multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy. Furthermore, a landmark trial has confirmed that prospective continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) may be beneficial for women using both MDI and insulin pumps during pregnancy, with positive effects on neonatal outcomes. More recently, overnight use of an artificial pancreas (AP) with a model-predictive control algorithm has been shown to improve the amount of time women spend within the overnight glucose target range (3.5–7.8 mmol/L) during pregnancy. However, preliminary studies where the AP is used day and night have shown a high degree of interindividual variability in response to the intervention, and further randomised trials are needed to understand which women are suitable candidates for CGM, insulin pump, and AP technology. It is understood that improvements in maternal glycaemic control can minimise the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Given the substantial improvements in glycaemic control with AP use outside of pregnancy, the recent advances in AP technology provide hope that AP systems will improve the effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and CGM during pregnancy. Further research is needed to evaluate whether AP can optimise glucose control and neonatal outcomes in T1DM pregnancy. This paper will discuss emerging technologies available for the management of T1DM in pregnancy.
Adapting to Telemedicine in Diabetes
Authors: Malik Anaya
Published: November 2022

THIS year’s European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual
Meeting 2022 was a hybrid congress, which focused on inclusion and
interaction within the global diabetes community whether participants
attended in person in Stockholm, Sweden, or virtually.
In front of a live audience, Richard Holt, Professor in Diabetes and Endocrinology
at University of Southampton, UK, delivered the presentation, ‘“I just called to say
I love you...” Diabetes tools for telemedicine: What we learned from COVID-19 and
beyond?’ Holt spoke on how telemedicine has become increasingly popular in
diabetes consultations, and how there has been a major rise in its use as a
result of the pandemic. Holt reviewed the evidence on telemedicine for diabetes
care, before exploring the practical issues experienced by patients and healthcare
professionals during the pandemic, taking these as lessons to better inform how
we can use telemedicine going forward. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rapid
expansion of the use of telemedicine, and many have had to adapt to the use of this
in diabetes care.
Feasibility of a Diabetes Prevention Programme as Part of Cancer Survivorship Care
Authors: Eaglehouse Yvonne , Swetts Eric M. , van Londen GJ , Balogh Paula , Yuan Jian-Min , Butler Lesley
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Excess body weight and low physical activity levels may be detrimental to cancer survivorship and to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) for cancer survivors who have risk factors for Type 2 diabetes mellitus and CVD.

Methods: Overweight (BMI >25 kg/m²) adults aged 50–79 who were diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast or colon cancer within the prior 5 years were recruited through a research registry and oncology clinics. Eligible individuals enrolled in a 13-week group lifestyle programme with goals of 5–7% weight loss and 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity. Programme attendance, adherence to recommended behaviours, weight, and physical activity information were collected.

Results: A total of 44 individuals were screened for eligibility; 23 were eligible and 17 enrolled in the programme. Participants attended a median of 10 out of 13 lifestyle sessions and were able to meet dietary and activity goals 72.7% and 56.3% of the time, respectively. At the end of the programme, median weight loss was 4.5% and median activity was 297 minutes/week (median change +164 minutes/week).

Conclusion: The modified DPP intervention was feasible to deliver to this group of cancer survivors who had risk factors for diabetes or CVD. Incorporating successful prevention programmes such as the DPP into cancer survivorship care has the potential to improve health behaviours and chronic disease risk factors in the cancer survivor population.
Editor’s Pick: How Can We Develop More Effective Strategies for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prevention? A Paradigm Shift from a Glucose-Centric to a Beta Cell-Centric Concept of Diabetes
Authors: Saisho Yoshifumi
Published: November 2022

Diabetes is defined as chronic hyperglycaemia due to insufficient insulin action. Over the last few decades, various different types of antidiabetic medications have been developed and the management of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been substantially improved. While we can now successfully control hyperglycaemia in patients with T2DM, the number of patients with T2DM continues to rise. In addition, the financial cost of T2DM is a worldwide problem and cost-effective strategies for T2DM prevention are eagerly awaited. To develop and establish more effective prevention strategies for T2DM, this paper proposes a paradigm shift from a glucose-centric to a beta cell-centric concept of T2DM management. This concept makes it easier for medical staff and patients to understand the process of the development of T2DM and its complications in a pathophysiology-based, continuous, and integrated manner; the glucose-centric concept has so far failed to emphasise the importance of intensive intervention before the onset of T2DM. It is hoped that this paradigm shift in the management of T2DM will foster the development of novel preventive strategies to effectively control this pandemic disease.
Multi-planar instability, laxity and reduced knee flexion during the support phase of walking are determinants of return to sports
Authors: Zhou Tianping , Xu Yihong , Zhou Lan , Wang Siya , Wang Shaobai , Xu Weidong
Published: November 2022

Background: After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, some patients are not recommended to return to high-level physical activity because they fail to pass return-to-sports tests. The kinematic difference between these patients and those who pass the return-to-sports tests is unclear.

Methods: Eighty-two patients who received anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction for unilateral ACL injury underwent return-to-sport tests during a hospital visit at a minimum of 9 months (9–11 months) of follow-up. Fifteen patients who passed the return-to-sports tests (RTS group) and fifteen patients who did not (NRTS group) were randomly selected to perform a treadmill walk under dual-fluoroscopic imaging system surveillance for a 6 degrees of freedom kinematic evaluation.

Results: Of the 82 patients, 53 passed the return-to-sports tests 9 months after surgery, with a return-to-sports rate of 64.6%. In the stance phase, the NRTS group had a larger anterior tibial translation (1.00 ± 0.03 mm vs. 0.76 ± 0.03 mm, p = 0.001), a larger lateral tibial movement (1.61 ± 0.05 mm vs. 0.77 ± 0.05 mm, p < 0.001), a larger distal tibial displacement (−3.09 ± 0.05 mm vs. −2.69 ± 0.05 mm, p < 0.001), a smaller knee flexion angle (6.72 ± 0.07° vs. 8.34 ± 0.07°, p < 0.001), a larger varus angle (−0.40 ± 0.03°VS. -0.01 ± 0.03°, p < 0.001) and a larger external rotation angle (1.80 ± 0.05° vs. 1.77 ± 0.05°, p < 0.001) than the RTS group. The maximum anterior tibial translation of the NRTS group is also larger than that of the RTS group (3.64 ± 0.42 mm vs. 3.03 ± 0.59 mm, p = 0.003).

Conclusion: Compared with patients passing RTS tests, those who fail to pass show significant anterior, lateral, and rotational instability; knee laxity; and reduced flexion angle of the knee in the support phase during walking, which may be the possible factors hindering a return to sports.
A novel sensor-embedded holding device for monitoring upper extremity functions
Authors: Ma Charlie Chen , Mo Pu-Chun , Hsu Hsiu-Yun , Su Fong-Chin
Published: November 2022

There are several causes that can lead to functional weakness in the hands or upper extremities (UE), such as stroke, trauma, or aging. Therefore, evaluation and monitoring of UE rehabilitation have become essential. However, most traditional evaluation tools (TETs) and assessments require clinicians to assist or are limited to specific clinical settings. Several novel assessments might apply to wearable devices, yet those devices will still need clinicians or caretakers to help with further tests. Thus, a novel UE assessment device that is user-friendly and requires minimal assistance would be needed. The cylindrical grasp is one of the common UE movements performed in daily life. Therefore, a cylindrical sensor-embedded holding device (SEHD) for training and monitoring was developed for a usability test within this research. The SEHD has 14 force sensors with an array designed to fit holding positions and a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) to monitor grip strength, hand dexterity, acceleration, and angular velocity. Six young adults, six healthy elderly participants, and three stroke survivors had participated in this study to see if the SEHD could be used as a reference to TETs. During result analyses, where the correlation coefficient analyses were applied, forearm rotation smoothness and the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) showed a moderate negative correlation [r (16) = −0.724, p < 0.01], and the finger independence showed a moderate negative correlation with the PPT [r (10) = −0.615, p < 0.05]. There was also a highly positive correlation between the maximum pressing task and Jamar dynamometer in maximum grip strength [r (16) = 0.821, p < 0.01]. These outcomes suggest that the SEHD with simple movements could be applied as a reference for users to monitor their UE ability.
Evaluating the emission of VOCs and HCHO from furniture based on the surface finish methods and retention periods
Authors: Sherzad Mohammed , Jung Chuloh
Published: November 2022

Furniture emits various VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and formaldehyde (HCHO) into the indoor air. These indoor air pollutants can cause SBS (Sick Building Syndrome), such as sickness, headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, and loss of concentration. This paper aims to provide essential data for improving indoor air quality by identifying the characteristics of the emission of VOCs and HCHO according to the characteristics of raw materials and finishing methods for furniture materials. As a methodology, a small chamber experiment was conducted with eight different test pieces with different base materials compositions and surface finishing methods. VOCs and HCHO were collected and analyzed by GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) and HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). The result showed that the TVOC in the composite material differed according to the retention period of the raw material. HCHO preferentially affects the processing method and the storage period after molding rather than the retention period of raw materials. TVOC emission was lower when the surface finishing method was applied, like paint finish. HCHO emission was getting lower when the adhesive was used during molding. Furniture applied to new houses is installed indoors in the form of finished products (composite materials). It was confirmed that the emission amount from furniture was generally higher than that of the general interior finishing material. Not only using eco-friendly raw materials, securing a specific retention period for raw materials, selecting eco-friendly processing methods, securing a particular retention period after molding, and post-construction management (ventilation and bake-out) should be done through a comprehensive evaluation of furniture.
Liver mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane proteomics for studying the effects of ZiBuPiYin recipe on Zucker diabetic fatty rats after chronic psychological stress
Authors: Xu Huiying , Zhou Wen , Zhan Libin , Bi Tingting , Lu Xiaoguang
Published: November 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disease with multiple etiologies, involving both genetic and environmental factors. With changes associated with modern life, increasing attention has been paid to chronic psychological stressors such as work stress. Chronic psychological stress can induce or aggravate diabetes mellitus, and conversely, with the deterioration of T2DM, patients often experience different degrees of depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions. In order to clarify the role of ZiBuPiYin recipe (ZBPYR) in regulating the liver mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane proteome to improve T2DM with chronic psychological stress, differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified among Zucker lean littermates (control group), chronic psychological stress T2DM rats (model group), and ZBPYR administration rats (ZBPYR group) through iTRAQ with LC-MS/MS. Using Mfuzz soft clustering analysis, DEPs were divided into six different clusters. Clusters 1–6 contained 5, 68, 44, 57, 28, and 32 DEPs, respectively. Given that ZBPYR can alleviate T2DM symptoms and affect exploratory behavior during T2DM with chronic psychological stress, we focused on the clusters with opposite expression trends between model:control and ZBPYR:model groups. We screened out the DEPs in clusters 1, 3, and 4, which may be good candidates for the prevention and treatment of T2DM with chronic psychological stress, and further conducted bioinformatics analyses. DEPs were mainly involved in the insulin signaling pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acid metabolism, lysosome-related processes, and lipid metabolism. This may indicate the pathogenic basis of T2DM with chronic psychological stress and the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZBPYR. In addition, two key proteins, lysosome-associated protein (Lamp2) and tricarboxylic acid cycle-related protein (Suclg1), may represent novel biomarkers for T2DM with chronic psychological stress and drug targets of ZBPYR. Western blot analyses also showed similar expression patterns of these two proteins in liver MAMs of the model and ZBPYR groups.
Shape design of channels and manifolds in a multichannel microreactor using thermal-fluid compartment models
Authors: Tonomura Osamu , Noda Masaru , Hasebe Shinji
Published: November 2022

In the design of microreactors, the shape as well as the size is an important design factor for achieving high performance. Recent advances in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) enable us to know flow and temperature distributions in microreactors of various shapes and sizes without conducting experiments. However, it is often important to develop a simpler model than CFD to further reduce the computational time required for reactor design with iterative performance evaluations. In this research, a thermal-fluid compartment model-based approach is proposed for basic design of a multichannel microreactor. The proposed approach consists of two parts, i.e., thermal design and fluid design. In the thermal design part, two types of thermal compartments, which are used to discretize a reaction channel surrounded by wall and describe the mass and heat balances over the channel, are developed to optimize the channel shape. In the fluid design part, three types of fluid compartments, which are used to discretize the reactor and describe the mass and pressure balances over the reactor, are introduced to optimize manifold shape. The proposed approach is applied to a design problem and the results show that microchannels and manifolds with varying width are effective in realizing the uniform temperature and flow distributions, respectively. In addition to the proposed design approach, a transfer function-based compartment model is developed to estimate the residence time distribution of fluid in a microreactor without running time-dependent CFD simulation.
Reanalysis of historic elemental speciation filters to investigate the presence of fibrous mineral particles using microscopy techniques
Authors: Talbot Nick , Dirks Kim N. , Fan Wendy , Patel Hamesh , Costello Seosamh B. , Brook Martin , Davy Perry
Published: November 2022

A case is presented for the value of archiving air quality filters to allow for retrospective analysis of emerging contaminants, that is filter constituents not considered to be harmful (and thus not identified or quantified specifically) at the time of collection but subsequently considered to be of interest. As an example, filters from a 20-year historical archive consisting of 16,000 filters from three sites across Auckland are re-examined for the presence of elongated mineral fibres known to be present in rock across the city. Originally collected for the purpose of the source apportionment of particulate matter, 10 filters from each of the three sites were chosen for reanalysis based on their high silica and aluminium content, and thus considered more likely to contain fibre-like particles (FLP). These filters were analysed using various microscopic methods, including phase contrast microscopy (PCM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that although the commonly used fibrous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material of the filters may hamper the visual identification of any fibre-like particles under a certain length, their key components are able to be identified using a combination of PCM and SEM when they are of a suitable dimension and have settled in a certain orientation on the filter. In this case, the use of EDS confirmed the silicon content of the fibres and also revealed elemental spectra. Although the exact identification of the mineral fibre is uncertain, the EDS scan is consistent with hazardous zeolites such as erionite, known to be present in the rock found in Auckland. This study highlights the value in maintaining filter archives for the purpose of investigating the historical evolution of emerging atmospheric pollutants.
Synthesis, characterization, and biological activities of zinc(II), copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of an aminoquinoline derivative
Authors: Damena Tadewos , Alem Mamaru Bitew , Zeleke Digafie , Desalegn Tegene , Eswaramoorthy Rajalakshmanan , Demissie Taye B.
Published: November 2022

Interest is increasingly focused on the use of transition metal complexes as biochemical, medical, analytical, pharmaceutical, agronomic, anticancer, and antibacterial agents. In this study, three complexes of [Zn(H2L)Cl] (1), [Cu(H2L)(H2O)(NO3)] (2) and [Ni(H2L)(NO3)].2H2O (3) were synthesized from a 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde derived ligand [H3L = ((E)-2-(((2-((2-hydroxyethyl)amino)quinolin-3-yl)methylene)amino)ethanol. The compounds were characterized using physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The results demonstrate that the free ligand behaves as a tridentate ligand with one oxygen and two nitrogen (ONN) donor atoms in 1:1 metal:ligand ratio. The formation constants of the complexes were found to be (KZn(II) = 2.3 × 106, KCu(II) = 2.9 × 106, and KNi(II) = 3.8 × 105). The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the reactions were spontaneous with exothermic nature of metal-ligand interaction energies. Based on the analyses of the experimental (EDX, FTIR, PXRD, MS and TGA) and DFT results, a distorted tetrahedral, a distorted square pyramidal and square planar geometry for Zn(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes, respectively, were proposed. The B3LYP calculated IR frequencies and TD-B3LYP calculated absorption spectra were found to be in good agreement with the corresponding experimental results. The powder XRD data confirmed that the Zn(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes have polycrystalline nature with average crystallite sizes of 27.86, 33.54, 37.40 Å, respectively. In vitro antibacterial activity analyses of the complexes were studied with disk diffusion method, in which the complexes showed better activity than the precursor ligand. Particularly the Cu(II) complex showed higher percent activity index (62, 90%), than both Zn(II) (54, 82%) and Ni(II) (41, 68%) complexes against both E. coli and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Using the DPPH assay, the complexes were further assessed for their antioxidant capacities. All metal complexes showed improved antioxidant activity than the free ligand. Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes, which had IC50 values of 10.46 and 8.62 μg/ml, respectively, showed the best antioxidant activity. The calculated results of Lipinski’s rule of five also showed that the target complexes have drug-like molecular nature and similarly, the results of binding mode of action of these compounds against E. coli DNA gyrase B and P. aeruginosa LasR.DNA were found to be in good agreement with the in vitro biological activities.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering as a potential strategy for wearable flexible sensing and point-of-care testing non-invasive medical diagnosis
Authors: Liu Guoran , Mu Zhimei , Guo Jing , Shan Ke , Shang Xiaoyi , Yu Jing , Liang Xiu
Published: November 2022

As a powerful and effective analytical tool, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has attracted considerable research interest in the fields of wearable flexible sensing and non-invasive point-of-care testing (POCT) medical diagnosis. In this mini-review, we briefly summarize the design strategy, the development progress of wearable SERS sensors and its applications in this field. We present SERS substrate analysis of material design requirements for wearable sensors and highlight the benefits of novel plasmonic particle-in-cavity (PIC)-based nanostructures for flexible SERS sensors, as well as the unique interfacial adhesion effect and excellent mechanical properties of natural silk fibroin (SF) derived from natural cocoons, indicating promising futures for applications in the field of flexible electronic, optical, and electrical sensors. Additionally, SERS wearable sensors have shown great potential in the fields of different disease markers as well as in the diagnosis testing for COVID-19. Finally, the current challenges in this field are pointed out, as well as the promising prospects of combining SERS wearable sensors with other portable health monitoring systems for POCT medical diagnosis in the future.
Persistence with daily growth hormone among children and adolescents with growth hormone deficiency in the UK
Authors: Loftus Jane , Wogen Jen , Oliveri David , Benjumea Darrin , Jhingran Priti , Chen Yong , Alvir Jose , Rivero-Sanz Elena , Kowalik Jack C. , Wajnrajch Michael P.
Published: November 2022

Background

Children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) are treated with daily somatropin injections; however, poor treatment persistence and adherence have been recognized previously and have been shown to negatively impact growth outcomes. A recent real-world study of a US pediatric GHD population found that a substantial proportion of children discontinued somatropin therapy, but similar data for a real-world UK population are lacking.

Objectives

To describe the discontinuation of, and persistence with, daily somatropin treatment among children with GHD in the UK.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of children (≥3 and <16 years old) with ≥1 medication prescription for daily injectable somatropin from 1 July 2000 to 31 December 2020 in the IQVIA Medical Research DATA (IMRD) database. Early persistence was defined as the proportion of children prescribed ≥1 somatropin refill (≥2 prescriptions). Discontinuation was defined as the first date at which a medication gap for somatropin (of >60 or >90 days between prescriptions) occurred. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to evaluate persistence (non-discontinuation) over time to assess time to first discontinuation event. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the relationship between patient characteristics and time to medication discontinuation.

Results

Among the cohort identified in this study (n = 117), the majority (n = 84, 71.8%) had 48 months of available follow-up; 56.4% were boys and the mean (median) age was 8.6 (8.0) years. About 98% exhibited early persistence, but persistence over the follow-up period decreased with follow-up duration. Using the conservative 90-day gap definition of persistence, an estimated 72.4%, 52.8%, and 43.3% were persistent at 12, 36, and 48 months. Lower persistence rates were observed using the 60-day definition. No significant patient predictors of time to discontinuation were identified.

Conclusions

Despite high early persistence with somatropin, a high percentage of children with GHD were increasingly non-persistent over time. More than 1 in 4 were non-persistent at 12 months and more than 1 in 2 were non-persistent at 48 months of follow-up. These results suggest that strategies to support improved medication-taking behavior among children with GHD in the UK are warranted.
Sleeve gastrectomy attenuated diabetes-related cognitive decline in diabetic rats
Authors: Ding Huanxin , Liu Chuxuan , Zhang Shuo , Li Bingjun , Xu Qian , Shi Bowen , Li Songhan , Dong Shuohui , Ma Xiaomin , Zhang Yun , Zhong Mingwei , Zhang Guangyong
Published: November 2022

Objective

To investigate the effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on diabetes-related cognitive decline (DCD) in rats with diabetic mellitus (DM).

Methods and methods

Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into control (CON) group (n=10), diabetes mellitus (DM) group (n=10), sham operation (SHAM) group (n=10) and SG group (n=10). DM model was established by high-fat diet (HFD) combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (STZ). Behavioral evaluation was given using Morris water maze test and Y-maze. In addition, PET-CT, TUNEL assay, histological analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot analysis were used to evaluate the alleviating effects and potential mechanisms of SG on DCD in DM rats.

Results

Compared with the sham group, SG induced significant improvement in the metabolic indices such as blood glucose and body weight. Besides, it could attenuate the insulin resistance compared with SHAM group. In addition, SG could improve the cognitive function of DM rats, which were featured by significant decrease in the escape latency (P<0.05), and significant increase in the time in target quadrant and platform crossings (P<0.05) compared with the SHAM group. SG induced significant elevation in the spontaneous alternation compared with SHAM group (P<0.05). Moreover, SG could improve the arrangement and biosynthesis of hippocampus neuron. Moreover, SG triggered the inhibition of apoptosis of hippocampus neurons, and Western blot analysis showed SG induced significant increase in the ratios of Bcl-2/Bax and Caspase3/cleaved Caspase 3. TEM demonstrated SG could significantly improve the microstructure of hippocampus neurons compared with the SHAM group. Western blot and IHC confirmed the significant decrease in the phosphorylation of tau at Ser404 and Ser396 sites in the SG group. Furthermore, SG activated the PI3K signaling pathway by elevating the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt and GSK3β compared with the SHAM group.

Conclusion

SG attenuated the DCD in DM rats, which may be related to the activation of PI3K signaling pathway.
Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and the risk of type 2 diabetes: A two-sample Mendelian Randomization analysis in the European population
Authors: Deng Ming-Gang , Cui Han-Tao , Lan Yong-Bing , Nie Jia-Qi , Liang Yue-Hui , Chai Chen
Published: November 2022

Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) have been linked to the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in observational studies; however, it is unclear whether these associations are causative or confounded. This study intends to use summary genetic data from the UK Biobank and other consortiums in conjunction with the two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach to solve this problem. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) technique was utilized as the primary analysis, with sensitivity analyses using the MR-Egger, weighted-median, and MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (PRESSO) techniques. Inverse associations between self-reported moderate PA (OR: 0.3096, 95% CI: 0.1782-0.5380) and vigorous PA (OR: 0.2747, 95% CI: 0.1390-0.5428) with T2DM risk were found, respectively. However, accelerometer-based PA measurement (average acceleration) was not associated with T2DM risk (OR: 1.0284, 95% CI: 0.9831-1.0758). The time (hours/day) spent watching TV was associated with T2DM risk (OR: 2.3490, 95% CI: 1.9084-2.8915), while the time (hours/day) spent using the computer (OR: 0.8496, 95% CI: 0.7178-1.0056), and driving (OR: 3.0679, 95% CI: 0.8448-11.1415) were not associated with T2DM risk. The sensitivity analysis revealed relationships of a similar magnitude. Our study revealed that more PA and less TV viewing were related to a decreased T2DM risk, and provided genetic support for a causal relationship between PA, TV viewing, and T2DM risk.
A study on a novel solar contribution evaluation method for the solar-aided coal-fired power generation system
Authors: Jiang Yue , Duan Liqiang , Tong Yongjing , Yang Ming , Pang Liping
Published: November 2022

Solar-aided coal-fired power generation (SACPG) technology is an effective method of solar energy utilization. It could balance the demand of carbon dioxide emission reduction and renewable energy efficient power generation and promote carbon peaking and carbon neutralization. Accurate analysis of the share of solar energy in the unit output power could benefit the selection of the best integration scheme and exploitation of solar energy for further research. A novel solar contribution evaluation method of an SACPG system is put forward. The exergy is taken as the evaluation benchmark, and the method can be applied in an SACPG system with multiple integration positions with solar energy. The solar energy input from different positions in the system is analyzed separately. The solar energy input positions and the impact of solar exergy destruction on the solar energy contribution are considered. The proposed method also analyzes the flow direction and destruction of each solar exergy in different parts of the SACPG system and expresses the solar contribution in the electricity generated by each stage steam turbine in the form of a theoretical formula. Ultimately, the solar exergy contribution in the whole SACPG system is calculated by accumulating each result. Furthermore, the new method is applied to a tower solar-aided coal-fired power generation (TSACPG) system with thermal energy storage (TES) for comparative analysis. Compared with other solar contribution evaluation methods, the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the novel method are analyzed. Meanwhile, the exergy destruction distributions of the TSACPG system are revealed. The method can also be further used to excavate the application potential of solar energy in coal-fired units and provide theoretical support for highly efficient utilization of solar energy.
Study on coupling coordination and collaborative optimization system of water-energy-grain
Authors: Ren XuYan , Ren YongTai , Pei Wei
Published: November 2022

In order to solve the problem that water resources in a certain province are relatively scarce and the spatial matching effect of resources is poor, which causes the w-e-f system to face the problem of trade-off, the water-energy-food coupling coordination and collaborative optimization system is proposed. By constructing the w-e-f multi-objective collaborative optimization model, the multi-objective optimization schemes under different weight scenarios are compared, and scenario 2 with better effect is selected as the best scheme for collaborative optimization. The results show that, on the basis of meeting the constraint conditions, by adjusting the crop planting structure and making efficient use of resource elements, the water resource consumption of major grain crops can be reduced by 7.3% and the total energy consumption can be reduced by 2.5% by 2030 compared with 2019.

Conclusion

The system provides solutions to alleviate the pressure on water resources and ecological environment to a certain extent. Compared with the single objective optimization scheme, multi-objective optimization can effectively alleviate the trade-off conflict between w-e-f.
Local forest specialists maintain traditional ecological knowledge in the face of environmental threats to Brazilian Amazonian protected areas
Authors: Alves Rubana Palhares , Levis Carolina , Bertin Vinicius Mutti , Ferreira Maria Julia , Cassino Mariana Franco , Pequeno Pedro Aurélio Costa Lima , Schietti Juliana , Clement Charles R.
Published: November 2022

There is a concern that environmental threats that result in local biodiversity loss compromise traditional peoples’ livelihoods and their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). Nonetheless, studies usually only analyze how people’s characteristics influence TEK. Here, we investigated both: how the personal characteristics of local specialists (forest experience, gender, and origin) and environmental threats (deforestation, mining, and fires) influence some components of TEK associated with forests. From 2015 to 2019, we conducted free-listing interviews with 208 specialists from 27 communities in and near 10 protected areas (PAs) in Brazilian Amazonia. We recorded forest trees and palms that the specialists mentioned as used, managed, and traded. Plant knowledge was variable, since 44% of the 795 ethnospecies were mentioned only once. Using Mixed-Effects Models, we identified that people with longer forest experience and men tended to cite more used and traded ethnospecies. Women knew more about human food, while men knew more about construction and animal food. Specialists with greater forest experience knew more about protective management and planting. Specialists living in communities influenced by mining cited fewer used ethnospecies, and those in more deforested communities cited proportionally more planting. Environmental threats had smaller effects on TEK than personal characteristics. The components of TEK that we assessed highlight the forest’s great utility and the importance of management of PAs to maintain biodiversity and traditional people’s livelihoods. The communities’ stocks of TEK persisted in the face of environmental threats to PAs, highlighting the resistance of traditional peoples in the face of adversities. This quantitative approach did not show the trends that are generally imagined, i.e., loss of forest TEK, but demonstrates that if we want to change the Amazonian development model to keep the forest standing, knowledge exists and resists.
Multi-scale quantification of anthropogenic, fire, and drought-associated forest disturbances across the continental U.S., 2000–2014
Authors: Wang Minzi , Xu Chonggang , Johnson Daniel J. , Allen Craig D. , Anderson Martha , Wang Guangxing , Qie Guangping , Solander Kurt C. , McDowell Nate G.
Published: November 2022

Our understanding of broad-scale forest disturbances under climatic extremes remains incomplete. Drought, as a typical extreme event, is a key driver of forest mortality but there have been no reports on continental-scale quantification of its impact on forest mortality or how it compares to other natural or anthropogenic drivers. Thus, our ability to understand and predict broad-scale carbon cycling in response to changing climate and extreme events is limited. In this study, we applied an attribution approach based on different sources of data to quantify the area and potential carbon loss/transfer in continental U.S. (CONUS) from four types of disturbance: (1) anthropogenic (especially timber harvest); (2) fire; (3) drought-associated; and (4) other from 2000 to 2014. Our results showed that anthropogenic disturbances, fire, drought-associated disturbances, and other disturbances accounted for 54.3, 10.7, 12.7, and 22.3% of total canopy area loss, respectively. Anthropogenic disturbance was the most important driver contributing to 58.1% potential carbon loss/transfer in CONUS for 2000–2014. The potential carbon loss/transfer from natural disturbances (fire, drought, and other) for the same study period accounted for approximately 41.9% of the total loss/transfer from all agents, suggesting that natural disturbances also played a very important role in forest carbon turnover. Potential carbon loss/transfer associated with drought accounted for approximately 11.6% of the total loss/transfer in CONUS, which was of similar magnitude to potential carbon loss/transfer from fire (∼11.0%). The other natural disturbance accounted for 19.3% of potential carbon loss/transfer. Our results demonstrated the importance of the impacts of various disturbances on forest carbon stocks at the continental scale, and the drought-associated carbon loss/transfer data developed here could be used for evaluating the performance of predictive models of tree mortality under droughts.
Physical, language, neurodevelopment and phenotype-genotype correlation of Chinese patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome
Authors: Wu Lihua , Wang Jianhong , Wang Lei , Xu Qi , Zhou Bo , Zhang Zhen , Li Qi , Wang Hui , Han Lu , Jiang Qian , Wang Lin
Published: November 2022

Background: To report detailed knowledge about the clinical manifestations, genetic spectrum as well as physical, language, neurodevelopment features and genotype-phenotype correlations of Chinese patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS).

Methods: We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical data for twenty-two patients with molecularly confirmed diagnoses. We used Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) to assess their neurodevelopment and the Diagnostic Receptive and Expressive Assessment of Mandarin-Infant & Toddler (DREAM-IT) to evaluate their language ability and compared the data with the two types of underlying pathogenic variations.

Results: The height and weight of all patients were below the 75th percentile, and microcephaly was observed in 16 of 22 patients (72.7%). Four patients carrying chromosome deletions encompassing the ZEB2 gene were more severely affected. All MWS patients exhibited better performance in cognitive play and social communication than in receptive and expressive language. In the receptive language area, the types of words that children with MWS understood most were nouns, followed by adjectives and verbs.

Conclusion: This study delineated the phenotypic spectrum of the largest MWS cohort in China and provided comprehensive profiling of their physical, language, neurodevelopment features and genotype-phenotype correlations.
Identifying tumor antigens and immune subtypes of renal cell carcinoma for immunotherapy development
Authors: Chen Xinglin , Zhang Tongtong , Zhai Xinyu , Wan Zhong , Ge Minyao , Liu Chengzong , Tan Mingyue , Xu Dongliang
Published: November 2022

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the leading causes of death in men. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines may be an attractive means to achieve satisfactory results. Cancer immunotherapy is a promising cancer treatment strategy. However, immunotherapy is not widely used in renal cell carcinoma, as only a few patients show a positive response. The present study aimed to identify potential antigens associated with renal cell carcinoma to develop an anti-renal cell carcinoma mRNA vaccine. Moreover, the immune subtypes of renal cell carcinoma cells were determined. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis revealed gene expression profiles and clinical information. Antigen-presenting cells infiltrated the immune system using Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) tool (http://timer.cistrome.org/). GDSC (Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer) database were used to estimate drug sensitivity. The 13 immune-related genes discovery could be targets for immunotherapy in renal cell carcinoma patients, as they were associated with a better prognosis and a higher level of antigen-presenting cells. These immune subtypes have significant relationships with immunological checkpoints, immunogenic cell death regulators, and RCC prognostic variables. Furthermore, DBH-AS1 was identified as a potential antigen for developing an mRNA vaccine. The CCK8 assay demonstrated that the proliferative capacity of 786-O and Caki-1 cells overexpressing DBH-AS1 was higher than in the control group. In addition, transwell assay revealed that 786-O and Caki-1 cells overexpressing DBH-AS1 showed higher invasion capacity compared with control. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of mRNA vaccines. Our findings suggest that DBH-AS1 could be potential antigens for developing RCC mRNA vaccines.
The role of IL-38 in intestinal diseases - its potential as a therapeutic target
Authors: Wang Qiang , Ma Linna , An Caiping , Wise Steven G. , Bao Shisan
Published: November 2022

IL-38, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, is a key regulator of homeostasis in host immunity. Intestinal immunity plays a critical role in defence against pathogenic invasion, as it is the largest surface organ and the most common entry point for micro-organisms. Dysregulated IL-38 activity is observed in several autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus and atherosclerosis. The protective role of IL-38 is well illustrated in experimental colitis models, showing significantly worse colitis in IL-38 deficient mice, compared to wildtype mice. Moreover, exogenous IL-38 has been shown to ameliorate experimental colitis. Surprisingly, upregulated IL-38 is detected in inflamed tissue from inflammatory bowel disease patients, consistent with increased circulating cytokine levels, demonstrating the complex nature of host immunity in vivo. However, colonic IL-38 is significantly reduced in malignant tissues from patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissue. Additionally, IL-38 expression in CRC correlates with 5-year survival, tumour size and differentiation, suggesting IL-38 plays a protective role during the development of CRC. IL-38 is also an independent biomarker for the prognosis of CRC, offering useful information in the management of CRC. Taken together, these data demonstrate the role of IL-38 in the maintenance of normal intestinal mucosal homeostasis, but that dysregulation of IL-38 contributes to initiation of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (resulting from persistent local inflammation), and that IL-38 provides protection during the development of colorectal cancer. Such data provide useful information for the development of novel therapeutic targets in the management of intestinal diseases for more precise medicine.