bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holistic Management in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients with Malnutrition
Authors: Karyus Aila
Published: August 2024

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is still a problem in developing countries and even the world. TB is one of the top 10 causes of death and the first cause of death from an infectious agent worldwide. The government plans to eliminate TB by 2030, which is carried out with the National Strategy for TB Control. Family doctors play an important role in which the role of family doctors is not only to cure but also to promote health and prevention of TB disease. Purpose: The application of evidence-based medical doctor family services to patients by identifying risk factors, clinical problems, and management with a patient-centered approach and family approach. Method: The study conducted was a Case Report. Primary data were obtained through history taking and physical examination by making home visits, filling family folders, and filling patient files. The assessment was carried out based on the initial holistic diagnosis, process, and end of the visit quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: Based on a holistic diagnosis, it was found that an 87-year-old patient complained of coughing, difficulty in swallowing, and weight loss since three months ago, three weeks ago the patient was diagnosed with TB. Physical examination showed a BMI of 14.2. The patient had difficulty swallowing, with the examination of nerves 10 within normal limits. Internal risk factors include a lack of knowledge about TB, and aging. External factors are often exposed to dust. Functional degrees 4. Four visits were made. The interventions provided in the form of education about TB include the definition, symptoms, treatment and prevention, counseling with the family, and providing a high-calorie, high-protein diet for patients. The evaluation results show an increase in patient and family knowledge about TB and an improvement in the patient's diet that the family has done. Conclusion: The diagnosis of TB with malnutrition and dysphagia is good. Management provided is in accordance with the guidelines, visible changes in behavior, and knowledge of patients and patients' families after an intervention based on evidence-based medicine that is patient-centered, family approach.
Empowerment of Dasawisma and Health Cadres as Family Cadres to Optimize Family Posyandu
Authors: Fitriadi Yogi , Mahmudah Noor Afif , Ekawati Fitriana Murriya , Fauziah Siti Rizki , Ngang Inggong , Nababan Adelina Novita , Claramita Mora
Published: August 2024

Background: Health cadres are one of the important elements in realizing health in society. In the North Lombok region, the change in the status of ordinary Posyandu to family Posyandu makes health care in the community more comprehensive for all family members. For this reason, efforts to increase the capacity of health cadres are important to improve health status in the family sphere. Objective: This study aims to see the effect of training on increasing the capacity of family cadres on the knowledge of family cadres in the North Lombok Regency area. Method: The sampling process is carried out using the cluster sampling method where each village representative in the Kayangan sub-district of North Lombok Regency sends a cadre representative to train to increase the capacity of Dasawisma cadres to become family cadres. A descriptive analysis of respondents' characteristics and differences in knowledge scores before and after family cadre training activities were conducted. The data analysis process was carried out with the Wilcoxon Test because the data distribution was abnormal. Result: Thirty-three health cadres meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results showed that the median value (maximum-minimum) of family cadres before training, shortly after training and six months after training was 66.67 (36.67-80), 66.67 (53.33-83.33) and 70 (53.33-96.67). From the Wilcoxon test, there was a statistically significant difference between the knowledge score before training and six months after training (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the knowledge score before training and shortly after training, as well as the knowledge score shortly after training and 6 months after training (p>0.05). Conclusion: Family cadre empowerment training can improve knowledge scores 6 months after training, but there is no significant difference in knowledge score improvement shortly after training as well as between knowledge scores shortly after training and 6 months after training.
A Study on Sondergard’s Translation from the Perspective of Narratology
Authors: Li Dongyue
Published: August 2024

Chinese classical novels have great influence and high literary value. Sinologist Sidney L. Sondergard’s relatively new complete translation have received little attention and research. Combining narrative theories, this paper takes the translation of Sondergard as the core and uses other translation versions of the same work as a reference to analyze the inspiration of Sondergard’s translation for Chinese classic books.
COMPARISON OF EFFECTS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY ON SERUM LIPID PROFILE & LIPOPROTEIN(A) IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: SACHI PRASAD BASU  , KOUSTUV CHOWDHURY  , ARINDAM SUR
Published: August 2024

Objective: The study was used to compare the effects of combined estrogen–progestogen therapy and estrogen alone on serum lipid profile and lipoprotein (a).
Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted on the patients attending the Gynecology OPD at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Thirty women, who have attained spontaneous or surgical menopause, were selected as cases. All the women with natural menopause received combined estrogen-progestogen therapy (CEE, 0.625 mg and medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg daily) for 6 months. On the other hand, the women who underwent surgical menopause received only estrogen (CEE 0.625 mg) daily for 6 months lipid profile parameters and lipoprotein (a) were measured using commercially available kits before commencement of treatment and on follow-up (at 3 and 6 months).
Results: There was a 30% decrease in serum lipoprotein (a) level following 6 months of Hormone replacement therapy. This finding confirms with the positive cardioprotective effects of estrogen.
Conclusion: The beneficial effects of estrogen on lipids and lip (a) got partially attenuated when progesterone was added to estrogen.
FOUR-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE PROFILING OF THE UNKNOWN/UNCLAIMED AUTOPSY CASES
Authors: JASPINDER PRATAP SINGH  , SUNNY BASRA
Published: August 2024

Objective: The aim and objectives of the present study are profiling the unknown/unclaimed dead bodies.
Methods: The study conducted was a retrospective analysis spanning 4 years, examining all unknown or unclaimed autopsies performed at the mortuary of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology in Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India, covering the period from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023.
Results: The overall cases of unknown/unclaimed deaths reported in 4 years were 243 (18.2%) of the total autopsy cases conducted. The majority of the unknown autopsy cases were males. A significant proportion of cases, 101 (41.6%), were attributed to natural disease processes, followed by rail/road traffic injuries in 24 (9.9%) cases. Poisoning accounted for 10 (4.1%) deaths, while drowning resulted in 9 (3.7%) cases. The cause of death remained undetermined in 17 (7%) cases. However, in 81 (33.3%) cases, pending viscera reports delayed the declaration of the cause of death.
Conclusion: The government must make earnest endeavors to ensure food and shelter for all citizens, thus alleviating the incidence of such deaths. Implementing efficient and expedited identification methods, in conjunction with coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies, is imperative to establish the identities of individuals in such circumstances. This undertaking holds significance not only for statistical purposes but also for the overall well-being and dignity of the populace.
ANALYSIS OF CESAREAN SECTIONS USING ROBSON’S 10 GROUP CLASSIFICATION: NEED OF THE HOUR
Authors: ROHIT SHANTILAL DIMBAR  , MANGAL SANTOSH SUPE  , SMITA MAROTIRAO THAKKARWAD
Published: August 2024

Objective: The number of women delivering by cesarean sections has increased exponentially over the past decade hence making its reanalysis of absolute importance. Delving into the indications and rationale of this surgery is crucial. An audit of the cesarean sections performed in a Post- Graduate teaching institute with the use of Robson’s classification.
Methods: A retrospective study was carried out for 4 years in PGI YCMH, Pimpri from January 2018 to December 2021, where details of women delivered by the cesarean section were collected. The indications for cesarean section were sorted as stated by Robson’s classification and the results were analyzed.
Results: The cesarean section rate in the hospital during the study duration was 35.22%. The highest contribution to the study population was from group 2 (23.4%) and then from group 1 (18.1%) and 3 (17.5%). The lowest representations were from groups 9 (0.43%) and 8 (1.01%). Group 5 had the greatest contribution to the total cesarean section rate (44.57%) closely followed by group 2 (19.98). Group 9 had a 100% cesarean section rate even though it was only 0.43% of the population.
Conclusion: An audit of the cesarean section as an important intervention is needed and Robson’s classification should be utilized in all maternity care. This will help in triaging the indications, give insights into important indications, and provide a glimpse of the burden of the intervention. This will help us to reduce unwanted cesarean sections. Robson’s classification can be of great help in it; however, it has some limitations which need to be looked at.
THEOPHYLLINE ASCORBIC ACID COCRYSTALS BY SONOCRYSTALLIZATION METHOD: FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION STUDIES
Authors: HARITA R DESAI  , SAKSHI JAISWAL  , ASHWINI KONDHARE
Published: August 2024

Objective: The objective of the current research work was to develop Theophylline Ascorbic acid cocrystals by sonocrystallization method. The approach is a coadministrative approach to provide drug:drug cocrystals in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder.
Methods:The cocrystals were formulated in 3 stoichiometric ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 using Sonocrystallization induced evaporation method. Methanol was used as solvent. The cocrystals were evaluated for visual morphology, melting point, FTIR studies, saturation solubility in water and Simulated Lung fluid pH 7.4, in vitro drug release in Simulated Lung Fluid pH 7.4, Differential scanning calorimetry studies, X-Ray Diffraction studies, Scanning Electron Microscopy studies and Raman spectroscopy.
Result:Cocrystals were successfully developed in all 3 stoichiometric ratios by sonocrystallization method. The cocrystal of Theophylline with Ascorbic acid in ratio of 1:1 was found to be most optimized with 10 fold increase in saturation solubility in water and 11.5 fold increase in solubility in simulated lung fluid pH 7.4  and two-fold increase in in vitro drug release in SLF pH 7.4. The cocrystal was found to show a lowered melting point as confirmed by DSC studies thus confirming formation of new crystalline phase. X Ray Diffraction studies. SEM and Raman spectroscopy studies were found to confirm the change in crystalline characteristics of the cocrystals by indicating formation of new crystalline phase.
Conclusion: Cocrystals were successfully developed  by sonocrystallization method. Sonocrystallization method can be used as a preferred method for formation of drug-drug cocrystals for coadministrative approach of drug delivery.
PRE-TEST AND POST-TEST EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE OF “ROLE OF DOCTORS IN SOCIETY” – A FOUNDATION COURSE TOPIC IN 1ST-YEAR MEDICAL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Authors: SRUTHI S  , GLORY JOSEPHINE I
Published: August 2024

Objectives: This study analyzed the level of improvement in the knowledge about the role of doctors in society using pre-test and post-test models of learning.
Methods: The study was conducted in a classroom of 250 1st-year MBBS students. Structured pre-test and post-test questionnaires were designed based on the concept of the foundation course topic “Role of doctors in society” and given at the beginning and end of the class.
Results: Out of the 250 1st-year MBBS students, 136 (54.4%) were females and 114 (45.6%) were males. The study revealed that among 250 students, 196 (78.4%) had inadequate knowledge, 51 (20.4%) had moderate knowledge, and only 3 (1.2%) had adequate knowledge in pre-test. After administration of the post-test, 113 (45.2%) had adequate knowledge, 111 (44.4%) had moderate knowledge, and 26 (10.4%) had inadequate knowledge. The paired “t”-test showed a high level of significance (0.001).
Conclusion: This study proved the effectiveness of the foundation course topic “Role of doctors in society” in improving the attentiveness and knowledge of the students.
POTENTIAL OF LARGE LANGUAGE MODEL CHAT GENERATIVE PRE-TRAINED TRANSFORMER IN CONSTRUCTING MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS ON PHARMACOLOGY OF DIABETES
Authors: PRATIK R CHABHADIYA  , RIDHDHI HIRAPARA  , ARUN KESHWALA
Published: August 2024

Objective: Creating high-quality multiple-choice questions (MCQs) is often a time-consuming and demanding process. This text aims to explore whether Chat generative pre-trained transformer (ChatGPT) can generate satisfactory MCQs on the topic of “pharmacology of diabetes.”
Methods: The ChatGPT, a large language model based on GPT technology, has been utilized as an artificial intelligence tool to create various types of MCQs. The answers generated by ChatGPT have been recorded for further analysis.
Results: ChatGPT generates pharmacology MCQs covering cognitive and affective domains with correct answers. It creates MCQs of varying difficulty, corrects mistakes, and can frame negative type and case-based MCQs. It generates three or four options unless specified otherwise.
Conclusion: ChatGPT can quickly generate high-quality MCQs but has limitations, including a lack of medical expertise, context comprehension, answer verification, and visual aid production. Teachers should validate ChatGPT-generated MCQs for accuracy and reliability, ensuring they align with the curriculum and include necessary context and visual aids for better comprehension.
CLINICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH HYDATID CYST AND MANAGEMENT AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER
Authors: KAPIL RAMPAL  , HARKANWALPREET KAUR  , RIPANDEEP SINGH  , SUDHIR KHICHY
Published: August 2024

Objective: In this study, we aimed to assess the clinical profile of patients presenting to our surgical unit in the past 5 years, determined the risk factors associated with the disease, and also reviewed the management options.
Methods: It is a retrospective observational study in which case records, from November 2017 to February 2024, were observed for age, gender, occupation, socioeconomic status, clinical features, radiological findings (size, site, number, status, and stage), serological test (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), mode of intervention, and a result of the intervention (complications – cysto-biliary fistula, allergic reaction, wound complications, duration of hospitalization, and death).
Results: Of 33 patients studied, 42.42% of cases were from 31 to 40-year-old age group. 57.57% of cases were males. 60.6% of patients were from lower socioeconomic status. Pain abdomen was the most common symptom (84.8%) observed. Organomegaly was the most common (63.6%) sign recorded. Isolated splenic involvement was observed in 6% of cases. 51.6% of the liver hydatid cysts involved the right lobe of the liver and 12.9% had bilobar involvement. Eosinophilia was observed in 15.2% of cases. Raised alkaline phosphatase (63.63%) was the most common liver function test to be deranged. 75.8% of cases were managed with surgery.
Conclusion: Hydatid disease is a neglected tropical disease and continues to be a significant public health matter in tropical and developing countries. A higher general awareness and education about the disease are vital to limit significant associated morbidity and mortality.
The Impact of Adult Attachment of University Students on Depression: The Mediating Effect of Emotion Recognition
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Gim Hyunyoung , Kim Mijeong , Choi Boyoung
Published: August 2024

Objectives This study aimed to verify the mediating effect of emotion recognition in the relationship between adult attachment and depression.
Methods To achieve this, an online survey was conducted to measure adult attachment, emotion recognition, and depression among university students currently enrolled in four-year universities in Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, and Incheon. Data from a total of 347 participants were finally analyzed. Correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were performed using SPSS 22.
Results The results can be summarized as follows: First, there were significant positive correlations between attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, emotion recognition, and depression. Second, emotion recognition had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between attachment anxiety and depression. Third, emotion recognition had a full mediating effect on the relationship between attachment avoidance and depression.
Conclusions Attachment anxiety directly affected depression or indirectly through emotion recognition, while attachment avoidance did not directly affect depression but influenced it through emotion recognition as a mediator. Based on these findings, efficient counseling intervention strategies and limitations were discussed to address the challenges faced by university students experiencing depression.
The relationship between childcare teacher’s empathy and respect for the rights of infant and young children: Mediating Effect of Sensitivity
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Cho Kyung Hee , Ha Yo Sang , Ryu Kyung Hee
Published: August 2024

Objectives The purpose of this study is, first, to investigate the relationship between childcare teachers' empathy, respect for infants' rights, and childcare teachers' sensitivity, and secondly, to verify the mediating effect of sensitivity in the relationship between empathy and respect for infants' rights.
Methods Empathy, respect for infants' rights, and sensitivity tests were conducted on 337 infant and toddler teachers at daycare centers located in South Chungcheong Province, Daejeon City, and Sejong City. Correlation analysis of each variable was conducted, and SPSS Process Macro Model 4 was used to verify the mediating effect of sensitivity in the impact of childcare teachers' empathy on respect for infants' rights.
Results As a result of this study, first, it was found that childcare teachers' empathy, respect for infants' rights, and sensitivity were all significantly correlated. Second, the sensitivity of the childcare teacher completely mediated the relationship between respect for infants and children's rights. Sensitive interaction, a subfactor of sensitivity, fully mediated the relationship between the two variables, and insensitive interaction partially mediated the relationship between the two variables.
Conclusions The results of this study showed the importance of enhancing childcare teachers' empathy and sensitivity in order to improve the quality of respect for infants' rights, and suggest the need to find intervention methods to help childcare teachers improve their sensitive interactions.
Public green spaces in the city of Neuquén. An approach to urban change
Authors: Schroeder Romina Valeria , Preiss Osvaldo
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of public green spaces (PGSs) in the city of Neuquén (Neuquén, Patagonia Norte, Argentina), applying established scientific indicators from the literature. Public green spaces play a significant role in shaping the environmental and social conditions of the urban structure and the quality of life of the population. The typologies, specificities, and potential uses of the PGSs have been analyzed, advancing into new expansion areas, and the role they take on in shaping a public policy-based urban model. The study has revealed a fragmented structure and configuration that does not always enable the population to coexist with such spaces. This trend has become modified over the last decade, whereby the PGSs have gained particular emphasis in the new image of the city.
Deciphering the Concept of Goodness in Islam: A Comprehensive Qur’anic Linguistic and Thematic Analysis
Authors: Zainuddin Zainuddin
Published: August 2024

This article delves into the concept of “goodness” (al-khair) within Islamic teachings as interpreted from the Qur’an, exploring its nuanced and context-dependent meanings. Al-khair in Arabic signifies all that is good and beneficial, standing in contrast to al-syar, which represents evil and wrongdoing. This study employs a descriptive-analytical qualitative approach, utilizing a detailed examination of Qur’anic verses, Tafsir literature, and Hadiths to unravel the layered meanings of al-khair. Our findings highlight that al-khair not only encompasses moral and social virtues but also material aspects such as wealth and physical well-being. The term is comparable to thayyibun, husnun, birrun, and ma’ruffun in the Qur’an, each carrying distinct but sometimes overlapping meanings. The analysis distinguishes three key dimensions of al-khair: the ultimate good deeds chosen for humanity, the commendable acts ordained by Allah, and attributes often associated with Allah’s characteristics. The study concludes that while goodness is generally perceived as desirable, its interpretation can vary significantly, leading to both positive and negative outcomes depending on the context.
High-ranking Officials of the Presidential Administration: Historical Dynamics of Employment after Leaving Office
Authors: Tev D. B.
Published: August 2024

The article is devoted to a comparative analysis of the characteristics of the post-career of high-ranking PA officials who left their positions under President Yeltsin and in the post-Yeltsin period - and the factors that determine them. The empirical basis of the study is a database that includes biographical questionnaires on AP figures who at least once left a key position in this body. The study showed that the role of federal executive authorities (including the government of the Russian Federation and law enforcement agencies) as a channel of post-career has increased. Transitions to the federal parliament are rare in both eras, but the proportion of officials who ended up in the State Duma after their resignation (especially a year later) slightly decreased, while the proportion of those who moved to the Federation Council, on the contrary, slightly increased in the post-Yeltsin period as a whole. While transitions to regional administrations were rare in both periods, PA officials were noticeably more likely to become governors in the post-Yeltsin era, which was facilitated by a centralization of power. Finally, the share of transitions from government to business is similar in both periods, as are their other characteristics: the dominance of big business as a place of work and the distribution of firms that have adopted officials by form of ownership. The pantouflage was aided by high salaries in big business and the firms' interest in recruiting officials in the context of crony capitalism.
Financial analysts’ coverage, forecast accuracy, and climate change vulnerability
Authors: Bonaparte Isaac , Mburu Henry Kimani
Published: August 2024

The effects of climate change are real. The understanding of how these effects manifest in business operations is still nascent, but even more so, how they affect users of company information. This study sought to determine whether and how climate change vulnerability relates to an important business stakeholder, the financial analyst. We hypothesize that climate change vulnerabilities reduce both analysts’ following and analysts’ forecast accuracy. Using data from the Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP), Compustat, Audit Analytics, Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), and London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), we construct a sample of 3,754 firm-year observations comprising 1,269 unique firms for the years 2019–2022. Our proxy for climate change vulnerability is the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) controversies score. We estimate cross-sectional regression models to test our hypotheses. We find support for our hypotheses. Also, we find that firms with high climate change vulnerability have significantly lower analyst coverage than those with low vulnerability. We also find that financial analyst forecasts are significantly less accurate for firms with higher vulnerability. However, this effect is only observable in industries classified as more exposed to the effects of climate change. We recognize the noisy nature of our proxy for vulnerability to climate change. Cognizant of this, we conduct further analysis to allay concerns of bias in our findings. We make important contributions to the existing literature by not only showing that ESG controversies score is an appropriate proxy for climate change vulnerability but also by adducing empirical evidence that climate change vulnerability affects how analysts react to and use company financial information. We discuss the significance and limitations of our results and make recommendations for further research.
Vegetation succession and changes in carabid beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) communities in vineyards
Authors: Hurajová Erika , Martínez Barroso Petra , Havel Ladislav , Děkanovský Igor , Winkler Jan
Published: August 2024

Vineyards provide space for microhabitats and require a very specific way of management. Vineyard vegetation undergoes succession over time, which affects insect communities. The selected vineyards are located in Moravia in the Czech Republic. The vegetation of the vineyards consisted of 48 species of annual dicotyledons, 63 species of perennial dicotyledons, 9 species of annual grasses and 10 species of perennial grasses. During the observation, 9 species of carabid beetles were recorded in the monitored vineyards. The composition of the vegetation in the vineyards changes with the age of the vineyard. Over time, representatives of the perennial dicotyledons, perennial grasses groups increase and representatives of the group annual dicotyledons decrease. The age of the vineyards also changed the carabid beetle community – the species Anchomenus dorsalis was more common in older vineyards. The species Dolichus halensis, Leistus ferrugineus and Platynus assimilis were more frequently recorded in summer and fall in older vineyards. The other species preferred younger vineyards. A higher abundance was recorded in summer and fall, which may be due to a higher food supply and sufficient amount of microhabitats for hibernation.
Decision-making in major investment projects with a life cycle cost: improvement with sensitivity analysis and sustainability assessment
Authors: Wieke Stefan
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on compressor station investments in Germany’s natural gas infrastructure, offering insights applicable to machinery, energy, and maintenance cost-driven decisions. A life cycle cost (LCC) analysis can guide investment choices; however, uncertainties in input data and future developments pose risks. The LCC-based studies encounter questions impacting their results and optimal selections. These uncertainties may lead to misallocations, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of investment decisions to avoid potential consequences and efficiently allocate limited funds. Various measures are available to mitigate the uncertainties and risks in LCC analyses. Recognized measures are deterministic and probabilistic. Seven case studies on investments in the natural gas infrastructure in Germany were analyzed in this context. In addition to the executed case studies, a case study from a scientific journal (published in 2001) was included in the analysis. The case studies were conducted by transmission system operators from 2005–2015, and a retrospective view made it possible to recognize whether the best options (due to the LCC analysis) were identified. Simulations were conducted with generated models using real historical input data such as energy costs. The re-calculation of the net present value or better discounted cumulated expenditure with real input data shows that the LCC analysis results are significantly dependent on the reliability of the input data and the prediction of their development. Therefore, validating the results using appropriate measures is mandatory. This study illustrates how sensitivity analysis can be used as a deterministic method to evaluate the LCC analysis results. A company’s success is increasingly determined by its sustainability. A pure LCC analysis is insufficient, so social, ecological, and economic sustainability assessments must be conducted. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the weighted scoring method for sustainability assessments. Although this study relates to LCC in Germany’s natural gas infrastructure, the suggested process can be adopted for other investment projects comprising capital and operational expenditures.
Bicentennial of keratoplasty: thus spoke the pioneers
Authors: Nikolic Ljubisa
Published: August 2024

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PNLIPRP1 Hypermethylation in Exocrine Pancreas Links Type 2 Diabetes and Cholesterol Metabolism
Authors: Maurin Lucas , Marselli Lorella , Boissel Mathilde , Ning Lijiao , Boutry Raphael , Fernandes Justine , Suleiman Mara , De Luca Carmela , Leloire Audrey , Pascat Vincent , Toussaint Bénédicte , Amanzougarene Souhila , Derhourhi Mehdi , Jörns Anne , Lenzen Sigurd , Pattou François , Kerr-Conte Julie , Canouil Mickaël , Marchetti Piero , Bonnefond Amélie , Froguel Philippe , Khamis Amna
Published: August 2024

We postulated that type 2 diabetes (T2D) predisposes patients to exocrine pancreatic diseases through (epi)genetic mechanisms. We explored the methylome (using MethylationEPIC arrays) of the exocrine pancreas in 141 donors, assessing the impact of T2D. An epigenome-wide association study of T2D identified hypermethylation in an enhancer of the pancreatic lipase–related protein 1 (PNLIPRP1) gene, associated with decreased PNLIPRP1 expression. PNLIPRP1 null variants (found in 191,000 participants in the UK Biobank) were associated with elevated glycemia and LDL cholesterol. Mendelian randomization using 2.5M SNP Omni arrays in 111 donors revealed that T2D was causal of PNLIPRP1 hypermethylation, which in turn was causal of LDL cholesterol. Additional AR42J rat exocrine cell analyses demonstrated that Pnliprp1 knockdown induced acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, a known prepancreatic cancer state, and increased cholesterol levels, reversible with statin. This (epi)genetic study suggests a role for PNLIPRP1 in human metabolism and exocrine pancreatic function, with potential implications for pancreatic diseases.

Article Highlights
PAK3 Exacerbates Cardiac Lipotoxicity via SREBP1c in Obesity Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Ruiz-Velasco Andrea , Zou Zhiyong , Hille Susanne S. , Ross Claire , Fonseka Oveena , Gare Sanskruti R. , Alatawi Nasser hawimel o , Raja Rida , Zhang Jiayan , Kaur Namrita , Zhao Xiangjun , Morrell-Davies Henrietta , Miller Jessica M. , Abouleisa Riham R.E. , Ou Qinghui , Frank Derk , Rutter Martin K. , Pinali Christian , Wang Tao , Mohamed Tamer M.A. , Müller Oliver J. , Liu Wei
Published: August 2024

Obesity-induced lipid overload in cardiomyocytes contributes to profound oxidative stress and cardiomyopathy, culminating in heart failure. In this study, we investigate a novel mechanism whereby lipids accumulate in cardiomyocytes, and seek the relevant treatment strategies. P21-activated kinase 3 (PAK3) was elevated in obese human myocardium, and the murine hearts and cardiomyocytes upon diet- or fatty acid–induced stress, respectively. Mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of PAK3 were more susceptible to the development of cardiac dysfunction upon diet stress, at least partially, because of increased deposition of toxic lipids within the myocardium. Mechanistically, PAK3 promoted the nuclear expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) through activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase β-1 (S6K1) pathway in cardiomyocytes, resulting in abnormal lipid genes profile, accumulation of excessive lipids, and oxidative stress. More importantly, PAK3 knockdown attenuated fatty acid–induced lipotoxicity and cell death in rat and human cardiomyocytes. More importantly, the S6K1 or SREBP1c inhibitor alleviated PAK3-triggered intracellular lipid overload and cardiac dysfunction under obese stress. Collectively, we have demonstrated that PAK3 impairs myocardial lipid homeostasis, while inhibition of cardiac lipotoxicity mitigates cardiac dysfunction. Our study provides a promising therapeutic strategy for ameliorating obesity cardiomyopathy.

Article Highlights
Comprehensive Multiple Risk Factor Control in Type 2 Diabetes to Mitigate Heart Failure Risk: Insights From a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Ze-Gui , Gao Jing-Wei , Chen Zhi-Teng , Zhang Hai-Feng , You Si , Xiong Zhuo-Chao , Wu Yu-Biao , Gao Qing-Yuan , Wang Jing-Feng , Chen Yang-Xin , Zhang Shao-Ling , Liu Pin-Ming
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVE

The impact of comprehensive risk factor control on heart failure (HF) risk and HF-free survival time in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) was evaluated in this study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective study included 11,949 individuals diagnosed with T2D, matched with 47,796 non-T2D control study participants from the UK Biobank cohort. The degree of comprehensive risk factor control was assessed on the basis of the major cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, BMI, LDL cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, renal function, smoking, diet, and physical activity. Cox proportional hazards models were used to measure the associations between the degree of risk factor control and HF risk. Irwin’s restricted mean was used to evaluate HF-free survival time.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 702 individuals (5.87%) with T2D and 1,402 matched control participants (2.93%) developed HF. Each additional risk factor controlled was associated with an average 19% lower risk of HF. Optimal control of at least six risk factors was associated with a 67% lower HF risk (hazard ratio [HR] 0.33; 95% CI 0.20, 0.54). BMI was the primary attributable risk factor for HF. Notably, the excess risk of HF associated with T2D could be attenuated to levels comparable to those of non-T2D control participants when individuals had a high degree of risk factor control (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.40, 1.07), and they exhibited a longer HF-free survival time.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive management of risk factors is inversely associated with HF risk, and optimal risk factor control may prolong HF-free survival time among individuals with T2D.
Comprehensive Multiple Risk Factor Control in Type 2 Diabetes to Mitigate Heart Failure Risk: Insights from a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Ze-Gui , Gao Jing-Wei , Chen Zhi-Teng , Zhang Hai-Feng , You Si , Xiong Zhuo-Chao , Wu Yu-Biao , Gao Qing-Yuan , Wang Jing-Feng , Chen Yang-Xin , Zhang Shao-Ling , Liu Pin-Ming
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluates the impact of comprehensive risk factor control on heart failure (HF) risk and HF-free survival time in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective study included 11,949 individuals diagnosed with T2D, matched with 47,796 non-T2D controls from the UK Biobank cohort. The degree of comprehensive risk factor control was assessed based on the major cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, renal function, smoking, diet, and physical activity. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to measure the associations between the degree of risk factor control and HF risk. Irwin’s restricted mean was employed to evaluate HF-free survival time.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 702 (5.87%) individuals with T2D and 1,402 (2.93%) matched controls developed HF. Each additional risk factor controlled was associated with an average 19% lower risk of HF. Optimal control of ≥6 risk factors was associated with a 67% lower HF risk (HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.20, 0.54). BMI was the primary attributable risk factor for HF. Notably, the excess risk of HF associated with T2D could be attenuated to levels comparable to non-T2D controls when individuals had a high degree of risk factor control (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.40, 1.07), and they exhibited a longer HF-free survival time.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive management of risk factor is inversely associated with HF risk, and optimal risk factor control may prolong HF-free survival time among individuals with T2D.
PNLIPRP1 hypermethylation in exocrine pancreas links type 2 diabetes and cholesterol metabolism
Authors: Maurin Lucas , Marselli Lorella , Boissel Mathilde , Ning Lijiao , Boutry Raphael , Fernandes Justine , Suleiman Mara , De Luca Carmela , Leloire Audrey , Pascat Vincent , Toussaint Bénédicte , Amanzougarene Souhila , Derhourhi Mehdi , Jörns Anne , Lenzen Sigurd , Pattou François , Kerr-Conte Julie , Canouil Mickaël , Marchetti Piero , Bonnefond Amélie , Froguel Philippe , Khamis Amna
Published: August 2024

Abstract:

We postulated that T2D predisposes to exocrine pancreatic diseases through (epi)genetic mechanisms. We explored the methylome (methylationEPIC arrays) of the exocrine pancreas of 141 donors, assessing the impact of T2D. Epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) for T2D identified a hypermethylation in an enhancer of the Pancreatic-Lipase-Related-Protein 1 (PNLIPRP1) gene, associated with decreased PNLIPRP1 expression. PNLIPRP1 null variants (in 191K participants of the UKbiobank) associated with elevated glycemia and LDL-cholesterol. Mendelian Randomisation using 2.5M SNP OmniArrays in 111 donors evidenced that T2D was causal of PNLIPRP1 hypermethylation, which was causal for LDL-cholesterol. Further AR42J rat exocrine cell studies demonstrated that Pnliprp1 knockdown induced acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, a known pre-pancreatic cancer state, and increased cholesterol levels, reversible with statin. This (epi)genetic study suggests a role for PNLIPRP1 in human metabolism and on exocrine pancreas function with potential implications for pancreatic diseases.

Article Highlights:

a. Why did we undertake this study? We performed this study to identify epigenetic changes with T2D in the pancreas.

b. What is the specific question(s) we wanted to answer? This study addresses whether T2D induce epigenetic changes that could explain why T2D individuals are more prone to pancreas disease.

c. What did we find? We found a hypermethylation at PNLIPRP1 associated with T2D and revealed a role of this gene in cholesterol metabolism.

d. What are the implications of our findings? This study has important implications in the prevention of pancreatic diseases as their molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown.
PAK3 Exacerbates Cardiac Lipotoxicity via SREBP1c in Obesity CardiomyopathyShort Title: PAK3 provokes cardiac lipotoxicity
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Ruiz-Velasco Andrea , Zou Zhiyong , S Hille Susanne , Ross Claire , Fonseka Oveena , R Gare Sanskruti , hawimel o Alatawi Nasser , Raja Rida , Zhang Jiayan , Kaur Namrita , Zhao Xiangjun , Morrell-Davies Henrietta , M Miller Jessica , R.E Abouleisa Riham , Ou Qinghui , Frank Derk , K Rutter Martin , Pinali Christian , Wang Tao , M.A Mohamed Tamer , J Müller Oliver , Liu Wei
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Obesity-induced lipid overload in cardiomyocytes contributes to profound oxidative stress and cardiomyopathy, culminating in heart failure. In this study, we investigate a novel mechanism whereby lipids accumulate in cardiomyocytes and seek the relevant treatment strategies. P21-activated kinase 3 (PAK3) was elevated in obese human myocardium, and the murine hearts and cardiomyocytes upon diet- or fatty acid-induced stress, respectively. Mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of PAK3 were more susceptible to the development of cardiac dysfunction upon diet stress, at least partially, due to increased deposition of toxic lipids within the myocardium. Mechanistically, PAK3 promoted the nuclear expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) through activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (S6K1) pathway in cardiomyocytes, resulting in abnormal lipid genes profile, accumulation of excessive lipids, and oxidative stress. More importantly, PAK3 knockdown attenuated fatty acid-induced lipotoxicity and cell death in rat and human cardiomyocytes. More importantly, the S6K1 or SREBP1c inhibitor alleviated PAK3-triggered intracellular lipid overload and cardiac dysfunction under obese stress. Collectively, we have demonstrated that PAK3 impairs myocardial lipid homeostasis, while inhibition of cardiac lipotoxicity mitigates cardiac dysfunction. Our study provides a promising therapeutic strategy for ameliorating obesity cardiomyopathy.

Article Highlights:

· Obesity increases the risk of cardiac dysfunction; however, effective treatments remain absent. Here, we investigate an underlying mechanism of obesity cardiomyopathy.

· We found that PAK3 expression is increased in the myocardium of obese human and mouse models. PAK3 upregulation mediates the nuclear SREBP1c via activation of mTOR and S6K1, resulting in myocardial lipid overload.

· Inhibition of either PAK3 and S6K1 pathway or SREBP1c prevents lipotoxicity and exerts beneficial effects on cardiomyocyte survival.

· Pharmacological inhibition of S6K1 and SREBP1c in vivo proved effective in modulating cardiac lipid homeostasis and delaying the progression of obesity cardiomyopathy.
Rapid detection and discrimination of plant leaves using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Cai Jinzhu , Wu Tianzhuang , Chen Yu , Yang Siyuan , Zhang Zhirong , Liu Yuzhu
Published: August 2024

The wide diversity of species and the remarkable variation in morphological features that allow plants to adapt to a wide range of terrestrial environments is a fact that highlights the fundamental and crucial role of plants in the field of biodiversity studies. Currently, research on leaf classification is limited and in its early stages. A novel classification system based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology was proposed in this paper, integrated with machine learning for real-time, in situ detection and analysis of leaves. Four representative leaf samples—Ilex chinensis, Camellia japonica, Cinnamomum camphora, and Osmanthus fragrans—were subjected to spectral analysis and machine learning techniques. Spectral analysis revealed distinct spectral lines corresponding to elements such as Ca, Al, Mg, Na, and Fe, alongside common elements including C, N, and O. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to reduce the dimensionality of the spectral data, and the first 13 principal components used in this study captured 98.76% of the total variance. Following this, support vector machine (SVM), backpropagation artificial neural network and convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms were applied for machine learning on the principal components to develop leaf recognition classification models. Through comparison, the CNN algorithm, boasting a classification accuracy of up to 94.44%, was ultimately selected. The models established by SVM and back propagation artificial neural network achieved accuracy of only 83.33% and 90.00%, respectively. The results suggest that integrating LIBS with machine learning is an effective and precise approach for leaf classification, offering promising applications in biodiversity research.
On the importance of teaching the humanities in higher education
Authors: Марков Е.А.
Published: August 2024

Статья посвящена проблематике значения преподавания гуманитарных дисциплин при подготовке специалистов в высшей школе. Важность преподавания гуманитарных дисциплин рассматривается в аспекте наблюдаемой сегодня тенденции дегуманитаризации образования, являющейся следствием: а) сокращения объемов преподаваемых студентам гуманитарных дисциплин; б) отсутствием в образовательной политике четкой позиции о важности гуманитарных знаний для специалистов всех направлений подготовки. Доказывая необходимость гуманитаризации сферы образования, автор опирается на теоретические положения и результаты исследований ученых (философов, лингвистов), а также на мнения специалистов-практиков. Основной вывод, сделанный автором, следующий: гуманитарная составляющая должна наполнять все уровни системы образования, начиная со школы и заканчивая институтом / университетом. Гуманитаризация образования позволит ликвидировать разрыв в овладении специалистами естественнонаучных, технических и гуманитарных знаний.

The author of the article focuses on the importance of teaching humanities while training specialists in higher education. The importance of teaching humanities is considered in the context of the current trend of dehumanitarisation of education, which is a consequence of: a) the reduction in the number of humanities subjects taught to students; b) the lack of a clear position in educational policy on the importance of humanities knowledge for specialists in all areas of training. In proving the necessity of humanitarisation of education, the author relies on theoretical provisions and research results of scientists (philosophers, linguists) as well as on the opinions of practitioners. The main conclusion made by the author is as follows: the humanitarian component should fill all levels of the education system, starting from school and ending with institute or university. Humanitarisation of education will help to eliminate the gap in the mastery of natural science, technical and humanitarian knowledge by specialists.