bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PUBLIC DIPLOMACY OF TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATIONS ON THE EXAMPLE OF SWEDEN
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, MARKUSHINA NATALIA , PARFENENOK NIKOLAY
Published: April 2023

The role of corporations in world politics continues to grow: today corporations are not only actors in world politics, whose capitalization competes with the nominal GDP of the world’s leading states. Nowadays corporations are the actors of public diplomacy gaining more and more weight. The goal of this article is to consider the theory of corporate public diplomacy and to research the formats of cooperation between the corporation and the state in the mutual promotion of their own brands on the example of the case study of the Swedish corporations IKEA, VOLVO, H&M: the article considers the use of the home country brand by the corporation in its own promotion, as well as the promotion of the national values of Sweden and the national brand of Sweden through advertising to a foreign audience. The article provides a SWOT analysis of corporate public diplomacy for both the state and the corporation, which demonstrates certain threats to both sides. As a conclusion a definition of corporate public diplomacy is given, based on the analysis of both the theoretical base and the practical operations of corporations.
NATIONAL PROJECTS AS A TOOL FOR IMPLEMENTING THE STRATEGY OF SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, RAZOV PAVEL , YUSHKOVA SVETLANA
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this scientific article is to study the impact of national projects on the process of implementing the sustainable development agenda at the regional level. In the conditions of sanctions pressure, the achievement of the set strategic goals is especially necessary. Due to the territorial peculiarities, the implementation of the strategic goals of the state is a complex process, in the implementation of which it is necessary not only to take into account the specifics of individual regions, but also to correctly allocate the tasks of national projects and the volume of their financing in conditions of a federal budget deficit. The implementation of strategic development goals is carried out in the Russian Federation with the help of national projects, which are categorized in this work by the authors into three main categories: human capital, a comfortable living environment, and economic growth. Conclusions. National projects are an effective tool for the implementation of national strategic goals in the Russian Federation, therefore, the implementation and development of national projects, increasing their effectiveness is one of the strategically important tasks.
AVRUPA İNSAN HAKLARI MAHKEMESİ KARARLARI IŞIĞINDA GİZLİ TANIK BEYANININ DELİL DEĞERİ
Authors: KOÇ Coşkun
Published: April 2023

Gizli tanığın ceza yargılamasında kullanılması hukuk devletinin vazgeçilmezi olan adil yargılanma hakkını tehlikeye sokmaktadır. Zira gizli tanıklık duruşmanın aleniliği ilkesine ters bir uygulamadır. Bu nedenle tanığın ciddi bir tehlike altında bulunduğu durumlar ile sınırlı olarak uygulanması kabul edilebilir. Bu durumda dahi gizli tanık beyanı hüküm açısından tek ve belirleyici delil olmamalıdır. Başka deliller ile hüküm desteklenmelidir. Aksi bir düşünce tarzı, tanığın korunması adına adil yargılanma hakkının feda edilmesi anlamına gelir. Bu makalede, ceza muhakemesi alanında çözümlenmemiş bir sorun olarak varlığını sürdüren gizli tanık beyanın delil değeri, konuya ilişkin Avrupa İnsan Hakları Mahkemesi kararları çerçevesinde incelenmiştir.
Hiperbarik Oksijen Tedavi (HBOT) Merkezlerine İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Perspektifinden Bir Bakış
Authors: MATPAY Bülent
Published: April 2023

Hiperbarik oksijen tedavi (HBOT) merkezi cihazları önceleri balık adam yetiştirme merkezinde, gemilerde ve belli başlı hastanelerde akut ya da rutin tedavide kullanılan cihazlar iken günümüzde gelişen tıp teknolojisi ve ilerlemelere bağlı olarak farklı tanılara sahip hastalarda kullanımı gitgide artmaktadır. Bu yüzden Türkiye’nin farklı illerinde HBOT cihazları kurulumu/kullanımı artmaktadır. Çok tehlikeli kuruluşlar olan hastanelerde bulunan HBOT merkezinde bulunan cihaz ve teçhizat çalışma ortamında birbirinden çok farklı karmaşık tehlikeleri barındırmaktadır. Bu yüzden çalışma ortamında proaktif (önleyici) yaklaşımda eksiklik veya zafiyet gösterildiği takdirde birbirinden farklı orjinli iş kazalarının gerçekleşmesi kaçınılmazdır. HBOT merkezinde iş kazasına neden olan birçok unsur olmasına rağmen iki önemli risk kaynağı öne çıkmaktadır. Bunlar basınç kaynaklı riskler ve yüksek oksijen düzeyinin doğurduğu risklerdir. ‘‘Çok tehlikeli’’ nitelikte olan çalışma ortamında bu risklerle beraber diğer riskler için de kaynaktan çözüm önerileri üretmek önemlidir. Keza çalışanların iş güvenliği kültürüne sahip ve görev tanımına uygun çalıştırılması, risk değerlendirmesinin güncel ve organik olması, iş güvenliği denetimlerin sık aralıklı yapılması, ramak kala olay kayıtlarının tutularak kurulca dikkate alınması olası iş kazalarını önleyeceği aşikârdır. Nihai olarak Türkiye’de henüz yaygınlaşmakta olan HBOT merkezlerinde iş güvenliği kurallarının daha sistematik şekilde uygulanmasını sağlamak için personel eğitimlerinin geliştirilmesi, uluslararası standartlara uygun ve ortak bir rehber oluşturulması elzemdir.
Karakteristik Kepemimpinan Kristen Melalui Keteladanan Yesus Dalam Melayani Berdasarkan Markus 10: 43-45
Authors: Silalahi Misdon , Sagala Rudolf Weindra , Hendriks Alvyn C. , Sinaga Janes
Published: April 2023

Every human being is a leader, at least leading themselves. Leadership is a responsibility entrusted to them by a community or an organization. In addition to having the ability and skill, a leader is also expected to have good characteristics. This research uses qualitative methods through literature study. The purpose of this research is to encourage every leader to emulate the leadership of Jesus, which is servant leadership as described in the book of Mark 10:43-45. In Christian leadership, it is expected to have the characteristic of servant leadership, which can be exemplified through the leadership of Jesus Christ. Serving is part of the existence and purpose of human life, and since humans are created to serve God, it can be done in a life of mutual service with the aim of bringing glory to Him.

ABSTRAK BAHASA INDOENSIA

Setiap manusia adalah seorang pemimpin, minimal memimpin dirinya sendiri. Kepemimpinan adalah sebuah tanggung jawab yang dipercayakan kepadanya melalui komunitas maupun sebuah organisasi. Selain seorang pemimpin harus memiliki kemampuan maupun kemahiran, seorang pemimpin juga diharapkan memiliki karakteristik yang baik. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif melalui studi literatur. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah agar setiap pemimpin meneladani kepemimpinan Yesus, yaitu kepemimpinan yang melayani seperti yang terdapat dalam kitab Markus 10:43-45. Dalam kepemimpinan Kristen diharapkan memiliki karakteristik kepemimpinan yang melayani, kepemimpinan melayani dapat dicontoh melalui keteladanan kepemimpinan Yesus Kristus. Melayani adalah bagian dari keberadaan dan tujuan hidup manusia, dan karena manusia diciptakan untuk melayani Tuhan, hal ini dapat dilakukan dalam kehidupan yang saling melayani dengan tujuan membawa kemuliaan bagi-Nya.
The role of nanotechnology-based approaches for clinical infectious diseases and public health
Authors: Chen Xuefang , Xu Jinfang , Ji Bangju , Fang Xingliang , Jin Ketao , Qian Jun
Published: April 2023

Given the high incidence of infection and the growing resistance of bacterial and viral infections to the traditional antiseptic, the need for novel antiseptics is critical. Therefore, novel approaches are urgently required to reduce the activity of bacterial and viral infections. Nanotechnology is increasingly being exploited for medical purposes and is of significant interest in eliminating or limiting the activity of various pathogens. Due to the increased surface-to-volume ratio of a given mass of particles, the antimicrobial properties of some naturally occurring antibacterial materials, such as zinc and silver, increase as particle size decreases into the nanometer regime. However, the physical structure of a nanoparticle and the way it interacts with and penetrates the bacteria also appear to provide unique bactericidal mechanisms. To measure the efficacy of nanoparticles (diameter 100 nm) as antimicrobial agents, it is necessary to comprehend the range of approaches for evaluating the viability of bacteria; each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. The nanotechnology-based disinfectants and sensors for SARS-CoV-2 provide a roadmap for creating more effective sensors and disinfectants for detecting and preventing coronaviruses and other infections. Moreover, there is an increasing role of nanotechnology-based approaches in various infections, including wound healing and related infection, nosocomial infections, and various bacterial infections. To meet the demand for patient care, nanotechnology-based disinfectants need to be further advanced with optimum approaches. Herein, we review the current burden of infectious diseases with a focus on SARS-CoV-2 and bacterial infection that significantly burdens developed healthcare systems and small healthcare communities. We then highlight how nanotechnology could aid in improving existing treatment modalities and diagnosis of those infectious agents. Finally, we conclude the current development and future perspective of nanotechnology for combating infectious diseases. The overall goal is to update healthcare providers on the existing role and future of nanotechnology in tackling those common infectious diseases.
LncRNA model predicts liver cancer drug resistance and validate in vitro experiments
Authors: Yin Qiushi , Huang Xiaolong , Yang Qiuxi , Lin Shibu , Song Qifeng , Fan Weiqiang , Li Wang , Li Zhongyi , Gao Lianghui
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients may benefit from chemotherapy, but drug resistance is an important obstacle to favorable prognoses. Overcoming drug resistance is an urgent problem to be solved.

Methods: Differential expression analysis was used to identify long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) that differed in chemotherapy-sensitive and chemotherapy-resistant patients. Machine learning algorithms including random forest (RF), lasso regression (LR), and support vector machines (SVMs) were used to identify important chemotherapy-related LncRNAs. A back propagation (BP) network was then used to validate the predictive capacity of important LncRNAs. The molecular functions of hub LncRNAs were investigated via qRT-PCR and cell proliferation assay. Molecular-docking technique was used to explore candidate drug of targets of hub LncRNA in the model.

Results: A total of 125 differentially expressed LncRNAs between sensitive and resistant patients. Seventeen important LncRNAs were identified via RF, and seven factors were identified via LR. With respect to SVM, the top 15 LncRNAs of AvgRank were selected. Five merge chemotherapy-related LncRNAs were used to predict chemotherapy resistance with high accuracy. CAHM was a hub LncRNA of model and expression high in sorafenib resistance cell lines. In addition, the results of CCK8 showed that the sensitivity of HepG2-sorafenib cells to sorafenib was significantly lower than that of HepG2; and the sensitivity of HepG2-sorafenib cells transfected with sh-CAHM was significantly higher than that of Sorafenib. In the non-transfection group, the results of clone formation experiments showed that the number of clones formed by HepG2-sorafenib cells treated with sorafenib was significantly more than that of HepG2; after HepG2-sorafenib cells were transfected with sh-CAHM, the number of clones formed by Sorafenib treatment was significantly higher than that of HepG2 cells. The number was significantly less than that of HepG2-s + sh-NC group. Molecular Docking results indicate that Moschus was candidate drug for target protein of CAHM.

Conclusion: Five chemotherapy-related LncRNAs could predict drug resistance in HCC with high accuracy, and the hub LncRNA CAHM has potential as a new biomarker for HCC chemotherapy resistance.
Local injection of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in silk fibroin solution on the regeneration of lower esophageal sphincter in an animal model of GERD
Authors: Zhang Daxu , Wang Zhanbo , Ma Lianjun , Xu Lijuan , Fan Suna , Su Yinan , Shi Xiaonan , Hu Jingjing , Zhao Shuo , Li WeiLong , Linghu Enqiang , Yan Li
Published: April 2023

Presently, various tissue engineering methods using adult stem cells and biomaterials are being confirmed to regenerate vessels, cardiac muscle, bladder, and intestines. However, there are few studies about the repair of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) may help alleviate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aims to determine whether Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) combined with regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) solution could regenerate the LES. In vitro, the ADSCs were isolated, identified, and then cultured with an established smooth muscular induction system. In vivo, in the experimental groups, CM-Dil labeled ADSCs or induced ADSCs mixed with RSF solution were injected into the LES of rats after the development of the animal model of GERD respectively. The results showed that ADSCs could be induced into smooth muscular-like cells with the expression of h-caldesmon, calponin, α-smooth muscle actin, and a smooth muscle-myosin heavy chain in vitro. In vivo, the thickness of LES in the experiment rats was much thicker than those in the controlled groups. This result indicated that ADSCs mixed with RSF solution might contribute to the regeneration of the LES, thus reducing the occurrence of GERD.
Gene dysregulation in acute HIV-1 infection – early transcriptomic analysis reveals the crucial biological functions affected
Authors: Parker Erica , Judge Melinda A. , Pastor Lucia , Fuente-Soro Laura , Jairoce Chenjerai , Carter Kim W. , Anderson Denise , Mandomando Inácio , Clifford Holly D. , Naniche Denise , Le Souëf Peter Neils
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Transcriptomic analyses from early human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have the potential to reveal how HIV causes widespread and lasting damage to biological functions, especially in the immune system. Previous studies have been limited by difficulties in obtaining early specimens.

Methods

A hospital symptom-based screening approach was applied in a rural Mozambican setting to enrol patients with suspected acute HIV infection (Fiebig stage I-IV). Blood samples were collected from all those recruited, so that acute cases and contemporaneously recruited, uninfected controls were included. PBMC were isolated and sequenced using RNA-seq. Sample cellular composition was estimated from gene expression data. Differential gene expression analysis was completed, and correlations were determined between viral load and differential gene expression. Biological implications were examined using Cytoscape, gene set enrichment analysis, and enrichment mapping.

Results

Twenty-nine HIV infected subjects one month from presentation and 46 uninfected controls were included in this study. Subjects with acute HIV infection demonstrated profound gene dysregulation, with 6131 (almost 13% of the genome mapped in this study) significantly differentially expressed. Viral load was correlated with 1.6% of dysregulated genes, in particular, highly upregulated genes involved in key cell cycle functions, were correlated with viremia. The most profoundly upregulated biological functions related to cell cycle regulation, in particular, CDCA7 may drive aberrant cell division, promoted by overexpressed E2F family proteins. Also upregulated were DNA repair and replication, microtubule and spindle organization, and immune activation and response. The interferome of acute HIV was characterized by broad activation of interferon-stimulated genes with antiviral functions, most notably IFI27 and OTOF. BCL2 downregulation alongside upregulation of several apoptotic trigger genes and downstream effectors may contribute to cycle arrest and apoptosis. Transmembrane protein 155 (TMEM155) was consistently highly overexpressed during acute infection, with roles hitherto unknown.

Discussion

Our study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms of early HIV-induced immune damage. These findings have the potential to lead to new earlier interventions that improve outcomes.
Targeted proteomics links virulence factor expression with clinical severity in staphylococcal pneumonia
Authors: Pivard Mariane , Bastien Sylvère , Macavei Iulia , Mouton Nicolas , Rasigade Jean-Philippe , Couzon Florence , Youenou Benjamin , Tristan Anne , Carrière Romain , Moreau Karen , Lemoine Jérôme , Vandenesch François
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus harbors numerous virulence factors that impact infection severity. Beyond virulence gene presence or absence, the expression level of virulence proteins is known to vary across S. aureus lineages and isolates. However, the impact of expression level on severity is poorly understood due to the lack of high-throughput quantification methods of virulence proteins.

Methods

We present a targeted proteomic approach able to monitor 42 staphylococcal proteins in a single experiment. Using this approach, we compared the quantitative virulomes of 136 S. aureus isolates from a nationwide cohort of French patients with severe community-acquired staphylococcal pneumonia, all requiring intensive care. We used multivariable regression models adjusted for patient baseline health (Charlson comorbidity score) to identify the virulence factors whose in vitro expression level predicted pneumonia severity markers, namely leukopenia and hemoptysis, as well as patient survival.

Results

We found that leukopenia was predicted by higher expression of HlgB, Nuc, and Tsst-1 and lower expression of BlaI and HlgC, while hemoptysis was predicted by higher expression of BlaZ and HlgB and lower expression of HlgC. Strikingly, mortality was independently predicted in a dose-dependent fashion by a single phage-encoded virulence factor, the Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL), both in logistic (OR 1.28; 95%CI[1.02;1.60]) and survival (HR 1.15; 95%CI[1.02;1.30]) regression models.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate that the in vitro expression level of virulence factors can be correlated with infection severity using targeted proteomics, a method that may be adapted to other bacterial pathogens.
Atrial fibrillation as a contributor to the mortality in patients with dementia: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Chen Yun-Yu , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Hsieh Yu-Cheng , Chien Kuo-Liong , Lin Ching-Heng , Chung Fa-Po , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: April 2023

Background

Knowledge of the risk of death in patients with dementia is essential for planning preventive strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) on death risks and other factors associated with death in patients with dementia and AF.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. We identified subjects with dementia diagnosed for the first time and AF diagnosed concomitantly between 2013 and 2014. Subjects under the age of 18 years were excluded. Age, sex, and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were 1: 4 matched for AF patients (N = 1,679) and non-AF controls (N = 6,176) using the propensity score technique. The conditional Cox regression model and competing risk analysis were applied. The risk of mortality was tracked till 2019.

Results

AF history was associated with higher risks of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.208; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.142–1.277) and cardiovascular death (subdistribution HR: 1.210; 95% CI: 1.077–1.359) in dementia patients than patients without a diagnosis of AF. For patients with both dementia and AF, they had a higher risk of death due to higher age, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and prior stroke. Anti-arrhythmic drugs and novel oral anticoagulants significantly reduced the risk of death in patients with AF and dementia.

Conclusion

This study found that AF is a risk factor for mortality in patients with dementia and explored several risk factors for AF-related mortality. This study highlights the importance of controlling AF especially in patients with dementia.
Radiomics-based aortic flow profile characterization with 4D phase-contrast MRI
Authors: Huellebrand Markus , Jarmatz Lina , Manini Chiara , Laube Ann , Ivantsits Matthias , Schulz-Menger Jeanette , Nordmeyer Sarah , Harloff Andreas , Hansmann Jochen , Kelle Sebastian , Hennemuth Anja
Published: April 2023

4D PC MRI of the aorta has become a routinely available examination, and a multitude of single parameters have been suggested for the quantitative assessment of relevant flow features for clinical studies and diagnosis. However, clinically applicable assessment of complex flow patterns is still challenging. We present a concept for applying radiomics for the quantitative characterization of flow patterns in the aorta. To this end, we derive cross-sectional scalar parameter maps related to parameters suggested in literature such as throughflow, flow direction, vorticity, and normalized helicity. Derived radiomics features are selected with regard to their inter-scanner and inter-observer reproducibility, as well as their performance in the differentiation of sex-, age- and disease-related flow properties. The reproducible features were tested on user-selected examples with respect to their suitability for characterizing flow profile types. In future work, such signatures could be applied for quantitative flow assessment in clinical studies or disease phenotyping.
Machine learning-based in-hospital mortality risk prediction tool for intensive care unit patients with heart failure
Authors: Chen Zijun , Li Tingming , Guo Sheng , Zeng Deli , Wang Kai
Published: April 2023

Objective

Risk stratification of patients with congestive heart failure (HF) is vital in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to construct a machine learning model to predict the in-hospital all-cause mortality for intensive care unit (ICU) patients with HF.

Methods

eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithm (XGBoost) was used to construct a new prediction model (XGBoost model) from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database (MIMIC-IV) (training set). The eICU Collaborative Research Database dataset (eICU-CRD) was used for the external validation (test set). The XGBoost model performance was compared with a logistic regression model and an existing model (Get with the guideline-Heart Failure model) for mortality in the test set. Area under the receiver operating characteristic cure and Brier score were employed to evaluate the discrimination and the calibration of the three models. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) value was applied to explain XGBoost model and calculate the importance of its features.

Results

The total of 11,156 and 9,837 patients with congestive HF from the training set and test set, respectively, were included in the study. In-hospital all-cause mortality occurred in 13.3% (1,484/11,156) and 13.4% (1,319/9,837) of patients, respectively. In the training set, of 17 features with the highest predictive value were selected into the models with LASSO regression. Acute Physiology Score III (APS III), age and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) were strongest predictors in SHAP. In the external validation, the XGBoost model performance was superior to that of conventional risk predictive methods, with an area under the curve of 0.771 (95% confidence interval, 0.757–0.784) and a Brier score of 0.100. In the evaluation of clinical effectiveness, the machine learning model brought a positive net benefit in the threshold probability of 0%–90%, prompting evident competitiveness compare to the other two models. This model has been translated into an online calculator which is accessible freely to the public (https://nkuwangkai-app-for-mortality-prediction-app-a8mhkf.streamlit.app).

Conclusion

This study developed a valuable machine learning risk stratification tool to accurately assess and stratify the risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality in ICU patients with congestive HF. This model was translated into a web-based calculator which access freely.
Longitudinal changes in blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose among 5,398 primary care patients with concomitant hypertension and diabetes: An observational study and implications for community-based cardiovascular prevention
Authors: Yu Xiao , Li Yu Ting , Cheng Hui , Zhu Sufen , Hu Xiu-Jing , Wang Jia Ji , Mohammed Bedru H. , Xie Yao Jie , Hernandez Jose , Wu Hua-Feng , Wang Harry H. X.
Published: April 2023

Aims

To assess longitudinal changes in blood pressure (BP) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in primary care patients with concomitant hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to explore factors associated with patients' inability to improve BP and FPG at follow-up.

Methods

We constructed a closed cohort in the context of the national basic public health (BPH) service provision in an urbanised township in southern China. Primary care patients who had concomitant hypertension and T2DM were retrospectively followed up from 2016 to 2019. Data were retrieved electronically from the computerised BPH platform. Patient-level risk factors were explored using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

We included 5,398 patients (mean age 66 years; range 28.9 to 96.1 years). At baseline, almost half [48.3% (2,608/5,398)] of patients had uncontrolled BP or FPG. During follow-up, more than one-fourth [27.2% (1,467/5,398)] of patients had no improvement in both BP and FPG. Among all patients, we observed significant increases in systolic BP [2.31 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.04 to 2.59, p < 0.001], diastolic BP (0.73 mmHg, 0.54 to 0.92, p < 0.001), and FPG (0.12 mmol/l, 0.09 to 0.15, p < 0.001) at follow-up compared to baseline. In addition to changes in body mass index [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.045, 1.003 to 1.089, p = 0.037], poor adherence to lifestyle advice (aOR = 1.548, 1.356 to 1.766, p < 0.001), and unwillingness to actively enrol in health-care plans managed by the family doctor team (aOR = 1.379, 1.128 to 1.685, p = 0.001) were factors associated with no improvement in BP and FPG at follow-up.

Conclusion

A suboptimal control of BP and FPG remains an ongoing challenge to primary care patients with concomitant hypertension and T2DM in real-world community settings. Tailored actions aiming to improve patients' adherence to healthy lifestyles, expand the delivery of team-based care, and encourage weight control should be incorporated into routine healthcare planning for community-based cardiovascular prevention.
Direct pre-stack inversion of elastic modulus using the exact Zoeppritz equation and the application in shale reservoir
Authors: Song Baoshan , Li Xiang-Yang , Ding Pinbo , Chen Shuangquan , Cai Jianchao
Published: April 2023

Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio are important for reservoir characterization and rock brittleness prediction in unconventional resource exploration and development. Conventional methods can estimate Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio by indirect calculations and direct inversion using approximate expressions, which have cumulative errors and limited accuracy of the estimated results, especially at large incident angles. In this study, we derived a new form of the Zoeppritz equation and P-to-P wave reflection coefficient in terms of density and Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio. It has the same accuracy as the original Zoeppritz equation over a wide range of incident angles. A robust non-linear inversion method based on the iteratively regularized Levenberg Marquardt (IRLM) algorithm, is used to invert all three parameters based on the new equation directly and simultaneously. Synthetic data and field data are used to test and verify the proposed direct inversion method, ensuring the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method and the high accuracy and stability of the inversion results. This study has a great potential and valuable guidance for “sweet spot” evaluation and subsequent horizontal well deployment and hydraulic fracturing.
3D morphological variability in foraminifera unravel environmental changes in the Baltic Sea entrance over the last 200 years
Authors: Choquel Constance , Müter Dirk , Ni Sha , Pirzamanbein Behnaz , Charrieau Laurie M. , Hirose Kotaro , Seto Yusuke , Schmiedl Gerhard , Filipsson Helena L.
Published: April 2023

Human activities in coastal areas have intensified over the last 200 years, impacting also high-latitude regions such as the Baltic Sea. Benthic foraminifera, protists often with calcite shells (tests), are typically well preserved in marine sediments and known to record past bottom-water conditions. Morphological analyses of marine shells acquired by microcomputed tomography (µCT) have made significant progress toward a better understanding of recent environmental changes. However, limited access to data processing and a lack of guidelines persist when using open-source software adaptable to different microfossil shapes. This study provides a post-data routine to analyze the entire test parameters: average thickness, calcite volume, calcite surface area, number of pores, pore density, and calcite surface area/volume ratio. A case study was used to illustrate this method: 3D time series (i.e., 4D) of Elphidium clavatum specimens recording environmental conditions in the Baltic Sea entrance from the period early industrial (the 1800s) to present-day (the 2010 s). Long-term morphological trends in the foraminiferal record revealed that modern specimens have ∼28% thinner tests and ∼91% more pores than their historic counterparts. However, morphological variability between specimens and the BFAR (specimens cm−2 yr−1) in E. clavatum were not always synchronous. While the BFAR remained unchanged, morphological variability was linked to natural environmental fluctuations in the early industrial period and the consequences of anthropogenic climate change in the 21st century. During the period 1940–2000 s, the variations in BFAR were synchronous with morphological variability, revealing both the effects of the increase in human activities and major hydrographic changes. Finally, our interpretations, based on E. clavatum morphological variations, highlight environmental changes in the Baltic Sea area, supporting those documented by the foraminiferal assemblages.
Drugs against metabolic diseases as potential senotherapeutics for aging-related respiratory diseases
Authors: Matsubayashi Sachi , Ito Saburo , Araya Jun , Kuwano Kazuyoshi
Published: April 2023

Recent advances in aging research have provided novel insights for the development of senotherapy, which utilizes cellular senescence as a therapeutic target. Cellular senescence is involved in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases, including metabolic and respiratory diseases. Senotherapy is a potential therapeutic strategy for aging-related pathologies. Senotherapy can be classified into senolytics (induce cell death in senescent cells) and senomorphics (ameliorate the adverse effects of senescent cells represented by the senescence-associated secretory phenotype). Although the precise mechanism has not been elucidated, various drugs against metabolic diseases may function as senotherapeutics, which has piqued the interest of the scientific community. Cellular senescence is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which are aging-related respiratory diseases. Large-scale observational studies have reported that several drugs, such as metformin and statins, may ameliorate the progression of COPD and IPF. Recent studies have reported that drugs against metabolic diseases may exert a pharmacological effect on aging-related respiratory diseases that can be different from their original effect on metabolic diseases. However, high non-physiological concentrations are needed to determine the efficacy of these drugs under experimental conditions. Inhalation therapy may increase the local concentration of drugs in the lungs without exerting systemic adverse effects. Thus, the clinical application of drugs against metabolic diseases, especially through an inhalation treatment modality, can be a novel therapeutic approach for aging-related respiratory diseases. This review summarizes and discusses accumulating evidence on the mechanisms of aging, as well as on cellular senescence and senotherapeutics, including drugs against metabolic diseases. We propose a developmental strategy for a senotherapeutic approach for aging-related respiratory diseases with a special focus on COPD and IPF.
Relationship between stress hyperglycemia ratio and allcause mortality in critically ill patients: Results from the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Zhang Chong , Shen He-Chen , Liang Wei-Ru , Ning Meng , Wang Zi-Xuan , Chen Yi , Su Wei , Guo Ting-Ting , Hu Kun , Liu Ying-Wu
Published: April 2023

Background

Stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) was developed to reduce the impact of long-term chronic glycemic factors on stress hyperglycemia levels, which have been linked to clinical adverse events. However, the relationship between SHR and the short- and long-term prognoses of intensive care unit (ICU) patients remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 3,887 ICU patients (cohort 1) whose initial fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c data within 24 hours of admission were available and 3,636 ICU patients (cohort 2) who were followed-up for 1-year using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV v2.0 database. Patients were divided into two groups based on the optimal cutoff value of SHR, which was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

There were 176 ICU deaths in cohort 1 and 378 patients experienced all-cause mortality during 1 year of follow-up in cohort 2. The results of logistic regression revealed that SHR was associated with ICU death (odds ratio 2.92 [95% confidence interval 2.14–3.97] P < 0.001), and non-diabetic patients rather than diabetic patients showed an increased risk of ICU death. As per the Cox proportional hazards model, the high SHR group experienced a higher incidence of 1-year all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.55 [95% confidence interval 1.26–1.90] P < 0.001). Moreover, SHR had an incremental effect on various illness scores in predicting ICU all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

SHR is linked to ICU death and 1-year all-cause mortality in critically ill patients, and it has an incremental predictive value in different illness scores. Moreover, we found that non-diabetic patients, rather than diabetic patients, showed an increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Oxidative stress: The nexus of obesity and cognitive dysfunction in diabetes
Authors: Li Huimin , Ren Jing , Li Yusi , Wu Qian , Wei Junping
Published: April 2023

Obesity has been associated with oxidative stress. Obese patients are at increased risk for diabetic cognitive dysfunction, indicating a pathological link between obesity, oxidative stress, and diabetic cognitive dysfunction. Obesity can induce the biological process of oxidative stress by disrupting the adipose microenvironment (adipocytes, macrophages), mediating low-grade chronic inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondrial division, fusion). Furthermore, oxidative stress can be implicated in insulin resistance, inflammation in neural tissues, and lipid metabolism disorders, affecting cognitive dysfunction in diabetics.
Association between systemic iron status and β-cell function and insulin sensitivity in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
Authors: Qin Yao , Huang Yiting , Li Yuxiao , Qin Lu , Wei Qianying , Chen Xin , Yang Chuanhui , Zhang Mei
Published: April 2023

Objective

Abnormal iron metabolism is related to the risk of diabetes, but the underlying mechanism of this association remains uncertain. This study was conducted to evaluate the contributions of systemic iron status to β-cell function and insulin sensitivity of patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.

Methods

A total of 162 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM and 162 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Basic characteristics, biochemical indicators, and iron metabolism biomarkers, including serum iron (SI), ferritin (SF), transferrin (Trf), and transferrin saturation (TS), were collected. All patients underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. A series of parameters for assessing β-cell function and insulin sensitivity were calculated. The multivariate stepwise linear regression model was used to investigate the contributions of iron metabolism to β-cell function and insulin sensitivity.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, patients with newly diagnosed T2DM had significantly higher levels of SF. Among the diabetic patients, the SI and TS levels were higher, and the percentage of Trf levels below normal values was lower in men than in women. In all diabetic patients, SF was the independent risk factor associated with impaired β-cell function. Further stratification analysis showed that Trf was an independent protective factor for β-cell function in male patients, while SF was an independent risk factor for impaired β-cell function in female patients. However, systemic iron status did not affect insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion

Elevated SF levels and decreased Trf levels had a profound effect on impaired β-cell function in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.
Forest managers’ perspectives on environmental changes in the biosphere reserve Mura-Drava-Danube
Authors: Sallmannshofer Markus , Damjanić Rok , Vacik Harald , Westergren Marjana , Baloh Tjaša , Božič Gregor , Ivanković Mladen , Kovács Gyula , Lanšćak Miran , Lapin Katharina , Nagy László , Ostoić Silvija Krajter , Orlović Saša , Stojnić Srđan , Železnik Peter , Zlatković Milica , Schueler Silvio
Published: April 2023

Riparian forests are particularly vulnerable to environmental change and anthropogenic influences because they are highly dynamic ecosystems, thus proper adaptation measures are crucial. The implementation of these measures, however, strongly depends on the actors’ perceptions of the specific problems occurring in such forests. For understanding the constraints of specific interest groups toward different adaptation activities, information in this field is essential. By conducting a questionnaire survey we explore how different types of forest managers, i.e., forestry professionals, forest owners, and conservation managers, perceive the effects of environmental change on forest management in the recently established Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube. We show that these forest managers are highly aware of ongoing environmental changes and appraise deteriorating forest conditions, especially after observing changes themselves. Abiotic damage is expected to increase the most, followed by biotic damage, the spread of non-native species, and tree dieback. Nearly 80% of the survey respondents expect further changes and almost all of them intend to adapt their management of forests to mitigate or prepare for these changes. Nevertheless, we show differences in sensitivity to change and willingness to initiate adaptation actions by assessing adaptation thresholds: conservation managers appear generally more tolerant to changes, which results in higher thresholds to initiate management adaptation than forestry professionals and forest owners. Respondents’ selection of target tree species depends on management goals and therefore, we found further differences between forestry professionals and conservation managers. These aspects need to be carefully considered to foster cooperation or develop sustainable management frameworks and adaptation strategies.
Sexing of cattle embryos using RNA-sequencing data or polymerase chain reaction based on a complete sequence of cattle chromosome Y
Authors: Nix Jada Lindsay , Schettini Gustavo Pimenta , Biase Fernando Henrique
Published: April 2023

When necessary, RNA-sequencing data or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays can be used to determine the presence of the chromosome Y (ChrY) in samples. This information allows for biological variation due to sexual dimorphism to be studied. A prime example is when researchers conduct RNA-sequencing of single embryos, or conceptuses, prior to the development of gonads. A recent publication of a complete sequence of the ChrY has removed limitations for the development of these procedures in cattle, otherwise imposed by the absence of a ChrY in the reference genome. Using the sequence of the cattle ChrY and transcriptome data, we conducted a systematic search for genes in the ChrY that are exclusively expressed in male tissues. The genes ENSBIXG00000029763, ENSBIXG00000029774, ENSBIXG00000029788, and ENSBIXG00000029892 were consistently expressed across male tissues and lowly expressed or absent in female samples. We observed that the cumulative values of counts per million were 2688-fold greater in males than the equivalent values in female samples. Thus, we deemed these genes suitable for the sexing of samples using RNA-sequencing data. We successfully used this set of genes to infer the sex of 22 cattle blastocysts (8 females and 14 males). Additionally, the completed sequence of the cattle ChrY has segments in the male-specific region that are not repeated. We designed a pair of oligonucleotides that targets one of these non-repeated regions in the male-specific sequence of the ChrY. Using this pair of oligonucleotides, in a multiplexed PCR assay with oligonucleotides that anneal to an autosome chromosome, we accurately identified the sex of cattle blastocysts. We developed efficient procedures for the sexing of samples in cattle using either transcriptome data or their DNA. The procedures using RNA-sequencing will greatly benefit researchers who work with samples limited in cell numbers which are only sufficient to produce transcriptome data. The oligonucleotides used for the accurate sexing of samples using PCR are transferable to other cattle tissue samples.
Performance of crossbred pigs with indigenous and Hampshire inheritance under a smallholder production system in the Eastern Himalayan hill region
Authors: Kadirvel Govindasamy , Devi Yumkhaibam Sovarani , Naskar Syamal , Bujarbaruah K. M. , Khargariah Gutum , Banik Santanu , Singh Ningthoujam Suraj , Gonmei Chamniugongliu
Published: April 2023

Pig productivity is very low in the Eastern Himalayan hill region due to the poor performance of local pigs. To improve pig productivity, it was decided to develop a crossbred pig of Niang Megha indigenous and Hampshire as an exotic germplasm. The performance of crossbred pigs with different levels of Hampshire and indigenous inheritance—H-50 × NM-50 (HN-50), H-75 × NM-25 (HN-75), and H-87.5 × NM-12.5 (HN-87.5)—was compared for their performance to find a suitable level of genetic inheritance. Among the crossbreds, HN-75 performed better in terms of production, reproduction performance, and adaptability. Inter se mating and selection were carried out on six generations of HN-75 pigs, and genetic gain and trait stability were evaluated and released as a crossbred. These crossbred pigs attained body weights of 77.5–90.7 kg by 10 months of age, with FCR of 4.3:1. Age at puberty was 276.66 ± 2.25 days, and average birth weight was 0.92 ± 0.06 kg. Litter size at birth and weaning were 9.12 ± 0.55 and 8.52 ± 0.81. These pigs have good mothering abilities with a weaning percentage of 89.32 ± 2.52%, good carcass quality, and consumer preference. The lifetime productivity for an average of six farrowings/sow showed a total litter size at birth of 51.83 ± 1.61 and total litter size at weaning of 47.17 ± 2.69. In a smallholder production system, the crossbred pigs showed a better growth rate and a higher litter size at birth and at weaning than average local pigs. Hence, the popularization of this crossbreed would enhance the production, productivity, livelihood, and income of the regionʼs farmers.
Sex-biased expression of selected chromosome x-linked microRNAs with potent regulatory effect on the inflammatory response in children with cystic fibrosis: A preliminary pilot investigation
Authors: Deny Maud , Popotas Alexandros , Hanssens Laurence , Lefèvre Nicolas , Arroba Nuñez Luis Alexis , Ouafo Ghislaine Simo , Corazza Francis , Casimir Georges , Chamekh Mustapha
Published: April 2023

Previous studies have reported sex disparity in cystic fibrosis (CF) disease, with females experiencing more pulmonary exacerbations and frequent microbial infections resulting in shorter survival expectancy. This concerns both pubertal and prepubertal females, which is in support to the prominent role of gene dosage rather than the hormonal status. The underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. The X chromosome codes for a large number of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) that play a crucial role in the post-transcriptional regulation of several genes involved in various biological processes, including inflammation. However, their level of expression in CF males and females has not been sufficiently explored. In this study, we compared in male and female CF patients the expression of selected X-linked miRNAs involved in inflammatory processes. Cytokine and chemokine profiles were also evaluated at both protein and transcript levels and cross-analyzed with the miRNA expression levels. We observed increased expression of miR-223-3p, miR-106a-5p, miR-221-3p and miR-502-5p in CF patients compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, the overexpression of miR-221-3p was found to be significantly higher in CF girls than in CF boys and this correlates positively with IL-1β. Moreover, we found a trend toward lower expression in CF girls than in CF boys of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and the ubiquitin-editing enzyme PDLIM2, two mRNA targets of miR-221-3p that are known to inhibit the NF-κB pathway. Collectively, this clinical study highlights a sex-bias in X-linked miR-221-3p expression in blood cells and its potential contribution to sustaining a higher inflammatory response in CF girls.