bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Did We Organize a Patient Blood Management Outpatient Anemia Unit at Our Hospital?
Authors: Ulutas Erdi , Tas Tuna Ayca , Aydin Abulkadir , Hacibekiroglu Tuba
Published: January 2023

Dear Editor,

Preoperative anemia is a common condition among surgical patients. Its prevalence can reach up to 75%, depending on comorbidity, gender, age, and the underlying pathology necessitating surgery (1).

Anemia and transfusion have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in surgical patients, and the systematic application of a patient blood management (PBM) program in the perioperative period has consistently been found to improve patients’ clinical outcomes following surgery (2,3). PBM is an evidence-based, multimodal, multidisciplinary approach adopted to limit the use of and the need for allogeneic blood transfusions in all at-risk patients, to improve their clinical outcomes (4,5). PBM has three main objectives: improving red cell mass, minimizing blood loss, and optimizing the tolerance of anemia (6).

Anemia management is an important principle of PBM. Therefore, to manage preoperative anemia treatment, we organized a specific outpatient anemia unit.

Within the scope of planning, we sought answers to three questions:

- Which department(s) will manage the anemia outpatient clinic?

- Which department(s) will manage the detection of patients with preoperative anemia and their referrals to the outpatient clinic?

- Which departments will be required to cooperate in the management of patients with anemia?

Patients with anemia who were evaluated preoperatively by the anesthesia and reanimation clinic were referred to the anemia outpatient clinic opened within the family medicine clinic. The first evaluation was conducted in this outpatient clinic. Patients with iron deficiency anemia were treated after evaluation; those who required further examination and treatment were referred to the hematology clinic.

A PBM outpatient anemia unit was established on January 17, 2022, at Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital. This is the first PBM outpatient anemia unit in the world. Patients with iron deficiency who are scheduled for elective surgery are referred to this unit during the preoperative period. After oral or intravenous iron treatment, their hemoglobin levels are optimized, and then their surgeries are performed. In this way, the need for blood transfusions during surgery and transfusion-related complications are reduced. At the same time, this unit plays an active role in patient follow-up during the post-surgical period. PBM is teamwork, and we believe that it would be helpful to collaborate with hematology, family medicine, anesthesiology, and surgery specialists to organize the PBM outpatient unit. It may be beneficial to establish PBM outpatient anemia units so that anemia management can be carried out regularly by a single source in hospitals.

Keywords: anemia, patient care management, blood, preoperative period, iron deficiencies
Evaluation of condition on replacing repaired concrete based on NDT and the Mahalanobis–Taguchi system
Authors: Watanabe Takeshi , Nouchi Ayaka , Namerikawa Susumu , Hashimoto Chikanori
Published: January 2023

In Japan, much infrastructure has been constructed over the past 50 years, and maintenance of such infrastructure is important. Repairing and retrofitting of deteriorated concrete members has become a common place. Meanwhile, re-deterioration of repaired concrete members has become of concern. To prevent re-deterioration of the repaired concrete members, it is important to evaluate the quality and condition of repair, in addition to the use of NDE. Therefore, to evaluate the condition of replacing repaired concrete specimens, an ultrasonic test, impact-echo test, and impact test for measuring mechanical impedance were applied. In addition, data of these NDT are integrated by the Mahalanobis–Taguchi system (MT system). The MT system is an information processing system for pattern recognition advocated by quality engineering. From the results, it is clarified that the Mahalanobis distance calculated by the MT method could successfully evaluate the conditions of replacing repaired specimens.
Amoeboid migration in health and disease: Immune responses versus cancer dissemination
Authors: George Samantha , Martin Joshua Alexander James , Graziani Vittoria , Sanz-Moreno Victoria
Published: January 2023

Cell migration is crucial for efficient immune responses and is aberrantly used by cancer cells during metastatic dissemination. Amoeboid migrating cells use myosin II-powered blebs to propel themselves, and change morphology and direction. Immune cells use amoeboid strategies to respond rapidly to infection or tissue damage, which require quick passage through several barriers, including blood, lymph and interstitial tissues, with complex and varied environments. Amoeboid migration is also used by metastatic cancer cells to aid their migration, dissemination and survival, whereby key mechanisms are hijacked from professionally motile immune cells. We explore important parallels observed between amoeboid immune and cancer cells. We also consider key distinctions that separate the lifespan, state and fate of these cell types as they migrate and/or fulfil their function. Finally, we reflect on unexplored areas of research that would enhance our understanding of how tumour cells use immune cell strategies during metastasis, and how to target these processes.
Vital NETosis vs. suicidal NETosis during normal pregnancy and preeclampsia
Authors: Guillotin Florence , Fortier Mathieu , Portes Marie , Demattei Christophe , Mousty Eve , Nouvellon Eva , Mercier Eric , Chea Mathias , Letouzey Vincent , Gris Jean-Christophe , Bouvier Sylvie
Published: January 2023

Background: NETosis occurs in the context of infection or inflammation and results in the expulsion of decondensed DNA filaments called NETs (Neutrophil Extracellular Traps) into the extracellular environment. NETosis activates coagulation and contributes to the thrombotic risk of inflammatory diseases. To date, two mechanisms of NETosis have been identified: suicidal NETosis, in which neutrophils die after expelling the filaments; and vital NETosis, in which expulsion appears without altering the membrane. Human pregnancy is associated with a mild pro-inflammatory state, which is increased in the event of complications such as preeclampsia (PE). NETosis has been observed in these situations, but the mechanism of its production has not yet been studied. The aim of our study was to evaluate the balance of vital vs. suicidal NETosis in normal pregnancy and in PE.

Patients/Methods: Neutrophils from healthy volunteers were stimulated with plasma from normal pregnancies (n = 13) and from women developing preeclampsia (n = 13). Immunofluorescent labelling was performed to determine the percentages and origin of NETs in both groups. Inhibition with suicidal or vital NETosis inhibitors was also performed to validate our results.

Results: We found a significant increase in NETs in women with PE compared to women with normal pregnancies. We showed that vital and non-vital NETosis are present in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies. We demonstrated that the higher proportion of NETs observed in PE was due to non-vital NETosis whose main component is represented by suicidal NETosis.

Discussion: These results suggest the important part of non-vital NETosis in the pathophysiology of PE.
Diterpenoids and C13 Nor-Isoprenoid Identified From the Leaves and Twigs of Croton yanhuii Activating Apoptosis and Pyroptosis
Authors: Li Yue-qian , Hou Bo-lin , Wang Mei-jie , Wang Ru-yue , Chen Xiao-han , Liu Xu , Fei Dong-qing , Zhang Zhan-xin , Li Er-wei
Published: January 2023

Graphical Abstract
Single-cell transcriptomes and T cell receptors of vaccine-expanded apolipoprotein B-specific T cells
Authors: Nettersheim Felix Sebastian , Ghosheh Yanal , Winkels Holger , Kobiyama Kouji , Durant Christopher , Armstrong Sujit Silas , Brunel Simon , Roy Payel , Dileepan Thamotharampillai , Jenkins Marc K. , Zajonc Dirk M. , Ley Klaus
Published: January 2023

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death worldwide. CD4 T cells responding to Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the core protein of most lipoproteins, have been identified as critical disease modulators. In healthy individuals, ApoB-reactive (ApoB+) CD4 T cells are mostly regulatory T cells (Tregs), which exert anti-inflammatory effects. Yet, they may obtain pro-inflammatory features and thus become proatherogenic. Evidence from animal studies suggests that vaccination against certain major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II-binding ApoB peptides induces an expansion of ApoB+ Tregs and thus confers atheroprotection. To date, in-depth phenotyping of vaccine-expanded ApoB+ T cells has not yet been performed. To this end, we vaccinated C57BL/6J mice with the ApoB-peptide P6 (ApoB978–993 TGAYSNASSTESASY) and performed single-cell RNA sequencing of tetramer-sorted P6+ T cells. P6+ cells were clonally expanded (one major, two minor clones) and formed a transcriptional cluster distinct from clusters mainly containing non-expanded P6+ and P6– cells. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that most expanded P6+ cells had a strong Treg signature and highly expressed genes mediating suppressive functions. Yet, some expanded P6+ cells only had a residual Treg signature and expressed genes related to T helper 1 (TH1) cells, which are proatherogenic. Modeling the T cell receptor (TCR) and P6:MHC-II interaction showed that only three amino acid residues in the α and β chain contact the P6 peptide in the MHC-II groove and thus determine the specificity of this TCR to P6. Our data begin to reveal the vaccination-induced response to an ApoB epitope.
SorLA in astrocytes regulates blood-brain barrier integrity
Authors: Toth Andrea E. , Klepe Adrian , Lipka Dora V. , Goldeman Charlotte , Brodin Birger , Nielsen Morten S.
Published: January 2023

The brain`s homeostasis depends heavily on the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Astrocytes are an essential part of the BBB in modulating and maintaining the barrier properties of the brain endothelial cells (BECs). Despite decades of research, the elements of glial regulation are not fully elucidated. SorLA/SorL1/LR11, a multifunctional receptor, is the most composite member of the Vps10p domain receptor family. In this study, we characterize the expression and function of SorLA in the cells of the BBB. The applied in vitro approaches describe BBB functions in primary cells isolated from wild-type and Sorl1−/− knock-out rats. Here, we present that Sorl1 gene is highly expressed in wild-type astrocytes but not in BECs and pericytes. Furthermore, we show that SorLA in astrocytes is an important regulator of the BBB’s tightness. The primary rat BBB models where astrocytes lack SorLA protein proved leaky, which correlated well with the decrease in claudin-5 tight junction protein in BECs. Meanwhile, other junctional proteins, i.e., occludin and zonula occludens-1 are unaffected. Collectively, these data suggest that the absence of SorLA in astrocytes affects the tight junctions of BECs, thereby disturbing the BBB. Our results add another layer to understanding astrocyte-endothelial interactions in the healthy and diseased BBB.
A study of site response in the Longmen Shan and adjacent regions and site response models for the Sichuan Basin
Authors: Guo Zhen , Chapman Martin
Published: January 2023

We investigated the regional attenuation and site responses in the Sichuan Basin and adjacent Songpan-Ganze terrane of the Tibetan Plateau using seismic data recorded at 41 stations from regional earthquakes occurring between January 2009 and October 2020. Fourier amplitude spectra of Lg waves were computed and binned into 18 frequency bins with center frequencies ranging from 0.1 Hz to 20.4 Hz. The quality factor is estimated as Q(f)=313f0.74 for the Sichuan Basin and Q(f)=568f0.34 for the Songpan-Ganze terrane, reflecting significant differences in the crustal structure beneath these two regions. Relative to the Songpan-Ganze terrane, site responses in the Sichuan Basin are characterized by strong amplification effects at frequencies lower than 6 Hz and obvious attenuation at higher frequencies (>10 Hz). κ0 of stations in the Sichuan Basin show clearly geographical dependence with an average value of 0.045 s, whereas stations in the Songpan-Ganze terrane generally have smaller κ0 values with an average value of 0.028 s. In particular, site response and κ0 of stations in the Sichuan Basin are found to be dependent on the geographically variable thickness of the sedimentary deposits (sediment thickness). These units are comprised of sedimentary rock and semi-consolidated sediments, with a maximum thickness reaching approximately 10 km. Site response terms in the Sichuan Basin derived from the Lg Fourier spectra exhibit consistent patterns versus sediment thickness as frequency increases. We developed site response models as functions of sediment thickness for stations in the Sichuan Basin. The site response model derived from Lg site terms is consistent with that based on site response terms from coda amplitude spectra and horizontal to vertical (H/V) spectral ratios. The models were then incorporated in the stochastic method of ground motion predictions in the Sichuan Basin for six earthquakes occurring between October 2020 and June 2022. Residual analysis suggests that incorporating the site response models as functions of sediment thickness can improve the ground motion prediction model for the Sichuan Basin from moderate earthquakes.
Remote sensing inversion of the Zabuye Salt Lake in Tibet, China using LightGBM algorithm
Authors: Dai Jingjing , Liu Tingyue , Zhao Yuanyi , Tian Shufang , Ye Chuanyong , Nie Zhen
Published: January 2023

The Zabuye Salt Lake in Tibet, China is the only salt lake in the world that contains natural crystalline lithium carbonate. The grade and spatial distribution of mineral resources are of great importance to the development and utilization of salt lake mineral resources. The use of remote sensing technology for salt lakes observations can overcome the disadvantages of traditional station observations, such as spatial discontinuity, high time consumption, and high labor costs. In addition, machine learning algorithms can efficiently analyze the information from remote sensing data. In this study, Landsat-8 remote sensing image data and the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) algorithm were used to perform inversions of the depth, salinity, and lithium concentration of the Zabuye Salt Lake. Moreover, the water volume, total salinity, and total lithium content of Zabuye Salt Lake in 2000 and 2017 were estimated, and the distribution of mineral resources and changes during the study period were analyzed. The results show that the water depth and volume of the entire lake increased sharply in 2017, resulting in a decrease in salinity and lithium concentration in the lake. Due to the inflow from the surrounding dry salterns, the South Lake experienced a relatively small change. Furthermore, the amount of lithium resources in North Lake decreased significantly in 2017 compared to 2000, possibly due to higher temperatures during the month of observation, which led to precipitation of lithium carbonate. Our study proves the feasibility and accuracy of the LightGBM machine learning algorithm for rapid inversion of salt lakes, which provides technical insight into remote sensing inversion of other mineral resources in salt lakes. Thus, the development of remote sensing technology in recent years can provide increasingly detailed assessments of salt lake resources in the future.
Objective identification and forecast method of PM2.5 pollution based on medium- and long-term ensemble forecasts in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas
Authors: Liu Chao , Rao Xiaoqin , Chen Qiying , Zhang Bihui , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2023

Accurate long-term forecasts of PM2.5 pollution are essential to mitigating health risks and formulating pollutant control strategies for decision-makers in China. In this study, an objective identification and forecast method for PM2.5 pollution (OIF-PM2.5) is developed based on medium- and long-term ensemble forecasts of PM2.5 in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas. The results show that the observed PM2.5 pollution ratio increases with the aggravating PM2.5 pollution. For example, the ratio of meteorological stations with heavy pollution is 4.4 times that of light pollution and 3.9 times that of moderate pollution. In addition, the correlation coefficients between observations and forecasts are above 0.60 for all forecast leading times. Statistical results show that the average accuracy for forecasts with the leading times of 1–3 days, 4–7 days, and 8–15 days are 74.1%, 81.3%, and 72.9% respectively, indicating that the OIF-PM2.5 method has a high reliability in forecasts with the leading times of 1–15 days. The OIF-PM2.5 method is further applied in a severe PM2.5 pollution episode in the December of 2021, and the average forecast precision in forecasts with the leading times of 6–8 days reaches as high as 100%, showing a certain reference value for PM2.5 forecasts.
Environmental and provenance change since MIS 2 recorded by two sediment cores in the central North Jiangsu Plain, East China
Authors: Chen Yingying , Xia Fei , Zhang Zhenke , Xu Qinmian , Gui Feng
Published: January 2023

In order to reveal the evolution of sediment provenance and paleoenvironment of the central North Jiangsu Plain (NJP) since marine isotope stage 2 (MIS 2), we analyzed lithology, accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C dating, macrofossils and foraminifera, grain size, and geochemical compositions of sediments from two sediment cores (Core M and Core Y) recovered in the northern side of the Yangtze River. Our results show that fluvial environments prevailed in the central NJP during MIS 2, followed by alternations of coastal-marsh environments and shallow-bay environments in north central NJP and coastal-marsh environments in south central NJP during MIS 1. Provenance analysis suggests a major change in sediment provenance from the Yangtze River to the Yellow River at early MIS 1 in north central NJP; these Yellow River sediments might be transported from previously deposited sediments by strong tidal currents and intense waves to this area or be a reflection of a southward shift of the Yellow River during this period. However, the Yangtze River-derived sediments dominated the south central NJP since MIS 2. The depositional succession and sediment supplies since MIS 2 were dominantly controlled by sea-level fluctuations, regional geomorphic patterns, shift of the rivers, etc.
A numerical study of 3D topographic site effects considering wavefield incident direction and geomorphometric parameters
Authors: Wang Fuchen , Ma Qiang , Tao Dongwang , Xie Quancai
Published: January 2023

The topographic site effect plays a vital role in controlling the characteristics of earthquake ground motions. Due to its complexity, the factors affecting topographic amplification have not been fully identified. In this study, 100 ground motion simulations generated by double-couple point sources in the homogeneous linear elastic half-space are performed based on the 3D (three-dimensional) Spectral Element Method, taking the Menyuan area of Qinghai Province, China as a local testbed site. A relationship between incident direction and the strength of topographic amplification has been observed. The horizontal ground motion is affected by the back-azimuth, which is typically chosen to be the direction from seismic station to seismic source measured clockwise from north. Specifically, the east-west PGA (Peak Ground-motion Acceleration) is significantly amplified when back-azimuth is about 90° or 270°, and the north-south PGA is significantly amplified when back-azimuth is around 0° or 180°. The vertical ground motion is affected by the dipping angle, which is the angle from vertical at which an incoming seismic wave arrives. The vertical PGA is strongly amplified when the seismic wave is almost horizontally incident (e.g., dipping angle = 78°). A correlation study between geomorphometric parameters and frequency-dependent topographic amplification indicates that relative elevation and smoothed curvature contain similar information, both of which are closely related to the topographic amplification of horizontal components, but not the vertical component. Our study reveals the influence of source and propagation path on topographic amplification and provides a reference for considering the topographic site effect in real engineering sites.
How can applicants' reactions to scholastic aptitude tests be improved? A closer look at specific and general tests
Authors: Denker Marek , Schütte Clara , Kersting Martin , Weppert Daniel , Stegt Stephan Josef
Published: January 2023

Since the 1980's, scientific interest in applicants' reactions to admission procedures has been growing. Several theoretical frameworks and evaluation questionnaires were developed. Many researchers have asked potential participants about their attitudes—what is missing, however, are studies of applicants who have actually taken part in the selection procedures. In addition, applicants' reactions to student selection procedures receive less attention than applicants' reactions to personnel selection procedures. Furthermore, tests and testing conditions continue to develop, e.g., through online-based testing and test supervision at home (“proctoring”). Therefore, we used a standardized questionnaire for measuring the overall test evaluation and different dimensions of acceptance including face validity, controllability, and the absence of strain to examine six scholastic aptitude tests. We added items to get deeper insights into situational aspects. According to the results of 2,052 test participants, applicants prefer specific tests and shorter tests. Situational aspects, such as privacy, working conditions, and prior information, have an influence on the perceptions of applicants. Proctored testing is evaluated positively, but taking the test at a test center is still rated more favorably. This study discusses the practical implications.
Novel biomarkers predict prognosis and drug-induced neuroendocrine differentiation in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Lin Jingwei , Cai Yingxin , Wang Zuomin , Ma Yuxiang , Pan Jinyou , Liu Yangzhou , Zhao Zhigang
Published: January 2023

Background

A huge focus is being placed on the development of novel signatures in the form of new combinatorial regimens to distinguish the neuroendocrine (NE) characteristics from castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) timely and accurately, as well as predict the disease-free survival (DFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of prostate cancer (PCa) patients.

Methods

Single cell data of 4 normal samples, 3 CRPC samples and 3 CRPC-NE samples were obtained from GEO database, and CellChatDB was used for potential intercellular communication, Secondly, using the “limma” package (v3.52.0), we obtained the differential expressed genes between CRPC and CRPC-NE both in single-cell RNA seq and bulk RNA seq samples, and discovered 12 differential genes characterized by CRPC-NE. Then, on the one hand, the diagnosis model of CRPC-NE is developed by random forest algorithm and artificial neural network (ANN) through Cbioportal database; On the other hand, using the data in Cbioportal and GEO database, the DFS and PFS prognostic model of PCa was established and verified through univariate Cox analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression and multivariate Cox regression in R software. Finally, somatic mutation and immune infiltration were also discussed.

Results

Our research shows that there exists specific intercellular communication in classified clusters. Secondly, a CRPC-NE diagnostic model of six genes (HMGN2, MLLT11, SOX4, PCSK1N, RGS16 and PTMA) has been established and verified, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) is as high as 0.952 (95% CI: 0.882−0.994). The mutation landscape shows that these six genes are rarely mutated in the CRPC and NEPC samples. In addition, NE-DFS signature (STMN1 and PCSK1N) and NE-PFS signature (STMN1, UBE2S and HMGN2) are good predictors of DFS and PFS in PCa patients and better than other clinical features. Lastly, the infiltration levels of plasma cells, T cells CD4 naive, Eosinophils and Monocytes were significantly different between the CRPC and NEPC groups.

Conclusions

This study revealed the heterogeneity between CRPC and CRPC-NE from different perspectives, and developed a reliable diagnostic model of CRPC-NE and robust prognostic models for PCa.
Recurrent implantation failure: A comprehensive summary from etiology to treatment
Authors: Ma Junying , Gao Wenyan , Li Da
Published: January 2023

Implantation is the first step in human reproduction. Successful implantation depends on the crosstalk between embryo and endometrium. Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a clinical phenomenon characterized by a lack of implantation after the transfer of several embryos and disturbs approximately 10% couples undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Despite increasing literature on RIF, there is still no widely accepted definition or standard protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of RIF. Progress in predicting and preventing RIF has been hampered by a lack of widely accepted definitions. Most couples with RIF can become pregnant after clinical intervention. The prognosis for couples with RIF is related to maternal age. RIF can be caused by immunology, thrombophilias, endometrial receptivity, microbiome, anatomical abnormalities, male factors, and embryo aneuploidy. It is important to determine the most possible etiologies, and individualized treatment aimed at the primary cause seems to be an effective method for increasing the implantation rate. Couples with RIF require psychological support and appropriate clinical intervention. Further studies are required to evaluate diagnostic method and he effectiveness of each therapy, and guide clinical treatment.
“How we do it”: A qualitative study of strategies for adopting an exercise routine while living with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Vlcek Cristine , Greenberg Dana , Yardley Jane E. , Klaprat Nika , MacIntosh Andrea , Greenberg Marley , Brandt Joel , Gregoire Natasha , Dostie Sylvie , Boutin Denis , Pow Conrad , Archibald Mandy , McGavock Jonathan
Published: January 2023

Introduction

For people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) the challenge of increasing daily physical activity (PA) is compounded by the increased risks of hypoglycemia and glucose variability. Little information exists on the lived experience of overcoming these barriers and adopting and maintaining an active lifestyle while living with T1D.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a patient-led qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews or focus groups with 22 individuals at least 16 years old living with T1D. We used existing patient co-researcher networks and snowball sampling to obtain a sample of individuals who reported being regularly physically active and had been diagnosed with T1D for at least one year. We used an interpretive description analysis to generate themes and strategies associated with maintaining an active lifestyle while living with T1D. We involved patient co-researchers in study design, data collection, and interpretation.

Results

14 self-identified women and 8 self-identified men (ages 19-62, median age 32 years) completed the study, led by either a researcher, or a patient co-researcher and research assistant regarding their strategies for maintaining an active lifestyle. We identified five themes that facilitate regular sustained PA: (1) Structure and organization are important to adopt safe PA in daily life “I can’t do spontaneous exercise. I actually need a couple hours of warning minimum”; (2) Trial and error to learn how their body responds to PA and food “Once you put the time and effort into learning, you will have greater success”; (3) Psychosocial aspects of PA “…because it’s not just your body, it’s your soul, it’s your mind that exercise is for”; (4) Diabetes technology and (5) Education and peer support. Strategies to overcome barriers included (1) Technology; (2) Integrating psychosocial facilitators; (3) Insulin and carbohydrate adjustments; and (4) Planning for exercise.

Conclusions

Living an active lifestyle with T1D is facilitated by dedicated structure and organization of routines, accepting the need for trial and error to understand the personalized glycemic responses to PA and careful use of food to prevent hypoglycemia. These themes could inform clinical practice guidelines or future trials that include PA interventions.
Adolopment of adult diabetes mellitus management guidelines for a Pakistani context: Methodology and challenges
Authors: Martins Russell Seth , Masood Muhammad Qamar , Mahmud Omar , Rizvi Nashia Ali , Sheikh Aisha , Islam Najmul , Khowaja Anum Naushad Ali , Ram Nanik , Furqan Saira , Mustafa Mohsin Ali , Aamdani Salima Saleem , Pervez Alina , Haider Adil H. , Nadeem Sarah
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Pakistan has the highest national prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the world. Most high-quality T2DM clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) used internationally originate from high-income countries in the West. Local T2DM CPGs in Pakistan are not backed by transparent methodologies. We aimed to produce comprehensive, high-quality CPGs for the management of adult DM in Pakistan.

Methods

We employed the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT approach utilizing the T2DM CPG of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes – 2021 as the source CPG. Recommendations from the source guideline were either adopted as is, excluded, or adapted according to our local context.

Results

The source document contained 243 recommendations, 219 of which were adopted without change, 5 with minor changes, and 18 of which were excluded in the newly created Pakistani guidelines. One recommendation was adapted: the recommended age to begin screening all individuals for T2DM/pre-diabetes was lowered from 45 to 30 years, due to the higher prevalence of T2DM in younger Pakistanis. Exclusion of recommendations were primarily due to differences in the healthcare systems of Pakistan and the US, or the unavailability of certain drugs in Pakistan.

Conclusion

A CPG for the management of T2DM in Pakistan was created. Our newly developed guideline recommends earlier screening for T2DM in Pakistan, primarily due to the higher prevalence of T2DM amongst younger individuals in Pakistan. Moreover, the systematic methodology used is a significant improvement on pre-existing T2DM CPGs in Pakistan. Once these evidence based CGPs are officially published, their nationwide uptake should be top priority. Our findings also highlight the need for rigorous expanded research exploring the effectiveness of earlier screening for T2DM in Pakistan.
Adiponectin, IGFBP-1 and -2 are independent predictors in forecasting prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Brismar Kerstin , Hilding Agneta , Ansurudeen Ishrath , Flyvbjerg Allan , Frystyk Jan , Östenson Claes-Göran
Published: January 2023

Objective

Adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 are biomarkers of insulin sensitivity. IGFBP-1 reflects insulin sensitivity in the liver, adiponectin in adipose tissue and IGFBP-2 in both tissues. Here, we study the power of the biomarkers adiponectin, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, and also included IGF-I and IGF-II, in predicting prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in men and women with normal oral glucose tolerance (NGT).

Design

Subjects with NGT (35-56 years) recruited during 1992-1998 were re-investigated 8-10 years later. In a nested case control study, subjects progressing to prediabetes (133 women, 164 men) or to T2D (55 women, 98 men) were compared with age and sex matched NGT controls (200 women and 277 men).

Methods

The evaluation included questionnaires, health status, anthropometry, biochemistry and oral glucose tolerance test.

Results

After adjustment, the lowest quartile of adiponectin, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 associated independently with future abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in both genders in multivariate analyses. High IGFs predicted weakly AGT in women. In women, low IGFBP-2 was the strongest predictor for prediabetes (OR:7.5), and low adiponectin for T2D (OR:29.4). In men, low IGFBP-1 was the strongest predictor for both prediabetes (OR:13.4) and T2D (OR:14.9). When adiponectin, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were combined, the ROC-AUC reached 0.87 for women and 0.79 for men, higher than for BMI alone.

Conclusion

Differences were observed comparing adipocyte- and hepatocyte-derived biomarkers in forecasting AGT in NGT subjects. In women the strongest predictor for T2D was adiponectin and in men IGFBP-1, and for prediabetes IGFBP-2 in women and IGFBP-1 in men.
A new search direction of IPM for horizontal linear complementarity problems
Authors: Gong Xiaoyu , Xi Lei , Yuan Bo
Published: January 2023

This study presents a new search direction for the horizontal linear complementarity problem. A vector-valued function is applied to the system of xy=μe, which defines the central path. Usually, the way to get the equivalent form of the central path is using the square root function. However, in our study, we substitute a new search function formed by a different identity map, which obtains the equivalent shape of the central path using the square root function. We get the new search directions from Newton’s Method. Given this framework, we prove polynomial complexity for the Newton directions. We show that the algorithm’s complexity is O(nlognϵ), which is the same as the best-given algorithms for the horizontal linear complementarity problem.
Adaptive individual residential load forecasting based on deep learning and dynamic mirror descent
Authors: Han Fujia , Wang Xiaohui
Published: January 2023

With a growing penetration of renewable energy generation in the modern power networks, it has become highly challenging for network operators to balance electricity supply and demand. Residential load forecasting nowadays plays an increasingly important role in this aspect and facilitates various interactions between power networks and electricity users. While numerous research works have been proposed targeting at aggregate residential load forecasting, only a few efforts have been made towards individual residential load forecasting. The issue of volatility of individual residential load has never been addressed in forecasting. Thus, to fill this gap, this paper presents a deep learning method empowered with dynamic mirror descent for adaptive individual residential load forecasting. The proposed method is evaluated on a real-life Irish residential load dataset, and the experimental results show that it improves the prediction accuracy by 9.1% and 11.6% in the aspects of RMSE and MAE respectively in comparison with a benchmark method.
Spatiotemporal evolution and driving forces of ecosystem service value and ecological risk in the Ulan Buh Desert
Authors: Liu Huan , Wang Ruizhen , Sun Haoyu , Cao Weijia , Song Jie , Zhang Xuefeng , Wen Lu , Zhuo Yi , Wang Lixin , Liu Tiejun
Published: January 2023

A clear understanding of the spatiotemporal evolution and driving factors of ecosystem service value (ESV) and the landscape ecological risk index (ERI) can effectively link human well-being and ecosystem security, which is essential for sustainable ecosystem management. Based on multitemporal land use data (1990, 2000, 2010, and 2018), the spatiotemporal evolution of ESV and the ERI in the Ulan Buh Desert was evaluated. The driving forces of ESV and the ERI were quantitatively evaluated by the Geodetector model. The results show that 1) from 1990 to 2018, total ESV in the Ulan Buh Desert increased from 7.00×108 yuan to 11.09×108 yuan. Low-ESV areas accounted for approximately 72.28% of the study area. High-ESV and moderate-high-ESV areas were mainly distributed along the Yellow River and the northeastern region. 2) During the study period, the ecological risk of the Ulan Buh Desert generally decreased; only the ecological risk of the northeastern region improved significantly, and high-risk areas were mainly distributed across sand dunes located in the middle of the desert. 3) There was a negative correlation between ESV and the ERI in the study area, and the main relationship was low value-high risk. 4) Driving force analysis results show that natural and human impact factors jointly affected the spatiotemporal differentiation of ESV and the ERI in the Ulan Buh Desert. Among the influencing factors, the interaction between the distance to a highway and annual precipitation had the strongest impact. The implementation of relevant policies in the study area should be guided by ESV and the ERI, and the protection and restoration of various ecosystems in the study area must be strengthened.
The detrimental effects of dirty energy, foreign investment, and corruption on environmental quality: New evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Pujiati Amin , Yanto Heri , Dwi Handayani Bestari , Ridzuan Abdul Rahim , Borhan Halimahton , Shaari Mohd Shahidan
Published: January 2023

The alarming trend of CO2 emissions in Indonesia merits a reinvestigation into the determinants in a bid to conserve the environment. In the literature, in Indonesia, three potential determinants, namely, energy, foreign direct investment, and corruption, have been identified to harm the environment. However, their effects are still undetermined. Thus, this study aims to examine the relationships between corruption (COR), energy use (ENY), foreign direct investment (FDI), and CO2 emissions in Indonesia. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach was used to analyse data for 36 years, from 1984 to 2020. The results reveal that corruption contributes to greater environmental degradation in the short run, while foreign direct investment does not. However, in the long run, corruption and energy use can positively affect environmental degradation, but foreign direct investment can reduce environmental degradation in Indonesia. This study also found two other factors, namely, economic growth and urbanisation, which can affect the environment with mixed findings. These findings are indispensable for policy formulation in Indonesia as Indonesia is a rapidly developing country that depends on good environmental quality to ensure future growth and sustainable development.
Variation of virtual temperature and wind in the atmospheric boundary layer over the pearl river estuary during 2011–2020
Authors: Li Lei , Zhou Qian-Jin , Chan Pak-Wai , Yang Hong-Long
Published: January 2023

Most studies of the effects of urbanisation on local climate have been based on ground observation data. In contrast, we used observation data from a boundary layer radar wind profiler, radio-acoustic sounding system, and automatic meteorological station located at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to analyse changes in wind and virtual temperature in the upper level atmosphere, with a top height of 1,200 m, over the Pearl River Estuary between 2011 and 2020. Our results show that during the decade evaluated, the wind speed and virtual temperature of the upper level atmosphere over the Pearl River Estuary changed very significantly and faster than the changes observed at ground level. During the study period, the linear warming rate of the virtual temperature of the upper level atmosphere reached 0.24°C/a, whereas that on the land surface was 0.17°C/a. The mean decreases in the upper level atmosphere and land surface wind speeds were −0.12 and −0.05 m/s·a, respectively. Additionally, the rate of change in the upper level climate was faster in winter than in summer for both wind speed and virtual temperature. These changes in the climate of the upper level atmosphere over the Pearl River Estuary may be related to the rapid increase in the number of high-rise buildings in the region during that decade, which generally negatively affected the atmospheric environment.
Metabolite profiling and transcriptome analyses provide insight into the regulatory network of graft incompatibility in litchi
Authors: Hou Yanjie , Qin Xianquan , Qiu Hongye , Li Dongbo , Xu Ning , Zhang Shuwei , Fang Chen , Li Hongli
Published: January 2023

Litchi is an important commercial fruit crop widely grown in the world. Graft incompatibility between rootstocks and scions is a major constraint for large-scale cultivation of litchi orchards, popularization of new and excellent litchi varieties, and associated industrial development. Further, the genetic mechanism of graft incompatibility is still unclear in litchi. To reduce the incompatibility problems, this study investigated metabolic and transcriptomic differences between graft compatible and incompatible rootstock-scion combinations of litchi. The result of metabolomics analysis showed that incompatible rootstock-scion interaction modified the profiles of several metabolic substances. However, various compounds of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and lignin predominantly exhibited significantly altered abundance in graft incompatible combinations. Transcriptome analysis identified that graft incompatibility induces dynamic gene differences. The majority of these differentially expressed genes were enriched in biosynthetic pathways of phenylpropanoids. The differential expressions of genes in these pathways could be linked to the differential abundance levels of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and lignin compounds. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed a strong relationship between differential genes and differential metabolites identified in this study. In addition, identified hub genes and metabolites were closely associated with graft incompatibility of litchi. This study characterized the abundance of metabolites and genes in graft incompatible combinations and further discussed the genetic mechanism of graft incompatibility in litchi. Our results provide a platform to dissect the molecular mechanisms of graft incompatibility in the litchi fruit.
A circadian rhythm-related gene signature for prognosis, invasion and immune microenvironment of breast cancer
Authors: Wang Mei-Huan , Liu Xiao , Wang Qian , Zhang Hua-Wei
Published: January 2023

Background: Circadian dysregulation is linked to the onset and progression of cancer, but current knowledge of the role of circadian rhythm-related genes (CRRGs) in breast cancer (BC) is limited and incomplete. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role and immune-related prognostic significance of CRRGs in BC.

Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas breast cancer (TCGA-BRCA) genetic data were combined with 1369 CRRGs to create a model of BC prognosis-related CRRGs. To validate the model’s predictive power in TCGA and other external datasets, the Kaplan-Meier survival curve and receptor operation characteristic curve were plotted. The relationship between CRRGs model and gene enrichment pathways, immune cell infiltration, and differences in patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy was then discussed.

Results: A CRRG-based eighteen-gene model was developed that accurately predicted the survival time of BC patients. Based on this model, BC patients can be classified as high or low risk. The high-risk group has negative immune cell infiltration (such as macrophages M0 and M2) and a poor therapeutic response to ICIs due to lower immune checkpoint gene expression. Furthermore, TCF7 and IFNG were found to be strongly associated with immune checkpoints in CRRGs model.

Conclusion: The 18 CRRGs may be useful in assessing the prognosis of BC patients, studying immune infiltration, and developing more effective immunotherapy strategies.
Trans-papillary bilio-pancreatic stenting: When how and which stent
Authors: Cappello Annalisa , Landi Rosario , Gerges Christian , Cennamo Vincenzo , Costamagna Guido , Tringali Andrea
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, stenting malignant biliary stenosis (extrahepatic or hilar), benign biliary stenosis, and pancreatic duct stenosis in chronic pancreatitis as well as stenting for prophylaxis of post- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis and for failed extraction of biliary stones or endoscopic papillectomy are the many common challenges for a bilio-pancreatic endoscopist. The purpose of this review is to provide a practical approach to bilio-pancreatic stenting indications and techniques. Having a thorough understanding of stenting indications and techniques, for a bilio-pancreatic endoscopist means being able to develop a tailored approach for each clinical scenario depending on the type of stent used. Biliary stents, in fact, vary in diameter, length, and composition, making it possible to give each patient personalized treatment.
The emerging role of TET enzymes in the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface during decidualization and early pregnancy
Authors: Jin Mengmeng , Ji Jianxiong , Chen Xi , Zhou Ying , Wang Dimin , Liu Aixia
Published: January 2023

A dysregulated immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface in early pregnancy may lead to early pregnancy loss, fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia. However, major questions about how epigenetic modifications regulate the immune microenvironment during the decidualization process and embryo implantation remain unanswered. DNA methylation, the main epigenetic mechanism involved in the endometrial cycle, is crucial for specific transcriptional networks associated with endometrial stromal cell (ESC) proliferation, hormone response, decidualization, and embryo implantation. Ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, responsible for catalyzing the conversion of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcyosine, 5-formylytosine, and 5-carboxylcyosine to achieve the DNA demethylation process, appear to play a critical role in decidualization and embryo implantation. Here, we provide a comprehensive view of their structural similarities and the common mechanism of regulation in the microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface during decidualization and early pregnancy. We also discuss their physiological role in the decidual immune microenvironment. Finally, we propose a key hypothesis regarding TET enzymes at the maternal-fetal interface between decidual immune cells and ESCs. Future work is needed to elucidate their functional role and examine therapeutic strategies targeting these enzymes in pregnancy-related disease preclinical models, which would be of great value for future implications in disease diagnosis or treatment.