bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the underlying mechanisms of obesity and diabetes and the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine: an overview of the literature
Authors: Chen Yan-kun , Liu Ting-ting , Teia Farah Khameis Farag , Xie Meng-zhou
Published: August 2023

Obesity and diabetes are closely related metabolic disorders that have become major public health concerns worldwide. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have explored the underlying mechanisms of these disorders and identified various risk factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been increasingly recognized for its potential to manage obesity and diabetes. Weight loss is difficult to sustain, and several diabetic therapies, such as sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and insulin, might make it harder to lose weight. While lifestyle changes should be the primary approach for people interested in lowering weight, drugs are also worth investigating. Since some of the newer glucose-lowering medications that cause weight loss, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), are additionally utilized or are under consideration for use as anti-obesity drugs, the frontier between glucose-lowering medication and weight loss drugs appears to be shifting. This review provides an overview of the literature on the underlying mechanisms of obesity and diabetes and the prospect of TCM in their management. We discuss the various TCM interventions, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy, and their effects on metabolic health. We also highlight the potential of TCM in regulating gut microbiota, reducing inflammation, and improving insulin sensitivity. The findings suggest that TCM may provide a promising approach to preventing and managing obesity and diabetes. However, further well-designed studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of TCM interventions and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms of action.
Duration of oestrogen exposure does not affect reproductive outcome in artificial cycles: a retrospective analysis of more than 7000 hormonal replacement therapy cycles for an embryo transfer
Authors: Rodríguez-Varela Cristina , Salvaleda-Mateu Maria , Labarta Elena
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Optimal duration of oestrogen exposure before an embryo transfer in artificial cycles has not been defined yet, as its correlation with reproductive outcome remains controversial. The length of oestrogen treatment before starting luteal phase support varies significantly among patients.

Materials and methods

In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of a huge database of our own clinical results in artificial cycles in the past five years. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the length of estrogen exposure on reproductive outcome and to evaluate if there is any optimal duration of estrogen exposure in order to maximize success rates.

Results

Differences in pregnancy rates according to oestrogen length, if present, were not clinically relevant.

Discussion

Our results suggest that the length of oestrogen exposure (in days) before exogenous progesterone administration do not affect clinical outcomes.
Green water efficiency in the vulnerable silk road economic belt
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Long Hai
Published: August 2023

Introduction: In vulnerable environments, accurate and complete assessments of green water efficiency (GWE) must consider unexpected outputs.

Methods: This study employed the hyper-efficiency SBM-DEA model and SDM method to investigate the spatial heterogeneity and the determinants of GWE, respectively, in nine Chinese provinces along the Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB), which is characterized by a vulnerable ecological and economic system.

Results: Using data from 2008 to 2019, this study found that the green performance indicator varied in these provinces; GWE showed substantial spatial heterogeneity, with a negative spatial autocorrelation among the provinces with a low-to-high or high-to-low distribution. The southwest provinces had a higher GWE than the northwest, but there was no significant GWE improvement in the whole region. Both governmental engagement and environmental protection were the most influential determinants of GWE, which showed spatial spillover effects, followed by water pollution then economic growth, demonstrating that the GWE in vulnerable ecosystems may be changed by any factor depending on unexpected outputs.

Discussion: This study suggests that reducing the side effects of unexpected outputs in vulnerable environments, because the ecosystem will be redamaged by unexpected contaminants when improving the local GWE.
An acoustic tracking model based on deep learning using two hydrophones and its reverberation transfer hypothesis, applied to whale tracking
Authors: Jin Kangkang , Xu Jian , Zhang Xuefeng , Lu Can , Xu Luochuan , Liu Yi
Published: August 2023

Acoustic tracking of whales’ underwater cruises is essential for protecting marine ecosystems. For cetacean conservationists, fewer hydrophones will provide more convenience in capturing high-mobility whale positions. Currently, it has been possible to use two hydrophones individually to accomplish direction finding or ranging. However, traditional methods only aim at estimating one of the spatial parameters and are susceptible to the detrimental effects of reverberation superimposition. To achieve complete whale tracking under reverberant interference, in this study, an intelligent acoustic tracking model (CIAT) is proposed, which allows both horizontal direction discrimination and distance/depth perception by mining unpredictable features of position information directly from the received signals of two hydrophones. Specifically, the horizontal direction is discriminated by an enhanced cross-spectral analysis to make full use of the exact frequency of received signals and eliminate the interference of non-source signals, and the distance/depth direction combines convolutional neural network (CNN) with transfer learning to address the adverse effects caused by unavoidable acoustic reflections and reverberation superposition. Experiments with real recordings show that 0.13 km/MAE is achieved within 8 km. Our work not only provides satisfactory prediction performance, but also effectively avoids the reverberation effect of long-distance signal propagation, opening up a new avenue for underwater target tracking.
Comparison of whole trunk muscle mass between healthy and lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus patients using abdominal pelvic computed tomography
Authors: Oh Chi-Hoon , Shin Dong-Eun , Yoon Siyeong , Oh Jongbeom , Lee Younghun , Lee Soonchul
Published: August 2023

Background

Paraspinal muscle asymmetry is associated with low back pain (LBP) problems. This study aimed to analyze skeletal muscle areas around the lumbar vertebra and compare the ratio of anterior and posterior muscles between patients with lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) and healthy individuals using abdominal pelvic computed tomography (APCT).

Methods

After propensity score matching, 122 HNP patients and 122 non-HNP individuals were finally used for analyses. In APCT, axial cut images were collected at the level of the third lumbar vertebra lower end plate and only the muscle structure was obtained. After obtaining the muscular portion of their image, we measured the skeletal muscle area (SMA). Second, for analysis relation of sarcopenia and HNP, the status of low skeletal muscle mass was determined using a previously reported criteria based on APCT scans in the Republic of Korea.

Results

From the analysis of the anterior–posterior muscles, the ratio of anterior SMA was statistically significantly larger in the HNP group than in the non-HNP group. Regarding the anatomical classification of trunk muscles, a statistically significant left–right imbalance to peripheral muscle in HNP men was observed. Regarding the status of low skeletal muscle mass, no statistical difference in prevalence between the two groups were observed. Moreover, no statistical difference in the prevalence of low skeletal muscle mass obesity was observed.

Conclusion

The lumbar flexor muscle was larger in HNP than others, showing trunk muscle imbalance. However, low skeletal muscle mass is not associated with HNP.
Optogenetic stimulation shapes dendritic trees of infragranular cortical pyramidal cells
Authors: Gonda Steffen , Köhler Ina , Haase André , Czubay Katrin , Räk Andrea , Riedel Christian , Wahle Petra
Published: August 2023

Spontaneous or experimentally evoked activity can lead to changes in length and/or branching of neocortical pyramidal cell dendrites. For instance, an early postnatal overexpression of certain AMPA or kainate glutamate receptor subunits leads to larger amplitudes of depolarizing events driven by spontaneous activity, and this increases apical dendritic complexity. Whether stimulation frequency has a role is less clear. In this study, we report that the expression of channelrhodopsin2-eYFP was followed by a 5-day optogenetic stimulation from DIV 5–10 or 11–15 in organotypic cultures of rat visual cortex-evoked dendritic remodeling. Stimulation at 0.05 Hz, at a frequency range of spontaneous calcium oscillations known to occur in the early postnatal neocortex in vivo until eye opening, had no effect. Stimulation with 0.5 Hz, a frequency at which the cortex in vivo adopts after eye opening, unexpectedly caused shorter and somewhat less branched apical dendrites of infragranular pyramidal neurons. The outcome resembles the remodeling of corticothalamic and callosal projection neurons of layers VI and V, which in the adult have apical dendrites no longer terminating in layer I. Exposure to 2.5 Hz, a frequency not occurring naturally during the time windows, evoked dendritic damage. The results suggested that optogenetic stimulation at a biologically meaningful frequency for the selected developmental stage can influence dendrite growth, but contrary to expectation, the optogenetic stimulation decreased dendritic growth.
Three-dimensional reconstruction imaging by C-arm computed tomography accurately visualizes in-stent neointimal formation in patients with stent-assisted coil embolization
Authors: Kotsugi Masashi , Nakagawa Ichiro , Konishi Kengo , Tanaka Haku , Sasaki Hiromitsu , Furuta Takanori , Okamoto Ai , Nakase Kenta , Maeoka Ryosuke , Yokoyama Shohei , Yamada Shuichi , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: August 2023

Background

Stent apposition to the vessel wall and in-stent neointimal formation after stent-assisted coil embolization for intracranial aneurysm are important factors associated with postoperative thromboembolic complications. No assessment methods have been established to depict 3-dimensional (3D) all-round in-stent neointimal formation.

Objective

To demonstrate the superiority of Dyna-3D imaging assessment as a modality for all-round ISNF in comparison with conventional two-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (2D-DSA).

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent braided stent-assisted coil embolization for unruptured aneurysm between November 2016 and September 2021 were enrolled. Radiological assessments for stent apposition to the parent vessel after stent deployment and in-stent neointimal formation after 3 months were obtained. Dyna-3D was reconstructed by overlapping a plain image showing stent struts with a rotational DSA image showing the vessel lumen. Reconstructed Dyna-3D images can be rotated to any angle on the screen to evaluate to stent apposition around the vessel and in-stent neointimal formation in 3D, for comparison with 2D-DSA evaluations.

Results

Among the 73 patients enrolled, 70 patients (96%) showed complete stent wall apposition on Dyna-3D. Higher intra-rater agreement was confirmed on assessment of in-stent neointimal formation with Dyna-3D (Cohen’s κ = 0.811) than with conventional 2D-DSA (Cohen’s κ = 0.517). in-stent neointimal formation could not be confirmed on conventional imaging in 9 cases (16%) and on Dyna-3D in 2 cases (3%). The number of in-stent neointimal formations rated as stent wire completely outside the endothelial line was significantly higher with Dyna-3D than with 2D-DSA (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

All-round 3D evaluation by Dyna-3D imaging appears useful for confirming in-stent neointimal formation after braided stent deployment in patients after stent-assisted coil embolization.
Ischemic strokes in COVID-19: risk factors, obesity paradox, and distinction between trigger and causal association
Authors: Janes Francesco , Sozio Emanuela , Gigli Gian Luigi , Ripoli Andrea , Sbrana Francesco , Kuris Fedra , Nesi Lorenzo , Semenzin Tosca , Bertolino Giacomo , Deana Cristian , Bagatto Daniele , Ciardi Chiara , Fabris Martina , Merlino Giovanni , Bax Francesco , Nilo Annacarmen , Pez Sara , Valente Mariarosaria , Tascini Carlo
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose

Stroke has been described as a COVID-19 complication. However, its occurrence rate, risk factors, and causal relationships are still not well established.

Methods

We describe the characteristics of confirmed COVID-19-related strokes among all cases of COVID-19 hospitalized in our health network, from November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. Risk factor analysis has been conducted for ischemic stroke (IS), which represents 92% of all confirmed cases of Covid-19-related strokes, and a “causal attribution to infection” classification is provided.

Results

In all, 62/4105 hospitalized COVID-19 patients had an acute stroke (1.51%). Severe COVID-19 (OR 2.27—CI 1.06–4.77; p = 0.032), atrial fibrillation (OR 3.65—CI 1.63–7.98; p = 0.001), and ischemic heart disease (OR 4.590—CI 1.714–12.137; p = 0.002) proved to be independent risk factors for IS, while obesity was a protective factor (OR 0.90—CI 0.82–0.97; p = 0.012). COVID-19 had a causal role in 32.1% of IS cases, was a relevant cofactor in 28.6% of cases of IS, and was a possible trigger in 39.3% of events.

Conclusion

Our stroke occurrence rate is consistent with other population-based reports (range 0.34–2.7%). Prespecified peculiar clinical and radiological features allow the distinction between “IS caused by COVID-19” and “IS triggered by COVID-19.” Clinical history of vascular diseases and risk factors is crucial in determining the risk of IS in patients with COVID-19. However, the protective effect of a BMI > 30 kg/m2 seems to suggest an obesity paradox.
Superior loco-regional control after primary surgery compared to chemo-radiotherapy for advanced stage laryngeal cancer
Authors: Shelan Mohamed , Anschuetz Lukas , Schubert Adrian , Bojaxhiu Beat , Aebersold Daniel M. , Elicin Olgun , Giger Roland
Published: August 2023

Objective

The optimal strategy to treat loco-regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (LSCC) remains to be defined. The goal of this single institution retrospective study was to report on oncologic outcome of advanced LSCC treated with curative intent.

Methods

Patients diagnosed and treated for stage T3-T4a LSCC between 2001 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Time-to-event endpoints were calculated beginning from the date of histologic diagnosis, which were analyzed with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

The cohort was divided into two subgroups: primary radiotherapy with concomitant cisplatin (CRT) (n=30, 38%) and primary surgery (n=48, 62%). Median follow-up was 56 months. Locoregional control (LRC) for the primary surgery and CRT were 95% and 50% in 5 years, respectively (p<0.01). Progression free survival (PFS) for the primary surgery and CRT were 61% and 38% in 5 years, respectively (p=0.23). The overall survival (OS) after primary surgery and CRT in 5 years were 63% vs. 65%, respectively (p=0.93). The 5-years LRC was significantly superior after surgery compared to RT for cT3 primaries (100% vs 50%, p= 0.0022). No significant differences were observed in the remaining subgroups regarding cT stage and PFS or OS.

Conclusion

Our series demonstrated superior LRC after primary surgery followed by risk-adapted adjuvant (C)RT compared to primary CRT in cT3 LSCC, but no significant difference in PFS or OS in locally-advanced LSCC. The optimal patient selection criteria for the ideal treatment for loco-regionally advanced LSCC still needs to be defined.
Predictive signature of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer integrating mRNA expression, taxonomic subtypes, and clinicopathological features
Authors: Font Albert , Domenech Montserrat , Ramirez Jose Luis , Marqués Miriam , Benítez Raquel , Ruiz de Porras Vicenç , Gago José L. , Carrato Cristina , Sant Francesc , Lopez Hector , Castellano Daniel , Malats Nuria , Calle M. Luz , Real Francisco X.
Published: August 2023

Background and objective

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by cystectomy is the standard of care in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Pathological response has been associated with longer survival, but no currently available clinicopathological variables can identify patients likely to respond, highlighting the need for predictive biomarkers. We sought to identify a predictive signature of response to NAC integrating clinical score, taxonomic subtype, and gene expression.

Material and methods

From 1994 to 2014, pre-treatment tumor samples were collected from MIBC patients (stage T2-4N0/+M0) at two Spanish hospitals. A clinical score was determined based on stage, hydronephrosis and histology. Taxonomic subtypes (BASQ, luminal, and mixed) were identified by immunohistochemistry. A custom set of 41 genes involved in DNA damage repair and immune response was analyzed in 84 patients with the NanoString nCounter platform. Genes related to pathological response were identified by LASSO penalized logistic regression. NAC consisted of cisplatin/methotrexate/vinblastine until 2000, after which most patients received cisplatin/gemcitabine. The capacity of the integrated signature to predict pathological response was assessed with AUC. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

LASSO selected eight genes to be included in the signature (RAD51, IFNγ, CHEK1, CXCL9, c-MET, KRT14, HERC2, FOXA1). The highest predictive accuracy was observed with the inclusion in the model of only three genes (RAD51, IFNɣ, CHEK1). The integrated clinical-taxonomic-gene expression signature including these three genes had a higher predictive ability (AUC=0.71) than only clinical score plus taxonomic subtype (AUC=0.58) or clinical score alone (AUC=0.56). This integrated signature was also significantly associated with OS (p=0.02) and DSS (p=0.02).

Conclusions

We have identified a predictive signature for response to NAC in MIBC patients that integrates the expression of three genes with clinicopathological characteristics and taxonomic subtypes. Prospective studies to validate these results are ongoing.
Ultrasonographic, clinical, and pathological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents with or without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Jie Yue , Ruan Jingliang , Luo Man , Liu Rongbin
Published: August 2023

Objective

To compare the ultrasonographic, clinical, and pathological features of children and adolescents with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with and without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT)

Materials and methods

A total of 52 children and adolescent patients surgically diagnosed with PTC between 2017 and 2022 were included; 14 children and adolescent patients with PTC were diagnosed with HT via pathological examination. The preoperative ultrasonographic, postoperative histological, and molecular and clinical characteristics were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The prevalence rate of PTC in patients with HT was 27%. Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas were found in 11 of 38 patients without HT, but none in patients with HT (p = 0.023). Extrathyroidal extension, capsular invasion, and lymph node metastases were more frequent in patients with PTC and HT than in patients with PTC alone (p < 0.05 for both). The ultrasonographic features of nodule composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System categories, and total points were similar. The patterns of echogenic foci were more prominent in the nodules of patients with HT than in those of patients without HT (p = 0.016).

Conclusion

The frequency of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas in patients with PTC and HT was less, whereas that of extrathyroidal extension, capsular invasion, and lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in patients with PTC and HT than in those with PTC alone. The patterns of echogenic foci on ultrasonography may represent a risk for PTC.
Assessment of pain management adequacy among hospitalized pediatric patients: institutional-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kasahun Asmamaw Emagn , Sendekie Ashenafi Kibret , Abebe Rahel Belete
Published: August 2023

Background

As the evidence showed, despite the magnitude of the effects that pain can have on a child, it is often inadequately assessed and treated. However, whether pain is adequately treated or not, evidence is lacking in the study setting.

Objectives

This study assessed pain management adequacy among hospitalized pediatric patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pediatric patients admitted to the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital between June and August 2021. Eligible patients were enrolled in the study using consecutive sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured interview-based questionnaire and a review of the patient's medical records that were prepared after reviewing earlier studies. Pain management adequacy was determined using the pain management index (PMI) score. Statistical Software for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and means with standard deviation were used to describe the respective variables. Logistic regression was used to assess predictor variables of pain management adequacy. A p-value <0.05 at a 95% CI was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of the 422 participants enrolled in the study, most (58.1%) were males, with a mean age of 3.9 ± 0.8 years. Pain medication was prescribed to 62.8% (95% CI: 57.3–68.2) of the participants. About 63.3% (95% CI: 58.8%–68%) received inadequate analgesics. The type of painkillers administered also did not match the severity of the pain. Pediatric patients less than 1 month and between 1 month and 1 year (AOR = 2.891, 95% CI: 1.274–12.899 and AOR = 2.657, 95% CI: 1.350–5.175), respectively, and patients with severe and moderate levels of pain (AOR = 3.448, 95% CI: 1.902–6.251 and AOR = 5.345, 95% CI: 1.956–9.828), respectively, were found to have inadequate pain medication compared with their counterparts.

Conclusion

This study revealed that pain was hardly managed based on its severity. Overall, two-thirds of pediatric patients received inadequate pain medication. This indicates majority of patients experienced pain did not manage appropriately.
Inhibition of GSDMD activation by Z-LLSD-FMK or Z-YVAD-FMK reduces vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic lesion development in ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Zhang Bao-Li , Yu Peng , Su En-Yong , Zhang Chun-Yu , Xie Shi-Yao , Yang Xue , Zou Yun-Zeng , Liu Ming , Jiang Hong
Published: August 2023

Pyroptosis is a form of pro-inflammatory cell death that can be mediated by gasdermin D (GSDMD) activation induced by inflammatory caspases such as caspase-1. Emerging evidence suggests that targeting GSDMD activation or pyroptosis may facilitate the reduction of vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic lesion development. The current study investigated the therapeutic effects of inhibition of GSDMD activation by the novel GSDMD inhibitor N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-Leu-Leu-Ser-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (Z-LLSD-FMK), the specific caspase-1 inhibitor N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (Z-YVAD-FMK), and a combination of both on atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice fed a western diet at 5 weeks of age, and further determined the efficacy of these polypeptide inhibitors in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). In vivo studies there was plaque formation, GSDMD activation, and caspase-1 activation in aortas, which increased gradually from 6 to 18 weeks of age, and increased markedly at 14 and 18 weeks of age. ApoE−/− mice were administered Z-LLSD-FMK (200 µg/day), Z-YVAD-FMK (200 µg/day), a combination of both, or vehicle control intraperitoneally from 14 to 18 weeks of age. Treatment significantly reduced lesion formation, macrophage infiltration in lesions, protein levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and pyroptosis-related proteins such as activated caspase-1, activated GSDMD, cleaved interleukin(IL)-1β, and high mobility group box 1 in aortas. No overt differences in plasma lipid contents were detected. In vitro treatment with these polypeptide inhibitors dramatically decreased the percentage of propidium iodide-positive BMDMs, the release of lactate dehydrogenase and IL-1β, and protein levels of pyroptosis-related proteins both in supernatants and cell lysates elevated by lipopolysaccharide + nigericin. Notably however, there were no significant differences in the above-mentioned results between the Z-LLSD-FMK group and the Z-YVAD-FMK group, and the combination of both did not yield enhanced effects. These findings indicate that suppression of GSDMD activation by Z-LLSD-FMK or Z-YVAD-FMK reduces vascular inflammation and lesion development in ApoE−/− mice.
Evaluation of the efficacy of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) on diabetic nephropathy by analyzing biomarkers in the glomeruli and proximal and distal convoluted tubules of the kidneys
Authors: Yu Hongmei , Wang Mei , Yu Jingshi , Tang Haitao , Xu Qing , Cheng Ning , Luo Xiaoxiao , Wang Yurong , Ge Haitao , Qiang Lei , Tang Wei , Gu Harvest F.
Published: August 2023

Introduction: As a traditional Chinese medicine, Abelmoschus manihot (L.) in the form of Huangkui (HK) capsule has been used as a medication for kidney diseases, including diabetic nephropathy (DN), in China. The most significant effect of HK capsule treatment in kidney diseases is the reduction of albuminuria and proteinuria. To evaluate the efficacy of HK capsule in the regression of DN, in the current study, we analyzed the biomarkers in the glomerulus and proximal and distal convoluted tubules in the kidneys of db/db mice, the animal model for type 2 diabetes and DN.

Methods: Huangkui capsules (0.84 g/kg/d) or vehicle were administered daily via oral gavage for 4 weeks in db/db mice. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and blood glucose levels were measured during the whole experimental period. Five biomarkers in the glomerulus and proximal and distal convoluted tubules in the kidneys were selected, namely, col4a3, slc5a2, slc34a1, slc12a3, and slc4a1, and their activities at mRNA and protein levels before and after HK capsule treatment were analyzed by real-time RT–PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Result and discussion: After HK capsule treatment for 4 weeks, the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio in db/db mice was found to be significantly decreased. The activities of col4a3, slc5a2, slc34a1, slc12a3, and slc4a1 in the kidneys were upregulated in db/db mice prior to the treatment but downregulated after HK capsule treatment. Further analyses of the fields of whole kidney tissue sections demonstrated that the number of nephrons in the kidneys of db/db mice with HK capsule treatment was higher than that in the kidneys of db/db mice without HK capsule treatment. Thereby, the current study provides experimental evidence confirming the medical efficacy of A. manihot in the reduction of albuminuria and proteinuria, suggesting that A. manihot may have pharmacological efficacy in the regression of the development of type 2 diabetes-DN.
The relevance of body composition assessment for the rating of perceived exertion in trained and untrained women and men
Authors: Lichti Julia , Maggioni Martina Anna , Balcerek Björn , Becker Philipp Nils , Labes Robert , Gunga Hanns-Christian , Fähling Michael , Steinach Mathias
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Mechanic power output (MPO) and oxygen consumption (VO2) reflect endurance capacity and are often stated relative to body mass (BM) but less often per skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) has previously shown conflicting results between sexes at submaximal intensities. Individual body composition, however, largely differs due to sex and training status. It was the aim of this study to evaluate RPE of untrained and trained individuals of both sexes considering body composition and to estimate whether RPE could be improved as a tool to determine endurance capacity.

Methods: The study included 34 untrained adults (age 26.18 ± 6.34 years, 18 women) and 29 endurance trained (age 27.86 ± 5.19, 14 women) who were measured for body composition (InBody 770, InBody Europe B.V., Germany) and tested on a treadmill (Pulsar, H/P/Cosmos, Germany) for aerobic capacity (Metalyzer 3B, Cortex Biophysik GmbH, Germany) in an all-out exercise test applying the Bruce-protocol. VO2, MPO, heart rate (HR), and RPE were obtained at each exercise stage. VO2 and MPO were calculated per BM and SMM. RPE values were correlated with absolute VO2 and MPO, as well as relative to BM, and SMM. HR values and the parameters’ standardized values served for comparison to standard procedures.

Results: VO2 and MPO were higher in men compared to women and in trained compared to untrained participants. No differences between groups and sexes exist when VO2 and MPO were calculated per BM. When calculated per SMM, VO2 and MPO indicate opposite results already at low intensity stages of exercise test. RPE values had highest correlation with MPO per SMM (R2 = 0.8345) compared to absolute MPO (R2 = 0.7609), or MPO per BM (R2 = 0.8176). Agreement between RPE and MPO per SMM was greater than between RPE and HR (p = 0.008).

Conclusion: Although RPE represents a subjective value at first glance, it was shown that RPE constitutes a valuable tool to estimate endurance capacity, which can be further enhanced if individual body composition is considered. Furthermore, MPO and VO2 should be considered relative to SMM. These findings might help to avoid over-exertion, especially among untrained people, by adjusting the training intensity for each subject according to the individual strain evaluated in an exercise test based on individual body composition.
The boundary of life and death: changes in mitochondrial and cytosolic proteomes associated with programmed cell death of Arabidopsis thaliana suspension culture cells
Authors: Schwarze Johanna , Carolan James C. , Stewart Gavin S. , McCabe Paul F. , Kacprzyk Joanna
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Despite the critical role of programmed cell death (PCD) in plant development and defense responses, its regulation is not fully understood. It has been proposed that mitochondria may be important in the control of the early stages of plant PCD, but the details of this regulation are currently unknown.

Methods

We used Arabidopsis thaliana cell suspension culture, a model system that enables induction and precise monitoring of PCD rates, as well as chemical manipulation of this process to generate a quantitative profile of the alterations in mitochondrial and cytosolic proteomes associated with early stages of plant PCD induced by heat stress. The cells were subjected to PCD-inducing heat levels (10 min, 54°C), with/without the calcium channel inhibitor and PCD blocker LaCl3. The stress treatment was followed by separation of cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions and mass spectrometry-based proteome analysis.

Results

Heat stress induced rapid and extensive changes in protein abundance in both fractions, with release of mitochondrial proteins into the cytosol upon PCD induction. In our system, LaCl3 appeared to act downstream of cell death initiation signal, as it did not affect the release of mitochondrial proteins, but instead partially inhibited changes occurring in the cytosolic fraction, including upregulation of proteins with hydrolytic activity.

Discussion

We characterized changes in protein abundance and localization associated with the early stages of heat stress-induced PCD. Collectively, the generated data provide new insights into the regulation of cell death and survival decisions in plant cells.
Linking sedentary behavior and mental distress in higher education: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Subiron-Valera Ana Belen , Rodriguez-Roca Beatriz , Calatayud Estela , Gomez-Soria Isabel , Andrade-Gómez Elena , Marcen-Roman Yolanda
Published: August 2023

Background

Sedentary behavior among university students could negatively affect their mental health.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of mental health (anxiety and depression) and sedentary behavior between gender in Health Degrees at the University of Zaragoza.

Design

Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Participants

Sample of 257 University students who completed an online questionnaire.

Methods

Sedentary behavior was assessed with the SBQ questionnaire. Anxiety and depression were assessed with the GADS questionnaire. The Mann–Whitney U test and multiple linear regression models were used.

Results

In comparison to men, female students with symptoms of anxiety spend more time in total engaged in sedentary behaviors (10.56 ± 4.83) vs. (7.8 ± 3.28; p < 0.001) and mentally-passive sedentary activities [2.24 (1.57) vs. 1.15 (0.90; p < 0.005)]. Female students at risk of depression also spend more hours engaged in mentally-passive sedentary behaviors in comparison to men (8.28 ± 50.70 vs. 1.27 ± 1.02; p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Female students at risk of anxiety and/or depression spend more time engaged in sedentary activities in comparison to male students. The risk of anxiety and depression is associated with the total number of hours a day spent engaged in sedentary behaviors and with mentally passive behaviors, but not mentally active behaviors.
Non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal ideation among Chinese college students of childhood emotional abuse: associations with rumination, experiential avoidance, and depression
Authors: Wang Wan , Wang Xi , Duan Guiqin
Published: August 2023

Background

Prior studies have proved the relationships between childhood emotional abuse (CEA) histories and suicidal thoughts or behaviors in adulthood, however, how emotion regulation strategies work as the mediating mechanism is necessary to be investigated. This study aimed to further verify the impacts of rumination, experiential avoidance (EA) and depression on the associations between CEA and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal ideation (SI) on a sample of Chinese college students.

Methods

The Childhood Emotional Abuse Questionnaire, the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Questionnaire, the Symptom Checklist, the Ruminative Response Scale, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale were completed by 1,317 college students.

Results

The rates of NSSI and SI of students with CEA experiences were 31.70 and 7.90% respectively, both higher than those without such experiences. The mediating roles of rumination, EA and depression between CEA and NSSI and SI were significant (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The current study shed light on the linking roles of rumination, EA and depression in the relations between CEA and NSSI and SI. It is suggested that developing adaptive emotion-regulating strategies may be helpful to the intervention of suicidal thoughts or behaviors among individuals with CEA experiences.
Trends in behavioral and biological risk factors for non-communicable diseases among adults in Bhutan: results from cross-sectional surveys in 2007, 2014, and 2019
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: August 2023

Background

The study aimed to evaluate trends in the prevalence and correlates of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs; low physical activity, insufficient fruit/vegetable intake, current tobacco use, problem alcohol use, diabetes, hypertension, increased total cholesterol, and obesity) in Bhutan.

Methods

Three repeat cross-sectional Bhutan STEPS surveys (N = 9,281) in 2007, 2014, and 2019 were analyzed.

Results

The proportion of people with 3–8 NCD risk factors significantly decreased from 62.8% in 2007 to 32.6% in 2019 (p < 0.001), and the mean number of NCD risk factors significantly decreased from 3.0 in 2007 to 2.1 in 2019 (p < 0.001). In linear regression analyses by study year, older age (p < 0.001) was positively associated with eight NCD risk factors across all study years. Furthermore, male subjects were negatively (p < 0.01) and positively (p < 0.001) associated with eight NCD risk factors, respectively. Higher education levels (p < 0.05) were positively associated with eight NCD risk factors in 2007 and negatively associated with eight NCD risk factors in 2019 (p < 0.05). Employment (p < 0.001) and urban residence (p < 0.001) were positively associated with eight risk factors for NCD in 2019, while urban residence (p < 0.001) was negatively associated with eight NCD risk factors in 2014.

Conclusion

The prevalence of eight NCD risk factors decreased in Bhutan over the past 13 years. Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, problem alcohol use, and hypertension increased, current tobacco use, low physical activity, obesity, diabetes, and elevated total cholesterol decreased from 2007 to 2019. Several factors associated for eight and each individual NCD risk factor were identified, which can help guide interventions.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on life expectancy by the level of area deprivation in South Korea
Authors: Hong Jihyung , Yi Sunghyun , Yoon Taeho
Published: August 2023

Objective

Comparative evidence suggests that the impact of COVID-19 on life expectancy has been relatively milder in South Korea. This study aims to examine whether the pandemic has universal or unequal impacts on life expectancy across 250 districts with varying levels of deprivation.

Methods

Using mortality data from 2012 to 2021 obtained from the Microdata Integrated Service of Statistics Korea, we calculated life expectancy at birth and age 65 for both sexes, by deprivation quintiles, before and during the pandemic. We summarized life expectancy gaps using the slope of the inequality index (SII) and further decomposed the gaps by the contribution of age and cause of death using Arriaga’s method.

Results

Both men and women experienced consistent improvements in life expectancy from 2012 to 2019, but the trend was disrupted during 2020 and 2021, primarily driven by older people. While men in more deprived areas were initially hit harder by the pandemic, the life expectancy gap across deprivation quintiles remained relatively constant and persistent across the study period [SII: -2.48 (CI: −2.70 from −2.27) for 2019 and − 2.84 (CI: −3.06 from −2.63) for 2020]. Middle-aged men from the most deprived areas were the most significant contributors to the life expectancy gap, with liver disease, liver cancer, transport accidents, and intentional injuries being the leading causes, both in the pre and during the pandemic. While these contributors remained largely similar before and during the pandemic, the contribution of transport accidents and liver cancer to the male life expectancy gap slightly decreased during the pandemic, while that of ischemic heart disease and pneumonia slightly increased. A similar increase was also observed for the female life expectancy gap.

Conclusion

This study found no clear evidence of an increased life expectancy gap during the pandemic in South Korea, unlike in other countries, although access to emergency healthcare services may have been slightly more disturbed in deprived areas. This achievement can provide lessons for other countries. However, the persistent regional gaps in life expectancy observed over the past decade indicate the need for more targeted public health policies to address this issue.
The active aging level of the rural older adults with disability in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tian Yutong , Zhang Yan , Yan Yuwen , Zhang Huizhong , Li Xizheng
Published: August 2023

Background

Active aging has been listed as an important indicator to measure the quality of life of the older adults and the construction of the senior care system. There is an imbalance between the supply and demand of senior care services for the disabled older adults in rural areas, and the quality of life needs to be improved.

Objectives

We aimed to analyze the current situation of active aging and the influencing factors of the rural disabled older adults, in order to provide a reference basis for improving the quality of life of the rural disabled older adults.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter and cross-sectional study, using the Barthel Index Scale and Chinese version of the Active Aging Scale, to facilitate the selection of 304 rural older adults with disability in 26 villages under Henan Province for a questionnaire survey.

Results

The mean score for the level of active aging of rural older adults with disability was 1.87 (SD 0.36), with the highest score for the dimension of being self-reliant (Mean2.29, SD 0.61) and lower scores for the dimension of active contribution to society (Mean 1.37, SD 0.55) and building up financial security (Mean 1.37, SD 0.57). The results of the multiple regression analysis showed higher levels of active aging among the disabled older adults with retirement pay, mild disability, and longer time per activity/rehabilitation exercise (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Active aging of the rural disabled older adults is at a low level, with insufficient economic security and social participation. The national government should help improve the quality of primary health care in rural areas, build a friendly environment for senior communities, and improve policies to protect the welfare of the older adults, so as to collaboratively empower the disabled older adults in rural areas at three levels: health, participation, and protection.
Reducing flood risk and improving system resiliency in Sacramento, California: overcoming obstacles and emerging solutions
Authors: Pawley Anitra , Moldoff David , Brown Josh , Freed Stephanie
Published: August 2023

Sacramento, the capital of California, has a population of over 2 million and is one of the most flood prone regions in the nation. Its problems exemplify those of many urban communities built near riverine and deltaic systems, that are subject to climate change. The city and its surrounding communities are protected by an elaborate system of levees and flood bypasses; but aging infrastructure, expected increases in extreme wet weather, and projected sea level rise are increasing the risk of levee failures. We explore how flood management approaches including social/institutional (non-structural), traditional structural, and ecological based approaches are being implemented in the Lower Sacramento/North Delta Region amid significant obstacles, to build resilient flood management systems. We review four case studies, one structural levee project and three multi-benefit projects that are only recently being implemented. We also examine the barriers, constraints, and challenges for implementing flood protection projects, and how project proponents are collectively working through these obstacles. We conclude that significant progress has been made in building flood resiliency since the 2008 Central Valley Flood Protection Act and the release of the 2012 Central Valley Flood Protection Plan. Informational tools and policies are being developed to educate the public and prepare for floods. Structural levee investments are substantial and are being implemented through partnerships. Statewide policies and investments are increasingly supporting multi-benefit projects that incorporate ecological restoration/enhancement while expanding flood volume capacity. Progress on implementing multi-benefit projects has been slow, due to land acquisition, easements, funding, regulatory and construction challenges; however, solutions to these impediments are emerging to facilitate more rapid progress. It is essential to continue and intensify the progress made in the last two decades, by learning from past projects, and improving on existing pathways to implement sustainable projects at a faster rate.
Estimating the intrahousehold costs and benefits of innovations to enhance smallholder farmers’ resilience
Authors: Kramer Berber , Timu Anne G. , Damba Osman
Published: August 2023

This paper introduces a new framework to quantify costs and benefits for resilience-related outcomes of agricultural innovations targeting smallholder farmers. The framework employs a non-unitary household model with expected utility to quantify welfare benefits associated with non-monetary outcomes that are important from a development perspective, such as improved consumption smoothing, empowerment, and changes in time use. We demonstrate the application of the framework using a case study of climate information services (CIS) in Ghana. We develop a set of individual bargaining weights based on the women’s empowerment in agriculture index, to demonstrate how benefits from CIS are distributed among men and women within households. We find that for the average risk-averse farmer, using CIS is associated with a 37-percent increase in expected utility, but male household heads benefit more than women living in male-headed households. Cost–benefit analyses that do not consider the intrahousehold distribution of benefits associated with agricultural innovations will overestimate benefits accruing to women with low bargaining power.
Integrating multi-influencing factor techniques and fuzzy methods to identify recommendation domains for out-scaling conservation agriculture in China
Authors: Wang Zhao , Dai Yao , Liu Jianhong , Chen Zongfeng , Yu Zhengsong
Published: August 2023

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a global development strategy aimed to address the interlinked challenges of food security and climate change. Expanding the implementation of conservation agriculture (CA), a vital component of CSA, is essential for enhancing agricultural and food security resilience while sustainably managing arable land. However, the extensive heterogeneity of biophysical and socioeconomic conditions presents significant complexities in promoting CA adoption. Addressing these challenges, this study carried out a comprehensive theoretical investigation of biophysical and socioeconomic factors influencing CA adoption and performance, integrating stakeholder feedback to create a systematic and robust evaluation index system for assessing CA suitability. By integrating multi-influencing factor techniques and fuzzy logic methods, we spatially identified suitable areas for CA implementation in China, providing valuable insights for land use policy. The reliability of the models was verified through a sensitivity analysis using the map removal sensitivity analysis method and the extended Fourier amplitude sensitivity test. The results indicated that 29.78% of the cultivated land was unsuitable or marginally suitable for CA, while 29.30 and 40.92% were determined to be moderately suitable and suitable zones, respectively. Suitable cultivated land was primarily distributed in the northern arid and semi-arid regions, the Loess Plateau, the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, and the Northeast China Plain. Conversely, unsuitable, and marginally suitable cultivated land was predominantly located in the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, Middle-lower Yangtze Plain, Sichuan Basin and surrounding areas, the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, and Southern China. The topographical index, annual mean precipitation, humidity index, and population density were identified as the most significant factors influencing CA suitability. The CA suitability maps generated in this study will guide the development and extension agents targeting CA to suitable locations with a high potential impact, thereby maximizing the likelihood of adoption and minimizing the risk of failure.