bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discursive Constructions of Whiteness, Non-White Cultural Others and Allies in Facebook Conversations of Estonians in Finland
Authors: Kingumets Jaanika , Sippola Markku
Published: August 2022

This chapter discusses how Estonian migrants in Finland craft their place in Finnish society by appropriating the idea that they as an ethnically and culturally marked group naturally belong to the privileged migrants in Finland, while many other migrants do not. We explore how Estonians in Finland engage in Facebook group discussions with other Estonian migrants and in this dialogical process construct their own whiteness in relation to majority Finns and their racialized others in Finland, imagined as culturally distant, harmful and unfitting in the European North. We show how the discussants, drawing situationally both from their Soviet past and transnational migrant life in Finland, place themselves in a “knower’s position” regarding racialized experiences both in Finnish and Estonian society, and through that aim at legitimizing their right to define and strictly delineate the boundaries of whiteness both in Finland and Estonia. In addition to that, we also observe the dynamics of whiteness with regard to Russian migrants in sorting out how ethnic/racial hierarchies are built in Estonians’ mind.
“We’re Not All Thugs in the East”: The Racial Politics of Place in Afro-Finnish Hip Hop
Authors: Kelekay Jasmine
Published: August 2022

This chapter explores the discursive construction of East Helsinki as a racialized and classed space in the Finnish cultural imaginary through an analysis of Afro-Finnish hip hop. Based on a critical discursive analysis of four songs by the rapper Prinssi Jusuf and the duo Seksikäs-Suklaa & Dosdela, I examine how rappers from East Helsinki challenge and negotiate the stigma associated with the district via their music. Using Loïc Wacquant’s (2009) framework of territorial stigmatization, I show the ways in which these rappers deploy different discourses about East Helsinki that resist the stigmatization of East Helsinki, while also creating new discourses that transcend efforts to mitigate stigma. I argue that in addition to challenging the mainstream media-produced stereotypes about East Helsinki as a dilapidated and crime-ridden problem area, the rappers also “talk back” by producing counter-discourses about “the East” as a sphere of belonging, home and freedom, juxtaposed against broader experiences of exclusion. East Helsinki’s reputation as the home of immigrants and low-income residents is also claimed as a point of pride, as a source of collective identification and as a sphere of belonging.
Professor Jamal Nazrul Islam: The Scientist Wandering in Theoretical Science, Astronomy, and Cosmology
Authors: Kamrujjaman Md
Published: August 2022

Abstract not available
GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. 42.1 (2022) 001- 009
Saving a Path and Maximizing Dynamic Contra ow: A Bilevel Programming Approach
Authors: Nath Hari Nandan , Pyakurel Urmila , Dempe Stephan , Dhamala Tanka Nath
Published: August 2022

An important aspect of evacuation planning is to save human population by sending the people in dangerous areas (sources) to the safe places (sinks). Optimization models for evacuation planning focus on regulating the tra_c ow in urban road networks so as to maximize the number of evacuees reaching the safe places or to minimize the evacuation time of evacuees. Recent studies show that reversing the direction of the usual tra_c ow in necessary road segments increases the tra_c ow and decreases the evacuation time signi_cantly. However, this may block the ow of some necessary support towards the source. Based on network ow models, we consider the problem of saving a path from a given node to the source, in a single-source-single-sink network, as a bilevel program. With an objective to minimize a function depending on ow rate and the path chosen, the upper level selects a path from a given node to the source, and the lower level maximizes the dynamic ow allowing arc reversals in the resulting network within a given time horizon. We discuss a solution strategy based on replacing the lower level problem by the corresponding KKT conditions.
GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. 42.1 (2022) 010- 024
The Correlation of Peripapillary and Juxtapapillary Choroidal Thickness in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Son Dong Hwan , Lee Jinho , Kim Jeong-Ah
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between the two methods of measuring the choroidal thickness around the optic nerve head (ONH).Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study. Sixty-two eyes of 62 healthy subjects were included. Using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, a peripapillary circle scan (diameter of 3.5 mm) and 24 radial B-scan images centered on the Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO) were obtained. Peripapillary choroidal thickness (PPCT) and juxtapapillary choroidal thickness (JPCT) were measured using circle and radial B-scan images, respectively. Correlation and agreements between values measured by two methods were analyzed. Factors associated with PPCT and JPCT, and the difference between the values measured by the two methods were evaluated.Results: A total of 62 eyes of 62 healthy subjects were enrolled. Average PPCT and JPCT were 165.2 ± 50.1 and 139.7 ± 39.2 μm, respectively. The linear regression analysis showed a strong correlation between both measurements (PPCT vs. JPCT, r² = 0.900, p < 0.001). PPCT and JPCT measurements showed good agreement in global and all six sectors (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.900). Bland-Altman plot showed good agreement between the two methods with a systematic deviation of 17.9 μm and a 95% limits of agreement (±1.96 standard deviation) of -9.6 to 60.5. In multivariate regression analysis, BMO area (β = -11.87, p = 0.002) was the only factor significantly correlated with the difference between PPCT and JPCT, which showed a negative correlation. The difference between PPCT and JPCT measurements (PPCT - JPCT) showed a divergent tendency with decreasing BMO area size.Conclusions: The two measures of choroidal thickness around the ONH were well correlated. However, the peripapillary choroid was generally thicker than the juxtapapillary choroid, especially in eyes with small BMO area.
A Case of Sensorineural Hearing Loss Caused by Neurosyphilis in Patient Who Is Treated by Anti-Interleukin 17A Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Kim Dong Gyu , Jung Da Jung , Oh Min Ji , Lee Kyu-Yup
Published: August 2022

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum, which can invade various organs. Syphilis can also cause otologic symptoms such as hearing impairment, tinnitus or dizziness and these otologic symptoms can occur at any stage of syphilis and can be associated with neurosyphilis. We report here a case of rapid progressive neurosyphilis showing hearing impairment in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. He was treated with anti-interleukin 17A monoclonal antibody. Since syphilis is one of the causes of reversible sensorineural hearing loss and syphilis infection with immunosuppression can cause progressive hearing loss if patients in immunomodulatory therapy have sensorineural hearing loss, the possibility of syphilis should be considered.
Effect of Dexamethasone Combination With Gentamicin in Chemical Labyrinthectomy on Hearing Preservation in Patients With Meniere’s Disease
Authors: Lee Yujin , Lee Jeon Mi , Lee Hyun Jin , Na Gina , Kim Sung Huhn , Bae Seong Hoon
Published: August 2022

Chemical labyrinthectomy may be performed in patients with Meniere’s disease who have intractable vertigo that does not respond to drug. By using aminoglycosides, the surgical procedure ablates vestibular type 1 hair cells. However, the risk of hearing loss remains a main concern for clinicians because gentamicin ablates cochlear hair cells as well as vestibular hair cells. To deal with the concern for hearing loss, dexamethasone can be combined with gentamicin during chemical labyrinthectomy. Herein, we show that chemical labyrinthectomy using gentamicin combined with dexamethasone preserve hearing at high-frequency compared to the conventional method.
Advances in innovative seed potato production systems in India
Authors: Buckseth Tanuja , Tiwari Jagesh K. , Singh Rajesh K. , Kumar Vinod , Sharma Ashwani K. , Dalamu Dalamu , Bhardwaj Vinay , Sood Salej , Kumar Manoj , Sadawarti Murlidhar , Challam Clarissa , Naik Sharmistha , Pandey Narendra K.
Published: August 2022

India is the second largest producer of potatoes in the world. Seed is the single most important input in potato cultivation. High seed rate (2.5–3.0 tons/ha), low rate of multiplication, progressive viral degeneration, storage, and transportation are major issues of potato seed production in the country. Potato seed alone accounts for 40%-50% of the total potato production cost, and huge quantities of potentially edible food is put back into the soil as potato seed. The delayed penetration of new improved potato/seed varieties into farmers’ fields due to the slow multiplication rate and frequent seed replacement because of degeneration are associated issues. To circumvent these issues, continuous efforts are being made by potato researchers to develop innovative technologies for quick multiplication of initial healthy breeder’s seed of the released varieties in sufficient quantities to meet the demand in our country. A paradigm shift in potato seed production methods has taken place globally since the early 1900s. Major potato producers of the world have shifted from conventional to hi-tech seed production systems to improve the seed quality and enhance seed multiplication rate. New innovations can overcome many of the problems associated with potato seed production, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Recent advances in potato seed production systems in India and challenges ahead for seed production are described here.
Direct three-dimensional printed egg white hydrogel wound dressing promotes wound healing with hitching adipose stem cells
Authors: Wang Xinhui , Ma Yuan , Niu Xingtang , Su Ting , Huang Xiaoqi , Lu Feng , Chang Qiang
Published: August 2022

Current wound dressing based on hydrogel offers a promising way to accelerate the healing process, yet great challenges remain in the development of a highly integrated and efficient platform with the combination of therapeutic biomolecules and stem cells. Herein, a natural hydrogel wound dressing from egg white can be conveniently obtained by feasible physical crosslinking, the prepared hydrogel dressing features interconnected microporous channels, direct 3D printing, cytocompatibility, and intrinsic biomolecules to advance cell behavior. The 3D printed egg white hydrogels promote the adhesion and proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) without obvious cytotoxicity. In addition, this integrated hydrogel platform accompanied with adipose-derived stem cells accelerates wound healing through the enhancement of fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, and collagen rearrangement in the wound bed. The egg white hydrogel provides an effective wound caring product possessing low cost, easy availability along with ready manufacturing, and advanced therapeutic effect, which may be extended for the management of chronic or other complicated wounds.
Model-based intensification of CHO cell cultures: One-step strategy from fed-batch to perfusion
Authors: Richelle Anne , Corbett Brandon , Agarwal Piyush , Vernersson Anton , Trygg Johan , McCready Chris
Published: August 2022

There is a growing interest in continuous processing of the biopharmaceutical industry. However, the technology transfer from traditional batch-based processes is considered a challenge as protocol and tools still remain to be established for their usage at the manufacturing scale. Here, we present a model-based approach to design optimized perfusion cultures of Chinese Hamster Ovary cells using only the knowledge captured during small-scale fed-batch experiments. The novelty of the proposed model lies in the simplicity of its structure. Thanks to the introduction of a new catch-all variable representing a bulk of by-products secreted by the cells during their cultivation, the model was able to successfully predict cellular behavior under different operating modes without changes in its formalism. To our knowledge, this is the first experimentally validated model capable, with a single set of parameters, to capture culture dynamic under different operating modes and at different scales.
Insight into the interplay between mitochondria-regulated cell death and energetic metabolism in osteosarcoma
Authors: Lai Hong Toan , Naumova Nataliia , Marchais Antonin , Gaspar Nathalie , Geoerger Birgit , Brenner Catherine
Published: August 2022

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a pediatric malignant bone tumor that predominantly affects adolescent and young adults. It has high risk for relapse and over the last four decades no improvement of prognosis was achieved. It is therefore crucial to identify new drug candidates for OS treatment to combat drug resistance, limit relapse, and stop metastatic spread. Two acquired hallmarks of cancer cells, mitochondria-related regulated cell death (RCD) and metabolism are intimately connected. Both have been shown to be dysregulated in OS, making them attractive targets for novel treatment. Promising OS treatment strategies focus on promoting RCD by targeting key molecular actors in metabolic reprogramming. The exact interplay in OS, however, has not been systematically analyzed. We therefore review these aspects by synthesizing current knowledge in apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy in OS. Additionally, we outline an overview of mitochondrial function and metabolic profiles in different preclinical OS models. Finally, we discuss the mechanism of action of two novel molecule combinations currently investigated in active clinical trials: metformin and the combination of ADI-PEG20, Docetaxel and Gemcitabine.
Comparison of plasma- and saliva-derived exosomal miRNA profiles reveals diagnostic potential in head and neck cancer
Authors: Hofmann Linda , Abou Kors Tsima , Ezić Jasmin , Niesler Beate , Röth Ralph , Ludwig Sonja , Laban Simon , Schuler Patrick J. , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Brunner Cornelia , Medyany Valentin , Theodoraki Marie-Nicole
Published: August 2022

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) lack tumor-specific biomarkers. Exosomes from HNSCC patients carry immunomodulatory molecules, and correlate with clinical parameters. We compared miRNA profiles of plasma- and saliva-derived exosomes to reveal liquid biomarker candidates for HNSCC.

Methods: Exosomes were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation from corresponding plasma and saliva samples from 11 HNSCC patients and five healthy donors (HD). Exosomal miRNA profiles, as determined by nCounter® SPRINT technology, were analyzed regarding their diagnostic and prognostic potential, correlated to clinical data and integrated into network analysis.

Results: 119 miRNAs overlapped between plasma- and saliva-derived exosomes of HNSCC patients, from which 29 tumor-exclusive miRNAs, associated with TP53, TGFB1, PRDM1, FOX O 1 and CDH1 signaling, were selected. By intra-correlation of tumor-exclusive miRNAs from plasma and saliva, top 10 miRNA candidates with the strongest correlation emerged as diagnostic panels to discriminate cancer and healthy as well as potentially prognostic panels for disease-free survival (DFS). Further, exosomal miRNAs were differentially represented in human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and negative as well as low and high stage disease.

Conclusion: A plasma- and a saliva-derived panel of tumor-exclusive exosomal miRNAs hold great potential as liquid biopsy for discrimination between cancer and healthy as well as HPV status and disease stage. Exosomal miRNAs from both biofluids represent a promising tool for future biomarker studies, emphasizing the possibility to substitute plasma by less-invasive saliva collection.
Tailoring the catalytic performance of Cu/SiO2 for hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to renewable fuels
Authors: Jia Hongyan , Lv Qing , Xia Qineng , Hu Wanpeng , Wang Yanqin
Published: August 2022

Efficient conversion of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to renewable fuels such as 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) and 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran (DMTHF) is of significance for sustainable energy supply. For efficient catalyst design, it is important to understand the catalytic behavior and clarify the influence of physico-chemical properties of catalyst on reaction performance. Herein, to study the structure-activity relationships of monometallic Cu catalysts for HMF hydrogenolysis, a series of Cu/SiO2 catalysts with different physico-chemical properties were prepared and compared for their catalytic performance in HMF hydrogenolysis. It was found that Cu/SiO2-HT-8.5 catalyst prepared by hydrothermal method showed excellent activity in HMF hydrohydrolysis reaction. Under the optimal reaction condition, the total yield of liquid fuels reaches 91.6% with 57.1% yield of DMF and 34.5% yield of DMTHF in THF solvent. Characterizations such as XRD, H2-TPR, N2-adsorption/desorption, TEM and XPS revealed that the Cu particles in the Cu/SiO2-HT-8.5 catalyst have uniform size and high dispersion. The Cu species and the SiO2 support have relatively weak interaction and are easy to be reduced to Cu0, which makes it show excellent activity in the hydrogenolysis of HMF.
Understanding the contribution of metabolism to Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug tolerance
Authors: Samuels Amanda N. , Wang Erin R. , Harrison Gregory A. , Valenta Joy C. , Stallings Christina L.
Published: August 2022

Treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infections is particularly arduous. One challenge to effectively treating tuberculosis is that drug efficacy in vivo often fails to match drug efficacy in vitro. This is due to multiple reasons, including inadequate drug concentrations reaching Mtb at the site of infection and physiological changes of Mtb in response to host derived stresses that render the bacteria more tolerant to antibiotics. To more effectively and efficiently treat tuberculosis, it is necessary to better understand the physiologic state of Mtb that promotes drug tolerance in the host. Towards this end, multiple studies have converged on bacterial central carbon metabolism as a critical contributor to Mtb drug tolerance. In this review, we present the evidence that changes in central carbon metabolism can promote drug tolerance, depending on the environment surrounding Mtb. We posit that these metabolic pathways could be potential drug targets to stymie the development of drug tolerance and enhance the efficacy of current antimicrobial therapy.
Emerging story of gut dysbiosis in spondyloarthropathy: From gastrointestinal inflammation to spondyloarthritis
Authors: Lyu Xing , Chen Jieli , Gao Xingjie , Yang Jie
Published: August 2022

As a set of inflammatory disorders, spondyloarthritis (SpA) exhibits distinct pathophysiological, clinical, radiological, and genetic characteristics. Due to the extra-articular features of this disorder, early recognition is crucial to limiting disability and improving outcomes. Gut dysbiosis has been linked to SpA development as evidence grows. A pathogenic SpA process is likely to occur when a mucosal immune system interacts with abnormal local microbiota, with subsequent joint involvement. It is largely unknown, however, how microbiota alterations predate the onset of SpA within the “gut-joint axis”. New microbiome therapies, such as probiotics, are used as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of SpA, suggesting that the modulation of intestinal microbiota and/or intestinal barrier function may contribute to the prevention of SpA. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms of SpA by which the gut microbiota impacts gut inflammation and triggers the activation of immune responses. Additionally, we analyze the regulatory role of therapeutic SpA medication in the gut microbiota and the potential application of probiotics as adjunctive therapy for SpA.
Estimated pulse wave velocity can predict the incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation: A 11-year prospective study in a Chinese population
Authors: Chen Haojia , Chen Guanzhi , Zhang Liling , Wu Weiqiang , Li Weijian , Wang Xianxuan , Yan Xiuzhu , Chen Youren , Wu Shouling
Published: August 2022

Background

Arterial stiffness, a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), is rarely applied in clinical practice because of the difficulty and high cost of its measurement. Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) is a simple, reproducible, and non-invasive index of arterial stiffness. This study was to assess the predictive value of ePWV for the risk of new-onset AF.

Methods

Subjects were selected from the Kailuan cohort study population who underwent initial physical examination between 2006 and 2008. A total of 96,561 subjects were ultimately included in the final analysis. ePWV was divided into four groups according to quartiles. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative incidence of AF. A Cox regression model was used to assess the predictive value of estimated arterial stiffness for new-onset AF.

Results

Mean age of subjects was 51.47 ± 9.68 years, while 76,968 (79.65%) were male and 19,663 (20.35%) were female. During mean follow-up period of 11.77 years, 1,215 AF events occurred. Results of the Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the incidence of new-onset AF increased with increase in ePWV. Cox regression analysis showed that in the total population, the incidence of new-onset AF was 1.64, 1.90, and 2.64 times higher in the medium, medium-high, and high ePWV groups, respectively, compared with the low ePWV group. When stratified according to sex, ePWV had higher predictive value in the female population.

Conclusions

Increased ePWV increases the incidence of new-onset AF, and may promote application of more aggressive primary prevention.

Trial registry name

Risk factors and intervention for cardiology, cerebrovascular and related disease (Kailuan Study); URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=8050; Registration number: ChiCTR-TNRC-11001489.
A multidisciplinary approach for the emergency care of patients with left ventricular assist devices: A practical guide
Authors: Cameli Matteo , Pastore Maria Concetta , Mandoli Giulia Elena , Landra Federico , Lisi Matteo , Cavigli Luna , D'Ascenzi Flavio , Focardi Marta , Carrucola Chiara , Dokollari Aleksander , Bisleri Gianluigi , Tsioulpas Charilaos , Bernazzali Sonia , Maccherini Massimo , Valente Serafina
Published: August 2022

The use of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge-to-transplantation or destination therapy to support cardiac function in patients with end-stage heart failure (HF) is increasing in all developed countries. However, the expertise needed to implant and manage patients referred for LVAD treatment is limited to a few reference centers, which are often located far from the patient's home. Although patients undergoing LVAD implantation should be permanently referred to the LVAD center for the management and follow-up of the device also after implantation, they would refer to the local healthcare service for routine assistance and urgent health issues related to the device or generic devices. Therefore, every clinician, from a bigger to a smaller center, should be prepared to manage LVAD carriers and the possible risks associated with LVAD management. Particularly, emergency treatment of patients with LVAD differs slightly from conventional emergency protocols and requires specific knowledge and a multidisciplinary approach to avoid ineffective treatment or dangerous consequences. This review aims to provide a standard protocol for managing emergency and urgency in patients with LVAD, elucidating the role of each healthcare professional and emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the emergency department, in-hospital ward, and LVAD reference center, as well as algorithms designed to ensure timely, adequate, and effective treatment to patients with LVAD.
Diabetic dyslipidemia impairs coronary collateral formation: An update
Authors: Shen Ying , Wang Xiao Qun , Dai Yang , Wang Yi Xuan , Zhang Rui Yan , Lu Lin , Ding Feng Hua , Shen Wei Feng
Published: August 2022

Coronary collateralization is substantially impaired in patients with type 2 diabetes and occlusive coronary artery disease, which leads to aggravated myocardial ischemia and a more dismal prognosis. In a diabetic setting, altered serum lipid profiles and profound glycoxidative modification of lipoprotein particles induce endothelial dysfunction, blunt endothelial progenitor cell response, and severely hamper growth and maturation of collateral vessels. The impact of dyslipidemia and lipid-lowering treatments on coronary collateral formation has become a topic of heightened interest. In this review, we summarized the association of triglyceride-based integrative indexes, hypercholesterolemia, increased Lp(a) with its glycoxidative modification, as well as quantity and quality abnormalities of high-density lipoprotein with impaired collateral formation. We also analyzed the influence of innovative lipid-modifying strategies on coronary collateral development. Therefore, clinical management of diabetic dyslipidemia should take into account of its effect on coronary collateralization in patients with occlusive coronary artery disease.
Hypertension as a risk factor for atherosclerosis: Cardiovascular risk assessment
Authors: Poznyak Anastasia V. , Sadykhov Nikolay K. , Kartuesov Andrey G. , Borisov Evgeny E. , Melnichenko Alexandra A. , Grechko Andrey V. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: August 2022

Atherosclerosis is a predecessor of numerous cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which often lead to morbidity and mortality. Despite the knowledge of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, an essential gap in our understanding is the exact trigger mechanism. A wide range of risk factors have been discovered; however, a majority of them are too general to clarify the launching mechanism of atherogenesis. Some risk factors are permanent (age, gender, genetic heritage) and others can be modified [tobacco smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes (T2D), dyslipidemia, and obesity]. All of them have to be taken into account. In the scope of this review, our attention is focused on hypertension, which is considered the most widespread among all modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis development. Moreover, high blood pressure is the most investigated risk factor. The purpose of this review is to summarize the data on hypertension as a risk factor for atherosclerosis development and the risk assessment.
CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles predicts clinical outcomes in East Asian patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and stenting receiving clopidogrel
Authors: Chen Yu-Wei , Liao Yi-Ju , Chang Wei-Chun , Hsiao Tzu-Hung , Lin Ching-Heng , Hsu Chiann-Yi , Liu Tsun-Jui , Lee Wen-Lieng , Chen Yi-Ming
Published: August 2022

Background

CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) alleles reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel and are associated with high rates of clinical events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stenting in Northeast Asians. However, the prevalence and influence of CYP2C19 LOF alleles in Southeast Asians remain unclear.

Objectives

This study aims to retrospectively investigate the prevalence of CYP2C19 LOF alleles and clinical outcomes in East Asian patients taking clopidogrel and undergoing PCI.

Methods

Between June 2019 and June 2020, volunteer participants in a single medical center were consecutively selected. The genetic data of CYP2C19 were derived from the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative (TPMI). Patients receiving clopidogrel while undergoing PCI with stenting were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 999 patients (62.4 ± 11.1 years old, 83.7% men) were enrolled; 39.3% without the CYP2C19 LOF allele (normal metabolizers + rapid metabolizers, NM + RM); 44.9% with one LOF allele (intermediate metabolizers, IM); 15.7% with two LOF alleles (poor metabolizers, PM). The incidence of stroke was higher in the PM subgroup compared to the NM + RM subgroup or IM subgroup in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The 1-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE)-free survival rates in all participants were similar among the three groups. However, in the AMI group, the 1-year MACCE-free survival rates were significantly lower in the PM subgroup compared to the NM + RM subgroup or IM subgroup.

Conclusion

In East Asians presenting with AMI, CYP2C19 PM was associated with deleterious cardiovascular outcomes and stroke. Our results reinforce the crucial role of preemptive CYP2C19 genotyping in East Asian AMI patients receiving clopidogrel treatment.
Frequency spectrum and energy refinement characteristics of blasting vibration signals in raw water pipeline tunnel excavation
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhang Sheng , Ling Tonghua , Deng Zongwei
Published: August 2022

The analysis of time-frequency variation and energy refinement characteristics of blasting vibration signals has contributed to understanding the propagation law of blasting vibration wave and reducing the possible losses. Combined with the measured data of tunnel blasting excavation and based on the newly constructed wavelet function, the spectrum distribution and energy refinement characteristics of tunnel blasting vibration signals are deeply explored and studied. The results demonstrated that compared to the Fourier spectrum, the innovative method of scale energy spectrum can not only acquire the dominant frequency of the blasting vibration signals, but also the obtained spectrum curve is smoother and can clearly reflect the change trend of the signal spectrum. The newly constructed biorthogonal wavelet has the characteristics of high vanishing moment, high regularity and matching with the waveform variation of the measured blasting vibration signals, and can describe the subtle variation characteristics of blasting vibration signal frequency. The continuous wavelet transform energy spectrum can reflect the three-dimensional energy distribution of blasting vibration signal in the time-scale domain, and the occurrence time of frequency, the frequency duration interval and time range of blasting vibration signal can also be acquired. Wavelet packet algorithm can precisely calculate the energy distribution of each frequency component in the signal, the tunnel blasting vibration signals (YBJ1, YBJ2) generated near the power tower presents low frequency, while the signals (YBF3,YBF4) far away from the power tower presents relatively high frequency. Measures should be taken to control the vibration and resonance of power tower caused by tunnel blasting. This research is of great significance for recognizing the propagation law of vibration waves, reducing the impact of blasting on surrounding buildings, and ensuring the safety of tunnel construction and surrounding buildings.
Global water distribution in the mantle transition zone from a seismic isotropic velocity model and mineral physics modeling
Authors: Wang Zongfa , Wang Yi
Published: August 2022

Although the discoveries of hydrous ringwoodite inclusions and ice-VII inclusions in natural diamonds suggest a hydrous mantle transition zone (MTZ), water content and distribution in the MTZ remain unclear. Here combining a global P- and S-wave isotropic velocity tomography and mineral physics modeling, we image the water distribution in the MTZ. Our results indicate that the MTZ is a main water reservoir inside the Earth, and the total water content of the MTZ is about 0.64–1 seawater. The upper MTZ (410–520 km) and the lower MTZ (520–660 km) contain 0.3–0.5 wt% and 0.15–0.2 wt% water, respectively, implying water contents of the MTZ decrease with increasing depths. The most hydrous regions are mainly located near subduction zones, where the upper MTZ and the lower MTZ can contain water up to 0.5–1 wt% and 0.2–0.5 wt%, respectively, indicating water is transported into the MTZ by hydrous slabs. In addition, old subducted slabs in the western Pacific subduction zone are more hydrous than young subducted slabs in the eastern Pacific subduction zone. We also propose a water circulation model which integrates our results of the water content and distribution in the MTZ.
Social media usage and acceptance in higher education: A structural equation model
Authors: Al-Rahmi Ali Mugahed , Shamsuddin Alina , Wahab Eta , Al-Rahmi Waleed Mugahed , Alismaiel Omar A. , Crawford Joseph
Published: August 2022

The adoption and use of social media as an educational technology in higher education has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, this study applied the unified theory of usage and acceptance of technology theory and the technology acceptance model as predictors of behavioral intention to use social media and actual social media use. These, as posited by the model, affect the performance impact of social media usage. This study involved a quantitative survey with 312 undergraduate university students in Malaysia. Using structural equation modeling, this study identified that unified theory of usage and acceptance of technology theory and the technology acceptance model influence behavioral intentions to use and actual use of social media, resulting in an improved performance impact. That is, when students see the value in particular technologies, feel their performance (e.g., passing their studies) will be improved by using that technology, offers behavioral nudges toward adoption and use.
Involvement of integrin αvβ3 in thyroid hormone-induced dendritogenesis
Authors: Ariyani Winda , Miyazaki Wataru , Amano Izuki , Koibuchi Noriyuki
Published: August 2022

Activation and/or modulation of the membrane-associated receptors plays a critical role in brain development. Thyroid hormone (TH) acts on both nuclear receptors (thyroid hormone receptor, TR) and membrane-associated receptors, particularly integrin αvβ3 in neurons and glia. Integrin αvβ3-mediated signal transduction mediates various cellular events during development including morphogenesis, migration, synaptogenesis, and intracellular metabolism. However, the involvement of integrin αvβ3-mediated TH action during brain development remains poorly understood. Thus, we examined the integrin αvβ3-mediated effects of TH (T3, T4, and rT3) in the neurons and astrocytes using primary cerebellar culture, astrocyte-enriched culture, Neuro-2A clonal cells, and co-culture of neurons and astrocytes. We found that TH augments dendrite arborization of cerebellar Purkinje cells. This augmentation was suppressed by knockdown of integrin αvβ3, as well as TRα and TRβ. A selective integrin αvβ3 antagonist, LM609, was also found to suppress TH-induced arborization. However, whether this effect was a direct action of TH on Purkinje cells or due to indirect actions of other cells subset such as astrocytes was not clarified. To further study neuron-specific molecular mechanisms, we used Neuro-2A clonal cells and found TH also induces neurite growth. TH-induced neurite growth was reduced by co-exposure with LM609 or knockdown of TRα, but not TRβ. Moreover, co-culture of Neuro-2A and astrocytes also increased TH-induced neurite growth, indicating astrocytes may be involved in neuritogenesis. TH increased the localization of synapsin-1 and F-actin in filopodia tips. TH exposure also increased phosphorylation of FAK, Akt, and ERK1/2. Phosphorylation was suppressed by co-exposure with LM609 and TRα knockdown. These results indicate that TRs and integrin αvβ3 play essential roles in TH-induced dendritogenesis and neuritogenesis. Furthermore, astrocytes-neuron communication via TR-dependent and TR-independent signaling through membrane receptors and F-actin are required for TH-induced neuritogenesis.
The effects of neurogranin knockdown on SERCA pump efficiency in soleus muscles of female mice fed a high fat diet
Authors: Braun Jessica L. , Ryoo Jisook , Goodwin Kyle , Copeland Emily N. , Geromella Mia S. , Baranowski Ryan W. , MacPherson Rebecca E. K. , Fajardo Val A.
Published: August 2022

The sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) pump is responsible for the transport of Ca2+ from the cytosol into the sarcoplasmic reticulum at the expense of ATP, making it a regulator of both muscle relaxation and muscle-based energy expenditure. Neurogranin (Ng) is a small protein that negatively regulates calcineurin signaling. Calcineurin is Ca2+/calmodulin dependent phosphatase that promotes the oxidative fibre type in skeletal muscle and regulates muscle-based energy expenditure. A recent study has shown that calcineurin activation reduces SERCA Ca2+ transport efficiency, ultimately raising energy expenditure. Since the biomedical view of obesity states that it arises as an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure which favors the former, we questioned whether heterozygous Ng deletion (Ng+/-) would reduce SERCA efficiency and increase energy expenditure in female mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Young (3–4-month-old) female wild type (WT) and Ng+/- mice were fed a HFD for 12 weeks with their metabolic profile being analyzed using metabolic cages and DXA scanning, while soleus SERCA efficiency was measured using SERCA specific Ca2+ uptake and ATPase activity assays. Ng+/- mice showed significantly less cage ambulation compared to WT mice but this did not lead to any added weight gain nor changes in daily energy expenditure, glucose or insulin tolerance despite a similar level of food intake. Furthermore, we observed significant reductions in SERCA’s apparent coupling ratio which were associated with significant reductions in SERCA1 and phospholamban content. Thus, our results show that Ng regulates SERCA pump efficiency, and future studies should further investigate the potential cellular mechanisms.
Factors correlated with targeted prevention for prediabetes classified by impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and elevated HbA1c: A population-based longitudinal study
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyue , Yang Zhipeng , He Zhiliang , Hu Jingyao , Yin Tianxiu , Bai Hexiang , Li Ruoyu , Cai Le , Guo Haijian , Li Mingma , Yan Tao , Li You , Shen Chenye , Sun Kaicheng , Liu Yu , Sun Zilin , Wang Bei
Published: August 2022

Background

There is still controversy surrounding the precise characterization of prediabetic population. We aim to identify and examine factors of demographic, behavioral, clinical, and biochemical characteristics, and obesity indicators (anthropometric characteristics and anthropometric prediction equation) for prediabetes according to different definition criteria of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in the Chinese population.

Methods

A longitudinal study consisted of baseline survey and two follow-ups was conducted, and a pooled data were analyzed. Prediabetes was defined as either impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) according to the ADA criteria. Robust generalized estimating equation models were used.

Results

A total of 5,713 (58.42%) observations were prediabetes (IGT, 38.07%; IGT, 26.51%; elevated HbA1c, 23.45%); 9.66% prediabetes fulfilled all the three ADA criteria. Among demographic characteristics, higher age was more evident in elevated HbA1c [adjusted OR (aOR)=2.85]. Female individuals were less likely to have IFG (aOR=0.70) and more likely to suffer from IGT than male individuals (aOR=1.41). Several inconsistency correlations of biochemical characteristics and obesity indicators were detected by prediabetes criteria. Body adiposity estimator exhibited strong association with prediabetes (D10: aOR=4.05). For IFG and elevated HbA1c, the odds of predicted lean body mass exceed other indicators (D10: aOR=3.34; aOR=3.64). For IGT, predicted percent fat presented the highest odds (D10: aOR=6.58).

Conclusion

Some correlated factors of prediabetes under different criteria differed, and obesity indicators were easily measured for target identification. Our findings could be used for targeted intervention to optimize preventions to mitigate the obviously increased prevalence of diabetes.
Cancer glycomics offers potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the framework of 3P medicine
Authors: Guo Yuna , Jia Wenshuang , Yang Jingru , Zhan Xianquan
Published: August 2022

Glycosylation is one of the most important post-translational modifications (PTMs) in a protein, and is the most abundant and diverse biopolymer in nature. Glycans are involved in multiple biological processes of cancer initiation and progression, including cell-cell interactions, cell-extracellular matrix interactions, tumor invasion and metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and immune regulation. As an important biomarker, tumor-associated glycosylation changes have been extensively studied. This article reviews recent advances in glycosylation-based biomarker research, which is useful for cancer diagnosis and prognostic assessment. Truncated O-glycans, sialylation, fucosylation, and complex branched structures have been found to be the most common structural patterns in malignant tumors. In recent years, immunochemical methods, lectin recognition-based methods, mass spectrometry (MS)-related methods, and fluorescence imaging-based in situ methods have greatly promoted the discovery and application potentials of glycomic and glycoprotein biomarkers in various cancers. In particular, MS-based proteomics has significantly facilitated the comprehensive research of extracellular glycoproteins, increasing our understanding of their critical roles in regulating cellular activities. Predictive, preventive and personalized medicine (PPPM; 3P medicine) is an effective approach of early prediction, prevention and personalized treatment for different patients, and it is known as the new direction of medical development in the 21st century and represents the ultimate goal and highest stage of medical development. Glycosylation has been revealed to have new diagnostic, prognostic, and even therapeutic potentials. The purpose of glycosylation analysis and utilization of biology is to make a fundamental change in health care and medical practice, so as to lead medical research and practice into a new era of 3P medicine.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of metabolically healthy obese versus metabolically unhealthy obese school children
Authors: Wan Mohd Zin Ruziana Mona , Jalaludin Muhammad Yazid , Yahya Abqariyah , Nur Zati Iwani Ahmad Kamil , Md Zain Fuziah , Hong Janet Yeow Hua , Mokhtar Abdul Halim , Wan Mohamud Wan Nazaimoon
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Children with obesity in the absence of traditional cardiometabolic risk factors (CRF) have been described as metabolically healthy obese (MHO). Children with MHO phenotype has a favorable metabolic profile with normal glucose metabolism, lipids, and blood pressure compared to children with metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) phenotype. This study aimed to compare several parameters related to obesity between these two groups and to examine the predictors associated with the MHO phenotype.

Methods

This study included a cross-sectional baseline data of 193 children with obesity (BMI z-score > +2 SD) aged 8-16 years enrolled in MyBFF@school program, a school-based intervention study conducted between January and December 2014. Metabolic status was defined based on the 2018 consensus-based criteria with MHO children had no CRF (HDL-cholesterol > 1.03 mmol/L, triglycerides ≤ 1.7 mmol/L, systolic and diastolic blood pressure ≤ 90th percentile, and fasting plasma glucose ≤ 5.6 mmol/L). Those that did not meet one or more of the above criteria were classified as children with MUO phenotype.

Results

The prevalence of MHO was 30.1% (95% CI 23.7 – 37.1) among schoolchildren with obesity and more common in younger and prepubertal children. Compared to MUO, children with MHO phenotype had significantly lower BMI, lower waist circumference, lower uric acid, higher adiponectin, and higher apolipoprotein A-1 levels (p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression showed that adiponectin (OR: 1.33, 95% CI 1.05 – 1.68) and apolipoprotein A-1 (OR: 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 – 1.03) were independent predictors for MHO phenotype in this population.

Conclusions

MHO phenotype was more common in younger and prepubertal children with obesity. Higher serum levels of adiponectin and apolipoprotein A-1 increased the possibility of schoolchildren with obesity to be classified into MHO phenotype.
What do we do now that the long-acting growth hormone is here?
Authors: Miller Bradley S.
Published: August 2022

In standard 52-week phase III clinical trials, once weekly lonapegsomatropin, somatrogon and somapacitan have been found to yield non-inferior height velocities and similar safety profiles to daily GH (DGH) in children with pediatric growth hormone deficiency (PGHD).

Lonapegsomatropin, a long-acting GH therapy (LAGH), was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2021 for the treatment of PGHD and has also been approved in other regions of the world. Somatrogon was approved for the treatment of PGHD beginning in some regions beginning in late 2021. Somapacitan was approved by the FDA for the treatment of Adult GHD in August 2020. The phase III clinical trial of somapacitan for the treatment of PGHD has been completed and demonstrated non-inferiority of somapacitan to DGH.

New LAGH products may improve patient adherence, quality of life and clinical outcomes, particularly in patients with poor adherence to daily GH injections in the future. With the availability of new LAGH products, clinicians will need to identify the best candidates for LAGH therapy and understand how to monitor and adjust therapy. Long-term surveillance studies are needed to demonstrate adherence, efficacy, cost-effectiveness and safety of LAGH preparations and to understand how the non-physiological pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles following administration of each LAGH product relate to short- and long-term safety and efficacy of LAGH therapy.
CO2 abatement costs in China and BRI countries: From the perspective of technological heterogeneity
Authors: Hu Shuo , Da Yingzhu , Wang Ailun
Published: August 2022

As China cannot achieve its emission reduction target without cooperating with other countries, the international carbon trading market has become a part of China’s carbon trading market system. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has brought many development opportunities to countries participating, but critics have also voiced concerns about the environmental and climate degradation it might bring. Thus China is making a great effort towards building a green and low-carbon BRI, part of which is a joint effort with other countries to cut greenhouse gas emission and achieve the 2,030 sustainable development goals. The estimation of abatement costs is the basis of regional carbon emission reduction cooperation and a prerequisite for establishing a regional carbon trading market. Taking into account the technological heterogeneity, this paper uses linear programming to estimate inefficiency level for China and BRI countries, and further calculates the marginal abatement cost (MAC) of carbon dioxide for each country. The results show that after considering technological heterogeneity, the average inefficiency level for China and BRI countries is 2.410%, which is about 26.526% lower than the traditional geographic grouping approach, indicating that the technological heterogeneity among BRI countries is significant and cannot be ignored. Most countries have a low inefficiency level, some countries show a clear trend. China has an average marginal abatement cost of 1440.183 USD/ton. As the marginal abatement cost varies greatly among countries, a large amount of abatement cost could be saved for China and BRI countries if the cost difference is exploited.