bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iptables for Security of Linux-based Information Networks
Authors: Limanova N. , Tretyakov E.
Published: November 2022

Abstract. The article discusses the main components of information security: confidentiality, integrity and accessibility. Passwords, encryption, authentication, and intrusion protection are methods designed to ensure confidentiality. Integrity means maintaining the data in its original state and preventing its modification: accidental or malicious. Ensuring the availability of information is understood as the compliance of network and computing resources with the expected amount of data access and the implementation of a backup policy for disaster recovery purposes. To ensure the security of information networks based on RedOS, the iptables utility, used to configure the Linux kernel firewall, has proven itself in the best way. Despite the fact that at first glance the implementation of IP routing in Linux may look quite complicated, in practice the most common use cases (NAT and/or basic Internet firewall) are much easier to implement. Iptables is a custom utility that allows you to work with chains/rules. The article describes in detail the principles of iptables operation, provides a detailed description of the NAT, mangle, filter, raw tables and chains. The NAT table is used to translate network addresses, mangle is used to distort packets, filter makes it possible to filter packets, raw and its chains are used before any other tables in netfilter. The input chain is used to process incoming packets and connections, forward — for passing packets, output — for outgoing packets. It is shown that to ensure the safety of the functioning of computer classes and the entire network infrastructure as a whole, only two tables are sufficient: filter and nat. Other tables are designed for complex configurations involving multiple routers and routing solutions. The results of using iptables based on the experience of administration of information networks based on RedOS in the federal state budgetary educational institution of higher education PSUTI are presented.
Business Ecosystem
Authors: Mishacheva E.
Published: November 2022

The paper considers the business ecosystem, describes the principle of its formation and functioning, and describes its properties. A comparative analysis of two main forms of business ecosystems has been carried out. Examples of banking business ecosystems are considered.
Environmental Audit
Authors: Erlygina E.
Published: November 2022

The paper considers the role of environmental auditing in ensuring environmental security and sustainable development of organizations. The objectives of environmental auditing are considered, the main types of environmental auditing are presented. There are two main types of environmental auditing that environmental auditors can perform. One of these is a compliance audit in cases where a business complies with internal and external environmental regulations and legislation. The other is a management performance auditing, which measures whether a business meets the criteria for management systems. The contribution of environmental auditing to the development of the organization has been determined. The auditor makes recommendations to correct inconsistencies or improve the company’s environmental performance.
Love in the Time of Covid
Authors: Schroeder Jeanne L.
Published: November 2022

A striking aspect of the current American cultural divide is divergent attitudes towards expertise, generally, and masking and vaccination to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically. Liberal pundits profess shock that Red State America won’t just ‘trust the science’. On the right, politicians and television personalities reject mandates in the name of ‘freedom’.

Lacanian discourse theory gives insight into this. The rejection of expertise is an example of an ‘hysteric discourse’ challenging a ‘university discourse’: the regime of experts. An hysteric discourse is a critique of rules imposed by experts by the subjects-subjected-to them. Hysteria can lead, in turn, to a ‘master discourse’ which rules through authority alone, without justification by external norms. I show how this helps explain the personality cult of love for Donald Trump. In addition, I suggest how these three discourses relate to law and jurisprudence.
Scapegoating the Usual Suspects? Pandemic Control and the Securitization of Qur'anic Education in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Hoechner Hannah , Salisu Sadisu Idris
Published: November 2022

While insights into the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on formal schooling are still patchy, even less is known about the pandemic's impact on nonformal education systems, including institutions of Islamic learning. In this paper, we explore the nexus between pandemic control and the securitization of Qur'anic education in northern Nigeria; that is, the framing of Qur'anic schools, teachers, and students as security threats that necessitate tough responses. Security concerns have long dominated perceptions of Qur'anic schools in this region, which has been plagued by sectarian and interreligious violence. Qur'anic students often have been cast as future hoodlums and easy recruits for radical groups and depicted as vectors of disease, even as epidemiological evidence remains scarce. In this paper, we argue that security framings have proven highly adaptable in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine how perceptions of Qur'anic students as dangerous legitimized the forced clearance of schools and student deportations. Drastic interventions have also bolstered perceptions of COVID-19 as a hoax and a plot by politicians to further their own agendas. Data for this paper come from 14 verbal diaries recorded in Kano, Nigeria, from April to June 2020, nine interviews with Qur'anic teachers and students affected by school clearances, and our analysis of Nigerian newspaper reporting.
Home Learning for Children in Low-Income Contexts during a Pandemic: An Analysis of 2020 Survey Results from Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Corcoran Su Lyn , Pinnock Helen , Twigg Rachel
Published: November 2022

Prior to 2020, empirical research and reports on approaches to education during health crises were limited. They focused primarily on reporting local-level response and provided only limited analysis. Various historic epidemics, like SARS, Ebola, and HIV/AIDS, provided important lessons about educational efficacy during major health emergencies. However, the sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic led to an explosion of research on educating during a worldwide health crisis. This integrative literature review (Torraco 2005) uses the INEE Minimum Standards framework to conceptualize the response to pandemics and epidemics from 1990 to 2020. The research analyzes 124 empirical studies, practitioner and governmental reports, and historic accounts of Ebola, SARS, and other epidemics, as well as early responses to COVID-19, in order to understand how education stakeholders continued educating during the spread of highly communicable illnesses. The high-level themes that emerged included the foundational role of context and community support; access to an equitable education in the digital age; the social-emotional wellbeing of teachers and students; teachers' role in adapting curriculum and pedagogy; the need for additional training and support for teachers; and the opportunity for a creative shift in practices and policies in education.
Cemas dan Berat Badan Ibu Hamil Terhadap Kejadian Emesis Gravidarum
Authors: Mudlikah Siti , Munisah Munisah , Yunita Nourma
Published: November 2022

Perubahan psikologis proses hamil meningkatkan cemas yang merangsang emesis gravidarum dan berdampak penurunan berat badan. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh cemas, berat badan terhadap emesis gravidarum. Metode penelitian Analitik observasional pendekatan cross sectional,  Populasi 30 ibu hamil trimester satu dengan teknik total sampling. Data cemas diambil menggunakan kuesioner skala HRS-A. Data Berat badan menggunakan lembar observasi ceklis. Data emesis gravidarum didapatkan dari kuesioner. Hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa ibu hamil cemas terjadi emesis gravidarum sebesar 94.4% dan tidak cemas sebesar 5,6%, signifikansi 0.017< 0,05, berarti ada pengaruh cemas terhadap emesis gravidarum. Jumlah Ibu hamil dengan emesis gravidarum yang mengalami kenaikan berat badan sebesar 94,4% dan jumlah yang tidak naik sebesar 5,6%. Sedangkan jumlah ibu hamil tidak emesis gravidarum dan tidak ada kenaikan berat badan sebesar 58.3% dan terjadi  berat badan naik sebesar 41,7%, siqnifikansi sebesar 0.008 < 0,05, berarti ada pengaruh kenaikan berat badan terhadap emesis gravidarum. Kesimpulan, cemas dan berat badan  mempengaruhi emesis gravidarum. Cemas yang meningkat dan berat badan makin turun merangsang emesis gravidarum. Diharapkan ada pendampingan terhadap ibu hamil dan pemantauan berat badan secara berkala
Immunogenicity of a novel anti-allergic vaccine based on house dust mite purified allergens and a combination adjuvant in a murine prophylactic model
Authors: Ramírez Wendy , Torralba Damarys , Bourg Virgilio , Lastre Miriam , Perez Oliver , Jacquet Alain , Labrada Alexis
Published: November 2022

The outer-membrane-derived proteoliposome (PL) of Neisseria meningitidis has been reported as a potent vaccine adjuvant, inducing a Th1-skewed response. This work aimed to assess the immunogenicity of a novel anti-allergic vaccine candidate based on allergens from Dermatophagoides siboney house dust mite and a combination adjuvant containing PL and Alum. In a preventative experimental setting, BALB/c mice were administered with three doses containing 2 µg of Der s1 and 0.4 µg Der s2 allergen, PL and Alum, at 7 days intervals, by subcutaneous route. Furthermore, mice were subjected to an allergen aerosol challenge for 6 consecutive days. Serum IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a allergen-specific antibodies were assessed by ELISA. Cytokine levels in supernatants of D. siboney stimulated lymphocyte cultures and in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were measured by ELISA. Lung tissues were subjected to histological examination. The vaccine prevented the development of both, systemic (IgE) and local allergic responses (featuring lower IL-4, and IL-5 levels in BAL) upon allergen exposure by the inhalant route. Histological examination showed also a diminished allergic inflammatory response in the lungs. After the allergen challenge, cytokine levels in stimulated lymphocyte cultures showed lower values of IL-13 and augmented IFN-γ and IL-10. The vaccine induced a mixed IgG2a/IgG1 antibody response; although only IgG2a was PL-dependent. Both, IgG1/IgE and IgG2a/IgE ratios, showed significantly greater values in vaccinated mice. The findings support a preventative anti-allergic effect associated with the induction of a Th1-like IFN-γ/IL-10 response. IgG1/IgE and IgG2a/IgE ratios could be useful biomarkers for translation into clinical trials.
Novel dalbavancin-PLLA implant coating prevents hematogenous Staphylococcus aureus infection in a minimally invasive mouse tail vein model
Authors: Kloss Marlen , Moerke Caroline , Woitschach Franziska , Wulf Katharina , Illner Sabine , Schulz Steffen , Pauker Viktoria I. , Riedel Katharina , Grabow Niels , Ince Hüseyin , Reisinger Emil C. , Sombetzki Martina
Published: November 2022

Infective/bacterial endocarditis is a rare but life-threatening disease with a hospital mortality rate of 22.7% and a 1-year mortality rate of 40%. Therefore, continued research efforts to develop efficient anti-infective implant materials are of the utmost importance. Equally important is the development of test systems that allow the performance of new materials to be comprehensively evaluated. In this study, a novel antibacterial coating based on dalbavancin was tested in comparison to rifampicin/minocycline, and the suitability of a recently developed mouse tail vein model for testing the implant coatings was validated. Small polymeric stent grafts coated with a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) layer and incorporated antibiotics were colonized with Staphylococcus (S.) aureus before implantation into the tail vein of mice. The main assessment criteria were the hematogenous spread of the bacteria and the local tissue reaction to the contaminated implant. For this purpose, colony-forming units (CFU) in the blood, spleen and kidneys were determined. Tail cross sections were prepared for histological analysis, and plasma cytokine levels and expression values of inflammation-associated genes were examined. Both antibiotic coatings performed excellently, preventing the onset of infection. The present study expands the range of available methods for testing the anti-infectivity of cardiovascular implants, and the spectrum of agents for effective surface coating.
Histone deacetylase 4 and 5 translocation elicited by microsecond pulsed electric field exposure is mediated by kinase activity
Authors: Safaei Zahra , Thompson Gary L.
Published: November 2022

Electroporation-based technologies using microsecond pulsed electric field (µsPEF) exposures are established as laboratory and clinical tools that permeabilize cell membranes. We demonstrate a µsPEF bioeffect on nucleocytoplasmic import and export of enzymes that regulate genetic expression, histone deacetylases (HDAC) -4 and -5. Their μsPEF-induced nucleocytoplasmic transport depends on presence and absence of extracellular calcium ions (Ca2+) for both MCF7 and CHO-K1 cells. Exposure to 1, 10, 30 and 50 consecutive square wave pulses at 1 Hz and of 100 µs duration with 1.45 kV/cm magnitude leads to translocation of endogenous HDAC4 and HDAC5. We posit that by eliciting a rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, a signaling pathway involving kinases, such as Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), is activated. This cascade causes nuclear export and import of HDAC4 and HDAC5. The potential of µsPEF exposures to control nucleocytoplasmic transport unlocks future opportunities in epigenetic modification.
Ceramic bone graft substitute (Mg-HA) in spinal fusion: A prospective pilot study
Authors: Griffoni Cristiana , Tedesco Giuseppe , Canella Valentina , Nataloni Angelo , Zerbi Alberto , Tosini Giovanni , Gasbarrini Alessandro , Barbanti-Brodano Giovanni
Published: November 2022

Background: Iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) is considered the gold standard for spine surgical procedures to achieve a successful fusion due to its known osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. However, complications related to harvesting procedure and donor site morbidity have been largely reported in the literature, favoring the development of a wide range of alternative products to be used as bone graft extenders or substitutes for spine fusion. Among all, ceramic-based biomaterials have been widely studied and employed in the last years as bone graft substitutes.

Methods: We report here the results of a prospective pilot study aimed to evaluating the grade of ossification obtained by the use of an Mg-doped hydroxyapatite (HA) product to achieve postero-lateral fusion in degenerative spine diseases.

Results: Results show a successful degree of fusion of about 62% at the 12-month follow-up and an improvement of quality of life and health status following surgery, as evaluated by clinical scores (ODI, VAS, and EQ-5L). No adverse events related to the material were reported.

Conclusion: The present pilot study shows the effectiveness and the safety profile of an Mg-doped HA bone graft substitute used to achieve postero-lateral fusion in the treatment of degenerative spine diseases, laying down the basis for further larger clinical investigations.
Recent advances in the construction of biocomposites based on fungal mycelia
Authors: Li Ke , Jia Jianyao , Wu Na , Xu Qing
Published: November 2022

In recent years, environmental problems have become increasingly serious, significantly effecting the ecosystem and human health. To deal with the problem of environmental pollution in an eco-conscious way, sustainable composite biomaterials are being produced. Mycelium-based composite biomaterials combine biological systems with substrates such as nanomaterials or agricultural and industrial wastes, which can complement each other’s advantages or turn waste into a useful resource. Such materials can solve practical wastewater problems as well as replace plastic products, thus reducing plastic pollution and contributing to the green transition of the environment. In this review, we summarized the recent findings of studies on these materials, indicating future research directions.
Image-guided stent-directed irreversible electroporation for circumferential ablation in the rat esophagus
Authors: Kim Song Hee , Jeong Seung , Kang Jeon Min , Park Yubeen , Ryu Dae Sung , Won Dong-Sung , Kim Ji Won , Zeng Chu Hui , Kim Hyung-Sik , Kim Hong Bae , Lee Sang Soo , Park Jung-Hoon
Published: November 2022

Background: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) has been investigated in the alimentary tract; however, the lack of dedicated electrodes and insufficient tissue responses made its application limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of image-guided stent-directed IRE in the rat esophagus.

Methods: The bipolar self-expandable electrode (SE) was developed using the braiding technique. A finite element analysis was performed to validate optimal electrical field strength for the rat esophagus. A total of 40 out of 50 rats received stent-directed IRE and were sacrificed at 10 h, 3 days, 7 days, and 28 days of 10 each. The remaining ten rats underwent a sham procedure. The outcomes of stent-directed IRE were assessed by esophagography and histological responses.

Results: Stent-directed IRE was technically successful in all rats with mild muscle contraction. The heart rate dropped immediately and gradually recovered at 180 s. TUNEL and caspase-3 with submucosal thickness significantly increased at 10 h and Day 3 compared with those of the sham control (all p < 0.001). The thickness of epithelial layers with collagen deposition significantly decreased at 10 h and Day 3 (all p < 0.001), however, increased at Day 7 compared with that of the sham control (all p < 0.05). The Ki67-positive deposition significantly increased at Day 3 and 7 compared with that of the sham control (all p < 0.001). All variables were similar to those of the sham control at Day 28.

Conclusion: Image-guided stent-directed IRE was effective and safe in the rat esophagus. It seems to have effectively and evenly induced cell death and gradually recovered with cellular regeneration.
The complex, dynamic SpliceOme of the small GTPase transcripts altered by technique, sex, genetics, tissue specificity, and RNA base editing
Authors: Das Akansha S. , Sherry Emily C. , Vaughan Robert M. , Henderson Marian L. , Zieba Jacob , Uhl Katie L. , Koehn Olivia , Bupp Caleb P. , Rajasekaran Surender , Li Xiaopeng , Chhetri Surya B. , Nissim Sahar , Williams Carol L. , Prokop Jeremy W.
Published: November 2022

The small GTPase family is well-studied in cancer and cellular physiology. With 162 annotated human genes, the family has a broad expression throughout cells of the body. Members of the family have multiple exons that require splicing. Yet, the role of splicing within the family has been underexplored. We have studied the splicing dynamics of small GTPases throughout 41,671 samples by integrating Nanopore and Illumina sequencing techniques. Within this work, we have made several discoveries. 1). Using the GTEx long read data of 92 samples, each small GTPase gene averages two transcripts, with 83 genes (51%) expressing two or more isoforms. 2). Cross-tissue analysis of GTEx from 17,382 samples shows 41 genes (25%) expressing two or more protein-coding isoforms. These include protein-changing transcripts in genes such as RHOA, RAB37, RAB40C, RAB4B, RAB5C, RHOC, RAB1A, RAN, RHEB, RAC1, and KRAS. 3). The isolation and library technique of the RNAseq influences the abundance of non-sense-mediated decay and retained intron transcripts of small GTPases, which are observed more often in genes than appreciated. 4). Analysis of 16,243 samples of “Blood PAXgene” identified seven genes (3.7%; RHOA, RAB40C, RAB4B, RAB37, RAB5B, RAB5C, RHOC) with two or more transcripts expressed as the major isoform (75% of the total gene), suggesting a role of genetics in altering splicing. 5). Rare (ARL6, RAB23, ARL13B, HRAS, NRAS) and common variants (GEM, RHOC, MRAS, RAB5B, RERG, ARL16) can influence splicing and have an impact on phenotypes and diseases. 6). Multiple genes (RAB9A, RAP2C, ARL4A, RAB3A, RAB26, RAB3C, RASL10A, RAB40B, and HRAS) have sex differences in transcript expression. 7). Several exons are included or excluded for small GTPase genes (RASEF, KRAS, RAC1, RHEB, ARL4A, RHOA, RAB30, RHOBTB1, ARL16, RAP1A) in one or more forms of cancer. 8). Ten transcripts are altered in hypoxia (SAR1B, IFT27, ARL14, RAB11A, RAB10, RAB38, RAN, RIT1, RAB9A) with RHOA identified to have a transient 3′UTR RNA base editing at a conserved site found in all of its transcripts. Overall, we show a remarkable and dynamic role of splicing within the small GTPase family that requires future explorations.
HIV-1 replication and latency are balanced by mTOR-driven cell metabolism
Authors: Crater Jacqueline M. , Nixon Douglas F. , Furler O’Brien Robert L.
Published: November 2022

Human Immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) relies on host cell metabolism for all aspects of viral replication. Efficient HIV-1 entry, reverse transcription, and integration occurs in activated T cells because HIV-1 proteins co-opt host metabolic pathways to fuel the anabolic requirements of virion production. The HIV-1 viral life cycle is especially dependent on mTOR, which drives signaling and metabolic pathways required for viral entry, replication, and latency. As a central regulator of host cell metabolism, mTOR and its downstream effectors help to regulate the expression of enzymes within the glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathways along with other metabolic pathways regulating amino acid uptake, lipid metabolism, and autophagy. In HIV-1 pathogenesis, mTOR, in addition to HIF-1α and Myc signaling pathways, alter host cell metabolism to create an optimal environment for viral replication. Increased glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway activity are required in the early stages of the viral life cycle, such as providing sufficient dNTPs for reverse transcription. In later stages, fatty acid synthesis is required for creating cholesterol and membrane lipids required for viral budding. Epigenetics of the provirus fueled by metabolism and mTOR signaling likewise controls active and latent infection. Acetyl-CoA and methyl group abundance, supplied by the TCA cycle and amino acid uptake respectively, may regulate latent infection and reactivation. Thus, understanding and exploring new connections between cellular metabolism and HIV-1 pathogenesis may yield new insights into the latent viral reservoirs and fuel novel treatments and cure strategies.
The role and therapeutic potential of gut microbiome in severe burn
Authors: Huang Zhijie , Huang Yisheng , Chen Jun , Tang Zhengming , Chen Yuanxin , Liu Hongyu , Huang Mingshu , Qing Ling , Li Li , Wang Qin , Jia Bo
Published: November 2022

Severe burn is a serious acute trauma that can lead to significant complications such as sepsis, multiple organ failure, and high mortality worldwide. The gut microbiome, the largest microbial reservoir in the human body, plays a significant role in this pathogenic process. Intestinal dysbiosis and disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier are common after severe burn, leading to bacterial translocation to the bloodstream and other organs of the body, which is associated with many subsequent severe complications. The progression of some intestinal diseases can be improved by modulating the composition of gut microbiota and the levels of its metabolites, which also provides a promising direction for post-burn treatment. In this article, we summarised the studies describing changes in the gut microbiome after severe burn, as well as changes in the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Additionally, we presented the potential and challenges of microbial therapy, which may provide microbial therapy strategies for severe burn.
The intensification of consecutive three tropical cyclones passing over a warm ocean eddy in the South China Sea
Authors: Luo Xi , Yang Wei , Yang Lei , Wang Dongxiao
Published: November 2022

An extremely strong and long-lasting (more than 8 months) oceanic warm core eddy existed in the South China Sea (SCS) from February–October 2010. From July–August 2010, three tropical cyclones (TCs; TC Conson, Chanthu, and Mindulle) consecutively passed over this eddy and sustained at least 21 h. The intensity change of all three TCs reached 20 kt within 24 h when they encountered this eddy. In mid-late July, tropical cyclone heat potential (TCHP) is overall stronger in the eddy region than in its surrounding region, thus TCHP plays an important role in the intensification of TC Conson and Chanthu. It is also found that the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) and the quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBWO) can be important in favor of the further enhancement of TCs. The TCHP is too low to favor the intensity increase of TC Mindulle in late August, 2010, but weak vertical wind shear, ISO and QBWO act as key roles in the intensification of TC Mindulle.
Postoperative central venous pressure is associated with acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Li Jiale , Wang Ruiling , Wan Jun , Zhu Peng , Xiao Zezhou , Wang Xiaowu , Zheng Shaoyi
Published: November 2022

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the association of postoperative central venous pressure (CVP) with acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Method

Patients who underwent CABG in the MIMIC-III database were included and divided into two groups according to the optimal cutoff value of CVP for postoperative AKI determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The association of CVP with AKI and mortality was determined by multivariate regression models. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance the influence of potential confounding factors.

Results

A total of 3,564 patients were included and divided into High CVP group (CVP ≥ 10.9 mmHg) and Low CVP group (CVP < 10.9 mmHg) according to the ROC analysis. Patients in High CVP group presented with higher AKI incidence (420 (28.2%) vs. 349 (16.8), p < 0.001), in-hospital mortality (28 (1.9%) vs. 6 (0.3%), p < 0.001) and 4-year mortality (149 (15.8%) vs. 162 (11.1%), p = 0.001). Multivariate regression model showed that CVP was an independent risk factor for the postoperative AKI (OR: 1.071 (1.035, 1.109), p < 0.001), in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.187 (1.026, 1.373), p = 0.021) and 4-year mortality (HR: 1.049 (1.003, 1.096), p = 0.035). A CVP above 10.9 mmHg was significantly associated with about 50% higher risk of AKI (OR: 1.499 (1.231, 1.824), p < 0.001). After PSM, 1004 pairs of score-matched patients were generated. The multivariate logistic model showed that patients with CVP ≥ 10.9 mmHg had a significantly higher risk of AKI (OR: 1.600 (1.268, 2.018), p < 0.001) in the PSM subset. However, CVP, as a continuous or a dichotomic variable, was not independently associated with in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.202 (0.882, 1.637), p = 0.244; OR: 2.636 (0.399, 17.410), p = 0.314) and 4-year mortality (HR: 1.030 (0.974, 1.090), p = 0.297; HR: 1.262 (0.911, 1.749), p = 0.162) in the PSM dataset.

Conclusion

A mean CVP ≥ 10.9 mmHg within the first 24 h after CABG was independently associated with a higher risk of postoperative AKI.
Electrophysiological characteristics of epicardial breakthrough during catheter ablation of perimitral atrial flutter
Authors: Chhay Chheng , Hsu Chu-Yu , Chang Shih-Lin , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Lo Li-Wei , Hu Yu-Feng , Chung Fa-Po , Chang Ting-Yung , Lin Chin-Yu , Hung Yuan , Liu Chih-Min , Kuo Ling , Liu Shin-Huei , Ahli Lia , Kuo Ming-Jen , Cheng Wen-Han , Kao Pei-Heng , Chen Wei-Tso , Khac Thien Chuong-Nguyen , Lin Wei-Shiang , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Unsuccessful endocardial ablation for perimitral atrial flutter (AFL) could be attributed by the epicardial bridging.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the electrophysiological characteristics of epicardial breakthrough during catheter ablation of perimitral AFL.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study recruited 40 patients who received successful catheter ablation of perimitral AFL from January 2016 to June 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 18) successful endocardial ablation, and group 2 (n = 22) successful epicardial ablation following unsuccessful endocardial ablation owing to incomplete mitral block or unachievable termination AFL. The local electrogram (EGM) interval of coronary sinus (CS) duration perimitral AFL was measured before catheter ablation.

Results

There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. In group 2, 60% of successful epicardial ablation was performed in intra-CS ablation and 40% in VOM ethanol infusion. Group 2 patients had a longer EGM interval of distal CS than that in group 1 (CS1-2: 64.2 17.5 vs. 42.4 0.09 ms, P = 0.008, CS3-4: 57.13 19.4 vs. 43.8 7.5 ms; P = 0.001). The conduction velocity at successful site was slower in group 2 compared to group 1 (0.18 0.05 vs. 0.75 0.19 m/s, P = 0.040). In the multivariate analysis, distal EGM interval (CS1-2) was identified as independent predictor of the need of epicardial ablation with the optimal cutoff of 49 ms.

Conclusion

Longer EGM interval in distal CS during perimitral AFL was observed in perimitral AFL patients with epicardial breakthrough following endocardial-failed ablation, which may be associated with the need of epicardial ablation.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging parameters show association between myocardial abnormalities and severity of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Jia Xi , Han Xiaoyu , Wang Yuqin , He Fangfang , Zhou Xiaoyue , Zheng Yuting , Guo Yingkun , Xu Rong , Liu Jia , Li Yumin , Gu Jin , Cao Yukun , Zhang Chun , Shi Heshui
Published: November 2022

Background

Chronic kidney disease patients have increased risk of cardiovascular abnormalities. This study investigated the relationship between cardiovascular abnormalities and the severity of chronic kidney disease using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

We enrolled 84 participants with various stages of chronic kidney disease (group I: stages 1–3, n = 23; group II: stages 4–5, n = 20; group III: hemodialysis patients, n = 41) and 32 healthy subjects. The demographics and biochemical parameters of the study subjects were evaluated. All subjects underwent non-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance scans. Myocardial strain, native T1, and T2 values were calculated from the scanning results. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the imaging parameters between group I-III and the controls.

Results

The left ventricular ejection fraction (49 vs. 56%, p = 0.021), global radial strain (29 vs. 37, p = 0.019) and global circumferential strain (-17.4 vs. −20.6, p < 0.001) were significantly worse in group III patients compared with the controls. Furthermore, the global longitudinal strain had a significant decline in group II and III patients compared with the controls (-13.7 and −12.9 vs. −16.2, p < 0.05). Compared with the controls, the native T1 values were significantly higher in group II and III patients (1,041 ± 7 and 1,053 ± 6 vs. 1,009 ± 6, p < 0.05), and T2 values were obviously higher in group I-III patients (49.9 ± 0.6 and 53.2 ± 0.7 and 50.1 ± 0.5 vs. 46.6 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). The advanced chronic kidney disease stage showed significant positive correlation with global radial strain (r = 0.436, p < 0.001), global circumferential strain (r = 0.386, p < 0.001), native T1 (r = 0.5, p < 0.001) and T2 (r = 0.467, p < 0.001) values. In comparison with the group II patients, hemodialysis patients showed significantly lower T2 values (53.2 ± 0.7 vs. 50.1 ± 0.5, p = 0.002), but no significant difference in T1 values (1,041 ± 7 vs. 1,053 ± 6).

Conclusions

Our study showed that myocardial strain, native T1, and T2 values progressively got worse with advancing chronic kidney disease stage. The increased T1 values and decreased T2 values of hemodialysis patients might be due to increasing myocardial fibrosis but with reduction in oedema following effective fluid management.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100053561 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=139737&htm=4).
Structural diagenesis and dolomitization of Cenozoic post-rift carbonates in the Red Sea rift basin: A multiproxy approach
Authors: Herlambang Adhipa , Koeshidayatullah Ardiansyah I. , Amao Abduljamiu O. , Bello Abdulwahab M. , Al-Ghamdi Faisal , Malik Muhammad H. , Al-Ramadan Khalid A. H.
Published: November 2022

Middle Miocene post-rift sediments are considered prolific subsurface reservoirs, representing one of the thickest sequences in the Red Sea rift basin. In the Umm Luj Basin of the eastern Red Sea, post-rift sediments are well exposed and represented by a carbonate-dominated system of the Raghama Formation. This formation was intensely fractured, following the rifting trend of the Red Sea. Such fractures and their associated diagenetic products could provide a significant archive of past tectonic fluid evolution. However, little is known about the origin and timing of the different fluid flows and diagenetic processes in the area. This study aims to resolve this issue by integrating fracture and multiproxy geochemical analyses of calcite precipitated in veins, fault breccia, and dolomitized host rock. The δ18O and δ13C isotopic compositions of calcite veins show tight clustering, varying between −10.6 and −9.5‰ and between −7.9 and −7.2‰, respectively. Meanwhile, the precipitated calcite along the fault breccia exhibited a closer to host rock isotopic composition (δ18O = −6.8‰; δ13C = −4.8‰). The δ18OVPDBof the dolomitized host rock shows a heavier average value, closer to the expected range of Miocene seawater. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the veins have a high magnesium calcite content (up to 79.5%). In contrast, all the host rock samples, except samples 1-1BH, have dolomite contents of up to 94.3%, as well as breccia fragments. Thus, we argue that the structural diagenesis history of the study area comprises two distinct fluid members and tectonic events. The first member is the deposition of heavier isotopic composition related to dolomitization at slightly higher temperatures of up to 42.2°C. The second fluid flow member corresponded to a depleted isotopic calcite member with a temperature of 33°C. Compared with the Midyan Peninsula, the study area shares the same regional tectonic events, but the local tectonic and depositional settings could act as the determining factors of the dolomitization mechanism and meteoric alteration in each location. Hence, our results provide a new understanding of paleo-fluid circulation related to the evolution of tectonic events and highlights the value of integrating fracture and multiproxy geochemical analysis for structural diagenetic studies.
Relationship between obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome and osteoporosis adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Chaoyu , Zhang Zhiping , Zheng Zhenzhen , Chen Xiaojuan , Zhang Yu , Li Chunhe , Chen Huimin , Liao Huizhao , Zhu Jinru , Lin Junyan , Liang Hongwei , Yu Qiuying , Chen Riken , Liang Jinhua
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study is undertaken to explore the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and osteoporosis, including the relationship between OSAHS and osteoporosis incidence, lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), and lumbar spine T-score.

Method

Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and other databases are searched from their establishment to April 2022. Literature published in 4 databases on the correlation between OSAHS and osteoporosis,lumbar spine BMD,lumbar spine T-score is collected. Review Manager 5.4 software is used for meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 15 articles are selected, including 113082 subjects. Compared with the control group, the OSAHS group has a higher incidence of osteoporosis (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.26~3.27, Z = 2.90, P = 0.004), the lumbar spine BMD is significantly lower (MD = -0.05, 95% CI: -0.08~-0.02, Z = 3.07, P = 0.002), and the lumbar spine T-score is significantly decreased (MD = -0.47, 95% CI: -0.79~-0.14, Z = 2.83, P = 0. 005).

Conclusion

Compared with the control group, the OSAHS group has a higher incidence of osteoporosis and decreased lumbar spine BMD and T-score. In order to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, attention should be paid to the treatment and management of adult OSAHS, and active sleep intervention should be carried out.
The mechanism and efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Du Haiyang , Meng Xiaoyu , Yao Yu , Xu Jun
Published: November 2022

Since type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and both have the same pathogenesis (e.g., insulin resistance), drugs used to treat T2DM have been gradually found to reduce the progression of AD in AD models. Of these drugs, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are more effective and have fewer side effects. GLP-1R agonists have reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, neurotrophic effects, decreasing Aβ deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation in AD models, which may be a potential drug for the treatment of AD. However, this needs to be verified by further clinical trials. This study aims to summarize the current information on the mechanisms and effects of GLP-1R agonists in AD.
Mendelian randomization study supports the causal association between serum cystatin C and risk of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Feng Baiyu , Lu Yu , Ye Lin , Yin Lijun , Zhou Yingjun , Chen Anqun
Published: November 2022

Aims

Cystatin C, an inhibitor of cysteine protease, has been used as a biomarker for estimating glomerular filtration rate. However, the causal relation between cystatin C and diabetic nephropathy remains uncertain.

Methods

We assessed the causal effect of cystatin C together with other five serum biomarkers including KIM-1, GDF-15, TBIL, uric acid, and Scr on diabetic nephropathy by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. 234 genetic variants were selected as instrumental variables to evaluate the causal effect of cystatin C (NGWAS=361194) on diabetic nephropathy (Ncase/Ncontrol up to 3283/210463). Multivariable MR (MVMR) was performed to assess the stability of cystatin C’s causal relationship. Two-step MR was used to assess the mediation effect of BMI and SBP.

Results

Among the six serum biomarkers, only cystatin C causally associated with diabetic nephropathy (IVW OR: 1.36, 95%CI [1.15, 1.61]). After adjusting for the potential confounders BMI and SBP, cystatin C maintained its causal effect on the DN (OR: 1.17, 95%CI [1.02, 1.33]), which means that the risk of DN increased by 17% with an approximate 1 standard deviation (SD) increment of serum cystatin C level. Two-step MR results indicated that BMI might mediate the causal effect of cystatin C on diabetic nephropathy.

Interpretation

Our findings discovered that cystatin C was a risk factor for diabetic nephropathy independent of BMI and SBP in diabetes mellitus patients. Future research is required to illustrate the underlying mechanism and prove targeting circulating cystatin C could be a potential therapy method.
Application of urine C-peptide creatinine ratio in type 2 diabetic patients with different levels of renal function
Authors: Zhou Wan , Li Jie , Yuan Xiaojing , Wang Wei , Zhou Huanran , Zhang Haoqiang , Ye Shandong
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aims to investigate the effect of single urine C peptide/creatinine (UCPCR) in assessing the islet β Cell function of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with different renal function.

Methods

A total of 85 T2DM patients were recruited in this study, all the patients were assigned to one group with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)≤60 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2 and another group complicated with eGFR>60 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2. Serum creatinine, urine creatinine, serum fasting C-peptide (FCP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and 24-hour urinary C-peptide (24hUCP) were measured. The modified homeostasis model assessment-islet β cell function [HOMA-islet (CP-DM)], the modified homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance [HOMA-IR(CP)] and UCPCR were calculated.

Results

When compared with group eGFR ≤60 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2, the levels of UCPCR, FCP, the modified HOMA-IR(CP) and HOMA-islet (CP-DM) were promoted and the concentrations of HbA1C, FPG, creatinine were decreased in the patients of eGFR>60 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2 (P<0.05); FCP was uncorrelated with 24hUCP while associated with UCPCR in the patients of eGFR ≤ 60 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2; UCPCR was positively correlated with FCP and HOMA-IR(CP) in the T2DM patients with different levels of renal function; the cut-off (UCPCR ≤ 1.13 nmol/g) had 88.37% sensitivity and 95.24% specificity [95% confidence interval (CI):0.919-0.997] for identifying severe insulin deficiency in T2DM patients[area under the curve (AUC) 0.978].

Conclusion

UCPCR can be used to evaluate islets β Cell function in T2DM patients with different renal function status.
Overall adjustment acupuncture improves osteoporosis and exerts an endocrine-modulating effect in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Li Xiang , Wu Kenan , Dong Qinzuo , Chen Hongxi , Li Chunyan , Ren Zeqin , Liu Fan , Yue Xianwu , Xia Chunlin , Wang Yuanfeng , Luo Yingjing , Li Li , Zhao Rong , Wang Zuhong , Qin Dongdong
Published: November 2022

Background

Acupuncture is a widely practiced, convenient, and safe treatment modality within complementary and integrative medicine. Increasing studies have revealed the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of osteoporosis in both human and non-human subjects. The aim of the present study was to assess the improvement of osteoporosis after overall adjustment acupuncture (OA) as well as its endocrine-modulating effect in an ovariectomized rat model.

Methods

In total, 32 female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the sham, model, ovariectomy+estrogen (OVX+E), and OVX+OA (OVX+A) groups with eight rats in each group. The postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) rat model was induced by bilateral ovariectomy. At 12 weeks after surgery, rats in the OVX+E group received estradiol (0.2 mg/kg/i.g./qod) for 12 weeks, and rats in the OVX+A group were treated with acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36), Shenshu (BL23), and Dazhu (BL11) points (qod) for 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment, all rats were sacrificed, and the body weight, uterus index, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone trabeculae structural parameters, femoral biomechanical properties, femoral histomorphology, and several hormone levels were examined.

Results

In OVX rats, OA abrogated the body weight gain and improved osteoporosis in terms of BMD, BMC, bone trabeculae structural parameters, bone strength, and bone tissue histomorphology. Moreover, OA modulated the serum levels of estradiol, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT).

Conclusions

OA improves osteoporosis and exerts an endocrine-modulating effect in ovariectomized rats.
Renal primary cilia lengthen in the progression of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Bai Yunfeng , Li Ping , Liu Jiaona , Zhang Lu , Cui Shaoyuan , Wei Cuiting , Fu Bo , Sun Xuefeng , Cai Guangyan , Hong Quan , Chen Xiangmei
Published: November 2022

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, and its early pathogenesis is critical. Shear stress caused by glomerular hyperfiltration contributes to the initiation of kidney injury in diabetes. The primary cilium of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) is an important mechanical force sensor of shear stress and regulates energy metabolism homeostasis in RTECs to ensure energy supply for reabsorption functions, but little is known about the alterations in the renal cilium number and length during the progression of DKD. Here, we demonstrate that aberrant ciliogenesis and dramatic increase in the cilium length, the number of ciliated cells, and the length of cilia are positively correlated with the DKD class in the kidney biopsies of DKD patients by super-resolution imaging and appropriate statical analysis methods. This finding was further confirmed in STZ-induced or db/db diabetic mice. These results suggest that the number and length of renal cilia may be clinically relevant indicators and that cilia will be attractive therapeutic targets for DKD.
Mitigation of environmental effects of frequent flow ramping scenarios in a regulated river
Authors: Alfredsen Knut , Juárez-Goméz Ana , Refaei Kenawi Mahmoud Saber , Graf Magnus Simon , Saha Sanjoy Kumar
Published: November 2022

In the transition to a society based on renewable energy, flexibility is important in balancing the energy supply as more intermittent sources like wind and solar are included in the energy mix. The storage-based hydropower systems are a renewable energy source that provides the needed flexibility since a hydropower plant can be started and stopped in minutes, and the reservoirs provide stored energy that can be utilized when the demand arises. Thereby, the hydropower plants can balance the variability in other energy sources, e.g., when there is no wind or when solar input is low. This need for increased flexibility has led research toward new hydropower turbines to provide larger ramping rates, more frequent starts and stops, and other system services. A possible drawback of the ramping operation of hydropower plants (often termed “hydropeaking”) are the adverse effects on the environment in receiving water bodies downstream of the power plant outlet, particularly when the hydropower outlets are in rivers. Rapid changes in flow can lead to stranding of fish and other biota during the shutdown of turbines and flushing of biota during the start of turbines. These effects can also be caused by other sudden episodes of water withdrawal, such as during accidental turbine shutdowns. The main objective of this study is to describe a method of designing the necessary volume of water required to mitigate a fast ramping turbine, and present the effect this has on the downstream river reach. We used a 2D hydraulic model to find the areas affected by hydropeaking operation and, furthermore, to define areas with a faster ramping rate than 13 cm/h which is used as a limit in Norwegian guidelines. Based on this, we developed a ramping regime that would prevent fast dewatering of critical areas and provide this as a basis for mitigating the effects of fast dewatering in the downstream river (River Nidelva in Norway was used as a test case). Furthermore, the effect of increasing the frequency of start–stop cycles was studied, and the proposed mitigation was evaluated for the new operational regime.