bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Anastomotic Angles and Distances of the Bypass Graft to the Stenosis on Blood Flow Hydrodynamics in a Bypass Grafting Coronary Artery
Authors: Golshirazi Amir Hossain , Javanbakht Vahid
Published: June 2023

It is believed that the proper distance between the grafting location and the stenosis location and the appropriate angle of graft or transplantation in the blocked artery of the heart are two important factors in the removal or decrease of reappearance and re-development of intimal hyperplasia (IH), blood clotting, and re-blockage of the surgical artery. In the present study, a 3-D geometry of the host coronary artery as non-elastic with 75% symmetric axial cross-sectional area reduction is considered. The main assumptions were incompressible, laminar, steady-state, Newtonian, and non-Newtonian (with Herschel Bulkley model) blood flow. The 3-D Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the non-Newtonian constitutive model were solved numerically using a finite volume method with the procedure of the SIMPLE program. Shear stress distribution was obtained on the areas of potential re-obstruction and the occurrence of IH such as the Toe, Heel, arterial bed, suture location, and graft artery walls. Based on the results, the distribution of wall shear stress near the Heel, Toe location, and the intersection of the host and graft arteries suddenly increased dramatically. Wall shear stress (WSS) distribution was obtained in the areas of hyperplasticity re-incidence for some important anastomosis angles of grafted arteries, i.e. α=35°,45°,65°,75°. In addition, the increase in the angle of the graft artery caused a sharp increase in the shear stress on the area after the graft and the arterial bed in front of the branching region, and the shear stress decreases in the pre-graft region. Therefore, the excessive angle of the graft artery can cause damage to the arterial endothelial cells in the surrounding suture region.
Rohingya influx and host community: A reflection on culture for leading socioeconomic and environmental changes in Bangladesh
Authors: Mohiuddin Mohammad , Molderez Ingrid
Published: June 2023

The paper analyses the socioeconomic and environmental changes in the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is one of the largest refugee host countries in the world. Due to the refugee inflow, Rohingya and host communities have been experiencing tremendous socioeconomic and environmental changes that hinder their sustainable life. Factors that have resulted in the camp area are market instability, cultivable land decline, pollution, deforestation, water and sanitation crisis, law and order failure, and drug use. All these changes accompany the refugee and host people’s discomfort and suffering. Moreover, some host people might feel unprivileged because they were not considered for relief schemes by donor agencies. A qualitative study was conducted to collect the data using the Case study and Key Informant Interview (KII) methods. Semi-structured interview schedules for the case study and open-ended interviews for the KIIs were used in this study. By illustrating the refugee and host’s socioeconomic and environmental dynamics, we tried to explain the current situation of the camp area. We also tried to shed light on the experiences of both communities regarding inclusiveness and building a cohesive society.
MAD (about median) vs. quantile-based alternatives for classical standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis
Authors: Pinsky Eugene , Klawansky Sidney
Published: June 2023

In classical probability and statistics, one computes many measures of interest from mean and standard deviation. However, mean, and especially standard deviation, are overly sensitive to outliers. One way to address this sensitivity is by considering alternative metrics for deviation, skewness, and kurtosis using mean absolute deviations from the median (MAD). We show that the proposed measures can be computed in terms of the sub-means of the appropriate left and right sub-ranges. They can be interpreted in terms of average distances of values of these sub-ranges from their respective medians. We emphasize that these measures utilize only the first-order moment within each sub-range and, in addition, are invariant to translation or scaling. The obtained formulas are similar to the quantile measures of deviation, skewness, and kurtosis but involve computing sub-means as opposed to quantiles. While the classical skewness can be unbounded, both the MAD-based and quantile skewness always lies in the range [−1, 1]. In addition, while both the classical kurtosis and quantile-based kurtosis can be unbounded, the proposed MAD-based alternative for kurtosis lies in the range [0, 1]. We present a detailed comparison of MAD-based, quantile-based, and classical metrics for the six well-known theoretical distributions considered. We illustrate the practical utility of MAD-based metrics by considering the theoretical properties of the Pareto distribution with high concentrations of density in the upper tail, as might apply to the analysis of wealth and income. In summary, the proposed MAD-based alternatives provide a universal scale to compare deviation, skewness, and kurtosis across different distributions.
Accuracy of tomographic and biomechanical parameters in detecting unilateral post-LASIK keratoectasia and fellow eyes
Authors: Yang Kaili , Fan Qi , Xu Liyan , Gu Yuwei , Pang Chenjiu , Ren Shengwei
Published: June 2023

Background: Patients with unilateral post-LASIK keratectasia (KE) have clinical ectasia in one eye but not in the fellow eye. As serious complications, these cases are rarely reported but are worth investigating. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of unilateral KE and the accuracy of corneal tomographic and biomechanical parameters to detect KE and distinguish fellow eyes from control eyes.

Methods: The study analyzed 23 KE eyes, 23 KE fellow eyes, and 48 normal eyes from age- and sex-matched patients who had undergone LASIK. The Kruskal–Wallis test and further paired comparisons were performed to compare the clinical measurements of the three groups. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the ability to distinguish KE and fellow eyes from the control eyes. Binary logistic regression with the forward stepwise method was performed to produce a combined index, and the DeLong test was used to compare the discriminability difference of the parameters.

Results: Males accounted for 69.6% of patients with unilateral KE. The duration between corneal surgery and the onset of ectasia ranged from 4 months to 18 years, with a median time of 10 years. The KE fellow eye had a higher posterior evaluation (PE) value than the control eyes (5 vs. 2, p = 0.035). Diagnostic tests showed that PE, posterior radius of curvature (3 mm), anterior evaluation (FE), and Corvis biomechanical index–laser vision correction (CBI-LVC) were sensitive indicators for distinguishing KE in the control eyes. The ability of PE to detect the KE fellow eye from the control eye was 0.745 (0.628 and 0.841), with 73.91% sensitivity and 68.75% specificity at a cut-off value of 3. The ability of a combined index, constructed using PE and FE, to distinguish fellow eyes of KE from controls was 0.831 (0.723 and 0.909), which was higher than that of PE and FE individually (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The fellow eyes of patients with unilateral KE had significantly higher PE values than control eyes, and a combination of PE and FE enhanced this differentiation in a Chinese population. More attention should be paid to the long-term follow-up of patients after LASIK and to be wary of the occurrence of early KE.
Study on the construction technology of β-alanine synthesizing Escherichia coli based on cellulosome assembly
Authors: Lu Jie , Wang Guodong , Yang Cuiping , Peng Zehao , Yang Lu , Du Bowen , Guo Chuanzhuang , Sui Songsen , Wang Jianbin , Li Junlin , Wang Ruiming , Wang Junqing
Published: June 2023

Introduction: β-Alanine is the only β-amino acid in nature; it is widely used in food additives, medicines, health products, and surfactants. To avoid pollution caused by traditional production methods, the synthesis of β-alanine has been gradually replaced by microbial fermentation and enzyme catalysis, which is a green, mild, and high-yield biosynthesis method.

Methods: In this study, we constructed an Escherichia coli recombinant strain for efficient β-alanine production using glucose as the raw material. The microbial synthesis pathway of L-lysine-producing strain, Escherichia coli CGMCC 1.366, was modified using gene editing by knocking out the aspartate kinase gene, lysC. The catalytic efficiency and product synthesis efficiency were improved by assembling key enzymes with cellulosome.

Results: By-product accumulation was reduced by blocking the L-lysine production pathway, thereby increasing the yield of β-alanine. In addition, catalytic efficiency was improved by the two-enzyme method to further increase the β-alanine content. The key cellulosome elements, dockerin (docA) and cohesin (cohA), were combined with L-aspartate-α-decarboxylase (bspanD) from Bacillus subtilis and aspartate aminotransferase (aspC) from E.coli to improve the catalytic efficiency and expression level of the enzyme. β-alanine production reached 7.439 mg/L and 25.87 mg/L in the two engineered strains. The β-alanine content reached 755.465 mg/L in a 5 L fermenter.

Discussion: The content of β-alanine synthesized by constructed β-alanine engineering strains were 10.47 times and 36.42 times higher than the engineered strain without assembled cellulosomes, respectively. This research lays the foundation for the enzymatic production of β-alanine using a cellulosome multi-enzyme self-assembly system.
Estimating population viability of the northern Great Plains piping plover population considering updated population structure, climate change, and intensive management
Authors: Swift Rose J. , Anteau Michael J. , Ellis Kristen S. , MacDonald Garrett J. , Ring Megan M. , Sherfy Mark H. , Toy Dustin L.
Published: June 2023

One challenge in wildlife conservation is understanding how various threats and management actions may influence long-term population viability. This is particularly evident when there is considerable uncertainty regarding population structure and vital rates. Reassessment of current knowledge and population trends is necessary for listed species to improve management actions that benefit conservation. We present an updated population viability analysis for northern Great Plains piping plovers (Charadrius melodus circumcinctus) based on the latest scientific data on survival, fecundity, and connectivity. Further, we explore the consequences of potential management actions and the stochastic effects of global climate change on population viability through changes in survival and fecundity. Our results predict elevated risks of extinction after 50 years (0.088 – 0.373) compared to previous predictions (0.033) based on assumed conditions of low connectivity among four major breeding groups structured as a metapopulation. We explored eight scenarios based on empirically-derived, higher connectivity rates and found that the northern Great Plains population never had a mean predicted population growth rate greater than one (0.946 – 0.996). Two scenarios that simulated a reduction in adult survival showed higher extinction probabilities (0.267 – 0.373), whereas two other scenarios that simulated an increase in fecundity exhibited lower extinction probabilities (0.088 – 0.103). These results indicate that viability of the northern Great Plains population of piping plovers could be improved with management actions that increase fecundity as long as adult survival is not simultaneously reduced. Lastly, breeding groups appeared to function less independently when connectivity rates were higher, as the breeding population was divided evenly among breeding groups. This indicates that the presumed metapopulation structure of our study system may need to be re-evaluated, and that empirically-based estimates of connectivity are essential to assessing population viability of mobile species that exhibit a spatially structured distribution.
Evaluation of the IP-10 mRNA release assay for diagnosis of TB in HIV-infected individuals
Authors: Tang Yang , Yu Yanhua , Wang Quan , Wen Zilu , Song Ruixue , Li Yu , Zhou Yingquan , Ma Ruiying , Jia Hongyan , Bai Shaoli , Abdulsalam Harimulati , Du Boping , Sun Qi , Xing Aiying , Pan Liping , Wang Jianyun , Song Yanzheng
Published: June 2023

HIV-infected individuals are susceptible to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection and are at high risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB). Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) are auxiliary tools in the diagnosis of TB. However, the performance of IGRAs in HIV-infected individuals is suboptimal, which limits clinical application. Interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) is an alternative biomarker for identifying M.tb infection due to its high expression after stimulation with M.tb antigens. However, whether IP-10 mRNA constitutes a target for the diagnosis of TB in HIV-infected individuals is unknown. Thus, we prospectively enrolled HIV-infected patients with suspected active TB from five hospitals between May 2021 and May 2022, and performed the IGRA test (QFT-GIT) alongside the IP-10 mRNA release assay on peripheral blood. Of the 216 participants, 152 TB patients and 48 non-TB patients with a conclusive diagnosis were included in the final analysis. The number of indeterminate results of IP-10 mRNA release assay (13/200, 6.5%) was significantly lower than that of the QFT-GIT test (42/200, 21.0%) (P = 0.000026). IP-10 mRNA release assay had a sensitivity of 65.3% (95%CI 55.9% – 73.8%) and a specificity of 74.2% (95%CI 55.4% – 88.1%), respectively; while the QFT-GIT test had a sensitivity of 43.2% (95%CI 34.1% – 52.7%) and a specificity of 87.1% (95%CI 70.2% – 96.4%), respectively. The sensitivity of the IP-10 mRNA release assay was significantly higher than that of QFT-GIT test (P = 0.00062), while no significant difference was detected between the specificities of these two tests (P = 0.198). The IP-10 mRNA release assay showed a lower dependence on CD4+ T cells than that of QFT-GIT test. This was evidenced by the fact that the QFT-GIT test had a higher number of indeterminate results and a lower sensitivity when the CD4+ T cells counts were decreased (P < 0.05), while no significant difference in the number of indeterminate results and sensitivity were observed for the IP-10 mRNA release assay among HIV-infected individuals with varied CD4+T cells counts (P > 0.05). Therefore, our study suggested that M.tb specific IP-10 mRNA is a better biomarker for diagnosis of TB in HIV-infected individuals.
A nomogram for predicting mortality of patients initially diagnosed with primary pulmonary tuberculosis in Hunan province, China: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Dan , Tang Si-Yuan , Lei Sheng , Xie He-Bin , Li Lin-Qi
Published: June 2023

Objective

According to the Global Tuberculosis Report for three consecutive years, tuberculosis (TB) is the second leading infectious killer. Primary pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) leads to the highest mortality among TB diseases. Regretfully, no previous studies targeted the PTB of a specific type or in a specific course, so models established in previous studies cannot be accurately feasible for clinical treatments. This study aimed to construct a nomogram prognostic model to quickly recognize death-related risk factors in patients initially diagnosed with PTB to intervene and treat high-risk patients as early as possible in the clinic to reduce mortality.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 1,809 in-hospital patients initially diagnosed with primary PTB at Hunan Chest Hospital from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors. A nomogram prognostic model for mortality prediction was constructed using R software and was validated using a validation set.

Results

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that drinking, hepatitis B virus (HBV), body mass index (BMI), age, albumin (ALB), and hemoglobin (Hb) were six independent predictors of death in in-hospital patients initially diagnosed with primary PTB. Based on these predictors, a nomogram prognostic model was established with high prediction accuracy, of which the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.881 (95% confidence interval [Cl]: 0.777-0.847), the sensitivity was 84.7%, and the specificity was 77.7%.Internal and external validations confirmed that the constructed model fit the real situation well.

Conclusion

The constructed nomogram prognostic model can recognize risk factors and accurately predict the mortality of patients initially diagnosed with primary PTB. This is expected to guide early clinical intervention and treatment for high-risk patients.
Multimodal stance-taking in interaction—A systematic literature review
Authors: Andries Fien , Meissl Katharina , de Vries Clarissa , Feyaerts Kurt , Oben Bert , Sambre Paul , Vermeerbergen Myriam , Brône Geert
Published: June 2023

Stance-taking, the public act of positioning oneself toward objects, people or states of affairs, has been studied in many fields of research. Recently, its multimodal realization in interaction has received increasing attention. The current contribution aims to take stock of research on multimodal stance-taking so far, and to present possible avenues for future research. We systematically gathered and appraised 76 articles that investigate the involvement of bodily-visual resources in stance-taking in interaction. The critical appraisal focused on two dimensions of the stance act: form-function relations constituting it, and its dynamic organization in interaction. Regarding form-function relations, we found systematic involvement of specific bodily-visual resources in different stance acts, as well as patterns of multimodal intensification and mitigation of stances. As for its dynamic organization, the review discusses how stance-taking is organized temporally throughout an interaction, with all participants involved carefully negotiating and adapting their stances to one another. Finally, attention is paid to the broader context of stance-taking, including its role in different social and societal contexts. Based on this review, we were able to identify several gaps in the literature, and avenues for future research. We argue that much potential for broadening the scope of research lies in increasing the methodological diversity in approaching multimodal stance-taking, as well as in cross-linguistic studies and varying settings and participant constellations. In conclusion, research into multimodal stance-taking is vibrant, with ample opportunities for future work. This review can be considered as a call to action to move beyond the premise that stance-taking is multimodal, and further investigate this intriguing and fundamental human capacity.
Novelties in the pharmacological approaches for chronic heart failure: new drugs and cardiovascular targets
Authors: Correale Michele , Tricarico Lucia , Croella Francesca , Alfieri Simona , Fioretti Francesco , Brunetti Natale Daniele , Inciardi Riccardo M. , Nodari Savina
Published: June 2023

Despite recent advances in chronic heart failure (HF) management, the prognosis of HF patients is poor. This highlights the need for researching new drugs targeting, beyond neurohumoral and hemodynamic modulation approach, such as cardiomyocyte metabolism, myocardial interstitium, intracellular regulation and NO-sGC pathway. In this review we report main novelties on new possible pharmacological targets for HF therapy, mainly on new drugs acting on cardiac metabolism, GCs-cGMP pathway, mitochondrial function and intracellular calcium dysregulation.
Prognostic impact of implantable cardioverter defibrillators and associated adverse events in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Pausch Jonas , Mersmann Julian , Bhadra Oliver D. , Barten Markus J. , Tönnis Tobias , Yildirim Yalin , Pecha Simon , Reichenspurner Hermann , Bernhardt Alexander M.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) reduces the risk of all-cause mortality in symptomatic heart failure (HF) patients with severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Nevertheless, the prognostic impact of ICD therapy in continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients remains controversial.

Methods

162 consecutive HF patients, who underwent LVAD implantation at our institution between 2010 and 2019, were categorized according to the presence (n = 94, ICD-group) or absence (n = 68, Control-group) of ICDs. Apart from clinical baseline and follow-up parameters, adverse events (AEs) related to ICD therapy and overall survival rates were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Out of 162 consecutive LVAD recipients 79 patients (48.8%) were preoperatively categorized as Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profile ≤2. The prevalence of severe HF symptoms and preoperative use of short-term circulatory support devices (54.4% vs. 13.8%, p < 0.001) was higher within the Control-group, although baseline severity of LV and RV dysfunction was similar. Apart from an increased prevalence of perioperative right heart failure (RHF) within the Control-group (45.6% vs. 17.0%; p < 0.001), procedural characteristics and perioperative outcome were similar. Overall-survival during a median follow-up of 14 (3.0–36.5) months was similar within both groups (p = 0.46). During the first 2 years after LVAD implantation 53 ICD-related AEs occurred within the ICD-group. Thereof, lead-dysfunction occurred in 19 patients and unplanned ICD-reintervention in 11 patients. Furthermore, in 18 patients appropriate shocks without loss of consciousness occurred, whereas inappropriate shocks occurred in 5 patients.

Conclusion

ICD therapy in LVAD recipients was not associated with a survival benefit or reduced morbidity after LVAD implantation. Conservative ICD-programming seems to be justified to avoid ICD-related complications and „awake shocks” after LVAD implantation.
Baseline demographics of a contemporary Belgian atrial fibrillation cohort included in a large randomised clinical trial on targeted education and integrated care (AF-EduCare/AF-EduApp study)
Authors: Delesie Michiel , Knaepen Lieselotte , Dendale Paul , Vijgen Johan , Ector Joris , Desteghe Lien , Heidbuchel Hein
Published: June 2023

Background

As the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases worldwide and AF management becomes ever more diversified and personalised, insights into (regional) AF patient demographics and contemporary AF management are needed. This paper reports the current AF management and baseline demographics of a Belgian AF population recruited for a large multicenter integrated AF study (AF-EduCare/AF-EduApp study).

Methods

We analyzed data from 1,979 AF patients, assessed between 2018 and 2021 for the AF-EduCare/AF-EduApp study. The trial randomised consecutive patients with AF (irrespective of AF history duration) into three educational intervention groups (in person-, online-, and application-based), compared with standard care. Baseline demographics of both the included and excluded/refused patients are reported.

Results

The mean age of the trial population was 71.2 ± 9.1 years, with a mean CHA2DS2-VASc score of 3.4 ± 1.8. Of all screened patients, 42.4% were asymptomatic at presentation. Being overweight was the most common comorbidty, present in 68.9%, while 65.0% were diagnosed with hypertension. Anticoagulation therapy was prescribed in 90.9% of the total population and in 94.0% of the patients with an indication for thromboembolic prophylaxis. Of the 1,979 assessed AF patients, 1,232 (62.3%) were enrolled in the AF-EduCare/AF-EduApp study, with transportation problems (33.4%) as the main reason for refusal/non-inclusion. About half of the included patients were recruited at the cardiology ward (53.8%). AF was first diagnosed, paroxysmal, persistent and permanent in 13.9%, 47.4%, 22.8% and 11.3%, respectively. Patients who refused or were excluded were older (73.3 ± 9.2 vs. 69.8 ± 8.9 years, p < 0.001) and had more comorbidities (CHA2DS2-VASc 3.8 ± 1.8 vs. 3.1 ± 1.7, p < 0.001). The four AF-EduCare/AF-EduApp study groups were comparable across the vast majority of parameters.

Conclusions

The population showed high use of anticoagulation therapy, in line with current guidelines. In contrast to other AF trials about integrated care, the AF-EduCare/AF-EduApp study managed to incorporate all types of AF patients, both out-patient and hospitalised, with very comparable patient demographics across all subgroups. The trial will analyze whether different approaches to patient education and integrated AF care have an impact on clinical outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03707873?term=af-educare&draw=2&rank=1, identifier: NCT03707873; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03788044?term=af-eduapp&draw=2&rank=1, identifier: NCT03788044.
Perfectionism and writing anxiety as predictors of Iranian EFL learners’ performance in IELTS writing module: a multi-dimensional perspective
Authors: Khosravi Robab , Mohammadi Elham , Esmaeili Nazanin , Zandi Hamed
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Iranian EFL Learners’ perfectionism and writing anxiety and their performance in the IELTS Writing Module. To this end, sixty-eight Iranian EFL learners were selected via convenience sampling. Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale developed and validated byHewitt and Flett (1991)and Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory devised byCheng (2004)were administered to the participants. The participants were then asked to write on an assigned topic from IELTS Writing Task 2. The findings of the study indicated that of the three dimensions of perfectionism (i.e., self-oriented, other-oriented and socially prescribed), none were associated with the learners’ writing performance, while a significant negative relationship was found between the learners’ writing anxiety consisting of somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety, and avoidance behavior and their writing performance. The results of multiple regression analysis suggested that somatic anxiety, and avoidance behavior were significant predictors of writing performance. The implications highlight the strategies that should be deployed by educational policy-makers, practitioners, and examiners to alleviate anxiety in L2 classrooms, promoting a safe and stress-free educational environment.
Plasma metabolomics in male primary and functional hypogonadism
Authors: Grande Giuseppe , De Toni Luca , Garolla Andrea , Milardi Domenico , Ferlin Alberto
Published: June 2023

Metabolomics proposes to unveil the molecular machinery involved in each specific disease by the comprehensive analysis of low-molecular-weight metabolites in a biological sample. This narrative mini-review analyzes previous studies applying ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)-based metabolomics to highlight different metabolic pathways involved in male hypogonadism and testosterone replacement therapy, both in the case of insulin-sensitive patients with primary hypogonadism and in the case of insulin-resistant patients with functional hypogonadism. In functional hypogonadism, metabolomics revealed that different biochemical pathways are affected. In detail, glycolysis is the most important biochemical process involved in these patients. Glucose metabolism is fueled by amino acid degradation, and gluconeogenesis is widely stimulated. Some important pathways, including glycerol, are compromised. Furthermore, mitochondrial electron transport is influenced, namely, by a decrease in ATP production. On the contrary, beta-oxidation of short- and medium-chain fatty acids does not represent an energy source in hypogonadal patients. Both lactate and acetyl-CoA are converted into ketone bodies, which increased immensely. However, carnosine and β-alanine are greatly reduced. These metabolic changes are associated with increased fatigue and mental confusion. After testosterone replacement therapy, a complete restoration is achieved for only a part of the metabolites. It is of note that only in patients with functional hypogonadism treated with testosterone are ketone bodies produced at high levels, so the symptoms sometimes reported by these patients after the beginning of the therapy (difficulty in concentrating, depressed mood, brain fog, and memory impairment) might represent a specific “keto flu-like” syndrome, related to the metabolic ketonic state.
Endocrine disrupting and carcinogenic effects of decabromodiphenyl ether
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Xinpei , Sui Shaofeng , Liu Zhiyan
Published: June 2023

Background

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209), an essential industrial flame retardant that is widely used, has recently been reported to be increasing in human serum. Due to the structural similarity between BDE209 and thyroid hormones, its toxic effects on the thyroid are of particular concern.

Methods

Original articles in the PubMed database were collected using the terms “BDE209”, “decabromodiphenyl ether”, “endocrine disrupting”, “thyroid”, “carcinogenesis”, “polybrominated diphenyl ethers”, “PBDEs,” and their synonyms from inception up to October of 2022.

Results

Of the 748 studies initially identified, 45 were selected, which emphasized the adverse effects of BDE209 on endocrine system. BDE209 may have a toxic effect not only on thyroid function but also on thyroid cancer tumorigenesis at multiple levels, such as by directly interfering with the TR, hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, enzyme activity, and methylation. However, it is impossible to draw a definitive conclusion on the exact pathway of thyroid toxicity from BDE209.

Conclusions

Although the toxic effects of BDE209 on the thyroid have been well investigated, its tumorigenic effects remain unclear and further research is necessary.
Non-severe hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes: a randomized crossover trial comparing two quantities of oral carbohydrates at different insulin-induced hypoglycemia ranges
Authors: Taleb Nadine , Gingras Véronique , Cheng Ran , Parent Valérie , Messier Virginie , Bovan Danijela , Shohoudi Azadeh , Brazeau Anne-Sophie , Rabasa-Lhoret Rémi
Published: June 2023

Aims

Non-severe hypoglycemia (NS-H) is challenging for people living with type 1 diabetes (PWT1D) and often results from relative iatrogenic hyper-insulinemia. Current guidelines recommend a one-size-fits-all approach of 15–20 g of simple carbohydrates (CHO) every 15 min regardless of the triggering conditions of the NS-H event. We aimed to test different amounts of CHO to treat insulin-induced NS-H at various glucose ranges.

Methods

This is a randomized, four-way, crossover study involving PWT1D, testing NS-H treatment outcomes with 16 g vs. 32 g CHO at two plasma glucose (PG) ranges: A: 3.0–3.5 mmol/L and B: <3.0 mmol/L. Across all study arms, participants consumed an additional 16 g of CHO if PG was still <3.0 mmol/L at 15 min and <4.0 mmol/L at 45 min post-initial treatment. Subcutaneous insulin was used in a fasting state to induce NS-H. Participants had frequent venous sampling of PG, insulin, and glucagon levels.

Results

Participants (n = 32; 56% female participants) had a mean (SD) age of 46.1 (17.1) years, had HbA1c at 54.0 (6.8 mmol/mol) [7.1% (0.9%)], and had a diabetes duration of 27.5 (17.0) years; 56% were insulin pump users. We compared NS-H correction parameters between 16 g and 32 g of CHO for range A, 3.0–3.5 mmol/L (n = 32), and range B, <3.0 mmol/L (n = 29). Change in PG at 15 min for A: 0.1 (0.8) mmol/L vs. 0.6 (0.9) mmol/L, p = 0.02; and for B: 0.8 (0.9) mmol/L vs. 0.8 (1.0) mmol/L, p = 1.0. Percentage of participants with corrected episodes at 15 min: (A) 19% vs. 47%, p = 0.09; (B) 21% vs. 24%, p = 1.0. A second treatment was necessary in (A) 50% vs. 15% of participants, p = 0.001; (B) 45% vs. 34% of participants, p = 0.37. No statistically significant differences in insulin and glucagon parameters were observed.

Conclusions

NS-H, in the context of hyper-insulinemia, is difficult to treat in PWT1D. Initial consumption of 32 g of CHO revealed some advantages at the 3.0–3.5 mmol/L range. This was not reproduced at lower PG ranges since participants needed additional CHO regardless of the amount of initial consumption.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03489967.
Obesity is associated with impaired postprandial pancreatic polypeptide secretion
Authors: Zhao Yanyun , Zhou Yue , Chi Jingwei , Che Kui , Wang Yangang , Wang Wei
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aims to compare the levels of serum pancreatic polypeptide (PP), insulin (INS), C-peptide (C-P), and glucagon (GCG) before and after glucose stimulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with different body mass indexes (BMI), analyze the relevant factors associated with PP secretion, and further investigate the role of PP in the development of obesity and diabetes.

Methods

Data were collected from 83 patients from the hospital. The subjects were divided into normal-weight group, overweight group, and obese group according to their BMI. All subjects were tested with the standard bread meal test (SBMT). PP and relevant parameters were measured, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated after 120 min of SBMT. AUCpp (AUC of PP) was used as the dependent variable, and the potential influencing factors were used as independent variables for multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The obese and overweight groups had significantly lower PP secretion than the normal-weight group (485.95 pg·h/ml, 95% CI 76.16–895.74, p = 0.021; 664.61 pg·h/ml, 95% CI 285.46–1043.77, p = 0.001) at 60 min postprandial. PP secretion in the obese and overweight groups was also significantly lower than that in the normal-weight group (520.07 pg·h/ml, 95% CI 186.58–853.56, p = 0.003; 467.62 pg·h/ml, 95% CI 159.06–776.18, p = 0.003) at 120 min postprandial. AUCpp was negatively associated with BMI (r = -0.260, p = 0.017) and positively associated with AUCGCG (r = 0.501, p< 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that there was a linear correlation between AUCGCG, BMI, and AUCpp (p< 0.001, p = 0.008). The regression equation was calculated as follows: AUCpp = 1772.255–39.65 × BMI + 0.957 × AUCGCG (R2 = 54.1%, p< 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared with normal-weight subjects, overweight and obese subjects had impaired PP secretion after glucose stimulation. In T2DM patients, PP secretion was mainly affected by BMI and GCG.

Clinical trial registry

The Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University.

Clinical trial registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2100047486.
Whole animal freeze-fracture scanning electron microscopy: an easy-to-use method to investigate cell type morphology of marine embryos and larvae
Authors: Paganos Periklis , Caccavale Filomena , Cocurullo Maria , D’Aniello Enrico , Arnone Maria Ina , Benvenuto Giovanna
Published: June 2023

Morphological and molecular characterization of cell types, organs and individual organisms is essential for understanding the origins of morphogenesis. The increased implementation of high throughput methods as a means to address cell type evolution, during the last decade, created the need for an efficient way to assess cell type morphology. Here in order to create a new tool to study cell type morphology, we optimized a fast and easy-to-use whole animal freeze-fracture scanning electron microscopy (WAFFSEM) method. This method was applied on marine experimental systems (echinoderms, mollusks, tunicates, and cephalochordates), that have been widely used to assess environmental, developmental, and evolutionary questions. Our protocol does not require any specialized equipment and the processed specimens are compatible with scanning electron microscopy. This protocol was able to successfully expose the internal cell types of all specimens in which it was tested and to reveal their cellular and subcellular characteristics. We strongly believe that the combination of our protocol with other methods (e.g., light microscopy and single cell transcriptomics) will be beneficial to further improve the way to classify and describe cell types.
The constructive evolution of taste in Astyanax cavefish: A review
Authors: Berning Daniel , Gross Joshua B.
Published: June 2023

Animals inhabiting subterranean environments tend to evolve a constellation of ‘regressive’ and ‘constructive’ features. Regressive traits like vision and pigmentation are reduced or lost in derived organisms. In contrast, constructive traits like non-visual sensation, are commonly augmented and evolving under strong selection. Numerous studies have examined the genetic, developmental and molecular bases for regressive traits, while constructive traits have received less attention. A key constructive sensory feature in cave animals is the gustatory system which is likely useful for animals living in complete darkness, given the need to secure food for survival. Interestingly, despite having been studied for decades in the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, much remains unknown regarding the biological basis, and adaptive relevance, of taste system evolution in cave morphs. Here, we present a brief review of taste system research in this system, conducted over the past ~90  years. We underscore key differences in gustation between cave and surface fish that reside at the levels of anatomy, perception and behavior. From this review, we sought to identify key knowledge gaps in our understanding of constructive taste system evolution. Future studies will provide further insights to the nature of constructive trait evolution by determining if constructive and regressive traits evolve through similar or different genetic and developmental mechanisms, and provide an essential case study for examining convergence of constructive traits across geographically distinct populations.
Dam removal enables diverse juvenile life histories to emerge in threatened salmonids repopulating a heterogeneous landscape
Authors: Munsch Stuart H. , McHenry Mike , Liermann Martin C. , Bennett Todd R. , McMillan John , Moses Raymond , Pess George R.
Published: June 2023

Human stressors block, eliminate, and simplify habitat mosaics, eroding landscapes’ life history diversity and thus biological resilience. One goal of restoration is to alleviate human stressors that suppress life history diversity, but life history responses to these efforts are still coming into focus. Here, we report life history diversity emerging in threatened salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) repopulating the recently undammed Elwha River (WA, United States) in adjacent but environmentally distinct tributaries. The ~20 km tributaries entered the Elwha River <1 km apart, but one had a colder stream temperature regime and swifter waters due to its high, snow-dominated elevation and steep valley gradient (~3%), while the other had a warmer stream temperature regime and slower waters because it drained a lake, was at lower elevation, and had a lower stream gradient (~1.5%). Following the 2012 removal of Elwha Dam, the tributaries’ salmonids generally became more abundant and expressed diverse life histories within and among species. The warmer, low-gradient tributary produced more age-1+ coho salmon while the colder, steeper tributary produced a notably high abundance of steelhead smolts in 2020. Additionally, salmonids exiting the warmer tributary were older and possibly larger for their age class, emigrated ~25 days earlier, and included age-0 Chinook salmon that were larger. Also, assemblage composition varied among years, with the most abundant species shifting between Chinook salmon and coho salmon, while steelhead abundances generally increased but were patchy. These patterns are consistent with a newly accessible, heterogeneous landscape generating life history diversity against the backdrop of patchy recruitment as salmonids—some with considerable hatchery-origin ancestry—repopulate an extirpated landscape. Overall, dam removal appears to have promoted life history diversity, which may bolster resilience during an era of rapid environmental change and portend positive outcomes for upcoming dam removals with similar goals.
Multi-scenario simulation analysis of cultivated land based on PLUS model—a case study of Haikou, China
Authors: Lin Xiaofu , Fu Hui
Published: June 2023

Land-use changes have received increasing attention since the 1990s. Cultivated land is a vital land resource with both natural and economic features. Socioeconomic development profoundly affects the spatiotemporal evolution of cultivated land. In turn, the spatiotemporal change of cultivated land also reflects the socioeconomic development trend. This study took Haikou City, which has the highest degree of urbanization in Hainan Province, as the study area, analyzed the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of its cultivated land resources during the past 20 years of rapid socioeconomic development, and predicted the future spatiotemporal evolution trends of its cultivated land resources on this basis, to provide scientific reference for the rational use and sustainable development of the cultivated land resources in Haikou. This study applied the single land-use dynamic degree (SLUDD) and land-use transfer matrix to explore the spatiotemporal evolution of cultivated land in Haikou from 2000 to 2020. The patch-generating land-use simulation (PLUS) model was introduced to predict the patterns of cultivated land under different development scenarios in 2030. The results showed that: (1) although rapid socioeconomic development has contributed to Haikou's urbanization rate over the past 20 years, the accompanying expansion of construction land has caused damage to cultivated land resources, especially in urban suburbs. Site conditions, differential land benefits, and urban economic radiation may be potential influencing factors leading to the loss of peri-urban cultivated land; (2) it was verified that the PLUS model applies to the land-use patterns prediction in Haikou; and (3) the simulation results of both natural and urban development scenarios not only predicted the continued loss of cultivated land in the original zone but also exposed new sites of cultivated land loss. Although construction land expansion is an inevitable trend, there is still hope that the expansion rate can be controlled, for example, under the cultivated land conservation scenario. The simulation results of the three scenarios have essential reference values for the future maintenance of cultivated land resource security in Haikou.
Physiological and developmental mechanism of regressive molt in a damp-wood termite Hodotermopsis sjostedti
Authors: Kobayashi Kenta , Oguchi Kohei , Miura Toru
Published: June 2023

In some species of termites, a part of nymphs can undergo “regressive molt,” in which imaginal characters such as wing buds and body size are reduced. The function of regressive molt is thought to be a regulatory mechanism controlling caste composition in a colony. However, little is known about the physiological and developmental processes resulting in the regressive molt. In this study, therefore, regressive molt was observed in a damp-wood termite Hodotermopsis sjostedti, under rearing conditions, and histological and morphological observations during regressive molt (especially the reduction of wing buds) were carried out. It was found that nymphs with wing buds were classified into three morphological types. Almost all nymphs with swollen wing buds (Type 1) differentiated into alates, while nymphs with pigmented wing buds (Type 2) or with flat wing buds (Type 3) underwent regressive molts to become pseudergates (workers). Through the regressive molt, a part of nymphs differentiated into presoldiers or neotenic reproductives. Histological observations showed that, in nymphs undergoing regressive molt, epithelial tissue of wing buds was degenerated. Consistently, real-time qPCR analyses revealed that, apoptosis-related factors were up-regulated in the thoracic parts of Type 3 nymphs. Furthermore, expression analyses on developmental and endocrine factors by real-time qPCR were carried out, showing that, the expression pattern of these factors in regressive molt is nearly identical to that in stationary molt. These results suggest that the differentiation fate of nymph is determined during the intermolt period before the differentiation into Type 1 or Type 2/3 nymphs. The regressive molt itself would be almost identical to stationary molt.
The impact of war in Ukraine on EU migration
Authors: Guild Elspeth , Groenendijk Kees
Published: June 2023

When the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, one of the most immediate and dramatic reactions of the European Union (EU) was to open a special protection scheme for Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians who were resident in the country on the date of the invasion to enter the EU and remain with extensive rights (All EU states are part of the scheme with the exception of Denmark which because of particularities in its constitutional position in the EU opened a parallel national scheme rather than join the EU scheme). The legal basis of the scheme is a directive adopted in 2001, on Temporary Protection which had been slated for repeal but which had not yet occurred at the date of the invasion and is now on hold. Since then, according to UNHCR, 8,046,560 Ukrainians (or persons who were resident in Ukraine at the relevant date) have been recorded across Europe. In this article we examine the status and rights of TP beneficiaries in the EU and the challenges ahead for them and the EU as the war continues.