bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights Into Platelet-Derived MicroRNAs in Cardiovascular and Oncologic Diseases: Potential Predictor and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Leng Qianru , Ding Jie , Dai Meiyan , Liu Lei , Fang Qing , Wang Dao Wen , Wu Lujin , Wang Yan
Published: June 2022

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), represented by cardiovascular diseases and cancer, have been the leading cause of death globally. Improvements in mortality from cardiovascular (CV) diseases (decrease of 14%/100,000, United States) or cancers (increase 7.5%/100,000, United States) seem unsatisfactory during the past two decades, and so the search for innovative and accurate biomarkers of early diagnosis and prevention, and novel treatment strategies is a valuable clinical and economic endeavor. Both tumors and cardiovascular system are rich in angiological systems that maintain material exchange, signal transduction and distant regulation. This pattern determines that they are strongly influenced by circulating substances, such as glycolipid metabolism, inflammatory homeostasis and cyclic non-coding RNA and so forth. Platelets, a group of small anucleated cells, inherit many mature proteins, mRNAs, and non-coding RNAs from their parent megakaryocytes during gradual formation and manifest important roles in inflammation, angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, diabetes, cancer, and many other diseases apart from its classical function in hemostasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs containing ∼22 nucleotides that participate in many key cellular processes by pairing with mRNAs at partially complementary binding sites for post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Platelets contain fully functional miRNA processors in their microvesicles and are able to transport their miRNAs to neighboring cells and regulate their gene expression. Therefore, the importance of platelet-derived miRNAs for the human health is of increasing interest. Here, we will elaborate systematically the roles of platelet-derived miRNAs in cardiovascular disease and cancer in the hope of providing clinicians with new ideas for early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.
Efficacy and Safety of Shenqisuxin Granule for Non-ST-segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Wu Xiaoping , Guo Ming , Shi Shihua , Shi Shengnan , Deng Yanping , Wang Shenglan , Wang Yabing , Wang Peili , Chen Keji
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The Chinese herbal compound formula, Shenqisuxin granule (SQSX), promotes neovascularization and prevents in-stent restenosis in modern pharmaceutical studies and is expected to provide an effective strategy for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). Thus, this study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of SQSX for NSTEACS and initially reveal its mechanism.

Methods/Design

The study is a randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled trial. A total of 66 participants will be randomly allocated to one of the following two groups. Participants in the SQSX group will receive conventional treatment plus SQSX, while the placebo group will receive conventional treatment plus placebo, both for 14 days. The primary outcome, hs-CRP, and secondary outcome the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) will be assessed at baseline, 7 ± 3 days and 14 ± 3 days. At all visit windows, other indicators including creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), cardiac troponins I (cTnI), 12-lead electrocardiograph and the syndrome scores of Qi deficiency and blood stasis will be tested and metagenomic sequencing for intestinal flora will be performed. Echocardiography and safety assessment will be performed at baseline and 14 ± 3 days. Adverse events will be monitored during the trial.

Discussion

The purpose of the study is to examine the efficacy and safety of SQSX to improve NSTEACS and initially reveal its mechanism.

Trial Registration

China Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000029226. Registered on January 19, 2020.
Treatment With Methotrexate Associated With Lipid Core Nanoparticles Prevents Aortic Dilation in a Murine Model of Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Guido Maria Carolina , Lopes Natalia de Menezes , Albuquerque Camila Inagaki , Tavares Elaine Rufo , Jensen Leonardo , Carvalho Priscila de Oliveira , Tavoni Thauany Martins , Dias Ricardo Ribeiro , Pereira Lygia da Veiga , Laurindo Francisco Rafael Martins , Maranhão Raul Cavalcante
Published: June 2022

In Marfan syndrome (MFS), dilation, dissection, and rupture of the aorta occur. Inflammation can be involved in the pathogenicity of aortic defects and can thus be a therapeutic target for MFS. Previously, we showed that the formulation of methotrexate (MTX) associated with lipid nanoparticles (LDE) has potent anti-inflammatory effects without toxicity. To investigate whether LDEMTX treatment can prevent the development of aortic lesions in the MFS murine model. MgΔloxPneo MFS (n = 40) and wild-type (WT, n = 60) mice were allocated to 6 groups weekly injected with IP solutions of: (1) only LDE; (2) commercial MTX; (3) LDEMTX (dose = 1mg/kg) between 3rd and 6th months of life. After 12 weeks of treatments, animals were examined by echocardiography and euthanatized for morphometric and molecular studies. MFS mice treated with LDEMTX showed narrower lumens in the aortic arch, as well as in the ascending and descending aorta. LDEMTX reduced fibrosis and the number of dissections in MFS but not the number of elastic fiber disruptions. In MFS mice, LDEMTX treatment lowered protein expression of pro-inflammatory factors macrophages (CD68), T-lymphocytes (CD3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), apoptotic factor cleaved-caspase 3, and type 1 collagen and lowered the protein expression of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), extracellular signal-regulated kinases ½ (ERK1/2), and SMAD3. Protein expression of CD68 and CD3 had a positive correlation with an area of aortic lumen (r2 = 0.36; p < 0.001), suggesting the importance of inflammation in the causative mechanisms of aortic dilation. Enhanced adenosine availability by LDEMTX was suggested by higher aortic expression of an anti-adenosine A2a receptor (A2a) and lower adenosine deaminase expression. Commercial MTX had negligible effects. LDEMTX prevented the development of MFS-associated aortic defects and can thus be a candidate for testing in clinical studies.
Global Burden Attributable to High Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol From 1990 to 2019
Authors: Du Heyue , Shi Qingyang , Song Peige , Pan Xiong-Fei , Yang Xueli , Chen Lingmin , He Yazhou , Zong Geng , Zhu Ye , Su Baihai , Li Sheyu
Published: June 2022

Background

High low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) is a public health issue contributing to ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke.

Method

In this ecological study, we collected summary exposure values (SEVs), deaths, disability-adjusted life of years (DALYs), and Social Demographic Index (SDI) of high LDL-C from 1990 to 2019 using the query tool from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Collaborative Network. Outcomes include SEVs, deaths, and DALYs attributable to high LDL-C stratified by sex, age, region, SDI, countries, and territories. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were applied to estimate annual trends of changes in these outcomes. We applied the weighted segmented regression with break-point estimation to detect the linear piecewise relationship between SDI and high LDL-C disease burden.

Results

Globally, 3.00 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 2.35–3.76 million) people in 1990 and 4.40 million (95% UI, 3.30–5.65 million) people died from high LDL-C in 2019. The absolute annual burden from deaths and DALYs attributed to high LDL-C increased by 46% (95% UI, 35–56%) and 41% (95% UI, 31–50%) from 1990 to 2019. The age-standardized SEV, death, and DALY was decreased by 9% (95% UI, −11 to −8%), 37% (95% UI, −41−33%), and 32% (95% UI, −37 to −28%), respectively, during the study period. There was a negative association between SDI and high LDL-C-related age-standardized death and DALY rates when SDI surpassed 0.71 and 0.71, respectively.

Conclusion

Although the overall age-standardized burden of high LDL-C is controlled in the past 30 years, it remains increasing in moderate SDI countries, and decreasing trends are disappearing in high SDI countries. New challenges require new actions stratified by countries with different SDI levels.
Links of Hydrogen Sulfide Content With Fluid Components and Physical Properties of Carbonate Gas Reservoirs: A Case Study of the Right Bank of Amu Darya, Turkmenistan
Authors: Cheng Youyou , Feng Zhao , Guo Chunqiu , Chen Pengyu , Tan Chengqian , Shi Haidong , Luo Xiang
Published: June 2022

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in carbonate gas reservoirs shows strong relevance with the natural gas components and has an obvious impact on reservoir types and their petrophysical properties. In this work, core and fluid samples were collected from the Right Bank of Amu Darya reservoirs, Turkmenistan. Then, fluid composition analysis and flash evaporation experiments were performed to investigate the components of reservoir fluid. Petrophysical properties, that is, porosity and permeability, and micropore structures of cores were determined by permeameter–porosimeter and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, respectively. Results in this work indicate that the H2S content shows obvious relevance to fluid components in carbonate gas reservoirs. With the increase of H2S content, the total heavy hydrocarbons and potential condensate content decrease, while the condensate density increases. In addition, at higher H2S content, larger pore and vug porosity was observed. However, in reservoirs with lower H2S content, the matrix pores are relatively tight and prone to develop fractures. Furthermore, sulfate thermochemical reduction (TSR) is found to be the dominant contributor to high H2S content in carbonate reservoirs through material and thermodynamic condition analysis. The Gibbs free energy and normalized hydrocarbon content show that the consumption of heavy hydrocarbons generally increases with carbon numbers during TSR, but reaches a minimum at the components of C7 to C9. Finally, the relationship between TSR and rock petrophysical properties was discussed, indicating that pore volume enlargement and the dissolution effect of acidic gases are the main mechanisms for TSR to improve carbonate reservoir property. Results in this study present comprehensive analyses of the links between H2S content and fluid components and petrophysical properties in carbonate gas reservoirs.
Social Accountability in Medical Education: Students’ Perspective
Authors: Masud Nazish , Alenezi Shahad , Alsayari Ohoud , Alghaith Deemah , Alshehri Rana , Albarrak Danah , Al-Nasser Sami
Published: June 2022

Background

Globally, there is a rising interest in the concept of social accountability (SA). The literature evaluating SA of medical schools is limited; however, some international studies have revealed a lack of understanding of SA by medical students. This study evaluated the perception of SA among medical students at a governmental university in Saudi Arabia.

Method

A cross-sectional study with 336 currently enrolled medical students was conducted from September 2020 to May 2021. The data were collected using an electronic survey comprised of the THEnet questionnaire that included 12 items to assess the perception of SA and some demographic variables. The total score was categorized into four groups and compared with the demographic profile of students.

Results

Out of the 336 participants, the mean age was 21.26 ± 0.5 years, with most students in the 19–21 age group (n= 154, 46%), and 189 (56.3%) were males. In addition, preclinical and clinical students had similar representation: 170 (51%) and 166 (49%), respectively. Most participants (173, 52%) scored in the 18–36 range, reflecting good perceived SA. The demographic profile of students (i.e., age, GPA, and year of study) was significantly associated with perceived SA (p= 0.003, 0.002, and < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

The study concludes that most medical students had a good level of perceived SA about their institution. The preclinical year students exhibited a better perception of SA. The final-year students were more critical about the SA of the institution compared to other students.
A Bibliometric Analysis on Motivation Between 2016 and 2020 of Physical Education in Scopus Database
Authors: Chen Chi-Jung , Lee Hung-Ying , Lin Ren-Jie , Farng Jenn-Kuen
Published: June 2022

Purpose

In the field of physical education (PE), which encompasses a wide range of variables, the question of motivation has become increasingly important. The bibliometric methods can help researchers and educators understand the related research of motivation. The purpose of this study was to explore the bibliometric characteristics of motivation in the field of PE from 2016 to 2020 that try to discover the related research context and topics.

Methods

By using the keywords “motivation” and “physical education,” the bibliographic records and references have been retrieved from the Scopus databases (date of search: September 7, 2021). The Vosviewer software tool and Bibliometrix R package were used for information analysis and visualization. The themes include the annual publication, countries/regions, journals, authors, co-occurrences, and theme trends. Finally, it is presented with the characteristics of the big picture of bibliometrics.

Results

From the analysis of the above theme, this study showed that there were 623 studies published over the 5 years, with the number gradually increasing in 2017 and peaking in 2020. The number of citations was the highest in 2016. In terms of total publications, Spain, the United States, and Australia are the top three countries/regions. Most of the articles were published in sport pedagogy and public health relevant journals. The four main research directions were identified: Education, activity, health, and self-determination theory.

Conclusion

This study helped us to comprehend the consistent publishing and rapid development of motivation in PE research. Via the bibliometric analysis, we can also incorporate previous research and predicted trends. All these works can help us to understand the basic psychological needs, leadership styles, and teacher support of PE teachers, and the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of students at different ages. It is suggested that the in-depth study could be conducted on a single variable or emerging issues for future investigation. Researchers can keep tracking and reviewing motivation-related models.
Factors Contributing to English as a Foreign Language Learners’ Academic Burnout: An Investigation Through the Lens of Cultural Historical Activity Theory
Authors: Bui Quyen Thi Thuc , Bui Thanh Do Cong , Nguyen Quang Nhat
Published: June 2022

During the shift from face-to-face to online emergency classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) were under constant pressure to familiarize themselves with the once-in-many-generations learning context. Based on the cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT), this qualitative study investigated factors contributing to EFL learners’ academic burnout at Open University, Vietnam. The interviewees were seven students, two teachers, and two administrators recruited using a theoretical-based sampling technique. The data consisted of iterative rounds of interviews which lasted approximately 60 min each until the data saturation point was reached. The content analysis revealed six factors that impacted EFL learners’ physical and psychological exhaustion, including prolonged online learning time, privacy concerns and cyber-bullying, teachers’ role, institution’s role, and support community outside the classroom. Also, teachers’ insufficient preparation for online teaching and students’ academic misconduct during exams were factors that created EFL learners’ academic cynicism. Finally, participation in social networking sites’ extracurricular activities, participation checking, and cheating in exams affected the last dimension of academic burnout, the sense of academic achievement. Based on this study, the authority, administrators, and teachers can take a more proactive role in supporting students in curbing their academic burnout during this unprecedented pandemic. The authors also hope that this study can lay the foundation for further humanistic research into the EFL learner’s psychological world in online classes, particularly when each student’s social and cultural background is considered.
Hepatic Stellate Cell-Immune Interactions in NASH
Authors: Carter James K. , Friedman Scott L.
Published: June 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the dominant cause of liver disease worldwide. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more aggressive presentation of NAFLD, is characterized by severe hepatocellular injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Chronic inflammation and heightened immune cell activity have emerged as hallmark features of NASH and key drivers of fibrosis through the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular pathways in NASH have highlighted extensive crosstalk between HSCs and hepatic immune populations that strongly influences disease activity. Here, we review these findings, emphasizing the roles of HSCs in liver immunity and inflammation, key cell-cell interactions, and exciting areas for future investigation.
Comparison of Reproductive Function Between Normal and Hyperandrogenemia Conditions in Female Mice With Deletion of Hepatic Androgen Receptor
Authors: Feng Mingxiao , Divall Sara , Jones Dustin , Ubba Vaibhave , Fu Xiaomin , Yang Ling , Wang Hong , Yang Xiaofeng , Wu Sheng
Published: June 2022

Obesity, altered glucose homeostasis, hyperinsulinism, and reproductive dysfunction develops in female humans and mammals with hyperandrogenism. We previously reported that low dose dihydrotestosterone (DHT) administration results in metabolic and reproductive dysfunction in the absence of obesity in female mice, and conditional knock-out of the androgen receptor (Ar) in the liver (LivARKO) protects female mice from DHT-induced glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia. Since altered metabolic function will regulate reproduction, and liver plays a pivotal role in the reversible regulation of reproductive function, we sought to determine the reproductive phenotype of LivARKO mice under normal and hyperandrogenemic conditions. Using Cre/Lox technology, we deleted the Ar in the liver, and we observed LivARKO female mice have normal puberty timing, cyclicity and reproductive function. After DHT treatment, like control mice, LivARKO experience altered estrous cycling, reduced numbers of corpus lutea, and infertility. Liver Ar is not involved in hyperandrogenemia-induced reproductive dysfunction. The reproductive dysfunction in the DHT-treated LivARKO lean females with normal glucose homeostasis indicates that androgen-induced reproductive dysfunction is independent from metabolic dysfunction.
Divergent Associations Between Serum Androgens and Ovarian Reserve Markers Revealed in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Li Youran , Zhai Yanhong , Li Lin , Lu Yifan , Su Shaofei , Liu Ying , Xu Zhengwen , Xin Mingwei , Zhang Qiaoli , Cao Zheng
Published: June 2022

Background

The role of excess androgen in ovarian reserve remains unclear in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Our study highlights the associations of serum androgen levels and ovarian reserve markers in PCOS and non-PCOS women.

Methods

Totally 584 menstrual abnormalities women of 20-45 years were retrospectively evaluated at the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between January 2021 to October 2021. The enrolled patients were classified into two groups: the PCOS group (n=288) and the non-PCOS group (n=296) based on the Rotterdam consensus for PCOS diagnosis. The serum androgens, including testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT, calculated), bioavailable testosterone (Bio-T, calculated), androstenedione (A2), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were assessed with an in-house developed liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The associations between the serum androgens and the hormone markers commonly used for evaluating ovarian reserve function, such as anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and the ratio of luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were explored.

Results

The serum T, FT, Bio-T, A2, DHT, DHEA, DHEAS, AMH and LH/FSH of the PCOS group were 51.7 ± 23.2 ng/dL/mL, 8.5 ± 5.0 pg/mL, 210.1 ± 127.7 pg/mL, 1.9 ± 0.8 ng/mL, 0.2 ± 0.1 ng/mL, 6.4 ± 4.2 ng/mL, 2431.0 ± 1030.7 ng/mL, 6.7 ± 3.8 ng/mL, and 1.8 ± 1.4 respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the non-PCOS group (p<0.05). In the group of PCOS patients, T and A2 levels were positively associated with AMH in both multivariate linear regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Similar but weaker associations were observed in the non-PCOS patients. In the PCOS patients with hyperandrogenemia (HA), the AMH level was significantly higher in the subjects with T increased than in the subjects with non-T androgen(s) increased (A2, DHT, DHEA or DHEAS).

Conclusions

The serum androgen levels are positively associated with ovarian reserve markers in both of the PCOS and the non-PCOS patients in our study. In the PCOS group, the highest AMH level was observed in the subjects with the T elevation subgroup, suggesting that T is more closely related with the increase of AMH when compared with other androgens investigated.
Severe Hyperprolactinemia Promotes Brown Adipose Tissue Whitening and Aggravates High Fat Diet Induced Metabolic Imbalance
Authors: Lopez-Vicchi Felicitas , De Winne Catalina , Ornstein Ana Maria , Sorianello Eleonora , Toneatto Judith , Becu-Villalobos Damasia
Published: June 2022

Background

The association of high serum prolactin and increased body weight is positive but controversial, therefore we hypothesized that additional factors such as diets and the impact of prolactin on brown adipose tissue may condition its metabolic effects.

Methods

We used LacDrd2KO females with lifelong severe hyperprolactinemia due dopamine-D2 receptor deletion from lactotropes, and slow onset of metabolic disturbances, and compared them to their respective controls (Drd2 loxP/loxP). Food intake, and binge eating was evaluated. We then challenged mice with a High Fat (HFD) or a Control Diet (CD) for 8 weeks, beginning at 3 months of age, when no differences in body weight are found between genotypes. At the end of the protocol brown and white adipose tissues were weighed, and thermogenic and lipogenic markers studied, using real time PCR (Ucp1, Cidea, Pgc1a, Lpl, adiponectin, Prlr) or immunohistochemistry (UCP1). Histochemical analysis of brown adipose tissue, and glucose tolerance tests were performed.

Results

Hyperprolactinemic mice had increased food intake and binge eating behavior. Metabolic effects induced by a HFD were exacerbated in lacDrd2KO mice. Hyperprolactinemia aggravated HFD-induced body weight gain and glucose intolerance. In brown adipose tissue pronounced cellular whitening as well as decreased expression of the thermogenic markers Ucp1 and Pgc1a were observed in response to high prolactin levels, regardless of the diet, and furthermore, hyperprolactinemia potentiated the decrease in Cidea mRNA expression induced by HFD. In subcutaneous white adipose tissue hyperprolactinemia synergistically increased tissue weight, while decreasing Prlr, Adiponectin and Lpl mRNA levels regardless of the diet.

Conclusions

Pathological hyperprolactinemia has a strong impact in brown adipose tissue, lowering thermogenic markers and evoking tissue whitening. Furthermore, it modifies lipogenic markers in subcutaneous white adipose, and aggravates HFD-induced glucose intolerance and Cidea decrease. Therefore, severe high prolactin levels may target BAT function, and furthermore represent an adjuvant player in the development of obesity induced by high fat diets.
Organotypic Rat Testicular Organoids for the Study of Testicular Maturation and Toxicology
Authors: Sakib Sadman , Lara Nathalia de Lima e Martins , Huynh Brandon Christopher , Dobrinski Ina
Published: June 2022

An in vitro system to study testicular maturation in rats, an important model organism for reproductive toxicity, could serve as a platform for high-throughput drug and toxicity screening in a tissue specific context. In vitro maturation of somatic cells and spermatogonia in organ culture systems has been reported. However, this has been a challenge for organoids derived from dissociated testicular cells. Here, we report generation and maintenance of rat testicular organoids in microwell culture for 28 days. We find that rat organoids can be maintained in vitro only at lower than ambient O2 tension of 15% and organoids cultured at 34°C have higher somatic cell maturation and spermatogonial differentiation potential compared to cultures in 37°C. Upon exposure to known toxicants, phthalic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester and cadmium chloride, the organoids displayed loss of tight-junction protein Claudin 11 and altered transcription levels of somatic cell markers that are consistent with previous reports in animal models. Therefore, the microwell-derived rat testicular organoids described here can serve as a novel platform for the study of testicular cell maturation and reproductive toxicity in vitro.
Low Luteal Serum Progesterone Levels Are Associated With Lower Ongoing Pregnancy and Live Birth Rates in ART: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Ranisavljevic Noemie , Huberlant Stephanie , Montagut Marie , Alonzo Pierre-Marie , Darné Bernadette , Languille Solène , Anahory Tal , Cédrin-Durnerin Isabelle
Published: June 2022

Progesterone plays a key role in implantation. Several studies reported that lower luteal progesterone levels might be related to decreased chances of pregnancy. This systematic review was conducted using appropriate key words, on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, from 1990 up to March 2021 to assess if luteal serum progesterone levels are associated with ongoing pregnancy (OP) and live birth (LB) rates (primary outcomes) and miscarriage rate (secondary outcome), according to the number of corpora lutea (CLs). Overall 2,632 non-duplicate records were identified, of which 32 relevant studies were available for quantitative analysis. In artificial cycles with no CL, OP and LB rates were significantly decreased when the luteal progesterone level falls below a certain threshold (risk ratio [RR] 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–0.84 and 0.73; 95% CI 0.59–0.90, respectively), while the miscarriage rate was increased (RR 1.48; 95% CI 1.17–1.86). In stimulated cycles with several CLs, the mean luteal progesterone level in the no OP and no LB groups was significantly lower than in the OP and LB groups [difference in means 68.8 (95% CI 45.6–92.0) and 272.4 (95% CI 10.8–533.9), ng/ml, respectively]. Monitoring luteal serum progesterone levels could help in individualizing progesterone administration to enhance OP and LB rates, especially in cycles without corpus luteum.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=139019, identifier 139019.
De Novo Glycine Synthesis Is Reduced in Adults With Morbid Obesity and Increases Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Tan Hong Chang , Hsu Jean W. , Tai E Shyong , Chacko Shaji , Wu Vieon , Lee Chun Fan , Kovalik Jean-Paul , Jahoor Farook
Published: June 2022

Background

Glycine is a dietary non-essential amino acid that is low in obesity and increases following bariatric surgery. However, the exact mechanism responsible remains unclear and it is unknown whether hypoglycinemia is a cause or consequence of insulin resistance.

Objective

Using multiple isotopically labeled tracers, we aimed to determine the underlying kinetic changes responsible for hypoglycinemia in obesity by: 1) Comparing glycine kinetics between participants with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 32.5 kg/m2) to those with healthy weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2), and 2) Comparing glycine kinetic changes in participants with morbid obesity after bariatric surgery.

Methods

[1,2-13C2] glycine, [2,3,3-2H3] serine, and [2H5] phenylalanine were infused to compare the glycine kinetic parameters between 21 participants with morbid obesity and 21 controls with healthy weight. Participants with morbid obesity then underwent bariatric surgery and 17 were re-studied 6 months later. Data were analyzed by non-parametric methods and presented as median (interquartile range).

Results

Compared to controls, participants with morbid obesity had significantly lower plasma glycine concentrations at 163 (153-171) vs. 201 (172-227) µmol/L and significantly reduced de novo glycine synthesis rate at 86.2 (64.5-111) vs.124 (103-159) µmol·kg LBM-1·h1, p < 0.001. Following surgery, body weight and insulin resistance decreased and this was accompanied by significant increases in plasma glycine concentration to 210 (191-243) µmol/L as well as the de novo glycine synthesis rate to 127 (98.3-133) µmol·kg LBM-1·h-1, p < 0.001 vs. baseline.

Conclusion

Hypoglycinemia in participants with morbid obesity was associated with impaired de novo glycine synthesis. The increase in plasma glycine concentration and de novo glycine synthesis plus the marked improvement in insulin resistance after bariatric surgery suggest that hypoglycinemia may be secondary to impaired glycine synthesis because of obesity-induced insulin resistance.

Clinical Trial Registration

[https://tinyurl.com/6wfj7yss], identifier [NCT04660513].
Lactate: The Mediator of Metabolism and Immunosuppression
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhai Zhao , Duan Jiali , Wang Xiangcai , Zhong Jinghua , Wu Longqiu , Li An , Cao Miao , Wu Yanyang , Shi Huaqiu , Zhong Jianing , Guo Zhenli
Published: June 2022

The Warburg effect, one of the hallmarks of tumors, produces large amounts of lactate and generates an acidic tumor microenvironment via using glucose for glycolysis. As a metabolite, lactate not only serves as a substrate to provide energy for supporting cell growth and development but also acts as an important signal molecule to affect the biochemical functions of intracellular proteins and regulate the biological functions of different kinds of cells. Notably, histone lysine lactylation (Kla) is identified as a novel post-modification and carcinogenic signal, which provides the promising and potential therapeutic targets for tumors. Therefore, the metabolism and functional mechanism of lactate are becoming one of the hot fields in tumor research. Here, we review the production of lactate and its regulation on immunosuppressive cells, as well as the important role of Kla in hepatocellular carcinoma. Lactate and Kla supplement the knowledge gap in oncology and pave the way for exploring the mechanism of oncogenesis and therapeutic targets. Research is still needed in this field.
A Systematic Review of Ovarian Tissue Transplantation Outcomes by Ovarian Tissue Processing Size for Cryopreservation
Authors: Diaz Ashley A. , Kubo Hana , Handa Nicole , Hanna Maria , Laronda Monica M.
Published: June 2022

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is the only pre-treatment option currently available to preserve fertility for prepubescent girls and patients who cannot undergo ovarian stimulation. Currently, there is no standardized method of processing ovarian tissue for cryopreservation, despite evidence that fragmentation of ovaries may trigger primordial follicle activation. Because fragmentation may influence ovarian transplant function, the purpose of this systematic review was (1) to identify the processing sizes and dimensions of ovarian tissue within sites around the world, and (2) to examine the reported outcomes of ovarian tissue transplantation including, reported duration of hormone restoration, pregnancy, and live birth. A total of 2,252 abstracts were screened against the inclusion criteria. In this systematic review, 103 studies were included for analysis of tissue processing size and 21 studies were included for analysis of ovarian transplantation outcomes. Only studies where ovarian tissue was cryopreserved (via slow freezing or vitrification) and transplanted orthotopically were included in the review. The size of cryopreserved ovarian tissue was categorized based on dimensions into strips, squares, and fragments. Of the 103 studies, 58 fertility preservation sites were identified that processed ovarian tissue into strips (62%), squares (25.8%), or fragments (31%). Ovarian tissue transplantation was performed in 92 participants that had ovarian tissue cryopreserved into strips (n = 51), squares (n = 37), and fragments (n = 4). All participants had ovarian tissue cryopreserved by slow freezing. The pregnancy rate was 81.3%, 45.5%, 66.7% in the strips, squares, fragment groups, respectively. The live birth rate was 56.3%, 18.2%, 66.7% in the strips, squares, fragment groups, respectively. The mean time from ovarian tissue transplantation to ovarian hormone restoration was 3.88 months, 3.56 months, and 3 months in the strips, squares, and fragments groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the time of ovarian function’ restoration and the size of ovarian tissue. Transplantation of ovarian tissue, regardless of its processing dimensions, restores ovarian hormone activity in the participants that were reported in the literature. More detailed information about the tissue processing size and outcomes post-transplant are required to identify a preferred or more successful processing method.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk], identifier [CRD42020189120].
Do Information Communication Technology and Economic Development Impact Environmental Degradation? Evidence From the GCC Countries
Authors: Al-shammari Awwad Saad Awwad , Muneer Saqib , Tripathi Abhishek
Published: June 2022

The environmental variations compel global countries for restructuring economic growth policies to ensure reliable energy usage. Ecological sustainability is a leading concern of the world for adequate and smooth survival of human beings. The inefficiency of technology is a focal hindrance to attaining the sustainable environment goal. This research aims to probe the cointegration and causal relationship among information communication technology, CO2 emission, economic development, trade, and total population for GCC countries, namely, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, from 2000 to 2018. This research approached the unit-root tests, cointegration test, and FMOLS and DOLS test to determine stationarity of data series, cointegration relationship among variables, and the short- and long-run relationship among variables, respectively. The results of the analytical procession by employing FMOLS and DOLS confirmed that CO2 emission, ICT, and ED are positively significant, while POP was negatively substantial at a 1% level. No relation has been observed between trade and CO2 emission. The long-run relationship among variables is confirmed by FMOLS and DOLS analyses. A negative relationship between population growth and CO2 emission is observed. It is ideal for enhancing environmental sustainability by awareness of people’s importance to the environment. The GCC countries should transform or divide their economic growth sectors instead of only the fossil fuel sector. This research also enlightened the way to reduce environmental destruction by the attraction of foreign investments in other sectors compared to entire fossil fuel industries, and the information communication technologies also move toward green technology using environmentally friendly energy resources.
PSR-BP Neural Network-Based Health Assessment of the Huangshui Plateau Urban Wetlands in China
Authors: Tong Lingling , Mao Xufeng , Song Xiuhua , Wei Xiaoyan , Tang Wenjia , Deng Yanfang , Yu Hongyan , Deng Zhuo , Xiao Feng , Zhou Huakun , Yin Xinan
Published: June 2022

Wetland health assessment provides important basis for wetland restoration and management. However, it is quite tricky to select proper indicators from multiple assessment indicators that can truly reflect the health state of urban wetlands. In an attempt to address these problems, a pressure-state-response (PSR) and back propagation artificial neural network (BP) conjoined model was established for health assessment of several plateau urban wetlands in Xining City, China. The model was driven and verified through field monitoring and social questionnaire data for 4 consecutive years from 2016 to 2019. Results indicate that: (1) Eight health evaluation indexes, including population density, eutrophication level, increasing humidity, carbon dioxide absorption, air purifying, recreation, wetland management level and investment in ecological construction and protection were selected from 45 input indexes. (2) The health index of Huangshui National Wetland Park has been increasing year by year, with an average of comprehensive health score of 0.746, 0.790, 0.884, and 0.877, respectively. The indicators that contributed the most to the restoration effect were leisure and entertainment service value (2016), carbon dioxide absorption service value (2017), eutrophication (2018), and wetland management level (2019), respecially. (3) Compared with the single PSR method, the advantages of this method include; There are fewer evaluation indicators, more accurate results (excluding the interference of some highly variable indicators) and more sensitive to environmental changes. The current study proposed a novel method that may provide additional accurate and refined indicators for urban wetland health assessment.
Holocene Fires and Ecological Novelty in the High Colombian Cordillera Oriental
Authors: Espinoza Ismael G. , Franco-Gaviria Felipe , Castañeda Ivonne , Robinson Charlotte , Room Alex , Berrío Juan Carlos , Armenteras Dolors , Urrego Dunia H.
Published: June 2022

Rapid climate changes and the increasing presence of humans define the Holocene Epoch (11.6 calibrated kiloyears before present – hereafter kyr BP), when biological systems have faced the most recent and abrupt environmental changes. Understanding how biodiversity responds to extrinsic factors requires determining the effects of varying climatic conditions, changes in disturbance regimes, and increasing anthropogenic impacts. Despite being one center for biodiversity, the potential synergies of long-term anthropogenic and climate changes in shaping areas of high Andean biodiversity have yet to be explored fully. Here we present new pollen and charcoal records from the Pantano de Monquentiva (hereafter Monquentiva) on the highlands of the eastern flank of the Colombian Cordillera Oriental (CCO) to document relationships between climate, vegetation, and fire through the Holocene. We found compositional transitions at 8.7, 6.1, and 4.1 kyr BP at Monquentiva resulting from the interaction of climate, fire, and human occupation. Reduced moisture and temperature caused a compositional shift in Páramo vegetation from ca. 8.7 kyr BP. Fire activity was recorded throughout the Holocene and increased slightly during the Mid-Holocene when regional and local fire decoupling suggested human activities as the source of ignition. Mid-Holocene fires had a large effect on the vegetation composition at Monquentiva which recorded a rapid shift at ca. 6.8 kyr BP. Fire activity increased sharply from 4.1 kyr BP, promoting the reorganization of plant communities at 3.8 kyr BP. This shift in fire activity was likely related to more severe ENSO events and subsequently intensified by human activities after 3.8 kyr BP. Although high climatic sensitivity explains most Holocene vegetation changes in the eastern flank of the CCO, our study highlights the relevance of fire activity, uneven distribution of climatic variables, and human intervention to the composition of the vegetation we see today.
Quality Assessment of Ecological Environment Based on Google Earth Engine: A Case Study of the Zhoushan Islands
Authors: Liu Zhisong , Wang Liyan , Li Bin
Published: June 2022

With the development of society, the impact of human activities on the ecological environment is becoming increasingly intense, so the dynamic monitoring of the status of the ecological environment is of great significance to the management and protection of urban ecology. As an objective and rapid ecological quality monitoring and evaluation technique, the remote sensing based ecological index (RSEI) has been widely used in the field of ecological research. Free available Landsat series data has the character of a long time series and high spatial resolution provides the possibility to conduct large-scale and long-term monitoring of ecological environment quality. Compared with traditional methods, the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform can save a lot of time and energy in the data acquisition and preprocessing steps. To monitor the quality of the ecological environment in Zhoushan from 2000 to 2020, the GEE platform was used for cloud computing to obtain the RSEI, which can reflect the quality of the ecological environment. The results show that (1) from 2000 to 2020, the average RSEI value in Zhoushan Islands decreased from 0.748 to 0.681, indicating that the overall ecological environment exhibited a degradation trend. (2) From 2000 to 2020, the change in the area of each ecological environment level indicates that the quality of the ecological environment in Zhoushan Islands exhibited a degradation trend. The proportion of the area with an excellent eco-environment grade decreased by 13.54%, and the proportion of the area with poor and fair eco-environment grades increased by 3.43%.
Achieving Carbon Neutrality – The Role of Heterogeneous Environmental Regulations on Urban Green Innovation
Authors: Liu Baoliu , Wang Jiaxin , Li Rita Yi Man , Peng Lin , Mi Lili
Published: June 2022

This article examines the impact of heterogeneous environmental regulations on urban green innovation using panel data from 285 prefecture-level cities in mainland China from 2008 to 2019. From the perspective of green patents, this article utilizes a two-way fixed-effect model and the mediation effect model to examine the mechanism of the impact of heterogeneous environmental regulations on urban green innovation in China. Results show that the urban green innovation development in China is relatively slow and can be easily influenced by national policies. More specifically, the relationship between the command-based environmental regulation and urban green innovation presents an inverted non-linear U-shaped model, whereas the relationship between the market-based and voluntary environmental regulation presents a positive U-shaped model. Further investigation of this mechanism concludes that the progression of regional green innovation is primarily accelerated by technological development, effective energy allocation, and industrial structural upgrading. However, the implementation of relevant environmental regulations varies, resulting in various green innovation progression rates. Therefore, in order to achieve the carbon neutrality goal that China proposes, the effectiveness of environmental regulation implementation should be improved. Moreover, the development of various environmental regulation tools should be better coordinated.
A Novel Variant of X-Linked Moesin Gene in a Boy With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Like Disease-A Case Report
Authors: Fang Youhong , Luo Youyou , Liu Yang , Chen Jie
Published: June 2022

Variants in the MSN gene were recently reported as the cause of a primary immunodeficiency disease called X-linked moesin-associated immunodeficiency (X-MAID). Hitherto, only 10 patients were reported worldwide. Here, we report a boy who presented with recurrent high fever, oral ulcers, abdominal pain, and hematochezia for over 2 weeks. His serum inflammatory markers were elevated, and colonoscopy showed multiple colon ulcers and terminal ileum ulcers which resemble colitis caused by inflammatory bowel disease. A novel heterozygous variant c.934G>T(p.Glu312Ter) in the MSN gene was identified using whole exome sequencing (WES) and trio analysis. Intestinal ulcers were almost healed after inducing therapy with steroids and maintenance treatment of anti-TNFα therapy. We summarized the genotype and phenotype of reported X-MAID patients and presented the patient’s unique phenotype in this study. This study also expanded the spectrum of MSN mutation-caused immunodeficiency.
Roles of 21 Genera of Human Gut Microbiota in Barrett’s Esophagus Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yang Zhao , Yu Rong , Deng Wei , Wang Weihu
Published: June 2022

Background: Lack of definitive evidence supports the putative hypothesis that gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with Barrett’s esophagus (BE). We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization study to assess the associations of 21 genera of human gut microbiota with BE.

Methods: We identified independent genetic instruments for 21 genera of gut microbiota (including nine dominant genera, four core genera among individuals of European ancestry, and eight esophagus-specific genera of gut microbiota) from MiBioGen (up to 18,340 participants). We applied them to summary statistics from the largest publicly available genome-wide association study on BE (9,680 cases and 31,211 controls). We obtained the causal estimates of genetically predicted higher genera of gut microbiota and BE using the inverse variance weighting method. Sensitivity analyses included weighted median, MR-Egger, MR-RAPS, and MR-PRESSO.

Results: We found that genetically predicted higher Actinomyces (OR: 0.76 per unit increase in log odds of having BE, 95% CI: 0.70–0.83) and higher Ruminiclostridium (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.63–0.90) were significantly associated with a lower risk of BE. No associations of other genera of gut microbiota with BE were noted, apart from suggestive associations of higher Alistipes (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.61–0.99), higher Eubacterium (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.80–0.99), and higher Veillonella (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.56–1.02) with a lower risk of BE, and higher Faecalibacterium (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.99–1.33) with a higher risk of BE.

Conclusion: This study suggests that higher Actinomyces and higher Ruminiclostridium might protect against BE.