bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of circulating miRNAs differentially expressed in patients with Limb-girdle, Duchenne or facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophies
Authors: García-Giménez José Luis , García-Trevijano Elena R. , Avilés-Alía Ana I. , Ibañez-Cabellos José Santiago , Bovea-Marco Miquel , Bas Teresa , Pallardó Federico V. , Viña Juan R. , Zaragozá Rosa
Published: December 2022

Background

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a rare neuromuscular disease including a growing and heterogeneous number of subtypes with variable phenotype. Their clinical and histopathological characteristics frequently overlap with other neuromuscular dystrophies. Our goal was to identify, by a non-invasive method, a molecular signature including biochemical and epigenetic parameters with potential value for patient prognosis and stratification.

Results

Circulating miRNome was obtained by smallRNA-seq in plasma from LGMD patients (n = 6) and matched-controls (n = 6). Data, validated by qPCR in LGMD samples, were also examined in other common muscular dystrophies: Duchenne (DMD) (n = 5) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) (n = 4). Additionally, biochemical and clinical parameters were analyzed. miRNome analysis showed that thirteen differentially expressed miRs could separate LGMD vs control group by hierarchical clustering. Most of differentially expressed miRs in LGMD patients were up-regulated (miR-122-5p, miR-122b-3p, miR-6511a-3p, miR-192-5p, miR-574-3p, mir-885-3p, miR-29a-3p, miR-4646-3p, miR-203a-3p and miR-203b-5p) whilst only three of sequenced miRs were significantly down-regulated (miR-19b-3p, miR-7706, miR-323b-3p) when compared to matched controls. Bioinformatic analysis of target genes revealed cell cycle, muscle tissue development, regeneration and senescence as the most affected pathways. Four of these circulating miRs (miR-122-5p, miR-192-5p, miR-19b-3p and miR-323b-3p), together with the myomiR miR-206, were further analysed by qPCR in LGMD, DMD and FSHD. The receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) revealed high area under the curve (AUC) values for selected miRs in all groups, indicating that these miRs have good sensitivity and specificity to distinguish LGMD, DMD and FSHD patients from healthy controls. miR-122-5p, miR-192-5p and miR-323-3p were differentially expressed compared to matched-controls in all groups but apparently, each type of muscular dystrophy showed a specific pattern of miR expression. Finally, a strong correlation between miRs and biochemical data was only found in LGMD patients: while miR-192-5p and miR-122-5p negatively correlated with CK, miR-192-5p positively correlated with vitamin D3 and ALP.

Conclusions

Although limited by the small number of patients included in this study, we propose here a specific combination of circulating miR-122-5p/miR-192-5p/miR-323-3 and biochemical parameters as a potential molecular signature whose clinical value for LGMD patient prognosis and stratification should be further confirmed in a larger cohort of patients.
NetAct: a computational platform to construct core transcription factor regulatory networks using gene activity
Authors: Su Kenong , Katebi Ataur , Kohar Vivek , Clauss Benjamin , Gordin Danya , Qin Zhaohui S. , Karuturi R. Krishna M. , Li Sheng , Lu Mingyang
Published: December 2022

A major question in systems biology is how to identify the core gene regulatory circuit that governs the decision-making of a biological process. Here, we develop a computational platform, named NetAct, for constructing core transcription factor regulatory networks using both transcriptomics data and literature-based transcription factor-target databases. NetAct robustly infers regulators’ activity using target expression, constructs networks based on transcriptional activity, and integrates mathematical modeling for validation. Our in silico benchmark test shows that NetAct outperforms existing algorithms in inferring transcriptional activity and gene networks. We illustrate the application of NetAct to model networks driving TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and macrophage polarization.
Truvari: refined structural variant comparison preserves allelic diversity
Authors: English Adam C. , Menon Vipin K. , Gibbs Richard A. , Metcalf Ginger A. , Sedlazeck Fritz J.
Published: December 2022

The fundamental challenge of multi-sample structural variant (SV) analysis such as merging and benchmarking is identifying when two SVs are the same. Common approaches for comparing SVs were developed alongside technologies which produce ill-defined boundaries. As SV detection becomes more exact, algorithms to preserve this refined signal are needed. Here, we present Truvari—an SV comparison, annotation, and analysis toolkit—and demonstrate the effect of SV comparison choices by building population-level VCFs from 36 haplotype-resolved long-read assemblies. We observe over-merging from other SV merging approaches which cause up to a 2.2× inflation of allele frequency, relative to Truvari.
Comparison between two methods of the immediate post-placental insertion of copper intrauterine device in vaginal birth—a protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Herculano Thuany Bento , Surita Fernanda Garanhani , Juliato Cássia Raquel Teatin , Rehder Patrícia Moretti
Published: December 2022

Background

Ensuring effective and long-term contraception in the immediate postpartum period is an effective strategy for reducing unplanned pregnancies. In the meantime, the intrauterine device (IUD) is an excellent option. The aim of our study was to evaluate the best way to insert post-placental IUDs in the immediate postpartum period. Discomfort during insertion, expulsion rate, uterine perforation rate, and proper positioning 40–60 days postpartum will be analyzed.

Methods

Randomized, controlled, open clinical trial. The study group will be composed of women between 18 and 43 years old who are admitted for vaginal birth at the Women’s Hospital of the State University of Campinas and who wish to use the IUD as a contraceptive method. The sample will be randomized into two insertion groups: manual and forceps. To calculate the sample size, the method of comparing the proportion between 2 groups was used, setting the level of significance alpha at 5% (alpha=0.05) and the power of the sample at 80% (beta=0.20). Based on the results, it was estimated that a sample of n=186 women (n=93 with manual insertion and n=93 with forceps) would be representative for comparison of expulsion between the 2 groups. All participants will undergo a postpartum consultation 40–60 days after birth with transvaginal ultrasound to assess the proper placement of the IUD.

Discussion

Insertion of an IUD in the immediate postpartum period has been considered a good option to increase coverage and access to contraception, and its benefit outweighs the inconvenience of a higher expulsion rate.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the Ethics and Research Commission of UNICAMP (CAAE: 50497321.4.0000.5404) and the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) (number RBR-4j62jv6). This is the first version of the study protocol approved on 11/12/2021 prior to the start of participant recruitment.
Development and validation of short-term renal prognosis prediction model in diabetic patients with acute kidney injury
Authors: Mo Manqiu , Huang Zichun , Gao Tianyun , Luo Yuzhen , Pan Xiaojie , Yang Zhenhua , Xia Ning , Liao Yunhua , Pan Ling
Published: December 2022

Objective

Diabetes is a major cause of the progression of acute kidney injury (AKI). Few prediction models have been developed to predict the renal prognosis in diabetic patients with AKI so far. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a predictive model to identify high-risk individuals with non-recovery of renal function at 90 days in diabetic patients with AKI.

Methods

Demographic data and related laboratory indicators of diabetic patients with AKI in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 31, 2012 to January 31, 2022 were retrospectively analysed, and patients were followed up to 90 days after AKI diagnosis. Based on the results of Logistic regression, a model predicting the risk of non-recovery of renal function at 90 days in diabetic patients with AKI was developed and internal validated. Consistency index (C-index), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the differentiation, accuracy, and clinical utility of the prediction model, respectively.

Results

A total of 916 diabetic patients with AKI were enrolled, with a male to female ratio of 2.14:1. The rate of non-recovery of renal function at 90 days was 66.8% (612/916). There were 641 in development cohort and 275 in validation cohort (ration of 7:3). In the development cohort, a prediction model was developed based on the results of Logistic regression analysis. The variables included in the model were: diabetes duration (OR = 1.022, 95% CI  1.012–1.032), hypertension (OR = 1.574, 95% CI 1.043–2.377), chronic kidney disease (OR = 2.241, 95% CI 1.399–3.591), platelet (OR = 0.997, 95% CI 0.995–1.000), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (OR = 0.966, 95% CI  0.956–0.976), postprandial blood glucose (OR = 1.104, 95% CI 1.032–1.181), discharged serum creatinine (OR = 1.003, 95% CI 1.001–1.005). The C-indices of the prediction model were 0.807 (95% CI 0.738–0.875) and 0.803 (95% CI 0.713–0.893) in the development and validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration curves were all close to the straight line with slope 1. The decision curve analysis showed that in a wide range of threshold probabilities.

Conclusion

A prediction model was developed to help predict short-term renal prognosis of diabetic patients with AKI, which has been verified to have good differentiation, calibration degree and clinical practicability.
The performance of plasma amyloid beta measurements in identifying amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease: a literature review
Authors: Brand Abby L. , Lawler Paige E. , Bollinger James G. , Li Yan , Schindler Suzanne E. , Li Melody , Lopez Samir , Ovod Vitaliy , Nakamura Akinori , Shaw Leslie M. , Zetterberg Henrik , Hansson Oskar , Bateman Randall J.
Published: December 2022

The extracellular buildup of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Detection of Aβ pathology is essential for AD diagnosis and for identifying and recruiting research participants for clinical trials evaluating disease-modifying therapies. Currently, AD diagnoses are usually made by clinical assessments, although detection of AD pathology with positron emission tomography (PET) scans or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis can be used by specialty clinics. These measures of Aβ aggregation, e.g. plaques, protofibrils, and oligomers, are medically invasive and often only available at specialized medical centers or not covered by medical insurance, and PET scans are costly. Therefore, a major goal in recent years has been to identify blood-based biomarkers that can accurately detect AD pathology with cost-effective, minimally invasive procedures.

To assess the performance of plasma Aβ assays in predicting amyloid burden in the central nervous system (CNS), this review compares twenty-one different manuscripts that used measurements of 42 and 40 amino acid-long Aβ (Aβ42 and Aβ40) in plasma to predict CNS amyloid status. Methodologies that quantitate Aβ42 and 40 peptides in blood via immunoassay or immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) were considered, and their ability to distinguish participants with amyloidosis compared to amyloid PET and CSF Aβ measures as reference standards was evaluated. Recent studies indicate that some IP-MS assays perform well in accurately and precisely measuring Aβ and detecting brain amyloid aggregates.
Necrotizing autoimmune myositis following coronavirus disease 2019 infection: a case report
Authors: Loghman Maryam , Rahmanian Ehsan , Alikhani Majid , Saffar Hiva , Beikmohamadi Hezaveh Sara , Nekooeian Mohammad , Shahriarirad Reza , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh
Published: December 2022

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 may be associated with late-onset necrotizing myositis, mimicking autoimmune inflammatory myositis; however, the exact underlying pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-induced myositis is still unclear.

Case Presentation

Herein, we report a rare case of necrotizing autoimmune myositis in a 67-year-old middle eastern male following coronavirus disease 2019 infection, who presented with muscle weakness. The patient had positive anti-NXP2. The diagnosis of necrotizing autoimmune myositis was made according to muscle weakness, increased liver enzymes, electromyography and nerve conduction velocity results, and muscle biopsy. The patient underwent a full malignancy evaluation, which was unremarkable, and was discharged in relatively well condition with a daily dose of 1 mg/kg prednisolone and azathioprine 150 mg (2 mg/kg).

Conclusion

Our report highlights the already known possible protracted sequence of coronavirus disease 2019 infection and the potential for delayed-onset necrotizing myositis.
Effect of glucose depletion and fructose administration during chondrogenic commitment in human bone marrow-derived stem cells
Authors: Zuncheddu Daniele , Della Bella Elena , Petta Dalila , Bärtschi Cecilia , Häckel Sonja , Deml Moritz C. , Stoddart Martin J. , Grad Sibylle , Basoli Valentina
Published: December 2022

Background

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) are promising for therapeutic use in cartilage repair, because of their capacity to differentiate into chondrocytes. Often, in vitro differentiation protocols employ the use of high amount of glucose, which does not reflect cartilage physiology. For this reason, we investigated how different concentrations of glucose can affect the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs in cell culture pellets. Additionally, we investigated how fructose could influence the chondrogenic differentiation in vitro.

Methods

BMSC were isolated from six donors and cultured in DMEM containing glucose at either 25 mM (HG), 5.5 mM (LG) or 1 mM (LLG), and 1% non-essential amino acids, 1% ITS+, in the presence of 100 nM dexamethasone, 50 µg/ml ascorbic acid-2 phosphate and 10 ng/ml TGF-β1. To investigate the effect of different metabolic substrates, other groups were exposed to additional 25 mM fructose. The media were replaced every second day until day 21 when all the pellets were harvested for further analyses. Biochemical analysis for glycosaminoglycans into pellets and released in medium was performed using the DMMB method. Expression of GLUT3 and GLUT5 was assayed by qPCR and validated using FACS analysis and immunofluorescence in monolayer cultures. Chondrogenic differentiation was further confirmed by qPCR analysis of COL2A1, COL1A1, COL10A1, ACAN, RUNX2, SOX9, SP7, MMP13, and PPARG, normalized on RPLP0. Type 2 collagen expression was subsequently validated by immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

We show for the first time the presence of fructose transporter GLUT5 in BMSC and its regulation during chondrogenic commitment. Additionally, decreasing glucose concentration during chondrogenesis dramatically decreased the yield of differentiation. However, the use of fructose alone or together with low glucose concentrations does not limit cell differentiation, but on the contrary it might help in maintaining a stable chondrogenic phenotype comparable with the standard culture conditions (high glucose).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that BMSC express GLUT5 and differentially regulate GLUT3 in the presence of glucose variation. This study gives a better comprehension of BMSCs sugar use during chondrogenesis.
KW-2449 and VPA exert therapeutic effects on human neurons and cerebral organoids derived from MECP2-null hESCs
Authors: Xu Ya-Jie , Liu Pei-Pei , Yan Zhong-Ze , Mi Ting-Wei , Wang Ying-Ying , Li Qian , Teng Zhao-Qian , Liu Chang-Mei
Published: December 2022

Background

Rett syndrome (RTT), mainly caused by mutations in methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in girls. However, the underlying mechanism of MECP2 remains largely unknown and currently there is no effective treatment available for RTT.

Methods

We generated MECP2-KO human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and differentiated them into neurons and cerebral organoids to investigate phenotypes of MECP2 loss-of-function, potential therapeutic agents, and the underlying mechanism by transcriptome sequencing.

Results

We found that MECP2 deletion caused reduced number of hESCs-derived neurons and simplified dendritic morphology. Moreover, MECP2-KO cortical organoids exhibited fewer neural progenitor cells and neurons at day 60. Electrophysiological recordings showed that MECP2 deletion altered synaptic activity in organoids. Transcriptome analysis of organoids identified many genes in the PI3K-AKT pathway downregulated following MECP2 deletion. Treatment with either KW-2449 or VPA, small molecules for the activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, alleviated neuronal deficits and transcriptome changes in MECP2-KO human neuronal models.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that KW-2449 and VPA might be promising drugs for RTT treatment.
Image-based crosstalk analysis of cell–cell interactions during sprouting angiogenesis using blood-vessel-on-a-chip
Authors: Sano Takanori , Nakajima Tadaaki , Senda Koharu Alicia , Nakano Shizuka , Yamato Mizuho , Ikeda Yukinori , Zeng Hedele , Kawabe Jun-ichi , Matsunaga Yukiko T.
Published: December 2022

Background

Sprouting angiogenesis is an important mechanism for morphogenetic phenomena, including organ development, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. In regenerative medicine, therapeutic angiogenesis is a clinical solution for recovery from ischemic diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been clinically used given their pro-angiogenic effects. MSCs are reported to promote angiogenesis by differentiating into pericytes or other vascular cells or through cell–cell communication using multiple protein–protein interactions. However, how MSCs physically contact and move around ECs to keep the sprouting angiogenesis active remains unknown.

Methods

We proposed a novel framework of EC–MSC crosstalk analysis using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and MSCs obtained from mice subcutaneous adipose tissue on a 3D in vitro model, microvessel-on-a-chip, which allows cell-to-tissue level study. The microvessels were fabricated and cultured for 10 days in a collagen matrix where MSCs were embedded.

Results

Immunofluorescence imaging using a confocal laser microscope showed that MSCs smoothed the surface of the microvessel and elongated the angiogenic sprouts by binding to the microvessel’s specific microstructures. Additionally, three-dimensional modeling of HUVEC–MSC intersections revealed that MSCs were selectively located around protrusions or roots of angiogenic sprouts, whose surface curvature was excessively low or high, respectively.

Conclusions

The combination of our microvessel-on-a-chip system for 3D co-culture and image-based crosstalk analysis demonstrated that MSCs are selectively localized to concave–convex surfaces on scaffold structures and that they are responsible for the activation and stabilization of capillary vessels.
Strategies of cell and cell-free therapies for periodontal regeneration: the state of the art
Authors: Wang Xiuting , Chen Jinlong , Tian Weidong
Published: December 2022

Background

Periodontitis often causes irrevocable destruction of tooth-supporting tissues and eventually leads to tooth loss. Currently, stem cell-based tissue engineering has achieved a favorable result in regenerating periodontal tissues. Moreover, cell-free therapies that aim to facilitate the recruitment of resident repair cell populations to injured sites by promoting cell mobilization and homing have become alternative options to cell therapy.

Main text

Cell aggregates (e.g., cell sheets) retain a large amount of extracellular matrix which can improve cell viability and survival rates after implantation in vivo. Electrostatic spinning and 3D bioprinting through fabricating specific alignments and interactions scaffold structures have made promising outcomes in the construction of a microenvironment conducive to periodontal regeneration. Cell-free therapies with adding biological agents (growth factors, exosomes and conditioned media) to promote endogenous regeneration have somewhat addressed the limitations of cell therapy.

Conclusion

Hence, this article reviews the progress of stem cell-based tissue engineering and advanced strategies for endogenous regeneration based on stem cell derivatives in periodontal regeneration.
Residual gastric volume after 3 h of the ingestion of an oral supplement containing carbohydrates alone or associated with whey protein: a randomized crossover pilot study
Authors: Nogueira Paulo Luiz Batista , da Silva Mario Renato , Dock-Nascimento Diana Borges , de Aguilar-Nascimento José Eduardo
Published: December 2022

Background

New formulas including a nitrogenous source to maltodextrin have been reported as preoperative beverages 2–3 h before anesthesia in the elective procedure. Whey protein is a potential candidate for the composition of this clear oral supplement. This study aimed to investigate the gastric residual volume (GRV) of healthy volunteers 3 h after the ingestion of an oral supplement containing carbohydrates (CHO) alone or combined with whey protein (WP).

Methods

This crossover clinical trial design includes young, healthy male volunteers with normal body mass index. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the upper abdomen to measure the GRV was performed in the participants in three phases: (1) after a fasting period of 8 h; (2) immediately after the ingestion of 200 mL of a clear supplement containing: (2a) 10 g of WP and 54 g of CHO (74% glucose and 26% maltodextrin)–WP + CHO group or (2b) 12.5% maltodextrin (25 g)–CHO group; and (3) after 3 h of the ingestion of both types of supplements. A week interval was programmed between phases 2a and 2b.

Results

There was no significant difference (p = 0.91; within-group comparison) of the mean ± SD of the GRV between phase 1 (WP + CHO: 23.45 ± 14.01; CHO: 25.03 ± 15.17 cm3; p = 0.78; between-groups comparison) and phase 3 (WP + CHO: 25.66 ± 9.31; CHO: 23.45 ± 13.58 cm3, p = 0.86; between-groups comparison). The GRV of phase 2 (WP + CHO: 206.43 ± 23; CHO: 203.99 ± 12.18 cm3; p = 0.82; between-groups comparison) was significantly greater (p < 0.01; within-group comparison) than both other two phases.

Conclusion

The GRV after 3 h of the ingestion of either WP + CHO or CHO oral supplement returns to basal fast condition implying that gastric emptying after this interval of time is significantly completed.

Trial registration

Registered and posted on the ClinicalTrials.gov public website with Identifier: NCT05573854.
The ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes multiplying platelet predicts incidence of pulmonary infection-related acute kidney injury
Authors: Shen Bo , Zou Zhouping , Li Yang , Jia Ping , Xie Yeqing , Gong Shaomin , Teng Jie , Xu Jiarui , Yang Cheng , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: December 2022

Background

Inflammation is a crucial factor in the pathogenesis and development of acute kidney injury (AKI). Macrophages, as an important innate immune cell, regulate immune response and play a pathophysiological role in AKI. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive capacity of peripheral blood monocytes for the incidence of pulmonary infection-related AKI.

Methods

We recruited 1038 hospitalized patients with pulmonary infections from January 1 to December 31, 2019, in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. Patients were divided into derivation and validation cohorts. Data on demographic characteristics, disease history, and biochemical indexes were retrieved from the electronic medical system. The composite inflammatory indexes were calculated as monocyte/(lymphocyte × platelet ratio) (MLPR). We applied dose–response relationship analyses to delineate the nonlinear odds ratio (OR) in different MLPR levels and integrated it into a logistic model to predict the risk of AKI.

Results

The incidence of hospital-acquired AKI was 18.8% in the derivation cohort. Compared to non-AKI, the MLPR levels were significantly higher in AKI patients. Dose–response curve revealed that the increase of AKI risk was faster in the first half of MLPR and then tended to flatten. After classifying the MLPR levels into six groups, the AKI incidence increased from 4.5% to 55.3% with a peaking OR of 24.38. The AUC values of the AKI model only including MLPR were 0.740, and after gradually integrating other covariates, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) value reached 0.866, which was significantly higher than the AUC of full models without MLPR (0.822). Moreover, the better prediction ability of AKI was observed in the external validation, with an AUC of 0.899.

Conclusion

MLPR has good predictive efficiency in AKI, which can be used as a simple and easy clinical composite index to effectively predict early pulmonary infection-related AKI.
Epicardial fat volume evaluated with multidetector computed tomography and other risk factors for prevalence of three-vessel coronary lesions
Authors: Gao Bulang , Li Caiying , Liao Qibin , Pan Tong , Ren Chunfeng , Cao Qinying
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To retrospectively investigate the epicardial fat volume with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and other risk factors for the prevalence of three-vessel coronary lesion.

Materials and methods

MDCT was performed on 424 subjects with or without three-vessel coronary lesion. Blood was tested for triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein A (ApoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lipoprotein a, and fasting blood glucose.

Results

Among all the subjects, a significant (P < 0.05) negative linear correlation existed between age and ALT or ALT/AST. The epicardial fat had a significant (P < 0.05) negative linear correlation with HDL and Apo A but a positive correlation with age and ApoB/ApoA. The epicardial fat volume and the fasting blood glucose were significantly (P = 0.001) greater in the patients than in the control group, whereas HDL and Apo A were both significantly (P < 0.0001) smaller in the patients than in the control groups. A significant prediction value (P < 0.05) existed in age increase, male gender, epicardial fat increase, low HDL, high LDL, and elevated fasting blood glucose.

Conclusion

Three-vessel coronary lesions are more prevalent in subjects with greater volume of epicardial fat and in male gender.
The associations of total testosterone with probable nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrotic progression in men with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Ziteng , Chen Chi , Wang Yuying , Wang Ningjian , Chen Yi , Lu Yingli , Xia Fangzhen
Published: December 2022

Background

Testosterone has an impact on metabolic disorders and men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are predisposed to hypogonadism; meanwhile, patients with T2DM have higher risk of NAFLD. Therefore, we speculate that testosterone may affect the progression of NAFLD in T2DM patients and we aim to investigate whether total testosterone is associated with NAFLD progression in men with T2DM.

Methods

A cross-sectional study. A total of 1782 male participants with T2DM were enrolled from seven communities in Shanghai. Probable nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was defined by the concurrence of NAFLD and metabolic syndrome (MetS). NAFLD fibrosis score was used to identify patients with probable advanced fibrosis. Multinomial logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression was used to measure the association of total testosterone (independent variable) and the progression category of NAFLD (dependent variable).

Results

In male, TT quartiles were negatively associated with probable NASH (Q1 vs. Q4 OR 2.07 95% CI 1.31–3.28, P for trend = 0.001) and inflammatory progression of NAFLD with OR of 1 SD increment of ln (TT) 0.81 (95% CI 0.72–0.92, P for trend < 0.001), but positively with fibrotic progression (Q1 vs. Q4 OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.29–0.72, P for trend = 0.001) with OR of 1 SD increment of ln (TT) 1.24 (95% CI 1.07–1.45). According to stratified analyses, for inflammatory progression, the interactions of age strata, duration of diabetes strata, and dyslipidemia status with 1 SD increment of ln (TT) were significant (P for interaction 0.007, 0.003, and 0.012, respectively); as for fibrotic progression, we found no interactions (all P for interaction ≥ 0.05).

Conclusions

Different associations between TT and inflammatory and fibrotic progression of NAFLD in male were observed, suggesting different roles of TT in inflammatory and fibrotic stages of NAFLD.
Does innovative capacity affect the deindustrialization process? A panel data analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Bruno Ferreira , da Fonseca Nicolay Rodolfo Tomás
Published: December 2022

The objective of the article is to analyze the relation between the innovative capacity and the deindustrialization process. We use data from 80 countries from 1995 to 2016. In addition, we use a new dependent variable to measure the deindustrialization process, related to the quality of exports and industrial competitiveness. The results suggest that there is a direct relationship between the innovative capacity and the share of industry in GDP, the relative share of industrial employment, and the quality of industrial exports. In the estimates considering the income level, we found that the impact of the innovative process on the dependent variables decreases as the income level rises. Although the effects of innovative capacity on industrial muscle remain positive. The results suggest that low innovative capacity may affect the deindustrialization process of a given country. The estimated result for the dependent variable related to the quality of exports presented the same behavior as the variables reported in the literature. As a public policy implication, the results suggest that policymakers should adopt incentive policies to build innovative capacity according to their income level, so that industrial development can provide special and favorable conditions for sustained growth.
Statistical and simulation study on the separation in junction frequencies between ordinary (O) and extraordinary (X) wave in oblique ionograms
Authors: FengJuan Sun , XianRong Wan , HongBo Zhang , Bao Zhou , PanPan Ban , Hongyan Cao
Published: December 2022

The most important aim in interpreting an oblique ionogram is to obtain the accurate Junction Frequencies (JFs) of the ordinary (O) and extraordinary (X) mode. This requires the correct identification of O- and X-mode traces, so it is very helpful and worthy to grasp the relative position between the two modes. This paper presents a statistical and simulation study of the separation in JFs between O- and X-waves based on observed oblique ionograms over three mid-latitude paths within China and a 3D ray-tracing program. The dependence on local time, season, geomagnetic activity, O-wave JF and group path, solar activity, direction, and length of propagation is investigated. The main conclusions are as follows: (a) the separation on east–west path is susceptible to ionospheric variability, while the separation on north–south path does not show a significant correlation with local time and season; (b) a general diurnal tendency and a summer anomaly on east–west propagation are first proposed and discussed, which may be related to the diurnal variation of hmF2 above the reflection point and the strong lower layers below the reflection point; (c) the separation varies approximately as a cosine function with the propagation direction owning two maxima in the north–south direction and two minima in the east–west direction; (d) the variation patterns of the separation with the propagation length are obviously not the same in different directions. In the case of east–west propagation, the separation decreases to a minimum near ground range of 2000 km and then increases very slowly with increasing ground range, while it monotonically increases for the north–south propagation path.

Graphical Abstract
Anterior inferior cerebellar artery loop and tinnitus—is there any association between them?
Authors: Saraf Aditiya , Gupta Nitika , Manhas Monica , Kalsotra Parmod
Published: December 2022

Background

Where there is no identifiable cause of otologic symptoms like hearing loss and tinnitus, it is believed that etiology could possibly involve a vascular loop in AICA compressing the vestibulo-cochlear nerve within the internal auditory canal. In this study, we aim to evaluate whether there is any association of AICA vascular loops with unexplained tinnitus.

Methods

The present prospective study was conducted in the Department of ENT, SMGS Hospital, GMC Jammu, from October 2020 to March 2022 on 131 subjects with unexplained tinnitus. All subjects were subjected to contrast enhanced MRI brain (3D fast spin echo T2W1 with drive equilibrium pulse) for evaluation of AICA using Chavda classification—type 1 (lying in CP angle, but not entering IAC), type 2 (entering IAC but extending < 50% of length of IAC), and type 3 (extending > 50% of length of IAC).

Results

Out of 131 unexplained tinnitus cases, 76 patients (58%) had AICA loop on MRI. Out of 16 patients with right sided tinnitus, 11 patients had AICA on same side, while 5 patients had AICA on the opposite (left) side. Out of 26 patients with left-sided tinnitus, 12 patients had AICA on same side, while 14 patients had AICA on the opposite (right) side, these findings being statistically insignificant (p = 0.153).

Conclusion

From our study, we can conclude that the presence of AICA vascular loop either on CP angle or within IAC in tinnitus patients is an incidental finding and has no role in its etiology.
Approach to the Patient: A Case With an Unusual Cause of Hypopituitarism
Authors: Das Liza , Dutta Pinaki
Published: December 2022

Hypopituitarism, which refers to insufficiency of one or more hormones of the pituitary, can be due to myriad causes. The clinical and radiological spectrum of the condition is heterogeneous, based on the patient’s age, gender, clinical setting, and/or other past medical history. Hypopituitarism includes central hypocortisolism, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, and growth hormone deficiency. Both hypo- and hyperprolactinemia can be associated with hypopituitarism, with low prolactin signifying more extensive pituitary damage. Posterior pituitary insufficiency (arginine vasopressin deficiency) occurs either in isolation or with anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. Clinical symptomatology of hypopituitarism is usually nonspecific and insidious in onset and progression. Overall, the most common cause of hypopituitarism is a pituitary adenoma and/or its management (surgery, radiotherapy, pharmacotherapy, or a combination of these). However, it is this subset of patients which is more likely to be identified and managed in a timely manner, possibly alleviating the premature mortality associated with hypopituitarism. What is more challenging is the recognition of hypopituitarism in less common settings, which may be either due to direct involvement of the pituitary (infection, traumatic brain injury, or infiltrative causes) or indirectly as a consequence of the primary process (thalassemia, vasculotoxic snakebite, subarachnoid hemorrhage). These entities are often under-recognized, and increased awareness can help in greater recognition of the burden. Further, pituitary insufficiency in most of these settings is dynamic and may progress, or rarely, show recovery of function. This renders complexity to the problem, but makes it even more imperative to suspect, screen, and appropriately manage patients with less common causes of hypopituitarism.
Small noncoding RNA interactome capture reveals pervasive, carbon source–dependent tRNA engagement of yeast glycolytic enzymes
Authors: Asencio Claudio , Schwarzl Thomas , Sahadevan Sudeep , Hentze Matthias W.
Published: December 2022

Small noncoding RNAs fulfill key functions in cellular and organismal biology, typically working in concert with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). While proteome-wide methodologies have enormously expanded the repertoire of known RBPs, these methods do not distinguish RBPs binding to small noncoding RNAs from the rest. To specifically identify this relevant subclass of RBPs, we developed small noncoding RNA interactome capture (snRIC2C) based on the differential RNA-binding capacity of silica matrices (2C). We define theS. cerevisiaeproteome of nearly 300 proteins that specifically binds to RNAs smaller than 200 nt in length (snRBPs), identifying informative distinctions from the total RNA-binding proteome determined in parallel. Strikingly, the snRBPs include most glycolytic enzymes from yeast. With further methodological developments using silica matrices, 12 tRNAs were identified as specific binders of the glycolytic enzyme GAPDH. We show that tRNA engagement of GAPDH is carbon source–dependent and regulated by the RNA polymerase III repressor Maf1, suggesting a regulatory interaction between glycolysis and RNA polymerase III activity. We conclude that snRIC2Cand other 2C-derived methods greatly facilitate the study of RBPs, revealing previously unrecognized interactions.
Identification of prime factors of active river bank erosion in the lower course of Ganga Bhagirathi River: a study
Authors: Ghosh Debika
Published: December 2022

The present study aims to identify prime factors of active and continuous riverbank erosion. Field visits were conducted from 2015 to 2019. To fulfil the objective of the study, 21 study units prone to bank erosion were selected along the banks of Ganga-Bhagirathi at Jangipur sub-division. Remote sensing and geographic information system were used to measure the area under erosion and deposition from the 1985 to 2015 at five-year intervals. Bank height, bank angle, length of fracture from bank line, river velocity, and channel depth were measured for each study unit using different instruments like cup-type water current meter, clinometers, and measuring tape. Soil samples were collected for textural analysis. Factor analysis was performed to find out prime responsible factors for active riverbank erosion. The result of the study shows that bank height, bank angle, channel width, and fracture length together comprise the first component, which explains 29.48 percent of variance. Riverbank erosion happens due to physical and manmade factors in the lower plain area of the Ganga-Bhagirathi River.
Team Adaptation to Discontinuous Task Change: Equity and Equality as Facilitators of Individual and Collective Task Capabilities Redevelopment
Authors: Li Alex Ning , Sherf Elad N. , Tangirala Subrahmaniam
Published: December 2022

Teams often need to adapt to planned discontinuous task change or fundamental alteration of tasks, tools, and work systems. Although team adaptation theories have made substantive progress in explaining how teams can respond to change, they have not adequately considered the unique impact that discontinuous task change can have on teams. Such change can render not only collective but also individual task capabilities obsolete and necessitate a multilevel task relearning process. Drawing on the team compilation model, we suggest that adaptation to discontinuous task change is akin to team (re)development. We posit that teams are more effective when they approach discontinuous task change by first focusing on the rebuilding of individual task capabilities and only later shifting their attention to the rebuilding of team-level task capabilities. Moreover, we argue that the uncertainty caused by discontinuous task change makes reward fairness salient such that equity and equality in rewards are particularly useful in motivating members to (re)develop individual and collective task capabilities, respectively. We provide support for these arguments using survey, qualitative, and archival data from 115 manufacturing teams and discuss the implications of our findings for both research and practice.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.1621 .
Study of Selected Beverages with Β-Glucan from Oats and Barley on Physical Properties, Sensory Perception, Glycemic Index and Satiety
Authors: Kasim Zalifah Mohd , Chin Teh Hui , Zubairi Saiful Irwan
Published: December 2022

Over recent years, more and more products with β-glucan have appeared in the market. This study was conducted to determine the physical, sensory evaluation and glycemic index (GI) of selected popular beverages with β-glucan in the Malaysian market, which were Biogrow Oat BG22 (from oats) and Biolife Barley BG25 (from barley). The physical parameters measured were colour, viscosity, and total suspended solid. Sensory analysis was conducted on 30 subjects using the 7-point hedonic scale. Attributes assessed were colour, aroma, viscosity, sweetness and overall acceptance. A total of 10 subjects were involved in the determination of GI value of these beverages. A total of 25 g glucose was used as the reference. Test meals also contained 25 g available carbohydrate and all beverages were mixed with 250 mL water. Blood samples (finger prick) were taken every 15 minutes (first hour) and 30 minutes (second hour) for the duration of 120 minutes after the food sample consumption. Test protocol was based on ISO26642:2010. Blood glucose values were determined using glucometer. A total of 30 subjects were chosen for the determination of satiety scores. Labelled magnitude satiety scale was used to measure satiety scores before and after test beverage consumption. Subjects were required to assess their perception of fullness or hunger by marking on the labelled magnitude satiety scale every 15 minutes for the first hour and 30 minutes for subsequent 2 hour for a total of 180 minutes. The colour analysis showed that BG25 and BG22 were slightly yellow due to positive b* value. The BG22 was more viscous and do not contain any sugar compared to BG25. Blood glucose level after glucose intake reached optimum level (9.9 mmol/L) at 30 minutes while BG25 and BG22 reached optimum level at 45 minutes with the value 7.9 mmol/L and 6.4 mmol/L respectively. Significant difference was found for attributes aroma, viscosity and overall acceptance of the two products. Our study found, BG22 from oats were has better physical attributes and is better accepted by the panelists. However, it is suggested that both products be taken together with milk or soy to improve the taste. The GI for BG25 was 79 (high GI) while BG22 was 32 (low GI). The BG22 with lower GI is significantly more satiating than BG25 and perhaps can be a choice of beverage for people who are managing diabetes and obesity.
Effects of Wet Processing on Physicochemical and Functional Characteristics of Millet Flour
Authors: Paliwal Ankit , Sharma Neha , Singh Ranjana
Published: December 2022

In recent times, millet emerged as a gluten-free alternative cereal with a rich nutritional profile. However, the nutritional value is hindered by antinutritional factors, like tannin and phytic acid, present in the grain. In the current work, wet pre-processing methods, namely steeping, fermentation, germination, and a combination of germination-fermentation were studied for their effect on these antinutritional factors along with other functional and chemical properties of millet flour. Starch hydrolysation due to these wet pre-treatments was found to improve various aspects of the functional properties of millet flour. Steeping and fermentation resulted in increased protein and fat fraction in the treated flour with better water absorption capacity and hygroscopicity. At the same time, germination improved the protein and fibre content with better water solubility and oil absorption capacity. The aqueous environment during these pre-treatments was also found to reduce gelatinisation temperature and content of antinutritional factors in the treated flour samples. The present study indicated that wet pre-processing could be a good value addition to millet flour preparation with better functional and nutritional properties.
A Review on the Application of Nanotechnology in Food Industries
Authors: Krishna Aishwarya Ramesh , Gurumoorthy Sathiyapraba , Elayappan Pavithra , Sakthivadivel Prathiksha , Kumaran Saran , Pushparaj Poojitha
Published: December 2022

Nanotechnology has the potential to be used in the food business and processing as novel pathogen detection instruments, disease treatment delivery methods, food packaging, and bioactive component distribution to specific areas. Nanotechnology's implementation in food systems will bring new approaches to improving food safety and nutritional value. It sums up the capability of nanoparticles for their utilization in the food business to give purchasers a safe and tainting-free food and to guarantee the customer adequacy of the food with upgraded useful properties. With the increase in shelf life and enhanced quality, the edible packages or thin-film usage can delay the deterioration of food. To regulate the nanomaterials and applications in the food industry a legal basis has been made. The Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recommended the standard test guidelines be used for the hazard assessment of nanomaterials for chemical safety. Finally, nanotechnology supports the change of the existing food processing systems to attest the safety of the products, nurturing a healthy food, and also the food’s nutritive quality to be enhanced. The straightforwardness of security issues and natural effect should be the need while managing the advancement of nanotechnology in food frameworks and hence mandatory testing of nano food varieties is expected before they are delivered to the market.
Effect of resistance circuit training on health-related physical fitness, plasma lipid, and adiponectin in obese college students
Authors: Lee Eun-Dam , Seo Tae-Beom , Kim Young-Pyo
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of resistance circuit training on health-related physical fitness, plasma lipid and adiponectin in obese college students. Twenty male college students participated in this study and they were randomly divided into the sedentary group (SG, n = 10) and the resistance circuit training group (RCG, n = 10). The exercise group underwent the resistance circuit training program for 60 min 3 times a week for 12 weeks, while the sedentary group continued activities of daily living as usual. The levels of health-related fitness, blood lipid, and adiponectin were measured twice before and after the experiment. To analyze the statistically significance of collected data, Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance was used to determine the changes in the groups over the training period. A paired t-test was used to verify the difference within each group, and an independent t-test was used to verify the difference between the groups. In this study, the body composition including body fat mass, percent body fat and body mass index were significantly decreased in RCG compared to those in SG, and the health-related fitness showed a significant difference between RCG and SG. In addition, RCG positively modulated blood concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, plasma adiponectin concentration did not show any significant differences between the two groups. Therefore, the present data suggested that resistance circuit training might be regulator to improve health-related physical fitness and decrease the level of plasma lipid in obese male college students.