bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of metformin targets on the risk of heart failure: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: He Pan , Guo Ziqiang , Han Yanyan , Deng Anping , Chen Haiwei , Yang Junjie , Wang Qi
Published: September 2023

Background
With conflicting findings in observational studies, the efficacy of metformin in improving heart failure outcomes remains inconclusive. This study employs a two-sample Mendelian randomization design, using AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) as pharmacological targets of metformin, to simulate impact of metformin use on heart failure outcomes.
Methods
The exposure factors AMPK and GDF-15 data used in this study were sourced from large genome-wide association study meta-analyses. 40 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were utilized as instrumental variables for AMPK, while 4 SNPs were employed as instrumental variables for GDF-15. The heart failure outcome data were extracted from the largest genome-wide association study meta-analyses, encompassing 977,323 participants of European descent. The primary method for MR analysis was the inverse-variance weighted method. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted using the weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode methods to assess result robustness.
Results
Genetically predicted AMPK (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.81–1.86, P = 0.34) and genetically predicted GDF-15 (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.97–1.05; P = 0.57) were not found to have a causal association with the risk of HF.
Conclusion
No convincing evidence supports that metformin reduces the risk of heart failure by activating the AMPK pathway or increasing GDF-15 expression. Further investigation is needed to explore whether metformin can mitigate heart failure -related risks through alternative pathways or biological mechanisms.
An Improved Geometric Controller for Position Tracking of the Airdropped or Hand-thrown Quadrotors
Authors: Ma Zongcheng , Hu Jinglin
Published: September 2023

Automatic recovery and position tracking is one of the tremendous challenges for the airdropped or hand-thrown quadrotors. It surfers from large position errors and 0-360 degrees attitude errors. Singularity problem occurs of the classical geometric controller and this leads to crash. This letter presents a novel attitude extraction algorithm to develop an improved geometric controller. It is cascaded with a position loop and an attitude loop. The two loops are connected by the attitude extraction algorithm. The algorithm geometrically extracts the desired attitude from the desired thrust direction. Attitude tilt-priority can also be achieved by scarifying the yaw control. Unlike conventional methods with almost global stability, the closed system is proved to be globally asymptotically stable. It works well with initial large position and attitude errors that the singularity problem is completely avoided. Simulation comparisons are performed to verify the performance. The preliminary exploration provides a referential solution for the practical automatic position tracking applications of the airdropped or hand-thrown quadrotors.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Lightweight Concrete Walls: Validating the Effectiveness of Glycerin Wax as a Phase Change Material through Finite volume method (FVM)
Authors: Nia Saeed Bozorgmehr , Salimi Amir , Chari Mehdi Nemati
Published: September 2023

This study presents an innovative approach to enhance energy saving in lightweight concrete walls by incorporating glycerin wax as a phase change material (PCM). The study examines the impact of incorporating 20mm of glycerin wax on the outer surface of lightweight concrete blocks, aiming to enhance energy efficiency in lightweight concrete walls. The effectiveness of this material integration is evaluated through simulation using the Finite Volume Method (FVM). Thermal conductivity, phase change characteristics, and thermal stability of glycerin wax are evaluated to assess its potential as a PCM for lightweight concrete walls. The study demonstrates that glycerin wax, with its low conductivity, acceptable specific capacity, and high latent enthalpy, is a superior candidate for building applications. By adding PCM to lightweight concrete blocks with a thickness of 100 mm, a significant reduction in energy consumption is achieved, with a remarkable energy-saving of 95%. An annual energy-saving of 300 kWh/m2 is attained by loading PCM into lightweight concrete blocks at a thickness of 100 cm. To validate the energy efficiency gains, the FVM simulation method is employed, considering heat transfer, thermal conductivity, and phase change phenomena. The simulation results showcase the substantial improvements in energy efficiency obtained by incorporating glycerin wax as a PCM in lightweight concrete walls. The findings of this research contribute to advancing sustainable building practices and provide valuable insights for architects, engineers, and researchers interested in optimizing energy efficiency in building envelopes. The study confirms the potential of glycerin wax as a phase change material for enhancing the thermal behavior of concrete-based walls, leading to significant energy consumption reduction and promoting energy-efficient building constructions.
Prediction of Folding Patterns for Intrinsic Disordered Protein
Authors: Yang Jiaan , Cheng Wen Xiang , Wu Gang , Sheng Shi Tong , Zhang Peng
Published: September 2023

The conformation flexibility of natural protein brings more complexities in the system, and more difficulties to understand the relationship between structure and function. The prediction of intrinsically disordered protein primarily is focusing on to disclose the regions with structural flexibility involving relevant biological functions and various diseases. The order of amino acids in protein sequence determines possible conformations, folding flexibility and biological function. Although many methods provided the prediction of protein intrinsic disorder, but the results are mainly limited to determine the locations of regions without knowledge of possible folding conformations. Here, the developed protein folding fingerprint adopted the protein folding variation matrix (PFVM) to reveal all possible folding patterns for the intrinsically disorder along protein sequence, based on a complete set of folding shapes for five amino acids which is described by 27 of protein folding shape code (PFSC) with digital alphabetical description. The PFVM integrally exhibited the protein intrinsic disorder with disorder regions, degree of disorder as well as folding pattern. The advantage of PFVM will not only provide rich information for IDP and IDR, but also may promote the study of protein folding problem.
Origin of CO2 in natural gas from well KPN-1 in the Northwest Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Liu Lihong , Li Qingyao , Tian Ya , Zhang Yuanyin , Liu Chengxin , Duan Ye
Published: September 2023

In well KPN-1 located in the NW Tarim Basin, China, a significant amount of CO2 has been detected. In order to determine the source of CO2, various analyses have been conducted, including the gas composition, the ratio of radiogenic isotopes (R/Ra), the δ13C of CO2 and bulk rock. Based on the relative positive δ13C value (-0.299‰ to -2.726‰), the CO2 is unlikely organic origin. Additionally, a deep mantle origin has been ruled out, as the extremely low composition of N2 and He in the gas, along with the R/Ra ratio less than 1, does not match what would be expected from this source. The most plausible source of CO2 is likely crustal in origin. Instead, it is believed to have formed through the retrograde solution of carbonate minerals under decreasing temperature and pressure conditions. The well KPN-1 experienced subsidence tectonic movements followed by uplift, which resulted in lower temperatures and pressures, facilitating the dissolution of carbonate and the subsequent production of CO2 with a positive δ13C value. The abundant CO2 produced from this process highlight the significant role of tectonic uplift in the formation of carbonate reservoirs, which should be further investigated and given more attention in future research.
Lightweight Root Key Management Scheme in Smart Grid IoT Network based on Blockchain Technology
Authors: Liu Danni , Wang Shengda , Sun Xiaofu , An Chunyan , Su Weijia , Liu Jiakang
Published: September 2023

In the context of Smart Grid Internet of Things (IoT), the current key management approach in LoRa su↵ers from limitations such as low storage capacity and lack of update capability. To address these issues and ensure compatibility with existing IoT protocols, we propose a permissioned blockchain-based root key management scheme. The proposed scheme involves three automated phases - device registration, request participation, and key update facilitated through smart contracts. In the device registration phase, the device adds a block containing device information to the blockchain. In the request participation phase, the gateway verifies the request to determine the success of participation. Finally, in the key update phase, a new root key is negotiated between the device and the participant server using the key update contract. Simulation results show that compared to traditional key management schemes, this proposed scheme o↵ers higher security and shorter access time.
Rewiring of Endolysosomal Signaling with Nutrient Depletion in Cancer Cells
Authors: Taşkıran Aliye Ezgi Güleç , Hüsnügil H. Hazal , Oral Göksu , Menemenli Nazlı S. , Hampel Chuanpit , Huebner Kerstin , Erlenbach-Wuensch Katharina , Sheraj Ilir , Schneider-Stock Regine , Akyol Aytekin , Liv Nalan , Banerjee Sreeparna
Published: September 2023

Purpose:Limited nutrient availability in the tumor microenvironment can cause rewiring of signaling and metabolic networks to confer cancer cells with survival advantages. We aimed to identify the signaling pathways that can enable cancer cells to survive under nutrient depletion and cope with cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy agents.Methods:Nutrient depletion was mediated by the depletion of glucose, L-glutamine and serum from the culture medium. Cell viability was determined with MTT and colony formation assays, tumor forming capacity with a Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and activation of nutrient sensing and endolysosomal trafficking pathways was determined with Western blot. Lysosomal abundance, localization, and trapping of chemotherapy drugs were determined with immunocytochemistry, immunoelectron microscopy and Lysotracker assay.Results:Nutrient depletion resulted in the survival of a population of cancer cells with high viability and capacity to form tumors. These cells also displayed an increase in the abundance and size of lysosomes. Moreover, lysosomes were mainly perinuclear in nutrient depleted (ND) cells; this localization was mediated by a rapid post-transcriptional increase in the endolysosomal trafficking protein Rab7a. The acidic lysosomes in ND cells could trap weakly basic drugs such as doxorubicin, mediating resistance, which could be partially reversed with bafilomycinA1. Anin vivoCAM assay indicated a remarkable decrease in Ki-67 positivity when ND cells were treated with 5-FU and bafilomycinA1 compared to ND cells treated with either agent alone.Conclusion:Nutrient depletion activates lysosomal signaling that activates multiple survival pathways in cancer.
Leniency Policy in Hub and Spoke Cartels
Authors: Rutten Rodrigo Londoño van , Vennet Nikolas Vander , Buts Caroline , Jegers Marc
Published: September 2023

The competition literature documents that leniency programs can either destabilize or reinforce the sustainability of horizontal cartels. We contribute to this body of literature by looking at a specific type of cartels, namely hub and spoke cartels: horizontal collusions between spokes facilitated by, at least, one party operating at a different level of the supply chain, the hub. Drawing on earlier work of Van Cayseele and Miegielsen (2013) on hub and spoke cartels, and Chen and Rey’s dynamic leniency model for horizontal cartels (2013), this paper builds a model that measures the impact of leniency programs on hub and spoke cartels. We show that it is always desirable to offer some ex-ante leniency to the first-reporting hub-and-spoke cartel member to discourage cartel formation and assess the optimal leniency rate for both the hub and spokes. We then compare these results with the situation where the hub is excluded from the leniency program and argue that including the hub increases this program’s efficiency in discouraging cartel formation, suggesting that EU leniency programs (which allow the ringleader to benefit from leniency) are more effective than US ones (which do not).
The effects of bilateral and unilateral training on leg press strength and vertical jump height
Authors: Rebold Michael J. Rebold Michael J. , Kobak Mallory S. Kobak Mallory S. , Muirhead William Muirhead William , Bailey Logan Bailey Logan
Published: September 2023

PURPOSE:This investigation assessed the effects of bilateral and unilateral strength training on strength and power development, as measured by 3-repetition maximum and vertical jump tests, respectively.METHODS:Fourteen college-aged participants were randomized into either bilateral or unilateral training conditions. The participants engaged in biweekly strength training sessions for a period of four weeks, with strength and power pre- and post-testing in the weeks immediately before and after the training protocol, respectively. RESULTS: There was no significant (F = 0.98,p= 0.33) main effect of condition for vertical jump height. There was no significant (F = 2.48,p= 0.13) main effect of condition for 1RM bilateral strength. There was no significant (F = 1.86,p= 0.19) main effect of condition for 1RM unilateral strength between both right and left legs.CONCLUSION: While our investigation yielded no significant results, there may be reason to further investigate this area of research, due to professionals wanting to develop weight training protocols for the athletic and/or injured populations to facilitate greater improvements in performance and/or quicker recovery from injuries.
A Dynamic Programming Approach for the Game of Corruption with Non-Trial Resolutions: The Brazilian Example
Authors: Chacha Lucas
Published: September 2023

Sanction reduction policies for self-reporters and collaborators may be effective in deterring collusive corruption. In order to test this hypothesis, this paper builds a theoretical model that solves the game of corruption with and without sanction reduction policies, using a dynamic programming setting to find equilibrium strategies. Results show that these policies may effectively deter bribery. Additionally, it provides a way to measure policy effectiveness over non-observable corruption crimes by utilizing the number of corruption crimes. The model predicts that a successful anti-corruption policy shock will lead to an increase in corruption detections, even if the probability of detection remains unchanged. The paper tests the introduction of the Brazilian anti-corruption policy of 2013, finding significant signs of immediate anti-corruption shock and evidence of further deterrence.
A voltage-based Event-Timing-Dependent Plasticity rule accounts for LTP subthreshold and suprathreshold for dendritic spikes in CA1 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Tomko Matus , Benuskova Lubica , Jedlicka Peter
Published: September 2023

It is widely accepted that long-term potentiation (LTP) is a synaptic mechanism involved in learning and memory. Experiments have shown that dendritic sodium spikes (Na-dSpikes) are required for LTP in the distal apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal cells. On the other hand, LTP in perisomatic dendrites can be induced by synaptic input patterns that can be both subthreshold and suprathreshold for Na-dSpikes. It is unclear whether these results can be explained by one unifying plasticity mechanism. Here, we show in biophysically and morphologically realistic compartmental models of the CA1 pyramidal cell that these forms of LTP can be fully accounted for by a simple plasticity rule. We call it the voltage-based Event-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (ETDP) rule. The presynaptic event is the presynaptic spike or release of glutamate. The postsynaptic event is the local depolarization that exceeds a certain plasticity threshold. Our model reproduced the experimentally observed LTP in a variety of protocols, including local pharmacological inhibition of dendritic spikes by tetrodotoxin (TTX). In summary, we have provided a validation of the voltage-based ETDP, suggesting that this simple plasticity rule can be used to model even complex spatiotemporal patterns of long-term synaptic plasticity in neuronal dendrites.
No effect of integrated hepatitis C virus treatment on psychological distress in people with substance use disorders: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aas Christer Frode , Vold Jørn Henrik , Chalabianloo Fatemeh , Løberg Else-Marie , Lim Aaron G. , Vickerman Peter , Johansson Kjell Arne , Fadnes Lars Thore
Published: September 2023

Background
People with substance use disorders (SUD) have high prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and mental health disorders. We aimed to assess the impact of integrated HCV treatment on psychological distress measured by Hopkins-symptom-checklist-10 (SCL-10).
Methods
This multi-center randomized controlled trial evaluated psychological distress as secondary outcomes of integrated HCV treatment (INTRO-HCV trial). From 2017 to 2019, 289 participants were randomly assigned to receive either integrated or standard HCV treatment with direct-acting antiviral therapy. Integrated HCV treatment was delivered in eight decentralized outpatient opioid agonist therapy clinics and two community care centers; standard treatment was delivered in internal medicine outpatient clinics at centralized hospitals. Participants in integrated treatment arm had a sustained virologic response of 93% compared to 73% for those in standard treatment arm. Psychological distress was assessed using SCL-10 prior to initiation of HCV treatment and 12 weeks after treatment completion. A linear mixed model was applied to evaluate the impact of integrated HCV treatment on changes in the mean SCL-10 (ΔSCL-10) score.
Results
The mean SCL-10 score prior to HCV treatment was 2.2 (standard deviation [SD]: 0.7) for patients receiving integrated HCV treatment and 2.1 (SD: 0.7) for those receiving standard HCV treatment. Twelve weeks after the end of treatment, the mean SCL-10 score was 2.2 (SD: 0.8) for participants receiving integrated HCV treatment and 2.1 (SD: 0.7) for those receiving standard HCV treatment.
Conclusions
Psychological distress did not substantially change during the treatment period and was not significantly different between the treatment arms.
Clinical observation of hypofibrinogenemia induced by the treatment of tocilizumab in rheumatic diseases and exploration of risk factor for hypofibrinogenemia
Authors: An Qi , Ma Rulan , Yuan Dawei , Huang Jing , Luo Jing , Wang Yanhua , Pan Ying , Wang Pei , Lv Xiaohong , Pu Dan , He Lan
Published: September 2023

Objective
The objective of this study was to analyze the changes in plasma fibrinogen (FIB) levels during tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment in patients with rheumatic diseases, to clarify the incidence of hypofibrinogenemia and its possible risk factors, and establish a nomogram model for predicting the probability of hypofibrinogenemia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with TCZ.
Methods
Clinical data of patients treated with TCZ at the department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from January 2014 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed to observe the incidence of hypofibrinogenemia in several rheumatic diseases at different time points. The risk factor of hypofibrinogenemia in RA patients treated with TCZ was determined by using Cox regression analysis. Based on the results of Cox regression analysis, a nomogram for predicting the probability of hypofibrinogenemia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with TCZ was established and validated through RStudio software.
Results
A total of 83 TCZ-treated patients were enrolled in this study, and 32 (38.55%) patients developed hypofibrinogenemia during TCZ treatment. There were 8 males and 24 females in the FIB-reduced group, with an average age of 38.25 ± 16.92 years. Hypofibrinogenemia was most common in TCZ-treated patients with takayasu arteritis (TA) and RA. Hypofibrinogenemia typically occurs within 3 months after TCZ treatment. In RA patients treated with TCZ, platelet distribution width, parathyroid hormone, bone mineral density, tender joint count, and swollen joint count were independent risk factors for the occurrence of hypofibrinogenemia. The nomogram based on the above risk factors could effectively predict the probability of hypofibrinogenemia in RA patients receiving TCZ.
Conclusion
Although bleeding symptoms were not observed in this study, the incidence of hypofibrinogenemia remained high after TCZ treatment, usually occurring within 3 months of treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor FIB levels during TCZ treatment. In addition, clinicians can use the nomogram model developed from this study to predict the incidence of hypofibrinogenemia after TCZ treatment in RA patients.
WNT6 affects the prognosis of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia through regulation of Wnt signaling pathway activity
Authors: Zhang Yu , Lu Nadan , Li Yuanfang , Chen Yuge , Li Biyun , Wang Dao
Published: September 2023

Purpose Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with a dismal prognosis, underscoring the urgent need to identify potential biomarkers that can aid in the management of pediatric AML patients.
Methods The adult AML dataset GSE201492 was partitioned into distinct prognostic groups following the identification of key genes through the screening of differentially expressed genes, enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Subsequently, these key genes were validated in the pediatric AML dataset obtained from the TARGET database, as well as in the data of pediatric AML patients diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Finally, the association between WNT6 and the Wnt signaling pathway was investigated using the AML drug resistance dataset (GSE214158) and the WNT6 knockout dataset (GSE160039).
Results Through the analysis of different prognostic groups in adult AML, researchers identified five key genes. The results from the TARGET database and clinical samples showed that pediatric AML patients with low expression of the gene WNT6 had better overall survival. In a dataset where WNT6 was knocked down, there was a significant decrease in the Wnt signaling pathway score. In another dataset about AML resistance, there was a statistically significant difference in Wnt signaling pathway scores, with the UTX knockout group having lower scores.
Conclusion The upregulation of WNT6 has been recognized as a predictive factor for adverse prognoses in pediatric AML. Additionally, it contributes to the emergence of drug resistance in AML by modulating the functionality of the Wnt signaling pathway.
Abnormal arginine synthesis confers worse prognosis in patients with middle third gastric cancer
Authors: Hong Lianlian , Tang Xi , Han Jing , Wang Jiaqi , Xu Qianqian , Zhu Xin
Published: September 2023

Background: Gastric cancer at different locations has distinct prognoses and biological behaviors, but the specific mechanism is unclear.
Methods: Non-targeted metabolomics was performed to examine the differential metabolite phenotypes that may be associated with the effects of tumor location on the prognosis of gastric cancer. And silencing of the rate-limiting enzyme to evaluate the effect of abnormal changes in metabolic pathway on the functional biological assaysof gastric cancer cells HGC-27 and MKN28.
Results: In a retrospective study of 94 gastric cancer patients, the average survival time of patients with gastric cancer in the middle third of the stomach was significantly lower than that of patients with gastric cancer in other locations (p< 0.05). The middle third location was also found to be an independent risk factor for poor prognosis (HR = 2.723, 95%CI 1.334-5.520), which was closely associated with larger tumors in this location.
Non-targeted metabolomic analysis showed that the differential metabolites affected 16 signaling pathways including arginine synthesis, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, arginine biosynthesis, and alanine and aspartate and glutamate metabolism between gastric cancer and normal tissue, as well as between tumors located in the middle third of the stomach and other locations. Argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1), the rate-limiting enzyme of the arginine biosynthesis pathway, catalyzes the production of argininosuccinic acid. Here, knockdown of ASS1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, and migration/invasion of gastric cancer cells, and promoted apoptosis.
Conclusions: Our study suggests that abnormal arginine synthesis may lead to larger tumor size and worse prognosis in gastric cancer located in the middle third position of the stomach. These findings may provide the basis for the stratification and targeted treatment of gastric cancer in different locations.
Mitophagy defects exacerbate inflammation and aberrant proliferation in lymphocytic thyroiditis
Authors: Lee Han Sai , Lee Jinju , An Hyun-Ju , Sung Min-Ji , Heo Jin-Hyung , Lee So-Young , Song Young Shin
Published: September 2023

Background
Mitochondrial dysfunction of the thyroid due to defective mitophagy has been observed in lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT). However, the effect of impaired mitophagy on the pathogenesis of LT has not been elucidated.
Results
We investigated the molecular pathological effect of mitophagy defects in thyroid glands through bioinformatics and histological approach using human and mouse thyroids and human thyroid cells. In this current study, it is showed that PINK1, a key regulator of mitophagy, is compromised in human thyroids with LT, and inflammatory responses and nodular hyperplasia are induced in the thyroids of PINK1-deficient mice. We found that mitophagy defects trigger pro-inflammatory cytokine production in thyroid cells and immune cell recruitment. Additionally, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species-driven hypoxia depletes CREB, a transcriptional repressor of amphiregulin (AREG), resulting in aberrant thyroid cell proliferation by AREG-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor signaling activation.
Conclusions
This signaling pathway could be a potential therapeutic target for thyroid goitrous changes in patients with LT. Our findings reveal the mitophagy defects in the thyroid that may be involved in LT pathogenesis and progression.
Nutritional Status and Key Factors Among Vagrants at Government Shelter Home Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: MOHAMMAD SHAHIDUL ISLAM , Sarker NasirUddin , huda A.F.M Shahedul , Khatun Taslima
Published: September 2023

Backgrounds: Nutritional status and others related determinants among vagrants areimportantissuesevenindevelopingcountrieslikeBangladesh.
Aim:Exploring the current situation it terms of magnitude of people would be a good resource for the policy makers in considering the malnutrition, health care and other supports for the shelter less population.
Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was done. A total of 106 vagabonds form government shelter home were included. The nutritional statuses of the respondents were assessed using measured BMI and dietary pattern was assessed by the 24-hour recall method. The data were processed to undergo statistical analysis using SPSS 23 windows program.
Results: The overall mean age of of the respondents 35.3±9.86 years and 42(39.7%) were in 18-20 years age group and 62% were female. About 62% were correcntly married and 22% were single life lead. Less than half (47.1%) of the respondents non-educated, on the other hand 40(37.7%) of the respondents were primary level educated. 22.6% vagrants were abandoned by their family due to certain problems.Association of age group with BMI mostrespondents were in underweight that gain highly significance where (p=0.0001), there hadno association was found between educational status and BMI except non-educated (p=0.025). Most respondents were significant Hand washing before eating,daily bath taken and Suffering from disease Last 1 month with nutritional status where (p=0.020), (p=0.010) and (p=0.0001)
Conclusion: Special attention to be given for improving vagabonds care, Attention to improve service quality with special attention to identified areas (balanced diet, treatmentetc.).
The association between inflammatory potential of diet and newly diagnosed hypothyroidism among Isfahan adults: A case-control study
Authors: Shakeri Mahboobeh , Zamani Behzad , Taherinia Sorour , Feizi Awat , Aminorroaya Ashraf , Amini Masoud , Farahmand Fariba , Abyar Majid
Published: September 2023

Background: The effective role of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) on the risk of endocrine disorders has been known. The aim of the current study was to assess the possible association between DII and hypothyroidism.
Methods: This is a case-control study that recruited 360 participants (case: 120/ control: 240). A validated 148-item food frequency questionnaire was used to determine the dietary intake of participants. Hypothyroidism was assessed by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which its Serum concentration was measured by immunoradiometric assay. Energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) scores were calculated based on 30 food and nutrient components. The association of the inflammatory potential of diet with the risk of developing hypothyroidism was analyzed by logistic regression in different models.
Results: People with hypothyroidism had higher DII scores (more pro-inflammatory diet) compared to the control group (0.72± 1.16 vs. -0.56± 1.29; p< 0.001). A higher intake of the pro-inflammatory diet (DII > 0.34) was associated with a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism (Adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 6.90; 95% CI (confidence interval) = 2.66–17.86) compared to the anti-inflammatory diet intake, as referent category (DII < -0.83). This positive association was also observed when DII was considered a continuous variable (Adjusted OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.24–2.10).
Conclusion: There is a possible link between the inflammatory potential of diet and the development of hypothyroidism, as subjects with a higher intake of pro-inflammatory diet (higher DII scores) were at higher odds of hypothyroidism.
Association between pain and mental health among undocumented immigrants in France
Authors: Moussaoui Sohela , Vignier Nicolas , Guillaume Stéphanie , Jusot Florence , Marsaudon Antoine , Wittwer Jérôme , Dourgnon Paul
Published: September 2023

Purpose. Undocumented immigrants often face mental health issues and multisite pain. Links between pain and mental health have been described however not among undocumented immigrants in France. Describing these associations supports further research on the mental health of this population, especially when no cause can explain the pain. The main objective of this study was to analyze associations between pain and mental health among undocumented immigrants in France.
Methods. We drew from the data collected in the multicentric cross-sectional “Premier Pas” study carried out in the Parisian and Bordeaux region between February and April 2019. Undocumented immigrants over the age of 18 were included from sixty-three sites. Participants were asked about their mental health and whether they were experiencing pain. Associations were explored using univariate and multivariate analysis with logistic regression models.
Results. Among 1188 research participants, our results showed associations between pain and mental health: musculoskeletal pain with sleep disorder and abdominal pain with anxiety and sleep disorder. Also, social determinants of health such as the duration of residence in France, housing conditions or food insecurity were associated with different types of pain.
Conclusion. This study is the first to document the existence of associations between pain experienced by undocumented immigrants in France and their mental health. It provides a new contribution to the French literature and evidence for clinicians to investigate the mental health ofundocumented immigrants experiencing pain.
Tumor number and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score as selection criteria for liver resection in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yen Yi-Hao , Li Wei-Feng , Liu Yueh-Wei , Yong Chee-Chien , Wang Chih-Chi , Lin Chih-Yun
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Many studies have reported preoperative predictors of overall survival (OS) of patients undergoing liver resection (LR) for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the results are inconsistent. We aim to clarify this issue.
Methods
We enrolled 719 patients with BCLC stage A and single HCC 2.0–5.0 cm (designated A1), 294 patients with BCLC stage A and single HCC > 5.0 cm (designated A2), and 170 patients with BCLC stage B undergoing LR during 2011–2021.
Results
Multivariate analysis showed that alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 400 ng/ml (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.980; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.151–3.405; p = 0.014), tumor number > 3 (HR = 2.036; 95% CI = 1.200–3.457; p = 0.008), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score > 9 (HR = 2.102; 95% CI = 1.244–3.551; p = 0.006) were associated with BCLC stage B patients’ 5-year OS. Using β estimates from multivariate analysis, we constructed a linear predictor of BCLC stage B patients’ OS. Based on the Kaplan–Meier estimator, we divided BCLC stage B patients into two groups: BCLC B1 group with ≤ 3 tumors and MELD score ≤ 9, irrespective of AFP level; and BCLC B2 group with > 3 tumors or MELD score > 9, irrespective of AFP level. The 5-year OS of BCLC A1, A2, B1, and B2 was 78%, 66%, 60%, and 23%, respectively (p < 0.001). OS was significantly different between A1 and A2 (p = 0.012) and B1 and B2 (p < 0.001), but not between A2 and B1 (p = 0.576).
Conclusion
Patients with BCLC B1 HCC may be ideal candidates for LR because their OS is comparable to that of BCLC A2 patients.
Assessing the short-term impact of a high-fat, high-salt diet on the gut bacteria and related pathophysiology in mice
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Pandey Ramendra Pati , Chang Chung-Ming , Raj V. Samuel
Published: September 2023

Current research shows that consuming high-fat and salt that are now the main ingredients of modern diets over a period of time can disrupt the gut ecosystem, leading to metabolic imbalances and metabolic diseases. However, which component of modern diets, such as high-fat and high-salt consumption for a short duration, is more harmful to health based on its impact on gut bacteria and associated health outcomes is still poorly explored. This study aimed to determine which of high fat or high salt is more detrimental to health by feeding mice HFD and HSD diets for a short period of 3 weeks. To address these wide knowledge gaps, we conducted a high-throughput sequencing study to see how gut microbiota profile changes in HFD or HSD-fed mice. Further, we also investigated whether high fat or high salt is more detrimental to health. In this study, the mice were fed a standard chow diet (CD), HFD and HSD for 3 weeks. Animals were euthanized and examined of haemato-biochemical and histopathological attributes. We also used 16S rRNA sequencing followed by bioinformatics analysis to evaluate the changes in gut microbiota ecology. Interestingly, this study found that HFD or HSD feeding for a short duration induces the pathophysiological attributes of a typical metabolic syndrome as indicated by serum biochemistry and significantly modifies gut microbiota in mice. We concluded that HSD causes significantly more changes in gut bacteria than HFD due to a diminution of beneficial gut bacteria and an enrichment of harmful gut bacteria. We found that HFD led to a more significant increase in plasma total cholesterol (TC), a known risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. While HSD is more detrimental to the kidneys, since an increase in creatinine levels indicates kidney disease. Furthermore, mice fed HFD or HSD for a short duration showed minimal and insignificant pathological changes in their hearts, livers, and kidneys.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Interleukin-2 Therapy in Experimental Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Luo Zhengkang , Mejia-Cordova Mariela , Hamze Nour , Berggren Elin , Chopra Saloni , Safi Bilal , Blixt Martin , Sandler Stellan , Singh Kailash
Published: September 2023

Aim Much focus of immunotherapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been devoted on selectively boosting regulatory T (Treg) cells using low dose IL-2 due to their constitutive expression of IL-2Rα, CD25. However, several clinical trials using a low dose of IL-2 only showed a limited improvement of metabolic control. It can therefore be hypothesized that further decreasing IL-2 dosage may increase the selective responsiveness of Treg cells.Methods We induced experimental T1D using multiple low dose streptozotocin (STZ) injections and treated the mice with an ultra-low dose IL-2 (uIL-2, approximately 7-fold lower than low dose). Immune response was studied using multicolor flow cytometry.Results We found that uIL-2 did not protect STZ mice from developing hyperglycemia. It did neither increase Treg cell proportions, nor did it correct the phenotypic shift of Treg cells seen in T1D. It only partially decreased the proportion of IFN-γ+ T cells. Likewise, uIL-2 also did not protect the dysfunction of regulatory B (Breg) cells. Strikingly, when administered in combination with an anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-35, uIL-2 abrogated IL-35’s protective effect. Low dose IL-2, on the other hand, protected half of the STZ mice from developing hyperglycemia. No difference was found in the Treg and Breg response, and it only tended to decrease CD80 expression in macrophages and dendritic cells.Conclusion In conclusion, further decreasing IL-2 dosage may not be a suitable approach for T1D therapy, and the limited success suggests that an alternative low dose IL-2 therapy strategy or other immunotherapies should be considered.
Transfer Learning Across Diseases Opens a Novel Route Towards Pandemic Preparedness
Authors: Meyer Joana , Fritsch Sebastian , Sharafutdinov Konstantin , Nikulina Kateryna , Polzin Richard , Marx Gernot , Bickenbach Johannes , Schuppert Andreas
Published: September 2023

Pandemic preparedness has gained high relevance throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, necessitating optimized therapeutic strategies for early phase disease management. Predicting patient-specific outcomes, particularly for novel infectious diseases with complex multimorbidity patterns, presents significant challenges due to limited availability of disease-specific patient datasets and an incomplete understanding of disease mechanisms early in the disease wave.
We propose a concept for rapid predictive modeling of disease outcomes based on the hypothesis of common disease-promoting mechanisms and leveraging transfer learning across different disease types.
Introducing the Medical Reference Space (MRS) as a unifying framework to integrate heterogeneous clinical data structures, allows us to monitor therapy response dynamics and predict individual outcomes across various diseases.
We performed a retrospective analysis on mechanically ventilated patients from intensive care units, comprising 495 COVID and 6212 non-COVID patients. The results demonstrate that MRS-based models, trained on non-COVID patients, effectively predict individual survival in COVID-19 patients, comparable to models trained exclusively on COVID data. Moreover, the MRS approach provides insights into the impact of rapidly evolving events, such as sepsis, on the predictivity of machine learning-based prognostic systems indicating conceptual limitations for patient-specific decision support systems.
Our findings highlight the potential of using retrospective patient data repositories for transfer learning as a rapid strategy for predicting disease outcomes of new evolving diseases, opening a route towards future pandemic preparedness.
Application of the professional maturity scale as a computerized adaptive testing
Authors: DEMİR Süleyman , ÇOBANOĞLU AKTAN Derya , GÜLER Neşe
Published: September 2023

This study has two main purposes. Firstly, to compare the different item selection methods and stopping rules used in Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) applications with simulative data generated based on the item parameters of the Vocational Maturity Scale. Secondly, to test the validity of CAT application scores. For the first purpose, simulative data produced based on Vocational Maturity Scale item parameters were analyzed under different item selection methods (Maximum Fisher Information [MFI],Maximum Likelihood Weighted Information [MLWI] Maximum Posterior Weighted Information [MPWI] Maximum Expected Information [MEI] Minimum Expected Posterior Variance [MEPV] Maximum Expected Posterior Weighted Information [MEPWI]) and stopping rules (Standard Error [SE]<0.30, SE<0.50, SE <0.70, Number of Item [NI]=10, NI=20) by calculating the average number of items, standard error averages, correlation coefficients, bias, and RMSE statistics. For all the conditions of the item selection methods, standard error averages, correlation coefficients, bias, and RMSE statistics showed similar results. When the average number of items is considered, MFI and SE<0.30 were found as most appropriate methods to be used in CAT application. For the second purpose of the study, the paper-pencil form of the Vocational Maturity scale and CAT version were administered to 33 students. A moderate, positive, and statistically significant relationship was found between the CAT application scores and the paper-pencil form scores on the vocational maturity scale. As a result, it can be said that the vocational maturity scale can be applied as a computerized adaptive test and can be used in career guidance processes.
Strengthening the atom-field coupling through the deep-strong regime via pseudo-Hermitian Hamiltonians
Authors: de Ponte M. A. , Oliveira Neto F. , Soares P. M. , Moussa Miled
Published: September 2023

We present a strategy for strengthening the atom-field interaction through a pseudo-Hermitian Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian. Apart from the engineering of an effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonian, our strategy also relies on the accomplishment of short-time measurements on canonically conjugate variables. The resulting fast Rabi oscillations may be used for many quantum optics purposes and specially to shorten the processing time of quantum information.
Volumetric models for quantifying the wood volume of two eucalyptus hybrids in an agrosilvipastoral system
Authors: Borges Wander Luis Barbosa , Freitas Rogério Soares de , Silva Giane Serafim da , Silvestre Marcela Aparecida de Moraes , Moraes Mario Luiz Teixeira de
Published: September 2023

Quantifying the wood volume of forest stands is essential for planning sustainable forest management. The most efficient means of quantifying wood volume is volumetric equations. Many models for adjusting volumetric equations have been developed and tested, but their suitability for agrosilvipastoral systems remains unclear. To address this gap, we assessed the ability of six volumetric models to generate estimates of the total volume with bark of eucalyptus hybrids Grancam 1277 and Urograndis H-13. The trees were cultivated in an agrosilvipastoral system in an Arenic Hapludult in the municipality of Votuporanga, São Paulo State, Brazil, which is within the Cerrado biome. For Urograndis H-13, the Takata model was most accurate for quantifying volume, as it gave the highest F test (178.38) and adjusted coefficient of determination (0.93) values and the smallest standard error (0.06). The nonlinear and linear Schumacher-Hall models were most accurate for Grancam 1277, as this model gave the highest F test (54.59) and adjusted coefficient of determination (0.8) values and the smallest standard error (0.07).
Genetic diversity and structure of natural populations of Arbutus unedo across altitude, bioclimate and geographical origin as revealed by ISSR markers
Authors: Faida Rahima , Nadya Wahid , Aabdousse Jamal , Khachtib Youssef , Boulli Abdelali , Haddioui Abdelmajid , Bouda Said
Published: September 2023

In order to assess the genetic diversity and structure of Arbutus unedo species, 66 individuals’ trees from 11 natural populations representing its main geographical area in Morocco and belonging to different bioclimates and altitude were analyzed using 14 ISSR primers. A total of 142 bands were obtained, of which 134 were polymorphic with a polymorphism percentage of 94.06% and a polymorphism information content (PIC) of =0.47. The use of 134 markers revealed a high level of genetic variation within and between populations. The multi-locus values of Hs and Ht were 0.24 and 0.34, respectively. The overall AMOVA analysis showed that 79.30% of the total genetic variability was within populations and only 20.70% was between populations. A large genetic differentiation between populations was detected (FST=0.206) which could be attributed to restricted gene flow (Nm=0.97). The results of the hierarchical AMOVA, revealed very little genetic differentiation between altitudinal, bioclimatic and geographic groups (FCT=3.20%, FCT= 2.30% and FCT=2.10% respectively). Furthermore, geographic distances were revealed not correlated with genetic distances between populations (r=0.05, Mantel t-test=0.38, P=0.64) suggesting that isolation by distance has not played an important role in shaping the genetic structure of this species. The NJ dendrogram and Bayesian model-based clustering approach identified four groups of A. unedo independently of their bioclimate, geographic origin and altitude. The data obtained in this study could play a crucial role in establish efficient strategies for genetic resources conservation and to work out the scheme of breeding programs of A. unedo
Productive characteristics and structure of Paiaguás grass pasture fertilized with wood ash in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Filho Amorésio Souza Silva , Silva Edna Maria Bonfim- , Ferraz André Pereira Freire , Simeon Bency G , Silva Tonny José Araújo da , Duarte Thiago Franco
Published: September 2023

The use of wood ash as a fertilizer is a practice that helps in the management of soil fertility. Our objective was to evaluate the potential use of wood ash on structural and productive characteristics of paiaguás grass (Urochloa brizantha) pasture. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Rondonópolis, Brazilian Cerrado. Treatments were five wood ash doses: 0, 8, 16, 24, and 32 t ha-1 and two application strategies (wood ash incorporated into the soil and wood ash not-incorporated). Wood ash doses significantly affected (p<0.05) the evaluated response variables. Forage yield ranged from (mean ± standard error) 6.98±0.34 to 8.99±0.53 t DM ha-1. The highest productivity (11.10±0.46 t DM ha-1) was obtained at a wood ash rate of 24 t ha-1. The leaf area index was also higher (9.39±1.02) in the 24 t ha-1 wood ash dose. On the other hand, the leaf/stem ratio decreased with the application rate of wood ash and varied from 1.41±0.05 to 1.09±0.07 in the absence of wood ash (dose 0) and at the highest dose, respectively. In general, wood ash positively influenced (p<0.05) the structural characteristics and yield of U. brizantha cv. Paiaguás. Wood ash doses that provided the highest crop yield were between 16 and 24 t ha-1. The incorporation of wood ash into the soil increased pasture regrowth time. Therefore, it is recommended to apply wood ash superficially in established pastures.