bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and sarcopenia in individuals with cancer: a cross-sectional study
Authors: He Ran , Ye Youjun , Zhu Qilei , Xie Changsheng
Published: July 2024

Background

Cancer and sarcopenia are both closely related to lipid metabolism, but the relationship between lipid metabolism and patients with cancer and sarcopenia has not been thoroughly studied. The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) is a reliable measure of lipid metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine the possible relationship between the NHHR and sarcopenia in individuals with cancer.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database for individuals with cancer, with and without sarcopenia was analyzed using weighted multiple regression equations, weighted regression cubic spline (RCS) analysis, and weighted subgroup analysis.

Results

In total, 1,602 individuals with cancer were included, of whom 17.1% had sarcopenia. In Adjusted Model 2, the occurrence of sarcopenia was found to be significantly associated with a higher NHHR in cancer (95% confidence interval [CI]:1.01–1.39, P = 0.036). Individuals with high a NHHR had a 2.09-fold higher risk of developing sarcopenia in comparison to those with a low NHHR (95% CI:1.12–3.92, P = 0.022). RCS analysis further identified a U-shaped non-linear relationship between females with cancer and the muscle index. Subgroup analysis indicated that sex was a significant stratifying factor, whereas age, race, marital status, smoking and drinking habits, and history of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, hypertension, and diabetes had no significant impact.

Conclusion

From the perspective of lipid metabolism, the NHHR may serve as an indicator for monitoring and preventing the occurrence of sarcopenia in individuals with cancer, particularly for females with cancer who appear to have greater sensitivity.
HPV vaccine acceptance in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salazar-Valdivia Farley E. , Alarcon-Braga Esteban A. , Estrada-Grossmann Jose M. , Valdez-Cornejo Valeria A. , Hernandez Randich Karla , Chaponan-Lavalle Andres , Joya-Arista Valeria
Published: July 2024

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection poses a significant health burden in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), leading to various conditions from benign to malignant, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. This systematic review encompassed 24 studies with a total of 14,466 participants, exploring HPV vaccine acceptance in the region. It was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science. The review reveals an 84% prevalence of HPV vaccine acceptance in the LAC. Factors influencing acceptance include education, income levels, and vaccine safety concerns. Peru and Honduras exhibited the highest acceptance rates, while the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic contributed to declining acceptance post-2019. The importance of educational campaigns and healthcare recommendations in promoting vaccine acceptance is highlighted, along with the impact of reduced vaccination access during the pandemic. This study underscores the critical role of ongoing educational initiatives and accessible healthcare in maintaining high HPV vaccine acceptance rates in LAC. Addressing the reduced acceptance during the pandemic is pivotal for reinstating effective vaccination programs. Findings emphasize the need of sustained efforts to ensure widespread vaccine acceptance, thereby mitigating the burden of HPV-related diseases in the region.
Structural equation model analysis of the effect of visceral fat on osteoporosis
Authors: Tong Min , Li Yuanyuan , Rong Kai , Sun Qi , Dai Jianghong , Huang Yifei
Published: July 2024

Background

Osteoporosis is a considerable public health challenge in Moyu County, Xinjiang. Here, we evaluated the influencing factors of osteoporosis in this region.

Methods

We recruited 7,761 participants and randomized them into normal and osteoporotic populations based on T-score. The effects of general conditions, body composition, calcium sources and exercise, respiratory exposure, and daily diet on osteoporosis were analyzed. Furthermore, a structural equation model was constructed to uncover the direct and indirect influencing factors of osteoporosis.

Results

Among the participants, 1,803 (23.23%) had normal bone mass while 1,496 (19.28%) had osteoporosis. The univariate analysis showed significant differences in the general conditions, body composition, calcium sources and exercise, respiratory exposure, and daily diet. Stratification based on age (45 years) and body mass index (BMI) (18.5 kg/m2) showed variations in the body composition between the two groups; however, the visceral fat differed significantly. Logistic regression analysis affirmed the association of visceral fat index as it was included in all equations, except for age and female menopause. The structural equation exhibited that the general conditions, body composition, and, calcium sources, and exercise were direct factors of osteoporosis, while respiratory exposure and daily diet were indirect factors. The standardized path coefficient was highest in general conditions, followed by body composition, and lastly, calcium sources and exercise.

Conclusion

Obesity, besides age and female menopause, is also an influencing factor of osteoporosis. The visceral fat index plays a vital role in osteoporosis. Our findings may provide experimental evidence for early prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Long non-coding RNA SNHG7 serves as a diagnostic biomarker for acute coronary syndrome and its predictive value for the clinical outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Liao Ran , Han Qing , Zhang Li
Published: July 2024

Background

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of the common causes of cardiovascular death. The related lncRNAs were novel approaches for early diagnosis and intervention. This paper focused on the clinical function of SNHG7 for patients after PCI.

Methods

The expression of SNHG7 was assessed in ACS patients. The predictive roles of SNHG7 were unveiled by the ROC curve. The relationship between SNHG7 and Gensini scores was judged by Pearson analysis. One-year follow-up was conducted and all patients were catalogued into different groups based on the prognosis. The qRT-PCR, K-M curve, and Cox regression analysis were performed to document the prognostic significance of SNHG7.

Results

SNHG7 was highly expressed in ACS and its three subtypes. SNHG7 showed a certain value in predicting ACS, UA, NSTEMI, and STEMI. Gensini is a closely correlated indicator of SNHG7. The declined expression of SNHG7 was observed in the non-MACE and survival groups. The risk of MACE and death was increased in the group with high expression of SNHG7. SNHG7 was an independent biomarker in patients with ACS after PCI.

Conclusions

SNHG7 might be a diagnostic and prognostic tool for ACS patients.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on child and adolescent mental health among healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Mkubwa Beatrice , Angwenyi Vibian , Nzioka Brenda , Newton Charles R. , Sijbrandij Marit , Abubakar Amina
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Child and adolescent mental health is a global priority. In sub-Saharan Africa, despite the high burden, there is a gap in health services for children and adolescents with mental health disorders. To bridge this gap, healthcare workers require a good understanding of child and adolescent mental health, the right attitude, and practices geared to improving child and adolescent mental health. This scoping review examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to child and adolescent mental health among sub-Saharan African healthcare workers.

Methods

The search was restricted between January 2010, the year when the Mental Health Gap Action Programme guidelines were launched, and April 2024. The review followed the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley for conducting scoping reviews. The databases searched included CINHAL, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and grey literature databases. Additional articles were identified through cited references of the studies included. A data extraction template was used to retrieve relevant text. A narrative synthesis approach was adopted to explore the relationships within and between the included studies.

Results

The literature search yielded 4658 studies. Among these, 817 were identified as duplicates, and 3740 were excluded after screening. Only twenty-one articles met the criteria for inclusion in the review. The findings showed that healthcare workers have insufficient knowledge of child and adolescent mental health, hold negative attitudes toward children and adolescents with mental health problems, and exhibit poor practices related to child and adolescent mental health.

Conclusion

It is crucial to build capacity and improve healthcare workers’ practices, knowledge, and attitudes toward child and adolescent mental health in sub-Saharan Africa. This could lead to better access to mental health services for children and adolescents in the region.
The causal role between circulating immune cells and diabetic nephropathy: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization with mediating insights
Authors: Shen Ning , Lu Shangwei , Kong Zhijuan , Gao Ying , Hu Jinxiu , Si Shuxuan , Wang Junlin , Li Jie , Han Wei , Wang Rong , Lv Zhimei
Published: July 2024

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a critical inflammatory condition linked to diabetes, affecting millions worldwide. This study employs Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the causal relationship between immune cell signatures and DN, analyzing over 731 immune signatures and incorporating data from 1400 metabolites to investigate potential mediators. Despite no statistically significant influence of DN on immunophenotypes after FDR correction, some phenotypes with unadjusted low P-values warranted mention, including CD34 on Hematopoietic Stem Cell (Myeloid cell Panel), CD45 on CD33− HLA DR− (Myeloid cell Panel). Furthermore, three immunophenotypes were identified to have a significant impact on DN risk: CD16−CD56 on HLA DR+ NK (TBNK Panel), CD45 on HLA DR+ T cell (TBNK Panel), and CD33dim HLA DR+ CD11b+ AC (Myeloid cell Panel). Our findings underscore the critical role of immune cells in DN, highlighting potential mediators and offering new insights into its underlying mechanisms.
H3K27ac acts as a molecular switch for doxorubicin-induced activation of cardiotoxic genes
Authors: Hong Yu , Li Xinlan , Li Jia , He Qiuyi , Huang Manbing , Tang Yubo , Chen Xiao , Chen Jie , Tang Ke-Jing , Wei Chao
Published: July 2024

Background

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective chemotherapeutic drug for various cancers, but its clinical application is limited by severe cardiotoxicity. Dox treatment can transcriptionally activate multiple cardiotoxicity-associated genes in cardiomyocytes, the mechanisms underlying this global gene activation remain poorly understood.

Methods and results

Herein, we integrated data from animal models, CUT&Tag and RNA-seq after Dox treatment, and discovered that the level of H3K27ac (a histone modification associated with gene activation) significantly increased in cardiomyocytes following Dox treatment. C646, an inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase, reversed Dox-induced H3K27ac accumulation in cardiomyocytes, which subsequently prevented the increase of Dox-induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Furthermore, C646 alleviated cardiac dysfunction in Dox-treated mice by restoring ejection fraction and reversing fractional shortening percentages. Additionally, Dox treatment increased H3K27ac deposition at the promoters of multiple cardiotoxic genes including Bax, Fas and Bnip3, resulting in their up-regulation. Moreover, the deposition of H3K27ac at cardiotoxicity-related genes exhibited a broad feature across the genome. Based on the deposition of H3K27ac and mRNA expression levels, several potential genes that might contribute to Dox-induced cardiotoxicity were predicted. Finally, the up-regulation of H3K27ac-regulated cardiotoxic genes upon Dox treatment is conservative across species.

Conclusions

Taken together, Dox-induced epigenetic modification, specifically H3K27ac, acts as a molecular switch for the activation of robust cardiotoxicity-related genes, leading to cardiomyocyte death and cardiac dysfunction. These findings provide new insights into the relationship between Dox-induced cardiotoxicity and epigenetic regulation, and identify H3K27ac as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of Dox-induced cardiotoxicity.
Dexmedetomidine as a total intravenous anesthetic in pediatric patients undergoing cleft lip and palate surgery: a case series
Authors: Yahya Corry Quando , Andriyanto Lucky , Priyadi Yantoko Azis
Published: July 2024

Background

Surgery for pediatric cleft lip and palate repair often utilizes high-dose opioids and inhaled anesthesia, thereby causing postoperative complications such as desaturation and/or severe agitation after anesthesia. These complications are detrimental to the child and medical personnel and cause tremendous psychologic stress to parents. Our aim is to decrease these complications through dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 receptor agonist with anxiolytic, sympatholytic, and analgetic properties. Devoid of respiratory depressant effect, it allows patients to maintain effective ventilation and reduce agitation, postoperatively. Its unique anesthetic property may shed light on providing safe anesthesia and gentle emergence to this young, vulnerable population.

Case presentation

A total of 21 patients of Sundanese ethnicity, aged 3 months to 8 years (9 males and 12 females), underwent cleft lip or cleft palate surgery using total intravenous dexmedetomidine. Anesthesia was induced using sevoflurane, fentanyl, and propofol, and airway was secured. Intravenous dexmedetomidine 1.5 μg/kg was administered within 10 minutes, and a maintenance dose of 1.5 μg/kg/hour was continued as the sole anesthetic maintenance agent thereafter. Hemodynamics and anesthetic depth using Patient State Index (SEDLine™ monitor, Masimo Corporation, Irvine, CA, USA) were monitored carefully throughout the surgical procedure. Dexmedetomidine did not cause any hemodynamic derangements or postoperative complications in any of our patients. We found agitation in 9.5% (2/21) of patients.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine can be used as a total intravenous anesthetic agent to maintain anesthesia and provide gentle emergence to infants and young children undergoing cleft lip and palate repair.
Establishment and validation of a risk prediction model for delayed neurocognitive recovery associated with cerebral oxygen saturation monitoring
Authors: Luo Ning , Gao Xiaowei , Ye Chunyan , Wang Lu , Tang Lu , Xie Yongqiu , Wang E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Delayed neurocognitive recovery (DNR) is a common complication in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, and there are currently no effective therapies. It is vital to provide a reliable basis for clinical prediction. This study tried to analyse the risk factors for DNR in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery and to establish a risk prediction model.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data and DNR status of patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from March 2018 to July 2020 was conducted. Logistic regression was performed to analyse the related risk factors for DNR post-operatively, and the predictive model of DNR post-operatively was constructed and validated internally. Patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery between January and July 2021 were also selected for external validation of the predictive model, to ultimately investigate the risk factors for DNR in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Results

The incidence of DNR in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery was 15.2% (31/204). The maximum variability of cerebral oxygen, age, education, and pre-existing diabetes was related to the incidence of DNR (p < 0.05). The risk prediction model of DNR after laparoscopic colorectal surgery was established. The internal and external validation showed that the discrimination was good (the AUCs were 0.751 and 0.694, respectively).

Conclusions

The risk prediction model of DNR related to cerebral oxygen saturation monitoring shows good predictive performance and clinical value, providing a basis for postoperative DNR prevention.
Cultural rice fields in the wave of climate change: a multilateral evolutionary game framework for adaptive management of agricultural heritage systems
Authors: Yusheng Chen , Zhaofa Sun , Yongwei Zhou
Published: July 2024

Agricultural Heritage Systems (AHS) are pivotal in preserving rich agricultural production experience and traditional culture, as well as in maintaining biodiversity and promoting sustainable development in agriculture and rural economies. However, climate change poses significant threats to these systems, such as ecological degradation, biodiversity loss, and shifts in agricultural production patterns. This study, grounded in theories of information asymmetry and bounded rationality, constructs evolutionary game models for adaptive management of AHS under market mechanisms and government guidance. By employing stability analysis and numerical simulation with Delay Differential Equations (DDE) that consider historical delays, and through sensitivity analysis, this research delves into the strategic evolutionary outcomes of stakeholders under various scenarios. It aims to provide theoretical insights and policy recommendations for the dynamic protection and adaptive management of AHS in the face of climate change. The findings indicate that the public goods nature of AHS, alongside externalities and information asymmetry, leads to market failure. Sole reliance on autonomous actions by farmers and meteorological departments is insufficient for optimal resource allocation and effective protection. Government intervention, through regulatory and incentive measures, can effectively mitigate market failures and steer adaptive management of AHS towards efficiency and sustainability. Moreover, the study identifies key factors for adaptive management, such as enhancing stakeholders’ initial willingness to participate, reducing the costs of adapting to climate change, optimizing cooperative benefit distribution mechanisms, and increasing the profitability of resource cooperation. Sensitivity analysis of government subsidies and penalty mechanisms further reveals the complex and critical role these policy tools play in fostering stakeholder engagement. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing initial participation willingness, controlling transformation costs to alleviate economic burdens, optimizing benefit distribution mechanisms to boost cooperative resource profitability, and establishing dynamic subsidy and penalty mechanisms for optimal resource allocation. The theoretical and practical contributions of this research lie in applying theories of information asymmetry and bounded rationality to the adaptive management of AHS under climate change, enriching the theoretical framework in this field, and providing scientific decision-making support for policymakers. By demonstrating an effective path for AHS protection through combined government and market mechanisms in the context of global climate change, this research holds significant theoretical and practical implications for enhancing the efficiency of adaptive management of AHS, protecting, and inheriting valuable agricultural cultural heritage.
Unveiling a novel memory center in human brain: neurochemical identification of the nucleus incertus, a key pontine locus implicated in stress and neuropathology
Authors: de Ávila Camila , Gugula Anna , Trenk Aleksandra , Intorcia Anthony J. , Suazo Crystal , Nolz Jennifer , Plamondon Julie , Khatri Divyanshi , Tallant Lauren , Caron Alexandre , Blasiak Anna , Serrano Geidy E. , Beach Thomas G. , Gundlach Andrew L. , Mastroeni Diego F.
Published: July 2024

Background

The nucleus incertus (NI) was originally described by Streeter in 1903, as a midline region in the floor of the fourth ventricle of the human brain with an ‘unknown’ function. More than a century later, the neuroanatomy of the NI has been described in lower vertebrates, but not in humans. Therefore, we examined the neurochemical anatomy of the human NI using markers, including the neuropeptide, relaxin-3 (RLN3), and began to explore the distribution of the NI-related RLN3 innervation of the hippocampus.

Methods

Histochemical staining of serial, coronal sections of control human postmortem pons was conducted to reveal the presence of the NI by detection of immunoreactivity (IR) for the neuronal markers, microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2), glutamic acid dehydrogenase (GAD)-65/67 and corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1), and RLN3, which is highly expressed in NI neurons in diverse species. RLN3 and vesicular GABA transporter 1 (vGAT1) mRNA were detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization. Pons sections containing the NI from an AD case were immunostained for phosphorylated-tau, to explore potential relevance to neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, sections of the human hippocampus were stained to detect RLN3-IR and somatostatin (SST)-IR.

Results

In the dorsal, anterior-medial region of the human pons, neurons containing RLN3- and MAP2-IR, and RLN3/vGAT1 mRNA-positive neurons were observed in an anatomical pattern consistent with that of the NI in other species. GAD65/67- and CRHR1-immunopositive neurons were also detected within this area. Furthermore, RLN3- and AT8-IR were co-localized within NI neurons of an AD subject. Lastly, RLN3-IR was detected in neurons within the CA1, CA2, CA3 and DG areas of the hippocampus, in the absence of RLN3 mRNA. In the DG, RLN3- and SST-IR were co-localized in a small population of neurons.

Conclusions

Aspects of the anatomy of the human NI are shared across species, including a population of stress-responsive, RLN3-expressing neurons and a RLN3 innervation of the hippocampus. Accumulation of phosphorylated-tau in the NI suggests its possible involvement in AD pathology. Further characterization of the neurochemistry of the human NI will increase our understanding of its functional role in health and disease.

Graphical Abstract
Opportunities and challenges of smart technology for small independent fashion retailers: a reflexive thematic analysis using the technology-organization-environment framework
Authors: Chang Hyo Jung , Bruess Francine , Chong Jo Woon
Published: July 2024

Smart technology has become an increasingly prominent feature in the fashion apparel industry. However, small retailers still face challenges while trying to adopt such innovative smart technologies to increase consumer interaction and sales. By applying the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework, the aim of this study is to understand small independent fashion retail owners’ and employees’ thoughts on innovative retail technologies and their reactions to the currently available new technology. A qualitative research method of in-depth interviews with 11 participants working in fashion companies was used. The themes that emerged in this study represent criteria to be met prior to adopting new technology for small fashion retailers, including transparency, consistency, and integration of technology. While there were concerns regarding the cost and timing of adopting smart technology, they all expressed unanimous agreement that these advancements would become the next major trend in fashion retail, enhancing consumer connectivity. In particular, the smart technology they plan to adopt must possess the capability for reciprocity between consumers and the company. This will motivate a resurgence of innovative technologies in the less advanced fragment of small independent fashion retailers. Future research can focus on analyzing how the implementation of new smart technologies affects these types of businesses and their customer satisfaction.
Gender dynamics in humanitarian leadership: navigating COVID-19 and beyond
Authors: Bode Annika
Published: July 2024

This paper explores the intersection of the impacts of COVID-19 on women and girls in humanitarian settings with the necessity of incorporating female perspectives in decision-making roles within multilateral institutions delivering humanitarian aid. Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions in these multilateral institutions. However, increased female participation in leadership roles is linked to greater consideration of women’s needs in humanitarian response plans, thereby promoting gender-sensitive recovery efforts. Given COVID-19’s exacerbation of preexisting gender disparities in fragile settings, gender-responsive relief measures are crucial in humanitarian contexts. With the rising demand for humanitarian aid, prioritizing gender-sensitive and inclusive responses is essential for fostering an equitable and resilient post-COVID-19 future.
Decomposition of life expectancy differentials with (and without) conditions by educational attainment for major groups of causes in contemporary Spain: where is the advantage?
Authors: Bramajo Octavio , Zueras Pilar , Rentería Elisenda , Permanyer Iñaki
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Healthy life expectancy is higher among individuals with higher socioeconomic standing. However, it is unclear whether such advantage is attributable to longer (i.e., mortality advantage) or to healthier (morbidity advantage) lifespans across different health conditions.

Objective

Estimate the contribution of mortality and morbidity components in differences in condition-free life expectancies (CFLE) and life expectancy with conditions (LEWC) for five major groups of conditions by sex and educational attainment, instead of using a global indicator of morbidity.

Methods

Using the Sullivan Method, we computed remaining life expectancies at age 40 and 65, CFLE, and LEWC and applied a stepwise decomposition technique, using national health surveys along with mortality data, in a cross-sectional analysis.

Results

An educational gradient was present in almost all conditions, with different intensities. For females, morbidity was the main contributor to educational differences in health expectancies, but mainly in the older age groups. For males, the drivers behind higher health expectancies for high-educated males were evenly distributed across mortality and morbidity between ages 40 and 65, but after that, the mortality gradient vanished between high-educated and middle-educated individuals.

Discussion

The changing contribution of the mortality and morbidity gradient for different conditions across age-groups brings evidence to adequately plan health policies to mitigate health gaps and improve quality of life of the populations in a lower social standing.
The Effectiveness and Safety of Romosozumab and Teriparatide in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis
Authors: Hartz Martin C , Johannessen Fabian B , Harsløf Torben , Langdahl Bente L
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this observational study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of romosozumab (ROMO) and teriparatide (TPTD) in a clinical setting.

Methods

A total of 315 postmenopausal women were included based on the reimbursement criteria for ROMO and TPTD at the Department of Endocrinology at Aarhus University Hospital. Criteria for ROMO were bone mineral density (BMD) T-score < −2.5 (femoral neck [FN], total hip [TH], or lumbar spine [LS]) + a fragility fracture (hip, spine, pelvis, distal forearm, or proximal humerus) within 3 years. Criteria for TPTD: within 3 years, ≥ 2 vertebral fractures or 1 vertebral fracture + BMD T-score (FN, TH, or LS) < −3. Data were collected from medical records. The primary end point was percentage change from baseline in BMD (FN, TH, and LS) at month 12. BMD was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Results

At month 12, ROMO led to significantly (P < .001) larger increases than TPTD in BMD (FN: 4.8% vs 0.2%, TH: 5.7% vs 0.3%, and LS: 13.7% vs 9.3%). Discontinuation rate was lower with ROMO than with TPTD. Lower incidence of cardiovascular adverse events was observed with ROMO compared to TPTD. Treatment-naïve patients had nonsignificantly higher BMD increases compared to previously treated patients with both ROMO and TPTD.

Conclusion

Treatment with ROMO yields larger increases in BMD than TPTD after 12 months and a higher rate of completion. ROMO was associated with a higher adherence.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Reproductive Endocrine Function in Men With ACTH-Dependent Cushing Syndrome
Authors: Shekhar Skand , McGlotten Raven N , Cutler Gordon B , Crowley Matthew J , Pieper Carl F , Nieman Lynnette K , Hall Janet E
Published: July 2024

Context

Hypogonadism may be caused by Cushing syndrome (CS) and may intensify its adverse consequences.

Objective

This work aimed to determine the frequency of male hypogonadism before and after curative surgery for CS, and its cause.

Methods

Post hoc analyses of prospective cohort studies were conducted at a clinical research center. Study participants were men with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent CS: cohort 1 (C1) (n = 8, age 32.5 ± 12 years; studied 1985-1989) and cohort 2 (C2) (n = 44, 42.7 ± 15.1 years; studied 1989-2021). Interventions included the following: C1: every 20-minute blood sampling for 24 hours before and 1 to 40 months after surgical cure. Three individuals underwent gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation tests pre and post surgery. C2: Hormone measurements at baseline and 6 and 12 months (M) post cure. Main outcome measures included the following: C1: LH, FSH, LH pulse frequency, and LH response to GnRH. C2: LH, FSH, testosterone (T), free T, free thyroxine, 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, thyrotropin, and urine free cortisol (UFC) levels and frequency of hypogonadism pre and post surgery.

Results

C1: mean LH and LH pulse frequency increased after surgery (P < .05) without changes in LH pulse amplitude, mean FSH, or peak gonadotropin response to GnRH. C2: 82% had baseline hypogonadism (total T 205 ± 28 ng/dL). Thyroid hormone levels varied inversely with UFC and cortisol. LH, total and free T, and sex hormone-binding globulin increased at 6 and 12 M post surgery, but hypogonadism persisted in 51% at 6 M and in 26% at 12 M.

Conclusion

Hypogonadism in men with CS is widely prevalent but reversible in approximately 75% of patients 1 year after surgical cure and appears to be mediated through suppression of hypothalamic GnRH secretion, and modulated by thyroid hormones.
Epigenetic Aging Helps Explain Differential Resilience in Older Adults
Authors: Klopack Eric T. , Crimmins Eileen M.
Published: July 2024

Past research suggests that resilience to health hazards increases with age, potentially because less resilient individuals die at earlier ages, leaving behind their more resilient peers. Using lifetime cigarette smoking as a model health hazard, we examined whether accelerated epigenetic aging (indicating differences in the speed of individuals’ underlying aging process) helps explain age-related resilience in a nationally representative sample of 3,783 older U.S. adults from the Health and Retirement Study. Results of mediation moderation analyses indicated that participants aged 86 or older showed a weaker association between lifetime cigarette smoking and mortality relative to participants aged 76–85 and a weaker association between smoking and multimorbidity relative to all younger cohorts. This moderation effect was mediated by a reduced association between smoking pack-years and epigenetic aging. This research helps identify subpopulations of particularly resilient individuals and identifies epigenetic aging as a potential mechanism explaining this process. Interventions in younger adults could utilize epigenetic aging estimates to identify the most vulnerable individuals and intervene before adverse health outcomes, such as chronic disease morbidity or mortality, manifest.
Extraordinary model systems for regeneration
Authors: Accorsi Alice , Guo Longhua , Marshall Wallace F. , Mommersteeg Mathilda T. M. , Nakajima Yu-ichiro
Published: July 2024

Regeneration is the remarkable phenomenon through which an organism can regrow lost or damaged parts with fully functional replacements, including complex anatomical structures, such as limbs. In 2019, Development launched its ‘Model systems for regeneration’ collection, a series of articles introducing some of the most popular model organisms for studying regeneration in vivo. To expand this topic further, this Perspective conveys the voices of five expert biologists from the field of regenerative biology, each of whom showcases some less well-known, but equally extraordinary, species for studying regeneration.
Kinetic and structural insights into the requirement of fungal tRNA ligase for a 2′-phosphate end
Authors: Ghosh Shreya , Shuman Stewart
Published: July 2024

Fungal RNA ligase (LIG) is an essential tRNA splicing enzyme that joins 3′-OH,2′-PO4and 5′-PO4RNA ends to form a 2′-PO4,3′-5′ phosphodiester splice junction. Sealing entails three divalent cation-dependent adenylate transfer steps. First, LIG reacts with ATP to form a covalent ligase-(lysyl-Nζ)-AMP intermediate and displace pyrophosphate. Second, LIG transfers AMP to the 5′-PO4RNA terminus to form an RNA-adenylate intermediate (A5′pp5′RNA). Third, LIG directs the attack of an RNA 3′-OH on AppRNA to form the splice junction and displace AMP. A defining feature of fungal LIG vis-à-vis canonical polynucleotide ligases is the requirement for a 2′-PO4to synthesize a 3′–5′ phosphodiester bond. Fungal LIG consists of an N-terminal adenylyltransferase domain and a unique C-terminal domain. The C-domain ofChaetomium thermophilumLIG (CthLIG) engages a sulfate anion thought to be a mimetic of the terminal 2′-PO4. Here, we interrogated the contributions of the C-domain and the conserved sulfate ligands (His227, Arg334, Arg337) to ligation of a pRNA2′p substrate. We find that the C-domain is essential for end-joining but dispensable for ligase adenylylation. Mutations H227A, R334A, and R337A slowed the rate of step 2 RNA adenylation by 420-fold, 120-fold, and 60-fold, respectively, vis-à-vis wild-type CthLIG. An R334A-R337A double-mutation slowed step 2 by 580-fold. These results fortify the case for the strictly conserved His–Arg–Arg triad as the enforcer of the 2′-PO4end-specificity of fungal tRNA ligases and as a target for small molecule interdiction of fungal tRNA splicing.
TOP2DFVT: An Efficient Matlab Implementation for Topology Optimization based on the Finite-Volume Theory
Authors: Araujo Marcelo , Santos Júnior Arnaldo , Escarpini Filho Romildo , Lages Eduardo , Cavalcante Marcio
Published: July 2024

The finite-volume theory has shown to be numerically efficient and stable for topology optimization of continuum elastic structures. The significant features of this numerical technique are the local satisfaction of equilibrium equations and the employment of compatibility conditions along edges in a surface-averaged sense. These are essential properties to adequately mitigate some numerical instabilities in the gradient version of topology optimization algorithms, such as checkerboard, mesh dependence, and local minima issues. Several computational tools have been proposed for topology optimization employing analysis domains discretized with essential features for finite-element approaches. However, this is the first contribution to offer a platform to generate optimized topologies by employing a Matlab code based on the finite-volume theory for compliance minimization problems. The Top2DFVT provides a platform to perform 2D topology optimization of structures in Matlab, from domain initialization for structured meshes to data post-processing. This contribution represents a significant advancement over earlier publications on topology optimization based on the finite-volume theory, which needed more efficient computational tools. Moreover, the Top2DFVT algorithm incorporates SIMP and RAMP material interpolation schemes alongside sensitivity and density filtering techniques, culminating in a notably enhanced optimization tool. The application of this algorithm to various illustrative cases confirms its efficacy and underscores its potential for advancing the field of structural optimization.
Qualitative-archival research on migration is not just preservation
Authors: Manzoli Federica , Al Kalak Matteo , Rioli Maria Chiara
Published: July 2024

Qualitative-archival research is needed to support effective policies and the work of practitioners working in the field of migration. This Open Letter helps readers to understand how this happens in different contexts, as more than 150 stakeholders among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, migrant associations, governments, civil society/non-governmental organisations and migrants in seven countries around the Mediterranean contributed to discuss this topic, during the H2020 project ITHACA - Interconnected Histories and Archives for Migrant Agency. Three main key findings emerge. Qualitative-archival research is not just “preservation”: it shows the potential of providing dynamic and interlinked information, including legal frameworks, policy documents, historical context, and original narratives, capable of supporting policies in the long term. Besides this, it is a potential tool to foster the agency of migrants. Qualitative-archival research can be a powerful tool for social innovation, as conducting qualitative research, based on individual and collective narratives, is a necessary basis to non-emergency policies and to social work planning and evaluation. Research helps to explain the reasons behind the migration phenomena and to contextualise them where it is most needed, whether in political, educational, labour, health or reception settings. Space, time and people are the three main enablers. for better qualitative and archival research-policy relations: qualitative archival research offers contextual and comparative tools to investigate in-depth local features and to possibly extend them to the national and international levels.
Climate change beliefs and behaviours: Data collected from 30-year-old offspring and their parents in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)
Authors: Major-Smith Daniel , Halstead Isaac , Major-Smith Katie , Iles-Caven Yasmin , House Jo , Northstone Kate , Golding Jean
Published: July 2024

Climate change is causing a suite of environmental and social issues. Understanding patterns of climate change beliefs and behaviours, and the factors which shape these attitudes and actions, is therefore essential. This data note describes the novel data collection of climate belief and behaviour questions embedded within the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a longitudinal population-based birth cohort in southwest England. Two generations of ALSPAC participants completed the questionnaires containing these climate questions: the Generation-1 (G1) offspring (n=4,341), Generation-0 (G0) mothers (n=4,793), and the G0 mother’s partners (n=2,111). The questions asked about: belief in climate change; concern over climate change; whether climate change is caused by human activity; whether individual behaviours can impact climate change; the impacts of climate change in the participants’ local area; and whether participants were engaging in any of 17 pro-environmental behaviours (e.g., recycling more, reducing meat/dairy consumption) for climate change and/or other reasons. The majority of participants believed the climate was definitely changing (~80%), were somewhat or very concerned about climate change (~90%) and attributed most or all of climate change to human activity (~75%), with only small differences between the generations. On average, participants reported engaging in between 5 and 6 actions because of concerns regarding climate change (5.8 in G0 mothers; 5.2 in G1 offspring and G0 partners). Associations with sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic background) were relatively weak, but positive relationships between highest level of education and greater climate change belief, concern and behaviours were evident. Increased climate belief and concern also predicted engaging in more pro-environmental actions. Responses to these climate questions were more similar within-families. This data note provides important information for future users of these data, as well as discussing some of the key strengths, limitations and considerations for data users.
The effect of a gluten-free diet in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, metabolic syndrome and without gluten-related disorder - a literature review
Authors: Zaliwska Dominika , Kraszkiewicz Adrianna , Kienanh Do Monika , Paduszyńska Natalia , Gonciarz Marta Justyna , Adamiec Dominika Karolina , Strojny Agnieszka Aleksandra , Dąbrowska Anna , Kamińska Monika Anna , Czach Magdalena
Published: July 2024

Introduction and aim of the study: The growing awareness of gluten-related disorders has led to widespread misinformation about the gluten-free diet(GFD). The potential benefits of removing gluten are not well evaluated, yet it is often recommended or self-implemented by patients without robust supporting evidence. This paper aims to determine whether eliminating gluten from the diet provides proven benefits for individuals with specific diseases, including autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), type 1 diabetes (T1D), psoriasis, and metabolic syndrome, who do not have a diagnosed gluten-related disorder.
Description of the state of knowledge: Adhering to a gluten-free diet may benefit patients with AIT and T1D even without celiac disease, although there is no clear evidence that it alleviates AIT or T1D symptoms and the improvements are not significant enough to recommend it universally. Further research on humans is needed to explore the potential preventive effect of GFD on T1D risk and prolonging partial remission. For psoriasis, a GFD can be beneficial for patients with gluten-related antibodies, potentially reducing or clearing skin lesions, but it shows no benefit for those without these antibodies. The data on the GFD's impact on cardiovascular disease remains contradictory and unreliable.
Conclusion: For psoriasis patients who test positive for gluten-related antibodies, a gluten-free diet can be recommended. Current studies do not substantiate the necessity for patients with AIT, T1D or metabolic syndrome to completely eliminate gluten from their diet.
El impacto de la ciencia en la investigación filosófica. Vindicación de la Filosofía Científica.
Authors: Caicedo Oscar D. , Vargas Samira , Alcocer Emmanuel , Bustos Laura
Published: July 2024

Este escrito supone una defensa y un argumento en favor de la filosofía científica. Conceptos como naturalismo y cientificismo serán contrastados a la luz de la investigación filosófica, defendiendo un cientificismo crítico que, más que sostener que la ciencia es la única fuente de conocimiento fiable, sostiene que la actividad científica es una excelente creación cultural humana para adquirir conocimiento y que la filosofía que la desprecia o ignora, no es productiva. Se defiende que el diálogo entre la ciencia y la filosofía es fructífero y necesario si es que la meta es una reflexión filosófica consistente, informada y crítica
Finitud e infinitud del joven Hegel. De Abraham a Jesús.
Authors: Ortigosa Andrés
Published: July 2024

Popularmente la dialéctica de lo infinito y lo finito nos llevan a la Ciencia de la lógica de Hegel. Sin embargo, hay todo un periodo de juventud donde hay una serie de reflexiones precedentes. Esta investigación estudia el origen de la dialéctica entre lo infinito y lo finito en el periodo de juventud de Hegel. Para ello se examinan tres formas de unificación en tres textos: la unificación del espíritu del judaísmo, la unificación mediante el amor y la creencia, y la unificación propia del espíritu del cristianismo.
Jornalistas checadores de fatos e mudança de hábitos: descobertas iniciais
Authors: Sad Albuquerque de Carvalho Marina Aparecida
Published: July 2024

O artigo apresenta os resultados de análises dos conteúdos das agências Lupa e Aos Fatos para pesquisar em que medida o confronto entre a circulação de desinformação na pandemia de Covid-19 e os procedimentos de verificação conduzem a mudanças de hábito em jornalistas, conforme proposta de Charles Peirce. Selecionamos as cinco checagens publicadas no Twitter e mais retuitadas, de cada agência, e observamos se consideram a origem da informação (robótica ou humana), como os aspectos qualitativos dos signos podem indicar diferentes origens e impactar o processo perceptivo, a presença dos valores-notícia e de critérios comerciais e políticos e como os diferentes signos desencadeiam objetos imediatos. Avaliamos, ainda, a predominância de interpretantes, pois os lógicos desencadeiam mudança de hábito. As análises apontaram que os conteúdos não levam em consideração a origem da desinformação e que predominam os sinsignos indicais dicentes para trazer mais certeza. Assim, a busca pela comprovação é como ocorre a aproximação com o objeto dinâmico. A predominância desses signos pode conduzir a interpretantes lógicos para fixação de crenças pelo método científico. Os conteúdos seguem um padrão de escrita jornalística e de patrocínio por meio das empresas do Vale do Silício, o que pode limitar a geração de interpretantes lógicos.
Dentin adhesion and matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Chałas Renata , Rudzka Olga
Published: July 2024

One of the challenges of contemporary conservative dentistry is prevention of secondary caries. Despite the growing bond strength values, which is obtained by chemical and technical improvements, rapid solubility and low durability still make a problem. The main reason of failure in adhesion is degradation of the collagens fibrils – the component of hybrid layer. The ground of this action can be matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) – host-derived enzymes, which play a role in many physiological but also pathological processes. Basing on literature the authors divide them into groups and describe their structure and substrates.
Keywords: metalloproteinases, bonding, adhesive resins, hybrid layer
Hepatitis C: a Welsh perspective
Authors: Walsh Sandra
Published: July 2024

The Infected Blood Inquiry report sparked renewed focus on hepatitis C. This article explores Wales' ambitious eradication strategy, highlighting achievements, challenges and opportunities for healthcare professionals