bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in the non-linear association between BMI and LDL cholesterol in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Kun , Cao Bin , Wang Xiaojing , Chai Tao , Ke Jing , Zhao Dong 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundA data-based study reported the linear relationship between body mass index (BMI) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in a normal population. However, there were no studies giving the suggestion for diabetes patients limited by sample size. This study aimed to investigate the non-linear dose-response relationship between BMI and LDL-C in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodThe study participants registered at the National Metabolic Management Center (MMC) of Beijing Luhe hospital from June 2017 to June 2021. T2DM was diagnosed according to the 1999 World Organization criteria. The generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to investigate the non-linear association between BMI and LDL-C. The relationship between BMI and LDL-C was visualized via the smooth splines function plot by sex. Segmented regressions were fitted to calculate the slopes with different estimated breakpoints.ResultsAfter data cleaning, a total of 2500 participants with T2DM aged 30 to 70 years were included in this study. Compared with females, the spline between BMI and LDL-C showed an Inverted U shape in males. In males, the slopes below and above the breakpoint (26.08. 95% CI: 24.13 to 28.03) were 2.38 (95%CI: 1.06, 3.70) and -0.36 (95%CI: -1.20, 0.48), respectively.ConclusionThere was an Inverted U shape association between BMI and LDL-C in male participants with T2DM, for which the LDL-C was increased with BMI in the lean population, while LDL-C gradually tended to be flat or even decreased in the obese population. However, the Inverted U-shape between BMI and LDL-C was not found in female patients with T2DM.
Wing reduction and body size variation along a steep elevation gradient: a case study with Magellanic sub-Antarctic mayflies and stoneflies
Authors: Rendoll-Cárcamo Javier , Gañán Melisa , Madriz R. Isaí , Convey Peter , Contador Tamara 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionEcogeographical patterns in body size have been described across a wide range of vertebrate species. However, insects have shown inconsistent patterns in studies to date. Aquatic insects, particularly those from remote regions, have barely been explored.MethodsThe Magellanic sub-Antarctic ecoregion offers an ideal natural laboratory with near pristine environments, limiting the potential influence of confounding variables. In this study, we evaluated the influence of elevation on body and wing size and aspect ratio patterns for 10 species of mayfly (Ephemeroptera) and stonefly (Plecoptera) along a steep coastal elevation gradient (~0–600 m a.s.l.).ResultsWe detected significant relationships between altitude and morphological features for the studied species. Additionally, we found that in females, morphological changes were slightly more pronounced than in males, probably due to their role as dispersers. While body size showed an increase along the elevation gradient, there was a notable decrease in some species' wing length over a relatively short geographic distance.DiscussionOur data suggest that morphological plasticity might be promoted in response to the harsh environmental conditions that typify the steep coastal Magellanic sub-Antarctic mountain ranges.
CD93 overexpresses in liver hepatocellular carcinoma and represents a potential immunotherapy target
Authors: Jiang Qianwei , Kuai Jing , Jiang Zhongyi , Que Weitao , Wang Pusen , Huang Wenxin , Ding Wei , Zhong Lin 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundLiver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is one of the malignant tumors with high incidence as well as high death, which is ranked as the sixth most common tumor and the third highest mortality worldwide. CD93, a transmembrane protein, has been widely reported to play an important role in different types of diseases, including many types of cancer by mainly functioning in extracellular matrix formation and vascular maturation. However, there are few researches focusing on the role and potential function of CD93 in LIHC.MethodsIn this study, we comprehensively analyzed the relationship between CD93 and LIHC. We not only discovered transcriptional expression of CD93 in LIHC by using the TIMER, GEPIA and UALCAN database, but also performed WB and IHC to verify the protein expression of CD93 in LIHC. Meantime, Kaplan-Meier Plotter Database Analysis were used to assess the prognosis of CD93 in LIHC. After knowing close correlation between CD93 expression and LIHC, there were STRING, GeneMania and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses to find how CD93 functions in LIHC. We further applied CIBERSORT Algorithm to explore the correlation between CD93 and immune cells and evaluate prognostic value of CD93 based on them in LIHC patients.ResultsThe transcriptional and protein expression of CD93 were both obviously increased in LIHC by above methods. There was also a significant and close correlation between the expression of CD93 and the prognosis of LIHC patients by using Kaplan-Meier Analysis, which showed that LIHC patients with elevated expression of CD93 were associated with a predicted poor prognosis. We found that the functions of CD93 in different cancers are mainly related to Insulin like growth factor binding protein 7 Gene (IGFBP7)/CD93 pathway via STRING, GeneMania and functional enrichment analyses. Further, our data obtained from CIBERSORT Algorithm suggested CD93 was also associated with the immune response. There is a close positive correlation between CD93 expression and the infiltration levels of all six types of immune cells (B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells). Importantly, CD93 can affect the prognosis of patients with LIHC partially due to immune infiltration.ConclusionOur results demonstrated CD93 may be a candidate predictor of clinical prognosis and immunotherapy response in LIHC.
Risk factors for relapse in non-infectious cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, including type I cryoglobulinemia: a systematic review
Authors: Rajendran Nithya , Rameli Puteri Maisarah , Awad Hanaa 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundData on non-infectious cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (NICV) is scarce, especially concerning the management of relapses, which are troublesome. We aimed to investigate risk factors for relapse in NICV.MethodsA systematic literature search of CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Web of Science databases was implemented until April 2023. Eligible studies included randomized control trials, observational studies, and case series with ≥4 patients. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the quality of the eligible studies.ResultsA total of 3,724 articles were retrieved from a database search, with 27 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for review. Most studies (n = 23) detailed relapses, with the time to relapse varying between 1 and 80 months. The relapse rate was reported at 28% in Type I NICV and ranged from 22% to 60% in mixed NICV. Risk factors for relapse in NICV were identified based on the cryoglobulin subtype and correlated with clinical and immunological responses to varying treatment regimens. Type I NICV with an associated lymphoproliferative disorder exhibited a response-relapse pattern. Cutaneous and articular involvement and incomplete clinical and immunological responses to treatment, particularly corticosteroid monotherapy and occasionally rituximab, influence the risk of relapse in Type II and Type III NICV.ConclusionOur findings underscore the significance of attaining both clinical and immunological responses and identifying risk factors for relapse in NICV. Appropriate risk stratification for NICV patients is essential for the successful implementation of effective treatment strategies.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023408140.
Identification of immune activation-related gene signature for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zeng Weibiao , Wang Jin , Yang Jian , Chen Zhike , Cui Yuan , Li Qifan , Luo Gaomeng , Ding Hao , Ju Sheng , Li Baisong , Chen Jun , Xie Yufeng , Tong Xin , Liu Mi , Zhao Jun 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundLung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a highly heterogeneous tumor microenvironment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are more effective in tumors with a pre-activated immune status. However, the potential of the immune activation-associated gene (IAG) signature for prognosis prediction and immunotherapy response assessment in LUAD has not been established. Therefore, it is critical to explore such gene signatures.MethodsRNA sequencing profiles and corresponding clinical parameters of LUAD were extracted from the TCGA and GEO databases. Unsupervised consistency clustering analysis based on immune activation-related genes was performed on the enrolled samples. Subsequently, prognostic models based on genes associated with prognosis were built using the last absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method and univariate Cox regression. The expression levels of four immune activation related gene index (IARGI) related genes were validated in 12 pairs of LUAD tumor and normal tissue samples using qPCR. Using the ESTIMATE, TIMER, and ssGSEA algorithms, immune cell infiltration analysis was carried out for different groups, and the tumor immune dysfunction and rejection (TIDE) score was used to evaluate the effectiveness of immunotherapy.ResultsBased on the expression patterns of IAGs, the TCGA LUAD cohort was classified into two clusters, with those in the IAG-high pattern demonstrating significantly better survival outcomes and immune cell infiltration compared to those in the IAG-low pattern. Then, we developed an IARGI model that effectively stratified patients into different risk groups, revealing differences in prognosis, mutation profiles, and immune cell infiltration within the tumor microenvironment between the high and low-risk groups. Notably, significant disparities in TIDE score between the two groups suggest that the low-risk group may exhibit better responses to ICIs therapy. The IARGI risk model was validated across multiple datasets and demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting overall survival in LUAD, and an IARGI-integrated nomogram was established as a quantitative tool for clinical practice.ConclusionThe IARGI can serve as valuable biomarkers for evaluating the tumor microenvironment and predicting the prognosis of LUAD patients. Furthermore, these genes probably provide valuable guidance for establishing effective immunotherapy regimens for LUAD patients.
Investigation of the underuse of adrenaline (epinephrine) and prognosis among patients with anaphylaxis at emergency department admission
Authors: Lin Yen-Yue , Chang Hsin-An , Kao Yung-Hsi , Chuu Chih-Pin , Chiang Wen-Fang , Chang Ya-Chieh , Li Yuan-Kuei , Chu Chi-Ming , Chan Jenq-Shyong , Hsiao Po-Jen 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundAnaphylaxis is a potentially fatal condition; in severe cases of anaphylaxis, the cardiovascular system is often heavily involved. Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a cornerstone of the initial treatment of anaphylaxis. The use of epinephrine remains below expectations in clinical practice. Whether the underuse of epinephrine affects the prognosis of patients with anaphylaxis is still unclear.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included patients with anaphylaxis between 2011 and 2020 who were admitted to an emergency department (ED) in Taiwan. All patients were divided into two groups based on the use of epinephrine (or not), and we compared the demographic characteristics, allergens, clinical manifestations, management, and patient outcomes.ResultsWe reviewed the records of 314 subjects (216 males, 98 females; mean age: 52.78 ± 16.02 years) who visited our ED due to anaphylaxis; 107 (34.1%) and 207 (65.9%) patients were categorized into the epinephrine use group and the non-epinephrine use group, respectively. Arrival via ambulance (p = 0.019), hypotension (p = 0.002), airway compromise (p &lt; 0.001) and altered consciousness (p &lt; 0.001) were the deciding factors for epinephrine use among anaphylactic patients in the ED. The epinephrine use group had higher rates of other inotropic agent usage and fluid challenge. More than 90% of patients received bed rest, steroids, antihistamines, and monitoring. The epinephrine use group had a longer ED length of stay (387.64 ± 374.71 vs. 313.06 ± 238.99 min, p = 0.03) and a greater need of hospitalization. Among all severe symptoms, hypotension was the most tolerated decision factor for not using epinephrine. In this retrospective analysis, some patients with serious anaphylaxis did not experience adverse outcomes or death even without the use of epinephrine at ED admission. Emergent care focuses first on the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) and may compensate for the underusage of epinephrine. This could be the reason why epinephrine was underused among patients with anaphylaxis in the ED.ConclusionIn summary, early ABC management continues to play an important role in treating patients with severe anaphylaxis, even when epinephrine is not immediately available in clinical scenarios.
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics and mitochondrial protein content predict insulin sensitivity and fuel selection during exercise in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Zapata Bustos Rocio , Coletta Dawn K. , Galons Jean-Philippe , Davidson Lisa B. , Langlais Paul R. , Funk Janet L. , Willis Wayne T. , Mandarino Lawrence J. 
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Many investigators have attempted to define the molecular nature of changes responsible for insulin resistance in muscle, but a molecular approach may not consider the overall physiological context of muscle. Because the energetic state of ATP (ΔGATP) could affect the rate of insulin-stimulated, energy-consuming processes, the present study was undertaken to determine whether the thermodynamic state of skeletal muscle can partially explain insulin sensitivity and fuel selection independently of molecular changes.Methods:31P-MRS was used with glucose clamps, exercise studies, muscle biopsies and proteomics to measure insulin sensitivity, thermodynamic variables, mitochondrial protein content, and aerobic capacity in 16 volunteers.Results: After showing calibrated 31P-MRS measurements conformed to a linear electrical circuit model of muscle nonequilibrium thermodynamics, we used these measurements in multiple stepwise regression against rates of insulin-stimulated glucose disposal and fuel oxidation. Multiple linear regression analyses showed 53% of the variance in insulin sensitivity was explained by 1) VO2max (p = 0.001) and the 2) slope of the relationship of ΔGATP with the rate of oxidative phosphorylation (p = 0.007). This slope represents conductance in the linear model (functional content of mitochondria). Mitochondrial protein content from proteomics was an independent predictor of fractional fat oxidation during mild exercise (R2 = 0.55, p = 0.001).Conclusion: Higher mitochondrial functional content is related to the ability of skeletal muscle to maintain a greater ΔGATP, which may lead to faster rates of insulin-stimulated processes. Mitochondrial protein content per se can explain fractional fat oxidation during mild exercise.
Effect of internet-based vs. in-person multimodal interventions on patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, cross-over, open-label trial
Authors: Jung Young Hee , Park Sang-Cheol , Lee Jee Hee , Kim Myong Jong , Lee Seunghoon , Chung Su Jin , Moon Ji Yeon , Choi Young Hi , Ju Jieun , Han Hyun Jeong , Lee So Young 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the effect of internet-based and in-person cognitive interventions on cognition, mood, and activities of daily living (ADL) on patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and examine whether internet-based intervention is as effective as the in-person intervention.MethodsWe recruited 52 patients with probable mild AD, of whom 42 completed the trial. We randomly divided participants into intervention and control groups at a 1:1 ratio and statistically compared the neuropsychological test results of the two groups. In addition, patients in the intervention group were randomly assigned to a 4 weeks internet-based or in-person intervention, with subsequent crossover to the other group for 4 weeks. We statistically analyzed and compared the neuropsychological test scores between internet-based and in-person interventions.ResultsCompared with the control group, the intervention group (internet-based and in-person) showed significantly improved profile in cognition (p &lt; 0.001), depression (p &lt; 0.001), anxiety (p &lt; 0.001) and ADL (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, the effect of the internet-based intervention on cognition (p = 0.918) and depression (p = 0.282) was not significantly different from that of the in-person intervention. However, in the Beck anxiety inventory (p = 0.009) and Seoul instrumental activity of daily living (p = 0.023), in-person intervention was more effective than internet-based intervention.ConclusionThis study suggests that both types of cognitive intervention (in-person and internet-based) may be viable supplementary treatments along with approved pharmacological therapy. In terms of anxiety and ADL, the effect of the in-person interventions may be more effective than the-internet based interventions.
Unmasking trends and drivers of the international arachnid trade
Authors: Herzig Volker , Hauke Tobias J. , Lüddecke Tim 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe global biodiversity crisis represents a major threat to humanity, with the worldwide animal trade being identified as a major driving force. Although vertebrate trade has been subject to intensified research, the extent of invertebrate trade remains understudied. Recent analyses of arachnids (i.e., spiders and scorpions) suggest that there is a large and still-expanding international market which has the potential to threaten natural populations. Whether or not captive breeding has the potential to decrease collection pressure on wild arachnid populations has not been investigated, nor have the temporal dynamics or the trade purposes of arachnids been examined.MethodsWe herein seek to broaden our understanding of these areas by analyzing arachnid import and export data from two major international wildlife trade databases (CITES and LEMIS).ResultsHistorically, a large proportion of tarantulas and scorpions have been traded for the pet sector. Our analysis of the LEMIS data shows that imports of pet arachnids have declined by up to 55% in the past decade. Furthermore, an annual breakdown of US imports shows that at least 43% of specimens are not traded as pets but for other purposes, including research, souvenirs, and traditional medicine, with the souvenir sector experiencing an unprecedented growth. CITES data for protected tarantulas, but not scorpions, further indicate a shift toward trade with captive-bred specimens.DiscussionThese trends need to be considered in efforts to conserve natural populations. Coordinated captive breeding may represent a path toward increased sustainability by meeting the demand for traded arachnids and also providing an important resource for scientific research across disciplines.
Co-activation of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles through an adaptive closed-loop respiratory pacing controller
Authors: Adury Rabeya Zinnat , Siu Ricardo , Jung Ranu 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionRespiratory pacing is a promising alternative to traditional mechanical ventilation that has been shown to significantly increase the survival and quality of life after the neural control of the respiratory system has been compromised. However, current pacing approaches to achieve adequate ventilation tend to target only the diaphragm without pacing external intercostal muscles that are also activated during normal inspiration. Furthermore, the pacing paradigms do not allow for intermittent sighing, which carries an important physiological role. We hypothesized that simultaneous activation of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles would improve the efficiency of respiratory pacing compared to diaphragm stimulation alone.Materials and MethodsWe expanded an adaptive, closed-loop diaphragm pacing paradigm we had previously developed to include external intercostal muscle activation and sigh generation. We then investigated, using a rodent model for respiratory pacing, if simultaneous activation would delay the fatigability of the diaphragm during pacing and allow induction of appropriate sigh-like behavior in spontaneously breathing un-injured anesthetized rats (n = 8) with pacing electrodes implanted bilaterally in the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles, between 2nd and 3rd intercostal spaces.ResultsWith this novel pacing system, we show that fatigability of the diaphragm was lower when using combined muscle stimulation than diaphragm stimulation alone (p = 0.014) and that combined muscle stimulation was able to induce sighs with significantly higher tidal volumes compared to diaphragm stimulation alone (p = 0.014).ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that simultaneous activation of the inspiratory muscles could be used as a suitable strategy to delay stimulation-induced diaphragmatic fatigue and to induce a sigh-like behavior that could improve respiratory health.
Numerical Solution of Thermal Phenomena in Welding Problems
Authors: Freire-Torres Mario , Colera Manuel , Carpio Jaime 
Published: July 2023

We present a novel finite element method to solve the thermal variables in welding problems. The mathematical model is based on the enthalpy formulation of the energy conservation law, which is simultaneously valid for the solid, liquid, and mushy regions. Both isothermal and non-isothermal melting models are considered to relate the enthalpy with the temperature. Quadratic triangular elements with local anisotropic mesh adaptation are employed for the space discretization of the governing equation, and a second-order backward differentiation formula is employed for the time discretization. The resulting non-linear discretized system is solved with a simple Newton algorithm with two versions: the θ-Newton algorithm, which considers the temperature as the main unknown variable, as in most works in the literature, and the h-Newton algorithm, which considers the enthalpy, which is the main novelty of the present work. Then, we show via numerical experiments that the h-Newton method is robust and converges well to the solution, both for isothermal and non-isothermal melting. However, the θ-method can only be applied to the case of non-isothermal melting and converges only for a sufficiently large melting temperature range or sufficiently small time step. Numerical experiments also confirm that the method is able to adequately capture the discontinuities or sharp variations in the solution without the need for any kind of numerical dissipation.