bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Functioning Adrenal Incidentalomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Sconfienza Elisa , Tetti Martina , Forestiero Vittorio , Veglio Franco , Mulatero Paolo , Monticone Silvia 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Context
Adrenal hyperfunction is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic complications in subjects with adrenal incidentaloma (AI). Reliable prevalence estimates of functioning AIs are important to direct resources allocations.

Objective
To assess the prevalence of autonomous/possible autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS), primary aldosteronism (PA), pheochromocytoma (PHEO), and Cushing syndrome (CS) in patients with AI.

Methods
We performed a comprehensive search of multiple databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science) for potentially relevant studies without language restriction, up to February 2022. Of the 1661 publications evaluated at title and abstract levels, 161 were examined as full text and 36 were included. Study level clinical data were extracted by 3 independent reviewers.

Results
The overall prevalence of functioning AIs was 27.5% (95% CI 23.0, 32.5). ACS/possible ACS, with a prevalence of 11.7% (95% CI 8.6, 15.7), was the most frequent hormonal alteration, while PA occurred in 4.4% of the patients (95% CI 3.1, 6.2). Subgroup analysis showed that PA was more prevalent in patients from Asia than in patients from Europe/America; in contrast, ACS/possible ACS had a lower prevalence in Asian countries. At meta-regression analysis, the prevalence of ACS/possible ACS was influenced by the proportion of female patients, while the prevalence of PA was positively associated with the proportion of patients with hypertension and the publication year. Finally, PHEO and CS prevalence were 3.8% (95% CI 2.8, 5.0) and 3.1% (95% CI 2.3, 4.3) respectively.

Conclusion
This meta-analysis provides extensive data on the prevalence of functioning AIs and the factors affecting heterogeneity in prevalence estimates.
Evocalcet Rescues Secondary Hyperparathyroidism-driven Cortical Porosity in CKD Male Rats
Authors: Hasegawa Tomoka , Tokunaga Shin , Yamamoto Tomomaya , Sakai Mariko , Hongo Hiromi , Kawata Takehisa , Amizuka Norio 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTo elucidate the effect of evocalcet, a new oral calcimimetic to bone of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the rats were 5/6 nephrectomized and fed on a high-phosphate diet. The treated rats were then divided into vehicle groups and evocalcet administered groups. The rats in the vehicle groups exhibited increased levels of serum PTH and inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels, high bone turnover, and severe cortical porosity, mimicking SHPT (CKD-SHPT rats). The cortical bone of the CKD-SHPT rats showed broad demineralization around the osteocytes, suppression of Phex/small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoprotein-mediated mineralization in the periphery of the osteocytic lacunae, and increased levels of osteocytic cell death, all of which were considered as the first steps of cortical porosity. In contrast, evocalcet ameliorated the increased serum PTH levels, the enlarged osteocytic lacunae, and the cortical porosity of the CKD-SHPT rats. Osteocytes of CKD-SHPT rats strongly expressed PTH receptor and Pit1/Pit2, which sense extracellular Pi, indicating that PTH and Pi affected these osteocytes. Cell death of cultured osteocytes increased in a Pi concentration-dependent manner, and PTH administration rapidly elevated Pit1 expression and enhanced osteocytic death, indicating the possibility that the highly concentrated serum PTH and Pi cause severe perilacunar osteolysis and osteocytic cell death. It is likely therefore that evocalcet not only decreases serum PTH but also reduces the exacerbation combined with PTH and Pi to the demineralization of osteocytic lacunae and osteocytic cell death, thereby protecting cortical porosity in CKD-SHPT rats.
Differential Strain-dependent Ovarian and Metabolic Responses in a Mouse Model of PCOS
Authors: Binder April K , Peecher Danielle L , Qvigstad Amanda J , Gutierrez Silvia D , Magaña Jennifer , Banks David B , Korach Kenneth S 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSeveral mouse models have been developed to study polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of infertility in women. Treatment of mice with DHT for 90 days causes ovarian and metabolic phenotypes similar to women with PCOS. We used this 90-day DHT treatment paradigm to investigate the variable incidence and heterogeneity in 2 inbred mouse strains, NOD/ShiLtJ and 129S1/SvlmJ. NOD mice naturally develop type 1 diabetes, and recent meta-analysis found increased androgen excess and PCOS in women with type 1 diabetes. The 129S1 mice are commonly used in genetic manipulations. Both NOD and 129S1 DHT-treated mice had early vaginal opening, increased anogenital distance, and altered estrus cycles compared with control animals. Additionally, both NOD and 129S1 mice had reduced numbers of corpora lutea after DHT exposure, whereas NOD mice had decreased numbers of preantral follicles and 129S1 mice had reduced numbers of small antral follicles. NOD mice had increased body weight, decreased white adipocyte size, and improved glucose sensitivity in response to DHT, whereas 129S1 mice had increased body weight and white adipocyte size. NOD mice had increased expression of Adiponectin, Cidea, Srebp1a, and Srebp1b and 129S1 mice had decreased Pparg in the white adipose tissues, whereas both NOD and 129S1 mice had increased expression of Glut4 and Prdm16, suggesting DHT may differentially affect glucose transport, thermogenesis, and lipid storage in white adipose tissue. DHT causes different ovarian and metabolic responses in NOD and 129S1 mice, suggesting that strain differences may allow further elucidation of genetic contributions to PCOS.
Diagnostic Value of IGF-1 in Growth Hormone–Deficient Children: Is a Second Growth Hormone Stimulation Test Necessary?
Authors: Fatani Tarah H 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectivewe assessed the diagnostic accuracy of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 measurements with 1 growth hormone stimulation test (GHST) vs performing 2 GHSTs as the standard test to confirm the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the baseline characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory data of 703 children with short stature, aged 4-14 years (mean age, 8.46 ± 2.7 years), who had undergone 2 GHSTs. We compared the diagnostic values of IGF-1 levels by using a cut-off value of ≤0 SD score, along with results of a single clonidine stimulation test (CST). We evaluated the false-positive rate, specificity, likelihood ratio, and area under the curve (AUC) of the 2 diagnostic methods. GHD was diagnosed if the peak growth hormone level was &lt;7 ng/mL on 2 GHSTs.ResultsOf the 724 children, 577 (79.7%) had a low IGF-1 level (mean 104.9 ± 61.4 ng/mL), and 147 (20.3%) had a normal IGF-1 level (mean 145.9 ± 86.9 ng/mL). GHD was diagnosed in 187 patients (25.8%), of whom 146 (25.3%) had a low IGF-1 level. An IGF-1 level reflecting ≤0 SDs in combination with results of a single CST had a specificity of 92.6%, a false-positive rate of 5.5%, and an AUC of 0.6088. Using an IFG-1 cut-off level of ≤−2 SDs did not alter the diagnostic accuracy.ConclusionLow IGF-1 values of ≤0 SDs or ≤−2 SDs in combination with results of a single CST had poor diagnostic accuracy for GHD.
Matrix stiffness regulates Notch signaling activity in endothelial cells
Authors: Kretschmer Maibritt , Mamistvalov Rose , Sprinzak David , Vollmar Angelika M. , Zahler Stefan 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT
Notch signaling is critical for many developmental and disease-related processes. It is widely accepted that Notch has a mechanotransduction module that regulates receptor cleavage. However, the role of biomechanical properties of the cellular environment in Notch signaling in general is still poorly understood. During angiogenesis, differentiation of endothelial cells into tip and stalk cells is regulated by Notch signaling, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix occurs. We investigated the influence of substrate stiffness on the Notch signaling pathway in endothelial cells. Using stiffness-tuned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates, we show that activity of the Notch signaling pathway inversely correlates with a physiologically relevant range of substrate stiffness (i.e. increased Notch signaling activity on softer substrates). Trans-endocytosis of the Notch extracellular domain, but not the overall endocytosis, is regulated by substrate stiffness, and integrin cell–matrix connections are both stiffness dependent and influenced by Notch signaling. We conclude that mechanotransduction of Notch activation is modulated by substrate stiffness, highlighting the role of substrate rigidity as an important cue for signaling. This might have implications in pathological situations associated with stiffening of the extracellular matrix, such as tumor growth.
Effects of Aquatic Exercise Training on Physical Performance and Mood States in Male Collegiate Soccer Players
Authors: Michishita Ryoma , Hide Taijiro , Kawakami Shotaro , Kanegawa Yuta , Takayanagi Kohei , Inui Masahiro , Uehara Yoshinari , Higaki Yasuki 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Purpose
This study investigated the effects of aquatic exercise training on the physical performance and mood states of male collegiate soccer players.

Methods
Twenty male collegiate soccer players (age 19.9 ± 0.9 yr) performed aquatic exercise training composed of warm-up exercises, high-intensity interval training, resistance training using tools, and cooldown activities. Training was performed for 30 min·d−1, twice per week for 11 wk. Participants were randomly allocated to the training or control groups (n = 10 each). The participants’ anthropometric measurements, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, change of direction, endurance performance, and mood states were assessed at baseline and after the 11-wk intervention period.

Results
After the intervention, the ROM of the shoulder and hip joints and the isokinetic and back muscle strength increased in the training group (P < 0.05 each). Significant group–time interaction effects was observed between the two groups in the ROM of the shoulder and hip joints and in isokinetic and back muscle strength (P < 0.05 each). The Profile of Mood States, Second Edition vigor–activity scores increased in the training group (19.3 ± 6.4 to 24.5 ± 5.6 points, P = 0.007), and a significant interaction effect for group–time was observed for vigor–activity between the two groups (P = 0.005).

Conclusions
These results suggest that aquatic exercise training helps improve ROM, muscle strength, and mood in male collegiate soccer players.
Investigation on anxiety and depression of different populations in the area with low incidence of New Coronavirus pneumonia and analysis of related factors
Authors: Niu Yuan , Liu Yincai , Ren Songna 
Published: January 2023

Objective: To explore the anxiety and depression status and related factors of different populations in the area with low incidence of New Coronavirus pneumonia.
Methods: The anxiety and depression of 106 residents of different ages, different places of residence and different epidemic situations in Xingtai City, Hebei Province, China were assessed from February 18, 2020 to February 20, 2020. The psychological status of different groups was evaluated by self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the questionnaire data were analyzed retrospectively. The general data of all residents were collected, and the factors affecting the mental health status of different populations were studied by multiple linear regression with the scores of depression and anxiety as dependent variables.
Results: The SAS and SDS scores of anxiety and depression were (51.79±12.11) and (57.01±11.40) respectively. The positive rates of anxiety and depression were 38.68% and 47.17%, respectively. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that marital status, close attention to the daily epidemic progress, and having infected and sick relatives and friends were independent risk factors affecting residents’ SAS score (P<0.05). Additionally, marital status, health self-assessment and close attention to the daily epidemic progress every day were independent risk factors affecting residents’ SDS score (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Residents in low-incidence areas are prone to anxiety and depression. Marital status, health self-assessment, paying attention to the progress of the epidemic every day and monitoring the disease progress in relatives and friends are independent risk factors contributing to the anxiety and depression of the residents. Corresponding protective measures should be taken to improve the local epidemic prevention and control level.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.7136
How to cite this: Niu Y, Liu Y, Ren S. Investigation on anxiety and depression of different populations in the area with low incidence of New Coronavirus pneumonia and analysis of related factors. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.7136
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Four-channel all-optical wavelength conversion unit based on nonlinear effect of three-section monolithically integrated semiconductor lasers
Authors: Wu Gengze , Zheng Jilin , Pu Tao , Yin Zhi , Zhang Xin , Li Jin , Chen Shilin , Zhao Jiaqi , Liu Juan , Zhang Yunshan , Su Yang , Chen Xiangfei 
Published: January 2023

A simple and highly efficient four-channel all-optical wavelength conversion based on four-wave mixing effect of the directly modulated three-section monolithically integrated semiconductor laser is proposed and experimentally investigated. For this wavelength conversion unit, the spacing of the wavelength can be adjusted by tuning the bias current of the lasers and setting it to be 0.4 nm (50 GHz) as a demonstration is this work. A 50 Mbps 16-QAM signal centers at 4–8 GHz is experimentally switched to a targeted path. Up- or downconversion depends on a wavelength-selective switch, and the conversion efficiency can reach up to −2 to 0 dB. This work provides a new technology for photonic radio-frequency switching matrix and contributes to the integrated implementation of satellite transponders.
Experimental impact of power re-optimization in a mesh network
Authors: Yang Xin , Ferrari Alessio , Le Gac Dylan , Charlet Gabriel , Tornatore Massimo , Pointurier Yvan 
Published: January 2023

We experimentally observe the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) degradation of previously established services induced by loading new services in a network, and we mitigate this degradation by periodic power re-optimization via two different strategies: (1) a static strategy based on end-of-life parameters and (2) a dynamic strategy based on real-time monitoring to the current state of the network. We use a mesh network testbed of four nodes and five links with commercial equipment only. We observe up to 3.4 dB SNR degradation on the previously established services due to the loading of new services. Then we demonstrate an improvement of up to 3.2 dB in the network margin achieved by applying our proposed power re-optimization strategy.
Occurrence of citrus brown and black spot diseases and their control using pre-harvest approaches
Authors: Mohamed Saied Ali Khalil  , Nadia Gamel El-Gamal  , Nehal Samy El-Mougy  , Mokhtar Mohamed Abdel-Kader  
Published: January 2023

Mild brown and black spot diseases symptoms were detected on citrus varieties, Valencia and Navel fruits during season 2018 in some citrus orchards at North Egypt. Collected diseased fruit samples revealed isolation of Alternaria alternata and Phyllosticta citricarpa (McAlpine) van der Aa. Some organic acids, salts and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were evaluated against the diseases incidents in vitro and in vivo. Complete growth inhibition was recorded for fungi tested at 2g/L of salicylic acid, Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Tri-Sodium polyphosphate and 2.5 g/L of S. cerevisiae. All pre-harvest treated Valencia trees, inoculated fruits revealed no diseases symptoms up to 10 days of storage period. Meanwhile, S. cerevisiae and salicylic acid treatments had extended protective effect up to 20 days. Control strategy through spraying Valencia orange trees with yeast or some organic acids and salts as pre-harvest approaches should be taken in consideration especially these diseases began to occur in North region of Egypt.
Investigating the in-core 60Co production assembly for open pool type reactor
Authors: Abdelhady Amr 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Production of high specific 60Co activity in nuclear research reactor needs long time of irradiation to reach the proper consumer demands. Cobalt device is a fixed experiment inside the core of the second research reactor (ETRR-2) that designed for production of 60Co with activity of 50,000 Ci. Cobalt device is assembly of 16 pins of aluminum cans that filling with the cobalt foils. Utilizing the programs that depend on the Monte Carlo method to estimate 60Co activity is the objective of this study. MCNP6, KENO-VI, and MAVRIC codes would be used to evaluate the time that the cobalt device has been spent inside the reactor core for reaching the proper 60Co activity considering the continuous irradiation as well as the discrete irradiation. The calculations show that nearly one year of continuous neutron irradiation is sufficient for reaching the required activity. In case of discrete irradiation, the time required for reaching the required activity would be more than a year depending on the reactor operation period.
Silencing of circ_002136 sensitizes gastric cancer to paclitaxel by targeting the miR-16-5p/HMGA1 axis
Authors: Kuang Zhijian , Yang Haitao , Cheng Shu , Zhou Xiaolong , Chen Lan , Zhang Yuqing , Zhang Jie 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The dysregulated expression of circRNA in gastric cancer (GC) induces paclitaxel (Tax) resistance of cancer cells, which in turn affects disease progression and prognosis. Here, we sought to investigate the role and mechanism of circ_002136 in Tax-resistant GC. In this study, we found the enriched circ_002136 level and the declined miR-16-5p level in Tax-resistant GC tissues and cells. Biologically, knockdown of circ_002136 elevated the Tax sensitivity of Tax-resistant GC cells, inhibited the cell motility properties, and simultaneously drove the apoptosis. Mechanically, circ_002136 promoted the HMGA1-mediated cellular Tax resistance and cell invasion by sponging miR-16-5p. Furthermore, circ_002136 silencing impeded the growth of Tax-resistant GC tumors in vivo. Overall, our study revealed a novel signaling pathway that could be used for future clinical applications, namely the circ_002136/miR-16-5p/HMGA1 axis to regulate the Tax resistance of GC cells.
Water Grabbing, Capitalist Accumulation and Resistance: Conceptualising the Multiple Dimensions of Class Struggle
Authors: Bieler Andreas , Moore Madelaine 
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this article is to reflect on how we can conceptualise the multiple types of struggles over water. Through a historical materialist engagement with social reproduction theorists, post-colonial interventions and eco-socialism, we argue that capitalist reproduction not only depends on the exploitation of wage labour but also the expropriation of nature and people along different forms of oppression. By focusing on historical processes and the intertwined dynamics necessary for capitalist reproduction, we reveal the internal relations of these struggles to each other and to global capitalism. Moreover, by putting forward a conceptual and methodological guide for how to approach water struggles relationally, we can point to the anti-systemic potential of these struggles. We argue that the diversity of protesters apparent in struggles against water grabbing captures internally related and mediated forms of class struggle, where the terrain of class struggle is inclusive of the whole social factory.
KEYWORDS: Class struggle; exploitation; expropriation; primitive accumulation; water grabbing; incorporated comparison
Effect of PbO Incorporation with Different Particle Sizes on Structural and Mechanical Properties of Polystyrene
Authors: Osman Ahmad Firas , Badawi Mohamed S. , Roumie Mohamad , Awad Ramadan 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Two different sizes of lead oxide (PbO) nanoparticles, notably PbO(A) and PbO(B) with sizes of 78 and 54 nm, respectively, were produced using a high-speed planetary ball milling machine under specific operating parameters. Following this, the novel polystyrene (PS) nanocomposite PS/PbO was prepared using compression molding by embedding 10, 15, 25, and 35 wt. % of PbO(Bulk), PbO(A), and PbO(B) into PS separately. The composite was further characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). FTIR results confirmed the presence of PbO and indicated physical adsorption of the nanoparticle onto the PS matrix surface. SEM, EDS, and LIBS analyses revealed a more efficient diffusion of PbO in the PS matrix with the decrease of the nanoparticle size. On the other hand, tensile and Vickers microhardness tests were performed to investigate the composite’s mechanical properties. The stiffness was, indeed, enhanced with increasing weight fraction as well as with decreasing particle size of PbO. The strength of the composite was optimized with 15 wt. % of PbO. The microhardness test revealed an indentation size effect behavior of the composite and an increase in Hv values with PbO loads up to 15 wt. %. Accordingly, by adjusting the filler particle size and concentration, the mechanical properties of the composite were enhanced, increasing their use in a variety of applications such as coating, insulation, and radiation shield.
A formação continuada potencializadora do antirracismo: metodologias ativas uma atitude de insubordinação criativa
Authors: Martins Adriana Mello Almeida , Debacco Maria Simone 
Published: January 2023

O antirracismo é um movimento regulado pela Lei nº 10.639/03 no contexto da educação brasileira, todavia requer esforços para uma prática contínua e efetiva. O estudo versa sobre a necessidade de realizar cursos de formação continuada para potencializar essas ações. O racismo é um crime silencioso, com uma tímida atenção no mês de novembro, nos espaços educacionais. Aponta por objetivo geral identificar a necessidade de formação continuada para fins de efetivar o combate ao antirracismo nas escolas. Pretende problematizar os mecanismos de sujeição e de silenciamentos presentes em práticas de antirracismo no contexto educacional. O artigo procura, além de refletir sobre a prática de mudez para com situações de racismo, analisar e propor práticas de formação docente pautadas por ações de insubordinação criativa. Quanto ao método: é um estudo bibliográfico, do tipo descritivo-exploratório de abordagem qualitativa. O leitor vai encontrar elementos a se considerar no processo de educação continuada, a partir de uma metodologia ativa, conhecida por Aprendizagem Baseada em Projetos (ABP).