bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adipocyte Glucocorticoid Receptor Inhibits Immune Regulatory Genes to Maintain Immune Cell Homeostasis in Adipose Tissue
Authors: Amatya Shripa , Tietje-Mckinney Dylan , Mueller Schaefer , Petrillo Maria G , Woolard Matthew D , Bharrhan Sushma , Orr Anthony Wayne , Kevil Christopher G , Cidlowski John A , Cruz-Topete Diana 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Glucocorticoids acting via the glucocorticoid receptors (GR) are key regulators of metabolism and the stress response. However, uncontrolled or excessive GR signaling adversely affects adipose tissue, including endocrine, immune, and metabolic functions. Inflammation of the adipose tissue promotes systemic metabolic dysfunction; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of adipocyte GR in regulating genes associated with adipose tissue inflammation are poorly understood. We performed in vivo studies using adipocyte-specific GR knockout mice in conjunction with in vitro studies to understand the contribution of adipocyte GR in regulating adipose tissue immune homeostasis. Our findings show that adipocyte-specific GR signaling regulates adipokines at both mRNA and plasma levels and immune regulatory (Coch, Pdcd1, Cemip, and Cxcr2) mRNA gene expression, which affects myeloid immune cell presence in white adipose tissue. We found that, in adipocytes, GR directly influences Cxcr2. This chemokine receptor promotes immune cell migration, indirectly affecting Pdcd1 and Cemip gene expression in nonadipocyte or stromal cells. Our findings suggest that GR adipocyte signaling suppresses inflammatory signals, maintaining immune homeostasis. We also found that GR signaling in adipose tissue in response to stress is sexually dimorphic. Understanding the molecular relationship between GR signaling and adipose tissue inflammation could help develop potential targets to improve local and systemic inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic health.
Markers of Glucagon Resistance Improve With Reductions in Hepatic Steatosis and Body Weight in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kjeldsen Sasha A S , Thomsen Mads N , Skytte Mads J , Samkani Amirsalar , Richter Michael M , Frystyk Jan , Magkos Faidon , Hansen Elizaveta , Thomsen Henrik S , Holst Jens J , Madsbad Sten , Haugaard Steen B , Krarup Thure , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Context
Hyperglucagonemia may develop in type 2 diabetes due to obesity-prone hepatic steatosis (glucagon resistance). Markers of glucagon resistance (including the glucagon-alanine index) improve following diet-induced weight loss, but the partial contribution of lowering hepatic steatosis vs body weight is unknown.

Objective
This work aimed to investigate the dependency of body weight loss following a reduction in hepatic steatosis on markers of glucagon resistance in type 2 diabetes.

Methods
A post hoc analysis was conducted from 2 previously published randomized controlled trials. We investigated the effect of weight maintenance (study 1: isocaloric feeding) or weight loss (study 2: hypocaloric feeding), both of which induced reductions in hepatic steatosis, on markers of glucagon sensitivity, including the glucagon-alanine index measured using a validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and metabolomics in 94 individuals (n = 28 in study 1; n = 66 in study 2). Individuals with overweight or obesity with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to a 6-week conventional diabetes (CD) or carbohydrate-reduced high-protein (CRHP) diet within both isocaloric and hypocaloric feeding-interventions.

Results
By design, weight loss was greater after hypocaloric compared to isocaloric feeding, but both diets caused similar reductions in hepatic steatosis, allowing us to investigate the effect of reducing hepatic steatosis with or without a clinically relevant weight loss on markers of glucagon resistance. The glucagon-alanine index improved following hypocaloric, but not isocaloric, feeding, independently of macronutrient composition.

Conclusion
Improvements in glucagon resistance may depend on body weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Key role for Rac in the early transcriptional response to extracellular matrix stiffness and stiffness-dependent repression of ATF3
Authors: Dang Irène , Brazzo Joseph A. , Bae Yongho , Assoian Richard K. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTThe Rho family GTPases Rac and Rho play critical roles in transmitting mechanical information contained within the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cell. Rac and Rho have well-described roles in regulating stiffness-dependent actin remodeling, proliferation and motility. However, much less is known about the relative roles of these GTPases in stiffness-dependent transcription, particularly at the genome-wide level. Here, we selectively inhibited Rac and Rho in mouse embryonic fibroblasts cultured on deformable substrata and used RNA sequencing to elucidate and compare the contribution of these GTPases to the early transcriptional response to ECM stiffness. Surprisingly, we found that the stiffness-dependent activation of Rac was dominant over Rho in the initial transcriptional response to ECM stiffness. We also identified activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) as a major target of stiffness- and Rac-mediated signaling and show that ATF3 repression by ECM stiffness helps to explain how the stiffness-dependent activation of Rac results in the induction of cyclin D1.
Observations on neurophysiological pattern and behavioural traits as death-feigning mechanism in Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Li Huijuan , Wang Lu , Wen Junbao 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
In adaptation to surrounding environmental stimuli, most insects exhibit defense behaviour (death feigning) to improve survival rates in the wild. However, the underlying mechanism of death feigning remains largely unknown. Here, we tested the neurophysiological pattern and behavioural traits of the death-feigning mechanism in the forestry pest Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus. Using neuroanatomy, LC-MS/MS target metabolomics detection technology and qRT-PCR, we investigated the effects of neurochemicals and metabolic pathways in experimental weevils. Excision and drug tests were conducted to verify the key regulatory body parts involved in regulating the central nervous system in death feigning. Our results reconstructed the death-feigning mechanism of E. scrobiculatus: when the effective stimuli point of arousal weevils received mechanical stimulation, the thoracoabdominal ganglion transmitted signals into the brain through the ventral nerve cord, and then the brain regulated dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) metabolic pathways, reducing the expression of dopamine (dar2) and octopamine (oar1, oab2) receptor genes, finally inducing death feigning. Our study suggests that the variation of neurotransmitters in the brain is an important indicator of the physiological response of death feigning, and the results provide ecological and theoretical information for future investigations to reveal key behaviour and target genes for pest control.
Impact of Blood Flow Restriction Exercise on Central Hemodynamics and Fluid Regulating Hormones
Authors: THOMPSON KYLE M.A. , GAMBLE ALEXANDER S.D. , COATES ALEXANDRA M. , BURR JAMIE F. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to characterize both the efficacy of altered restriction pressures and consequences of optimized blood flow restriction (BFR) for altering the cardiovascular and fluid regulating response in humans.

Methods
This work comprised a series of related trials. Phase 1: during semi-recumbent cycling (5 min, 60 W) with BFR at 0%, 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of participants’ lowest arterial occlusion pressure (LOP) echocardiographic images were collected alongside continuous heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). In phase 2, 24 h fluid balance (intake-output) and fluid-regulating hormone responses were measured after a practical BFR exercise session (treadmill walking: 5·3 min, 1 min rest, 5 km·h−1, 5% incline, 100% LOP). Phase 3 examined the magnitude and effect of blood volume distribution following BFR treadmill walking using a modified CO-rebreathe technique.

Results
Cardiac ejection fraction remained stable irrespective of cuff pressure and despite a reduction in end-diastolic volume (Δ of 11 ± 9 mL, P = 0.02). HR and BP were highest at 100% LOP (ΔHR = 18 ± 19 bpm, ΔSBP = 51 ± 30 mm Hg, ΔDBP = 33 ± 15 mm Hg, ΔRate Pressure Product = 76 ± 32 bpm·mm Hg·100−1). BFR treadmill walking stimulated a greater release of fluid-regulating hormones than normal walking (Δrenin = BFR: 25.3 ± 24.2 vs CON: 9.1 ± 11.8 ng·L−1; Δcopeptin = BFR: 50.1 ± 97.9 vs. CON: 0.43 ± 0.8 pmol·L−1), but no difference in fluid retention was observed (P = 0.2). Approximately 27% of total blood volume was confined to the legs during BFR, but the relative volume trapped in the legs was not related to fluid-regulating hormone release (renin r = −0.04, P = 0.9; copeptin r = 0.27, P = 0.3).

Conclusions
BFR exercise elicits the largest cardiovascular effect using 100% LOP, with evidence of appreciable fluid regulating hormonal response during a typical BFR exercise session. The relative volume of blood sequestered in the limb does not appear to drive this response.
Clinical and genetic attributes of congenital anomalies ascertained at a tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Authors: Shaheen Fatima , Qaisar Shehzad Humayoon  , Sajid Malik  , Mumtaz Sara 
Published: September 2023

Objective: Congenital anomalies (CA) or birth defects cause substantial healthcare burden in developing countries. There are few studies from Pakistan on the prevalence-pattern of CA. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence-pattern and genetic attributes of CA at a tertiary care facility in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Methods: In a cross-sectional study design, patients with CA were ascertained from Pediatric and Neonatal Section of Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi from March-2022 to June-2022. International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases were utilized for uniformity in classification. The pattern of CA as well as familial/sporadic nature, syndromic/isolated presentations, and prenatal consanguinity were estimated. Descriptive summaries were generated.
Results: A total of 517 independent cases with certain types of CA were recruited. There were eight major and 70 minor categories. Among the major categories, neurological disorders (39.1%) were predominating followed by neuromuscular disorders (21.1%), limb defects (13.5%), musculoskeletal defects (7.4%), blood disorders (4.3%), orofacial defects (3.9%), metabolic disorders (3.7%), and Others (7.1%). The sporadic cases were in majority (72.5%) compared to familial cases (27.5%). Further, 63% patients had syndromic presentations and there were 37% cases with isolated appearances. A total of 70% cases had parental consanguinity.
Conclusion: The majority of anomalies were of preventable nature and certain healthcare measures including antinatal care and counseling can be adopted to minimize their burden. Additionally, there is an urgent need to raise awareness of the negative consequences of consanguineous marriages, which constitute a significant risk factor in cases with inherited CA.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7408
How to cite this: Shaheen F, Humayoon QS, Malik S, Mumtaz S. Clinical and genetic attributes of congenital anomalies ascertained at a tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):1673-1679. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7408
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.
Shunt rate of ductus arteriosus and ductus venosus in middle and late fetuses and their application value in the evaluation of fetal growth restriction
Authors: Zhou Yijia , Chen Qunqun , Luan Ruhui , Zhao Yaping 
Published: September 2023

Objective: To explore the Shunt rate of ductus arteriosus (DA) and ductus venosus (DV) in middle and late fetuses and their application value in the evaluation of fetal growth restriction (FGR).
Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed the clinical data of the patients who admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from September 10, 2017 to November 27, 2018, and finally included 44 normal women at 28-31 weeks of pregnancy (Normal group) and 15 pregnant women with fetal growth restriction (FGR) within 28-31 weeks of gestation (FGR group). We measured blood flows of the DA (QDA), pulmonary artery (QPA), DV (QDV), and umbilical vein (QUV) and the shunt rates of the DA and DV (QDA/QPA and QDV/QUV, respectively) in all fetuses. We compared the mean variables between groups using the Normal group means as the normal reference values for analysis.
Results: DA shunt rate was linearly and positively correlated with gestational age (Y=1.455X+2.787; r=0.767, P<0.01), while the DV shunt rate was linearly and negatively correlated with gestational age (Y=-2.791X+126.885; r=0.761, P<0.01). The DA shunt rates (QDA/QPA) of fetuses in the normal were higher than those in the FGR groups, but the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The DV shunt rates (QDV/QUV) of fetuses in the normal were significantly lower than those in the FGR groups (P < 0.05). The DV shunt rates in the FGR group were significantly higher than those in the normal group with differences being statistically significant at 30-30+6 and 31-31+6 gestational weeks (P < 0.05) The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) showed that the higher the shunt rate, the worse the birth outcome of a fetus with FGR.
Conclusions: The DV shunt rate in middle- and late-stage fetuses can predict the fetal birth outcome, and the higher the shunt ratio, the worse the birth outcome of FGR fetuses.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7649
How to cite this: Zhou Y, Chen Q, Luan R, Zhao Y. Shunt rate of ductus arteriosus and ductus venosus in middle and late fetuses and their application value in the evaluation of fetal growth restriction. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):1589-1594. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7649
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.
Performance of home-based self-tonometry (iCare HOME (TA022)) for measuring intraocular pressure among healthy and glaucoma patients
Authors: Nayak Anush , Ramesh S Ve , Kuzhuppilly Neetha I R , Pai Vijaya H , Chaitanya Aditya 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare iCare HOME (TA022) with Goldmann applanation tonometer and to evaluate the self-tonometry measurements among the Indian population. Methods: Eligible patients underwent iCare HOME training through guided demonstration (verbal, pictorial, video) and practised self-tonometry measures using iCare HOME. Certification for independent iCare HOME measure was provided if first iCare HOME intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement fell within ± 5 mmHg of Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) measurement which was measured by the trained clinician (principal investigator). Certified participants underwent simulated home self-tonometry measurements using iCare HOME, and agreement with GAT IOP measurements was assessed. Results: Seven of 83 participants (8.43%) failed to complete the study due to difficulty in performing the task, leading to non-certification. Patients who could use the iCare HOME had a mean age of 53 ± 15.55years (53% males; 46% females). Only one in 12 subjects did not qualify to use iCare HOME. The overall mean difference between iCare HOME and GAT was 0.83 mmHg (95%, 3.92 and -2.25) with 94.7% agreement. At various pressure ranges, 7-16 mmHg, 17-23 mmHg and >23 mmHg, the mean difference between iCare HOME and GAT was 1.22 mmHg (95%, 4.32 and -1.86) with 97.4% agreement, 0.77 mmHg (95%,3.69 and -2.19) with 91.3% agreement, -0.11 mmHg (95%, 2.52 and -2.74) with 100% agreement respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficient of the iCare HOME device was 0.997(95% CI,0.995-0.998). Conclusions: Patients were able to perform self- tonometry using iCare HOME with good reliability and safety. iCare HOME shows good agreement with GAT. Further studies with proper home environment will be recommended to study the diurnal comparisons with GAT.
Enhancing men's awareness of testicular diseases (E-MAT) feasibility trial: Protocol for a mixed method process evaluation
Authors: Hegarty Josephine , McCarthy Megan , Davoren Martin , Shiely Frances , Harrington Janas M. , Shorter Gillian , Murphy David , Cooke Eoghan , O'Mahony Billy , M. Saab Mohamad 
Published: September 2023

Background: Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy in men under 50 years. Athletes are particularly at risk of testicular trauma and diseases. Experiencing negative testicular symptoms does not necessarily imply that men seek help. Men’s awareness of testicular diseases is often lacking and their intention to seek help for testicular symptoms is sub-optimal. The use of virtual reality (VR) may be effective in promoting men’s awareness of testicular diseases. The Enhancing Men's Awareness of Testicular diseases (E-MAT) feasibility trial aims to test the effect of E-MATVR (intervention; interactive experience using virtual reality [VR]) compared to information delivered Electronically E-MATE (control; same information as E-MATVR delivered as plain text and images) on testicular knowledge, and testicular self-examination among male athletes affiliated with a national sports organisation. The overall aim of this mixed method process evaluation will be to describe (i) the experiences of participants and key stakeholders (e.g., researchers); (ii) the perceived effectiveness of intervention components; (iii) acceptability of the feasibility trial and intervention procedures; (iv) the relationship between implementation, mechanisms, and context; and (v) the barriers and facilitators to support effective conduct of a future definitive trial. Methods: This mixed method process evaluation will use a descriptive realist evaluation. Quantitative data will be gathered using a usability and satisfaction survey, in addition to fidelity checks during intervention delivery. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data will be gathered from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with participants and key stakeholders to investigate their experiences of E-MATVR and E-MATE, and explore areas for improvement. Thematic analysis of transcripts will be conducted. Conclusions: This process evaluation will provide an in-depth understanding of how the interventions worked within this cohort and lessons for a future definitive trial.
Hypertension and diabetes patients’ perspective of challenges and their coping mechanisms in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda – a qualitative study
Authors: Ndejjo Rawlance , Masengere Paineto , Nuwaha Fred , Ddumba Isaac , Bastiaens Hilde , Wanyenze Rhoda K. , Musinguzi Geofrey 
Published: September 2023

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, the burden of non-communicable diseases is steadily rising amidst a high prevalence of communicable diseases stretching the healthcare system. This study explored hypertension and diabetes patients’ perspective of challenges and their coping mechanisms in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study involved four focus group discussions with 26 patients at four selected health facilities. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and data analysed following the thematic content analysis guided by the semantic approach with the aid of Atlas ti 6.0.15 software. Results: Five themes were identified regarding challenges and coping mechanisms of patients in managing their conditions. 1) Inadequate opportunities for diagnosis, with community screening supporting identification of patients. 2) Accessing care came amidst transport challenges, absence of health workers and the lack of essential supplies for monitoring conditions. Patients borrowed transport funds or trekked to health facilities and some formed groups to contribute resources to buy equipment and supplies. 3) Access to medications was affected by frequent drug stockouts at public health facilities which pushed patients to purchase own drugs or obtain these through friends and networks. However, other patients resorted to cheaper herbal remedies. 4) Monitoring and managing conditions was affected by insufficient knowledge and opportunities for self-monitoring. Information from health workers and experiences from peers bridged the knowledge gap while private facilities or community health workers supported self-monitoring. 5) Adopting changes in behaviour was challenging but patients fitted these within their usual routines and mobilised family members to also adopt lifestyle changes while ignoring those they deemed unrealistic. Conclusions: The coping mechanisms patients adopted to manage their chronic conditions reflects self-care initiatives at the individual and community levels which could be reinforced and supplemented to better support and empower patients as steps are taken to address existing challenges.
Comparative assessment of periodontal tissue condition during prosthetics with different types of inserts for aesthetic crowns
Authors: Chulak L. , Nebogatov S. , Maksymenko P. 
Published: September 2023

The advantages of the restoration of chewing teeth with ceramic inlays and composite materials are determined by the favorable physical and mechanical properties of modern ceramics with zero water absorption, optimal coefficient of thermal expansion, low thermal conductivity, biological compatibility and chemical stability in the oral cavity.. It is ceramics that is considered the most chemically inert material, and even the components - wear products that appear during abrasion do not cause allergic or toxic reactions in the oral cavity or inflammation of the marginal gums.
The aim of the study was to assess the state of the periodontal tissues of teeth restored with different types of inlay core and, thus, to predict the development of pathological processes in the tissues surrounding the restored root.
The conducted clinical and laboratory studies showed the significant advantages of the method of manufacturing a hip insert made of ceramics developed by us. Thus, according to the results of a comparative study of the dynamics of the level of glycogen in the periodontal tissues of the roots of teeth restored under aesthetic crowns with the use of root tabs, it is obvious that the use of ceramic tabs during prosthetics with ceramic crowns does not cause inflammatory processes in the periodontal tissues, but after traumatic exposure by preparation and preparation of the tooth before prosthetics, recover quite quickly to the level of the indicator at the healthy gingival margin.