bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The causal association between bone mineral density and risk of osteoarthritis: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jiang Liying , Jiang Ying , Wang Anqi , Wu Cui , Shen Yi
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The causal direction and magnitude of the association between total body bone mineral density (TB-BMD) and osteoarthritis (OA) risk is uncertain owing to the susceptibility of observational studies to confounding and reverse causation. The study aimed to explore the relationships between TB-BMD concentration and OA using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

In this study, we used two-sample MR to obtain unconfounded estimates of the effect of TB-BMD on hip and knee OA. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with TB-BMD in a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) were identified and selected as instrumental variables (IVs). In addition to the main analysis using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, we applied 2 additional methods to control for pleiotropy(MR-Egger regression, weighted median estimator) and compared the respective MR estimates.

Results

MR analyses suggested that genetically predicted higher TB-BMD is associated with risks of hip OA (For IVW: OR=1.199, 95%CI: 1.02-1.42, P=0.032; for WM: OR=1.257, 95%CI: 1.09-1.45, P=0.002). There was no evidence that the observed causal effect between TB-BMD and the risk of hip OA was affected by genetic pleiotropy(P=0.618). Additionally, our study didn’t support causal effects of a genetically increased TB-BMD risk on knee OA risk(OR=1.121, 95%CI: 0.99-1.28, P=0.084 using IVW; OR=1.132, 95%CI: 0.99-1.29, P=0.068 using WM; OR=1.274, 95%CI: 0.88-1.85, P=0.217 using MR-Egger).

Conclusions

Our findings support a causal effect that a genetic predisposition to systematically higher TB-BMD was associated with the risk of OA. And, TB-BMD likely exerts an effect on the risk of hip OA not knee OA.
Association of metformin use with fracture risk in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Wang Yining , Yu Liming , Ye Zhiqiang , Lin Rui , Sun Antonia RuJia , Liu Lingna , Wei Jinsong , Deng Feifu , Zhong Xiangxin , Cui Liao , Li Li , Liu Yanzhi
Published: January 2023

Aims

Increasing evidence suggests that metformin can affect bone metabolism beyond its hypoglycemic effects in diabetic patients. However, the effects of metformin on fracture risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients remain unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in this study to evaluate the association between metformin application and fracture risk in T2DM patients based on previous studies published until June 2021.

Methods

A systematic search was performed to collect publications on metformin application in T2DM patients based on PubMed, Embase, Cochran, and Web of Science databases. Meta-analysis was performed by using a random-effects model to estimate the summary relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses based on cohort/case-control and ethnicity and sensitivity analyses were also performed.

Results

Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results demonstrated metformin use was not significantly associated with a decreased risk of fracture (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.81–1.02; I2 = 96.8%). Moreover, metformin use also demonstrated similar results in subgroup analyses of seven cohort studies and four case-control studies, respectively (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.76–1.07; I2 = 98.0%; RR, 0.96; 96% CI, 0.89–1.03; I2 = 53.7%). Sensitivity analysis revealed that there was no publication bias.

Conclusion

There was no significant correlation between fracture risk and metformin application in T2DM patients. Due to a limited number of existing studies, further research is needed to make a definite conclusion for clinical consensus.
Tenofovir-induced osteopenia and hyperparathyroidism: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zeng Jing , Ye Peng , Wei Dong , Li Lan , Ma Wanxia
Published: January 2023

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is the first-line antiviral therapy for chronic viral hepatitis B, but long-term use is associated with renal failure and hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-induced osteoporosis and secondary hyperparathyroidism are less commonly reported. Herein, we describe the case of a patient with bone and multijoint pain who was initially misdiagnosed as having normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism associated with prolonged exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. The patient’s 24-h urinary calcium and phosphorus excretion levels and serum calcium levels were at the lower end of the normal range. After reviewing these findings, the diagnosis was amended to osteoporosis and secondary hyperparathyroidism caused by tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. In this report, we describe the differences in clinical and laboratory manifestations of hyperparathyroidism induced by tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. We also discuss relevant pathophysiological mechanisms and propose a feasible treatment strategy.
Study on characteristics of mooring system of a new floating offshore wind turbine in shallow water by experiment
Authors: Huo Fali , Xu Jie , Yang Hongkun , Yuan Zhaojun , Shen Zhongxiang
Published: January 2023

At present, researches on floating offshore wind turbine are mainly focused on deep water areas beyond 50 m, and less research has been conducted for shallow water. Considering that the floating fan still has many application values in 30 m–50 m area, it is necessary to study the floating offshore wind turbine in shallow water area. With the shallow design water depth and the effect of topography, the environmental condition is complex. Therefore, it is relatively difficult to design the mooring system. In this paper, a multi-point mooring system is proposed which based on PivotBuoy, a floating offshore wind turbine designed by X1-Wind Company. The characteristics of motion responses of the floating offshore wind turbine and mooring force under different mooring cable schemes are studied by physical model experiment. Through these results, it can be found that when the mooring system adopts the hybrid mooring cable scheme (anchor chain + polymer cable + anchor chain), the pitch and heave motion responses of the floating offshore wind turbine will increase by about 30% maximally, the mooring cable tension will decrease by about 27%. This paper also studies the influence of water depth and mooring cable pretension on the mooring system under the hybrid mooring cable scheme, and the characteristics of mooring system in 22.5 m shallow water. These results can provide certain theoretical guidance for the design of mooring system of floating offshore wind turbine in shallow water.
Study on the calculational framework development of the advanced numerical reactor neutronics code SHARK
Authors: Hongbo Zhang , Wenbo Zhao , Chen Zhao , Bo Wang , Zhang Chen , Xingjie Peng , Qing Li , Yingrui Yu , Zhaohu Gong , Wei Zeng
Published: January 2023

The SHARK program (Simulation-based High-fidelity Advanced Reactor physics Kit) is a high-fidelity heterogeneous neutronics code for the numerical reactor system being developed at the Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC). The program uses a Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) framework to model various complex geometries. To enhance the flexibility and robustness during continuous development process, SHARK program attempts to support a rich set of methods, tools and library options within a unified general framework as a “toolkit”. For the multi-core clustered supercomputer architectures that are commonly used today, the SHARK program adopts a hybrid parallel strategy of MPI and OpenMP to achieve complementary advantages between them. In addition, the framework of SHARK program is designed with a true object-oriented manner. Through reasonable abstraction, inheritance and encapsulation, the maintainability and extensibility of the code are improved, and long-term team development is facilitated. Up to now, key modules for cross-section generation, heterogeneous transport calculation and microscopic depletion have been developed under the general frameworks. The main features of SHARK’s “resonance-transport-depletion” coupling system are elaborated in this paper, and some verification and validation (V&V) results in the current phase are presented and discussed.
Study on the leakage dispersion law of exposed high-pressure natural gas pipelines in the mountainous environment
Authors: Xu Duo , Chen Liqiong , Zhan Wenwen , Zhang Kai , Lu Jingyang , Ji Yongqiang , Ma Rufei
Published: January 2023

The pipelines in mountainous areas have complex terrain conditions and pass through many densely populated areas. Once a pipeline leakage accident occurs, it will cause serious damage to the surrounding people and the environment. In this article, a leakage diffusion model of a bare natural gas pipeline is established for the exposed leakage scenario, and a simulation scheme is established according to the characteristics of pipeline-laying processes and environmental characteristics in mountainous areas. Research has been carried out on the diffusion pattern and the influence range of exposed gas transmission pipeline leaks under four types of factors: different leak apertures, ambient wind speed, mountainous obstacle conditions, and mountainous laying environment. The dangerous range formed by the gas diffusing along the ground and high altitude under different scenarios and the influence law of different influencing factors on the dangerous range are obtained, and suggestions for emergency rescue focus areas and emergency response strategies have been given. The research conclusions can provide a theoretical basis for emergency response strategies for exposed leakage accidents of high-pressure natural gas pipelines in mountainous environments and are of great significance to the quantitative analysis of the risk consequences of natural gas pipelines.
Assessing the supply risk of geopolitics on critical minerals for energy storage technology in China
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Limao , Zhong Shuai , Xiang Ning , Qu Qiushi
Published: January 2023

Energy storage technology as a key support technology for China’s new energy development, the demand for critical metal minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel is growing rapidly. However, these minerals have high external dependence and concentrated import sources, increasing the supply risk caused by geopolitics. It is necessary to evaluate the supply risks of critical metal minerals caused by geopolitics to provide a basis for the high-quality development of energy storage technology in China. Based on geopolitical data of eight countries from 2012 to 2020, the evaluation indicators such as geopolitical stability, supply concentration, bilateral institutional relationship, and country risk index were selected to analyze the supply risk of three critical metal minerals, and TOPSIS was applied to construct an evaluation model for the supply risk of critical metal minerals of lithium, cobalt, and nickel in China. The results show that from 2012 to 2017, the security index of cobalt and lithium resources is between .6 and .8, which is in a relatively safe state, while the security index of nickel resources is .2–.4, which is in an unsafe state. From 2017 to 2020, lithium resources remain relatively safe, and the security index of nickel has also risen to between .6 and .7, which is generally in a relatively safe state. However, the security index of cobalt has dropped to .2, which is in an unsafe or extremely unsafe state. Therefore, China needs to pay attention to the safe supply of cobalt resources and formulate relevant strategies to support the large-scale development of energy storage technology.
Research on the multi-timescale optimal voltage control method for distribution network based on a DQN-DDPG algorithm
Authors: Ma Ming , Du Wanlin , Wang Ling , Ding Cangbi , Liu Siqi
Published: January 2023

A large number of distributed generators (GDs) such as photovoltaic panels (PVs) and energy storage (ES) systems are connected to distribution networks (DNs), and these high permeability GDs can cause voltage over-limit problems. Utilizing new developments in deep reinforcement learning, this paper proposes a multi-timescale control method for maintaining optimal voltage of a DN based on a DQN-DDPG algorithm. Here, we first analyzed the output characteristics of the devices with voltage regulation function in the DN and then used the deep Q network (DQN) algorithm to optimize the voltage regulation over longer times and the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm to optimize the voltage regulation mode over short time periods. Second, the design strategy of the DQN-DDPG algorithm as based on the Markov decision process transformation was presented for the stated objectives and constraints considering the state of ES charge for prolonging the energy storage capacity. Lastly, the proposed strategy was verified on a simulation platform, and the results obtained were compared to those from a particle swarm optimization algorithm, demonstrating the method’s effectiveness.
Power enterprises-oriented carbon footprint verification system using edge computing and blockchain
Authors: Xue Jizheng , Xu YouRui , Yang Yun
Published: January 2023

The purpose is to study the Carbon Footprint (CF) verification system of power enterprises, promote the Low-Carbon Economy (LCE) in the power industry, and improve resource utilization during Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction (ECER). The Carbon Dioxide Emission (CDE) of power enterprises is explored based on the CF. First, Edge Computing (EC) is adopted to calculate the direct Carbon Dioxide Emission (CDE) of the Chinese power industry from 2005 to 2020 based on energy input. The direct CDE and the changing trend are analyzed. On this basis, Blockchain Technology (BCT) is employed to quantify the indirect CDEs of power enterprises’ energy consumption. A comprehensive analysis is made of the changing trend and circulation of the total CF of power enterprises based on the direct and indirect CDEs. The data show that the proportion of direct and indirect CDEs in total CF gradually decreases and increases. The results show that the power industry should increase the proportion of clean power in the power industry, control the CDEs from the source, and improve energy utilization to optimize the CF verification.
Comprehensive evaluation and spatial-temporal differences analysis of China’s inter-provincial doing business environment based on Entropy-CoCoSo method
Authors: Zhu Yanmin , Zeng Shouzhen , Lin Zhisen , Ullah Kifayat
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The Doing Business environment affects the operation of enterprises in the region and exerts an important impact on economic development, taxation, and employment.

Methods: According to the characteristics of large differences in the level of economic development between provinces in China, this study builds a set of scientific and reasonable evaluation index systems of inter-provincial Doing Business environment, including five first-level indicators and 11 second-level indicators. Moreover, this study constructs a comprehensive evaluation model based on the Entropy-CoCoSo framework and explores its application in China’s inter-provincial Doing Business environment evaluation.

Results: Based on China’s provincial panel data from 2007 to 2020, the research found that the Doing Business environment of each province has generally improved in recent years, but the inter-provincial differences are more prominent. The western provinces have obvious late-mover advantages.

Discussion: Finally, we put forward several targeted suggestions, providing a powerful reference for optimizing China’s Doing Business environment and promoting high-quality economic development.
Genome-wide association study in a rat model of temperament identifies multiple loci for exploratory locomotion and anxiety-like traits
Authors: Chitre Apurva S. , Hebda-Bauer Elaine K. , Blandino Peter , Bimschleger Hannah , Nguyen Khai-Minh , Maras Pamela , Li Fei , Ozel A. Bilge , Pan Yanchao , Polesskaya Oksana , Cheng Riyan , Flagel Shelly B. , Watson Stanley J. , Li Jun , Akil Huda , Palmer Abraham A.
Published: January 2023

Common genetic factors likely contribute to multiple psychiatric diseases including mood and substance use disorders. Certain stable, heritable traits reflecting temperament, termed externalizing or internalizing, play a large role in modulating vulnerability to these disorders. To model these heritable tendencies, we selectively bred rats for high and low exploration in a novel environment [bred High Responders (bHR) vs. Low Responders (bLR)]. To identify genes underlying the response to selection, we phenotyped and genotyped 538 rats from an F2 cross between bHR and bLR. Several behavioral traits show high heritability, including the selection trait: exploratory locomotion (EL) in a novel environment. There were significant phenotypic and genetic correlations between tests that capture facets of EL and anxiety. There were also correlations with Pavlovian conditioned approach (PavCA) behavior despite the lower heritability of that trait. Ten significant and conditionally independent loci for six behavioral traits were identified. Five of the six traits reflect different facets of EL that were captured by three behavioral tests. Distance traveled measures from the open field and the elevated plus maze map onto different loci, thus may represent different aspects of novelty-induced locomotor activity. The sixth behavioral trait, number of fecal boli, is the only anxiety-related trait mapping to a significant locus on chromosome 18 within which the Pik3c3 gene is located. There were no significant loci for PavCA. We identified a missense variant in the Plekhf1 gene on the chromosome 1:95 Mb QTL and Fancf and Gas2 as potential candidate genes that may drive the chromosome 1:107 Mb QTL for EL traits. The identification of a locomotor activity-related QTL on chromosome 7 encompassing the Pkhd1l1 and Trhr genes is consistent with our previous finding of these genes being differentially expressed in the hippocampus of bHR vs. bLR rats. The strong heritability coupled with identification of several loci associated with exploratory locomotion and emotionality provide compelling support for this selectively bred rat model in discovering relatively large effect causal variants tied to elements of internalizing and externalizing behaviors inherent to psychiatric and substance use disorders.
Governing biotechnology to provide safety and security and address ethical, legal, and social implications
Authors: Trump Benjamin , Cummings Christopher , Klasa Kasia , Galaitsi Stephanie , Linkov Igor
Published: January 2023

The field of biotechnology has produced a wide variety of materials and products which are rapidly entering the commercial marketplace. While many developments promise revolutionary benefits, some of them pose uncertain or largely untested risks and may spur debate, consternation, and outrage from individuals and groups who may be affected by their development and use. In this paper we show that the success of any advanced genetic development and usage requires that the creators establish technical soundness, ensure safety and security, and transparently represent the product’s ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI). We further identify how failures to address ELSI can manifest as significant roadblocks to product acceptance and adoption and advocate for use of the “safety-by-design” governance philosophy. This approach requires addressing risk and ELSI needs early and often in the technology development process to support innovation while providing security and safety for workers, the public, and the broader environment. This paper identifies and evaluates major ELSI challenges and perspectives to suggest a methodology for implementing safety-by-design in a manner consistent with local institutions and politics. We anticipate the need for safety-by-design approach to grow and permeate biotechnology governance structures as the field expands in scientific and technological complexity, increases in public attention and prominence, and further impacts human health and the environment.
Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Zhang Qiuyi , Gao Ying , Lin Shuchun , Goldin Lynn R. , Wang Yonghong , Stevenson Holly , Edelman Daniel C. , Killian Keith , Marti Gerald , Meltzer Paul S. , Xiang Song , Caporaso Neil E.
Published: January 2023

Background:DNA methylation aberrations are widespread among the malignant B lymphocytes of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), suggesting that DNA methylation might contribute to the pathogenesis of CLL.

Aim:We aimed to explore the differentially methylated positions (DMPs) associated with CLL and screen the differentially methylated and expressed genes (DMEGs) by combining public databases. We aimed to observe the direction of each DMEG in CLL based on the DMPs in the promoter and the body region respectively to narrow down DMEGs. We also aimed to explore the methylation heterogeneity of CLL subgroups and the effect of B cells maturation on CLL.

Methods:In this population-based case control study, we reported a genome-wide DNA methylation association study using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip, profiling the DNA methylation of CD19+B Cells from 48 CLL cases and 28 healthy controls. By integrating methylation data and expression data from public databases, gene sets were jointly screened, and then the relationship between methylation sites in promoter and body region and expression of each gene was explored. In addition, support vector machine (SVM) classification algorithm was used to identify subgroups of CLL cases based on methylation pattern, and the effect of B-cell differentiation related methylation sites on CLL-related sites was observed.

Results:We identified 34,797 DMPs related to CLL across the genome, most of which were hypomethylated; the majority were located in gene body regions. By combining these DMPs with published DNA methylation and RNA sequencing data, we detected 26,244 replicated DMPs associated with 1,130 genes whose expression were significantly different in CLL cases. Among these DMEGs, nine low expressed DMEGs were selected with hypermethylated in promoter and hypomethylated in body region, and 83 high expressed DMEGs were selected with both hypomethylated in promoter and body region. The 48 CLL cases were divided into 3 subgroups based on methylation site by SVM algorithm. Over 92% of CpGs associated with B cell subtypes were found in CLL-related DMPs.

Conclusion:The DNA methylation pattern was altered across the genome in CLL patients. The methylation ofZAP70,FMOD, andADAMTS17was significantly different between CLL cases and controls. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings and identify the underlying mechanisms through which these methylation markers are associated with CLL.
Unraveling signatures of chicken genetic diversity and divergent selection in breed-specific patterns of early myogenesis, nitric oxide metabolism and post-hatch growth
Authors: Kochish Ivan I. , Titov Vladimir Yu. , Nikonov Ilya N. , Brazhnik Evgeni A. , Vorobyov Nikolai I. , Korenyuga Maxim V. , Myasnikova Olga V. , Dolgorukova Anna M. , Griffin Darren K. , Romanov Michael N.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Due to long-term domestication, breeding and divergent selection, a vast genetic diversity in poultry currently exists, with various breeds being characterized by unique phenotypic and genetic features. Assuming that differences between chicken breeds divergently selected for economically and culturally important traits manifest as early as possible in development and growth stages, we aimed to explore breed-specific patterns and interrelations of embryo myogenesis, nitric oxide (NO) metabolism and post-hatch growth rate (GR).

Methods: These characteristics were explored in eight breeds of different utility types (meat-type, dual purpose, egg-type, game, and fancy) by incubating 70 fertile eggs per breed. To screen the differential expression of seven key myogenesis associated genes (MSTN, GHR, MEF2C, MYOD1, MYOG, MYH1, and MYF5), quantitative real-time PCR was used.

Results: We found that myogenesis associated genes expressed in the breast and thigh muscles in a coordinated manner showing breed specificity as a genetic diversity signature among the breeds studied. Notably, coordinated (“accord”) expression patterns of MSTN, GHR, and MEFC2 were observed both in the breast and thigh muscles. Also, associated expression vectors were identified for MYOG and MYOD1 in the breast muscles and for MYOG and MYF5 genes in the thigh muscles. Indices of NO oxidation and post-hatch growth were generally concordant with utility types of breeds, with meat-types breeds demonstrating higher NO oxidation levels and greater GR values as compared to egg-type, dual purpose, game and fancy breeds.

Discussion: The results of this study suggest that differences in early myogenesis, NO metabolism and post-hatch growth are breed-specific; they appropriately reflect genetic diversity and accurately capture the evolutionary history of divergently selected chicken breeds.
Human pegivirus-1 replication influences NK cell reconstitution after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Pradier Amandine , Cordey Samuel , Zanella Marie-Céline , Melotti Astrid , Wang Sisi , Mamez Anne-Claire , Chalandon Yves , Masouridi-Levrat Stavroula , Kaiser Laurent , Simonetta Federico , Vu Diem-Lan
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Human pegivirus-1 (HPgV-1) is a so-called commensal virus for which no known associated organ disease has been found to date. Yet, it affects immune-reconstitution as previously studied in the HIV population, in whom active co-infection with HPgV-1 can modulate T and NK cell activation and differentiation leading to a protective effect against the evolution of the disease. Little is known on the effect of HPgV-1 on immune-reconstitution in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) recipients, a patient population in which we and others have previously reported high prevalence of HPgV-1 replication. The aim of this study was to compare the immune reconstitution after allo-HSCT among HPgV-1-viremic and HPgV-1-non-viremic patients.

Methods

Within a cohort study of 40 allo-HSCT patients, 20 allo-HSCT recipients positive in plasma sample for HPgV-1 by rRT-PCR during the first year (1, 3, 6, 12 months) after transplantation were matched with 20 allo-HSCT recipients negative for HPgV-1. T and NK cell reconstitution was monitored by flow cytometry in peripheral blood samples from allo-HSCT recipients at the same time points.

Results

We observed no significant difference in the absolute number and subsets proportions of CD4 and CD8 T cells between patient groups at any analysed timepoint. We observed a significantly higher absolute number of NK cells at 3 months among HPgV-1-viremic patients. Immunophenotypic analysis showed a significantly higher proportion of CD56bright NK cells mirrored by a reduced percentage of CD56dim NK cells in HPgV-1-positive patients during the first 6 months after allo-HSCT. At 6 months post-allo-HSCT, NK cell phenotype significantly differed depending on HPgV-1, HPgV-1-viremic patients displaying NK cells with lower CD16 and CD57 expression compared with HPgV-1-negative patients. In accordance with their less differentiated phenotype, we detected a significantly reduced expression of granzyme B in NK cells in HPgV-1-viremic patients at 6 months.

Discussion

Our study shows that HPgV-1-viremic allo-HSCT recipients displayed an impaired NK cell, but not T cell, immune-reconstitution compared with HPgV-1-non-viremic patients, revealing for the first time a potential association between replication of the non-pathogenic HPgV-1 virus and immunomodulation after allo-HSCT.
Mitigation of ice-induced vibrations for wind turbine foundation using damping vibration isolation
Authors: Baofeng Zhang , Rui Dong , Gang Wang , Guojun Wang , Dayong Zhang
Published: January 2023

The single pile offshore wind turbine foundation is a typical flexible structure, and the dynamic interac-tion between ice and structure is complex. Ice-induced vibrations can affect the normal operation of the upper motor and the safety of the foundation structure. This paper takes the interaction between ice and offshore platform in the Bohai Sea as the research object and discusses the strategies to mitigate the ice- induced vibrations of offshore wind turbine foundation. Through a simplified mechanical model of a damping vibration isolation system, the relationship between the parameters of the damping isolation layer and the structural damping ratio was analyzed. Based on the numerical simulation results, it was found that the damping isolation layer with a damping ratio of 0.2 can play a better role in controlling structural displacement and acceleration response under the action of steady-state and random ice forces. It provides a reference for the design of ice-resistant and safe operation of the offshore wind turbine.
Prenatal arsenic exposure induces immunometabolic alteration and renal injury in rats
Authors: Singh Radha Dutt , Tiwari Ratnakar , Sharma Vineeta , Khan Hafizurrahman , Gangopadhyay Siddhartha , Singh Sukhveer , Koshta Kavita , Shukla Shagun , Arjaria Nidhi , Mandrah Kapil , Jagdale Pankaj Ramji , Patnaik Satyakam , Roy Somendu Kumar , Singh Dhirendra , Giri Ashok Kumar , Srivastava Vikas
Published: January 2023

Arsenic (As) exposure is progressively associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a leading public health concern present worldwide. The adverse effect of As exposure on the kidneys of people living in As endemic areas have not been extensively studied. Furthermore, the impact of only prenatal exposure to As on the progression of CKD also has not been fully characterized. In the present study, we examined the effect of prenatal exposure to low doses of As 0.04 and 0.4 mg/kg body weight (0.04 and 0.4 ppm, respectively) on the progression of CKD in male offspring using a Wistar rat model. Interestingly, only prenatal As exposure was sufficient to elevate the expression of profibrotic (TGF-β1) and proinflammatory (IL-1α, MIP-2α, RANTES, and TNF-α) cytokines at 2-day, 12- and 38-week time points in the exposed progeny. Further, alteration in adipogenic factors (ghrelin, leptin, and glucagon) was also observed in 12- and 38-week old male offspring prenatally exposed to As. An altered level of these factors coincides with impaired glucose metabolism and homeostasis accompanied by progressive kidney damage. We observed a significant increase in the deposition of extracellular matrix components and glomerular and tubular damage in the kidneys of 38-week-old male offspring prenatally exposed to As. Furthermore, the overexpression of TGF-β1 in kidneys corresponds with hypermethylation of the TGF-β1 gene-body, indicating a possible involvement of prenatal As exposure-driven epigenetic modulations of TGF-β1 expression. Our study provides evidence that prenatal As exposure to males can adversely affect the immunometabolism of offspring which can promote kidney damage later in life.
Rapid and sustainable self-questionnaire for large-scale psychological screening in pandemic conditions for healthcare workers
Authors: Romero Carolina Soledad , Otero Maria , Lozano Manuel , Delgado Carlos , Benito Ana , Catala Juan , Iftimi Adina , De Andres Jose , Luedi Markus M.
Published: January 2023

Background

The pandemic caused by a coronavirus (COVID-19) has shocked healthcare systems worldwide. However, the psychological stressors remain unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a major pandemic on healthcare workers. We hypothesized that exposure to the virus would be the primary cause of psychological stress perceived by healthcare workers.

Methods

A national cross-sectional study conducted via an online questionnaire was distributed between April 9 and April 19, 2020 with a non-probabilistic sample technique. A structural equation model (SEM) was built with the variable “exposure to the virus” and the Psychological Stress and Adaptation at work Score (PSAS). “Exposure to the virus” was defined as the combined factors of ‘personal-sphere’, “work-related stress” and “hospital characteristics.” A generalized linear model (GLM) was also tested.

Results

A total of 2,197 participants filled in the questionnaire and were analyzed. The exploratory factor analysis showed statistically significant variables related to the personal-sphere, work-related stress and the hospital’s characteristics, although the confirmatory factor analysis showed only the work-related stress factors to be significant. The GLM showed that personal-sphere-related variables (P < .001), stress at work (P < 0.001) and age (P < 0.001) were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Physical exposure to the virus is an essential factor that contributes to the psychological impact perceived during the pandemic by healthcare professionals. A combination of personal-sphere variables, work-related stress and hospital characteristics is a significant factor correlating with the degree of stress measured by PSAS, a new and fast instrument to assess stress in healthcare workers.
Characteristics of exopolysaccharides produced by isolates from natural bioflocculant of Ruditapes philippinarum conglutination mud
Authors: Feng Lijuan , Qian Tingting , Yang Guangfeng , Mu Jun
Published: January 2023

Three novel types of exopolysaccharides (EPS) EPS-S8, EPS-S5, and EPS-F10 were extracted and purified from bacterial isolates Bacillus sp. GHS8, Pseudoalteromonas sp. GHS5 and Psychrobacter sp. GHF10, which were originated from natural bioflocculant of Ruditapes philippinarum conglutination mud (RPM), respectively. The EPS had similar function groups C-H, N-H, C-O, and C = O. The EPS were composed of different monosaccharides (EPS-F10, Man: GlcN: GlcUA: GalUA = 1:0.66:5.75:0.51; EPS-S5, Man: Gal: GlcN: Rib = 1: 0.50: 2.94: 0.26; EPS-S8, Man: Gal: GlcN = 1:1.54:7.69). The molecular weights (Mw) of EPS were ordered as 51.4 kDa (EPS-S5) > 9.15 kDa (EPS-S8) > 4.41 kDa (EPS-F10). Three types of EPS all showed higher peak flocculation activities than the reported crude EPS from the RPM. Besides, the EPS also exhibited efficient decoloration and antioxidation activities, especially for EPS-S8, which might be due to the low Mw and specific monosaccharide composition.
The impact of Beauveria species bioinocula on the soil microbial community structure in organic strawberry plantations
Authors: Canfora Loredana , Tartanus Małgorzata , Manfredini Andrea , Tkaczuk Cezary , Majchrowska-Safaryan Anna , Malusà Eligio
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The multifunctionality of microorganisms, including entomopathogenic fungi, represents a feature that could be exploited to support the development, marketing, and application of microbial-based products for plant protection. However, it is likely that this feature could affect the composition and dynamics of the resident soil microorganisms, possibly over a longer period. Therefore, the methodology utilized to evaluate such impact is critical for a reliable assessment. The present study was performed to evaluate the impact of strains of Beauveria brongniartii and Beauveria bassiana on soil bacterial and fungal communities using an approach based on the terminal restriction fragment polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis.

Materials and methods

Soil samples in the vicinity of the root system were collected during a 3-year period, before and after the bioinocula application, in two organic strawberry plantations. Specific primers were used for the amplification of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and the fungal ITS region of the ribosome.

Results and discussion

Data of the profile analysis from T-RFLP analysis were used to compare the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) occurrence and intensity in the inoculated soil with the uninoculated control. With regard to the impact on the bacterial community, both Beauveria species were not fully consistently affecting their composition across the seasons and fields tested. Nevertheless, some common patterns were pointed out in each field and, sometimes, also among them when considering the time elapsed from the bioinoculum application. The impact was even more inconsistent when analyzing the fungal community. It is thus concluded that the application of the bioinocula induced only a transient and limited effect on the soil microbial community, even though some changes in the structure dynamic and frequency of soil bacterial and fungal OTUs emerged.
Structure and function of a novel lineage-specific neutralizing epitope on H protein of canine distemper virus
Authors: Bi Zhenwei , Wang Wenjie , Xia Xingxia
Published: January 2023

Canine distemper virus (CDV) infects many sensitive species worldwide and its host range is expanding. The hemagglutinin (H) protein, the major neutralizing target, binds to cellular receptors and subsequently triggers fusion for initial viral infection. So it’s necessary to clarify the precise neutralizing epitopes of H protein and extend the knowledge of mechanisms of virus neutralization. In this study, a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2D12 against CDV H protein, which had different reactivity with different CDV strains, was generated and characterized. A series of truncated H proteins were screened to define the minimal linear epitope 238DIEREFD244 recognized by 2D12. Further investigation revealed that the epitope was highly conserved in America-1 vaccine lineage of CDV strains, but different substitutions in the epitope appeared in CDV strains of the other lineages and two substitutions (D238Y and R241G) caused the change of antigenicity. Thus, the epitope represents a novel lineage-specific neutralizing target on H protein of CDV for differentiation of America-1 vaccine lineage and the other lineages of CDV strains. The epitope was identified to localize at the surface of H protein in two different positions in a three-dimensional (3D) structure, but not at the position of the receptor-binding site (RBS), so the mAb 2D12 that recognized the epitope did not inhibit binding of H protein to the receptor. But mAb 2D12 interfered with the H-F interaction for inhibiting membrane fusion, suggesting that the mAb plays key roles for formation of H-F protein oligomeric structure. Our data will contribute to the understanding of the structure, function, and antigenicity of CDV H protein and mechanisms of virus neutralization.
Varieties and ensiling: Impact on chemical composition, fermentation quality and bacterial community of alfalfa
Authors: Lin Jianyu , Li Guanhua , Sun Lin , Wang Shuang , Meng Xin , Sun Licong , Yuan Lin , Xu Linbo
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Six species of alfalfa commonly found in northern China were collected in the present study.

Methods

The chemical composition and epiphytic microbial communities during the ensiling were analyzed; and their effects on fermentation quality and silage bacterial communities were assessed. The effects of physicochemical characteristics of alfalfa on the bacterial community were also investigated in terms of nutritional sources of microbial growth and reproduction.

Results and discussion

The results showed that the chemical composition was significantly different in various alfalfa varieties, yet, the dominant genera attached to each variety of alfalfa was similar, except for pantoea (p<0.05). After ensiling, both the fermentation quality and microbial community changed obviously (p<0.05). Specifically, ZM2 had lower pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) content but higher LA content than other varieties of alfalfa silage. Beneficial bacteria such as Lentilactobacillus and Lactiplantibacillus were predominant in ZM2, which accounted for the higher fermentation quality. Significant correlations between the chemical composition of silage, fermentation quality and bacterial communities composition were observed. Moreover, variations in bacteria community structure during the fermentation of alfalfa were mainly influenced by water-soluble carbohydrates (36.79%) and dry matter (21.77%).

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study revealed the influence of chemical composition on microbial community and fermentation quality, laying the groundwork for future studies on high-quality silage.
Long-term memory, synaptic plasticity and dopamine in rodent medial prefrontal cortex: Role in executive functions
Authors: Sheynikhovich Denis , Otani Satoru , Bai Jing , Arleo Angelo
Published: January 2023

Mnemonic functions, supporting rodent behavior in complex tasks, include both long-term and (short-term) working memory components. While working memory is thought to rely on persistent activity states in an active neural network, long-term memory and synaptic plasticity contribute to the formation of the underlying synaptic structure, determining the range of possible states. Whereas, the implication of working memory in executive functions, mediated by the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in primates and rodents, has been extensively studied, the contribution of long-term memory component to these tasks received little attention. This review summarizes available experimental data and theoretical work concerning cellular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in the medial region of rodent PFC and the link between plasticity, memory and behavior in PFC-dependent tasks. A special attention is devoted to unique properties of dopaminergic modulation of prefrontal synaptic plasticity and its contribution to executive functions.
Robust robot image classification toward cyber-physical system-based closed-loop package design evaluation
Authors: Liu Shacheng
Published: January 2023

The package design can transmit the value of a product to consumers visually and can therefore influence the consumers' decisions. The traditional package design is an open-loop process in which a design can only be evaluated after the products are sent to the market. Thus, the designers cannot refine the design without any helpful advice. In this paper, a robust robot image classification is proposed to help the designers to evaluate their package design and improve their design in a closed-loop process, which is essentially the establishment of a cyber-physical system for the package design. The robust robot image classification adopts the total variation regularization, which ensures that the proposed robot image classification can give the right answers even if it is trained by noisy labels. The robustness against noisy labels is emphasized here since the historical data set of package design evaluations may have some false labels that can be equivalently regarded as disturbed labels from the true labels by noises. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed robot image classification method, experimental data-based validations have been implemented. The results show that the proposed method exhibits much better accuracy in classification compared to the traditional training method when noisy labels are used for the training process.
Lower limb exoskeleton robot and its cooperative control: A review, trends, and challenges for future research
Authors: Masengo Gilbert , Zhang Xiaodong , Dong Runlin , Alhassan Ahmad B. , Hamza Khaled , Mudaheranwa Emmanuel
Published: January 2023

Effective control of an exoskeleton robot (ER) using a human-robot interface is crucial for assessing the robot's movements and the force they produce to generate efficient control signals. Interestingly, certain surveys were done to show off cutting-edge exoskeleton robots. The review papers that were previously published have not thoroughly examined the control strategy, which is a crucial component of automating exoskeleton systems. As a result, this review focuses on examining the most recent developments and problems associated with exoskeleton control systems, particularly during the last few years (2017–2022). In addition, the trends and challenges of cooperative control, particularly multi-information fusion, are discussed.
Decrease in wearable-based nocturnal sleep efficiency precedes epileptic seizures
Authors: Gagliano Laura , Ding Tian Yue , Toffa Denahin H. , Beauregard Laurence , Robert Manon , Lesage Frédéric , Sawan Mohamad , Nguyen Dang K. , Bou Assi Elie
Published: January 2023

Introduction

While it is known that poor sleep is a seizure precipitant, this association remains poorly quantified. This study investigated whether seizures are preceded by significant changes in sleep efficiency as measured by a wearable equipped with an electrocardiogram, respiratory bands, and an accelerometer.

Methods

Nocturnal recordings from 47 people with epilepsy hospitalized at our epilepsy monitoring unit were analyzed (304 nights). Sleep metrics during nights followed by epileptic seizures (24 h post-awakening) were compared to those of nights which were not.

Results

Lower sleep efficiency (percentage of sleep during the night) was found in the nights preceding seizure days (p < 0.05). Each standard deviation decrease in sleep efficiency and increase in wake after sleep onset was respectively associated with a 1.25-fold (95 % CI: 1.05 to 1.42, p < 0.05) and 1.49-fold (95 % CI: 1.17 to 1.92, p < 0.01) increased odds of seizure occurrence the following day. Furthermore, nocturnal seizures were associated with significantly lower sleep efficiency and higher wake after sleep onset (p < 0.05), as well as increased odds of seizure occurrence following wake (OR: 5.86, 95 % CI: 2.99 to 11.77, p < 0.001).

Discussion

Findings indicate lower sleep efficiency during nights preceding seizures, suggesting that wearable sensors could be promising tools for sleep-based seizure-day forecasting in people with epilepsy.
Dynamic alterations in protein, sensory, chemical, and oxidative properties occurring in meat during thermal and non-thermal processing techniques: A comprehensive review
Authors: Khalid Waseem , Maggiolino Aristide , Kour Jasmeet , Arshad Muhammad Sajid , Aslam Noman , Afzal Muhammad Faizan , Meghwar Parkash , Zafar Khair-ul-Wajeeha , De Palo Pasquale , Korma Sameh A.
Published: January 2023

Meat processing represents an inevitable part of meat and meat products preparation for human consumption. Both thermal and non-thermal processing techniques, both commercial and domestic, are able to induce chemical and muscle’s proteins modification which can have implication on oxidative and sensory meat characteristics. Consumers’ necessity for minimally processed foods has paved a successful way to unprecedented exploration into various novel non-thermal food processing techniques. Processing of meat can have serious implications on its nutritional profile and digestibility of meat proteins in the digestive system. A plethora of food processing techniques can potentially induce alterations in the protein structure, palatability, bioavailability and digestibility via various phenomena predominantly denaturation and Maillard reaction. Apart from these, sensory attributes such as color, crispness, hardness, and total acceptance get adversely affected during various thermal treatments in meat. A major incentive in the adoption of non-thermal food processing is its energy efficiency. Considering this, several non-thermal processing techniques have been developed for evading the effects of conventional thermal treatments on food materials with respect to Maillard reactions, color changes, and off-flavor development. Few significant non-thermal processing techniques, such as microwave heating, comminution, and enzyme addition can positively affect protein digestibility as well as enhance the value of the final product. Furthermore, ultrasound, irradiation, high-pressure processing, and pulsed electric fields are other pivotal non-thermal food processing technologies in meat and meat-related products. The present review examines how different thermal and non-thermal processing techniques, such as sous-vide, microwave, stewing, roasting, boiling, frying, grilling, and steam cooking, affect meat proteins, chemical composition, oxidation, and sensory profile.