bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Каторжні тюрми України у контексті реформування пенітенціарної системи Російської імперії (друга половина ХІХ – початок ХХ ст.)
Authors: Bilichenko Lidiia
Published: August 2021

У статті досліджено реформування системи каторжних тюрем у Російській імперії другої половини ХІХ – початку ХХ ст. Встановлено, що виникнення каторжних тюрем на території України пов’язано з пенітенціарною реформою імператора Олександра ІІ 1869 р., у результаті якої в Харківській губернії було створено Новоборисоглібський і Новобєлгородський каторжні централи. Доведено, що основною причиною відкриття каторжних тюрем в Україні стало зростання революційного руху та збільшення кількості засуджених осіб до каторжних робіт за революційну пропаганду. У результаті пенітенціарної реформи 1906-1907 рр. на території України було відкрито Харківську, Херсонську та Миколаївську каторжні тюрми.
Feminisation of Rural Work and Young Women’s Dis/empowerment: A Case Study of Mountain Villages in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey
Authors: Him Miki Suzuki , Gündüz Hoşgör Ayşe
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we examine the process of feminisation of rural work in a case study of women’s employment at a seafood-processing factory in Western Black Sea Turkey. We explore the significance of women’s nonfarm employment to their household economy and how intra-household relations are affected when women participate in paid work. In order to understand the household characteristics and dynamics in relation to the work status of female household members, mixed methods were used for data collection – semi-structured interviews with 218 women and in-depth interviews with 27 women. The data indicate the significance of women’s paid work to rural household economy and also how the paid work has transformed the father-daughter relationship in particular. Recent rural transformation in the context of neoliberal agricultural policy, agricultural decline, and out-migration increased women’s workload. Today, rural household heavily depends on unmarried daughter’s labour regardless of her work status. Daughter’s participation in paid work however makes her labour visible and considerably undermines the authority of father who had already lost control over son’s labour. Yet we contend that daughter’s labour may be liberated from a traditional form of patriarchy; her participation into labour market results in an integration into not only market economy but also a modern form of patriarchy.
How Female Genital Mutilation Ruins a Life: Tashi’s Story in Possessing The Secret of Joy
Authors: Kaya Karadağ Nimet
Published: August 2021

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is clearly one of the cruelest examples of violating women’s human rights. It is generally performed under primitive conditions and may result in death, and even the lucky ones who can survive have to face its disastrous consequences both in their social and sexual life. Its main aim is to prevent a woman having a sexual satisfaction by removing clitoris, which would avoid sexual intercourse before marriage or avoid adultery, and to enable men have more pleasure out of sexual intercourse by making the vagina tighter. In Possessing the Secret of Joy, we read Tashi’s story; she has sex with her boyfriend and experiences orgasm before getting married although in her society it is strictly forbidden. Then, she decides to get mutilated as a reaction to the colonial forces. However, she cannot reach sexual and mental satisfaction she had before, and, in the end, she decides to kill the woman who mutilated a lot of girls and Tashi herself. The novel gives the reader an insight into the suffering of mutilated women while telling the reader how and why it is still practiced. The aim of this paper is to show in which ways women are forced to perform FGM and how their lives are devastated after the procedure via studying Walker’s protagonist Tashi’s life. The theoretical framework of the study will be drawn from Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex, an outstanding book in the history of feminist theory as it is often thought to be the starting point of second-wave feminism. In this paper de Beauvoir’s views on the role of traditions, taboos, and religions in women’s oppression, women’s longing for social acceptance, chastity and women’s dilemma while trying to conform to society’s expectations from her and how these views are ...
Cinsiyetli İkilemler: Şükran Moral’ın Üç Performansı
Authors: Pektaş Nazlı
Published: August 2021

Feminist sanat hareketinin başladığı 1960’tan bu yana feminist sanatçılar, bedeni merkeze alan sanat pratiklerinde toplumsal, tarihsel ve kültürel meselelere odaklanarak kendi sanat dillerini yaratmaktadır. Bu çerçevede beden başlı başına bir anlatım aracı olarak gündeme gelmektedir. Peki, feminist sanat üretimi içinde kendi bedenini bir özne olarak kurgularken cinselliği vurgulanan seyirlik bir nesne olmak konumundan kaçınmak mümkün müdür? Geleneksel toplumsal cinsiyet rollerinin ötesinde bir dil üretirken, aynı kalıpları eleştirirken dahi tekrar etmek, sanatçıları ikilemli bir duruma düşürür mü? Bu makalede bu sorular feminist ikilemler olarak ele alınmakta ve sanatçı kimliği ile kadın kimliğinin iç içe geçtiği bir kültürel alan olarak sanat dünyasında 1990’lardan bugüne radikal performanslar gerçekleştiren sanatçı
Çalışan Kadınların Ev Emeğine Yönelik Söylem ve Yaklaşımlarının Bir Değerlendirmesi
Authors: Yüceşahin M. Murat
Published: August 2021

Kadınların ev içindeki karşılıksız emeği yalnızca yemek yapma, temizlik gibi gündelik rutinleri içermez; aynı zamanda hane halkının üretimi ve bakımını da kapsar. Ev içi tüm aktiviteleri içeren bu emek patriyarkanın yönlendirmesiyle maddi olarak ‘karşılığı ödenemeyen’ sözde aşırılaştırılmış bir manevi değerle özdeşleştirilip duygusal tatmin kisvesi altında geçiştirilir. Bu araştırmanın amacı günümüzde çalışma hayatına aktif olarak katılan ve aynı zamanda karşılıksız ev emeği de icra eden kadınların özel mekândaki emek pratiklerine ilişkin algı ve yaklaşımlarını sorgulamaktır. Bu doğrultuda araştırmada, çalışan kadınların ev işlerine yönelik deneyim, görüş ve eleştirilerini içeren yorumları öncelikle içerik yönünden, sonra da içeriğin ötesindeki anlamlar ve imalar yönünden eleştirel söylem analiziyle incelenmektedir. Araştırmada, kamusal alanda eşiyle aynı saatler içerisinde mesai sürdürseler bile kadınların patriyarkal sistemin bir dayatması olarak şekillenen ‘ev emeğinin kadının görevi olması’ anlayışından kurtulamadıkları bir varsayım olarak kabul edilmektedir.
A Feminist Critique of “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”: A Trapped Young Woman in the Dream of a Man
Authors: Ertem Elif
Published: August 2021

Written and directed by Charlie Kaufman, I’m Thinking of Ending Things recently metwith viewers of Netflix and brought the controversy. The film is in the focus of criticism as wellas the likes, praise, and applause. The film is an adaptation from the Canadian writer Iain Reid’sbestselling namesake novel. Neither the book nor the film is not intended to be a feminist study,although it argues to show the existential crisis and the inner-voices of a young woman character.Instead, this piece reflects the subjective interpretations of dreams, memories, and a man’s life,Jake. What makes this piece a subject of feminist critique is the promised story of the movieand the starting point of the movie. This movie promises the audience to hear the voice of ayoung woman going through an existential crisis, making her wonder about her story.
Bioengineering the Cardiac Conduction System: Advances in Cellular, Gene, and Tissue Engineering for Heart Rhythm Regeneration
Authors: Naumova Nataliia , Iop Laura
Published: August 2021

Heart rhythm disturbances caused by different etiologies may affect pediatric and adult patients with life-threatening consequences. When pharmacological therapy is ineffective in treating the disturbances, the implantation of electronic devices to control and/or restore normal heart pacing is a unique clinical management option. Although these artificial devices are life-saving, they display many limitations; not least, they do not have any capability to adapt to somatic growth or respond to neuroautonomic physiological changes. A biological pacemaker could offer a new clinical solution for restoring heart rhythms in the conditions of disorder in the cardiac conduction system. Several experimental approaches, such as cell-based, gene-based approaches, and the combination of both, for the generation of biological pacemakers are currently established and widely studied. Pacemaker bioengineering is also emerging as a technology to regenerate nodal tissues. This review analyzes and summarizes the strategies applied so far for the development of biological pacemakers, and discusses current translational challenges toward the first-in-human clinical application.
MiR-302a Limits Vascular Inflammation by Suppressing Nuclear Factor-κ B Pathway in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Yuan Jia-Ni , Hong Yu , Ma Zhuo-Lin , Pang Rui-Ping , Lei Qing-Qing , Lv Xiao-Fei , Zhou Jia-Guo , Huang Hui , Zhang Ting-Ting
Published: August 2021

The inflammatory response of endothelial cells accelerates various vascular diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in diverse cellular processes during inflammation. In the present study, we found that miR-302a is an effective suppressor of vascular inflammation in endothelial cells. It was revealed that miR-302a exhibited a lower level in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model and in patients with vascular inflammatory disease. Genetic haploinsufficiency of miR-302 aggravated the LPS-induced vascular inflammatory response in mice, and overexpression of miR-302a attenuated vascular inflammation in mice. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-302a inhibited the synthesis and secretion of adhesion factors in endothelial cells, and suppressed the adhesion of monocytes to endothelium. In the study of molecular mechanism, we found that miR-302a relieved vascular inflammation mainly by regulating the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway in endothelial cells. The results showed that interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase4 (IRAK4) and zinc finger protein 91 (ZFP91) were the binding targets of miR-302a. MiR-302a prevented the nuclear translocation of NF-κB by inhibiting phosphorylation of IκB kinase complex β (IKKβ) and inhibitors of κBα (IκBα) via targeting IRAK4. In addition, miR-302a downregulated the expression of NF-κB by directly binding with ZFP91. These findings indicate that miR-302a negatively regulates inflammatory responses in the endothelium via the NF-κB pathway and it may be a novel target for relieving vascular inflammation.
ELK3 Mediated by ZEB1 Facilitates the Growth and Metastasis of Pancreatic Carcinoma by Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Zhao Qiuyan , Ren Yingchun , Xie Haoran , Yu Lanting , Lu Jiawei , Jiang Weiliang , Xiao Wenqin , Zhu Zhonglin , Wan Rong , Li Baiwen
Published: August 2021

Rapid progression and metastasis are the major causes of death in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). ELK3, a member of the ternary complex factor (TCF), has been associated with the initiation and progression of various cancers. However, the role of ELK3 in PDAC is not yet fully understood. Online databases and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the ELK3 levels in PDAC tissues. The function of ELK3 was confirmed by a series of in vivo and in vitro studies. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the molecular mechanisms of PDAC. ChIP-qPCR was used to study the mechanism responsible for the elevation of ELK3 expression in PDAC. The ELK3 levels were higher in PDAC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. Functionally, we demonstrated that ELK3 acted as an oncogene to promote PDAC tumorigenesis and metastasis. Further study suggested that ELK3 promoted PDAC cell migration and invasion by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and proved that ZEB1 could directly bind to the promoter of ELK3 to increase its transcription. Finally, both were associated with the patients’ clinicopathological features and worse overall survival. Conclusively, our findings enrich the role of ELK3 in PDAC, and provide potential avenues for exploring more effective biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of PDAC.
Modulatory Role of Silver Nanoparticles and Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Derived Exosome-Modified Barrier Membrane on Macrophages and Osteogenesis
Authors: Lu Haiping , Zhang Yi , Xiong Shan , Zhou Yinghong , Xiao Lan , Ma Yaping , Xiao Yin , Wang Xin
Published: August 2021

Background: As a wound dressing and barrier membrane, surface modification of polycaprolactone (PCL) is needed in order to achieve better biological activities. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold significant tissue regeneration promise. Silver nanoparticles (Ag) have been suggested as the surface modification technique for various medical devices.

Materials and Methods: Ag and human bone marrow MSC (hBMSC)-derived exosomes (MSCs-exo) were used to modify the PCL scaffold. The impact of different scaffolds on immune cells and MSC proliferation and differentiation was further evaluated.

Results: MSCs-exo exhibited cup-shaped morphology with a diameter around 100 nm. MSCs-exo were enriched with exosome marker CD81 and showed good internalization into recipient cells. 200 ng/ml Ag nanoparticles and MSCs-exo were further used to modify the PCL scaffold. The internalization study further indicated a similar releasing pattern of exosomes from Ag/MSCs-exo hybrid scaffolds into RAW264.7 and hBMSCs at 12 and 24 h, respectively. Macrophages play an important role during different stages of bone regeneration. The MTT and confocal microscopy study demonstrated no significant toxicity of exosome and/or Ag hybrid scaffolds for macrophages and MSCs. Inflammatory macrophages were further used to mimic the inflammatory environment. A mixed population of elongated and round morphology was noted in the exosome and Ag hybrid group, in which the proinflammatory genes and secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly reduced. In addition, the exosome and Ag hybrid scaffolds could significantly boost the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.

Discussion: This study highlights the possibility of using Ag nanoparticles and MSCs-exo to modify the PCL scaffold, thus providing new insight into the development of the novel immunomodulatory biomembrane.
The Role of Surface Hydrophobicity on the Structure and Dynamics of CO2 and CH4 Confined in Silica Nanopores
Authors: Mohammed Sohaib , Sunkara Ajay Krishna , Walike Casey Elizabeth , Gadikota Greeshma
Published: August 2021

Advancing a portfolio of technologies that range from the storage of excess renewable natural gas for distributed use to the capture and storage of CO2 in geological formation are essential for meeting our energy needs while responding to challenges associated with climate change. Delineating the surface interactions and the organization of these gases in nanoporous environments is one of the less explored approaches to ground advances in novel materials for gas storage or predict the fate of stored gases in subsurface environments. To this end, the molecular scale interactions underlying the organization and transport behavior of CO2 and CH4 molecules in silica nanopores need to be investigated. To probe the influence of hydrophobic surfaces, a series of classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to investigate the structure and dynamics of CO2 and CH4 confined in OH-terminated and CH3-terminated silica pores with diameters of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 nm at 298 K and 10 MPa. Higher adsorption extents of CO2 compared to CH4 are noted on OH-terminated and CH3-terminated pores. The adsorbed extents increase with the pore diameter. Further, the interfacial CO2 and CH4 molecules reside closer to the surface of OH-terminated pores compared to CH3-terminated pores. The lower adsorption extents of CH4 on OH-terminated and CH3-terminated pores result in higher diffusion coefficients compared to CO2 molecules. The diffusivities of both gases in OH-terminated and CH3-terminated pores increase systematically with the pore diameter. The higher adsorption extents of CO2 on OH-terminated and CH3-terminated pores are driven by higher van der Waals and electrostatic interactions with the pore surfaces, while CH4 adsorption is mainly due to van der Waals interactions with the pore walls. These findings provide the interfacial chemical basis underlying the organization and transport behavior of pressurized CO2 and CH4 gases in confinement.
Pericardial Effusion During the Perioperative Period for Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Authors: Yang Lifan , Zhang Xiaochun , Jin Qinchun , Kong Dehong , Zhang Yuan , Li Mingfei , Zhang Lei , Chen Shasha , Pan Wenzhi , Zhou Daxin , Ge Junbo
Published: August 2021

Objectives: To analyze the predictors of pericardial effusion (PE) during the perioperative period of the left atrial appendage closure procedure in our center.

Methods: A total of 624 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF undergoing LAAC from May 2014 to October 2019 were involved in this study. Patients were divided into groups depending on whether they showed no PE, intraoperative PE or postoperative PE. We analyzed the predictors of PE during the perioperative period of the LAAC procedure.

Results: (1) Of the 624 patients in our population (age 68.2 ± 9.1 years, 63% male, CHA2DS2-VASc score 3.4 ± 1.6), 30 patients experienced PE in the perioperative period, including 10 intraoperative PE and 20 postoperative PE. (2) A total of 26 (86.6%) patients had mild PE. 4 (13.4%) patients had pericardial tamponade, 2 (6.7%) of which were intraoperative, and the other 2 (6.7%) postoperative. (3) Significant differences were measured in relation to female sex, intraoperative time, combined procedures, changes in sinus rhythm, device retrieval times and duration of hospitalization between 2 groups (no PE occurred, intraoperative PE), P values were 0.039, 0.024, 0.004, 0.015, 0.003 and 0.039.

Conclusions: Female sex, paroxysmal AF, changing in sinus rhythm, device retrieval times and intraoperative time all had a positive association with PE during the perioperative period.
Heart Failure Syndrome With Preserved Ejection Fraction Is a Metabolic Cluster of Non-resolving Inflammation in Obesity
Authors: Tourki Bochra , Halade Ganesh V.
Published: August 2021

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is an emerging disease with signs of nonresolving inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and multiorgan defects. Moreover, based on the clinical signs and symptoms and the rise of the obesity epidemic, the number of patients developing HFpEF is increasing. From recent molecular and cellular studies, it becomes evident that HFpEF is not a single and homogenous disease but a cluster of heterogeneous pathophysiology with aging at the base of the pyramid. Obesity superimposed on aging drives the number of inflammatory pathways that intersect with metabolic dysfunction and suboptimal inflammation. Here, we compiled information on obesity-directed macrophage dysfunction that coincide with metabolic defects. Obesity-associated proinflammatory stimuli facilitates heart and interorgan inflammation in HFpEF. Furthermore, diversified mechanisms that drive heart failure urge the need of studying pervasive and unresolved inflammation in animal models to understand HFpEF. A broad and system-based approach will help to study major translational aspects of HFpEF, since no single animal model recapitulates all signs of differential HFpEF stages in the clinical setting. Here, we covered experimental models that target HFpEF and emphasized the advances observed with formyl peptide 2 (FPR2) receptor, a prime sensor that is important in inflammation-resolution signaling. Dysfunction of FPR2 led to the development of spontaneous obesity, impaired macrophage function, and triggered kidney fibrosis, providing evidence of multiorgan defects in HFpEF in an obesogenic aging experimental model.
Heart Failure With Midrange Ejection Fraction: Prior Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Prognosis
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Sun Yuxi , Zhang Yanli , Chen Feifei , Zhang Shuyuan , He Hongyan , Song Shuang , Tse Gary , Liu Ying
Published: August 2021

Aims: Evidence-based guidelines for heart failure management depend mainly on current left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, fewer studies have examined the impact of prior LVEF. Patients may enter the heart failure with midrange ejection fraction (HFmrEF) category when heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) deteriorates or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) improves. In this study, we examined the association between change in LVEF and adverse outcomes.

Methods: HFmrEF patients with at least two or more echocardiograms 3 months apart at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University between September 1, 2015 and November 30, 2019 were identified. According to the prior LVEF, the subjects were divided into improved group (prior LVEF < 40%), stable group (prior LVEF between 40 and 50%), and deteriorated group (prior LVEF ≥ 50%). The primary outcomes were cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, hospitalization for worsening heart failure, and composite event of all-cause mortality or all-cause hospitalization.

Results: A total of 1,168 HFmrEF patients (67.04% male, mean age 63.60 ± 12.18 years) were included. The percentages of improved, stable, and deteriorated group were 310 (26.54%), 334 (28.60%), and 524 (44.86%), respectively. After a period of follow-up, 208 patients (17.81%) died and 500 patients met the composite endpoint. The rates of all-cause mortality were 35 (11.29%), 55 (16.47%), and 118 (22.52%), and the composite outcome was 102 (32.90%), 145 (43.41%), and 253 (48.28%) for the improved, stable, and deteriorated groups, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that the deterioration group had higher risk of cardiovascular death (HR: 1.707, 95% CI: 1.064–2.739, P = 0.027), all-cause death (HR 1.948, 95% CI 1.335–2.840, P = 0.001), and composite outcome (HR 1.379, 95% CI 1.096–1.736, P = 0.006) compared to the improvement group. The association still remained significant after fully adjusted for both all-cause mortality (HR = 1.899, 95% CI 1.247–2.893, P = 0.003) and composite outcome (HR: 1.324, 95% CI: 1.020–1.718, P = 0.035).

Conclusion: HFmrEF patients are heterogeneous with three different subsets identified, each with different outcomes. Strategies for managing HFmrEF should include previously measured LVEF to allow stratification based on direction changes in LVEF to better optimize treatment.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Cox-Maze IV Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Meng Yanhai , Zhang Yanbo , Liu Ping , Zhu Changsheng , Lu Tao , Hu Enci , Yang Qiulan , Nie Changrong , Wang Shuiyun
Published: August 2021

Objective: Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent persistent arrhythmia in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Comparative analyses of the safety and effectiveness of septal myectomy with and without surgical ablation are limited. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of septal myectomy with and without the Cox-maze IV procedure in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.

Methods: Ninety-four patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation who underwent septal myectomy were analyzed, we divided it into concomitant Cox maze surgery (Cox-maze group) and no concomitant Cox maze operation (no Cox-maze group). Freedom from atrial fibrillation recurrence and all-cause mortality after surgery were assessed.

Results: Freedom from all-cause mortality after septal myectomy at 1, 3, and 5 years was 98.5 ± 1.5% each in the Cox-maze group and 90.8 ± 6.3%, 85.1 ± 8.1%, and 85.1 ± 8.1%, respectively, in the no Cox-maze group. Patients in the no Cox-maze group had lower survival, freedom from atrial fibrillation recurrence off antiarrhythmic drugs, and arrhythmia control rate (including patients with successful antiarrhythmic drug conversion) than those in the Cox-maze group (P = 0.046, P = 0.040, and P = 0.012, respectively). Patients who underwent the Cox-maze IV procedure had lower atrial fibrillation recurrence rate than those who did not (hazard ratio, 0.141; 95% confidence interval, 0.042–0.479; P = 0.002). Post-operative increases in left atrial diameters (hazard ratio, 1.099; 95% confidence interval, 1.024–1.179; P = 0.009) were associated with atrial fibrillation recurrence.

Conclusions: The Cox-maze IV procedure combined with septal myectomy improved mid-term survival and reduced mid-term atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation. The concomitant Cox-maze IV procedure was associated with a lower atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with surgical hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.
Large Future Increase in Exposure Risks of Extreme Heat Within Southern China Under Warming Scenario
Authors: Cao Ning , Li Gen , Rong Meiyan , Yang Jinyi , Xu Feng
Published: August 2021

With the continued global warming, quantifying the risks of human and social-economic exposure to extremely high temperatures is very essential. The simulated extreme high-temperature days (EHTDs) with a maximum temperature higher than 35°C (38°C, 40°C) in Southern China during 1980–1999 and 2080–2099 are analyzed using the NEX-GDDP dataset. By comparing the climatology of the two scenario periods, the multi-model ensemble mean patterns show that EHTDs will greatly increase at the end of the 21st century, and its center at 35°C is projected to shift to Guangxi from Jiangxi. Model diversities are fairly small, and the spread increases with T-level rises. EOF analysis shows that the 100-years warming will impact the southern part greater than the northern part. Trend patterns exhibit comparable results to models, but with a relatively large spread. The population and economy exposure to extremely high temperatures are calculated, showing that they both will experience a large increase in future projected decades. In historical decades, the growth of population and Gross Domestic Product have dominated the increasing exposure risks, but these effects weaken with the T-level increases. In future decades, climate change plays a leading role in affecting the exposure, and its effect strengthens with the T-level increases. For historical to future changes, the dominant contributor to population exposure changes is the climate factor (74%), while substantially 90% contribution to economy exposure changes is dominated by the combined effects of climate and economy growth.
A Comparison of Finite Control Set and Continuous Control Set Model Predictive Control Schemes for Model Parameter Mismatch in Three-Phase APF
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Liu Yang , Yan Rui
Published: August 2021

Model predictive control (MPC) methods are widely used in the power electronic control field, including finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) and continuous control set model predictive control (CCS-MPC). The degree of parameter uncertainty influence on the two methods is the key to evaluate the feasibility of the two methods in power electronic application. This paper proposes a research method to analyze FCS-MPC and CCS-MPC’s influence on the current prediction error of three-phase active power filter (APF) under parameter uncertainty. It compares the performance of the two model predictive control methods under parameters uncertainty. In each sampling period of the prediction algorithm, different prediction error conditions will be produced when FCS-MPC cycles the candidate vectors. Different pulse width modulation (PWM) results will be produced when CCS-MPC solves the quadratic programming (QP) problem. This paper presents the simulation results and discusses the influence of inaccurate modeling of load resistance and inductance parameters on the control performance of the two MPC algorithms, the influence of reference value and state value on prediction error is also compared. The prediction error caused by resistance mismatch is lower than that caused by inductance mismatch, more errors are caused by underestimating inductance values than by overestimating inductance values. The CCS-MPC has a better control effect and dynamic performance in parameter mismatch, and the influence of parameter mismatch is relatively tiny.
Determination and Occurrence of Mineralocorticoids in Taihu Lake of China
Authors: Zhao Li , Chang Hong , Sun Fuhong , Su Hailei
Published: August 2021

We developed a sensitive method for monitoring six natural (aldosterone) and synthetic mineralocorticoids (canrenone, spironolactone, 7β-spironolactone, 7α-thio spironolactone, and 7α-thiomethyl spironolactone) in sediment and water using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry, and then 30 water and 30 sediment samples were analyzed to reveal their occurrence and distributions in Taihu Lake. All target six mineralocorticoids were detected in sediment and water samples with the detection frequencies as high as 96–100%. The median concentrations of mineralocorticoids ranged from 0.04 ng/L (7α-thiomethyl spironolactone) to 14 ng/L (aldosterone) in water and 0.01 ng/g (7β-spironolactone and canrenone) to 1.44 ng/g (aldosterone) in sediment in dry weight. Natural aldosterone was the predominant mineralocorticoid detected in both water and sediment samples, indicating the mineralocorticoid pollution in Taihu Lake was mainly derived from human and/or animal excrement rather than pharmaceutical industry and usage. Two metabolites 7β-spironolactone and 7α-thio spironolactone were first found in this study. Low ratios of metabolites to spironolactone were observed in sediment (0.05–0.75) in contrast to water (0.12–2.26), indicating that spironolactone was prone to degradation in water phase compared to sediment environment.
Development of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Under Hypoxic Conditions Induced Sustained Changes in Expression of Immune Genes and Reduced Resistance to Moritella viscosa
Authors: Krasnov Aleksei , Burgerhout Erik , Johnsen Hanne , Tveiten Helge , Bakke Anne F. , Lund Hege , Afanasyev Sergey , Rebl Alexander , Johansen Lill-Heidi
Published: August 2021

Atlantic salmon is characterized with high sensitivity to low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. Hypoxia can affect diverse biological processes with consequences that can be manifested immediately or with delay. Effects of hypoxia on the immune system and the resistance to a bacterial pathogen were investigated. Two groups were reared at, respectively, normal (NO, 80–100%) and low (LO, 60%) levels of DO over 10 months after which both groups were reared at NO. Smoltification was initiated after 13 months by a winter signal for 6 weeks, followed by constant light for 6 weeks. Samples were collected at the start and end of the constant light period. Expression of 92 immune and stress genes was analyzed in the gill, head kidney, and spleen using a Biomark HD. Most of differentially expressed genes showed higher levels in LO fish compared to NO fish; many immune genes were downregulated during smoltification and these changes were stronger in NO fish. A notable exception was pro-inflammatory genes upregulated in gill of NO fish. Further, salmon were challenged with Moritella viscosa, the causative agent of winter ulcer. Mortality was registered from 5 days post infection (dpi) to the end of trial at 36 dpi. Survival was consistently higher in NO than LO fish, reaching a maximum difference of 18% at 21–23 dpi that reduced to 10% at the end. Analyses with a genome-wide microarray at 36 dpi showed strong responses to the pathogen in gill and spleen. Notable features were the stimulation of eicosanoid metabolism, suggesting an important role of lipid mediators of inflammation, and the downregulation of chemokines. Many immune effectors were activated, including multiple lectins and acute phase proteins, enzymes producing free radicals, and matrix metalloproteinases. The transcriptomic changes induced with a bacterial challenge were similar in NO and LO. After the challenge, interferons a and g and panel of genes of innate antiviral immunity showed higher expression in LO, especially in the gill. The results from the present study suggest that chronic hypoxia in early life stimulated immune genes and attenuated their downregulation associated with smoltification. However, these changes did not improve protection against a bacterial pathogen of major concern in salmon aquaculture.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Body Length, Body Height, and Total Teat Number in Large White Pigs
Authors: Hong Yifeng , Ye Jian , Dong Linsong , Li Yalan , Yan Limin , Cai Gengyuan , Liu Dewu , Tan Cheng , Wu Zhenfang
Published: August 2021

Body length, body height, and total teat number are economically important traits in pig breeding, as these traits are usually associated with the growth, reproductivity, and longevity potential of piglets. Here, we report a genetic analysis of these traits using a population comprising 2,068 Large White pigs. A genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach was used to provide high-density genome-wide SNP discovery and genotyping. Univariate and bivariate animal models were used to estimate heritability and genetic correlations. The results showed that heritability estimates for body length, body height, and total teat number were 0.25 ± 0.04, 0.11 ± 0.03, and 0.22 ± 0.04, respectively. The genetic correlation between body length and body height exhibited a strongly positive correlation (0.63 ± 0.15), while a positive but low genetic correlation was observed between total teat number and body length. Furthermore, we used two different genome-wide association study (GWAS) approaches: single-locus GWAS and weighted single-step GWAS (WssGWAS), to identify candidate genes for these traits. Single-locus GWAS detected 76, 13, and 29 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with body length, body height, and total teat number. Notably, the most significant SNP (S17_15781294), which is located 20 kb downstream of theBMP2gene, explained 9.09% of the genetic variance for body length traits, and it also explained 9.57% of the genetic variance for body height traits. In addition, another significant SNP (S7_97595973), which is located in theABCD4gene, explained 8.92% of the genetic variance for total teat number traits. GWAS results for these traits identified some candidate genomic regions, such as SSC6: 14.96–15.02 Mb, SSC7: 97.18–98.18 Mb, SSC14: 128.29–131.15 Mb, SSC17: 15.39–17.27 Mb, and SSC17: 22.04–24.15 Mb, providing a starting point for further inheritance research. Most quantitative trait loci were detected by single-locus GWAS and WssGWAS. These findings reveal the complexity of the genetic mechanism of the three traits and provide guidance for subsequent genetic improvement through genome selection.
Lack of Association Between Polymorphisms in TXNRD2 and LMX1B and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in a Saudi Cohort
Authors: Kondkar Altaf A. , Azad Taif A. , Alobaidan Abdullah S. , Sultan Tahira , Osman Essam A. , Almobarak Faisal A. , Lobo Glenn P. , Al-Obeidan Saleh A.
Published: August 2021

Objective: Recent studies have demonstrated an association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs35934224 in TXNRD2 and rs6478746 near LMX1B genes in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) among Europeans. We performed a retrospective, case-control study to investigate the association between the rs35934224 (TXNRD2) and rs6478746 (LMX1B) and POAG in a middle-eastern population from Saudi Arabia.

Methods: DNA from 399 participants consisting of 150 POAG cases (83 males and 67 females) and 249 controls (135 males and 114 females) were genotyped using TaqMan® real-time PCR. Statistical tests were performed to evaluate genetic association with POAG and related clinical indices.

Results: The minor allele frequency (MAF) of rs35934224[T] was 0.19 and 0.20 in POAG and controls, respectively. The difference was non-significant (odds ratio [OR] = 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.75–1.55, p = 0.663). Likewise, rs6478746[G] MAF was 0.12 in both cases and controls with no statistical significance (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.67–1.56, p = 0.910). Genotype analysis showed no association with POAG for both the SNPs in combined and gender-stratified groups. Regression analysis showed no significant effect of risk factors such as age, sex, rs35934224, and rs6478746 genotypes on POAG outcome. Furthermore, both the SNPs showed no significant genotype effect on clinical indices such as intraocular pressure (IOP) and cup/disc ratio in POAG patients.

Conclusions: Rs35934224 in TXNRD2 and rs6478746 near LMX1B genes are not associated with POAG or related clinical indices such as IOP and cup/disc ratio in a Saudi cohort. Since the study is limited by sample size further investigations are needed to confirm these results in a larger cohort.
Cox-sMBPLS: An Algorithm for Disease Survival Prediction and Multi-Omics Module Discovery Incorporating Cis-Regulatory Quantitative Effects
Authors: Vahabi Nasim , McDonough Caitrin W. , Desai Ankit A. , Cavallari Larisa H. , Duarte Julio D. , Michailidis George
Published: August 2021

Background

The development of high-throughput techniques has enabled profiling a large number of biomolecules across a number of molecular compartments. The challenge then becomes to integrate such multimodal Omics data to gain insights into biological processes and disease onset and progression mechanisms. Further, given the high dimensionality of such data, incorporating prior biological information on interactions between molecular compartments when developing statistical models for data integration is beneficial, especially in settings involving a small number of samples.

Results

We develop a supervised model for time to event data (e.g., death, biochemical recurrence) that simultaneously accounts for redundant information within Omics profiles and leverages prior biological associations between them through a multi-block PLS framework. The interactions between data from different molecular compartments (e.g., epigenome, transcriptome, methylome, etc.) were captured by usingcis-regulatory quantitative effects in the proposed model. The model, coined Cox-sMBPLS, exhibits superior prediction performance and improved feature selection based on both simulation studies and analysis of data from heart failure patients.

Conclusion

The proposed supervised Cox-sMBPLS model can effectively incorporate prior biological information in the survival prediction system, leading to improved prediction performance and feature selection. It also enables the identification of multi-Omics modules of biomolecules that impact the patients’ survival probability and also provides insights into potential relevant risk factors that merit further investigation.
Low-Dose Radiation Can Cause Epigenetic Alterations Associated With Impairments in Both Male and Female Reproductive Cells
Authors: Leung Chi Tim , Yang Yi , Yu Kwan Ngok , Tam Nathan , Chan Ting Fung , Lin Xiao , Kong Richard Yuen Chong , Chiu Jill Man Ying , Wong Alice Sze Tsai , Lui Wing Yee , Yuen Karen Wing Yee , Lai Keng Po , Wu Rudolf Shiu Sun
Published: August 2021

Humans are regularly and continuously exposed to ionizing radiation from both natural and artificial sources. Cumulating evidence shows adverse effects of ionizing radiation on both male and female reproductive systems, including reduction of testis weight and sperm count and reduction of female germ cells and premature ovarian failure. While most of the observed effects were caused by DNA damage and disturbance of DNA repairment, ionizing radiation may also alter DNA methylation, histone, and chromatin modification, leading to epigenetic changes and transgenerational effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the epigenetic changes and transgenerational reproductive impairment induced by low-dose radiation remain largely unknown. In this study, two different types of human ovarian cells and two different types of testicular cells were exposed to low dose of ionizing radiation, followed by bioinformatics analysis (including gene ontology functional analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis), to unravel and compare epigenetic effects and pathway changes in male and female reproductive cells induced by ionizing radiation. Our findings showed that the radiation could alter the expression of gene cluster related to DNA damage responses through the control of MYC. Furthermore, ionizing radiation could lead to gender-specific reproductive impairment through deregulation of different gene networks. More importantly, the observed epigenetic modifications induced by ionizing radiation are mediated through the alteration of chromatin remodeling and telomere function. This study, for the first time, demonstrated that ionizing radiation may alter the epigenome of germ cells, leading to transgenerational reproductive impairments, and correspondingly call for research in this new emerging area which remains almost unknown.
Screening of DNA Damage Repair Genes Involved in the Prognosis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients Based on Bioinformatics
Authors: Wang Nan , Gu Yuanting , Chi Jiangrui , Liu Xinwei , Xiong Youyi , Zhong Chaochao , Wang Fang , Wang Xinxing , Li Lin
Published: August 2021

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis. DNA damage response (DDR) is one of the hallmarks of this cancer. However, the association of DDR genes with the prognosis of TNBC is still unclear.

Methods: We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and TNBC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). DDR genes were obtained from the Molecular Signatures Database through six DDR gene sets. After the expression of six differential genes were verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we then overlapped the DEGs with DDR genes. Based on univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses, a prognostic model was constructed to predict overall survival (OS). Kaplan–Meier analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to assess the performance of the prognostic model. Cox regression analysis was applied to identify independent prognostic factors in TNBC. The Human Protein Atlas was used to study the immunohistochemical data of six DEGs. The prognostic model was validated using an independent dataset. Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were performed by using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis was employed to estimate immune cells related to this prognostic model. Finally, we constructed a transcriptional factor (TF) network and a competing endogenous RNA regulatory network.

Results: Twenty-three differentially expressed DDR genes were detected between TNBC and normal samples. The six-gene prognostic model we developed was shown to be related to OS in TNBC using univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses. All the six DEGs were identified as significantly up-regulated in the tumor samples compared to the normal samples in qRT-PCR. The GSEA analysis indicated that the genes in the high-risk group were mainly correlated with leukocyte migration, cytokine interaction, oxidative phosphorylation, autoimmune diseases, and coagulation cascade. The mutation data revealed the mutated genes were different. The gene-TF regulatory network showed that Replication Factor C subunit 4 occupied the dominant position.

Conclusion: We identified six gene markers related to DDR, which can predict prognosis and serve as an independent biomarker for TNBC patients.
Homologous Recombination Subpathways: A Tangle to Resolve
Authors: Elbakry Amira , Löbrich Markus
Published: August 2021

Homologous recombination (HR) is an essential pathway for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, which can proceed through various subpathways that have distinct elements and genetic outcomes. In this mini-review, we highlight the main features known about HR subpathways operating at DSBs in human cells and the factors regulating subpathway choice. We examine new developments that provide alternative models of subpathway usage in different cell types revise the nature of HR intermediates involved and reassess the frequency of repair outcomes. We discuss the impact of expanding our understanding of HR subpathways and how it can be clinically exploited.
Mannose Receptor Mediates the Activation of Chitooligosaccharides on Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) Macrophages
Authors: Ouyang Aotian , Wang Huabing , Su Jianguo , Liu Xiaoling
Published: August 2021

Chitooligosaccharide (COS) is an important immune enhancer and has been proven to have a variety of biological activities. Our previous research has established an M1 polarization mode by COS in blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) macrophages, but the mechanism of COS activation of blunt snout bream macrophages remains unclear. In this study, we further explored the internalization mechanism and signal transduction pathway of chitooligosaccharide hexamer (COS6) in blunt snout bream macrophages. The results showed that mannose receptor C-type lectin-like domain 4-8 of M. amblycephala (MaMR CTLD4-8) could recognize and bind to COS6 and mediate COS6 into macrophages by both clathrin-dependent and caveolin-dependent pathways. In the inflammatory response of macrophages activated by COS6, the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) was significantly inhibited after MaMR CTLD4-8-specific antibody blockade. However, even if it was blocked, the expression of these inflammation-related genes was still relatively upregulated, which suggested that there are other receptors involved in immune regulation. Further studies indicated that MaMR CTLD4-8 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) cooperated to regulate the pro-inflammatory response of macrophages caused by COS6. Taken together, these results revealed that mannose receptor (MR) CTLD4-8 is indispensable in the process of recognition, binding, internalization, and immunoregulation of COS in macrophages of blunt snout bream.