bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edukasi Gizi Masa Kehamilan Meningkatkan Pengetahuan Ibu Hamil dalam Mencegah Stunting
Authors: Rantesigi Nirva , Agusrianto Agusrianto , Suharto Dewi Nurviana , Ulfa A Maria
Published: September 2022

Stunting merupakan akibat kondisi kurang gizi kronis yang dialami oleh seseorang sejak dalam masa kandungan dan masa awal anak lahir yang dapat meningkatkan angka kematian pada bayi dan anak, mudah sakit, dan menghambat pertumbuhan dan perkembangan. Tujuan kegiatan yaitu memberikan edukasi tentang gizi amsa kehamilan untuk mencegah stunting. Sasaran yaitu ibu hamil di Desa Tete B yang berjumlah 10 orang. Metode pegabdian yaitu penyuluhan dan diskusi. Hasil kegiatan menunjukkan setelah diberikan edukasi terjadi peningkatan pengetahuan ibu hamil tentang gizi masa kehamilan dan upaya pencegahan stunting. Saran kepada saran kepada bidan desa dan kader Posyandu setempat agar dapat memberikan pendampingan kepada ibu hamil dalam memenuhi kebutuhan gizi agar mampu mencegah stunting pada anak yang akan datang.
Penyuluhan Meningkatkan Pengetahuan Wanita Usia Subur tentang Penanganan Dismenorea Menggunakan Teknik Akupreseur
Authors: Neny Yuli Susanti  , Isma Oktadiana
Published: September 2022

Teknik akupreseur merupakan upaya pengobatan yang sederhana dan dapat dilakukan sendiri untuk mengurangi nyeri haid (dismenorea). Penatalaksanaan nyeri haid yang tidak rasional dapat mengakibatkan berbagai efek samping, bahkan kerugian seperti kesalahan pengobatan karena dosis yang tidak tepat dan penggunaan obat yang tidak tepat. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan wanita usia subur tentang penanganan dismenorea dan penerapan teknik pijat akupresur untuk mengurangi dismenorea. Penyuluhan diberikan kepada wanita usia subur berjumlah 17 orang dengan metode ceramah dan praktek. Partisipan mengisi angket pre test, kemudian mengikuti kegiatan penyuluhan dan mengisi angket post test. Hasil kegiatan menunjukkan terjadi peningkatan pengetahuan peserta tentang penanganan dismenorea dan penggunaan teknik akupreseur sebelum dan setelah kegiatan yaitu sebelum kegiatan pengetahuan peserta baik sebanyak 60 % dan setelah kegiatan meningkat menjadi 90%. Saran bagi peserta untuk melakukan akupreseur sebagai salah satu alternatif penanganan dismenorea
Penyuluhan Tentang Cara Menyusui yang Benar
Authors: Laupo Hairun Y Nisa , Entoh Christina , Nurfatimah Nurfatimah
Published: September 2022

Air Susu Ibu merupakan makanan terbaik bagi bayi, Ibu sebaiknya memberikan ASI eksklusif sampai bayi usia 6 bulan. Beberapa permasalahan ibu tidak memberikan ASI eklslusif yaitu kurangnya pengetahuan ibu mengenai cara menyusui anaknya dengan benar dan puting susu nyeri atau lecet saat menyusui. Ibu hamil harus di beri pengetahuan mengenai cara menyusui yang benar agar siap untuk menyusui saat bayi lahir dan berhasil dalam proses menyusui. Ibu hamil terutama primipara belum memiliki pengetahuan yang baik tentang cara menyusui. Tujuan kegiatan pegabdian kepada masyarakat yaitu meningkatkan pengetahuan ibu hamil tentang cara menyusui yang benar agar berhasil dalam proses menyusui setelah bayi lahir. Metode pengabdian dengan memberikan penyuluhan tentang cara menyusui yang benar. Hasil pengabdian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat peningkatan pengetahuan peserta tentang cara menyusui yang benar setelah diberikan penyuluhan. Saran bagi bidan Desa untuk meningkatkan edukasi bagi ibu hamil tentang cara menyusui yang benar agar ibu siap dan berhasil dalam proses menyusui setelah bayi lahir
Single shot quantitative polarized light imaging system for rapid planar biaxial testing of soft tissues
Authors: Blair Michael J. , Quinn Kyle P.
Published: September 2022

Quantitative Polarized Light Imaging (QPLI) is an established technique used to compute the orientation of collagen fibers based on their birefringence. QPLI systems typically require rotating linear polarizers to obtain sufficient data to estimate orientation, which limits acquisition speeds and is not ideal for its application to mechanical testing. In this paper, we present a QPLI system designed with no moving parts; a single shot technique which is ideal to characterize collagen fiber orientation and kinematics during mechanical testing. Our single shot QPLI system (ssQPLI) sorts polarized light into four linear polarization states that are collected simultaneously by four cameras. The ssQPLI system was validated using samples with known orientation and retardation, and we demonstrate its use with planar biaxial testing of mouse skin. The ssQPLI system was accurate with a mean orientation error of 1.35° ± 1.58°. Skin samples were tested with multiple loading protocols and in each case the mean orientation of the collagen network reoriented to align in the direction of primary loading as expected. In summary, the ssQPLI system is effective at quantifying collagen fiber organization, and, when combined with mechanical testing, can rapidly provide pixel-wise measures of fiber orientation during biaxial loading.
6DOF knee kinematic alterations due to increased load levels
Authors: Yang Tao , Huang Yaxiang , Zhong Guoqing , Kong Lingchuang , Yan Yuan , Lai Huahao , Zeng Xiaolong , Huang Wenhan , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2022

Whether load carriage leads to six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) knee kinematic alterations remains unclear. Exploring this mechanism may reveal meaningful knee kinematic information that can be used to improve load carriage conditions, the design of protective devices, and the knowledge of the effects of load carriage on knees. We recruited 44 subjects to explore kinematic alterations from an unloaded state to 60% bodyweight (BW) load carriage. A three-dimensional gait analysis system was used to collect the knee kinematic data. One-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to explore the effects of load levels on knee kinematics. The effects of increasing load levels on knee kinematics were smooth with decreased or increased trends. We found that knees significantly exhibited increased lateral tibial translation (up to 1.2 mm), knee flexion angle (up to 1.4°), internal tibial rotation (up to 1.3°), and tibial proximal translation (up to 1.0 mm) when they went from an unloaded state to 60%BW load carriage during the stance phase (p < 0.05). Significant small knee adduction/abduction angle and posterior tibial translation alterations (<1°/mm) were also identified (p < 0.05). Load carriage can cause significant 6DOF knee kinematic alterations. The results showed that knee kinematic environments are challenging during increased load. Our results contain kinematic information that could be helpful for knee-protection-related activities, such as target muscle training to reduce abnormal knee kinematics and knee brace design.
Efficient co-isolation of microvascular endothelial cells and satellite cell-derived myoblasts from human skeletal muscle
Authors: Wüst Rebecca , Terrie Lisanne , Müntefering Thomas , Ruck Tobias , Thorrez Lieven
Published: September 2022

Vascularization of tissue-engineered constructs remains a key challenge in the field of skeletal muscle tissue engineering. One strategy for vascularizing organoids is in vitro pre-vascularization, relying on de novo assembly of undifferentiated endothelial cells into capillaries, a process termed vasculogenesis. In most endothelial cell research to date, human umbilical vein endothelial cells have been used primarily because of their availability. Nevertheless, this endothelial cell type is naturally not occurring in skeletal muscle tissue. Since endothelial cells display a tissue-specific phenotype, it is of interest to use muscle-specific microvascular endothelial cells to study pre-vascularization in skeletal muscle tissue engineering research. Thus far, tissue biopsies had to be processed in two separate protocols to obtain cells from the myogenic and the endothelial compartment. Here, we describe a novel, detailed protocol for the co-isolation of human skeletal muscle microvascular endothelial cells and satellite cell-derived myoblasts. It incorporates an automated mechanical and enzymatic tissue dissociation followed by magnetically activated cell sorting based on a combination of endothelial and skeletal muscle cell markers. Qualitative, quantitative, and functional characterization of the obtained cells is described and demonstrated by representative results. The simultaneous isolation of both cell types from the same donor is advantageous in terms of time efficiency. In addition, it may be the only possible method to isolate both cell types as the amount of tissue biopsy is often limited. The isolation of the two cell types is crucial for further studies to elucidate cell crosstalk in health and disease. Furthermore, the use of muscle-specific microvascular endothelial cells allows a shift towards engineering more physiologically relevant functional tissue, with downstream applications including drug screening and regenerative medicine.
Case Report: Three-dimensional printed prosthesis reconstruction for patello-femoral large osteochondral defects in a patient with distal femoral giant cell tumour: A case report
Authors: Yuan Dechao , Fang Xiang , Lei Senlin , Banskota Nishant , Kuang Fuguo , Gou Yawei , Zhang Wenli , Duan Hong
Published: September 2022

Background: The restoration and reconstruction of patello-femoral large osteochondral defects caused by bone tumours are challenging because of the local recurrence rate and the joint’s mechanical complexity. Although three-dimensional (3D)-printed prostheses are commonly adopted for tumour-induced bone defect reconstruction, patello-femoral osteochondral reconstruction with 3D-printed prostheses is rarely reported.

Case presentation: A 44-year-old female patient with progressive swelling and pain in the left knee for 6 months was diagnosed with Campanacci Grade II giant cell tumour (GCT). She underwent intralesional curettage combined with autografting and internal fixation, after which complications of deep infection arose. The patient then underwent internal fixation removal and cement packing. Afterwards, the pain of the affected knee persisted for 11 months, and bone cement removal plus 3D-printed modular prosthesis reconstruction was performed. At the last follow-up 27 months after surgery, she was pain free, the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) score improved from 15/30 to 29/30, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score decreased from 7 to 0, and knee flexion increased from 50° to 130°. X-ray images 22 months after surgery showed that the prosthesis and screws were in a stable position, and callus formation was found at the prosthesis-bone interface.

Conclusions: A 3D-printed modular prosthesis may be a useful treatment option for the surgical reconstruction of GCT-induced patello-femoral large osteochondral defects. The firm fixation, osseointegration, and favourable congruency of the 3D-printed prosthesis with the adjacent articular surface can achieve long-term knee function and stability.
Conserved and diverged asymmetric gene expression in the brain of teleosts
Authors: Agostini Carolina , Bühler Anja , Antico Calderone Alessandra , Aadepu Narendar , Herder Cathrin , Loosli Felix , Carl Matthias
Published: September 2022

Morphological left-right brain asymmetries are universal phenomena in animals. These features have been studied for decades, but the functional relevance is often unclear. Studies from the zebrafish dorsal diencephalon on the genetics underlying the establishment and function of brain asymmetries have uncovered genes associated with the development of functional brain asymmetries. To gain further insights, comparative studies help to investigate the emergence of asymmetries and underlying genetics in connection to functional adaptation. Evolutionarily distant isogenic medaka inbred lines, that show divergence of complex traits such as morphology, physiology and behavior, are a valuable resource to investigate intra-species variations in a given trait of interest. For a detailed study of asymmetry in the medaka diencephalon we generated molecular probes of ten medaka genes that are expressed asymmetrically in the zebrafish habenulae and pineal complex. We find expression of eight genes in the corresponding brain areas of medaka with differences in the extent of left-right asymmetry compared to zebrafish. Our marker gene analysis of the diverged medaka inbred strains revealed marked inter-strain size differences of the respective expression domains in the parapineal and the habenulae, which we hypothesize may result from strain-specific gene loss. Thus, our analysis reveals both inter-species differences but also intra-species plasticity of gene expression in the teleost dorsal diencephalon. These findings are a starting point showing the potential to identify the genetics underlying the emergence and modulations of asymmetries. They are also the prerequisite to examine whether variance in habenular gene expression may cause variation of behavioral traits.
Scribble and α-Catenin cooperatively regulate epithelial homeostasis and growth
Authors: Huang Yunxian , Gui Jinghua , Myllymäki Satu-Marja , Roy Kallol , Tõnissoo Tambet , Mikkola Marja L. , Shimmi Osamu
Published: September 2022

Epithelial homeostasis is an emergent property of both physical and biochemical signals emanating from neighboring cells and across tissue. A recent study reveals that Scribble, an apico-basal polarity determinant, cooperates with α-Catenin, an adherens junction component, to regulate tissue homeostasis in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc. However, it remains to be addressed whether similar mechanisms are utilized in vertebrates. In this study, we first address how α-Catenin cooperates with Scribble to regulate epithelial homeostasis and growth in mammalian cells. Our data show that α-Catenin and Scribble interact physically in mammalian cells. We then found that both α-Catenin and Scribble are required for regulating nuclear translocation of YAP, an effector of the Hippo signaling pathway. Furthermore, ectopic Scribble suffices to suppress YAP in an α-Catenin-dependent manner. Then, to test our hypothesis that Scribble amounts impact epithelial growth, we use the Drosophila wing imaginal disc. We show that Scribble expression is complementary to Yorkie signal, the Drosophila ortholog of YAP. Ectopic expression of full-length Scribble or Scribble Leucine Rich Region (LRR):α-Catenin chimera sufficiently down-regulates Yorkie signal, leading to smaller wing size. Moreover, Scribble LRR:α-Catenin chimera rescues scribble mutant clones in the wing imaginal disc to maintain tissue homeostasis. Taken together, our studies suggest that the association of cell polarity component Scribble with α-Catenin plays a conserved role in epithelial homeostasis and growth.
Bioinformatic analysis of the LCN2–SLC22A17–MMP9 network in cancer: The role of DNA methylation in the modulation of tumor microenvironment
Authors: Candido Saverio , Tomasello Barbara , Lavoro Alessandro , Falzone Luca , Gattuso Giuseppe , Russo Angela , Paratore Sabrina , McCubrey James A. , Libra Massimo
Published: September 2022

Several features of cancer cells such as proliferation, invasion, metastatic spreading, and drug resistance are affected by their interaction with several tumor microenvironment (TME) components, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), solute carrier family 22 member 17 (SLC22A17), and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9). These molecules play a key role in tumor growth, invasion, and iron-dependent metabolism of cancer cells. However, the precise epigenetic mechanisms underlying the gene regulation of Lipocalin 2 (LCN2), SLC22A17, and MMP9 in cancer still remain unclear. To this purpose, computational analysis was performed on TCGA and GTEx datasets to evaluate the expression and DNA methylation status of LCN2, SLC22A17, and MMP9 genes in different tumor types. Correlation analysis between gene/isoforms expression and DNA methylation levels of LCN2, SLC22A17, and MMP9 was performed to investigate the role of DNA methylation in the modulation of these genes. Protein network analysis was carried out using reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) data to identify protein–protein interactions of the LCN2–SLC22A17–MMP9 network. Furthermore, survival analysis was performed according to gene expression and DNA methylation levels. Our results demonstrated that LCN2 and MMP9 were mainly upregulated in most tumor types, whereas SLC22A17 was largely downregulated, representing a specific hallmark signature for all gastrointestinal tumors. Notably, the expression of LCN2, SLC22A17, and MMP9 genes was negatively affected by promoter methylation. Conversely, intragenic hypermethylation was associated with the overexpression of SLC22A17 and MMP9 genes. Protein network analysis highlighted the role of the LCN2–SLC22A17–MMP9 network in TME by the interaction with fibronectin 1 and claudin 7, especially in rectal tumors. Moreover, the impact of expression and methylation status of LCN2, SLC22A17, and MMP9 on overall survival and progression free interval was tumor type–dependent. Overall, our analyses provide a detailed overview of the expression and methylation status of LCN2, SLC22A17, and MMP9 in all TCGA tumors, indicating that the LCN2–SLC22A17–MMP9 network was strictly regulated by DNA methylation within TME. Our findings pave the way for the identification of novel DNA methylation hotspots with diagnostic and prognostic values and suitable for epi-drug targeting.
Signature of gene expression profile of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Yifan , Li Yimin , Liu Yun , Liu Yulan
Published: September 2022

Background: There has been emerging evidence that liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study aims to figure out the signature of the gene expression profile of LSECs in NASH and to explore potential biomarkers related to damaged LSECs in NASH.

Methods and materials: Animal experiments were performed to demonstrate the significant structural damage of LSECs in the NASH model. To further understand the functional changes of these damaged LSECs in NASH, we used the public GEO database that contained microarray data for the gene expression of LSECs in NASH and normal mouse liver. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed, and further Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed to understand the functional changes. The hub genes were then identified and validated via external GEO databases.

Results: There was significant structural damage to LSECs in the NASH model, accompanied by remarkable functional changes of LSECs with 174 DEGs (156 upregulated and 18 downregulated genes). The functions of these DEGs were mainly enriched in the inflammatory reactions and immune responses. Nine specifically expressed hub genes were identified. Among them, CCL4 and ITGAX showed the most significant correlation with NASH, with AUROC of 0.77 and 0.86, respectively. The protein–protein interaction network, mRNA–miRNA interaction network, and ceRNA network were further predicted.

Conclusion: LSECs show significant structural damage and functional changes in NASH. The LSEC-related DEGs, such as CCL4 and ITGAX, might be promising biomarkers as well as potential treatment targets for NASH.
A novel near-infrared fluorescent probe for rapid sensing of HClO in living cells and zebrafish
Authors: Li Liangliang , Wang Xiaofeng , Huang Jinzhi , Ma Kaidong , Tan Xiaoyu
Published: September 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are significant active species in living organisms, and their coordination maintains the function of organelles to resist the invasion of foreign substances. Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is not only an eventful signaling species but also a kind of ROS, which plays an irreplaceable role in the immune system. However, its abnormal levels can cause cell damage or even apoptosis, which in turn leads to the onset of a series of diseases such as inflammation, neurological diseases, and even cancer. Based on this, we designed a near-infrared fluorescent probe with a large Stokes shift for ultrafast response to HClO. Furthermore, the probe exhibits excellent sensitivity and selectivity toward HClO over other species. The probe was successfully applied to visualize endogenous and exogenous HClO in living cells and in zebrafish. This unique study is the key to providing a trustworthy tool for imaging based on the in vitro and in vivo imaging of endogenous HClO, which possesses great potential for the use in future studies of HClO-related biology and pathology.
Light-responsive nanochannels based on the supramolecular host–guest system
Authors: Quan Jiaxin , Guo Ying , Ma Junkai , Long Deqing , Wang Jingjing , Zhang Liling , Sun Yong , Dhinakaran Manivannan Kalavathi , Li Haibing
Published: September 2022

The light-responsive nanochannel of rhodopsin gained wider research interest from its crucial roles in light-induced biological functions, such as visual signal transduction and energy conversion, though its poor stability and susceptibility to inactivation in vitro have limited its exploration. However, the fabrication of artificial nanochannels with the properties of physical stability, controllable structure, and easy functional modification becomes a biomimetic system to study the stimulus-responsive gating properties. Typically, light-responsive molecules of azobenzene (Azo), retinal, and spiropyran were introduced into nanochannels as photo-switches, which can change the inner surface wettability of nanochannels under the influence of light; this ultimately results in the photoresponsive nature of biomimetic nanochannels. Furthermore, the fine-tuning of their stimulus-responsive properties can be achieved through the introduction of host–guest systems generally combined with a non-covalent bond, and the assembling process is reversible. These host–guest systems have been introduced into the nanochannels to form different functions. Based on the host–guest system of light-responsive reversible interaction, it can not only change the internal surface properties of the nanochannel and control the recognition and transmission behaviors but also realize the controlled release of a specific host or guest molecules in the nanochannel. At present, macrocyclic host molecules have been introduced into nanochannels including pillararenes, cyclodextrin (CD), and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). They are introduced into the nanochannel through chemical modification or host–guest assemble methods. Based on the changes in the light-responsive structure of azobenzene, spiropyran, retinal, and others with macrocycle host molecules, the surface charge and hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the nanochannel were changed to regulate the ionic and molecular transport. In this study, the development of photoresponsive host and guest-assembled nanochannel systems from design to application is reviewed, and the research prospects and problems of this photo-responsive nanochannel membrane are presented.
Strategies to prevent, curb and eliminate biofilm formation based on the characteristics of various periods in one biofilm life cycle
Authors: Ma Ruixiang , Hu Xianli , Zhang Xianzuo , Wang Wenzhi , Sun Jiaxuan , Su Zheng , Zhu Chen
Published: September 2022

Biofilms are colonies of bacteria embedded inside a complicated self-generating intercellular. The formation and scatter of a biofilm is an extremely complex and progressive process in constant cycles. Once formed, it can protect the inside bacteria to exist and reproduce under hostile conditions by establishing tolerance and resistance to antibiotics as well as immunological responses. In this article, we reviewed a series of innovative studies focused on inhibiting the development of biofilm and summarized a range of corresponding therapeutic methods for biological evolving stages of biofilm. Traditionally, there are four stages in the biofilm formation, while we systematize the therapeutic strategies into three main periods precisely:(i) period of preventing biofilm formation: interfering the colony effect, mass transport, chemical bonds and signaling pathway of plankton in the initial adhesion stage; (ii) period of curbing biofilm formation:targeting several pivotal molecules, for instance, polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA) via polysaccharide hydrolases, proteases, and DNases respectively in the second stage before developing into irreversible biofilm; (iii) period of eliminating biofilm formation: applying novel multifunctional composite drugs or nanoparticle materials cooperated with ultrasonic (US), photodynamic, photothermal and even immune therapy, such as adaptive immune activated by stimulated dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils and even immunological memory aroused by plasmocytes. The multitargeted or combinational therapies aim to prevent it from developing to the stage of maturation and dispersion and eliminate biofilms and planktonic bacteria simultaneously.
Assessment of CMIP6 models' performance in simulating present-day climate in Brazil
Authors: Firpo Mári Ândrea Feldman , Guimarães Bruno dos Santos , Dantas Leydson Galvíncio , Silva Marcelo Guatura Barbosa da , Alves Lincoln Muniz , Chadwick Robin , Llopart Marta Pereira , Oliveira Gilvan Sampaio de
Published: September 2022

Brazil is one of the most vulnerable regions to extreme climate events, especially in recent decades, where these events posed a substantial threat to the socio-ecological system. This work underpins the provision of actionable information for society's response to climate variability and change. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the skill of the state-of-art Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, Phase 6 (CMIP6) models in simulating regional climate variability over Brazil during the present-day period. Different statistical analyses were employed to identify systematic biases and to choose the best subset of models to reduce uncertainties. The results show that models perform better for winter than summer precipitation, consistent with previous results in the literature. In both seasons, the worst performances were found for Northeast Brazil. Results also show that the models present deficiencies in simulating temperature over Amazonian regions. A good overall performance for precipitation and temperature in the La Plata Basin was found, in agreement with previous studies. Finally, the models with the highest ability in simulating monthly rainfall, aggregating all five Brazilian regions, were HadGEM3-GC31-MM, ACCESS-ESM1-5, IPSL-CM6A-LR, IPSL-CM6A-LR-INCA, and INM-CM4-8, while for monthly temperatures, they were CMCC-ESM2, CMCC-CM2-SR5, MRI-ESM2-0, BCC-ESM1, and HadGEM3-GC31-MM. The application of these results spans both past and possible future climates, supporting climate impact studies and providing information to climate policy and adaptation activities.
Research progress on Th17 and T regulatory cells and their cytokines in regulating atherosclerosis
Authors: Wang Qiong , Wang Yurong , Xu Danyan
Published: September 2022

Background

Coronary heart disease due to atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis is considered a chronic inflammatory state in the arterial wall that promotes disease progression and outcome, and immune cells play an important role in the inflammatory process.

Purpose

We review the mechanisms of CD4+T subsets, i.e., helper T17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs), in regulating atherosclerosis, focusing on the role of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-10, and other cytokines in this disease and the factors influencing the effects of these cytokines.

Results

IL-17 secreted by Th17 cells can promote atherosclerosis, but few studies have reported that IL-17 can also stabilize atherosclerotic plaques. Tregs play a protective role in atherosclerosis, and Th17/Treg imbalance also plays an important role in atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

The immune response is important in regulating atherosclerosis, and studying the mechanism of action of each immune cell on atherosclerosis presents directions for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, the current studies are insufficient for elucidating the mechanism of action, and further in-depth studies are needed to provide a theoretical basis for clinical drug development.
Device-based therapy for decompensated heart failure: An updated review of devices in development based on the DRI2P2S classification
Authors: de Oliveira Cardoso Cristiano , Elgalad Abdelmotagaly , Li Ke , Perin Emerson C.
Published: September 2022

Congestive heart failure (HF) is a devastating disease leading to prolonged hospitalization, high morbidity and mortality rates, and increased costs. Well-established treatments for decompensated or unstable patients include medications and mechanical cardiac support devices. For acute HF decompensation, new devices are being developed to help relieve symptoms and recover heart and renal function in these patients. A recent device-based classification scheme, collectively classified as DRI2P2S, has been proposed to better describe these new device-based therapies based on their mechanism: dilators (increase venous capacitance), removers (direct removal of sodium and water), inotropes (increase left ventricular contractility), interstitials (accelerate removal of lymph), pushers (increase renal arterial pressure), pullers (decrease renal venous pressure), and selective (selective intrarenal drug infusion). In this review, we describe the new class of medical devices with the most current results reported in preclinical models and clinical trials.
Clinical outcomes and cumulative healthcare costs of TAVR vs. SAVR in Asia
Authors: Tan Elise Chia-Hui , Lee Yung-Tsai , Kuo Yu Chen , Tsao Tien-Ping , Lee Kuo-Chen , Hsiung Ming-Chon , Wei Jeng , Lin Kuan-Chia , Yin Wei-Hsian
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study compared transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in terms of short- and long-term effectiveness.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study based on nationwide National Health Insurance claims data and Cause of Death data focused on adult patients (n = 3,643) who received SAVR (79%) or TAVR (21%) between 2015 and 2019. Propensity score overlap weighting was applied to account for selection bias. Primary outcomes included all-cause mortality (ACM), hospitalization for heart failure, and a composite endpoint of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Secondary outcomes included medical utilization, hospital stay, and total medical costs at index admission for the procedure and in various post-procedure periods. The Cox proportional-hazard model with competing risk was used to investigate survival and incidental health outcomes. Generalized estimation equation (GEE) models were used to estimate differences in the utilization of medical resources and overall costs.

Results

After weighting, the mean age of the patients was 77.98 ± 5.86 years in the TAVR group and 77.98 ± 2.55 years in the SAVR group. More than half of the patients were female (53.94%). The incidence of negative outcomes was lower in the TAVR group than in the SAVR group, including 1-year ACM (11.39 vs. 17.98%) and 3-year ACM (15.77 vs. 23.85%). The risk of ACM was lower in the TAVR group (HR [95% CI]: 0.61 [0.44–0.84]; P = 0.002) as was the risk of CV death (HR [95% CI]: 0.47 [0.30–0.74]; P = 0.001) or MACE (HR [95% CI]: 0.66 [0.46–0.96]; P = 0.0274). Total medical costs were significantly higher in the TAVR group than in the SAVR in the first year after the procedure ($1,271.89 ± 4,048.36 vs. $887.20 ± 978.51; P = 0.0266); however, costs were similar in the second and third years after the procedure. The cumulative total medical costs after the procedure were significantly higher in the TAVR group than in the SAVR group (adjusted difference: $420.49 ± 176.48; P = 0.0172).

Conclusion

In this real-world cohort of patients with aortic stenosis, TAVR proved superior to SAVR in terms of clinical outcomes and survival with comparable medical utilization after the procedure.
Cardiovascular effects of immunosuppression agents
Authors: Elezaby Aly , Dexheimer Ryan , Sallam Karim
Published: September 2022

Immunosuppressive medications are widely used to treat patients with neoplasms, autoimmune conditions and solid organ transplants. Key drug classes, namely calcineurin inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, and purine synthesis inhibitors, have direct effects on the structure and function of the heart and vascular system. In the heart, immunosuppressive agents modulate cardiac hypertrophy, mitochondrial function, and arrhythmia risk, while in vasculature, they influence vessel remodeling, circulating lipids, and blood pressure. The aim of this review is to present the preclinical and clinical literature examining the cardiovascular effects of immunosuppressive agents, with a specific focus on cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus, mycophenolate, and azathioprine.
Microplastic rapid screening method development using automated mineralogy
Authors: Rogers Gareth H. , Hamdy Louise B. , McGarry Amy L. , Gold David P.
Published: September 2022

Microplastic is a significant global problem. The rapid screening of environmental matter is highly beneficial to the efficient detection, analysis and mapping of microplastic pollution, however many current laboratory techniques to test samples are time-consuming and often involve hazardous chemicals. SEM-based automated mineralogy (AM) is a uniquely powerful tool for quantifying chemical, mineral and textural properties for a wide-range of sample types. This paper presents an attempt to use AM to identify and quantify microplastic within a heterogeneous surrounding matrix using QEMSCAN® (Quantification and Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy). Here, the standard AM processes are adapted to develop an entirely new methodology, involving the use of a novel mounting medium for sample preparation and the building of a Species Identification Protocol (SIP) using polymer standards. The results show potential, although challenges include the over-quantification of plastic and differentiation from natural matter. Additional challenges relate to limitations regarding the particular AM system used, which places restrictions on methodology, but which may be overcome with newer systems. This study indicates that, with further refinement, AM may have future potential as a high-throughput, cost-effective, initial screening step to identify highly microplastic-polluted areas and accelerate research into establishing solutions.
Source-grid-load-storage interactive power quality characteristic of active distribution network
Authors: Li Yahui , Lou Jie , Sun Kaiqi , Li Ke-Jun
Published: September 2022

Source-grid-load-storage has represented an interactive characteristic in the active distribution network (ADN). Moreover, power electronic devices have been widely used for source-grid-load-storage with the rapid development of power electronics technology. In this condition, the large-scale distributed source may cause voltage quality degradation, while the application of large-scale power electronics equipment may also lead to serious harmonic distortion. Power quality has become one of the most important issues in the development of ADN. In this paper, the source-grid-load-storage interactive power quality characteristic of the ADN is analyzed. Firstly, considering the source-grid-load-storage interaction in ADN, the voltage deviation and fluctuation are analyzed and the degrees are further quantified. Then, the source-load-storage harmonic models for the power electronic components are built, which is the basis for harmonic analysis. Moreover, the decoupled harmonic power flow algorithm for ADN is proposed to analyze the system harmonic distributions. Finally, considering the location and capacity of photovoltaic and energy storage, the interaction and power quality are analyzed in the IEEE 33-bus distribution system. With the access of energy storage, more than 20% of the voltage deviation and more than 6% of the voltage fluctuation caused by photovoltaics are effectively suppressed, while the harmonic distortion may be further increased.
Coarse-to-fine evolutionary search for large-scale multi-objective optimization: An application to ratio error estimation of voltage transformers
Authors: Li Jun , Zou Kai , Xing Lining
Published: September 2022

Multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs) are commonly confronted in various fields, such as condition monitoring for renewable energy systems, and ratio error estimation of voltage transformers. With the increase in decision variables of MOPs, their exponentially growing search spaces are challenging for existing evolutionary algorithms. To handle this challenge, this paper suggests a coarse-to-fine large-scale evolutionary multi-objective search, called CF-LEMO. In the coarse search phase, CF-LEMO performs evolutionary search on both the original and transformed large-scale MOPs alternately, accelerating the population to approach the Pareto-optimal fronts. In addition, to alleviate the issue of diversity loss, we design a diversity preservation mechanism to preserve a well-distributed archive to support subsequent fine search. In the fine search stage, CF-LEMO conducts local search on the current population to mine high-quality solutions, which are used to update the population and archive. Then, based on the archive, the multi-objective optimization based on decomposition is employed to evolve all decision variables, so as to obtain a population with good convergence and diversity near the Pareto-optimal fronts. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed CF-LEMO, we compare its performance against four representative baseline algorithms on a benchmarks suite LSMOP1-LSMOP9 with 2 and 3 objectives. The empirical results confirm its super performance by significanlty outperforming all the four competitors on 12 out of 18 benchmarks. Moreover, the experiments demonstrate the superior performance of CF-LEMO in sovling multi-objective ratio error estimation problems with up to 6,000 decision variables.
Chattering suppression of the sliding mode observer for marine electric propulsion motor based on piecewise power function
Authors: Li Xiangfeng , Zhan Shengqiang , Guo Fang , Zhuang Zidan , Zhang Huitao , Liao Hui , Qu Lili
Published: September 2022

The sliding mode observer (SMO)–based sensorless control is essentially a discontinuous switching control algorithm. Therefore, there is large speed or torque chattering in the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with existing sliding mode observer–based control methods. In order to solve this problem well, an algorithm based on an improved sliding mode observer is proposed. In detail, the piecewise power function approach is used to replace the traditional ones, that is, the sgn function or the sigmoid function approach. Simulation verifications are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed observer. It shows that the piecewise power function–based sliding mode observer algorithm has obvious advantages in the stability of the three-phase current, namely, it improves the estimation accuracy of the rotor position, rotor speed, and dynamic response to various loads. For further verification, the proposed sliding mode observer algorithm is implemented and verified in a marine electric propulsion motor with a DSP chip of TMS320F28377D. Experimental results validate that the piecewise power function–based sliding mode observer algorithm has high control accuracy and fewer fluctuations, which are all vital in marine engineering.
Harvesting, storing, and converting carbon from the ocean to create a new carbon economy: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Vibbert Hunter B. , Park Ah-Hyung Alissa
Published: September 2022

Ever-increasing anthropogenic CO2 emissions have required us to develop carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, and in order to address climate change, these options should be at scale. In addition to engineered systems of CO2 capture from power plants and chemical processes, there are emerging approaches that include the Earth (i.e., air, Earth, and ocean) within its system boundary. Since oceans constitute the largest natural sink of CO2, technologies that can enhance carbon storage in the ocean are highly desired. Here, we discuss alkalinity enhancement and biologically inspired CO2 hydration reactions that can shift the equilibrium of ocean water to pump more carbon into this natural sink. Further, we highlight recent work that can harvest and convert CO2 captured by the ocean into chemicals, fuels, and materials using renewable energy such as off-shore wind. Through these emerging and innovative technologies, organic and inorganic carbon from ocean-based solutions can replace fossil-derived carbon and create a new carbon economy. It is critical to develop these ocean-based CCUS technologies without unintended environmental or ecological consequences, which will create a new engineered carbon cycle that is in harmony with the Earth’s system.
Impact of meteorological conditions on tropospheric ozone and associated with parameterization methods for quantitative assessment and monitoring
Authors: Wang Deying , Wang Jizhi , Yang Yuanqin , Jia Wenxing , Jiang Xiaofei , Wang Yaqiang
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the heavy ozone pollution events around the world have shown a sudden frequently increase, which has aroused widespread concern in the government and the public. It is well known that O3 is driven by photochemical reactions triggered by solar radiation (direct and indirect solar radiation), the O3 concentration calculated by chemical mechanism is mostly significantly lower than the actual O3 observation. Based on the study of the effect of meteorological conditions on the “additional increment” of O3 in three representative regions of Beijing, Hangzhou and Guangzhou from 2015 to 2020, an innovation diagnostic theory algorithm that the cross-cutting effects of atmospheric clouds on the chemical pattern of O3 solar radiation is established in this study. On this basis, a parametric evaluation method of O3 is established. The novelty of this study is 1) Comprehensive influence of the meteorological conditions and photochemical reactions mechanisms on the cross-cutting effects of O3 concentration are given. Especially low-level clouds in the troposphere, which have significantly large variable effects on the reflection and refraction of O3 through solar radiation. Theory quantitative algorithm of cloud scattering, cloud height, cloud volume and cloud structure changes, as well as feedback effects caused by water vapor condensation, which closely related to the transformation of O3 precursors are given. 2) Based on this, a parameterization method for quantitative O3 assessment and monitoring, which is a Parameterization for Linking Ozone pollution with Meteorological conditions. 3) Applying the theoretical algorithm and parameterization method of this study, comparing the changes of O3 in 2018 with 2019, an objective quantitative distinction between emission reduction and meteorological impact was made, showing that emission reduction still played a leading role, with a contribution rate of about 27%. This shows that the created quantitative algorithm of atmospheric cloud theory and the innovative parameterization method can provide an objective quantitative basis for O3 pollution decision-making and public emission reduction.
FN1 promotes prognosis and radioresistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: From radioresistant HNSCC cell line to integrated bioinformatics methods
Authors: Tang Xiaojun , Tang Qinglai , Yang Xinming , Xiao Zi-An , Zhu Gangcai , Yang Tao , Yang Qian , Zhang Ying , Li Shisheng
Published: September 2022

Background: Radioresistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients means response failure to current treatment. In order to screen radioresistant biomarkers and mechanisms associated with HNSCC, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with radioresistance in HNSCC were investigated.

Methods: The HNSCC cell line with radioresistance, Hep2-R, was established and detected the radiosensitivity using MTT, colony formation assay and flow cytometry analysis. Clariom™ D chip was applied to compare DEGs between Hep2 and Hep2-R groups and build the differential gene expression profiles associated with radioresistance in HNSCC. Bioinformatic analysis were used to find biological functions and pathways that related to radioresistance in HNSCC, including cell adhesion, cytochrome P450 and drug metabolism. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets were selected to verify DEGs between HNSCC radioresistant cells and tissues. The representation of DEGs were validated between HNSCC patients with complete response and post-operative radiation therapy failure. In addition, we evaluated the clinical prognosis of DEGs using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Results: 2,360 DEGs (|Fold Change|>1.5, p < 0.05) were identified between Hep2 and Hep2-R, including 1,144 upregulated DEGs and 1,216 downregulated DEGs. They were further verified by HNSCC radioresistant cells and tissues in GEO. 13 radioresistant DEGs showed same difference in expression level between cells and tissues. By comparing 13 DEGs with HNSCC patients, upregulations of FN1, SOX4 and ETV5 were found identical with above results. Only FN1 was a prognostic indicator of HNSCC in TCGA.

Conclusion: FN1 is the potential novel biomarker for predicting poor prognosis and radioresistance in HNSCC patients. Overexpression of FN1 plays an important role in the tumorigenesis, prognosis and radioresistance of HNSCC.
High Expression of ATP6V1C2 Predicts Unfavorable Overall Survival in Patients With Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Guanghua , Huang Jiahua , Chen Sile , He Yulong , Wang Zhixiong , Peng Jianjun
Published: September 2022

Aims: Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is responsible for 90% of all colorectal cancer cases and is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. ATP6V1s (cytosolic V1 domain of vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase) participate in the biological process of transporting hydrogen ions and are implicated in tumor growth and metastasis. ATP6V1C2 as a family member has been documented to associate with esophageal carcinoma and renal clear cell carcinoma, while its roles in COAD remain elusive.

Methods: The expression status, potential molecular mechanism, and prognostic value of ATP6V1C2 in COAD were investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. In addition, its biological roles in COAD were explored through in vitro studies.

Results: ATP6V1C2 showed a significantly higher expression level in COAD compared with matched non-cancerous tissues. High expression of ATP6V1C2 predicted a shorter overall survival both in TCGA and GEO COAD datasets, and ATP6V1C2 was identified as an independent factor associated with overall survival in COAD. Bioinformatic analyses showed that high expression of ATP6V1C2 was associated with high epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) score and Wnt signaling pathway was significantly enriched from differentially expressed genes between ATP6V1C2-high and -low group. We also found that high expression of ATP6V1C2 could decrease pathway activity of CD8 T effector implicated in tumor microenvironment (TME). In vitro study revealed that ATP6V1C2 knockdown resulted in aberrant expression of Wnt- and EMT-related genes and inhibited COAD cell proliferation and growth.

Conclusion: This is the first study to reveal the molecular functions of ATP6V1C2 in COAD. Our study suggests that overexpressed ATP6V1C2 might promote EMT by activating Wnt signaling pathway, resulting in cancer metastasis and poor prognosis. This study paves the way for understanding potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives in COAD.